Thanks for all the reviews. I didn't get to say this in the previous chapter but, I am so happy that you are liking Ned's character. While writing it, I thought I was the only one being drawn to him. Turns out, you are too. That's cool. Anyway, enjoy this next one:)


Monday Doubts

Monday rolled about with the news of the show spreading like wildfire. Everybody in school seemed to be talking about it. It was the same in each clique. Even those who vowed that they would never take interest in the lives of others did take interest in this one.

"Are you sure it was her?" the assistant captain of the cheerleading squad asked. Chelsea Andrews could not and definitely would not believe it.

The doors of school's main entrance suddenly opened and in came Gabriela. Her wardrobe for the day consisted of loose jeans, a studded belt, graffiti shirt paired of with Vans and a messenger bag of matching colors.

"That Gabriela Montez?" Chelsea asked again, incredulous.

"Yes!" the blonde she questioned exasperatedly answered. "Do you seriously think I would make this all up?"

"No…I mean, come on! How do you expect me to believe…picture out that girl, the tomboy nerd, being all girly and managing a fashion show and flirt with the Troy Bolton?! It's just…it's out of her league, you know?"

The blonde groaned. "It is true. Look, if you want, you can just go and ask her."

"Fine," the assistant captain huffed after a while.

She strode over to Gabriela who was by now rummaging through her locker. At the corner of her eye, Gabriela saw the cheerleader stop beside her but chose to ignore it thinking that the redhead was just there to look at something other than her. It was common knowledge that kids like her did not want to mingle or even much so be within a safe distance with Gabriela. Surprise shot through Gabriela though when after she slammed her locker door shut, Chelsea was still there looking at her crossly. Very crossly.

"Yes?" Gabriela raised an eyebrow, her Spanish features highlighted and a reign of superiority let itself known.

The cheerleader looked at Gabriela up and down before answering. "I heard Troy's shop had a fashion show last Saturday. It's funny because Katie tells me you were also there wearing a dress. Isn't that funny or what?"

"I was there," Gabriela smirked, "with my hair in a half up do and I had this beautiful cocktail dress on."

"What?! Excuse me, what?"

Gabriela's smirk widened but she really just wanted to laugh out boisterously. "I was there in the fashion show as a host. The cocktail dress I wore had a halter neck, high waist and fell just above my knees. It was white with cute black designs. Sweet, huh?"

Chelsea froze and was deeply rooted to her spot. She was shocked with what she heard but what shocked her more was Gabriela's bluntness of it all. It almost seemed to her as if Gabriela was taunting. Her trance-like reaction would have lasted forever if not for someone yelling.

"Hey Anne!"

"Morning Alex," Gabriela said as Troy appeared before her.

He did not seem to notice or simply did not mind the cheerleader watching and paling in an instant seeing him and Gabriela interacting.

"You left this in my room last Saturday…or yesterday." Troy handed Gabriela a small paper bag.

Wait, back up. Gabriela Montez was in Troy Bolton's room? How in the world did that happen?

"What is it really Alex?"

Troy rolled his eyes. "Over the weekend."

"What's this?" Gabriela asked after she let out a giggle.

"It's the bangles you wore in the fashion show last Saturday."

"Oh so that's where I left them. Thanks Alex," Gabriela said giving Troy a kiss on the cheek. "So, the show was good huh?"

"It was more than good. It was awesome! Plus, you looked gorgeous in what you wore that night Anne."

"Oh stop Alex," Gabriela waved off Troy's comment to counter the blush slowly creeping up her cheeks which she tried in vain to hide.

"No really. The black and white dress fit you well. Haltered – that's what you call the style, right?"

Gabriela let out an overly dramatic gasp. "Troy Alexander Bolton! You're turning gay!"

"Excuse me," Troy gave a scoff. "I may know about girl stuff but that doesn't mean I'm gay. I think that's because I spend way too much time with you. I still fantasize about women for your information…maybe even about you…"

At the last comment, Gabriela made sure her punch in Troy's arm was with full force and had him surely whining.

"Okay, okay. Joking," Troy retaliated.

"Ew! Alex…perverted!"

"You too. Don't tell me you don't because I certainly do remember you going gaga over your favorite male celebrities that you see half naked. And on more than one occasion, if I remember correctly, you would be staring at my half naked body when swimming. Admit it!" Troy retorted.

"But I'm not as straightforward as you."

"You were amado, just a second ago."

Gabriela smacked Troy's arm. "Whatever Alex; give it up. And I do not stare at your half naked body when we're swimming."

"Yes, you do," Troy said with confidence etched in his voice.

"No, I do not!"

"Yeah, yeah. Sure, sure. Waaaiiit…you don't usually do this. In all those parties and important events we go to, you don't bother to talk about it after, so why now?" Troy asked, complete with the scrunched up face and raised eyebrow.

"Chelsea Andrews, assistant captain of the East High cheerleading squad, doubted my presence in the fashion show," Gabriela answered in a perky voice, undoubtedly a parody of a cheerleader, while jerking a thumb in Chelsea's direction who was still apparently rooted to the same spot beside Gabriela's locker bewildered at the scene before her.

"What a wonderful way to set her straight," Troy sarcastically replied glancing at Chelsea's way before they both broke into laughter.

"Seriously Anne, you seem to have a penchant for these stuff. First Lichtenberg and now Andrews? Wow. Hands down Anne, hands down."

Gabriela laughed. "It's not like I do them on purpose. They actually credited it for me. So, not my fault."

Troy just shook his head in amusement as Gabriela shot a cheeky grin. Together, they walked away from the lockers and from Chelsea who was still staring at them not believing and comprehending the interaction between Troy and Gabriela.

"Wanna head up to the rooftop? It's still pretty early," Troy offered.

Gabriela shrugged and replied, "Okay."

Amado (Sp.) – darling