THE WINDOW

Part One

And So Two is Much Better – That's Never a 'Crowd'

Now, Sharpay couldn't say this for sure, but she was quite positive that she had never thought about anyone as much as she had thought about Gabriella since she first met her. Not in her entire life had she thought of Ryan as much – and she had known him since they shared a womb. It was quite maddening, actually. She would never see this woman again, she was just a quick encounter, someone fun to spend a day with, there was nothing more to it, and yet… there had been something between them.

She knew that Gabriella wasn't gay and that she had a boyfriend and all that crap, but it didn't matter to her. She knew what she felt that day in the dressing room and it was a mutual feeling that she was certain about. Everyone's straight until they're not, and maybe Gabriella hadn't realized it yet. Not that it would matter anyway, because she would never see her again.

Never.

That word quite stung Sharpay's heart as she looked into the mirror in Ryan and Kelsi's guestroom where she currently stayed. She was content with that because it was only for another day or two. She had a nice apartment back in New York and she actually couldn't wait to get back to work again. She had had the entire week off from rehearsals, but it wasn't good because there were only a few weeks until opening night and she felt like she wasn't really ready.

Sharpay sighed loudly and pinned up in her hair. She wasn't sure what to do with it. Both Kelsi and Ryan would be wearing hats, as usual, but she wasn't really that into hats. It was their thing and she was seriously considering just wearing her hair down. She'd have to do something with it though, maybe pin some of it up, curl it, straighten it, put a buckle in it? Another sigh escaped her lips as she bent down to dig through her hair and makeup bag. She had stuff in there as if she would be gone for months, but she could never control herself with these matters.

She couldn't help but squeal slightly when she found a black bandeau with a black flower on the side on the bottom of her bag. It would go nicely with her dress and decorate her hair just enough. She'd just curl it slightly and be presentable. She stood up and went to find her curling iron in her suitcase. Luckily she had brought that as well (because one never knows!), and quickly turned it on. While waiting for it to heat up, she might as well do her makeup.

As Sharpay sat down in front of the mirror, her mind again went to Gabriella. She couldn't help it. There was just something so special and amazing about this woman. She had a certain air around her, and Sharpay had felt it the minute they locked eyes for the first time. She had never seen a more breathtaking person – and she'd seen some people! She was an actress, for God's sake, she was up to her knees in beautiful people. But Gabriella… Gabriella she really took the cake.

Sharpay couldn't help but imagine how perfect it would have been like to be with her. To run her hands through the curly raven hair, to kiss those perfect lips and touch that amazing body. She could almost imagine that lithe butt beneath her hands and as she reached out as if to touch it, she could almost feel the softness of it, the Goosebumps that rose on her arms and the tingle in her lower region. She could almost-

"What are you doing, Pay?"

Sharpay snapped out of it and turned her head to the side in surprise. Her niece had come into her room silently and was now standing right next to her, looking into the mirror. Sharpay hadn't even felt her presence, which was really scary. Sharpay swallowed loudly and whispered, "I was- I was just falling asleep." She quickly said.

Denise giggled madly, "But it looked like you were reaching out for stuff!" she squealed.

Sharpay placed an arm around her side and pulled the young girl close, "Maybe I was dreaming!" she said, hoping that this part of their conversation would soon be over. She kissed the blonde girl's curly mane and said, "What are you doing in here? Are you all ready to go?"

Denise took a step back to show off herself. For today she was dressed in a purple dress with flowers, white shoes and a cute, little, white purse to complete the outfit. It looked very cute, Sharpay had got to admit that.

"Mom said for me to tell you to do my hair!" Denise continued with a happy smile across her face. Sharpay knew how much her nephew and niece looked up to her. Especially Denise – she thought that Sharpay was the coolest person in the universe and Sharpay hated that she didn't see them more than she did; it made her feel so bad. She really ought to visit more.

She arched an eyebrow, "Oh did she, now?"

Denise nodded her head yes, just as Kelsi pushed her head through the crack in the door, "You'll do it, yes?" she said, and Sharpay heard Matthew – her nephew – squeal right outside, so she suspected that Kelsi was having troubles with him, and Ryan? Psh, he was still in the shower.

Sharpay reached for her comb as if to show Kelsi that she was ready, "Of course I will!" she said, and didn't tell her sister-in-law that she wasn't even ready to go herself.

"Thank you." Kelsi said, and then she was gone again – gone to deal with Matthew.

Sharpay stood up from the chair and lifted the six-year-old girl onto it instead. She bent down then, and looked into the mirror to lock eyes with her, "How did you want your hair to be?" she questioned, knowing that Denise, being an opinionated girl, probably had something in mind.

She smiled widely and Sharpay could see the hole where she was missing a front tooth, "Could you do it in a French braid? And then – I have these diamond thingies – then you can put them into it to make it look really pretty?"

Sharpay stroke her niece across the arm, "Sure, whatever you want, honey. Where are these diamond thingies then?"

Denise quickly reached for her purse, opened the buckle and turned it over, which caused all the things inside it to fall onto the table. Sharpay quickly realized that the things were all diamonds for her hair. Denise smiled again, "THERE!" she loudly said, very proud of herself.

Sharpay smiled right back at her, "Alright sweetie, let's get started on this."

She begun to comb Denise's wild curls. She didn't have too many so it was still possible to braid her hair if Sharpay used lots of Barbie pens and a good amount of hairspray. It would take some time though, but she'd just have to swing it and still get herself ready. Just as she was about to start braiding, Matthew came walking slowly into the room, supporting himself against everything he could reach. Sharpay couldn't help but aw when she saw him. He looked too cute! He was wearing a small tux and a tie.

Kelsi came right after, his small shoes in hand. She gave the girls a quick smile and sat down on Sharpay's bed with Matthew on her lap, to give him his shoes on. "How's it going?" she breathed out, after having had to run around the house to catch her son who – without a doubt – had as many opinions on things as his sister did.

"We are braiding." Sharpay replied. It wouldn't take long to make the actual braid, because that she was good at. It was rescuing all the run-away curls that would take some time.

Kelsi looked at them as she forced a shoe onto Matthew's left foot, "Great, I'm so glad you're here to help us Sharpay. I only told Taylor it'd be you, I think she wants to scare the shi-" she paused when she realized the kids were right there, "I think she wants to scare Chad when he sees you. It's gonna be so much fun!"

Sharpay couldn't help but laugh as she started to pin hair up. She hadn't really thought much about what it would be like to see everyone again; she actually hadn't really thought about the fact that most of them would be there today because they pretty much all still talked, "Well, at least I'm not gonna order them around today." She simply said.

And Troy… she was going to see Troy again. Talk about weird. She used to chase him around and stalk him because she wanted to be with him. And then when they finally did date… It hadn't been that pretty. So embarrassing, much? Oh yes.

Kelsi looked up at her again with a weird look in her eyes, "I actually wanted to ask you about something Sharpay."

"Sure," the blonde said, a little out of it because there was a particular curl that didn't really want to sit where she wanted it to, "what is it, Kels?"

Kelsi let Matthew drop to the floor and the small guy quickly stood up and tried to see if he could walk out of there. Unfortunately (for him) he could only reach the bed from there so it wouldn't get him very far, "You've been acting sort of strange these past days. Something on your mind?"

Sharpay didn't really know what to say to that. She knew she hadn't really been herself after meeting Gabriella, but she couldn't help it – the Latina was so, so in her head. She took one final look at Denise and lifted her off the chair, "Done sweetie, go find your father."

Denise nodded wildly and hurried out of the room to find Ryan. Sharpay instead took a seat and started to sort through her makeup; she was just going to do it slightly dark, but not too much.

"Sharpay!" Kelsi said, voice determined behind her. There was nothing Sharpay could hide from that woman, not after so many years of knowing her.

Sharpay stared at her through the mirror as she did her makeup, "I know I've been acting strange, but I… I have something on my mind, Kelsi, and I can't help it."

Kelsi stood up and lifted Matthew off the floor, supporting him at her hip, "What is it, Shar?" she paused, before a big smile erupted on her face and she sounded cheery, "Are you in love?"

Sharpay didn't answer, she closed her eye and tried to place an even black line on it.

"You're in love!" Kelsi concluded from the lack of response.

Sharpay sighed and let her hand fall. She turned around to look at Kelsi again, still with one eye closed so it could dry, "I don't know if I'm in love, alright? I've only met this woman one time in my life. And it was right here in this town. I'll probably never see her again, I just need some time, alright?"

Kelsi looked surprised for a few seconds, before she said, "You met her here?"

"Yes."

"Right here in Albuquerque?"

"Yes."

"Your perfect woman?"

"Yes!"

"Wow." The small pianist looked thoughtful for a second or two, "That's something. I really wish you'd find someone soon, Shar. You deserve happiness and you're so gorgeous. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

Sharpay smiled warmly at her, "Thanks, Kelsi, for trying to cheer me up… I just can't wait to get back on stage. It'll take my mind off of things."

Kelsi smiled sincerely at her, "Well, at least today will be fun."

Sharpay turned to the mirror again and looked at herself in it, not quite sure if she was ready to see everyone again, "Yeah," she nodded, more to herself than to Kelsi, "today will be fun." She firmly said.

--

There were people in every direction Sharpay turned.

She couldn't quite comprehend it – she was used to having lots of people around so it wasn't that; it was more the fact that she actually knew quite a lot of these people, could recognize them from back then at East High, and it wasn't a nice feeling, because they knew how she was back then, and she had quickly learned, after leaving New Mexico, that being a drama queen would not get her anywhere in showbiz. She'd have to work harder.

Her, Kelsi, Ryan and the kids hadn't been to the church where the ceremony was performed because they needed to set up on the small makeshift stage in the rented rooms, but it seemed like everything had gone well according to the smiles on everyone's faces as they entered the room.

Kelsi and Ryan were still setting up behind her and Sharpay had left the stage in the proclaims of doing a few warm-ups so her voice wouldn't strain. Denise and Matthew had already found some kids they knew and were busy running around with them. Sharpay was glad that this wedding wasn't fancier than kids were invited – she couldn't stand those parties were the kids of the family wasn't allowed because it was too fancy.

She turned her head to the side when she saw Troy Bolton's parents chat to what she meant had got to be Chad's parents. She hadn't seen them that much, but she was quite good at remembering faces so she was almost certain that it was them. She sighed and stared straight into the wall, almost regretting that she told Ryan that she would help them with this – it was almost too painful to see everyone again.

Ryan then jumped off of the stage and gave her a sideways hug, "You ready, sis?" he asked her in a cheery voice, and Sharpay loved him for being who he is. He had always been a great brother to her, but even after school he still managed to forgive her for all her crazy ideas and now their relationship was a very healthy and good one. "We have to go say hi to the people we know. I placed your gift on the gift table too, alright?"

She gave him a huge smile and swallowed loudly, "Alright." – it was time to face some of her demons.

"Ryan!" Kelsi exclaimed as she jumped off the stage as well, "I think I saw Chad and Taylor right over there. Let's go say hi!"

Ryan nodded and Kelsi and him laced hands, while Sharpay just followed silently behind them, hoping that no one would notice her presence. Luckily for her Taylor and Chad had many friends and family, so therefore the room was stuffed and her task went quite well.

"Guys!" Taylor happily cheered as she saw them approaching; she had just said goodbye to another family that had gone to greet her and now her face lit up greatly, "Hi!" she gushed as she hugged first Ryan and then Kelsi.

Chad gave them both a hug as well, "Man, I'm so happy you guys could do the music. It's much easier and we know it'll be good." He sincerely said to them, the smile in his eyes never once fading. He seemed really happy and Sharpay could tell that he was not doubting his wedding to Taylor – that this was truly what he wanted, and that he truly loved her.

Ryan put his hands in his pockets and continued to chitchat, "We're happy to do it. We love what we do and to do it for you guys is so awesome."

"Did you solve the problem with the singer?" Chad asked them, and Sharpay felt her moment coming on. She wasn't sure if she was ready, but maybe now was the time to announce her presence.

She stepped a few steps forward, in between Kelsi and Ryan and said, "I'm their singer for this evening."

Chad's eyes almost popped out of his head, but she soon found herself covered in white as Taylor gave her a huge hug. It was kind of weird because she had never once in her life hugged Taylor, but it also felt kind of good in a way – it was like admitting that they had all grown up and that high school was over and they had all been silly then. "Sharpay!" she squealed, and pulled back then, looking at her with a happy face, "It's been so long. It's so good to see you!"

"You too." Sharpay replied as they let their arms fall and parted, "And congratulations on the wedding, of course."

"Thanks." Taylor replied in a cheery voice.

Sharpay turned her head and looked at Chad; he still hadn't recovered yet from seeing her, but it was kind of nice to have done this, she felt. It was almost as if she hadn't thought of Gabriella since they got there to start working (only almost, for she always had her in the back of her head). "The pink check on the gift table is from me." she told him.

Chad blinked a few times, before he shook his head slightly and said, "Eh, okay… Hi."

"So how are you?" Taylor asked her.

Sharpay didn't really want to talk too much about herself today, but it would be rude to leave the conversation; she'd just have to talk to them for a few seconds, "I'm alright, thank you. I live in New York."

"Ryan says that you're on Broadway?"

"Yeah I am."

Taylor giggled, "So you did make it!"

Sharpay nodded, "I did, yes."

Taylor nodded too then, and was quiet for a few seconds, thinking. Then suddenly she spoke up again, "I have someone I want you to meet. It's one of my best friends, she's the greatest, I think the two of you will get along great – she's a crazy woman too."

Sharpay was not even offended by this, because she knew she was sort of crazy at times and that it could be a very positive thing. "That sounds cool, thank you Taylor." She said, truly sincere. It was nice for Taylor to think about that thing when they hadn't even spoken for so many years.

Just then Ryan broke into the conversation, placing a loving brother's arm around Sharpay's shoulder, "We should go and make sure we're totally ready to introduce you guys." He told the newlyweds with a huge smile on his lips.

Taylor smiled right back, "Sure, you'll meet her later, Sharpay."

Safely back with only Kelsi and Ryan, Sharpay excused herself to go use the restroom. She swore, she wasn't even this nervous when she had to go on stage at opening nights. Being nervous always had her peeing like crazy and this was like a high school reunion – she really couldn't take it. She crossed the room and went into the small hall in search for the bathroom. Her task was quickly through, but unfortunately for her there was only one bathroom and it was currently occupied. She leaned against the wall, staring at her feet. She rather liked the shoes she had picked out, but her feet would be killing her tomorrow.

When she heard a flush she stood up straight, ready to get her nerves out of her system. The door to the bathroom opened, and suddenly Sharpay found herself face to face with-

"Gabriella?"

The surprise written across the Latina's face was evident, but Sharpay did not take much notice to this; she couldn't help but love the way Gabriella's hair was particularly perfect in this sucky bathroom light, and that the dress they had picked out last Thursday was still perfect for her. "Sharpay?" she paused and pushed past Sharpay to get to the sink to wash her hands.

Sharpay stared at her back and couldn't help but admire her butt as she was slightly bent forward.

The brunette turned around again, one eyebrow raised, "What are you doing here?" she demanded to know, before she reached to the side for some paper to dry her hands. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but…" she curled the paper into a ball and aimed for the trashcan. She missed it.

Sharpay had forgotten all about peeing out her nerves, but stood there in awe in stead, staring at the girl she had thought about permanently since their first meeting, "I could ask you the same thing." She stated, though slightly amused. It was kind of odd that she would run into the potential love her life in a bathroom.

"This is the wedding I was telling you about." Gabriella explained, "Y'know? The reason I was looking for a dress. My boyfriend's best friend just got married."

Sharpay could not believe this. If this was true then Gabriella knew everyone she used to go to school with – she even knew Ryan and Kelsi and the kids!, "Fuck. My. Mother." Sharpay mumbled, letting each word out slowly, "You've got to be kidding me."

Gabriella looked slightly confused, which Sharpay had to admit looked cute on her, "Excuse me?"

Sharpay laughed slightly, "This is the wedding I'm singing at." she shrugged and took a step closer to the other woman, feeling as if this was perfect; not really thinking about her boyfriend, but more about how much potential this evening suddenly had, "My brother is Ryan." She explained.

Gabriella had pretty much the same reaction as Sharpay just had, when she had gotten two and two put together, "Fuck it!" she then laughed too and took a step forward to give Sharpay a small hug, "Wow. You're Ryan's twin? Well, I should've figured that out, shouldn't I?"

Sharpay couldn't help but love the feeling of Gabriella's skin against hers, but she didn't say anything, because she didn't want it to be weird between them, "I dunno, should you?" she softly replied.

Gabriella took a step back again and studied Sharpay for a few seconds, "So you know everyone, huh? Taylor? Chad? Even Zeke?"

"Oh I know them well. We went to school together. We weren't the best of friends, but…" she shrugged, not knowing what more to say.

Gabriella smiled again, the brown in her eyes lighting up perfusely, "You were in the drama club then, right? You must know my boyfriend!"

Sharpay crossed her arms, feeling slightly awkward by the mentioning of her boyfriend, but she tried not to let it show, "Your boyfriend?"

"Yeah!" Gabriella said, and Sharpay believed she sounded a bit unenthusiastic by the thought of him (but maybe that was just in her ears; silently hoping), "His name is Troy – Troy Bolton."

Sharpay felt like the breath had just been punched out of her by a big hit in the stomach. She stared at Gabriella, the other girl's smile was big and Sharpay could feel every bone in her body tense. As Gabriella probably realized that something was wrong, her smile seemed to fade slightly, and Sharpay was worried about what to say – she didn't know what to say!

But the second after she swore she had never loved Taylor more, because right that moment she decided to enter the bathroom, and therefore Sharpay didn't have to speak, since the bride said it all, "Oh Sharpay!" she happily cheered, because that smile could not be wept off her face today, "This is Gabriella – the friend I was telling you about! She's dating Troy, can you believe it!?"

No Taylor, Sharpay thought as she pulled on the fakest smile of her lifetime, I really can't believe she's dating Troy… My ex-boyfriend.

--

When Sharpay finally came back to the stage, Ryan and Kelsi seemed pretty impatient.

"Where have you been?" Kelsi said, as she gave her a hand and pulled her onto the stage. "We have to introduce Chad and Taylor before they serve the first meal."

"Oh…" Sharpay said; introducing happy people where the furthest from her mind – she had real things to deal with, and after the news she just received, she really didn't want to be there anymore. She took in a deep breath, pulled herself slightly together and pulled Kelsi with her, out of view for the most of the room, "I've got a problem." She whispered.

Kelsi arched an eyebrow behind her glasses, "What? What is it?"

"She's here." Sharpay just said.

Kelsi seemed to get it immediately though, which was what Sharpay loved so much about their relationship – they could really understand each other, "The love of your life?"

Sharpay nodded, not quite sure if this was the place to freak out or not; it seemed pretty inappropriate. She just could not get over the fact that Gabriella was with Troy – he was her first love! Sure, they never had sex, because she had not once in her life slept with a male, but they'd definitely gone to second base, and it was just very disturbing for her to know that Gabriella was dating him now, "Yes! And you know her, Kelsi!" Sharpay continued to explain, "It's Gabriella."

Kelsi paused, thought for a second, before she chuckled, "Montez?"

"Yes, and don't laugh. Please!" Sharpay snapped.

Kelsi laughed though, a little bit louder even, "Fuck that! Gabriella Montez?" she shook her head which made all her curls bounce, "God! You know she's dating Troy Bolton, right?"

Sharpay just nodded stiffly, before she turned around to the front of the stage. She could hear Ryan and Kelsi getting ready behind her, and when Kelsi played the first sound on her keyboard, the entire room got quiet. Sharpay took the microphone in hand and immediately felt comfortable; this was her element, "Hi everyone, I'd like to welcome you to the Danforth/McKessie wedding." There was applause, and then she continued, "May I introduce everyone to Mr. and Mrs. Chad and Taylor Danforth!"

Chad and Taylor entered the middle of the dance floor and everyone gathered around them while Kelsi and Ryan played some melody. It only lasted for about a minute before Chad let Taylor go and Sharpay continued, "So now, if everyone would like to take a seat, dinner will be served soon." She said, and people immediately scrambled to find their seats.

Sharpay turned around to take a sip of her water bottle, but as she turned back to face the room, she found Troy Bolton standing on the floor in front of her.

"Sharpay Evans!" he said with a huge smile on his face.

Sharpay didn't really know how to feel about seeing him. They didn't end things badly and they had had a pretty good relationship filled with wonderful moments and good performances. She giggled lightly, "Troy Bolton." She said, and reached a hand out, which he took and therefore supported her as she stepped off the stage.

He gave her a once-over and nodded in confirmation, "Wow. You look good."

She smiled warmly and said, "And you look just the same.", before she leaned in and gave him a long hug; it felt kind of nice to be in his arms again, but she also knew why she was into women and not men – they were just so incredibly muscular, it did not feel nice to be squeezed to death that way.

"Hey guys."

Sharpay and Troy pulled away from each other and Sharpay felt her smile light up greatly when she saw Gabriella right there next to them. One look at her, and Sharpay was certain that this was the woman she was supposed to be with. It didn't matter that perhaps Gabriella didn't know it yet – she'd just have to figure it out.

Troy placed an arm around Gabriella, "Hey Gab. This is Sharpay. We used to go to school together." He explained to her in a kind voice.

"Nice to meet you." Sharpay stiffly said, pretending that they had not met before because she knew that that was much easier.

Gabriella gave her a slight nod as well, before she turned to Troy, "So, was she one of your theatre buddies in school?"

Troy chuckled loudly, "Are you kiddin' me? She's the reason I started singing, this one!" Troy explained, and Sharpay really wished that he would not mention their dating past. Sure, she was the reason he joined the drama department; he did it because she loved doing it, and eventually he started to really love it as well. But Gabriella didn't need to know that. There was really no reason for her to know that.

"Anyway…" Gabriella softly said, and for a second her eyes locked with Sharpay's; they were filled with questions and wonderment, and Sharpay couldn't read them fully, because she swore there was something else in there, but she wasn't sure what it was, "We better go find our seats. Nice to meet you Sharpay."

Sharpay nodded and couldn't help but watch the two of them as they turned to leave. Troy still had his arm around Gabriella and was almost leading her through the tables, and Sharpay couldn't help but wish that she had what Troy had – Gabriella seemed so perfect.

With that, she let out a sigh and went onto the stage again.

"You really like her, don't you?" Ryan questioned of out the blue.

Sharpay paused, wondering if she had told him about it, but immediately knowing that she hadn't. She then turned to Kelsi with a suspicious look across her face. 'Really?' she mouthed, not believing that Kelsi would have spilled the beans so quickly and without her permission.

Kelsi shrugged, "Hey, did you think I wasn't going to tell him? I tell him everything!" she whined.

"You've known for fifteen minutes!" Sharpay exclaimed, before she turned away from them to go get something else to drink.

--

As the day continued and turned into evening, Sharpay couldn't keep her eyes off Gabriella. Whenever she was in sight, Sharpay's eyes would just follow her until she couldn't see her in the crowded room anymore. She couldn't help herself, even if she knew it didn't matter. Gabriella seemed to be happy with Troy; they danced and mingled, and Sharpay couldn't see why she shouldn't be happy with Troy – he's a great guy! …if one's into that kind of thing, of course.

Sharpay had just finished a beautiful version of 'Because You Loved Me' for the father-daughter dance, when Gabriella stopped in front of the stage. She looked up at Sharpay, who bent down slightly to talk to her, "Can I see you outside for a minute?" the Latina suggested.

Sharpay was quite confused about why, but she still decided to tag along and see what Gabriella wanted; she could only hope that it was something good, even if that was a stupid thing to hope. What could it possibly be that she would want? Unless Gabriella suggested that they took off down the street, found the airport and boarded the first plane to Germany to be together, Sharpay couldn't see how it could be good.

Gabriella led them through the entire place until she pushed the doors open and the two women stepped outside and into the fresh evening air. Sharpay's first thought was that she would be needing a jacket, but as soon as Gabriella reached for her hand all other thoughts went flying out the window. The brunette led them to a bench where they sat down, Sharpay's right knee brushing against Gabriella's left knee, sending quick waves of electricity through the blonde's entire body.

"I needed to talk to you." Gabriella softly begun, looking Sharpay right in the eye.

Sharpay was now worried what this would be about; they probably had to talk about what happened yesterday. She probably wanted to clear the air completely in case they ever saw each other again. Sharpay knew it would be better if she just went out with it and said something, just apologised and it would all be good, "Look," she begun, could feel her tongue grow bigger insider her mouth, so she'd have to be quick if she didn't want to seem like such an idiot, "if this is about last Thursday, I'm really sorry I planted one on you, I thought I wouldn't see you again."

Gabriella laughed slightly and for a second Sharpay was confused, but then she saw the smile in Gabriella's eyes, and was much more calm; she could feel her tongue untie itself and swell down to normal size, "Don't worry, Sharpay, I just… It's not because of the kiss, I just really needed to talk to you, because well… I've been thinking about you pretty much 24/7 since I saw you for the first time."

Sharpay bit her lip. She was excited to hear this, it was good news, it really was, but… she knew that there was a 'but' somewhere in there, because good things like these didn't just happen to her without a catch or-or a 'but', "I've been thinking about you too, Gabriella… I really like you." she just said, not wanting to give out more of herself than necessary – she'd only end up getting hurt.

Gabriella nodded and softly pushed a curl out of her face, "I'm with Troy, though." She said, continued to talk in a soft and tiny voice, "And I'm not… I'm not really sure if I'm gay. Whether I might be into girls or not, it-it doesn't matter, 'cuz… Because I love Troy, and he's a great guy."

Sharpay could hear the doubt in her voice and she knew that this was a really confusing time for Gabriella. All gay women went through these doubts on the road from straight to gay; some of them never really got through. But the doubts were there, and perhaps Gabriella didn't want to take the risk. Sharpay shrugged slightly, tried not to let her hurt show, "It's alright, Gabriella…" she whispered, "I didn't expect anything from you, you know that."

"I know. Because you're such a great person."

Sharpay fiddled with her hands in her lap for a second or two, before she looked up at the other woman again, "Thank you." she said.

Gabriella shrugged, "No problem." She laughed and they both stood up, had to get back into the celebration for Chad and Taylor.

Sharpay held the door open for Gabriella to let her pass, "It was nice getting to know you, though." She informed her, as the door fell shut behind them.

Gabriella nodded, "Yeah, you too." There was a pause where they could only hear their heels clicking as they walked, "Actually… just so you know," Gabriella continued, stopping right before they entered the main room where everyone else was having a good time, "if I ever do decide to go gay, I'll definitely give you a call."

Sharpay couldn't keep the smile off of her face, "Good," she whispered and winked briefly at the Latina, "'cuz I don't really have a girlfriend. I'm single."

Gabriella laughed happily as they went inside and took each a different turn. Sharpay to her brother and sister-in-law on stage, and Gabriella into the arms of her boyfriend.

I was certainly overwhelmed by the amount of support from you guys already after the first chapter, but I can't explain to you how happy it made me. I'm really excited to know that I've got readers like you. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as well. It didn't turn out exactly how I wanted it, but I think it took an okay turn, so I hope you agree. Please drop me off your thoughts about it.

Disclaimer; I don't own HSM.