Best of Both Worlds
By: lol925
Disclaimer: I sadly do not own High School Musical.
Dedicated: To my readers, reviewers, friends, family, and Rachael for her continued support for my writing.
A/n: The story will be told from Gabriella's POV, but it will be told in present tense. Since the story takes course over a whole year, I will do entries from her life with one or two chapters in a month. I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciated your reviews no matter how simple, because getting reviews are a special treat that I value. Now, I've rambled enough, so here is the chapter!
September 19th, Choir Concert, LA California
"Mom, I'm really nervous! What if I'm so bad that people start to laugh at me," I rambled nervously.
"Sweetie, you'll be fine! You have a beautiful voice and you're a wonderful singer. Everything will be fine Gabriella," my mom reassured me.
"If you say so. Well, I need to get on stage," I replied. I got on stage where everyone had gathered. It was our first convert of the year and I had a solo. A few minutes later, the program began. We sang several songs and my solo was near the end. When it was time, I got off the risers and grabbed a microphone. My mom smiled at me and I sang to my heart's content. At the end, I got whistles and a lot of applause. The curtain closed and everyone congratulated me.
I walked out to my mom and she game me a big hug. "You were amazing! I am so proud of you," she exclaimed.
"Thanks mom. I'm going to go talk to my choir director. I'll be right back," I said.
I started to walk off to my director when I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see a man about my mother's age. He was very tall and skinny, but I had no idea who he was.
"You're Gabriella Montez right? Your performance was great. I'd like to have a word with you," he said.
He led me out of the crowd to the entrance. "Hi, my name is Benjamin Bortega and I work for Virgin Records. Your performance was amazing. I know this may sound surprising, but I think you have what it takes to become the next Kelly Clarkson. You could make it into the big leagues. I can't guarantee anything, but I can set you up with an audition with my boss. Think it over and here's my business card. Do you have any questions?" he explained.
"All I can say is I can't believe it! This is so cool! You didn't happen to come here to find a pop star did you?" I squealed.
"No, my niece is in the choir. Well, I have to go, but if you are interested call me for information," he responded and walked away leaving me in awe. All of a sudden, my mom came up to me.
"Gabriella, where did you go? I've been looking for you. What happened?" she asked when she saw the look on my face.
"A miracle just happened. I'll tell you at home, let's go," I said and we walked to the car. The ride was silent. When we got home, I sat down at the table with my mom. I put his card on the table. I explained everything. My mom was so excited.
"My daughter is going to be a superstar. Who would've imagined that?" she laughed.
"I'm going to call him tomorrow, but I'm tired now, so I'm going to sleep. Goodnight mom," I remarked. I walked upstairs and changed into my pajamas. I went to bed that night with thoughts of singing and Mr. Bortega. The next morning I slept in, because we got a day off from school.
I got up, brushed my teeth, took a shower, and got dressed. I went down to get some breakfast. I got a note from my mom saying she'd be home early. She also reminded me to call Mr. Bortega. I ate my cereal quickly. When I was done, I got out the business card and dialed shakily.
"Hi, you've reached Benjamin Bortega's office. How may I help you?" a cheery voice, probably his secretary said over the line.
"Hi, this is Gabriella Montez. I was wondering if I could schedule an appointment with Mr. Bortega," I replied.
"Of course, please hold," she responded. Two minutes later, she got back on the line. "Mr. Bortega is free to see you at 4:30 if that is all right."
Next, I called my mother. "Hey mom, are you going to home by 4:30? That's when my appointment is," I said.
"I'll be home by 4 o'clock. Of course I'm going, not just to drive you, but to support you," she answered.
"Thanks mom, I'll let you go, since you have to work. See you at 4," I said and hung up. Now what would I do with the next 6 hours? Should I tell my friends about it? No, I would wait to see what happened. I decided to prepare some songs just in care I needed to. Then, I watched TV, finished my homework, and killed time.
Finally, my mom came home. "Mom I map quested the directions and it's 10 minutes away, so we can leave in 15 minutes. I'm going to go chance," I informed her. I ran to my room and flipped through my clothes. Did I want to look professional or like a diva? Truth be told, I didn't have anything extremely fashionable, so I was always labeled a nerd. I decided to wear something nice, which was a long jean skirt and a nice blouse. I let my curls lay loose.
I ran downstairs to see my mom ready to go. "You look very nice Gabi," she complimented.
"Thanks mom, now let's go," I said. The car ride was quiet with my mom making occasional small talk, but I was too nervous. When we got there, I went to the front desk.
"Hi, I'm looking for Benjamin Bortega's office," I said.
"He is on the 5th floor. When you enter the floor go to the left of the desk, turn left in the hallway, and he is the 1st door on the right in room 503," she described.
I walked to the elevator with my mom in tow. I followed the girl's directions and knocked on the door. Mr. Bortega opened it.
"Ah, it's Gabriella and Mrs. Montez. Come in and make yourselves at home," he greeted.
"Hi, my name is Anna Hernandez. I am Gabriella's mother, but the name difference is due to divorce," my mom explained as she shook his hand. We both sat down.
"As I said before, I got you an audition with my boss Phil Forden. I am in charge of marketing whereas he actually works with the stars more so, manages contracts, and that business, so your fate is in his hands. I know that I didn't ask you to, but did you prepare any songs?" Mr. Bortega said.
"Yes I did," I replied as MR. Forden walked in.
"Sorry I'm late Ben, but after this I have to jet off. My day is so busy and I've never done an audition with these circumstances. Anyway, show me what you got kid," he said.
"Okay I memorized My Love by Justin Timberlake, Say it Right by Nelly Furtado, and Because of You by Kelly Clarkson," I told them. Then I sang better than I ever had before and I put personality in it.
My mom, Mr. Forden, and Mr. Bortega were applauding me and I sat down. "Gabriella that was fantastic! I'm not going to ask you to demonstrate, but do you have any experience with dancing?" Mr. Forden asked.
"I have been taking ballet since I was 6 and I started hip hop classes 2 years ago," I responded.
"Where have you been my whole life? I am not even going to do the formal we'll call you. If you're interested, Virgin Records would love to sign a contract with you. This is a huge decision so please take it home with you and tell us your answer. Well, I have to go, but it was an absolute pleasure meeting you," Mr. Forden said as he left.
"You've worked a spell on old Phil. I've never seen him so taken by someone's singing. Well I have a meeting to go to, but I'll be awaiting your call," Mr. Bortega said as he saw us to the door. As we left the building, my mom and I were on cloud nine. When I got to the car, it hit me.
"Mom, if I become a singer I'll never get to hang out with my friends anymore. I couldn't go out in public with fear of being seen. There would be fame, but I wouldn't have a life!" I exclaimed.
"Gabi, I can't make this decision for you, but whatever you choose I will be there for you. I know you'll do the right thing," she soothed. We were at home by then and I decided to call my dad.
"Hey dad, how are you?" I greeted.
"Hi sweetie, I'm fine. What are you up to?" he asked.
"A lot dad, you just won't believe it!" I declared.
"Let me guess, the cutest boy in school asked you to go out with him and he is the snobby head cheerleader's crush!" he gushed trying to imitate me. My dad can be so funny sometimes even if he is somewhat lame.
"No, this is even better than that. At my choir concert, a man from Virgin Records came up to me and offered me an audition. At the audition, his boss thought I was great, so if I accept I'll be a famous singer. Although, I can't hang out with my friends or have a normal life," I rambled.
"Gabriella I always knew you'd do great things. I know this a lot to take in, but you'll do the right thing. Just know I am very proud of you. My boss is calling me so I have to go, but I'll talk to you about this later bye!" he said.
"Bye dad," I said and hung up. I plunked myself on the couch while my mom made dinner. I turned on the TV and put the channel on Disney. Some would say I'm too old for Disney, but I love it. Hannah Montana was on and it was the first episode. I had watched it so many times, but it was my favorite episode. I laughed as Johnny thought the catsup was moisturizer.
Then it hit me. I was definitely going to be a pop star, but I was going to make a TV show a living reality. Some would know, but other who were close to me would have no idea. I hoped that Mr. Forden would accept my plan. If he does accept, hello to superstardom!
I hope you liked it. That took forever to type. My parents kept interrupting me and telling me to get off the computer! Let me know what you think of the chapter. I also want to know if anyone knows why I picked the names Phil Forden and Benjamin Bortega. Can't wait for the reviews!