Troy's POV

I boxed up all of it, I couldn't stand to look at it any longer, I was already on the verge of breaking down, then I saw the book. It was a journal. Gabriella gave it to me for my birthday once, (AN: I think that was in another one of my stories, but w.e) I never used it, but she had written a note on the front page. I left the book sitting on my nightstand and finished cleaning my closet, it was getting close to 6, so I needed to start getting ready for school.

I grabbed my messenger bag and put in my lyrics book and the journal among my other school stuff. I sighed remembering that I only had one completed song, and another song that I was still working on in my lyrics book. I figured if I had some time, then I would merge the lyrics into my journal. I figured I would have plenty of time. I left the house around 6:45, my dad leaves everyday at 6, so I would drive myself as usual. I found a parking space and locked the car as I walked towards the school. I still had 5 minutes until I needed to be in the locker room changing so I decided to go for a smoke. I sat down under a tree and lit up a cigarette. I took a deep drag in and then breathed it out slowly. I pulled out the lyrics I was working on, I reread them several times, and then I had an idea. But instead, I began copying the lyrics into the journal. I began to scribble down what I had thought, so far, I had the first verse, the bridge, and the chorus.

"Take me away,

With your wings high above.

For mine have long been taken

As collateral.

My soul leaks from the end of my pen,

Like something that won't stop flowin'

Away.

You, save me from myself.

But you, can never erase that

Image from my mind

Of you leaving me behind."

I looked at my watch, "Oh shit," I said packing up my stuff, I was five minutes late. I took another long drag, put out the cigarette and breathed out the smoke as I ran indoors.

"Where have you been?" coach growled as I hustled into the gym, ten minutes late, changed. "I, uh, woke up late" I said quietly. He glared, "Then why is it that you smell of cigarettes Troy? Didn't you tell me you quit?" he said with more than a hint of accusation in his voice. "I passed by someone smoking when I entered the school" I said thinking quickly, "Ten laps, all of you" we stood there for a second, "NOW!"

After finishing a practice of torture, I saw Gabriella for the first time since the party. I could've sworn that she saw me, but it didn't seem like she did. This totally ruined my day, I couldn't concentrate, I could only think of Gabriella, what else is new?

Short Chapter, I know, kinda a filler chapter. But I need some time to think of the next issue. Review!!