The bell rang, signaling the beginning of the class, causing students to scatter hurriedly to the classrooms. But it didn't cause any distress to me, I was already in the classroom, sitting like a diligent student ready for something new. Like I always am. Though I did feel a little uncool, considering that even our music teacher was running late. Picking out a new song for us, most likely.
So I decided to doodle in my notebook for a little while, trying to draw my dog Peppy. Trying is the key word though.
With a loud sigh somebody slumped in the seat in front of me, tapping away nosily on his phone, as though wishing to punch it. Somebody, huh. Like I don't know who it is. Like I didn't have the biggest crush on this guy for almost 4 years, since freshman year of high school. But hey, I always try to reassure my embarrassment with the thought "I've had a crush on Troy Bolton before it became mainstream". Because, seriously, for people in our school liking Troy Bolton is like having the newest phone or wearing the most fashionable clothes. A big deal and most of the people are literally obsessed with it. And I like thinking that maybe, just maybe, I am an exclusion, that I like him not because of his insanely good looks or popularity, but because I see him as a really great and wonderful guy.
I remember him from the moment our class entered high school, the time he was shorter in height, skinnier, you know, without those muscles and had his voice breaking. His hair were more of a lighter color, hanging really messily around his head, not even like he has it now, and he had those cheeks, which I've always thought were the most adorable thing ever. He has them now too, of course, but the boyishness had almost gone out, showing back again mostly when he smiles. The thing that never changed, I guess, is his eyes, always the same bright blue color, with only slight changes depending on his mood, and I have always liked the kindness and spirit I saw in them.
His loud sigh brought me out of my thoughts. With eyes closed he leaned into the seat and tilted his head back, and in that way I can see his face upside down. He opened his eyes.
- Hey! – he said in the light voice, still upside down. – Miss Haps running late again?
I tried to level down my blush, clear my throat and look at him calmly. I always blush when he speaks to me.
- Yes. Probably trying to find some new silly song to torture us with, - He chuckled and I tried to cover up my probably noticeable fangirling, saying, - You would probably want to sit back properly, I think your face is turning a little red.
Okay, on the second thought that was a bit mean. He chuckled again though, bless his kind heart. I think this time it was a bit sad though.
- Nah, think I'm gonna stay in such position for a while. Get some blood into my head, maybe it will do better.
I reply nothing to that, just twist my lips and look at him sympathetically. I probably know what he is talking about.
According to the rumors going around school, Troy has just broke up with his girlfriend of 7 months, Kristen. Some say it was because she cheated on him, some say quite the opposite story, which I, personally, can hardly believe but okay. Rumors are rumors; I bet in reality it wasn't about cheating at all, people can just get in a fight. Unfortunately, as much as I would like to say that she was some dumb bitch, she wasn't. She was a pretty nice girl, we even exchanged a couple of phrases at math once, she has a lot of friends, and always stars in school theatre's productions. But I can say that she tried hard to get Troy's attention, practically following him around for some time. It probably wasn't like that, but I think I can be excused for being bitter.
After some time I say,
- Come on, Troy. It wouldn't do you any good to just hang in that way. How are you going to process the incredible text of the musical masterpiece that Miss Haps is sure to give us?
Lifting his head slowly, probably as not to give himself a headache, he turns around in his seat and looks at me. For some time, which unnerves me greatly.
I am so not a model type and I know it. My best friends are books, movies, and, well, food. Especially chocolate and sometimes I really crave some fries or burgers. And of course, what can be better, than to read your favourite novel while surrounded by stashes of different chocolate bars and cookies? Nothing, I know.
But such hobbies do lead to being a little overweight. Or maybe not a little. I guess, I am not too bad, but it is a little heart breaking to see the most coolest clothes that don't fit you, because of the size, or you simply can't wear it, because of the figure. Adding glasses to this and being an introvert, one could say I am not exactly the party girl. I even don't have real friends, not speaking about boyfriends. Because who would even think about asking me out? Pssh. Guys only talk to me, when they hope to copy my homework. And I let them most of the time, despite the fact that most of them don't even remember my name.
The thing I was grateful for is that our school wasn't that kind of school you see sometimes in movies. You know, that kind. With cruel kids, and bullying that could almost leave you killed. No, thank God, I've had none of that. I was never beaten up, nobody has ever try to shove me down the toilet and other horrible things. The maximum I get is the occasional snickering and sometimes throwing paper at me, but it is a really rare thing and from the most jerkish jerks, if I can say so. It does dampen my spirits, don't get me wrong, and it also doesn't help that I just hate to look at myself in the mirror, but with the time I managed to build somewhat of a protection system for my mind, closing it from the outside world in a wait of more beautiful and inspiring world of books and films.
So my low self esteem was kind of screaming right now, because of this prolonged attention he was giving me. He has never looked at me like that before.
After a while he shakes his head and smirks, cocking his head to the side adorably.
- Right. Wouldn't like to miss the chance to share the pleasure of singing some march with you, Gabriella.
Well, Troy Bolton remembered my name.
Actually, I think part of my stupid crush is that he always noticed me. Just a little bit, we talked sometimes, if we had the same classes, nothing more, we weren't friends, but this attention was enough to give me stupid thoughts like "Ooh, what if he likes me too?", "What if he sat in front of me because of me, and not because of the window nearby?", "What if he lingered in class because of me and not because of his girlfriend?", "What if he really just winked at me and is now crying because he wants us to be together and not because he's got something in his eye?", etc. The last one is a joke mostly. Mostly…
And this stupid little phrase. What does it mean, anyways? And is it that hard for him to say such things in some nasty voice? Seriously? We are teenagers! A lot of guys our age have this absolutely horrible voices and laugh, bless them. It couldn't be that hard, could it? But noo, the most wonderful and kind and handsome guy just needs to have everything going for him.
- Nice crocodile, by the way.
What? Oh, he is looking at my picture of Peppy. Way to make a compliment, honey! But it did bring me down from my high a little.
- Thanks, - I say in a dry tone.
He laughs at me. And this time, his emotion doesn't seem forced.
- I'm just kidding. It is a nice… horse? – A-hah, he is mocking me. I swat his shoulder with my notebook angrily. Well I aim to appear angry.
- How about you draw something and show it for me to judge you, Picasso? - I say in a grumpy voice squinting at him.
For some reason he seems to lose his smiley mood again. His eyes turn darker, almost stormy, and he seems deep in thought.
Just as I was trying to gain enough courage to ask him whether he was okay, Miss Haps decided to hop in the classroom. She did hop in, I'm not joking. Must be excited about something. Oh, she is starting to hand out something looking a lot like lyrics. I have a bad feeling about this…
I open my looker, looking at its contents, trying to understand what I need to bring home for homework. And also, a convenient thing about lockers is that you can hide behind its door pretty well. Because for some reason I feel like I am in a need for some shelter.
As I've said before, I have a couple of classes with Kristen. And she didn't seem so nice to me today. No, in fact, she's been staring, almost glaring at me with this weirdest expression. Something along the lines of "Who the shit you are and how did you manage to get myself to notice you?". And I didn't even try to, I promise. It's not like it's particularly a pleasant thing being glared at for the whole day.
So yes, I was glad that this day is over and I can head to my home that is safe from people.
As I proceeded down the enormous red and white hallways, I heard some voices. They were just around the corner that I needed to pass in order to exit school. Feeling uncomfortable for a second, I decided to wait for a little bit so as not to cross them. Maybe they are walking and soon will head in some other direction?
- You are behaving like a mad woman. – said the guy's voice gruffly. I'm pretty sure it is Troy's voice, though I've never heard him using that tone before. Looks like I walked in on their fight with Kristen.
- Oh seriously? – a girl scoffed disbelievingly.
- I didn't do anything!
- Of course you didn't!
- Kristen, it's just a sketch, for God's sake! It's no big deal! – Troy pressed exasperatedly.
They are arguing because of some picture? I'm confused.
- But it is a big deal. – I think I her voice broke a little. – More than that, I'm sure that it is a big deal to you.
There was some silence.
- It is just a sketch. – he said tiredly. – But I guess it doesn't really matter. It's not like you don't have some 'sketches' of your own. – I almost could hear him making air quotes.
- How da… I've never cheated on you, you now that! – she spat angrily at him.
- I never implied it. I know you are better than that. – he sighed. – All I'm saying is that you clearly imagined your personal life in a different way and I'm not up to that image. But I know a couple of guys who would be honored. And you do, too.
- Don't turn this on me. – I think it was meant to be angry, but it was said too quietly.
- You know that I'm right.
They both fell into silence again. After some time I heard Kristen's heels click clacking away. Waiting for a couple of minutes, I decided the path was safe to go home. As I turned at the corner, I slammed into someone. Way to make myself invisible.
- Sorry, - I've said embarrassedly, trying not to look at him. God, I hope he won't think that I was eavesdropping!
- It's okay. – as I looked up at him, I saw that his smile was twisted to the side, looking through me. After taking a deep troubled sigh he resumed his steps.
Picasso or not, I just hope he will feel better after some time.
AN: I probably should have waited for some time before posting another chapter, but it's rather short, and it is written already, so why wait? Possible feedback is still appreciated and thank you, if you are reading this!