It was the second part of the evening and so far, neither Zac nor Lauren had been nominated yet. There were four parts to the evening, three award giving with breaks in between and a few performances to end the evening on a high.

Zac kept glancing at Lauren when he thought she wasn't looking, she knew what he was doing. She could see him slightly turning his head. She decided to ignore it.

'Next, we have the teen break-out star, the nominees are, Jacob Watson, Lauren Hadley, Zac Efron and Amy Duncan'

Lauren and Zac glanced at each other and smiled.

'The winner is….LAUREN HADLEY'

There was a roar of applause as Lauren stood up smiling, she went down and accepted the award. She kissed the cheeks of the presenters and began her speech.

'Uh, well, thanks I guess. I'm not really used to this, I'm not one of those people who come prepared with 20 different speeches, in fact, I'm probably the most unorganised person in this place. Seriously, you should see my room. Wow. Anyway, I better stop because the faster we get this over with, the sooner we can have the break and I'm dying for the loo so thanks'

The audience cracked up laughing and Zac shook his head at her, laughing. When she came back to her seat he leaned over and said 'nice speech'.

Lauren giggled, 'thanks'.

A few more awards went past until the next one with Zac and Lauren came up.

'The nominees for Disney's biggest fan mail receiver are Jacob Watson, Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale and Lauren Hadley'

'And the winner is….Jacob Wat, hang on, no sorry…ZAC EFRON'

Lauren looked over to Jacob who had half stood up and was now slumped back down sulking.

'Hey guys, I guess everyone's bored you already with their thank you's and stuff so mines gonna be short and sweet. That's it, thank you!'

There was laughter again and applause and Zac said when he sat back down,

'You wanna make a bet?'

'Depends'

'Whoever gets the most awards before the break buys the other a drink'

'You're on, but just so you know, I'm very competitive'.

'Likewise'.

That word sent a chill down Lauren's spine, like in her dream.

More awards were won, Lauren had 2 and Zac had 3.

'Ladies and Gentlemen, we'll be having a break now, refreshments are available and we'll be resuming in about half an hour, thank you'.

Lauren was dragged out by Jacob who insisted on keeping his hand round her waist.

When Zac walked out he noticed this and sighed, 'I guess she is with him' he thought.

Lauren spotted him and he motioned for her to meet him at the bar.

'I think you owe me a drink' he told her.

'Take a look at me' Lauren told him.

'Err ok'

'Does it look like I have a pocket?'

Zac saw where she was going, 'noo'.

'Well I don't have a purse either'

'You don't huh?'

'Nope'

'I guess you'll have to go without then'

Zac motioned to the bar man 'a beer please, when you're ready'

'You are so unbelievable'

'that's me'

Lauren decided to try and make him jealous, as if, she thought, and would flirt with Jacob.

'Fine, I'll get someone else'

'No, hey I'll get it what do you want?'

'No it's ok, you're like that I guess, JAKE!'

Jacob walked over and smiled at her.

'Buy me a drink?'

'Sure thing cutie, what you want?'

'You know what I like'

'Uh, ok, back in a sec'

Jacob went to fetch the drinks while Zac watched Lauren tap the beer mat on the table.

'I would have got you one you know'

'No you wouldn't, you'd have carried on playing that game, it's fine, I've got one now'

Zac sighed, he'd screwed up. She definitely wasn't impressed by him.

Jacob walked up and handed her a green drink. He smiled at her, kissed her cheek and left them.

Lauren looked at the drink in disgust. What the hell was it?

Zac noticed this and said, 'your favourite drink huh?'

'Shut up'

Zac laughed and raised his eyebrows.

'Go on then, drink up'

Lauren eyed the drink, it looked revolting but she couldn't let him win. She took a small sip and gagged. Zac laughed and offered her a napkin.

'What is that?' Lauren said.

'Don't look at me'

Lauren turned to the barman and asked what it was.

'It's a cocktail miss, it's called sexy lady'

Lauren reeled back in disgust.

'You can't get the taste out of your mouth can you?' the barman said.

Lauren shook her head. Zac chuckled to himself but soon stopped when Lauren grabbed his beer and necked the bottle in one.

He stared at her in disbelief. She smiled sweetly at him and said,

'See you in there' and walked off.

In the bathroom

Ugh, Lauren thought, what a drink. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror; she looked good, just a few touch ups needed. She had to look her best because this was probably the only time she'd ever see Zac Efron. She turned to the girl stood next to her and was shocked to find it was Vanessa Hudgens.

'Oh My God, you're…' they both said in unison.

They giggled and Lauren asked to borrow her kohl and lip-gloss. Vanessa happily obliged and watched as she used them.

'You and Zac look like you're getting along' she told her.

'Nah, he even refused to buy me a drink so I had to get someone else to get me one'

'Sounds like him, he tests people, he doesn't like clingy girls, you know the sort that hang on to his every word and know everything about him. He likes independence. I reckon he's attracted to you'

'No way, he's not my type. Who does he think he is, testing people?'

'Don't be too hard on him; he's had relationships where girls went with him to boost their fame and stuff. Bitches, all of them. He's more careful now; he's not tested anyone in ages though so you're quite special.'

'Yeah well, I don't think I'll see him again after tonight, unless it's like on TV'

Vanessa laughed. 'Yeah, well, you never know what will happen'

They swapped numbers and said goodbye and Vanessa left. Lauren took a long look at her reflection.

So he tests people does he? She thought. Independence.

I'll be utterly independent and not go to him for anything, I hope he asks for my number though, she thought.

Lauren made her way back in on her own. Jacob had gone before her. She squeezed past everyone, smiling at Vanessa who smiled back before whispering to Ashley about their conversation and Zac.

Lauren sat back down and crossed her legs. Zac looked at her and smiled, she ignored him and when she leant down to fix her shoe, he saw her bare back and a shiver went through him. He really did like her.

She sat back up and when Jacob put his arm around her, she said loud enough for Zac to hear, 'if you don't get your arm off me I'll tell everyone here you spend 3 hours just doing your hair and you're wearing foundation, got it?'

Zac smiled, she knew how to look after herself. He liked that in a girl.

'Another bet?' he asked her.

'With you? No way' she replied bluntly and turned to talk to Jacob.

Zac sat back; he was surprised at how he felt. He was hurt, he'd just been rejected. It was an all new experience.

'This next part of the evening is the part we've all been waiting for, the best singers, actors and couple category.'

'First up, we have the award for best female solo, we only have two ladies nominated and whoever wins, we'll show you a clip as they come to collect the award. The nominees are, Lauren Hadley and Vanessa Hudgens….'

Lauren and Vanessa leaned forward and smiled at each other.

'Vanessa has been nominated for her stunning performance in High School Musical, singing When There Was Me and You, lets see a clip.' The clip showed Vanessa walking through the school singing her heart out, she was wearing jeans and a playing blue top. She walked down the stairs and swung round at the bottom when the clip ended.

I swore I knew the melody
That I heard you singing
And when you smiled
You made me feel
Like I could sing along
But then you went and changed the words
Now my heart is empty
I'm only left with used-to-be's
And once upon a song
I know you're not a fairytale
And dreams are meant for sleeping
And wishes on a star
Just don't come true

Everyone clapped and then the presenter said,

'next is Lauren Hadley, she's been nominated for her tear jerking performance in 'The Girl Next Door', singing 'heartbreaker'. Lets take a peek'.

Lauren was sat on a black iron swing seat infront of a pool at night. She had a rose in her hand and tears were slowly falling down her face. She got up and walked over to a pillar and leant against it singing softly before sliding slowly to the floor, tossing the rose into the water.

Here I sit all alone, thinkin' 'bout what I should have known
You made me think that I could need you
You weaved your magic spell and I believed you
Lookin back on you and me, promises that will never be
I truly thought we were lovers
But now I find that I'm just like all the others
Heartbreaker, wish that I had seen that love was blind
Sweet little love maker, takin my heart and leave me behind
Heartbreaker couldn't you be
Just a little more kind to me

Played with fire, felt its burn
I would have thought that I would have learned
I melted every time you kissed me
Each time you'd leave I thought that you would miss me

The music faded out and several people were wiping away tears at how real it had seemed. Vanessa smiled, she knew Lauren had already won, how could her song even compare?

'The winner is…..LAUREN HADLEY'

As she walked down, the clip played all the way through, it showed Jacob stood behind a gate watching her, a tear slid down his cheek as he looked at her, when she tossed the rose into the pool, he punched the wall and walked away. The clip faded out watching Lauren sat staring at the water, tears running freely down her face.

'It's me again, I'm not even going to say it this time 'cause you know I love you all and everything so cheers'.

There was laughter and applause and when Lauren sat back down she 'accidentally' brushed past Zac's knee with her hand. Zac sat up straight and whispered to her,

'sorry about the drink thing, can I make it up to you?'

'depends'

'on what'

'on if I'm busy'

'huh, I'll talk to you after this'

'whatever'

Lauren was feeling rather pleased with herself, Zac was coming on to her and she wasn't leading him on or anything! She was enjoying this.

Zac lost out on best actor to Jacob who received a few cat calls and whistles. He grinned and made his speech,

'Hey dudes, I reckon you all probably know who I am (Lauren groaned at this and Zac laughed at her) I just want to say thank you to one person and she is Lauren Hadley, because I think she is the prettiest, loveliest, most caring person here and she's really special to me. When we were filming, I don't know about you Lo but I felt a connection. Hopefully one day you'll feel it too and when you do, you know where I am, thanks everyone'

Everyone clapped and people smiled at Lauren who felt like she wanted to die. She whispered to Zac,

'that complete arse-hole, I'm gonna kick the crap out of him'

Zac laughed and said 'yeah, I can see why he thinks you're caring'

Lauren punched him playfully on the arm and said 'shut up, I can be caring when I want to be'

Jacob returned to his seat and was expecting Lauren to be all over him like a rash but surprisingly, she wouldn't even look at him. Probably embarrassed at feeling the same way he thought.

'Now, Ladies and Gentlemen, it's not surprising that we have these four nominees but what is surprising is that they're not in their normal couples. We have Jacob Watson and Vanessa Hudgens together and Zac Efron and Lauren Hadley together.'

The four nominees were shocked. Jacob leant forward and winked at Vanessa who looked away. Zac looked at Lauren who was staring at the front.

'The winners are….ZAC EFRON AND LAUREN HADLEY'

Applause and cheers erupted as Zac stood up first and walked down to the stage, closely followed by Lauren, when he got up on stage, he held a hand out for her and she accepted it. They took their trophies and began their speech. Zac looked at her and gestured for her to start.

Lauren said 'don't look at me' which was greeted by laughter. Zac grinned and began to talk.

'Well seeing as Lauren's not gonna say it, I might as well, thank you guys!'

Lauren stepped forward and said 'what he forgot to say was that I am the only reason he won this award, isn't that right Zac'

'No, you know it was me' Zac replied.

'Nu-uh, it was totally me'

The presenter stepped forward and said 'seems there is a bit of a love-hate relationship going on here. Anyway, as the winners of this award, the public has asked one favour, they want to see you two share one small kiss'

Silence was all that could be heard until Lauren said 'they want what?'

People chuckled and the presenter repeated himself.

'So if you just hurry up and do it, then we can get on with the performances, am I right in thinking you're performing Lauren?'

'Yeah but..'

'KISS-KISS-KISS-KISS' chants were heard loudly.

Zac looked at Lauren and shrugged, she rolled her eyes and went to him. She rested her hands on his chest and he put his on her waist and they kissed for 10 second. It was passionate, no open mouths or anything. When they finished, everyone applauded them and Lauren walked up to the mike,

'and I'm the better kisser'

Everyone burst out laughing and cheered loudly as they walked off stage.

The Performances

'Now Ladies and Gentleman, the last performance of the evening, Lauren Hadley!'

People cheered and whistled as Lauren walked on stage. Zac was stunned, she was wearing black hot-pants and a tiny black waistcoat with a push up bra with created the perfect silhouette. She stood centre stage and began her song. (it's vanessa's I know but pretend its hers)

He sends a friend
To ask me if I'm interested
I see you coming my way with a smile
You say He's the guy, you caught his eye
But he's afraid to come over he's a little shy so,
Why don't you come talk for a while?
But I see your smile baby
The messenger my take the prize
And you see the look in my eyes

I'd rather be with you, baby
You know what you're doing to me
You're the one, the only one
That sets it all on fire
Yeah you, baby
(and I can see you want to be with me)
Yeah you know what I'm saying is true
I'd rather be with you

It's you and me
But then you call him over
And your buddy makes three
I know you're just trying to do right
A glance, a touch
Try not to stare just a little too much
Baby, it's impossible to fight
Best of intentions
Do you really wanna give me away
I'll take this moment to say

It's only time
I'll make you mine
You know you can't deny me
Come a little closer baby
And tell your friend
that I'm not really interested
There is nothing more that you can do

I'd rather be with you, baby
You know what you're doing to me
You're the one, the only one
That sets it all on fire
Yeah you, baby
(and I can see you want to be with me)
Yeah you know what I'm saying is true

Yeah you know what I'm saying is true

Yeah you know what I'm saying is true

I'd rather be with you…

She finished to a huge round of applause; she received a standing ovation with people screaming. She laughed and waved before going off stage. Zac followed her and shut the door of her dressing room behind him.

'Can I help you?' she said.

'Yep'

'In what way?'

'You can let me make that drink incident up to you'

'too late'

'but-'

'sorry, I have to go'

She was about to walk out of the door when Zac pulled her back but as he did so, he tripped backwards over a shoe and fell, with Lauren toppled on top of him.

Lauren turned round until she was on her front and looked into his eyes.

'You know sexual harassment is a crime'

Zac laughed and Lauren got off him and walked out.

OH MY GOD! She thought, I've just been on top of Zac Efron! She was about to go and ask for his number when she thought better of it. If she wanted him, she'd invite Vanessa round and she'd be bound to tell him.

Zac laid there for a few moments, breathing in Lauren's perfume. He quickly jumped up and went after her.

Zac ran up to her just before she was about to get into the car.

'Lauren!'

'Yeah?'

'Can I have your number?'

'Nope'

Zac was baffled, had she just said no?

Lauren realised he wouldn't ask her again and quickly said,

'give me yours, guys never ring back'

He smiled and wrote it on her hand, letting their arms stay in contact for a few moments too long until Lauren drew back.

'CALL ME!' he shouted.

Lauren just smiled mischievously and said 'you'll have to wait and see'

Zac shook his head at her; she was like no-one he'd ever met.

She was clever, cool, sophisticated, witty, funny, lively and to top it all off, she was the fittest girl he'd ever seen.

Not that that was the only reason he liked her. He wasn't into people just for their looks, sure they helped but personality stands for a lot.

Lauren looked out of the window as they drove back to the hotel.

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would ever meet Zac Efron.

Wait, she checked herself, maybe I did, she thought remembering he dream. She giggled and entered his number in her cell before going for a shower. She smiled to herself in the shower and began to sing….

A/N

WOW, that was the longest chapter I've ever written! 10 and a bit pages! Phew!

In case you're wondering how I wrote this, my parents have gone to a christening so it was just me and my laptop was begging me to open it, how could I refuse? Lol review!!! xxxxx