Lessons in Love
Chapter 20
"That's it Gabi." Taylor breathed. "Kels, you have to see this one!" I could hear her gushing, and I was glad. We'd tried on more than enough dresses for my liking. I was beyond tired of shopping. It made me relieved to hear them react this way.
"Gabs, this one is perfect!" Kelsi smiled. I let out a breath and turn to look at myself. At first glance, I couldn't believe I was looking at myself, but then I saw the horrible head of hair and new it was me. The dress was beautiful though. It was a golden color, with an empire waist, and had beautiful, jeweled flowers designs on the bust. I felt pretty in this dress. I didn't feel like the wallflower that I was. I knew when I saw my reflection that Troy was going to love it.
"Guys, this is perfect. Tro-" I stop myself when I see Kelsi's alarmed face. "avis. I mean, Travis is going to love it." I finish, clearing my throat.
"Yeah, it's crazy, I thought you were going to say Troy." Taylor laughed. "Like he'd ever appreciate the effort a girl makes for dances and things." I know that my anger toward Tay is mostly fueled by my new status with Troy. It just makes it so hard to be around her.
"You know, you've been talking about him a lot lately." I turned my attention back to the dress in the mirror.
"It's by association. Chad has mentioned the big party he and Troy are throwing this weekend at Lava Springs." Troy didn't mention anything like that to me. "Apparently, Sharpay agreed to do it as long as Troy escorted her there." I stopped twirling, Kelsi and I lock eyes.
"Troy's taking Sharpay?" Kelsi asked for me. I'm glad I told her.
"Yeah, but he stressed to both her and Chad that they would strictly be riding together, and nothing more."
"Meaning?" I whirl around, trying not to sound too interested.
"Meaning, he can dance and leave with whomever he wants." She hands me a pair of heels that match my dress. "What a pig."
"Well, can you blame him? I mean, Sharpay isn't exactly the greatest girl to be around." Kelsi is defending Troy because she knows that I can't. I gave her a smile, and turned for Taylor to undo my dress.
"True, but maybe he should just cut the girl some slack. Girlfriend has been hot on his tail for four years now, and he's never been good to her." I couldn't argue that, I had no idea what really went on between Troy and Sharpay. I knew they were close, but I had no clue how things ended or what exactly they'd been up to. Okay, never mind, I know exactly what they had done. "Would it kill him to just focus on her for a night? That's all she wants." I step off the platform and head into the dressing rooms. I take off the dress and shoes and hand them to Taylor along with my money. "Okay, I'll go pay for these. Meet you both up front!" She called back.
I put on my clothes and sigh. "Troy's going with Sharpay." I repeat to Kelsi.
"I know, but that's only because you're going with Travis and you know it."
"I know, but it doesn't make me feel any better. You heard Tay, all she wants is his attention, and she'll have it."
"You also heard Taylor say that all he's doing is escorting her. That's because he wants to spend the rest of his night making googly eyes at you, and stealing romantic dances." That makes me smile. The thought of Troy in a suit makes me a little breathless. "Taylor thinks too much for her own good, and she doesn't know Troy like you do."
"You're right about that." I'm still not convinced. Sharpay has something up her sleeve, I just know it.
"Look, if it's still bothering you, than just talk to Troy about it tonight. You only have six more days to sort it all out. The dance is this Friday after all." I nodded as we made our way to Taylor. I almost stopped dead in my tracks when I realized who she was speaking to. Troy and Chad were standing right next to her. The worst part? I couldn't even say anything to him.
"Ladies." Chad said, bowing in front of us. Troy smacks the back of his head and rolls his eyes. I can't help but laugh. "The hell was that for?" Rubbing his head, Chad glares at Troy.
"For being an idiot." Troy smirks, and then his blue eyes find mine. I stare back at him, and the rest of the world is completely gone. I bite my lip to keep my smile from growing, but it's no use.
"Earth to Gabriella!" I hear Taylor say.
"Huh?" I answer, stupidly.
"Chad was talking to you." Taylor's eyes look back and forth between me and Troy. She looks disgusted.
"I'm sorry what did you say?" I turn to Chad. I can see that he's amused by what just happened.
"I was just inviting you and Kelsi to the Lava Springs party this weekend."
"Oh! Yeah of course!" I laughed, and practically snort like a pig. "But um, won't there be a staff or something?"
"Nah, Shar's parents still have it closed for the season. They won't open it up for another month or so." Troy answered, and I can't help but give him a little stink eye. I didn't want him to know so much about Sharpay's family's club. I didn't want him to throw around her nickname like it was normal for me.
"Well, that's very nice of her." I somewhat snarl. Everyone gives me this creeped out look, and I know then that my emotions are practically jumping out. "I mean, she's usually very…"
"Impolite." Kelsi supplies before I can say anything else.
Chad howls with laughter. "Gab, it's okay to say that she's a bi-" Taylor slaps her hand over Chad's mouth. After a second, she pulls it back.
"Ugh! You licked me!" She wipes her hand on his shirt.
"That ain't the only thing I plan to do to you." I suddenly feel very uncomfortable. I blush and look anywhere but the two of them.
"Okay, nympho. Think you can tone it down a bit?" Troy chuckled to his best friend.
"I'll tone it down when I can take this little honey on a proper date." Chad kissed Taylor on the cheek. I hate to say it, but I'm jealous. I want that. Not with Chad, but with Troy. Why does she get to be open with their relationship? Right, because she's not fooling around with her little brother's best friend, who also happens to the school player.
"Well, how about you go do that and I can take these two home?" Troy offered.
"Who said we were done?" Taylor folded her arms and stared at Troy. Does the attitude ever end?
"No one, I was just saying because of all the bags." Troy brushed off her rudeness, and I knew it was because of me.
"Please, just come with me, Tay." Chad said, pulling her into him. "I'm sure your friends are fine going back with Troy." He gives a pointed look, and Kelsi and I both nod. I like Chad more than I thought I did.
"Yeah, Troy can drop us off at home." Kelsi told her.
"It's really no problem. I have to talk to Ricky about the party anyway." Troy shrugged like it was no big deal. Taylor was still unsure, but Chad whispered something in her ear and she agreed.
"I'll see you guys on Monday?" We wave and watch her leave.
"They seem really happy together." Kelsi commented as we make our way to Troy's car.
"Yeah, Chad's trying to make it official." Troy's words floated back to me and Kelsi as he unlocked the doors.
"Really?" She asked. I was shocked too. I didn't know they were getting that serious. We climb in the car, me in front, Kelsi in the back.
"Yeah, school's ending, and he knows that she can do a lot better than him." Part of me doesn't think Troy would ever air out all of Chad's secrets like that. The other part knows that he's really just speaking to me.
"That's sweet." Kelsi smiled.
"Yeah, I'd hate to see them end just because he never tried." It hit me then. Troy wasn't only talking about Chad. He was talking about us too. Was he afraid that we would be over after school ended? Did he feel like I would just move on and find someone better? I haven't even begun to think about that.
-0-
The rest of the ride was pretty much silent. Kelsi was still a little intimidated by Troy, and I was not yet used to the idea of being able to talk freely to both of them at the same time. I smiled at Kelsi as she got out and waved. Troy, like a gentleman, waited and watched until she was safely in the house before pulling off.
"So…" I breathed, trying to get him to start a conversation.
"So…" Troy mimicked, smirking as he focused on the road. "Is that your formal dress in there?"
"It is." I smile.
"And do I get to see it?" He chuckled, glancing at me briefly.
"Of course." I laughed. "On Friday, just like everyone else."
"Tease." His voice is amused. I stick my tongue out. We fall back into that comfortable silence. Then I remember what Taylor told me earlier.
"So, I heard you're going to the dance with Sharpay." I'm trying hard to be cautious about bringing up the topic and I can't.
"Yep." Troy popped the 'p'. His casualness is annoying. It's like he doesn't care, and I hate when he's like this.
"Were you even going to tell me?"
"I didn't think it was important." He shrugged nonchalantly.
"You think going to the dance with your ex isn't important?"
"Because Gabriella, she's not the girl I want to go with. I only did it so Chad could use the damn club." His grip around the steering wheel tightens, and I can see his knuckles change colors.
"I'm just surprised you didn't say anything." I fold my arms over my chest. Troy sighed.
"Look Brie, I only agreed to take her there, alright? You know I'd turn it down in a heartbeat if you allowed me to take you." His voice has softened.
"I know. I'm just, a little jealous I guess." Troy pulled up to my house and parked the car. He unbuckled our seatbelt and pulled me right into a kiss. I returned it without hesitation.
"I love hearing that you're jealous." He said after pulling back. I smiled while catching my breath. "How you girls find shit out so quickly is a fucking mystery to me." I giggled at him, and moved to get out.
"I guess I'll see you on Monday?"
"Yeah, but I can walk you in. I really do have to tell Ricky about the party." My grin widens, because I know very well that Troy could just text my brother.
I'll talk to him about his other comments another time. Right now, I just want to enjoy the few moments we have together before my mom and Ricky interfere.
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An- A little bit of Chad just for Zacefronviciada. Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, I rushed a bit, and need to do some serious editing, but I really wanted to get it out. I'm trying to keep steady updates. Next chapter will be the dance. I did my best describing her dress, but I'm not a fashionista, and am horrible with clothing. I also have a huge favor to ask! I've posted the re-written version of 'Summer Love' up on another site and was hoping a few of you would take a look at it, and give me feedback. The link is on my profile, since I still can't figure out how to get it in here without screwing it up. It would be much appreciated! Please read, vote, comment, and let me know! The account is completely free, and there are tons of great stories there as well. As always, Questions, Comments, Suggestions? You know what to do! Review!