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I'm alone, on my own, and that's all I know
I'll be strong, I'll be wrong, oh but life goes on
I'm just a girl, trying to find a place in
This world

'A Place In This World' Taylor Swift

Gabriella Montez dropped her overflowing cardboard box in the middle of her newly bought loft found near the college UCLA. She smiled at the spacious building as she turned around to get a better look at her new place. Right on the beach with two levels, it was a place Gabriella always wanted to live in. The large, French-cut windows brought in the salty sea air and bright California sunlight. It was perfect.

"I can't believe we own property," a dark-skinned girl exclaimed behind Gabriella.

Taylor McKessie had been Gabriella's best friend since they were little girls. Gabriella didn't know when Taylor became her best friend. It was somewhere between the time Taylor shared her crayons with her in preschool and the time she asked her to play kickball with all her friends in kindergarten. Taylor was the logical one of the group. Always having a scientific explanation for whatever circumstances come their way. She was the tallest of their group, which was why she never wore heels. With dark-skin, having the most curves out of all of them, and shoulder length black hair, she had created a new type of beauty. A lover of all things related to chemistry, she had come to college to become a chemistry professor. She had a knack for being a know-it-all, which could be both her worst and best quality.

Gabriella smiled at her friend, "Look at the view! Isn't it amazing," she gushed at her as she walked onto their wooden porch. She smiled brightly at the beach's view of the sunset.

"This is so exciting," a new girl exclaimed behind Gabriella.

Sharpay Evans had been another close friend of Gabriella. She changed the most when they left for college. Gone were her honey blonde long locks, which were her signature style in high school. She recently chopped them off and adapted a shoulder-length cut that went just past her shoulders and dyed them a dark blonde with dark brown highlights threw it. It was different to Gabriella to see her friend without her blonde hair that made her Sharpay but she never lost her personality. Standing a few inches taller than Gabriella, Sharpay had caught the eyes of a couple guys. Sharpay was the kind of person who would do anything for her friends. Gabriella met up with Sharpay in third grade and has been irrespirable ever since. Having a fierily yet fun personality, Sharpay has been there for all of them. She had been solely focused on making it big in Broadway, but recently did a complete one-eighty and decided to major in fashion design and business. Sometimes coming off as a bit dramatic and standoffish, Sharpay had to learn to think before she spoke.

Gabriella giggled, "I can't believe we're in college and living alone! Thank God we're all together," she added.

"Yeah, seriously," Sharpay commented. She took a look at the loft, "So, you and Taylor are rooming in the back room while me and Kels are living on the second level. Right," she asked her.

Kelsi Nielson is the last girl in their small group. With a small statue yet a huge heart, she was always a listening ear. Closest with Sharpay, she tended to keep things to herself. The shortest girl in their group, Kelsi had a meek and shy personality. Out of all the girls in the group, Kelsi had been with them for the shortest amount of time. Sharpay had met her in seventh grade and surprising welcomed her into their group with open arms. Kelsi joked that the only reason Sharpay brought her into the group was because Gabriella and Taylor were the closest and she felt left out. Having a dark chestnut brown hair that went just below her shoulder, almost always covered by a hat, and recently losing her glasses for contacts, she had a mousy beauty. The musician of their group, only playing for her closest friends, she had been the composer in high school. She recently parted from music making and followed her small passion for designing jewelry and hats. That is why she decided to major in business and design. Kelsi had been through a lot in her short life, which was one of the main reasons Sharpay was so protective of her. Gabriella didn't know why but she had always felt like Kelsi was distancing herself from herself and Taylor. She kept many secrets from people in fear that they will hurt the people she loved.

"Alright, well, I'm going to start unpacking," Sharpay announced as she turned back into the house. "Oh by the way," she turned around. "There's a party tonight at some guys house. I met him today at freshmen orientation, want to go," she asked.

"Sure, sounds fun," Gabriella told her while leaning against the railing.

"Fabulous," Sharpay exclaimed before walking into their home.

Gabriella tipped her head back as the light end of the summer breeze lifted up her shoulder-length, curly, chocolate brown hair. She had been the athletic girl of their group, which you could tell by her toned body. Playing soccer all through high school while being head of the math department, she had various interests. Her major one was though, caring for young children, which was why she was majoring in early childhood development. Being the third eldest of the group, she was use to having her friends always by her side. Having both brains and beauty, she had more than a few boyfriends in high school but never being in love. If you ever heard the expression, 'Bad things happening to beautiful people', that applied to Gabriella. Whenever she went, she felt like doom followed. Her family life a total wreck and her love life not that much better, Gabriella always managed blame herself for everything bad that happened to the people closest to her.

"Gabriella! Come on," a voice broke into her thoughts that belong to Taylor. "We have to get ready for tonight."

"Coming," she called back as she took one last good look at the beach scene in front of her. She smiled to herself as she realizing that for once, her life was absolutely perfect.

"Are you sure about this," a nervous Kelsi asked Sharpay as she sat on her bed. "I mean, why are we even going?"

"Come on Kels! It's college. We have to party," Sharpay stated as if it was a life or death situation. "Don't worry, stick with me. I won't leave you," she reassured her friend as she flopped down next to her.

"Thanks Sharpay," Kelsi said as she hugged one of her pillows.

Sharpay smiled at her best friend. Out of everyone, Kelsi had always been there for her. Though every break-up, every fight, and even through her issues with her parents and brother, Kelsi had always listened to her many rants. She was like her little sister. Always being there no matter how many things she screwed up.

"So," Sharpay asked suddenly remembering sometime important. "You feeling good, right?"

"Yeah," Kelsi exclaimed. "It happen once and the doctors say I am okay. Stop worry, please," she asked her softly. "You know I would tell you if something went wrong."

"I know," Sharpay sighed. "Just worry about you, Kels. You are my best friend," she reminded her.

Kelsi giggled and jumped off the bed, "And as my best friend, will you help me get ready for this party?"

"Of course," Sharpay exclaimed, eager to help style someone. "I was thinking one of those jumper dress you love wearing," she stated while walking over to Kelsi's side of the room. She fumbled through her dresser before pulling out a light green dress that fell right above her knees.

"As long as I get to wear a hat and some leggings, I'm good," Kelsi stated.

"You never change," Sharpay said while rolling her eyes.

--

Gabriella stood behind Taylor while curling a section of her hair, "Tay, you look gorgeous!"

Taylor blushed, "You're my friend. You have to say that," she stated.

"I'm your best friend," she reminded her. "And I would tell you if you look horrible. But, you look amazing," she chimed in her soft, harmonious voice.

Taylor laughed as she checked out her outfit. She decided to go for something different than what she was use to. Instead of wearing a pair of pants, she decided to put on a white demin skirt that went mid thigh. Long gone were her blazers and polo's and hello to her bold blue and green flowy thick-strapped, sleeveless top. She decided to add a chunky, bright yellow, beaded bracelet to the outfit to give it a fun feel. She felt a little self-conscious in her new outfit since she wasn't use to showing off some skin but Gabriella reassured her she look beautiful.

Taylor would never admit it but she never felt up to par with her other friends when it came to looks. She relied more on her brains then her outer appearance. Compared to Gabriella, Taylor felt like the 'ugly' best friend. She often compared her life with the 'Ugly Duckling' story, herself being the ugly duck in a pond of beautiful swans.

"So, are you excited for this party," Gabriella asked while misting a little finishing spray into her locks to keep the bouncy curls in tact.

"I guess," Taylor stated a little uncertain.

Gabriella turned to give her friend a look of concern, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," Taylor said quickly. "Just a little nervous. I mean, it's our first college party and from the articles I've read—"

"Taylor," Gabriella exclaimed. "Leave out the statistics and studies for one second and enjoy life! We only get to experience college once. Make it count," she advised her.

"I guess you're right," Taylor agreed for once.

Gabriella arrived on the freshly cut green cut grass of a large white house. She heard various whoops and cheers erupt from the already swinging party. She looked over to see Sharpay already looping her arm through Kelsi as if to keep their petite friend from bolting.

"Are you sure we'll be okay," Taylor asked Gabriella softly.

"Don't worry," Gabriella reassured her. "If something happens or you need help, just tug on your ear lobe. Don't worry, I'll save you," Gabriella told her with a small squeeze.

"Alright," Taylor said. "Let's have some fun!"

"That a girl," Gabriella cheered as she linked arms with the dark-skinned girl and pulled her into the party.

--

Sharpay sipped from her red plastic cup as her eyes scanned the follow partygoers. She saw a guy who surprisingly caught her eyes.

A dark-skinned boy leaned against the wall with one leg propped up. He had his black hair cropped close to his head and stood a good few inches taller than her. He was talking animatedly with another boy as he gestured with his hands, trying to make a point. Wearing a red and black-checkered shirt with the sleeves rolled up, he seemed like he had a laid-back personality.

Sharpay quickly diverted her attention as she saw him jerk his head towards her direction. She saw Kelsi talking with a few girls she met in orientation and pulled her away from the conversion.

"What's up," Kelsi asked her surprised.

"See that guy over there," Sharpay said slightly tipping her head in his direction. "The really cute one with the red shirt," she added helpfully as Kelsi nodded. "Is he looking at me?"

"Um," Kelsi started as she looked over in the boy's direction.

"Don't look so obvious," Sharpay exclaimed while pulling her into the kitchen. "Geez, I'm never going guy-scoping with you again."

"You like him," Kelsi exclaimed happily. "That's so cute, Shar. You have a crush," she giggled.

"I do not," Sharpay shot back in a stubborn tone. "I just think he looks decent. That's all," she said while stealing another look in his direction.

"Whatever you say," Kelsi giggled.

--

Gabriella roamed around the party floor, looking for one of her friends. She lost Taylor to the girls in her chemistry class and last saw Sharpay and Kelsi in the kitchen talking about some guy.

The party had been fun enough but now that it was winding down, many people were either leaving or coupling up. She looked in surprise as she saw a guy talking with Kelsi.

She suddenly slammed into a hard surface. She looked up and to her horror, she just rammed into one of the best-looking guy she ever meant. With his dark-brown hair and boyish grin, Gabriella felt her knees go out. She couldn't get past those electric blue eyes and strong exterior.

"Whoa," he chuckled as he reached out to steady her. "You okay," he asked intently.

Gabriella merely nodded, as she knows if she would open her mouth, all she would do was babble like an idiot. She knew she probably look like some star-struck high school girl who just fell into the arms of Leonardo DiCaprio.

"Um, I'm Troy Bolton, by the way," he said smoothly while offering his hand.

"Gabriella Montez," she giggled slightly while accepting the offer. She smiled warmly at the inviting smile a Mr. Troy Bolton was giving her.

She was right; college life is being to turn out just perfect.

Pretty long author's note by the way:

Thank you so much for the reviews for the trailer! I'm so glad you guys enjoy this story since I'm so excited to write it! I have so many ideas for this story and have it like all mapped out on my computer. It is going to have so much more character development than The Apartment. It is also dealing with different themes and problems which I'm so excited about. This one deals with so much more problems and each girl is going through something different. I think you can already tell which girl was in each scene of the trailer. Anyway, keep the reviews coming. I love hearing what you guys think of each chapter.

Um, I plan on making each chapter at least fourteen pages but since I have to introduce characters and give some backround, that is why it seems so short. I hope this chapter wasn't too boring. In my defense, I had to show each personality of the girls and give a setting and overall feel of the story.

I don't plan on drawing out the meeting with the guys which is why I start with the party. I hope I'm not throwing you guys into a story without giving you some substance on what the story is like. I'm pretty open ended on what I want Troy and Gabriella to do. If you want to see something then leave your idea and I could work it into the next chapter. I don't want to throw Gabriella into a serious relationship with Troy. You know like having them love each other after like three meetings because that doesn't happen in real life much less college.

On another note, when I picture the characters, I think High School Musical 2 hairstyles. Like, Troy's, Gabriella, Taylor, Jason, Kelsi, Zeke, and Chad 's hair. If you have seen the new hair cut on Ashley Tisdale, the darker hair and shorter cut, that's what I picture her looking like since I kind of want Sharpay to mature more in this story and because I love Ashley Tisdale's new haircut.

Any who, tell me what you think of how the story is starting. I'm so excited to write this since it's like The Apartment (girls living together) but somehow very, very different. Ah, I already love writing this type of story and I hope you guys enjoy reading it! So, review, leave a comment or suggestion and I'll try to update both The Apartment and this story as soon as possible. Hopefully in the next few days. Note the hopefully. REVIEW!