DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
We ran as fast as could. Even though the court wasn't too far from the apartment, it felt like forever to get there. Luckily, we arrived just on time to meet up with the rest of the squad. We stretched and got ready for the game.
As we were about to go in, Coach Emily pulled me aside. "Gabriella. A little birdie tells me that you have quite the voice. Not just the strong, powerful cheer voice. But the sweet angelic singing voice of a goddess." She smiled at me as I stood there blushing.
"That was a long time ago, really." I didn't know what she was getting at. And how did she find out?
"Well, I received a special request earlier this morning for you to sing the national anthem today." She unleashed a huge grin. "You can even sing in your uniform! That would be perfect wouldn't it!"
"I…but…now?" I was still in shock. I haven't sung in a long time. Was my voice still ok? Why did I have to sing at this particular game? Did I even remember the lyrics to the anthem? I started to panic. And who told her?
"You go on in about fifteen minutes! Good luck! I'm sure you'll do great!" She gave me a pat on the back and went inside to join the rest of the squad. I followed shortly and found Taylor.
"Oh my god, Taylor. I'm going to sing the national anthem. In fifteen minutes!" I screamed over the crowd of screaming people in the bleachers.
She tried to look surprised, but she ended up bursting out laughing.
My jaw dropped. "You did this to me!" I said as heard the names of the Bruin players being called out for presentation. "I can't believe you! You know I haven't sung in ages!"
"Well, I think now would be the perfect time to practice in the bathroom," replied Taylor. She was getting really giddy. I didn't know what to do. I felt like I was going to pass out. Maybe I should practice like Taylor suggested.
As I was going to the bathroom, I heard, "And now, singing the national anthem. Please, give her a round of applause, for UCLA's very own GABRIELLA MONTEZ!"
I couldn't move. I felt Taylor's hands give me a push forward towards the center of the court. I looked back to see her, the squad, as well as everyone on the stands cheering for me. I was blinded by the spotlight and nearly tripped over my pom-poms as I dragged them by my sides. As I neared the center of the court, I laid them down beside me and was handed the mic. I stared out into the audience that quickly calmed down to a dead silence.
My heart was speeding like a race horse. A thick, dry lump in my throat formed, and my knees started to tremble. I quickly made eye contact with Taylor, who gestured me to breathe. I closed my eyes, slowly took in air, and began.
Ooh say can you see
By the dawn's early light
What's so proudly--
It was terrified. I could tell my voice started to shake as I started. I tried to look for Taylor again, but I couldn't find her. I panned about everywhere for her. No luck, but I kept singing. Then I saw a familiar face. Kelsi. She smiled at me as I continued. She was also pointing for me to look at something, rather someone. I followed her finger to the Berkeley players. And then, as I sang 'were so gallantly streaming', I spotted yet another familiar face.
Soft, strong blue eyes, brown shaggy hair, and a smile that made me melt every time I saw it. It was Troy. He was smiling at me. Suddenly, I became more at ease and let my heart spill out on the song. I delivered a powerful 'And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air. Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there." I paused to catch my breath, and the entire gym was filled with cheers. I looked at Troy the rest of the time I sang. All he did was smile at me, and I smiled back. When I was done, I took a bow and returned to the cheerleaders.
Taylor ran up to me and gave me an enormous hug. We resided to the side and started cheering for our team. I felt really awkward now that I saw Troy step out onto the court for the opposing team. I totally forgot that he went to Berkeley. As I watched the game and cheered for the Bruins, I couldn't stop watching Troy. Taylor nudged me every time she caught me staring at him. I couldn't help it. He was amazing. He never missed a basket, and when he got fouled and had to make free throws, he sent me a beaming smile every time the ball made a swish. I felt like I was 17 again, cheering Troy on at a basketball game.
Half time. Music blasted from the speakers in every direction, and the cheerleaders dominated the court. I was so excited to see Troy, but I didn't know how he felt. Did he still like me? Did I still like him? Thoughts, flashbacks, and questions flooded my mind. Nevertheless, I smiled and performed the routine without any flaw. The whole time I was looking at Troy, again. We always had eye contact. But the thought that he might have moved on kept creeping into my mind. As I went up to do my liberty A/N: a liberty is a cheer stunt, I couldn't concentrate and lost my balance. The next thing I knew, I was making contact with the brown, glossy gym floor.
A/N: Please R&R. I'd like to get as many reviews as I can. Thanks!
