Okay, so hello again! So...this a Troyella fic, and I already have it written. It came from a longer story, but I'm not too happy with the later chapters. So this fic will be short...maybe three chapters. But it should still be good!

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Chapter 1: "As Our Lives Change, Come Whatever"

The long silk robe brushed against the cement, picking up a gray dust that contrasted with the ebony material. Noticing the difference in the appearance, Gabriella lifted the gown, feeling helpless as she followed her mother along the walkway to the auditorium. It was that fateful day: Graduation. The slight breeze pressed against the black gown and pushed on the black cap, letting the gold tassel shake wildly. Gabriella sent her hand up to her head to keep the cap down.

Senior year had gone by fast…too fast. Parties filled the weekend evenings, and final exams lurched the teenagers into late nights and early morning study sessions. Only those with the mental strength to hold every ounce of information had found themselves at the top of the class. Gabriella being one of them.

But none of that mattered anymore. The only thing that itched its way into everyone's minds was the fact that their paths would cease to coincide. Instead, only the remnants of their friendships would follow each student out their own door…down their own road. Tears had already been let go of…hugs had already been shared. But still, neither one of the seniors was completely satisfied with leaving others behind.

Of course they were excited; they were going to college for crying out loud! But things would never be the way they were…

Cheers sprang into Gabriella's ears as the doors to the auditorium opened, sending a slight gust of wind through her hair, cooling the tears that stained her cheeks. The petite girl followed her mother into the theater, crowded with students and their families.

She smiled at her mother and began on her way down the aisle, letting her fingers brush the chairs as she passed. It was even harder that the graduation ceremony would take place in the one place that held so many memories: memories of auditions, call-backs, and shows. Memories of kisses, hugs, and tears lurked in the walls.

"Gabriella!" A tall, tanned boy emerged form the crowd, sending a smile to Gabriella's face. He took off the cap that covered his sandy hair and scooted closer to her, sending chills through the brunette's body. "It's almost over," he whispered, letting the sadness flow to his eyes.

"Troy," Gabriella reached up on her toes, letting her lips draw nearer to his. "I'll miss you," she pressed her lips against his lightly and quickly, for the moment was too full of sadness to let the kiss last any longer.

As the couple pulled apart, Troy smiled slightly at Gabriella, but the sadness in his blue eyes still lingered. Gabriella reached for his hand, and doing her best to lighten the situation, giggled as she dragged him back stage.

………….

"Taylor McKessie?"

"Here."

"Gabriella Montez?"

The small girl answered her loudest, "Here!"

The backstage was crowded with students, all covered from head to toe in black silk, mixtures of sadness and excitement on their faces.

Gabriella felt Troy's warm hand squeeze hers, and she turned and grinned at him. It was here, the moment they had dreaded yet waited for. Graduation.

"Yo, dude," Chad seemed to pop up out of no where as he greeted Troy. Nodding his head to Gabriella, he said, "Can you guys believe its here? I mean…"

A finger pressed to his lips, sending a smile to the boy's face. "Hey Tay…"

"Shut up Chad," she giggled to him as he put his arm around her. She welcomed the gesture and grabbed the hand that hung around her shoulder, smiling.

The two couples stood there in the comfortable silence for some time. No words were needed, not even from Chad. However, the silence was interrupted by two blondes.

"Can you believe we actually have to wear these things?" Sharpay looked disgusted as she poked at her gown, fingering the silky material.

Zeke bounded into the ring of seniors, a giddy smile across his face. "Hey Sharpay," he said, nearly bouncing. "Did ya like the Graduation cake I made you?" The tall boys asked her.

Ryan nodded immediately but was silenced by Sharpay. "Yea, it was actually pretty good," she smiled warmly, de-icing the frozen smirk that had once been plastered across her face. Over the past year and a half, progress had been made when it came to the Evans…but they weren't there yet.

"Take your seats children!" Ms. Darbus looked up from her sign-in clipboard quickly, but her eyes only focused on the teenagers for a moment.

The 'children' rolled their eyes and crowded to the exit, making sure to stick with those who they planned on sitting next to in the audience.

"Wait, Gabriella Montez!" Principal Matsui called.

Gabriella paused and turned, causing Troy, Taylor, Kelsi, Ryan, Sharpay, Taylor, Zeke, Jason, and Chad to stop as well. "Yes?" she let go of Troy's hand and walked over to the principal.

"You have your Valedictorian speech at hand, I take it?" she nodded in reply and waited to see if there was any further questioning. The principal instead called for Troy.

"Yea?" Troy asked.

"And you know when to go up to receive your Athletic award I presume?" Troy nodded as well and grabbed Gabriella's hand, pulling her into the crowded auditorium.

The nine friends scanned the rows of cushioned seats, seeing nearly everyone occupied by a body.

Chad was the first to find an empty area, right in the front. Some rolled their eyes while others cheered for the view as Troy and Gabriella led the group to the nine free seats, their hands interlocked.