21st September

Albuquerque, New Mexico.

…

I didn't have my confidence back; Sharpay seemed to have taken that right from me. But I'd pretended to be sick too many times after that day, so I felt I had to go in and face my demons. My steps as they got closer to the school, I noticed, were much slower than normal. I felt alone, deeply alone. And even thought there were many people around me. Some staring in my direction, I felt if it was just me in this world, walking in the direction that lead me to my fate. Whatever that may be.

Sharpay's words still hurt when I thought of them. As I've already mentioned, I was really I the shadows at all my other schools, so coming to East High was a very different experience for me. Because I'd never really been known at other schools, people didn't make opinions of me, or at least I never heard of them. So to have someone shout hurtful words about me, right in front of me, was something incredibly new; something I don't want to revisit anytime soon.

I finally reached the doors, opening them and stepping inside. I remember my arms wrapping around my stomach under the stares of everyone around me. I've always hated being stared at. That's one of the reasons I begged my mother to stop ballet dancing classes. But that's yet another uninteresting story.

When I reached my locker, fiddled with the knobs and the door swung open, I felt a strange sort of relief go over me. It enveloped me, and I suddenly wished I was small enough to sit into my locker and watch from the slits in the door, onto the outside world.

But it didn't stay that way, unfortunately. I felt someone's eyes on my back, and I didn't have to look to see who it was; I could feel their gaze from miles away.

Gathering my books, I tried as fast as I could to get to my registration class, but his legs were much stronger and faster than mine. I was cornered by him, even though he had no arms around me.

The only word he said was, "Hello."

And his eyes said the rest.

They lead me back to the day I had been hurt by Sharpay's evil words. I struggled under his gaze, fighting the undeniable power he had. They lead me back to every word she had said. Every step I had taken as I had run away. Every following step he had taken, and the words he had said to me once I had fallen to the floor.

Because, Diary, there is something I have yet to mention. Something that my mind is still pondering over, and the words he said to me that time still circle my brain. It was one of the most confusing meetings I have had with him. And it goes something like this…

I remember falling to the ground, my back against the stone cold wall, with tears falling rapidly from my eyes. The next thing I here is footsteps thudding along the corridor in my direction, and I didn't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out who they belonged to. Once he had seen me, he must have taken pity, and the next thing I know is that he is sitting next to me, his hand on my hand which was supporting me on the floor.

I remember snatching my hand away, and hearing him sigh sadly. "I'm sorry." He whispered.

I looked at him then, and saw the pain written in those damn blue eyes. It was obvious he felt responsible for what I had just gone through, and being the person I am, I took pity. I patted his hand, the spark I felt as our hands touched again was something I tried to ignore. "You Don't have to be sorry. It's nothing to do with you. Just the hatred she feels for me - something I don't understand."

"I do." He muttered, and I took my hand away, almost feeling betrayed.

I looked at him, slightly confused. This was the most sincere I've ever seen him. "What have I done?"

He sighed, playing with his hands and turning the class ring he owned on his finger. "You've taken me." I shook my head at him, knowing he was going back to his cocky ways. He seemed not to think so. "Sorry. You misunderstand. Everything I did the first time I met you, was all an act. I do it for everyone. I don't think I've ever acted like myself. You… stunned me, by not reacting."

I laughed sarcastically. "Is that so."

"It is,' He looked at me, his eyes transferring the point the was trying desperately to make. 'You see, no-one has ever shot comments back at me. I must admit, I didn't know what it felt like. I was confused by you, but curious. No girl has ever done that before; every girl wants me for some reason I cannot understand.' I didn't want to believe his words, but the way he was opening up to me like this, it made me think otherwise. He looked at me. 'I know the words I said to you seem wrong. But the more I've watched you, the more I am intrigued. You've caught me. Something that Sharpay - no matter how hard she tries - has never done."

I was shocked as he ended. Was I supposed to believe this? Because for some strange reason, I did. Was it all a trap? All these questions had gone around in my brain, trying to connect the dots.

He turned more fully to me. "I realise that you must be shocked by what I've just said. I've never really opened up and told someone what I really felt before, so maybe I was too forward. But I just feel, that if you let me… I could break down the walls you have."

I leaned away from him, scared at how he could read me.

"I don't have walls."

He looked at me. "Yes you do. You just can't admit it."

My head fell back against the walls, tired with everything it was supposed to handle. "Look,' I said to him, my eyes closed. 'I'm sorry if I'm about to sound really harsh here, but I've had enough today. Not only have I had Sharpay's words to deal with, but now I have yours too. It's too much right now. I don't know what to believe, and by the way you've acted before, it just makes it more unbelievable. I really need time to… think things through. So I'd appreciate it if you left me alone."

When I'd opened my eyes again, he had left, and I just saw his back round the corridor corner.

So he was obviously back again today, to ask me if I've had enough time. I'd taken time off school, pretending to be ill, just to figure things out and get through the pain which I was still healing from. So many things had happened that day, and I was still just as confused.

"I haven't had enough time, Troy." I said to him today.

He nodded, taking my books from my arms and carrying them for me. I wanted to take them back, as it was such a friendly gesture - anyone could see. But he put them to his other side, so I just sighed. It seemed such a nice thing to do. What was he up to? I remember thinking.

I got my answer.

"I know; it'll probably take a long time. I just wondered if, for the mean time, we could be… friends?"

I narrowed my eyes. "What do you want from me, Troy?"

"Your friendship, for just now."

I wasn't sure what I wanted, but it was clear he wouldn't let this go. He might not e acting cocky and stuck up right now, but I knew he still had his I'll-get-what-I-want streak. So I just nodded.

I now I sit here, wondering what will come tomorrow.

Or the next day.

Or the next day.

Only time will tell, I guess.

A/N; A bigger development in their friendship there. I hope I explained what happened okay. Things are going to start up in the next few chapters, so keep looking out for updates. I'm trying to update as much as I can. Thanks for all the reviews, they are fantastic. I'd really like some more, though. ;D

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