Title: A Chaotic Mess of Pastels

Author: Me!

Rating: I'm not too sure about the new rating system but I would say this is about…PG-13.

Feedback: I'd love me some it!

Summary: Troy Bolton finally has life all figured out as his junior year wanes. However, his perfect world is in jeopardy as he discovers his past.

Disclaimer: I own not High School Musical or the songs or Zac…but if I did…heheheh. Wow! I don't own much. Wait! I do own Adele Carson! And the title of this play!

StarInHeaven1014 It's confusing making Troy confused. I love it, though. It's a real challenge.

XrevengeX It's a Troy and…

phatbeachbum78 I have updated. I hope you like it.

heavensent0214 Please refer to XrevengeX's line.

Oliverwoodschic I love Oliver. He's a "hottie super-bum". Yeah, I can't believe they used that in HSM either.

waiting on the wind Thank you so much. I'm glad you like my style. I try to make it as unique as I can.

sophthewiseone Just wait until you see Chapter Fifteen.


Chapter Thirteen

Troy had cooled down – physically and mentally, sitting alone in the dining room. The girls were still chatting. He knew that they were almost done since Kelsi had her books in had. He just sat in silence, enjoying the cool water chilling him.

What just happened? Did some breakdown or breakthrough or both happen? Troy was sure that he flirted with Adele. He exposed himself to her. Though it was just his upper body, Troy shouldn't be just showing it off to just anyone. Especially when that 'anyone' was his ex-girlfriend. He couldn't figure out why he would just do that though.

With his head in his hands, Troy succumbed to the confusion that was overtaking his life. What was oddly comforting was Adele and how she handled the whole discovery of Gabriella. He knew she wouldn't have overreacted like he did but he did wish that she got a tad bit jealous. If anything, it would give him the knowledge that he wasn't the only one going through some things right now.

Troy's mind went to Sharpay Evans. The thought of her (and what she did) made Troy angry. Adele was right; the only reason Sharpay would bring up the old relationship was purely a jealous motive. She was jealous of Gabi and Adele – plain and simple.

Troy kept his eyes down as Mr. and Mrs. Carson cut through the dining room to reach the formal living room.

"Why can't you look at us, Troy? Never thought you've have to see us again." A voice mumbled behind him.

Sputtering on his sip of water, Troy looked up, stunned. He hadn't expected to see Mr. Carson here.

"Miles," Adele's mom hit him lightly in the arm, "don't scare the poor boy. It's just been awhile since we've seen you. How have you been?"

He forced a smile on his face. "I've been doing quite well. Still playing ball." He knew his voice was shaky. But who wouldn't be nervous around a man who could bench-press one's body weight on an off day?

"See, Car! The kid knows I'm joking. I didn't scare him. Can't have a little fun with Adele's friends?"

The look on her face made Troy chuckle to himself. "Oh course you can't. I thought Miles was smart. How terribly wrong I was, huh, Troy?"

Yet another thing that Troy had forgotten when it came to this house…this family. They all were fun, happy, and playful. Whenever he visited, Troy was in stitches. "Yes, well…no…um…I like his shirt."

The three burst into laughter.

"Still a good kid." Miles clapped him on the back as he went to the living room.

"Give this to your mother. Wait here, please." Mrs. Carson went into the kitchen and cut a huge slice of cake. "You all could nibble on that tonight."

He took the covered plate. "Thanks, Mrs. Carson."

"Carissa."

It was a struggle to say her first name. He was only allowed to call Adele's mother that when life was simpler and easier – when he was with Adele, loving her, being her friend…just being happy. Can life go back to what it once was so quickly?

"Don't worry. It'll come with time." She patted his shoulder and went to go find her husband. Carissa Carson always seemed to know what one was thinking, even if one didn't know. She was wonderful to talk to when his mother wasn't around.

Finally, the girls emerged from the kitchen. "You guys will have to spend the night."

"You know I will!" Taylor hugged Adele.

Kelsi waved goodbye. "Invite me and I shall come."

"You sure I can't take you?"

Troy tried to make eye contact with Adele but her eyes focused strictly on those she was talking too.

"Addie, I can take her." Taylor said.

"I know but you live nearby and she doesn't."

"I have to go make a stop for more computer paper."

Adele leaned against the doorframe separating the kitchen from the dining room. "You sure?"

"Yes," Taylor and Kelsi headed out the front door.

"I can't wait!" Gabi smiled. Troy stood up, guiding Gabi out the door. The three friends said their good-byes. Gabriella surprised him when they reached the car. She wrapped her arms around Troy, planting the sweetest of kisses to his lips.

When they parted, Troy had an assured smile on his face. "What was that for?"

"For being you."

Troy started the engine. "What's with the sudden attitude change?"

"I just let things get to me. How come you never told me about Adele?"

He mentally thanked his ex for warning him. He faked a grimace. "Yeah, that was a wreck. We dated for few weeks and decided that we were better friends. It was just so strange and weird and not right for us. We agreed to never bring it up."

"Oh. I'm glad that you both stayed friends."

"Me, too." Troy truly meant that.

He pulled up to Gabi's house. "Don't study too hard."

"I won't." She kissed him goodnight and went inside. Troy pulled down the street once Gabi closed the door behind.

He deposited the slice of cake on the table as soon as he reached his home. "I'm home!" His voice echoed throughout the downstairs room.

"Where were you?" Jack Bolton emerged from the kitchen.

"Hanging out with the girls." With his posture perfect, Troy smoothed back his hair.

"Well, Mister Suave and Cool are we."

"I know." The two men shared in a laughed.

Troy let out a breath, slouching into his normal stance. The two men continued with small talk about their respective days. Throughout the conversation, Troy desperately wanted to bring up what happened no less than an hour ago. He yearned to tell his dad about the question poised at him. He just wanted to let out that he did miss what they had.

Troy went up to his room to start on his homework. Perhaps that could keep his mind away from the image of Adele.

Halfway through his Pre-Calculus drill sheet, Troy's mind wandered – as usual. What if he and Gabi did breakup? Imagining his world without Gabriella Montez made his heart clench and body hum with distant pain. He seemed weighed down. He lived in that world once before; he couldn't possible go through it again.

Every random moment or so, Troy would picture Gabriella smiling. Though he had seen her no less than two hours ago, he missed being near her. And today, Troy Bolton, star basketball player, most popular boy, wasn't concerned with his status or his game or his skill. He's main concern was how he could make Gabriella happy.

Just before he went back downstairs for dinner, an idea struck him.

No. It couldn't be…could it? He thought to himself. He did. He did really –

His cell pone rang. Picking it up, he was greeted with an aggressive caller on the other end.

"What the hell was that back there?"

It was Adele. He knew that angry voice in his sleep. "What do you mean?"

"You know what I'm talking about. Don't play stupid with me. Why did you feel you could just be half nude in front of me? Do you like teasing me? Do you like giving me a reason to revisit the past? What, Troy? What is it?"

"I don't know why I did it. Perhaps, I was hot and my undershirt was soaked. I'm not going to walk into your house sweaty. I changed. Big deal!"

"You lingered!"

"I did not linger."

"Fine. Whatever." Her voice was low and raspy.

"Are you okay?"

"Would you be okay if you saw what excellent form your former flame was in?"

A shiver ran up his spine. The way she spoke to him reminded him of the way she once was with him when alone. "I do know how that feels. How do you think I felt when I saw how beautiful and happy – without me – you were? I know I wouldn't be okay if I saw an ex in better shape than before. But I'll take what you said as a compliment. Thank you. And thank you for helping me out back there. Why?"

"Why not?" She cleared her throat. Oh yeah. He caught her off guard. "You would have done the same for me."

"True. Well, I gotta go. Did you get what you wanted from this?"

"Not really. I'm just confused, Troy. I'm just confused. We never talked about how things ended."

"I can't do that. It's…too…"

"Me too. I know. Bye."

All he heard was dial tone. What was the whole idea behind that call? Was she trying to get answers or was she trying to tell him that she still had something for him? Sighing, Troy headed downstairs.

When did his teenage years get so complicated? Dating was supposed to be simple. Love was supposed to be clear-cut. You love who you love and that was it. What happened to that? Troy had figured out that he was in love with Gabriella yet here was Adele. His old love had returned, bringing with her old memories and new fears.

It would all be better later on.

School began to leech academic stimulus from its schedule and Troy couldn't complain. His time was spent divided. Either Troy was spending time with Gabriella, learning more about her and why he thought he might love her, or he was contemplating Adele, what she was doing and how she was doing. One weekend Troy and Chad had found the time to hangout with Adele. At first Troy wasn't too keen on the idea of sitting around on her porch. It was too much like old times.

With a bit of convincing from Chad, Troy forced himself over to Adele's and knocked on the door. Only waiting until the count of ten, Troy pivoted on the balls of his feet to leave. He didn't want to be near her.

What if he had the urge to take his shirt off again?

The door opened and there stood Adele. She was wearing a white tank top and relatively short denim skirt. She could still fit that thing? The back of his mind questioned. Though, he didn't mind her in it. A tingling sensation spread from the bottom of his stomach to his fingertips. The rush of seeing her bare legs was such a –

He stopped himself from going down that road. Her hair was messily clipped back while she wore a perplexed smile. She couldn't look more attractive if Troy could have dreamed her.

"What are you guys doing here? Shouldn't you be doing something new and exciting like playing ball in the park or at the Boltons'?"

"No," Chad said. "And quite frankly, I'm tired of the basketball sarcasm."

She hugged him. "Sorry. It was just a thought."

Adele smiled fondly at Troy. They hadn't talked candidly since that day after school but she was trying to keep their friendship afloat. After the scare he had, thinking she was dying, Troy figured that he would try harder as well. He actually wanted to hug his friend but refrained from such. It was the safest and smartest of decision he could make.

"So why are you here?" She leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over her chest.

"Thought that you might want to chill with us. Just thought that perhaps you'd like to recreate the magic here, at our typical spot." He gave her his winning smile.

"I guess I can let you guys sit on my porch." She closed her front door and went to the porch seat, legs folded beneath her.

Chad grabbed the seat on the far end of the swinging bench as Troy sat away from them on top of the brick ledge, using a post as a seatback.

Adele began the conversation. "So…how's school going? Not much longer to go."

Chad made a non-committal noise. "It is what it is. How has it been…sitting around at home?"

"You think that's what I've been doing? Ha! I've been going to dance classes, aerobic classes, vocal classes…I've been keeping in shape for the musical. I wish I could just sit around and be a potato." She laughed.

"Oh,"

The Three Musketeers, as they were sometimes referred to, lapsed into an easy conversation. Some points were about celebrities and others were about junior prom and one was even about the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.

"Screw that Pink Ranger. I wanted to be the Yellow Ranger." Adele rearranged her legs..

"Oh please. You're just saying that because deep down inside, you wanted to be like everyone else and be the pink one." teased Troy, shifting in his seat since his bottom was falling asleep.

"Whatever."

"Yeah, you did. I swear you were in love with the White Ranger, Tommy. Didn't the pink and white go out?" Chad added in.

"So?"

"So…you loved him thus wanted to be Pink Ranger. End of story."

"Because you know me so well, Chad Danforth." She rolled her eyes.

"I do,"

Another breeze wafted, cooling the teens off immensely. "That's one thing I didn't miss about New Mexico. The dry heat. It's not too bad in New York. Very pleasant. Not always in the city but everywhere else...just so gorgeous!"

"Really? That's the only thing you didn't miss about Albuquerque?"

"Troy, what could a person miss from this place? My family's here. My friends are here. My house and personal belongings that mean tons to me is here. The park, familiar streets and shops, East High – they're all here. New York is spectacular but most of the time I'd rather be here with you two, sitting on this porch, talking about how bored we are."

He looked at Adele – actually looked at the young woman before him. She may be taller; she may have longer hair. But she was also still that girl he met on this exact porch nine years ago. She was still a friend. He still wanted her in his life.

"We missed you too, Addie."

Her brown eyes settled onto his blues. With a side grin on his face, Troy nodded his head. He understood her speechlessness as shock. The last time her called her 'Addie'…a while back, in a time where they were friends, when they were in love.

"I think I'm going to go get drinks or food or food and drinks."

Chad perked up in his seat. "I was waiting for you to make an offer."

"So sorry. I'll be back." She disappeared into the house.

"Yo, Troy."

"What?" He stood up.

"What just happened here? The whole calling her by her nickname. The soft way you both talk to each other. The eyes you were making when you saw her at the door…"

Troy took Adele's vacant seat on the swing. "That's a good question. I'm having all these conflicting feelings. I really care about Gabi but Adele…recently, I've just wanted to be near here. I miss things about her. The way she would smile or the way she would fidget or…just the little quirks that make Adele, Adele."

Chad's mouth hung open while his eyes appeared to be popping out of their sockets. "Wait! Hold on. You don't think you're falling for her again? I mean…you can't be falling for her again. You're dating Gabriella. You're not thinking about cheating are you?"

"No!" Troy exclaimed louder than he had anticipated. "No. I would never do that to Gabi. I couldn't."

"A lot of people say that yet cheating still goes on."

The other teen had laid his head back to relax. This whole situation was getting out of hand. Adele being back in Albuquerque may have been nice for her family and friends but not for Troy. Now, his best friend was questioning his fidelity towards Gabriella. Troy wouldn't do that. Troy couldn't possibly still love Adele. Maybe. "I don't know."

"That's not good."

"What's not good is that – remember the whole cover story Adele concocted to protect Gabs?"

"Yeah,"

"Well, I was a bit ticked off that she reduced our relationship to nothing important."

"What's the big deal? She saved you from explaining things. But she shouldn't have had to do that." Chad leaned his head back. "That Sharpay Evans is bad news. I don't care how you spin it. Zeke's got a lot to handle."

Troy nodded his head, watching two young kids bicycle down the lane. "Yeah he does. What should I do about Adele?"

"What can you do? You have to face what you're feeling head on. You can't just hide her under your bed or in the closet. She's a person, man. You just have to deal with her. Have you even told Gabriella about Adele?"

"No and yes. I lied and went along with the whole meaning nothing to neither of us." He sighed, defeated.

Chad winced. "Wrong move, man."

Troy closed his eyes. He did have delayed remorse about it the next day at school. It was hard seeing Gabi so joyful only for him to know, personally, that her happiness was based on a lie. In his mind, however, telling Gabi that the ex-girlfriend who was the love of his life – the one he wanted to spend the rest of his life with – was back in his life was a hard thing to do. Mainly, admitting that Adele was the love of his life was the hard part.

"I know. But, I know I can make up for that since I've realized that I love Gabi."

Chad let out a low whistle while shaking his head. "Are you sure?"

"You're damn right I am."

"You love Gabi?"

Troy opened his eyes. The front door sprang wide open. Adele's wobbled backwards through the doorframe, struggling to keep the tray balanced. "Help, you bums."

Troy and Chad jumped up to relieve their friend of the snacks.

"Did you really need to bring out the whole pantry?"

Adele ignored Chad as she carefully laid the tray on the porch swing. She rushed back into the house and came out with a wicker footstool. "Voila! Instant outdoor mini-table."

After the platter was situated on the piece of furniture, Adele leaned against the brick safety wall. "I couldn't remember what you guys liked so I just brought out whatever."

Plenty of chips, fruit, water bottles, and other tidbits could be found on the tray.

"This is enough." Chad ripped open a mini-bag of Chex Mix.

Troy took a bottle of water, opening it. "Could have just brought out a sandwich bar."

"Shut up." Adele took a breath. "So, what's this I hear about loving Gabi? Told her yet?"

Troy kept his bottle to his lips, frozen. Looking to his right, he saw a similar reaction from Chad, a pretzel circle falling out off his mouth.

"What? You can't talk to me about your love life or relationships? I thought we were giving the 'friends' thing a go. I dated others. You both know that. I fell in love again. It's cool for you two to talk about it. Especially you, Troy."

No not really. "You're right." Troy couldn't believe it. So she really did love that Italian freak. Why did she fall in love first? He figured that he would fall in love again before Adele. It just always seemed to be the way things would turn out. How he reached that reasoning…he didn't know. What he did know was that it stung to know she had been in and fallen out of love.

"Have you told her yet?"

"No."

"Do you know how to tell her?"

"Of course I know how. Why wouldn't I?" He was lost.

Adele took in another large breath, averting her eyes.

"I don't know if you should do it. You guys have been dating for four months. Are you sure that's enough time?"

Troy looked over at his best friend of twelve years. "I'm sure. When you know, you know."

"Very true." Addie's voice was wistful and distant. "Sometimes you just know."

This could be the worst thing for him to do but he bit the awkward bullet. He wanted someone's honest opinon. "What should I do?"

"I can safely assume that Friday is typical date night?"

Troy and Chad nodded.

"Ask her out on Monday for a date on Wednesday. Just do it to surprise her. Be very secretive about it. Go somewhere special that's closed off from the world. Just be somewhere were the two of you can escape and feel safe and care for the other. I wouldn't suggest a restaurant unless you can secure a very romantic and secluded area for the two of you. Wine her and dine her. Every girl loves that…I do. And when the night has come to its unfortunate end, you'll take her to her house. Help her out of your car if you took her away in it or hold her close if you're walking. Gaze upon her – really see her for her and place the simplest of kisses on her lips…whispering in her ear 'I love you'."

Adele's voice stayed leveled, even, and calm. Yet, the small twitches her fingers made, the way she bit her lip, her darting eyes all gave her away. Troy knew how to read Adele. He knew her voice and her body better than she did. She wasn't as okay with being friends who talked openly about relationships as she let on.

"Could I use that for me and Taylor?" Chad was genuinely amazed.

Adele tittered, lowering her head. It seemed as if she were knocked out of a trance. "I guess. So, is that sounding good to you?"

"Fantastic."

Pulling herself together, Adele placed a smile on her face. "Yeah. My ex did that with me. I just melted when he went through all that for me. Just talking, feeling safe with him was amazing. I can't remember ever feeling so passionate about someone until that moment with Niccolo."

Now that killed him inside. How dare she throw that in his face? Never feel passion until Euro-bastard? That was bull and she knew it. Perhaps the night he revealed his feelings for herwas in no league with Niccolo but at least he was genuine. Lying on a blanket, wrapped in another with her, under the stars seemed to be the perfect backdrop for love. He was proud of that moment.

Before he let his anger get the best of him and force him to bad-mouth Niccolo, Mr. Carson came out. "Hey, guys."

The three mumbled out a 'hello' to Adele's father.

"I'm heading out with your sister. We'll be back soon. Addie, I was wondering if, since you're here, if you want to throw your party as usual."

"Crap. I forgot all about that." She looked to her friends sitting on the swing. "I guess I can just wait until the last day of school as per my usual."

"Ain't gonna happen. That's one of the last days with us." Nyia came out, putting on her flip-flops.

"Right. Well I can just not have one."

This produced discontentment from Chad.

"You can't not have a party if you are going to be here." Chad said. "Especially, since people keep asking about it."

"This is true." Adele pondered.

Troy just let things flow as they were. He was thinking about how he would tell Gabi about his feelings. And he was wrestling over his thoughts about Adele and that Italian bastard.

"Think about it, Addie-girl. Chad, Troy, you both can stay over for dinner if you like."

Nyia hopped off the porch down to the paved walkway. "No. I'll be seeing those two enough soon."

The boys looked confused.

"I'm going to East High next year. I'm going to be a Wildcat."

Chad looked over to Nyia. "That's right. You'll be in ninth grade."

Nyia and Mr. Carson left the three friends to their own devices. "You don't mind if we stay, do you?"

"Why would I, Chad? You guys are my friends."

Troy didn't know about that applying to him. He wasn't too sure that he could ever be her best friend again. It was too weird to be as such. He was too weird to deny what had once happened. The trio continued to talk about any and everything that they were comfortable sharing. Dinnertime rolled around and it was an enjoyable evening. Passing around dishes of delicious food while sharing laughs along with stories was relaxing in a way.

It was strange. He was far from worthy of enjoying the company around him. Gabriella's mom had made him dinner a few nights previous. That evening was spent sharing stories and enjoying the people around him. It was too much like at Adele's house. With Gabriella, Troy was experiencing something new. But with Adele it was like the good times they once had. It was almost like old times…

…almost.