Chapter 9

Gabriella was running to her math class. For some reason, she wanted to get there early...

BAM!

Gabriella collided with someone running in the opposite direction.

"Sorry," she said.

"No, it was my fault," the person said.

Gabriella took a good look at the person she had bumped into. It was a girl with dark skin. She was wearing a pleated skirt with a jacket and a plain T-shirt. A big red headband had settled into her black hair.

"I'm so sorry," the girl said. She helped Gabriella up.

"It's okay," Gabriella. "I've never seen you before."

"Well, that's to be expected," the girl said. "You're the most popular girl in school. I'm just Taylor McKessie."

"Oh, well, nice to meet you," Gabriella said. "Well, I have to go to math class so..."

"Yeah, I'll see you around," Taylor said, heading in the other direction.

Troy, for the first time, wasn't paying attention in class. He was busy sketching dance steps into his notebook. But he used his acting skills to look alert and interested so he could fool the teacher into thinking he was taking notes.

And, just as he expected, it was working.

Ever since their first dance practice yesterday, Troy realized that Gabriella wasn't such a bad person. First of all her eyes were...well...

gorgeous. For the first time, Troy fully agreed with everyone that Gabriella was definitely the prettiest girl in school.

Why did he think that?

He had noooo idea.

No one at his dance school had any idea that Gabriella Montez was his dance partner. If they found out...if Sharpay found out...things could get real ugly. And if Sharpay found out that he thought Gabriella's eyes were prettier...well, the claws would not be too far from his face.

Troy wondered what it was like to date Gabriella. She was after all the most popular girl in school. Would all the guys hate him or congragulate him? Would girls envy her to tell her she was crazy? Would Gabriella even have time to date him? She was always swarmed with so many admirers.

His thoughts were interrupted when he felt something drop onto his lap. He looked down and saw a folded piece of paper. A note...from Gerty Hanson, who sat right behind Troy.

He looked up. The teacher seemed to be busy, so he opened it up. It read:

Heard your Montez's partner for a danse competition

Troy rolled his eyes. It was just like Gerty to spell a word like dance wrong.

Get her digits for me. I'll pay you 20 dollers.

Troy rolled his eyes again, but not because 'dollars' was mispelled. It was because he should've known about this.

Gerty Hanson was the most popular boy in school. He was the football star quarterback for the East High Wildcats. All the girls loved him and all the guys wanted to be him. Making him angry was basically committing suicide.

And Troy knew Gerty liked Gabriella.

It would be just like him to want Gabriella's phone number.

Typical Gerty.

Troy slipped the note into his pants' pocket and shook his head. He continued to sketch more dance steps.

But he couldn't help thinking...

Does Gabriella like him back?

Troy walked into the gym was actually surprised Gabriella was there.

"You're here!" he blurted out. He glanced at the clock and added, "You're early!"

"And you're here, too," Gabriella said. "Come on. Let's dance!"

Before Troy knew it, he and Gabriella were practicing mroe dance steps. Troy found himself getting lost into her chocolate-brown eyes. And most of the time, he was just inches away from her face. He started wondering what it would be like to kiss her.

Everything flew right out of Troy's head. All he wanted to do was dance and stare at the great beauty in front of him.

"You're getting better," Troy said honestly. "And its only the second day!"

Gabriella beamed. "I've been practicing."

Troy couldn't believe he had never noticed how cute her smile was. How could he have missed that dimple on her right cheek?

All too soon, time was up.

"Hey, let's make the dance practices longer," Troy suggested. "It sorta feels like we have no time at all...don't you think?"

"Yeah, I guess," Gabriella said.

Troy's heart beat up faster. She agreed with him! This had to be a good sign.

"We'll discuss the time tomorrow," Troy said, picking up his bookbag.

He was almost out the door when he remembered...

"Hey, Gabriella," Troy said. "I need your cell number?"

"Why?" she asked. She was staring right at Troy.

Was it his imagination or did she actually look...hopeful?

"It's for Gerty," Troy answered. "I think he wants to ask you out."

This time, Troy knew he saw Gabriella's eyes flicker with disappointment.

"Oh," she said. "I thought..."

You thought the boy you liked wanted your cell digits, Troy finished the sentence mentally. I wonder who she likes.

"But you know, if you tell me who you like, I could also give him your phone number," Troy offered. "All you have to do is tell me who it is. I swear. I won't tell anyone."

Gabriella shook her head. "If I tell you, he'll know I like him."

"No, he won't," Troy insisted. "I'll come up with a story."

"It's not that," Gabriella said. "Its...complicated."

Troy was a bit annoyed that she didn't trust him yet.

Oh well, she'll come through.

"Well, you better hurry," Gabriella said. "I'm sure your parents are waiting for you."

Troy didn't know whether to laugh or kick her for saying that.

"Yeah..."

"See ya tomorrow, Troy," Gabriella said, walking away.

Troy kept his eyes on her. He didn't wanna take them off of her...not until he had to.

And he knew he had to when Gabriella turned the corner and disappeared outta sight.