What Do You Want From Me

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Chapter Five: Coach Bolton

Troy had made his decision. He was gonna get up today, and he was gonna go to school, like it was any other day. Sure, it wasn't. A lot had changed, and he couldn't deny that, but... He needed to move on. He needed to get on with his life. His father was buried, and he wasn't coming back. Troy knew his dad wouldn't want him to sulk around forever. He was gonna move on, and he was gonna be strong about it.

His mother had been bothering him for days about getting off of his butt, and start anew. He kept brushing her off at first, telling her to leave him alone, because he didn't want to go back there; he didn't want to see their sorry faces, and have Gabriella on his back all day long, with her bad advises. He didn't want to see Sharpay in the eye, after the way he treated her the other day, and then he'd ignored her at the funeral too. He kinda wanted to see Chad again, since his friend knew how to take his mind off of stuff.

So he'd finally decided to it, and was now sitting in his car, watching the double doors to East High School. He really wanted to turn around now, but he couldn't be a wimp. He had to do it someday, and people were starting to stare at the car (without wanting him to notice they were staring), and it was looking rather stupid.

He took in a deep breath, and opened the car door. He got out of the car, grabbed his backpack, and smacked the door behind him. He made his way across the parking lot, and up the path, before entering the building. Everyone he passed on his way, watching him curiously. He shrugged all the looks off, and proceeded to his locker, getting every each of his books out, so he didn't have to go back there and give them all an opportunity to watch him with their hungry eyes.

Before he managed to get to homeroom, Sharpay had grabbed half of his books, to ease his load, and was walking beside him. Her high heels were clicking against the floor, but he didn't say anything, and he didn't tell her to leave. He didn't really mind her company, because she wasn't just watching. She wasn't acting as if he had some evil disease. She was just there, giving him someone to walk by, so he didn't feel so alone. And he didn't want to upset her; he still felt bad about what happened last time.

She plumped his books onto his desk, and he placed the ones he was carrying himself, on top of those. He quickly sat down, glad that no one else had arrived yet, since he was going in there quite early. Sharpay stood before him, leaning herself against his huge pile of books.

"Hi." She smiled, shooting him that cute smile she held. He hadn't really noticed it before, when she was still a bitch, but after she seemed to care so much for him and his well-being. He started to notice all those cute things she did, and had.

"Hi." He replied, and locked eyes with her.

She swallowed, "It's nice to have you back at school, Troy. Maybe things will start to get more normal. I really hope they will. The team has been… lost."

He nodded, not really knowing what to reply. She was so wise at times. She just… spoke. She told him about stuff. She didn't talk much about his father, or how he was anymore, she just told him about everything that was going on; everything happening there. How the others were doing.

"Gabriella really missed you." she continued, "Of course we missed you too, but she… well, she's Gabriella, so she was very worked up about it."

"I gotta speak to her." Troy said, with a sigh, "I've missed her, I really need to see everyone again."

Sharpay opened her mouth to reply, but then Chad, Taylor and Gabriella burst into the classroom, before she managed to get a sound out. Chad shot her a look, but didn't say anything; Taylor did though.

"Sharpay, hey…" she said, "What are you doing?" she questioned, probably suspicious about Sharpay's intentions or something. Taylor never was easy to trick – not that Sharpay was trying to trick anyone.

"I was just talking to Troy…" Sharpay replied, but by her face, she took a step back, "I'll just go now.." she waved at Troy, before leaving the classroom, to let them be.

"Troy!" Gabriella broke the silence, and wrapped her arms around him, "How are you? Are you doing better? I haven't heard from you since the funeral."

"I just needed space, Gab.." Troy told her, and tried to get her off of him, without hurting her feelings – it worked, "But I'm back now; ready to move on."

"That's great!" Chad said, and jumped onto a desk, to sit down, "We can get the team up and about again, we've really needed you. The new Coach is great as well."

"Cool," Troy replied, not wanting to hear more about a 'new' Coach.

"…not that he's as great as your father, of course." Chad quickly added, not wanting to upset Troy, by mentioning his father – that was kinda harsh right now. He didn't know how sensitive Troy was about his father, still. It could have gotten a lot better, but he couldn't know if it had.

"I know, Chad.." Troy said, resisting to roll his eyes, "It's alright to mention him, you know. We need to go on, and a new Coach is cool. Maybe he can teach us new things."

"Yeah, the thing is, it's just your-"

Chad was cut off by Jason and Zeke, who both rushed into the classroom, and padded Troy on the arms.

"Hey dude!" Zeke exclaimed, shooting him a huge grin, "What's up? Feeling better?"

"Yeah, totally." Troy smiled, and hit Jason lightly across the arm, all buddy-buddy.

"Great, dude." Jason smiled, "We really need to work on the team-play."

"I'm here after school; ready to practice." Troy smiled.

Just then the first bell rang, and people started streaming into the classroom. Gabriella kissed his cheek, and hugged him tightly, before she had to go back to her seat. Troy saw Sharpay come into the classroom, above her shoulder, and winked at her.

She smiled back, and gave him thumbs-up. He didn't know why, but he felt like he was getting to know the so-called Ice Princess better. And she wasn't that icy. She was pretty sweet, and pretty caring…

And he absolutely started to care for her.

--

"TROY!" a voice known as Chad yelled, making Troy come to a halt and others to turn their heads.

He turned and gave a small grin, "Hey man."

Chad gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Ready for practice dude?"

Troy shrugged…he had actually been dreading it. Just the thought of being coached by a different coach that wasn't his dad just didn't sound appealing to him at all.

"Uh, yeah."

"Cool," Chad said, lapsing into silence. He had a feeling that Troy really didn't want to go into this subject so he laid off and decided to start a new one.

"So, how are things with Gabriella?"

Troy shrugged again, "All right. Not much really happening."

"Well dude! Make something happen then!" Chad grinned and winked at him.

Troy shook his head, hitting Chad on the shoulder, "Not what I meant man."

Chad laughed, "Yeah I know. Just trying to lighten up the mood."

Troy gave him a tiny smile, "Well thanks I guess. But uh, how are things with you and Taylor?"

Chad smiled even wider, if that was possible, "Great! I got a date with her this Friday. Can't wait!"

"Awesome dude, what are you guys doing?"

Chad shrugged, "Going to see some chick flick movie. I forget which one though…"

Troy laughed, "Smooth."

"Oh well. I don't think we'll even be watching the movie, if you know what I mean," he nudged Troy.

Troy shook his head, "Wow dude, just wow."

Chad raised his eyebrow, "What?"

"Nothing."

Chad just shrugged and the two grew quiet again. It wasn't long before they finally made it to the locker room. When they stepped in, the rest of the team immediately greeted them, well Troy mostly. Slapping him on the back and giving him high fives.

"Hey guys!"

"Troy! Welcome back!"

Troy grinned, "Thanks guys. How've you been?"

Jason put a hand on Troy's shoulder, "Naw dude, the question is: How have you been?"

Troy looked away and shrugged, "Oh, uh, I've been good…" He felt completely awkward now.

"Guys, back off of Troy. He just got here. Now go get dressed. We have practice we need to attend to!" Zeke yelled, trying to get Troy out of an uncomfortable position. He could tell he was uncomfortable just by the look on his face. Everyone else clearly did not see it. Zeke however, did.

Troy looked over at him gratefully and Zeke nodded at him, smiling.

"Fine, fine Zeke. Sheesh, keep your panties on," Chad said, patting Zeke on the back.

Zeke just shook his head at him and walked away, everyone else followed suite.

Troy took out his clothes out of his locker and got dressed. Chad did the same and the two walked out together, towards the gym.

"So, uh who's the new coach this year?" Troy asked, though he really didn't want to know. Just being here was hard enough on him. Painful memories threatened to overtake him but he forced them out of his mind. He couldn't break down in front of Chad. That would be humiliating, horrible.

He tried keeping his mind focused on other things. Things that didn't involve his dad, which was rather hard because the memory of him, was everywhere in this school. Troy focused ahead of them; Chad opened the gym doors and said:

"His name is Coach Bolton, dude I've been meaning to ask you, are you related to a Robert Bolton? Cause I found it quite odd that he had the same last name as you."

Troy gasped and his eyes grew wide, "Are you kidding me? My uncle is the new coach?"

Chad nodded, though he was shocked too, "He's your uncle?? Wicked cool man. He's awesome."

"Wicked cool? Wow, I'm guessing new word in your vocabulary?" Troy asked, nudging Chad lightly.

Chad laughed, "Hah, yeah I guess. But dude, it's so cool you're related to him. The guy is way nice."

Troy laughed, "Sounds like you developed a man crush on him Chad."

Chad looked offended, "I have not! I just like the guy okay."

Troy shook his head, "Whatever man. I can't believe my uncle is coaching. I didn't even know he liked basketball."

Chad chuckled, the two of them walked over to the bleachers, where a few of the other guys were, talking.

"Well I guess he does. He is coaching after all."

"Yeah. I seem to find new things I didn't know about him everyday. It's crazy."

Chad laughed, "Yeah. Oh! I forgot to tell you!"

"What?" Troy asked, curious.

"Gabriella told me to tell you, to meet her at your secret spot or something after practice. Apparently she had to stay after school for something and yeah."

Troy nodded, "Oh. Okay. Cool."

Troy and Chad sat down on the bleachers. It wasn't long before the other team-mates showed up and everyone stood up, waiting for the coach, aka Robert.

"Troy! Dude, are you related to Coach Bolton? Cause he had the same last name as you," Jason asked, coming up to them. The rest of the team was curious too and turned to them, wanting to hear what Troy had to say.

"Yeah Jason, we already established that. Duh," Chad said, cutting Troy off, "he's Troy's uncle!"

Jason raised his eyebrow at him, "Oooh, established, big word Chad. Good job."

Chad rolled his eyes and shoved Jason, "Shut up dude. I do know somethings you know."

Jason shook his head, "Yeah, yeah, so Troy, he's your uncle? That's pretty cool."

"Yeah, I had no idea he was coaching the team, I guess that explains all the time he's not at home."

Everyone laughed, but then the double doors flew open and in cam Robert Bolton himself, smiling.

"Hey guys! How's it going? Ready for practice?"

"YEAH!" everyone screamed.

Troy came forward and said, "Uncle Robert, I didn't know you were coaching the team!"

Troy moved to give Robert a 'manly' hug though he was shoved away, "Yeah, yeah. It's Coach Bolton to you Bolton. Now everyone ten suicides and then uh, a practice game or something."

Troy had to keep his balance from falling to the floor. He shrugged at Chad, who was giving him a strange look. Troy felt confused at the way Robert was acting but shrugged it off, not really giving it any thought.

The team started the suicides. They went back and forth, touching the ground before starting back up again. Troy felt his muscles strengthen and beads of sweat pouring down his face. He felt like he was back to his normal self. Or close enough.

"Bolton, you're going too slow! Go faster!" His uncle yelled, causing Troy to knit his eyebrows in confusion. He was on his sixth suicide, a few other guys were on their fourth or fifth. He thought he was going fast enough. But, taking his uncle's advice, he worked to move faster.

"Not fast enough Bolton! I swear, am I going to have to give you more suicides?"

Even the rest of the team thought Robert was being a bit harsh. Troy was going faster then all of them. They knew he was moving up to his eighth suicide now. What was going on?

Chad threw Troy a worried look as they passed each other. Chad was on his sixth suicide. He didn't understand what the coach was talking about. Troy was definitely going fast enough! Hell, he looked like he was about to pass out!

Coach Bolton shook his head at Troy. Honestly, he was such an embarrassment. Why did he have to have such a horrible nephew? One that was just like Jack? One that succeeded in almost everything he tried at? Robert was determined, to break Troy down. To show him what it's like to finally be at the bottom.

"OkayTroy, ten more suicides! God you're embarrassing," Robert whispered the last part out loud, however, Zeke who just happened to run by him, heard him. He raised his eyebrow at the coach and shook his head. He didn't have a clue as to what was going on. How could Troy possibly be an embarrassment?

Troy, stopped this time, completely outraged, he was going faster damn it! What more did the coach want from him?

"What? But Coach, I was going faster! How much faster do you want me to go?" He yelled.

Robert raised his eyebrow at him. So the kid decided to talk back? Now Robert was really pissed.

"Do you want me to move it to fifteen suicides? Because I seriously can, if you keeping going on like this."

"But Coach, he was running faster! He was ahead of us by like two suicides!" Chad yelled, trying to defend his friend. He didn't know what the coach's problem was, all of a sudden. He wasn't like this at all before Troy was here. He was completely nice and friendly. Chad just didn't get it and neither did the rest of the team.

"Okay, fine, fine. No suicides. Let's just start the game."

------

Practice felt like it was going on forever, to Troy. He was glad when it was finally over and he was about to head into the locker room. Unfortunately, Troy heard his name being called and knew that it was his uncle. He wanted to ignore him, but knew that wouldn't be such a good idea. Troy didn't know what was going on with his uncle. He had completely humiliated Troy all through out practice. The rather unfortunate thing was that Troy had to see him at home.

Chad gave him a sympathetic look as Troy bid him goodbye and headed back into the gym where his uncle stood, arms folded, scowl upon his face. Least to say, he did not look happy.

"Troy, what was going on with you today? You were completely off," Robert said, lying through his teeth. He was getting quite good at this.

"What are you talking about? I thought I was doing good!" he said, clearly not understanding his uncle at all.

"See, there you go with that whole 'I'm better then everyone else' crap. You know Troy, that's really not appealing."

Troy shook his head; not believing what he was hearing because totally wasn't what he meant at all. He knew he wasn't better then everyone else. He seriously just thought he was doing good.

"No, that's not what I meant at all. I-"

Robert put his hands up, shaking his head.

"Look, I really don't want to discuss this here, let's talk about it at home. Go get dressed then after that we're leaving."

It was then that Troy remembered Gabriella, he was meant to be meeting her.

"Actually, I was going to be meeting my girlfriend after practice…"

Robert nodded, deciding to let Troy go see his girlfriend. He didn't want to completely be a bastard to Troy yet. That would be later.

"Okay, well don't be home too late."

Troy raised his eyebrow at his uncle's sudden mood change. He really couldn't keep up with him.

"Okay. I'm gonna go change. Bye."

Troy got out of there, as fast as possible.

----

"Dude, what was up with you and your uncle?" Chad asked the minute Troy was in the locker room.

Troy shrugged, not knowing himself, "I have no idea. I think he's PMSing or something."

Chad laughed, "Okay yeah, let's go with that."

The two laughed again, though as Troy changed out of his clothes, he still couldn't help but wonder, what was up with his uncle. He definitely wasn't acting like himself and that kind of…worried Troy.

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