1Chapter 10- Starting Over

A/N OMG, it's the last chapter! I won't be putting up the alternate ending unless requested. Next will be a sequel. Definitely more unexpected situations and odd consequences and more slash... LOTS MORE SLASH!

Weeks have passed and the night of the production had come. Everyone was excited and when the curtains fell at last, the applause was imcredible. They heard screaming and cheering from the entire audience. Most of the people stood in their seats as an ovation. The actors stood in a line, all bowing in synchronization. All females received bouquets of flowers from random audience members. It was a night to behold. As it all came to a close, they celebrated in the gym. Zeke made a cake just for the occasion. Students traded hugs and salutations of "Congrats" and "Good job out there". Troy was getting a slice of cake when he noticed Gabriella and Sharpay sitting together, talking about something or other. He walked over and offered Gabriella a bite, which she accepted gracefully.

Sharpay- Gabi, you got a little... on the side of your mouth.

She leaned in and licked the frosting off. Gabriella paused and looked over at Troy.

Gabriella- So... We were talking about prom.

Troy- What's the theme anyway?

Sharpay- We were thinking 'Broadway' but decided on 'Magic in the Moonlight'.

Troy- So, Gabi, will you go with me?

Gabriella- Oh, Troy. I'm sorry. I'm going with Sharpay.

Troy- Ummmm... what?

Sharpay- Troy, I think I shoudl let you know... I'm a lesbian. I just figured it out, with Gabi's help.

Troy- Oh?

Gabriella- It's ok. We can all go together.

Troy- Great. Now I just need a date.

Gabriella- Well, you have a month to figure it out.

Troy- Oh, just perfect.

Gabriella- What's wrong, Troy?

Troy- Nothing.

Sharpay- I better go.

She leaves.

Troy- Gabi, what's going on?

Gabriella- Sharpay asked and I said yes.

Troy- But why?

Gabriella- We're friends and she likes me.

Troy- Well, I love you.

Gabriella- I love you, too.

Troy- Then why are you going with Sharpay?

Gabriella- Because I'm giving her a chance. Maybe you should explore your sexuality, too. You never know. You might find out something new about yourself.

Troy- Doubt it, but I'll do it for you.

Gabriella- Thanks.

She kissed him on the lips and walked away. Ryan walked up to him.

Ryan- So I guess you heard.

Troy- Yea, your sister's a lesbian.

Ryan- Well, yea. Gabi's trying to get everyone to "explore their sexuality".

Troy- I know. I'm not gay though.

Ryan- Well, if you were, you wouldn't get any pleasure in watching girls.

Troy- I know, right?

Ryan- Yea, well. I was just wondering.

Troy- What? Are you gay?

Ryan- No. I mean I still sort of have a crush on Gabi. Ever since the two of you performed in Twinkle Towne, I've been obsessed with the both of you. I mean in a highly plutonic way.

Troy- Are you saying you like me, too?

Ryan- Sort of. I guess.

Troy- Well, then maybe we should try this 'open sexuality' thing.

Ryan moves toward himand their lips slowly parted as they touched. As Troy backed out, so did Ryan.

Ryan- That wasn't so bad.

Troy- That's what scares me.

Ryan- You wanna try again?

Troy- No, it's ok.

Ryan- Well, if you ever need anyone, I"m here for you.

Troy- Thanks, Ry.

Chad walks up to them.

Chad- Hey guys. What's up?

Troy- Gabi's going to prom with Sharpay.

Chad- Taylor's going with Kelsi.

Ryan- So, who are you going with?

Chad- Jason. We decided we are not homophobic, so we're taking Gabi's advice and 'exploring our sexual options'.

Troy- Just great. So, Ryan, wann be my date or what?

Ryan- Are you serious?

Troy- I'd do anything for Gabi. And it's a plus if I'm doing it for myself.

Ryan- I'd love to go with you.

Troy- Great.

Chad- Now, we all have dates.

In the next month, they planned out everything. The girls bought their dresses and the guys got tuxes. They ordered a limo that they all shared. They sat in the back, the night of prom, excited and anxious. It was a wonderful night. Friends danced with friends, boys with boys, girls with girls, then they would switch up. When the night came to an end, they had one last thing to look forward to... graduation.

Over the next few days, caps and gowns were distributed, final exams were taken and speeches were written. Gabriella, being valedictorian, knew exactly what she was going to say. When the day came, Principal Matsui was standing at the podium.

Matsui- Students. Staff members. Parents. I welcome you to the end of another wonderful year. Some of you I have have known all four years. Other's I've only met recently, but I can honestly say you have all made a great impact on this school. Our basketball team, decathalon team and drama club, you have all made it. You have all made this day possible. I noticed a change sweeping our student population. Because you are all adults, I have no fear in saying this. There has become an openness to sexuality, something that came be looked upon as sinful before marriage. Who are we kidding? Many of us have had premarital relations. Some of us have had homosexual relations. There is nothing wrong with being gay or bisexual. We are all humans, we make choices, life changing ones. I'm proud of all of you, growing and learning that there is nothing wrong with being different, there's nothing wrong with trying something new. I am proud to see all of you learning more about yourselves every day. Hopefully, you will all figure out who you are, who you're supposed to be, because you are our future. Without further ado, the young woman responsible for this renaissance, our valedictorian, Gabriella Montez.

Gabriella slowly walks up to the podium, head held high, in her white cap and gown with red tassels hanging over her shoulders and off her cap. She steps up to the mic.

Gabriella- Parents. Teachers. Fellow students. I haven't been here longand it's truly an honor. I've known you only for a few months, but it seems like we've known each other forever. Many bonds have been built and changes have been made. It's not about the status quo anymore. Each one of you, you are your own person. You choose what you do, what you like, who you are. You don't have to stick to one thing all your life. Growing means changing, you can all make that choice to become different. Don't fear it, embrace your true selves. This year, lots of us have done that, finding who we truly were, who we are. I am glad to see that everyone has truly become open with themselves and each other. I will miss you all next year, to those I will not see. To those going to the University of New Mexico with me, another adventure lies before us. I hope we can all keep in touch. Somehow, we will always be together, a part of something big, the East High Class of 2006!

NOW TELL ME... WHAT TEAM?

Everyone- WILDCATS!

Gabriella- WHAT TEAM?

Everyone- WILDCATS!

Gabriella- W"ILDCATS!

Everyone- GETCHA' EHEAD IN THE GAME!

After everyone received their diplomas, they moved their tassels to the right and when they were all seated, Principal Matsui had only one thing left to say.

Matsui- I"d like to present... the Class of 2006... Congratulations.

Caps were thrown in the air. Hugs and kisses all around. There was only one way to end it all.

We're all in this together

once we know... that we are

we're all stars... and we see that

We're all in this together

and it shows... when we stand

hand in hand... make our dreams come true

The End...