Chapter 3

The mansion was big. Very big, Gabriella must admit. It would take her at least a week to get to any room without getting lost. Now she sat sandwiched between Taylor and Zeke who were eager to know everything about her.

Taylor: You mean you've never been anywhere else before except in your home country?

Gabriella: No, even though my father always offered me some opportunities I didn't really feel an urge to leave my home.

Chad: Well, after you've spent here some time, you'll be looking forward to being somewhere else for a while.

Taylor: Ugh, just stop it. It isn't so bad here.

Chad: That's not what I was implying, I-

Taylor: Wow, Chad! I didn't know you knew such a word!

Chad: Hey, now you stop it!

Zeke: Both of you, shut! I wonder where Shar and Troy are.

Chad: Probably somewhere fucking like rabbits.

Zeke glared at him, ready to kill him at any second.

Chad: Jeez, chillax, Zekey.

Zeke was still mad at him but backed off.

Chad: Well, then. Maybe recovering from fucking like rabbits.

Meanwhile Troy was sitting on a chair on the balcony in front of his bedroom, facing the horizon. Sharpay leaned on the door frame, silently watching his muscular back.

Sharpay: What do you think of her?

Troy: I think she'll be just a millstone round our necks.

Sharpay: Awww, why is Troy boy such an eenie meanie monster?

While she said that she walked towards him, tenderly caressing and massaging his shoulders.

Troy: I'm not an eenie meanie-whatever. I'm being serious and realistic. She's gonna be a clutz and she'll endanger our mission.

Sharpay: That's where you're absolutely wrong, Troy.

Now she stood in front of him. She climbed upon his lap, straddling him, caressing his cheek with her right cheek.

Sharpay: Gabriella is our mission. Gabriella is our key. Gabriella is our first priority. Why don't you come off your high horses and join us down here. I promise you, you're gonna have more fun.

Suddenly Sharpay was pressed against the wall, with her hands next to her face.

Troy: You should be faithful to Zeke, Shar. He's a good guy and brings out the best of you. Don't throw someone like him away just because you're attracted of me.

Sharpay: Again wrong, lover boy. I'm fully committed to my Zekey and even a love blind like you knows this. But hear me out. Gabriella is our protégé. By playing ice cold I hope YOU won't endanger our mission.

Mad at Troy for accusing her of being unfaithful to her soul mate, Sharpay stomped off to the others, leaving Troy alone by himself with his thoughts.

She's probably right but that doesn't mean I'm fully excited on playing babysitter for a little human girl who can't defend herself. Damn, why must destiny always be so hard on me?

With the others Zeke was on top of Chad, trying to skin him alive but of course Chad was as strong as him and so they wrestled on the floor.

Gabriella: Shouldn't we try to pull them away from each other?

Taylor: Don't worry, Gabi. That happened many times before. Anyway I think it's quite funny.

Gabriella: Oh dear god, please give me patience… or a wonder.

Sharpay entered the room and gasped loudly.

Sharpay: Zekey! What the heck are you doing with Chad?

Zeke: He started it! He said very nasty things about you… and Troy.

Sharpay: Awww, you were defending my dignity? How wonderful are you?

Suddenly she jumped into his arms, legs placed around his waist and they started making out fiercely. Slowly Zeke walks towards a door behind them. Before they were going to vanish completely Sharpay pulled away from her lover.

Sharpay: Oh and Chad! Don't think you're forgotten. This is NOT over yet. I'll be watching you.

Then she pushed Zeke into the room and locked it behind her.

Chad gulped and looked to Taylor and Gabriella.

Taylor: I told you before that mouth of yours will cause you always trouble.

Chad: You're right, as always hun. But you know that's how I got ya, right?

Taylor: Right.

Gabriella: Guys, if you don't mind me asking but… Jack told me before you're his kids and… you're brothers and sisters?

Taylor: Oh, you mean you think because we…and…

Gabriella nodded and bit her lip like she always does when she was nervous or extremely curious.

Chad: What? I don't get it…

Taylor: She refers to us or Sharpay and Zeke being a couple even though we are "siblings". No, Gabi, you've got it all wrong. All of us, except Troy, are adopted by Lucille and Jack.

Gabriella: Oh, wow. That makes sense now. Phew and I thought you guys were crazy because you're dating. No offence.

Both: None taken.

Gabriella: Well, I guess I'll go to my room now.

Chad: You'll find it by your own?

Gabriella: I hope so. Bye guys.

Both: Bye.

Gabriella went out of the room, through the long corridor towards the hallway. There she went up the stairs and went through another corridor. A door was left ajar. Curiosity got the best of her and she peeked in. There stood Troy, shirtless. His chest and abs were a wonderful sight. Perfectly sculpted, smooth, invitingly. Then he turned around. His back was muscular and tense but Gabriella gasped when she saw a big red scar which went from his right shoulder blade to the middle of his spine. A mistake. Troy's head jerked into her direction and before she knew it he stood right in front of her, the door wide open in his hand, glaring at the intruder.

Gabriella: I-I-

Troy: Firstly, YOU have no right to spy on me. Second, it's rude to stare, especially when that someone doesn't know that he's being stared at and third…

He leaned slowly in, staring intensely into her eyes. Gabriella didn't know what to do, what to say, what to think. She was mesmerized by his pure blue orbs. But his ice cold stare intimidated her, so she backed away as slowly as he leaned in.

Troy:… don't you ever dare asking about my scar. Everything clear?

Gabriella: Yes, everything clear. But Troy, I really didn't…I'm sorry that-

Troy: Don't give me any of you excuses, Gabriella. I don't wanna hear them. Now, will you please leave?

Gabriella: Uhm, yeah. Of course.

She stepped back a few steps, looked up and wanted to wish him a good day, but he already slammed the door in her face. Gabriella let out a breath she didn't know she held in. Troy wasn't as cheery or friendly as the others. Was it because of her or was he just like that? Rough, insensitive and…a jerk? She needed to find out.