Chapter 9-

Gabriella pleaded sick and finally got her mother to agree to allow her to stay home. In all honesty, she was sick. She was sick of the crazy world that was school. She was sick of the stares and whispers. But most of all she was sick with guilt. She was letting her friends down, just as Troy had accused her of doing, but she still wasn't ready to face her fears. And, until she could, she wouldn't be able to face Troy.

……………………

Sharpay studied herself in the mirror. She wanted to be sure her make-up was perfect because today was the callback auditions. Of course, she still had several hours to go, but she couldn't stop her excitement.

She had won. Today she would resume her reign as Drama Queen and Troy and Gabriella would fade out of the theatre world. She smiled to herself. It was a delicious triumph. It was one she had been planning since Twinkle Towne had opened and ended.

She snatched her purse from the bathroom counter and headed to lunch. She would eat lightly. It would probably be a salad. Then she would finish out the day of school and head to the dressing rooms behind the theatre to prepare for her audition with Ryan.

Oh, the taste of revenge was sweet.

…………………..

Troy tossed his gym clothes into his bag and pulled on his school shirt.

"What's the long face about?" Chad asked with a grin.

Troy offered a half-smile to his friend. "Today's the callback auditions and Gabriella still hasn't changed her mind."

Chad frowned. "I'm sorry, man."

Troy shook his head. "Don't be." He zipped up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. He couldn't believe Gabriella was going to let Sharpay win. That wasn't the kind of girl he'd fallen in love with. He stopped short. Fallen in love with? When had that happened? A sad smile crossed his face. It had probably been the moment he had first stepped onto the stage with Gabriella…on New Year's Eve.

…………………..

"She's really not going to show," Kelsi said with a sigh.

Troy shrugged. "I guess not."

Kelsi glanced at her watch. "We still have half an hour."

Troy nodded. Could he really let Gabriella not do the auditions? If she didn't get up on stage now, she probably wouldn't ever again. He dropped his backpack on the ground. "Watch that until I get back."

Kelsi frowned. "Where are you going?" she called as he jogged away.

"To get Gabriella," he replied.

"I don't think he will," Taylor said as she came up behind Kelsi.

Kelsi turned to face Taylor. "Why?"

Taylor sighed. "Gabriella didn't come to school today because she was sick."

Okay, so what's going to happen?? lol...Only 1 or 2 chapters left, so please continue to read and review!!