Chapter 10-
Kelsi shared a stressed look with Taylor as they stood near the back of the auditorium. They had five more minutes before the callback auditions began, and neither Troy nor Gabriella were there.
"Do you think she'll come?" Kelsi asked nervously.
Taylor shrugged. "I don't know."
The heavy doors behind them opened and Chad slipped inside.
"Where's Troy?" he asked.
Taylor flashed Chad a quick smile before answering, "He went to get Gabriella."
"He did?" a quite voice said from behind them.
All three friends turned to find Gabriella staring at them.
Taylor smiled happily and hugged her friend. "You came."
Gabriella returned the smile and the hug. "Yes, I did, but you say Troy went to get me?"
Kelsi nodded. "I don't think he'll make it back in time. He walked."
A nervous silence fell before Chad grinned. "I'll go pick him up," he offered.
Taylor's eyebrows rose. "You don't have a car," she reminded.
His grin widened. "But you do."
She began to shake her head. "Oh, no."
"Please, Taylor," Gabriella and Kelsi pleaded.
Taylor sighed and pulled her keys out of her purse. She hesitantly handed them to Chad. "Here."
"Your car will be fine," he assured before disappearing out the doors.
"I wish I could believe it," Taylor murmured.
"Sharpay and Ryan," they heard Ms. Darbus call loudly from the front of the auditorium.
Their song began with a catchy beat; then Sharpay stepped out onto the large stage. She smiled at the crowd and started her first part of the song.
Did you see me standing there beside you?
Do you even know my name?
I wonder sometimes how we can stay together
When all you do is say…
Baby, I'm sorry I
Didn't mean to miss our date
And please forgive me I
Was running late
………………………
Troy knocked for the fourth time and was frustrated when no one answered. "Gabriella?" he called.
Still there wasn't an answer.
"Troy!"
He turned and was surprised to see Chad driving Taylor's car. "What?" he asked as he strode over to the side of the road.
"Gabriella's at the school," Chad said.
Troy frowned. "Why?"
Chad rolled his eyes. "Get in, we don't have much time."
Troy obediently dropped into the passenger seat and closed the door.
…………………….
The last strains of the music faded away and the small group of students who were watching immediately began to applaud.
Gabriella began to shift from foot to foot. "He's still not here," she whispered anxiously.
Taylor bit her lip.
Kelsi frowned thoughtfully. "You go backstage and be ready to go on, when the music starts just start."
Gabriella's eyes widened. "But-"
Kelsi gave her a push. "Just go."
…………………
Gabriella clutched her microphone in her sweaty hand. What if she started, but Troy still didn't arrive in time? She took a deep, shuddering breath and stepped closer to the stage.
She heard Kelsi begin to play and she knew it was time. With eyes closed she took a step forward. Then she turned and faced the dark audience that awaited her performance.
I feel so tightly wound
Like I'm about to fall to the ground
I'm frozen where I am
And I can barely stand
She took a deep breath and prepared for the first chorus.
Oh, please help me up
I don't have the strength to stand(to stand)
A familiar voice repeated the final two words just as they had practiced. She turned and saw Troy's handsome face as he met her at center stage. She slipped her hand in his.
Oh, please help me up
The pressure's overwhelming(overwhelming)
Troy smiled slightly as he began his first verse.
Ever time I turn around
There's something new to deal with
And it seems like when I finally catch my breath
I fall down again
Oh, please help me up
I don't have the strength to stand
It was her turn to do the echo, "To stand."
Troy smiled and continued.
Oh, please help me up
The pressure's overwhelming(overwhelming)
She couldn't stop the smile as she faced Troy and sang her final solo parts.
I need you to help me
Troy touched her cheek lightly.
I need you to guide me
She leaned into his touch.
Please, oh please walk beside me
Until I can stand on my own again
They turned as one to face the audience as they completed the song.
Oh, please help me up
I don't have the strength to stand(to stand)
Oh, please help me up
The pressure's overwhelming(overwhelming)
Help me to stand(to stand...)
The music faded away. "I love you Gabriella Montez," Troy whispered as the audience applauded. "And I'm so proud of you."
"I love you, Troy," Gabriella replied with a gentle smile.
Despite the audience and Ms. Darbus and their friends, they allowed their lips to meet in a brief kiss. It was the beginning of an amazing relationship.
THE END
Now for the emotional speech...lol...I'd really like to thank all the wonderful people who read and reviewed this story(and the people who just read it)! I'd also like to thank songwriter iliveinadreamworld. iliveinadreamworld allowed me to use 3 of her songs for which I am forever grateful!! The two in this chapter were 'Stand' and 'Baby, We're Through'. You can find more of her songs on fictionpress(dot)com. I hope you enjoyed this story and will keep an eye out for my upcoming ones! Please Review!!