Chapter 18: Going to Different Colleges

2 years later, Graduation Day

It was after the graduation ceremony and everyone was hugging their friends goodbye before summer starts and before everyone leaves for college. Troy, Chad, and Jason got accepted to UCLA. Taylor and Gabriella got accepted at Stanford. Sharpay, Kelsi, and Ryan got accepted at NYU. Zeke got accepted at USC. They were all going to different colleges, so they wanted his moment to last.

Troy was acting weird a couple of weeks and Gabriella was worried. Chad noticed and he knew why. Taylor got suspicious and asked Chad. Of course as his girlfriend, he told her. Taylor didn't want any friendship to get ruined so she kept quiet.

Near the end of their gathering, the gang decided to meet up at Sharpay's house for a sleepover to celebrate graduation and summer. They all went back to their houses to get their stuff. Chad already got ready so all he had to do is pick it up and his house. He followed Troy to his house and decided to talk him out of making his biggest regret.

"Dude you're going to make the biggest mistake of your life," Chad said, looking at Troy through his doorway when Troy's getting ready.

"I have to do this. We're going to different colleges, so it's going to be hard to see each other."

"She's in the same state as you for heaven's sake."

"So? We live a day's drive away from each other."

"If you break up with her, you'll not only feel guilty, you'll lose the love of your life."

"How is she the love of my life?"

"Ok, you first liked her when you were five years old. Ten years later, she comes back into your life and goes out with you. You guys are destined to be together. God has given you a chance to fall in love with her and you're not taking it."

"Whatever. I've made my decision okay?"

"Don't regret this if you break her heart."

"I won't" Troy throws his backpack over his shoulders and walked out the door. Chad follows him into his car and drives to Chad's house to pick up his stuff and drives straight to Sharpay's mansion.

Chad and Troy rang the doorbell and Taylor got the door.

"Hi hon." Taylor kissed Chad on the cheek. She gave Troy a don't-you-go-breaking-hearts look. Troy looked at her confused. He doesn't know that she knows. Troy rolled his eyes and walked in. Chad follows in and grabs Taylor in. They all see the rest of the gang there.

"Hey Troy. Hey Chad. C'mon we're playing truth or dare," Sharpay said, motioning them to come over. The guys did what they were told. Taylor took a seat next to Gabriella and Chad took a seat next to Taylor. Troy took a seat next to Jason. Gabriella gave Taylor a confused look, but Taylor didn't notice.

"Okay it's Ryan's turn. Pick someone," Kelsi said.

"Chad, truth or dare?" Ryan asked.

"Truth." Taylor cough 'chicken'.

"Do you still play with dolls?" Chad's eyes grew wide.

"Why are you wasting your question on an obvious question?" Sharpay said. Chad glared at her.

"I guess we all know the answer. Chad, your turn." Chad looked around and saw Troy looking up at the ceiling.

"Troy," Troy looked at had, "truth or dare?"

"Dare," he said. Chad couldn't think of anything, so he asked Taylor. She thought of an excellent one, but she knew it would break her best friend's heart.

"I dare you to tell Gabriella the truth. Tell her why you're acting so weird these couple of weeks." Troy's eyes went wide open and everyone looked toward Troy. Troy didn't know what to say.

"Troy, what's wrong?" Gabriella asked. Troy looked at her.

"Troy, is everything alright?" Jason asked. Troy just got up and took Gabriella by the hand. He turned to Chad.

"I'm going to do the dare, so don't follow us." Troy led Gabriella outside. Everyone got up and walked toward the backyard doors and eavesdropped.

"What's wrong with you these couple of days Troy?" Gabriella asked after an awkward silence between them.

Troy waited a few seconds and the four eavesdroppers were getting restless. "Gabi, I think we should break up."

"Why?"

"We're not going to see each other anymore, so it's best that we split up and see other people."

"You don't like long distance relationships huh?"

"I've never been in one, so I'm not gonna try."

"I don't like them either. But Sharpay convinced me not to. Taylor kept quiet; I guess she knew." The three of them were looking at Taylor; she didn't notice.

"So you're not mad?"

"I'm not mad. I'm sad, but not mad."

"Good. We could be friends and keep in contact right?"

"Yeah. I just hope I don't get into depression."

Troy laughed, thinking it's impossible for Gabriella to go into depression. "Can I get a friendly hug then?"

"Sure." Gabriella walked over to Troy and hugged him. They hugged like it was the last time they would ever hug.

None of the six knew that this whole breakup would change their lives.

A/N: That's it for the first in the series. Look at the next chapter for a little preview for the sequel.