- 2 -

Starting his first year of college took a lot of attention and Troy threw himself into it. Naturally, he and Chad had qualified for the basketball team. He purposely took harder classes than a freshman usually would, and between practice, games and studies he managed to fill most of his time. The Redhawks were a good team already, and with Chad, Troy and a couple of other former Wildcats joining them, they were soon well on their way to a conference championship. Troy impressed his professors as well with his hard work, earning good grades as he went.

He did not try out for any theater activities, even though Sharpay tried to talk him into it at the beginning of the year. She made it plain that she wanted to sing with him again, but he couldn't face the stage without Gabriella. Nor did he try dating, except in the occasional group. It didn't seem fair to go out with other girls when he knew he wasn't interested in them.

So went the first semester. Even though college wasn't far away, Troy and Chad had chosen to room together in the dorm so that they could have the full college experience. Now it was time for Christmas break, which would stretch into January until the second semester began, and they headed home.

Christmastime was full of festivities. Ryan and Sharpay held a big party and most of the class attended. Troy entered the country club a bit late, instantly scanning the crowd.

"She didn't come, man," Ryan said quietly, coming up next to him. "She sent her regrets…"

Troy turned away instinctively, but Ryan put a hand on his arm. "Don't leave."

"I don't need everyone's pity," Troy said angrily.

"No pity, Troy. They're your friends. We're your friends."

Troy looked at him and saw the understanding in his eyes. He glanced around. Nobody was staring at him. Everyone was partying and having fun. Suddenly Kelsey rushed up and flung her arms around him.

"Hoop-man!" she exclaimed happily. "It's so good to see you! C'mon and join the party!" She hooked one arm through his and joined hands with Ryan. Troy raised an eyebrow and they laughed.

"Yeah, we've kinda hooked up while we were at Julliard," Ryan admitted. He seemed a little anxious and Troy guessed that he was worried about their being together while he was there alone.

"Hey, that's great! You two make a good couple!" he said sincerely. "So, tell me all about life way back East."

Kelsey and Ryan began telling funny stories about their time at Julliard, and Troy responded with some of his own about school, particularly rooming with Chad.

The party was a huge success. Sharpay had taken charge of the decorations and the entire ballroom looked like a fairytale ice palace. Zeke, on break from the Culinary Institute of America (he loved telling people he was with the CIA), had insisted on baking a marvelous cake in the shape of the Wildcat logo. The DJ hired for the night occasionally slipped in songs recorded from the school musicals and no-one could resist singing and dancing along.

As the evening wore on Troy also caught up with Taylor about her life at Yale. She was a little homesick being so far from Albuquerque, but she loved her studies and was already active in school politics.

"So, what do you hear from Gabriella?" he had to ask her. Of everyone there, Taylor was the one person to whom he felt he could mention her. Taylor's smile slipped a little.

"Well…" she said, clearly trying to find the right words. "She's doing great in her classes."

Troy could hear the "but" in her tone. "And?" he prompted.

Taylor looked uncomfortable. "Look, Troy," she said. "This really isn't the time. Let's … let's meet for lunch. Then we can talk without having to shout at each other."

Troy didn't want to wait, but he saw the sense in her request. Tonight was a party night, time to have fun and catch up with friends. He set up a lunch date with her just before Chad spirited her away for a dance.

It was early in the morning when Troy dropped Chad off at his house and headed home. They'd had a great time and he was glad that he'd gone. It had been good to see so many of his friends and hear about what they were doing now. If only….