Update 11/26/2009: This is the new Chapter four
Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the last chapter. Also please check out my new community for post high school HSM Fanfics called High school wasn't meant to last forever.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters except the ones I created.
Chapter four: Freshman Disorientation: The Sharpay Experience
At 5:50 AM, Sharpay woke from a comfortable sleep; grabbed her designer shower shoes, makeup kit, and bathroom accessories; and proceeded to make her way to the girl's communal bathroom. The only way for five girls (normally six) to share a single bathroom was to create a schedule. Unfortunately, because she had the earliest classes and needed the most time getting ready in the morning she received the 6:00 AM slot. Sharpay was positive after a few more days of waking up at 5:50 in the morning she would switch to a less time intensive morning routine.
It was not until Sharpay return from her shower, that she would realize one of her sweet mates crossed out her name on her dorm room door and put mountain lion on top of it. Sharpay was sure that the person who defaced her door was standing right down the hallway in nothing but a white fluffy towel and a shower cap. For a moment Sharpay was wondering why she did not see how hot he was before.
"Sharpay, I know you enjoy looking at my body, but I really need to get dressed."
Now she remembered, his attitude always got in the way of his beauty. He was way too cocky to be that sexy. Not that she personally found him attractive or had dreams about him involving a police uniform and handcuffs. Really, she did not think of him in that way. At least that is what she told herself as she entered her dorm room. For the sake of the rest of their suite mates, she would pick him up a bathrobe.
By 7:30 am, she was dressed head to toe in pink. Before leaving for her first class, she grabbed an energy bar from the shelf. She may have to use a communal bathroom, but she was not eating in a cafeteria that would not prepare special meals for her.
Why did she have to have a math class at 8:00 AM in the morning? Oh yes she knew why, her participation in the A of U assist other schools program required her to spend her afternoons at East High. Only on Fridays would she not have an 8:00 AM class. On Mondays and Wednesdays, she would have English from nine to 11. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, she would have her introduction to film class in that time slot. This was the only class of this semester that is somewhat related to either of her majors. Due to her being a double major, she was required to take most of her core academic courses during the first year. She would not have a single acting class until the second semester. After an 11:00 AM lunch, her 12:00 PM chemistry class would be her last class of the day on campus. Afterwards, she would run over to East high to spend the last period working with students. Thank god, she is getting credit for this.
Truman hall was an older building on the east part of the campus away from the dorms. The class was small. The only person she recognized was Penelope Castro, the former drama queen of West High who Sharpay lost the lead role in a local community theater production this past summer. The girl was dressed completely inappropriately in a body cleaning tank top that might as well be a bra and shorts that would have to be peeled off her body. Sharpay absolutely hated Penelope Castro.
"You're taking a math class?" Penelope asked in fake shock from the back of the classroom.
"It is one of the core requirements for graduation," Sharpay answered as she sat down near the front.
"Yes but I didn't think you were smart enough for this class. Also, I thought an airhead actress like you would not need to concern her selves with such complex things."
"In addition to majoring in the theatrical arts, I am also, double majoring in business. Besides, I did get a 620 on the math portion of my SAT. If I got one more question right on the math pretest, I could be in the calculus class right now. Personally, I am surprised you are not in remedial math. In academics, like everything else East High was always superior to West High. Gabriella kicked your schools ass in the academic decathlon for the last two years. You remember Gabby don't you; she's the girlfriend of the guy who turned you down all summer during the play production." Sharpay added that the last bit about Gabriella and Troy just to make the other girl angry.
"I'm so glad you're thinking ahead. With your acting skills being what they are, you are definitely going to need a backup plan. Hopefully, your business skills are far superior to your acting skills." Penelope shot back in a sickening sweet voice.
Thank god, the instructor walked in before Sharpay had time to kick Penelope's ass. Going to judiciaries for beating up a fellow student was not something Sharpay needed to happen in the first week. Their instructor, Miguel Lee was a graduate student who believed Birkenstocks were appropriate footwear for classroom instruction. The man even gave them homework on the first day. She did not even have the book yet and he was giving them homework. God she hated her math class already. Sharpay was so angry when she left the classroom that she accidentally walked into someone leaving the room next door.
"Sharpay you need to pay more attention," said the voice of her favorite annoyance as he began to pick up their books.
"Chad is that you. I am so glad we are going to be in the same school this year. I always thought you were a fabulous basketball player. I am actually going to be on the cheerleading squad. I can't wait to cheer you on this season." Penelope said as she tried to grab on to Chad's arm.
"How wonderful another opportunity for you to show your inner ho to the entire school." Sharpay replied in pure ice princess mode as Chad avoid it Penelope's touch.
"Sharpay, I forgot to tell you I love your new hair color. It makes you look less stupid. If only appearance could translate into an actual increase in intelligence." Before Sharpay could react, Chad grabbed her by the arm and began to take her to the closest exit.
"I'm sorry, but I really need to get to my English class. Sharpay, what is your next class?
"Freshman English 152 C: Heroes and Villains of Contemporary Literature," replied Sharpay.
"I'm going to the English building as well, Chad. Maybe I can walk you to your next class."
"Actually, Sharpay and I had the same next class. Maybe some other time," Chad said in a way that meant he really did not want to see Penelope again.
"See you around Chad." Penelope waved as she said the words in a seductive voice.
"Oh my god I can't believe she was hitting on you like that. She is such a ho." Sharpay said once they were outside the building.
"Considering she propositioned half of the East High basketball team last year, I will agree with you on that point. She even tried to drag poor Jimmy to the janitor's closet. He was terrified." Chad said as they continued on their way to Madison hall.
"He was barely 15 than, and she was almost 19 at the time. That is practically child abuse. Although it does not surprise me considering she tried the same thing with Troy during the play this summer. It got so bad that Gabriella join the production to keep her away. Now she has her sights on you and Taylor is 2000 miles away unable to protect you."
"Oh god no," Chad responded with a groan of irritation and annoyance.
"Are we were actually in the same class or was that an excuse to get away from her?"
"We are in the same class. However, you would know that because I told you this was the class I was taking. I thought you were taking 153 D: Feminist Perspectives on American Literature?"
"Yes I was, unfortunately that class was full. You made this course seem so good that I just had to take it," she said in a sarcastic tone. "This was the only English class available that fit into my schedule."
Once they reached the classroom, Sharpay decided to stay with Chad in the back. It was a small class with only about 15 students; all but two of the students were men. Unfortunately, the other female student was Sharpay's former roommate Drusilla. Their instructor Mr. Carl Jackson was already seated in the front.
"I Know most of you are taking this class because we will be reading comic books and watching various films. This curriculum will cover much more than graphic novels; we will be reading materials on war and genocide. Traditional books will also be part of the curriculum. This curriculum will examine how one society's villain is another society's hero. In addition will cover how stereotypes influences our perception of certain groups as heroes or villains. No, we are not covering this just because your instructor is African American. We are covering this because it is a very important concept to understand. Each of you will be writing three essays in this class, as well as, two short fictional story in addition to various other assignments this semester.
"Since most of you were unable to pick up the books for this class this weekend, because I did not get the syllabus tobookstore on time, we're going to have a short class today to allow you all time to pick up the books. Now we are going to take a few minutes to introduce ourselves to our classmates. Then I will pass out tonight's assignment. After that, I will pass out the book list and the syllabus for the semester. Then you are free to go. Let's begin with you two in the back," he said pointing to Sharpay and Chad.
"My name is Chad Danforth. I am a first year student originally from the Albuquerque area and a recent graduate of East High school. I am majoring in computer science and I hope to design video games someday. My minor is Latino studies." Even though she knew that he was intelligent and could do more than just sink baskets, Sharpay was shocked that Chad did not mention his status on the basketball team. Basketball was the only thing that really defined him in high school.
"Very good Mr. Danforth, now you young lady," the instructor said as he pointed to Sharpay.
"My name is Sharpay Evans. Yes, several buildings on this campus are named after members of my family. No, I cannot help with the current crackdown on underage drinking. I am majoring in the theatrical arts and business. I do not think I will have time for a minor, but I was thinking about women's studies. I also graduated from East High school in Albuquerque."
"So you two went to the same high school?" question the instructor.
"Yes, Sharpay was the villain of our high school." Chad responded.
"I was the villain? You and your little basketball friends infiltrated my drama department. I was just trying to protect the sanctity of the theater." Sharpay said in anger.
"What about when you tried to break up Gabriella and Troy, as well as, dumped your brother as you're acting partner just so you could win the Lava Springs talent show? " Chad shot back at her.
"I did not try to break them up. I just wanted an acting challenge. I've been working with Ryan for forever and I needed to test myself." Sharpay said in her defense.
"Your comments illustrate how our perception influences how we determine the villain and the hero of a particular situation. I believe you two are going to have a different homework assignment tonight."
"I can't believe he's making us write about are high school experiences to explain how a person could be perceived as a hero and a villain in the exact same situation," Chad said as they left the classroom.
"If you didn't call me the villain of our high school we would be doing the same assignment as everyone else instead of a special collaborative project. At least he gave us until next Monday to complete the assignment. I guess we better go get the books."
"Do you want to go to lunch afterwards? So that we can talk about the English project, not for any other reason."
"Might as well." Sharpay said as the two began to make their way to the bookstore.
The first day will be continued in Freshman Disorientation: Chad style
A/N: Sharpay's comments about having fantasies about Chad in a police uniform was inspired by the scene during the I want it all fantasy sequence were Sharpay disappears with Officer Chad wearing nothing but a nightgown.
