Dreams or Desire

The Laker Girls flooded into the locker room all buzzing about their first game of the season in which the Lakers won. The rookies could not stop talking about how amazing it was to finally be able to cheer on the Lakers and the veterans were just happy to be back.

"Oh my god! Troy is so fucking fine!" Gabriella froze and turned to see one of the rookies talking with three other girls. She turned to Sharpay, who had obviously also heard. Sharpay just gave her a look, signaling to her that it wasn't a big deal. "And I swear to god he smiled at me!" Gabriella's eyes widened and she looked at her friend who now had the same expression across her face, before turning back to the gossiping rookies. It would have been once thing if the girl had been sitting next to Gabriella, but she was on the opposite side of the court.

"Oh my god you lucky bitch!" Another rookie exclaimed, jealous of her friend. Sharpay scoffed and the three girls looked at her confused, as did Gabriella.

"You have no idea what you are talking about." Gabriella couldn't help but smile at the fact that her best friend was defending her.

"How would you know, you were on the other side of the court," the rookie shot back with attitude.

"Because number 1, he has a girlfriend, and number 2, even if he wasn't taken, Troy isn't stupid, he knows that Kelly is watching so if he wanted you, what makes you think he would have eye sex with you in the middle of the game? I don't know if you are just trying to look cool, but you actually look like even more of a loser," Sharpay shot back ruthlessly.

"You're just jealous, he was looking at me, get over it," the girl shot back, which made Gabriella tense up a little bit.

"Yeah, that's exactly what I am…"

"Attention girls!" They froze and turned to see that Kelly had walked into the locker room.

"Don't worry about it babe. She's full of shit," Sharpay said reassuringly, however Gabriella wasn't 100% she was.

--

"He baby! How great was that game!" Gabriella turned around from where she was standing in the kitchen, and smiled slightly.

"Yeah, you did great," she replied softly and his face fell.

"What's wrong?" he asked immediately.

"Nothing," she replied a little too quickly and he gave her a look, leading her to side.

"Did you happen to notice a girl on the away side of the court? Really pretty. Red hair?" A look of confusion came across his face.

"I saw her but I didn't notice her specifically…" At this Gabriella bowed her head. "Why?"

"She said you smiled at her," she replied, still looking down. He sighed and walked up to her, before placing a finger under her chin and pushing it up so he could look her in the eyes.

"Whoever she is, she is full of shit."

"That's what Sharpay said."

"Sharpay is right. I only have eyes for you." Gabriella couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Ok. I'm sorry for doubting you."

"Don't worry about it love. Just remember, you are the one I come home to every night." Gabriella reached up and kissed him, knowing he was telling the truth.

5 MONTHS LATER

"I know it was a rough rehearsal, but for those of you who don't know this is just how it is when playoffs come around. Maria has the playoff schedule for you, I know it is intense but...well...you will just have to deal with it." All the girls nodded nervously before making their way to their choreographer.

"Is she insane?! It wasn't as bad as this last year!" Sharpay said in shock as she and Gabriella made their way to their cars.

"I know! If they go to seven games the only day off we have is after Game 1."

"Shit we have 4 hour rehearsals on their away games!" Sharpay exclaimed and Gabriella's jaw dropped.

"Fuck! I guess I'll have to check the score from my phone or else I won't be able to text him at halftime!"

"Aww you two are so cute!" Sharpay cooed, breaking out of her shocked state, and Gabriella rolled her eyes just as they arrived at their cars. "Say hi to lover boy for me." Gabriella just shook her head before getting into the car."

--

"Why the fuck did I shoot that?" Troy asked himself as he sat in the living room watching tape of the most recent game.

"I asked myself the same question." Troy paused the game before turning to his girlfriend, who was walking towards the couch.

"Hey babe, how was rehearsal?"

"Ok," she mumbled and a worried look came across his face.

"What happened?" she sighed and sat next to him before handing him a piece of paper. He took it confused.

"Your schedule?" he asked rhetorically after reading the top. She nodded as he draped his arm over her shoulders. "Jesus Christ this is worse than ours!"

"I'm not surprised. My life would be so much easier if you didn't make the playoffs. It's all your fault." Knowing she wasn't serious, Troy chuckled.

"I'm sorry babe."

"Its okay," she mumbled. He placed the paper down and pulled her closer before kissing the top of her head.

"You know what else playoffs mean, right?"

"I have to start thinking about next year."

"Yep. Have you thought about it at all?" Gabriella nodded against his chest. "And?"

"I wanna know what you think."

"I think there are pros and cons to each decision. I'd love to be able to go out in public with you, but I love seeing you on the baseline. It's completely your decision, and whatever you decide to do I will completely support you. No matter what, you will still be coming home to me."

"Ok, well I'm definitely leaning to one side."

"And what side would that be?"

"I think I wanna choose my dream."

Please Review!!! Sorry for the cliffhanger but I had to leave it there! What will this mean for Troy and Gabriella? I know it is a little short and it took me a little longer to update but I hope you like it anyway!! Next up…Gabriella's decision! Only one more chapter and then the epilogue!!