Chapter Twenty! OMG! I didn't think I would reach this point!

Ryan Evans watched as his sister glared at Troy and Gabriella from the opposite side of the room. He sighed, knowing why she was so mad at the ex-basketball player and the shy "geek".

"Shar, let it go. He doesn't like you anymore."

Sharpay whirled around to look at her brother, shock clearly visible on her face.

"What? How dare you say that? He still likes me. I know he does."

"But, Shar, he doesn't. He obviously likes Gabriella."

Sharpay glared at her twin.

"Don't you dare say that! What does he see in that geeky Montez girl anyway?"

"Obviously a lot. He quit the basketball team for her. She's not a bad person, Sharpay. Troy's been a better person since he met Gabriella. Don't ruin it for him. If you like him, like you say you do, let him go."

Sharpay fiddled with her hands, pondering what Ryan had just said.

"Wow. Who knew Ryan was smart?"

"Sharpay?"

Ryan was worried that he may have gone overboard and had angered his sister more than usual. He was surprised that he had actually stood up to his sister. Sharpay looked up at Ryan.

"Ry, I don't think I like Troy like that. I used him for status. We are the two most popular people in school. It seemed only right that we were together. I guess I just let it get to my head."

Ryan smiled and wrapped his arms around his younger twin.

"At least you see that Troy doesn't like you. Are you gonna apologize to them?"

Sharpay froze in her brother's arms.

"Apologize? Would I really bring myself down to that level? I do want to be friends with Troy. And Ryan's right: Gabriella isn't a bad person. Maybe I should try to apologize and become friends with them."

Sharpay pulled away from her brother, looking him in the eye.

"I think I will. They look happy together and I'm not going to get in the way of that."

Ryan smiled.

"I'm proud to call you my sister."

Sharpay smirked.

"I know."

Ryan rolled his eyes. Apparently, some things never change.

♪

Sharpay scanned the cafeteria, looking for Troy Bolton. When her eyes landed on him, she let out a small squeal and quickly made her way over to him. He was sitting with Gabriella, Taylor and Chad, laughing about something Chad had said.

"Troy, Can I talk to you for a sec?"

Everyone at the table looked up, surprised that the Ice Princess wanted to talk to Troy after what had happened just the day before.

"Uh, sure, I guess. I'll be right back, guys."

Troy got up and followed Sharpay to the corner of the cafeteria, feeling Gabriella's eyes on his back. He made sure that he was far enough from Sharpay that if she tried something, he would be able to move quickly.

"What is it, Sharpay?"

Sharpay started to get nervous and played with her jewel encrusted belt. Troy noticed her nervousness and became suspicious.

"Well, Troy, uh... I'm not very good at this. I've never done it before, but... uh... I'm really sorry for everything that I've done to you and Gabriella. You guys didn't deserve it. I know that. I guess I was just jealous that the most popular guy in school wasn't interested in me anymore. Actually, I don't think you ever were... but that's not the point. The point is... You and Gabriella belong together. I see it, Ryan sees it. I think everyone sees it. I want to start again, Troy. Can we be friends?"

Troy stood there, stunned and unable to move. He had expected anything from yelling, slapping, to a forced kiss, but this... this was something he never would have thought of.

"Uh... Well, Sharpay... I, um..."

Troy looked at Sharpay, trying to figure out if this was another one of her tricks. He saw the truthfulness and sincerity in her eyes.

"Sure, we can be friends. But no kissing! Absolutely none!"

Sharpay giggled.

"That's fine by me! Besides, Zeke asked me out to dinner this weekend. I think I'll go. He seems like a nice guy."

"He is. And I think he's liked you for some time now."

"Good to know. You better get back to your table. They keep looking over here. It was nice talking to you. And if you need anything, you know my number."

♪

Gabriella watched as Troy walked away with Sharpay. She felt a pang of jealousy when she saw Sharpay giggle about something Troy said.

"Maybe they're getting back together again."

Taylor noticed her friend's distraught face.

"Hey, Gabs. Cheer up. It's probably not how it seems."

Gabriella gave her friend a half-hearted smile.

"You're probably right."

Gabriella continued to stare at her lunch, not feeling hungry anymore.

"Why am I feeling like this? I know Troy doesn't like me that way! Why does it hurt to see him with another girl?"

Gabriella looked up to see Troy sitting back down, a large grin on his face. She pushed her tray towards Chad, knowing he would eat it.

"You're not hungry, Gabi?"

Gabriella looked at Troy and noticed the concern on his face.

"No, I had a big breakfast."

"Oh, okay."

Troy nodded his head, not fully believing her.

♪

Troy lay in his bed, thinking about Gabriella. She had been really distant with him since lunch and he couldn't place his finger on why.

"Did I say something wrong to her?"

Troy picked up the phone and dialed a number he hadn't in a long time. A bubbly voice answered on the third ring.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Sharpay."

♪

Okay, you can shoot me now.

Jay