(Thank you to everyone who's left reviews, I really really appreciate it! Here's the next chapter of Tomorrow's Another Day and I hope everyone's enjoying the story :) )
The juniors were all on the oval waiting to be allocated their teams for the field day. Their grade coordinator spoke. "Alright, we'll have 8 teams for today so divide your homeroom EQUALLY into two groups. The gang formed their team: Troy, Chad, Zeke, Jason, Gabriella, Taylor, Martha, Kelsi and Sharpay. Another member of their homeroom called out to them, saying they'd need another person to be equal so Ryan smirked as he moved over to their team. Sharpay could see that her brother's presence made her new friend uncomfortable and inserted herself between them, placing an arm around Gabriella's shoulders as their coordinator told them about each of the challenges.
The team made their way to their first challenge: tug of war, against a team from Coach Bolton's homeroom - which they won. They moved through their activities: tunnel ball, three-legged races and hula hoop teamwork. They moved to their second last activity, run by Coach Bolton which unsurprisingly was a mini-game of 5-on-5 basketball. Seeing that the other team had put forth 5 of their male athletes, naturally, the basketball plus Ryan stepped up to complete the activity.
Gabriella had felt eyes on her all throughout the game so she wasn't surprised when she felt Sharpay stop beside her within the last few minutes. "What's going on with you and Bolton?"
"Nothing, what do you mean?"
"You two have rarely left each other's sides within the last few weeks and Troy looked like he wanted to kill every guy in our grade who looked at you this morning."
The junior shrugged. "He's just protective, I guess."
Sharpay inwardly sighed, deciding to take a different approach. "So you're telling me, that with all the time you've spent with him, you haven't noticed how he's that bit closer to you than any other girl and to put it bluntly, the hottest guy in our grade is crushing on you... Look at him now, are you telling me that you haven't noticed how nice and attractive he is." Gabriella looked at the court and watched as Troy shot the ball against the backboard, it landing straight through the hoop. He lifted the bottom of his shirt to wipe the beads of sweat that glistened on his forehead, revealing his toned abs under the red fabric. Gabriella blushed at the sight and Sharpay smirked. "I knew it."
"Ok yes, he is attractive and he's been really nice since we've gotten over our differences but that doesn't mean anything. Our families are just... close that's all."
Sharpay smiled knowingly. "You keep telling yourself that Gabs." She dragged the girl back to the group as the boys approached them, thus ending their conversation.
Troy stopped beside Gabriella and threw an arm around her shoulder, he looked at her expectantly. "Sorry I'm all sweaty." She smiled softly at him and shrugged, which made him look at her curiously. "What, no 'eww gross' today?"
She sighed, "You just played and I'm getting changed later anyway, you're not in trouble... this time." He matched her coy smile as they walked over to their final activity with Ms Darbus, frowning slightly. "What is knights, mounts and cavaliers?"
Ms Darbus smiled. "I'm glad you asked Dear, it may sound strange at first, but get behind it and I'm sure you'll have some fun. You'll be in a pair and the music will play but when it stops, a word will be called out: knights, mounts or cavaliers and you have to form that position. Knights involves one person getting on one knee and the other sitting on or putting their foot on the other person's knee. Mounts is like horses which is pretty self-explanatory, one person is on their hands and knees like a horse and the other rests on their back. And finally, cavaliers is where one person is held by the other as if they were a damsel in distress."
"Isn't this kinda weird for us to be playing when we're juniors, it seems like a game we'd play in middle school dance."
"I understand your concern Martha but it's acceptable for today. A pair will be eliminated after each position – whoever the slowest pair is – and we'll continue until we have a winner. Any questions?" The group shook their heads. "Very well, find your pairs in your team."
"Montez over here."
She looked at the boy hesitantly and was relieved when she felt the familiar arm around her shoulder tighten as Troy responded for her. "Sorry Evans, I asked earlier."
Gabriella leant in closer to him once everyone's gaze was off them, whispering, "Thanks Troy."
He shook his head. "Don't mention it."
They completed the activity with Troy and Gabriella winning the game. The juniors were dismissed to get changed and were able to head off to their first break early. The gang met back after changing back into their normal school clothes and were discussing where to go for their free time. Gabriella looked over at Troy expectantly and he sighed before addressing the group. "Actually, Gabriella and I have something we need to discuss but we'll catch up to you guys later."
Chad looked at him curiously. "What do you need to discuss that can't be said in front of us?"
Gabriella interjected before Troy could stumble. "It's my sister's birthday this weekend and we're planning to surprise her, it'd just bore you guys."
Taylor also became suspicious. "Isn't your sister like four, why would Troy need to be involved?"
"She's six but anyway, our families are friends -
"And her sister is Jakie's best friend," Troy added.
They seemed to accept the answer and bid them farewell, letting them be on their way. Troy took her up to the rooftop to have their conversation.