This chapter describes why Ms. Darbus switched the dates. The excuse is kinda weak. I'm warning you now, no flames. I'll update soon.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Troy and Coach Make a Decision

Free Period, Music Room

Troy was pacing back and forth in front of the piano, Gabriella was watching him in despair, and Kelsi stammering a story about Ms. Darbus' sudden change of date.

"We-well, Ms. Darbus has this niece. Sh-she's giving birth to her second son two weeks from now and she wa-wants Ms. Darbus to be there for her daughter's birth."

"But she's known about the musical for months in advance," Troy said out of anger. He sat down next to Gabriella.

"Troy, you need to understand. Ms. Darbus missed the birth of her first son. She missed it because the show was on the same week and she didn't even bother to care about it. Sh-she regrets missing it," Kelsi explained.

Troy, sorry that he yelled at Kelsi over this, said, "I'm sorry Kelsi, I didn't know."

"It's alright. I found out this morning," she paused, "and I know how frustrated you guys must feel. What are you guys going to do?"

"I don't know," Gabriella said, "Troy?"

"Seriously, I don't know. I don't know what my dad's going to think."

Gabriella asked, "Should we even bother to practice?"

"Not today," Troy answered, "I'm heading to the balcony."

"Need some company?" Gabriella asked, concerned.

"No, I need to clear my head. Thanks for the offer though," Troy answered.

Troy left the room and headed to the gardened balcony.

Troy walked up to the balcony and felt the breeze blowing across his face.

"My secret hiding place," Troy said aloud to himself.

He overlooked the school grounds from up there.

Troy's dad, Coach Bolton, heard the news and wondered what Troy was going to do.

Coach Bolton walked into the music room and saw that Troy wasn't in there. "Gabriella, have you seen Troy anywhere?"

"Yeah, sir. He left to head to the garden on the balcony," Gabriella answered.

"Thank you, Gabriella."

Coach Bolton left the room and when to the balcony. He walked up the stairs and saw Troy sitting on a bench overlooking the school grounds, deep in thought.

"Troy, how ya doing, son?"

Troy was surprised to see his father at the garden. "Hi, dad. Just thinking."

"About the musical…" Troy's father started.

"Yea, I know dad. What should I do?"

"Troy, I want you to know that even though that basketball's our thing, I'll be proud of you no matter what."

"Yes, but dad. The rest of the team…"

"Troy, this isn't about the basketball game or the team. This is about you and what you wanna do," Troy's father said, sitting next to his son.

"Dad, I don't know if I should do the musical or the basketball game."

"Troy, what matters most to you? The basketball game or singing with Gabriella in the musical?"

Troy thought about it.

"Dad, if I did the musical, would you be angry with me?" Troy asked.

"No, Troy. If your heart in truly in the musical. I can't blame you. If you are a singer, then you are a singer," Coach Bolton told his son with truthfulness in his voice.

"And if I decided to do the basketball game, you would totally understand."

"Yes, son."

"Thanks, dad," Troy said, happy that his dad understood, "thanks so much."

The bell rang signaling the end of free period.

"Well, son. You better get to class," Coach Bolton said.

"Alright, dad. See ya at home."

Rushing down the stairs, Troy ran to his next class.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Did Troy make his decision? What about Gabriella? Catch in the next chapter named Confusion and Confessions.