A/n: this takes place in the end of september... Italics denote characters thoughts

After the drama Sharpay caused over the summer, Troy and Gabriella are stronger than ever and Sharpay is all alone. Join the gang as they venture through homecoming, semi, heart breaks, the two plays, prom, and graduation… plus all the stress of college. Troyella, Chaylor, Ryelsi, SarpayxOC.

Chapter 2: A Past Hurt

Gabriella and Taylor were walking out of AP Biology reading through their notes and stating things they could've perfected.

"I knew it, Gab!" Taylor shrieked..."Number thirty was a trick question! There was no way to answer that without -HEY!" she yelled as Chad grabbed the book they were pouring over and threatened to throw it down three flights of stairs, Taylor was doing a poor job of trying to get it back, so she decided to hit him.

"Jesus, Tay! What Are yo- Ow!" Chad put his arms over his head for defense, dropping his basketball...they both noticed it..."Don't EVEN think about it!" He yelled throwing the book and running down the steps after his most prized possession. Taylor walked back to Gabriella, opened to her page and smiled "Works every time."

Gabriella laughed but wasnt paying much attention, she was too absorbed in her biology book..."Taylor, how are we going to go for first and second in the class if I've just kicked myself out of the running."

"Oh, please, Gab! You probably got a 100!" Taylor smiled but Gabriella shrugged...

"I hate testing because people skip school purposely to get an extra day on the test and to get the answers from their friends... so we won't even find out tomorrow." she mumbled extremely fast. "what time is decatha-...what?" she was interrupted at her locker by Troy, who was chuckling to himself.

"You care way to much."

"Not anymore than you do about basketball.." she retorted absentmindedly, attempting to get her lunch but Troy stopped her by blocking her locker with his arm.

"Gab...are you okay?" She nodded but didn't look him in the eyes. so he picked up her chin and asked again..."Gabriella, what's wrong?" she looked at him and he swore he saw a tear in her brown, now sad eyes...

"not here..."

"Okay... we'll eat in our spot." she smiled at him for the first time all day, which caused him to smile.."I'd like that."

IN THEIR SPOT

Troy and Gabriella ate their lunches as they usually did... Gabriella with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and chocolate milk...she loved the simple things and he loved that about her... he had leftover pasta with an energy drink.

Troy's POV

Gab's acting normal again. Thank God.. I was really getting worried about her in the hall. Maybe here and now is a good to ask.

"Hey... what's... um... are you okay today?" I asked cautiously, not wanting her to cry again. "If you think your bio test went bad, we'll compare scores and I'm in regular.. so.." she smiled which was a good sign.. "seriously Gab.. if you think it went that badly.. just talk to Mr. Grey."

"It wasn't the test, Troy..." she began, looking at me to see if I really wanted to know... I nodded and I was ready to listen. "Okay... well, things have been awkward lately... everything..."she stopped again and looked at my face, is she breaking up with me? ."you know how its just my mom and me? ... well that's it.. he...my dad's gone ten whole years today.." she broke off, tears streaming down her face... I just hugged her, unsure of whatelse to do.. my dad gets to be a little much sometimes.. but he's with me... more than I want him to be.. I guess in a weird way I'm kinda lucky...

"sorry, Troy... but thanks for listening.." she said, wiping away her tears..

"Gabriella... you know its no problem..." I replied leaning in to kiss her, which she returned, breaking away from it smiling.

"So.."I began,trying to supress my grin..."the back to school carnival's this weekend... wanna go with me?"

END POV

Gabriella's POV

"Of course Troy... maybe it will get my mind of some things." I smiled, I know it sounds kindof corny.. but he's wonderful... really selfless and always there when I need him.. his only audible response was "awesome" but he was smiling so widely and his beautiful blue eyes were shining...

WARNING BELL RINGS!

Of course.. "Oh.. okay, well talk to you after class.." I said, gladly accepting his offered hand

We walked to class, hand in hand and we were too lost in conversation to notice any looks or anyone making fun... we were in our own world... like kindergarten.

small A/N: what do you think?? CAN I HAVE 1 REVIEW please? the next chapter will be titled

"Chapter 3: The Carnival/ The Drama Begins" ...

thanks! onholiday