The next week, all the students were lined up on the stage for the presentation of their majors and chosen colleges, presented by Mrs Darbus. (Credit to Disney for the presentation scene)

"The current students being presented are: Jason Cross, Zeke Baylor, Chad Danforth, Taylor McKessie, Troy Bolton, Gabriella Montez, Kelsi Neilson, Martha Cox, Sharpay Evans and Ryan Evans."

The applause from the audience rang through the theatre and Mrs Darbus continued. "Kelsi Neilson, the Julliard School Scholarship recipient, music." The crowd cheered and Kelsi was hugged by the girls either side of her. "Jason Cross, you did it, you graduated."

He cheered and comically jumped into Zeke's arms, much to the crowd's amusement. Mrs Darbus continued when the applause died down. "Taylor McKessie, Yale University with honours, political science." The crowd once again cheered.

"And I am pleased to announce that due to the excellence displayed in our recent musicale, the Julliard school has made an extraordinary decision, another senior is being offered a Julliard scholarship, congratulations Mr Ryan Evans, choreography." The crowd cheered and he hugged his sister. "And congratulations Miss Sharpay Evans, University of Albuquerque performing arts. Miss Evans has agreed to return to East High next fall to assist me in running the drama department." The crowd cheered.

"And now a senior who I believe has a decision to make, Mr Troy Bolton, Troy." The crowd cheered as he stepped forward.

"I've chosen basketball and sports medicine. The University of California Berkeley offers me both, that's where I'm gonna be attending next fall. But most of all, I choose the person who inspires my heart which is why I've picked a school that's exactly 32.7 miles from you." He turned to see her with tear-filled eyes. "Miss Gabriella Montez, Stanford University, pre-law." He grabbed her hand and gently spun her out to stand at the front before she stepped back in line with the others.

Mrs Darbus continued. "Mr Chad Danforth, the University of Albuquerque, basketball... Miss Martha Cox, Northwestern University, dance. And Mr Zeke Baylor, the Culinary Institute of America." The crowd cheered for the seniors on stage. "Please congratulate our seniors one last time."

After the final applause, the ceremony concluded and the students went to the foyer. "Troy I-"

"Yo Hoops."

Troy wrapped an arm around Gabriella. "We'll talk soon Babe, I promise, just not here." She nodded as Chad reached them.

"What happened to U of A Captain?"

"It wasn't the right choice for me."

"We've been talking about going to U of A since preschool."

"But plans change Chad, I'm not a little kid anymore. Here you've got your family, your girlfriend and a great team to play for and at Berkeley I have my girlfriend, a great team and a great sports medicine program that I'm interested in."

Chad sighed. "One question: does Berkeley play?"

"Oh yeah, we're scheduled to kick some red hawk butt next November."

"You're on Hoops." They playfully shoved each other before Chad sighed. "You're stealing my brother Gabster."

She immediately started apologising. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean -"

Troy pulled her closer and whispered. "It's ok Brie, he's just teasing." He turned back to Chad. "Can we finish this later Man, I -"

"Go talk to your girlfriend Hoops."

Troy smiled then led Gabriella to his Dad's office. He led her over to the couch and pulled her into his lap. "Alright Baby Girl, tell me what's going on in that pretty little head of yours."

"When did you decide you wanted to go to Berkeley?"

"It was the day we found out about your mom's new position. Mom came into my room that night and we talked. I realised that I had some of the same feelings you had, I was scared about the future and maybe making my decisions to make Dad happy. Mom helped me rationalise everything and go through all my reasonings and Berkeley was what I decided."

"But why didn't you tell me?"

He stroked her hair. "You had enough going on Baby, I wasn't going to add to it, and I was worried about how you'd react."

"But what about your dad and Chad and U of A?"

"Dad is happy wherever I go, Chad will be fine with the Red Hawks plus he has Nina and it doesn't matter what college, I'm still playing basketball."

"But U of A was your dream."

"It was my dream, but I'm not a little kid anymore, my priorities have changed since then."

She nodded then sighed. "Troy am I... Did I have anything to do with this decision?"

"Of course you did Brie, you're the most important person in my life, I have the option to be closer to you so I want to take it."

She rested her forehead against his. "I understand that, but... I just don't want you to regret it later on and resent me for it."

He cupped her face so their eyes met. "Baby I promise you that will never happen. You were a large part in this decision but Berkeley has just as great a team as U of A. And if anything Brie, Berkeley is a better choice because of its sports medicine program. I'm really interested in it and it's a great second major if basketball doesn't work out."

She looked deeply into his eyes. "Promise me this is what you want."

"I promise Brie, I really want this."

She nodded. "Ok Wildcat."

"How do you feel about it?"

"If it's what you want, I'm happy Troy. I always wanted to be close to you but not at the expense of your happiness. So if going to Berkeley is what you want, then I could not be happier that we get to be closer."

"I love you Baby."

"I love you too Wildcat." They kissed gently before pulling away, Gabriella smiled, shaking her head. "I can't believe it."

He nuzzled her cheek. "Well you better believe it Babe, 'cause it's not going to change, you're stuck with me now."

"I wouldn't have it any other way Baby."

He turned serious, stroking her hair. "Brie, you're my everything Baby. You light up my life. My heart has always lead me to you, as cheesy at that sounds."

She giggled. "You're my world Troy, my hero. I couldn't stand the thought of being away from my Wildcat for four years."

He kissed her nose. "Well now you'll never have to find out, I love you so much my Beautiful Girl."

"I love you too, so much Baby."

They shared a love-filled kiss, knowing they would be together.