Disclaimer: HSM and most of the characters you see here belong to Disney.

Summary: Sharpay Evans finally has everything she's been wishing for … right? Troy/Sharpay

A/N: I'm back! Sorry for the delay, I as having some issues with Troy in this part, that's why this chapter is a little shorter than intended.

Thank you everyone for your words! Keep on telling me what you think.

In the know

CHAPTER 4: That's why I do the best I can

"I'm so glad I found you Miss Evans. I believe we have some matters to discuss."

Everyone knew you should never mess with Miss Darbus when she's speaking in that high tone and staring directly at you, as if delivering a warning. But Sharpay wasn't like most people, especially when she had to do something she didn't want to do.

She tried her winning smile, bare teeth but not over the top, whilst grabbing hold of Ryans arm and pulling him along.

"I would love to discuss anything you'd like Miss Darbus but you see were already going to be late for class as it is and we can not be tardy."

The teachers' thin smile grew wider but her eyes narrowed even more.

"I do believe you have your days mixed up Miss Evans, I know for a fact that you have a free period now. Am I mistaken?"

Her shoulders might have slumped down in defeat but her smile never wavered. She was an actress after all.

"That's right, here I was thinking today is Thursday. Silly me."

"Don't worry dear, I can be quite forgetful myself from time to time. Now Ryan please move along to your next class. Sharpay follow me."

Ryan squeezed her shoulder before heading down the hallway. Sharpay followed Miss Darbus walking a couple of steps behind her but in a steady stride and her head held high as if she was looking forward to a reward and not a reprimand.

In less than a minute they arrived at the drama teachers' classroom.

When the door closed she waited for the speech to start but nothing came. Instead Miss Darbus took a seat at her desk and distracted herself with some papers. Dismayed by seeing that someone was ignoring her for the second time in less than 24 hours, she was about to disregard the fact that it was her teacher sitting in front of her. Thankfully someone opened the door, interrupting her soon to be tirade and hitting her in the process.

A male voice replied to her shriek. "Oh! I'm so sorry I-" Troy stopped talking when he noticed who it was, his face changing from apologetic to a neutral expression.

They both turned to Miss Darbus waiting to see what she was going to do. Without hesitation the drama teacher grinned, motioning for them to sit while she stood.

"I trust you both know why I have gathered you here. Your behavior yesterday was simply disgraceful. I am well aware that most students see you as leaders and your actions don't do them or yourselves any good."

She paused to observe them. "You are both extremely talented, I've seen you act together and part of the reason I picked Sharpay to take over the role is because of the way you can play off each other on stage. But if something like this happens again I'm afraid I will be forced to reconsider my casting decisions."

Despite everything Troy looked about as gloom as Sharpay felt with the looming possibility of not been in the show.

"Now, I've chosen this time for you two to work out your differences. Animosity brings a dreadful ambiance to the theater and I rather you at least be truly civil then having to fake feelings of friendliness to appease me. "

She then gathered her things and left them alone, but not before advising them to take advantage of their time.

"And do get to class when the bell rings." Was the last thing she said before walking out.

Silence consumed the room after her departure, neither one of the students willing to break it.

Her sandals clicked impatiently on the floor, eyes shifting from her shoes towards the door.

What if I leave? It's not like she's outside guarding the exit.

Just when Sharpay was about to get up she heard a light mumble coming from her left side. It sounded something like Miarty .

"What?" She immediately regretted asking when Troy sent her a silent glare, obviously not wanting to say it again. With a soft sigh he repeated the words.

"I'm sorry."

Sharpay was honestly shocked. She took what Miss Darbus said seriously, knowing that the teacher would follow through with her threats if she had to, but she hadn't really expected them to talk, right?

"You're sorry?"

Most of the day she had seen him from a distance and in the classroom they'd been avoiding each other; his gaze locked towards the front of the class. That's why when he veered to face her Sharpays mouth fell wide open. Troy had big bags under his eyes, emphasized by how pale his skin was. He seemed even more tired than he was in rehearsals.

She wanted to say something but her words died in her throat when Troy's eyes caught hers.

With a deep breath he started speaking. "Lately things have been seriously crazy for me and I, I guess I was taking it out on you a little. Especially yesterday, with all the stuff you said. I do take what I do seriously. But still I shouldn't have treated you so badly; it wasn't really about you so … I'm sorry."

Sharpay remained quiet examining his face. When he spoke it was gently and made him look even more tired. His hand reached up to run through his hair making her notice how is eyes were flickering from her own eyes to his hands. She almost smiled at how uncertain he seemed, like he didn't want her to hate him. Like he was nice Troy again.

Finally she took pity on him. "Ok, I forgive you. And you know, maybe I'm sorry too. I guess I kind of provoked you a little."

He released a loud snort that he tried covering into a cough. "Yeah, a little."

"So-" he extended his hand offering it to her. "Peace?"

Without hesitating she shook it. "Peace."

"Well then I guess I should -yeah I should go. I'll um.. I'll see you in rehearsal." He sent her a small wave before trotting out the door.

When she was left alone she laid her head on the table, thinking of what had just happened.

Apparently Troy was bipolar, Sharpay hadn't screamed at him, or uttered more than a sentence for that matter, and she had totally let him off the hook for yesterday.

Damn those eyes.