Remember: Gabriella's and Taylors Outfit can be found by clicking the link of my profile!

Disclaimer: I don't own Letters to Juliet or HSM.

Inspiration: The Sweetest Thing by U2 original version (doesn't really have anything to do with the chapter necessarily but I listened to it anyway)

Story: A Love Letter to Troy Bolton

Author: Alleycat

Chapter 5

As soon as Troy realized what was happening he rushed to catch up with Gabriella. By the time he had reached her, she was like five steps from her car.

"Gabriella!" He grabbed her arm and jerked her around. "I am so sorry about that! I have no-"

"Troy," She interrupted softly. "It's okay, I understand."

"No you don't-" He began babbling incoherently and gesturing wildly.

She tried to follow it but it quickly became muddled. Finally Gabriella put her hand to his mouth to make him stop. "It's okay. You don't have to explain, I know we're not friends. You have your life and I have mine. After we find this girl we'll go our separate ways. That's the way it's meant to be."

"But I-"

"Me neither." She offered a weak smile before hurrying to her car.

"Gabriella?" He asked loudly but he didn't get a response.

He watched her taillights until he could no longer see them. The scene was on repeat in his head like a movie skipping. Each time he thought about it, his anger grew before he stormed into his house and into the dining room.

"What was that?" He hissed as soon as he saw his father.

It was obvious that his parents had been arguing when he barged into the room. They were standing very close to each other and were speaking in hushed tones. Normally Troy would stay out of it if at all possible.

Troy saw his dad humiliating Gabriella as an exception.

"Now, I know you are mad Troy," His father spoke calmly and evenly. "But you will thank me in the long run!"

"Thank you? Thank you?" He laughed humorlessly. "You just ruined any chance I had with her!"

"Trust me boy, that girl is no good for you!"

"That girl," he mocked. "is named Gabriella and she's very nice."

Jack was obviously getting annoyed. "Well every since she's been around you've been distracted. Detentions for texting in class, not doing homework, and coming late then leaving early at practice? This is not the boy I know."

"She's not a problem, Dad. She's just a girl."

"But you're not just a boy Troy," Jack countered. "You have responsibilities to this family and your team."

"Did you ever think that there are more important things than basketball?" Troy challenged.

"No, not for you and neither did you less than two weeks ago. That little-"

"I swear to god," Troy took a threatening step forward and raised a fist. "I will punch my own dad."

Lucille said her son's name as a warning.

He took a deep, calming, breath before going to his room. He slammed the door shut before locking it. Troy threw himself on his bed and looked up at the ceiling helplessly.

It took him five minutes to calm down enough to reach the hopeful stage. He grabbed his phone and tried calling her.

She didn't answer.

Four days later, Gabriella was still ignoring him. He had called and text her many times but to no avail. If he could he would storm her balcony and demand forgiveness. But this wasn't a movie and he had no idea where she lived in Sunset Hills.

He passed the days barely participating in his own life. He couldn't concentrate enough to do his homework or enough to practice basketball. His dad was probably going insane with anger. He hadn't talked to him since the incident so it really didn't matter except the team was starting to notice.

It was harder to ignore his best friends.

On Wednesday, she picked up the phone.

He held his breath, scared that any sudden noises would cause her to hang up.

"Hello?" She asked after a few moments. "Troy? Are you there?"

"Yes," He breathed. "I'm so glad that you answered."

"I've been meaning to call you." She told him excitedly.

"Really?" He asked hopefully.

"Yes, Taylor read Wuthering Heights in class last year!"

He deflated. "Oh?" He couldn't even fake enthusiasm.

"She said it was in her advanced British literature class! We're finally making strides aren't you excited?" She continued on without waiting for his answer. "She's pretty sure that's the only the class at East High that requires it and there were only twelve girls in the class!"

He frowned. "Oh that's good."

Gabriella could tell he wasn't excited so she changed the subject. "So what did you call to talk about?"

Apologizing profusely and telling her that he liked her seemed a little pathetic when she wasn't even acknowledging the incident. "I have this really big game on Friday and the whole school's gunna be there-"

"That's a great idea Troy!" She interrupted him brightly.

His grip on the phone tightened. "It is?"

"Yes," She giggled at his response. "That way I can talk to these girls there!"

"Of course," He mumbled. "So you'll come?"

"Yes, Troy," She said patiently."Now how am I supposed to dress?"

He chuckled for the first time in what seemed like forever. The conversation continued on and when they got off the phone Troy felt lighter than he had since Saturday. It bothered him at first that she seemed so nonchalant about something that had been eating away at him since it happened.

But talking to Gabriella always made him feel good, and he wanted to ride that high while he could.

What he didn't know was that Gabriella was hurting just as much as he was. She didn't answer until she was sure she had perfected the indifference act. She would not be the mooning little rich girl his dad assumed she would be. She was stronger than that.

But she wasn't strong when she left his house on Saturday. She called Taylor sobbing and begged her to spend the night.

Luckily, she didn't have to ask twice.

Taylor did everything a best friend should that night.

She didn't say anything when they pulled into the famous Sunset Hills. She didn't say anything when they pulled up to one of the biggest mansions in that affluent neighborhood. She didn't say anything when a butler opened the door and had a three course meal ready.

They watched movies in a room with a big screen and theater seating and ate ice cream until they felt sick. Then when Gabriella felt comfortable enough, Taylor listened to the story. She made the appropriate noises and reactions at the appropriate times.

Her reaction to Gabriella leaving Troy outside was not one she expected. Taylor actually defended him and said he couldn't be blamed.

Gabriella felt betrayed not only because her friend didn't take her side but also because she secretly knew she was right.

"You said you're a visitor?" The secretary asked skeptically.

Gabriella glanced at Taylor before smiling charmingly. "Yes, I am here from New Mexico Prep."

The secretary nodded slowly but was still eyeing her suspiciously. "Then what's with the outfit?" She gestured toward Gabriella's white and red outfit.

"I'm staying for the playoff game." She shrugged.

Taylor had invited Gabriella in for her free period which, conveniently, was the last period of the day. So Gabriella met with Taylor in the main office at East High to sign in. Then they were going to talk to Ms. Hobbs about her British Literature class.

"Ok," The secretary said while handing her a visitor tag and the sign-in sheet.

"Thank you, Mrs" Gabriella peered at the nameplate. "Johnson."

"No problem, and why did you say you were here again?" She asked slyly.

Gabriella smiled, amused. "I didn't, but" Her mind raced as she thought of excuses. "I am just reporting on why East High is more superior in academia and extracurricular activities than other public schools in the area with a smaller budget."

The secretary looked impressed, "Wow."

Gabriella smiled before walking out with Taylor. They waited until the office door closed and they were away from the glass before dissolving into giggles. They leaned onto each other for support until they passed.

Taylor was the first one to straighten up. "That was so good," Taylor wiped her eyes before letting out a stray chuckle. "You can think on your feet, I can give you that." She admitted.

"Thanks," Gabriella began giggling again.

Four lockers down, Troy Bolton's head popped up. He thought he heard Gabriella's giggles but she wouldn't be here until 3:00 when school let out. But she had such a distinctive laugh…

He heard it again and this time he was sure it was her laugh. He walked away from his locker, leaving it open and leaving his friends in a circle. He followed it blindly walking through the busy hallway before he saw her leaning on Taylor, laughing.

Then he began pushing his way through. He was in front of her in seconds. "Gabriella?" He asked shocked.

"Of course you would find her seconds after she entered the building." Taylor rolled her eyes while almost laughing.

They both ignored her, and Gabriella smiled sweetly at Troy. "Taylor and I are visiting the teacher who taught her Wuthering Heights last year."

He nodded, "Really?" His smile widened before taking a miniscule step closer.

Taylor doubted he even knew what she said; he looked far too captivated to have even basic understanding skills.

"Do you like my outfit?" She gestured to her outfit while looking at him expectantly. "I got everything you said."

She had on red and shorts, a white tank over a red tank and white knee high socks. Gabriella had her long hair braided into two pigtails with the ends still loosely curled.

"Don't tell me you went out and bought this stuff?" He teased.

"You didn't answer my question Bolton," She huffed.

Troy picked up one of the braids and looked at it closely, as if inspecting it. He dropped it before answering. "Well Montez I've never seen anyone look better In East High colors." He answered truthfully.

Taylor felt like she was intruding on their moment by just standing there. She also felt the urge to vomit because of the saccharine nature of their interactions. But in a good way, if that even existed.

She looked down blushing before glancing at his face. "Now I know that's an exaggeration."

"No," He began it so firmly she looked up at him again. He felt the weight of her wide brown eyes and totally forgot what he was saying.

Taylor cleared her throat while trying not to laugh. They were so obvious. "Sorry to interrupt but your boys" Her face scrunched up at the word. "are on their way over here."

Instead of taking a step back like Taylor assumed he would he just turned around and glanced at them, before refocusing his attention on the black haired genius.

"Captain, aren't you going to introduce us?" Chad asked with a cheesy smile. He had appeared out of nowhere and caused the threesome to jump.

"Thanks Chad," Troy replied sarcastically. "It's not like we weren't having a private conversation."

"Private?" Chad asked. "Don't you realize everyone in the hall is staring at you guys?"

That made Troy pause and he glanced around the hall to confirm what Chad had said. There were whispered conversations but the focus of the busy hallway was on him, Gabriella, and Taylor. It was probably because no one had ever seen Taylor and Troy get along or they couldn't recognize the black haired beauty.

Gabriella shrunk back onto the lockers she was standing in front of, hoping that the tall basketball players would shield her from the attention. "Me and Taylor should probably get going," She tried to sneak away but Troy grabbed her arm.

"Stay," He pleaded, still holding her arm. "for a second?"

At her nod, he began the introductions. The team was way too interested in Gabriella because this was the only girl interesting enough to steal their captain's interest.

Troy could feel her literally shying away from the attention. She told everyone 'what a pleasure it was to meet them' before hurrying off with Taylor at her heels. The warning bell rang for last period.

That meant they still had three minutes.

"Gabriella?" He shouted after her, trying to get her to stop.

She did.

He jogged up to her; it was easier this time because the hall was emptying out. He didn't even look to see if his team was following. "How long are you going to be talking to that teacher lady?"

Gabriella shrugged, unsure of where his questioning was going.

"It shouldn't take long." Taylor answered for her. "Then we're just going to hang out until school ends and the game starts."

At his confused face Taylor added that "the last period is my free period."

Troy thought for a minute. "Well my teacher never takes attendance," He let it hang but continued when Gabriella looked confused. "Just text me when you guys are out and us three will hang out."

His team looked shocked. "You know what a hardass-"Chad began but stopped when Troy elbowed him hard. "Us four."

"Us five," Zeke chimed in.

They all looked at Jason, who frowned. "Sorry guys gotta retake this test." He waved before leaving.

"Then, we'll see you guys then." Taylor said as she started to lead Gabriella away, amused.

As soon as they turned a corner, Chad pushed Troy weakly. "Dude, you're gunna make us skip our last class on game day?"

"No one told you to skip." Troy retorted. "Plus, we won't get caught."

Chad sighed heavily. "This girl better be worth it." He warned.

"She is," Troy replied without hesitation.

The trio moved back to the lockers to put their books away since they didn't need them anymore.

"You guys looked pretty intense before we interrupted." Zeke commented as he put his book on the top shelf.

Troy shook his head in a negative before stacking his binder on his book. "Yeah I'm pretty sure this is a one sided thing. She's way out of my league." He admitted.

"Maybe," Zeke agreed then continued on slyly. "But it doesn't look like she noticed that."

"So your girl hangs out with McKessie?" Chad asked randomly.

"Yeah?" Troy focused his attention on his best friend and shut his locker. "They're both smart, it makes sense."

"Well I was just confused why you kept saying hi to McKessie." Chad responded testily.

"Confused? Or Jealous?" Zeke taunted before sitting next to Troy's locker on the tile floor. He pulled his knees up and rested his head on them.

"He's definitely jealous," Troy teased before joining Zeke on the floor. "Who knew you had the hots for McKessie, the only women who hates the very sight of you?"

Chad frowned. "That's harsh," he said before joining them on the floor. "I'm sure I have a better chance than you."

They glared at each other but it was only a couple of second before they started laughing. Chad did not want to say anything but he was glad his best friend was in a better mood. The past week it seemed like he fallen into a funk and now he was finally out. Chad wondered briefly if it had anything to do with Gabriella.

"Did you notice?" Gabriella asked as her and Taylor walked down the primarily empty hallway.

"Notice what?" Taylor asked while searching for the teacher's room. It had been about a year since she had been in there so she wasn't exactly sure where it was.

"The guy with big hair," She paused, her face screwed up in thought. "Chad I think, was staring at you!"

"Yeah, right," Taylor began laughing hysterically. "He was probably spacing out."

"No," Gabriella shook her head, her hoops shaking emphatically. "It was-"

"We're here!" Taylor interrupted before pulling Gabriella into the open door. "Ms. Hobbs!" She greeted before letting go of Gabriella's arm.

"Taylor McKessie!" The teacher greeted smiling warmly. She had brown hair in a severe bun. She had on a black women's suit and sleek thin frames. They met each other in the middle of the room. "How is being a senior treated you?"

"It's great, but I miss your class. I was just telling my friend Gabriella here," Taylor gestured to Gabriella who was still standing at the doorway awkwardly. "how challenging your Advanced British Literature class was."

"It is," Ms. Hobbs agreed before walking back to her desk. "That's why it's one of my favorite classes!" She directed the last statement to Gabriella.

Gabriella began walking up and down the empty aisles between the desks. "I heard you even taught Wuthering Heights to juniors no less." She commented, impressed.

"Yes, I'm the only soul brave enough to teach such classics." She smiled before leaning on her desk in the back. "I mean some of the other teachers have the Scarlet Letter and stuff like that, but I'm the only to teach that particular novel." Ms. Hobbs chuckled. "In fact, I'm the only teacher in this school that recommends it."

"It is such a great novel, but hard to tackle." Taylor noted. It was quiet for a few moments. "I'm sorry to run like this but I was just giving a tour to Gabriella and I had to stop by."

"Don't be a stranger!" Ms. Hobbs called after the girls before they walked out. Both girls waved as they left and went the way they came.

"Like taking candy from a baby," Taylor said quietly aware of the open door.

They giggled quietly for a few moments.

Gabriella looped their arms as they walked down the hall. "I don't know if you realized but we match," She whispered conspiratorially.

Taylor laughed loudly. "Honey, we match the whole school." She stopped in her tracks when they turned the corner.

Down the hall was a man talking to the three boys on the floor. He was wearing slacks and a white button up shirt. He looked mid-thirties.

"Oh no!" Taylor gasped before pulling Gabriella back to her.

Gabriella leaned in. "What?" She asked quickly.

"That's the principal down there with Troy." She said hurriedly, as if that explained everything.

"So?" She asked confused.

Taylor sighed loudly. "If they get caught skipping, they can't play in the game tonight."

"He's skipping?" Gabriella repeated, raising her voice hysterically at the end.

"Yes, Gabriella." Taylor said impatiently. "He just wanted to hang out with you." She gave her friend a weird look. "How could you not notice? He was so obvious about it too." This thought caused Taylor to snicker.

Gabriella's eyes widened as the weight of what was happening hit her. It would be her fault because Troy would have never skipped if she wasn't there. If she thought his dad hated her before, he would probably crucify her if his son couldn't play in such an important game.

I have to do something.

Personally, if I was skipping I would stay away from the hallway but obviously they don't know how to skip lol.

My birthday is Friday! So if I get an amazing response (like last week! Thanks!), I might be convinced to update it then since I have three days off in a row! I'm not going to say how old I will be (because a lady never tells!) but it's a big one and I'm so excited!

Thanks to everyone who reviewed the last chapter:

Hopeful Extinction, nicolypoly, xZANESSA4LIFEx, bubzchoc, Lilly, zanessa14, pamylz, zan lil, anoddapple, sunnycouger, pinkwildcat94, maccanut53, and goesaround.

IMPORTANT-I have bad news: my schedule is going to summer hours so I work ALL the time! I guess I should be happy I even have a job (and I am!) but yeah I won't be able to update as frequent. So I guess lots of reviews and I'll update next Tuesday and if not, the Tuesday after that! If I have any spare time trust me I will update it faster.

Alleycat