- 5 -

It was quiet in the auditorium after she left. Troy mounted the steps to the stage and sat on the piano bench, thinking about their discussion. Unconsciously, he began to play, singing lightly. "We're soaring, flying…"

"There's not a star in heaven that we can't reach."

Troy spun around so quickly he nearly fell off the bench, and Sharpay laughed.

"I was surprised to see you here," she said, "but it looks like I surprised you too."

Troy had the grace to laugh at himself. "I wasn't expecting anyone else to be here. How do you like helping Ms. Darbus run the theatre department?" he asked.

"Oh, it's great," she replied, coming to sit next to him. "I've worked it out as an apprenticeship for my theatre class at college. I've always concentrated on the stage, but now I'm also learning about how much work really goes on behind the scenes. So, are you thinking about coming back to the stage?"

He automatically started to say no, then paused. "I'm not really sure any more. I just don't know what to do."

"Follow your heart," she replied.

"What?" He wasn't sure he'd heard her correctly, but she looked quite serious.

"Troy, in the theater you learn to observe people. I've known you for a long time, and I've seen you around campus this year. I can see that you're not happy and you're confused. That's because you're not following your heart. If you were doing what really matters to you, you wouldn't feel this way."

Troy had rarely heard Sharpay being so sincere - at least not when talking about something other than herself.

"College seems to agree with you," he commented.

Instead of taking offense, Sharpay nodded. "In high school I was impatient. I knew how good I could be and it was annoying being surrounded by people who didn't appreciate," she caught herself, "who weren't really interested in the theater. High school was a filler and it was slow. Now that I'm at college I'm actually working towards my goal. I'm stretching and learning my craft. I can see where I'm going." She gave one of her typical little shrugs. "I'm content because I'm doing what matters most to me." She looked straight at him. "I don't think you are. You need to follow your own advice." He just stared at her, confused and she gave him a don't-you-get-it push. "Get your head in the game, Troy."

"Wow, Sharpay," he replied, a little stunned. "I don't think I've ever heard you talk like that."

"Yeah, well, don't let it get around," she said more lightly, sounding - almost - like her old self. "I've got a rep to protect."

They stood and Troy impulsively gave her a hug.

"Thanks, Sharpay. You really helped me."

It was her turn to look surprised. "I did?" she reflected a moment. "Gee, that feels kinda - nice. Maybe I'll try it again sometime!"

They smiled at each other and went their separate ways. Troy headed for home. He had a lot of thinking to do.