CHAPTER 20
GRADUATION DAY…
She watched as all of her friends crossed the stage before her. She screamed when their names were called and shed a few tears. Then it was their turn. "Ryan Gregory Evans." The announcer called, she cheered for her brother and waited for her name. "Sharpay Emerald Evans."
She walked across the stage feeling happier than she had in her life. She grinned ever wider when Troy winked at her from his seat and then jerked his thumb back behind him. She followed where he pointed and laughed because her dad hired a photographer and he was filming the whole thing plus taking still photos. He was sitting with Troy's mom and they were both looking a little teary eyed.
She walked back to her seat next to Ryan and watched as the rest of her classmates accepted their diplomas. Then it was their turn. She met Troy in the aisle and together they walked to the stage and accepted their microphones from Mrs. Darbus.
The music started.
Troy:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Moments so dear
Sharpay:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure-- measure a year?
In daylights-- in sunsets
Both:
In midnights-- in cups of coffee
In inches-- in miles
In laughter-- in strife
In-- five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure a year in the life?
How about love?
How about love?
How about love?
Measure in love
Seasons of love
Sharpay:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Journeys to plan
Troy:
Five hundred twenty-five thousand
Six hundred minutes
How do you measure the life
Both:
Of a woman or a man?
Sharpay:
In truths that she learned
Or times that he cried
In bridges he burned
Or the way that she died
Both:
It's time now-- to sing out
Tho' the story never ends
Let's celebrate
Remember a year in the life of friends
Remember the love
Remember the love
Remember the love
Measure in love
Troy:
Measure, measure your life in love
Both:
Seasons of love
Seasons of love
They finished to a standing ovation and Troy leaved over and softly kissed her cheek. She smiled at him and as they walked together off the stage she knew that everything was going to be OK.
The gang all sat in a circle that night in the entertainment room at Sharpay and Ryan's house. They had been talking and playing games for about 3 hours but suddenly it got quiet.
"I can't believe its over." Sharpay whispered
"Its not over." Chad said, "Friends forever."
Kelsey smiled, "Yeah, we've got all summer together and we'll be back for holidays and we'll keep in touch."
"It's not going to be the same." Gabby said, "But we'll make it work."
"At least we'll all be in the same state." Kevin said
Troy put his arm around his girlfriend who was getting teary at the thought of being separated from her brother. "Hey, don't be sad. None of us are that far away. We'll get together all the time. At least twice a month." He looked around at everyone and they all agreed.
Sharpay gave a small smile and leaned into Troy.
"Lets pay spin the bottle!" Chad said suddenly
Taylor threw a pillow at him. "What is the matter with you?"
"What? I like that game." He said defensively
Sharpay laughed as she watched her friends argue back and forth.
"What's so funny?" Troy asked her
"I'm going to miss them." She said simply.
"Chad will be with us at UCLA." Troy said
"I know but Taylor with be with Gabby and Ryan at Stanford." Sharpay said sadly
"Shhh, no more talking about this tonight." Troy said, "It's a happy night and a happy summer."
"How about a happy life?" She asked
He smiled at her, "That's a given."
Or so she thought…
THE END