Almost Paradise

Rating: T

A/N: Omg I'm so sorry I haven't posted in like forever. I actually thought this chapter had accidentally been deleted on my computer. I know it is a little short, but I hope you like it anyway.

Sharpay Evans had it all. The looks, the talent, and the boyfriend. Her life was perfect. Key word being was. Once the High School Musical franchise was over and her 3 year relationship with America's biggest teen heartthrob dissolved, things weren't so perfect anymore. It seemed to be that Sharpay Evans could only sell out an arena or be in a box office hit when she was next to Troy Bolton and the rest of the High School Musical cast. So when HSM3 made 90 million dollars and her next movie only made 30, it became clear that she was never the reason for the success of High School Musical. And the fact that HSM3 had featured a new girl didn't help either. Specifically, a new girl that was better. Gabriella Montez had stolen the spotlight right out of Sharpay's hands. Not purposely, it just happened. Gabriella was the better dancer, better singer, and a pretty damn good actress. And she was smart too. She knew how to work the media and how to have a successful career. So instead of doing a movie after HSM3 was over, one where she wouldn't even be the lead, she decided to pursue music instead. Her beauty, powerful voice, and amazing dance skills led to offers from every major record label, and gave her the opportunity to work with the best writers and producers. Yes, Sharpay was still famous, but not nearly as famous as Gabriella. While Gabriella was now starring in movies, Sharpay was starring in a television show on The CW. It quickly came to be that Gabriella Montez had everything Sharpay Evans did, except for one thing. Gabriella Montez had never been able to call Troy Bolton her boyfriend, and Sharpay was going to make sure that she never would. Considering Troy had promised Sharpay that he would never speak to Gabriella again, Sharpay never worried. But because of what her brother had just told her, she had a reason to worry.

"Wait, they offered Gabriella the role!" Sharpay screamed into the phone.

"Yes," Ryan mumbled.

"But…but…Ariel…I'm perfect for that part!" Sharpay exclaimed.

"Shar…the male lead is your ex-boyfriend," Ryan said in a 'duh' tone.

"I know but…"

"And come on Shar, even if they did, it's not like you would have the time to do it. You're just about to start shooting season 3," Ryan replied.

"I guess," Sharpay sighed.

"Look, I've got to go, but I'll talk to you later okay?"

"Okay." They said their goodbyes and hung up the phone. As soon as she did, she dialed another number.

"I'm assuming you heard," her ex-boyfriend answered.

"Ryan just told me," she replied coldly and he sighed.

"Look Sharpay, I had no idea they were even looking at her, let alone offered her the part.

I found out from Chad like 5 minutes ago. And don't blame this on her either, she doesn't even know I'm playing Ren," he replied.

"You're defending her, shocker," she replied sarcastically.

"What do you want from me Sharpay?" he sighed, confused.

"You promised you'd never talk to her again," she mumbled and he sighed.

"We're not together anymore Shar. You don't decide who I can and cannot talk to."

"I know, but it wasn't like things ended badly, I didn't think you would do something like this to me."

"You have nothing to do with this. Seriously Sharpay, is this really about the fact that I'm gonna be kissing or a girl that you hate, or are you just pissed that they offered her the part and not you," Troy asked and she sighed, making him realize that it was the latter.

"Sharpay, what makes you think that they would hire my ex girlfriend as my love interest?"

"I dunno, I just thought since I'm known as a singer/dancer/actress and since we have good chemistry…"

"Sharpay that was three years ago! Things are different now."

"Yeah, I guess so," she mumbled.

"Look, I'm sorry you feel this way Sharpay, but there's nothing you can do about it, and truthfully there isnt really anything I can do about it either."

"I know. Umm, so I'll talk to you later?"

"Yeah," he replied.

"Ok. Bye."

"Bye." They both hung up the phone and Troy looked at Chad.

"Well that was easier than I expected," Chad said.

"Yeah now here comes the real challenge."

Please Review!! I promise the next chapter will be up soon! I will tell you…it is the audition!!