A WEEK LATER

"I'm going to miss you so much, Gabriella," Taylor hugged me for the hundredth time since I told her about the move. I think this is either her tenth or eleventh hug to me today. But since this was are last and final one, I made sure I meant it.

After we set a record for the world's longest hug, Troy came up to me and wrapped me in his arms.

"I love you so much," Troy whispered to me.

"I love you too, Troy," I said as I could feel tears build up in my eyes.

But before we pulled back, he rubbed his thumbs across the lower part of my cheeks to my chin, his hands on the lower part of my face and upper part of my neck. Then, our lips brushed against each others'. I wanted it to last forever, but we finally pulled back.

"Gabriella, come on! The plane will leave if we don't hurry!" my mom called across from her place to mine.

"Bye, Troy," I said sadly as I ran to the gate with my mom. My last memory of him was he just stared at me in pain, but rather calm about it, too. I wish I could do something, but it was out of my hands.

THREE DAYS LATER

"Room 23. Musical Theatre." I stopped at the door and gazed at it. What would everyone think about me, the new girl? I thought of two completely different reactions. The first one was everyone hated me and bullied me around by making fun of me, the freaky math girl, just like at my other schools I've been to. My second thought, though, was different. Everyone accepted me for who I was, just like at Eastside. Slowly and cautiously, I reached for the doorknob and turned it.

"And you are?" the teacher had her eyes stuck on me and so did everyone else as I walked into the room. They looked at me like if I was a total stranger to them. Well, I was. Duh.

"I handed the tall, blond headed woman my new schedule. Like if I didn't have anything else new. First, we, as in my mom and me, had to go on a plane for about a century, at least it felt l like it. Then, we got our luggage and got stuck in traffic in a taxi for another hour after all those hours on the plane. Wonderful. We finally arrived at our new apartment which is ok, but I absolutely hate them! Now I'm having to get used to a new school with new people. Fun.

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Gabriella Montez," the teacher said to the class, interrupting my thoughts. "You may take a seat on the second row. Anyways, as you know, our winter production is coming up very soon and we need one boy to play Anthony and one girl to play Julie."

Now this got my attention. 'Being in another play might help me get more acquainted to the students that loved what I loved,' I thought, trying to stay positive about the whole thing.

"Auditions will be next Friday. Sign-up sheets are in the hall with information for the auditions."

BBRRRIIIIINNNGGG! I quickly got up from my seat and rushed to my locker, which was on the other hall, so I might have the chance to sign-up for Julie. But, Troy wouldn't be with me this time so I was the baby bird who had flown away from him and was going to get that part.

BACK AT EASTSIDE

TROY:

"So, looks like we'll be the two stars this time." Sharpay was trying to flirt with me, again. 'Why is Sharpay flirting with me when Gabriella is still my girlfriend?' I asked in my head.

I pause for a second, then replied, trying to sound as enthusiastic as possible, "That's great. So, when should we practice?" Sharpay was now giving her thinking look, which she uses right before she rejects (or hurts) a guy that is ever so popular.

"6th period tomorrow in the music room. See you there." Sharpay smiled at me and then pranced away with her nose in the air, like a spoiled poodle while everyone else make a runway for the queen.

THAT NIGHT IN THE CHAT ROOM

So, how's NYC?

Well, it's ok. I now have to get used to a new apartment, a whole new school, and new people. And it makes it harder for me because I'm a little shyer than most people. I wish you were here.

I wish the same thing.

So, how's basketball and drama?

The season for us hasn't started yet, but we're doing great. And drama will be...interesting. Sharpay and I got the two main roles in our production and boy you should've seen Ryan's face!

Tell me more!

Well, when he found out that he didn't get the main role, but I did along with Sharpay as the other star, he turned into a red tomato almost instantly. He stomped out of the auditorium, but ended up hurting himself. You should've seen it. It was hilarious! So, what about you?

Well, I'm not a dribbler like you. But it would be very interesting to see Sharpay dribble one! LOL. But in musical theatre today, I learned about auditions coming up for Anthony and Julie, the two main characters. And I signed up.

That's wonderful! I'm so glad you're trying out for Julie.

Me, too. Just one question.

Hit me with it.

Are you flirting with Sharpay since you two are the main characters and everything?

Nooooooo! Why would I flirt with her?

I just was wondering.

Well, I've got to go. Dinner.

Ok. Well, good luck with Sharpay and everything.

Thanks. You too. I love you.

I love you too.

Bye.

Bye.

GABRIELLA:

I looked out my window, rather than my old balcony, into the New York City night life, hustling with people and taxis going here and there. Watching that just made me think about all the good times I had back in New Mexico, but really in my neighborhood which was peaceful (most of the time. 'But maybe it isn't so bad. I just need to find something I like here that I didn't have back at Eastside,' I thought to myself as I logged off the chat room.

" I've just got to find it." I whispered. "I've just got to find it."

Sorry if the chapter was a little long. Hope you liked it! Please review!