Chapter 5-

"So, did you talk to Troy?" Taylor asked innocently.

Gabriella pulled her book from her locker and glanced at her friend. "Yes, I did."

Taylor tried to smother her smile. "Oh."

Gabriella rolled her eyes. "I'm not mad." She assured.

Taylor let her grin bloom. "Good."

"You're very proud of yourself, aren't you?" Gabriella said.

Taylor nodded. "I knew that once he talked to you, it would all work out."

Gabriella sighed. "It hasn't all worked out yet…"

Taylor frowned. "Why?"

"Sharpay doesn't know we're going to audition together," Gabriella bit her lip.

Taylor draped an arm over Gabriella's shoulders. "Don't worry."

"I'll try not to," Gabriella replied.

……………………..

Sharpay hummed the tune of Kelsi's newest song, which, of course, had been redone to fit her own personal tastes. She nearly skipped up to the audition list, but there was where she stopped short. She glared when she saw the names 'Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton' on the list to audition….as a couple! Hadn't Gabriella listened to her warnings?

She tossed her head and snatched a pen from her glittering purse. Large and bold she wrote her name on the list. She couldn't stand having it under Gabriella Montez's, but soon enough that would change. It looked like she was going to have to have another talk with the unruly geek.

Ryan walked by, but she didn't bother to tell him about the latest developments. He wouldn't be able to help her yet.

With an angry sigh, she swiveled and headed off to find Ms. Montez.

…………………..

"Did you sign up, Troy?" Gabriella asked nervously.

Troy smiled easily. "Of course, you?"

She nodded.

"Don't worry about Sharpay, Gabriella," Troy repeated for what seemed like the hundredth time.

He gave her a quick hug before heading off to basketball practice. She made her way towards the front doors to head to her bus. Before she reached the doors, however, she was caught by the arm and yanked into one of the classrooms.

As she fell inside, the door was shut and Sharpay leaned against it. "Hi, Gabriella," she said in a quiet voice.

"Sh-Sharpay, what do you want?" Gabriella asked in a nervous voice.

Sharpay rolled her eyes, "as if you didn't know."

Gabriella tried to stiffen her resolve. "I don't."

Sharpay's face flushed a shade darker and she stepped closer to Gabriella. "Don't play games with me, Gabriella. I will be the lead in the musical."

Gabriella clenched her teeth. "And how do you plan to do that, Sharpay? How far are you willing to go to get the part?" she asked before brushing past a shocked Sharpay.

"Well," Sharpay said thoughtfully after the door closed. "It seems little Gabriella has gained a backbone, but she still must have weaknesses."

Sorry this chapter's a little short, but I hope you enjoyed it otherwise! Please review:)