A/N: This is chapter two. It's kind of short, but I planned it short--so whatever. Uh, I think I'm getting used to the third person thing. So, anyway. R&R! Thanks! -Mac

Disclaimer: I don't own High School Musical or other related related characters and storylines.

Chapter Two

Feelings Return

In contrast to Gabriella's entrance, Troy confidently strolled into the room. To him it felt as if he was finally back at home. His life after high school had been great, but he always felt like there was something missing. It was something he couldn't explain. But he knew it was something he had in high school, because it wasn't until after grad that he felt it. The only explanation Troy had for it was his friends had been like family to him, and though he kept in touch with most of them, it wasn't the same.

As Troy looked around the room, from one side to the other, the first thing he really saw was her. His eyes fell on her and something went rushing through him. It was something he hadn't been familiar with in years. It was always around during high school, but since then it had evaporated. Now it was back in full force.

Then suddenly his attention was ripped away from her, just as he was about to take his first step toward her. Troy wasn't surprised though. Even back in high school, Chad Danforth had a tendency to interrupt important moments. Why would he be any different now--even if it was ten years later?


Gabriella caught her breath, in a short gasp. She attempted to collect herself, but she felt to not together to accomplish it.

When he walked in, they had locked eyes for the briefest moment. While she felt terrified, he looked almost relieved. When Chad came into her line of view--followed by the rest of the guys--and Troy looked away, Gabriella took the opportunity to bolt.

She returned to the table, her glass cluched uncomfortably tight in her hand. Gabriella was sure she must have looked like a deer caught in the the headlights, because Taylor instantly commented.

"Is something wrong, Gabriella?" Taylor questioned, sounding sinerely concerned.

Gabriella looked up to see all of their eyes on her. Only two words escaped her lips, in a low whisper, "Troy's here."

"Really? That's great." Kelsi piped up, stretching her neck to look for him--but seeing the expression that appeared on Gabriella's face, she stopped.

"Gabby, what's wrong?" Taylor asked. "It's just Troy."

"See that's just it." Gabriella corrected, finally finding her voice. "It's not just Troy. It's Troy."

Gabriella wasn't sure if they would understand what she was getting at. They didn't know how she felt in high school. They just didn't know.

Troy Bolton was that person for Gabriella. That person who was there fo her when she needed him. That person who meant the world to her. He was her best friend as that person, but there was something about him that made him different from any other friend she had. She was in love with him--and she never told him. She couldn't tell him. And she definitely hadn't told anyone else.

If she had told Taylor, she would have told Chad--on the excuse that she couldn't keep something from her boyfriend--who, as his best friend, would be obligated to tell Troy. If she had told Kelsi, she would have told Jason, who would have told Zeke or Chad and it would eventually leak back to Troy. And God forbid, if she had told Sharpay the whole school would have found out.

Though Gabriella had never told her, she had always thought Taylor was suspicious of her true feelings. But she had never said anything about it.

Gabriella had thought she had got past those feelings. It had been ten years. But she had been proven wrong, just moments before. Seeing him again brought everything flooding back to her.

"I don't understand." Kelsi frowned.

"I do." Sharpay replied.

Gabriella looked at her, surprise obvious on her face. "You do?"

"Yeah. You weren't exactly subtle. I know I don't have the best track record when it comes to love and relationships--I did let the only guy, who really loved me for me, go--but I noticed the way you looked at Troy. I knew what that look meant." Sharpay explained. "That look, it was the look I saw Zeke give me everytime he saw me. It was the look Taylor gave Chad. The look Kelsi gave Jason. You were in love with him."

Gabriella took a deep breath. "You were the last person I thought would figure it out."

"You were in love with Troy?" Taylor asked and Gabriella nodded. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I was afraid. You knew how shy I was back then. I was so scared he wouldn't feel the same. I didn't want to risk losing him. Ever. I couldn't lose him, he was the only thing that kept me together in high school. If I didn't have him, I don't know what I would have done." Gabriella rambled, "It was the hardest thing I ever went through: losing touch with him."

"But you don't still..." Taylor trailed off. "Do you?"

Gabriella closed her eyes, and when she opened them again she looked terrified. "I think I do."


"Troy, man!" Chad called.

Troy turned in time to find Chad right in front of him with Jason, Zeke and Ryan behind him. He smiled, "Hey Chad. It's godd to see you man."

Troy looked back to where Gabriella had been standing just moments before. She was gone. He registered Chad saying something else, but he had tuned him out.

Troy looked to Chad, "Where did she go? She was just there."

"Who?" Chad scowled, looking confused.

"Gabriella." Troy stated simply.

"She's hanging out with the other girls." Jason answered.

"It's gotta be gossip city over there, man." Chad commented.

"Have you talked to her?" Troy questioned.

"Yeah, earlier." Chad shrugged.

"We all have." Ryan added.

"Is she seeing someone? Of course she is. She's probably married. Is she married?" Troy stammered, no longer calm or collected.

"Slow down, man." Chad replied, eyes wide. "She came alone."

"No ring, so she's not married." Zeke added.

"Really?" Troy blew out a sigh of relief.

"Yeah." Ryan answered.

"Why?" Jason asked.

"Please tell me you don't still..." Chad began, but Troy interrupted him.

"Completely."