Martha Cox bit her lip as a different song began to filter through the radio while she drove to the funeral. This was one of the songs that she and Troy had been dancing to on the day that he had referenced in her yearbook.

Best wishes to the friend who helped me with my trig homework and my two-step. You've got the best of both worlds!

That evening with Troy was her favorite memory of him. When not even Gabriella and Taylor had been able to get the basketball boy to understand his trigonometry homework, they had shipped him to her for a fresh perspective on the work.

Martha had almost immediately figured out that it wasn't really the trig that was bothering Troy, but something else that was sidetracking his concentration. When she had asked him about it, he had admitted to being nervous about the "Twinkle Towne" callbacks.

"Even Sharpay is tearing me down about it." Troy despaired.

Martha didn't know Troy very well at that point, but, because everyone knew Sharpay, she rolled her eyes anyway as they sat across from each other in the Cox's living room. "Sharpay tearing someone down because of something that she doesn't like? Shocking."

"Yeah, but she likes me!" Troy shuddered and Martha smirked as he added, "Really likes me."

"Yes, but, until now, you haven't gotten in her way. Now you're just in the line of fire for her fury."

"I just don't know if it counts when she's right." Troy admitted darkly.

Martha raised an eyebrow. "Right about what?"

"I overheard her say something to Ryan yesterday about me not even being able to do a two-step. I don't even know what a two-step is!"

Martha's eyebrows drew together as she looked at the scene in front of her. The resident king of East High was feeling apart right before her eyes. Something had to be done, if for no other reason than Troy wouldn't be concentrating on trig until he'd figured out "Twinkle Towne."

"Alright," Martha said slowly, getting up from the couch. "Well, tonight I am your tutor, so I'll teach you."

Troy watched in confusion as she rearranged the furniture and put a CD into the CD player. After a moment, the instrumental music started and Martha stood in the middle of the room, expectantly watching Troy, who was just sitting on the couch, returning her stare apprehensively.

"Come on!" Martha demanded cheerfully. "The two-step is, like, the easiest thing ever."

"I don't know…" Troy said uncomfortably.

"Oh, come on! It's not like I'm trying to make a pass at you or anything. I don't want Gabriella to kill me. This is just me – the teacher – teaching you – the student – something that you apparently need to know."

Troy sighed with resignation and propelled himself up off of the blue couch. Martha grinned victoriously before placing her classmate's hands on her shoulder and waist and showing him the way to move to the music.

Despite herself, Martha grinned a little as she pulled into the funeral home parking lot. They'd had fun that evening, once Troy had loosened up, at least. Believe it or not, they had gotten studying done for trig; Troy had even made a B on the next test. And they had both gotten an unexpected – and far too short – friendship out of it.

This is a little longer than 500 words, I'm afraid. Please review and make my day! No need to be stingy with reviews, they're my fuel! Thanks!:)