Chapter 3-Now Everyone’s Done It

Gabriella, Kelsi, Martha and Sharpay walked into Taylor house.

“Why doesn’t she lock her doors?” Gabriella asked.

“Albuquerque is not exactly known for danger.” Sharpay said. They all knew that Gabriella had last lived in Cincinnati, Oh, which was very dangerous and full of crime.

“Do you hear something?” Kelsi asked.

“Yeah sounds like throwing up.” They all ran upstairs to the bathroom. The door was open and they saw Taylor stand up, flush the toilet, and wash her face and hands.

“Taylor are you okay?” Taylor looked up, just noticing her friends.

“I feel fine, just a little queasy.” They walked downstairs and into the kitchen.

“Have you eaten?” Kelsi asked once they had sat down. Taylor nodded.

“Did you and Chad…?” Sharpay asked. Again, Taylor nodded. Sharpay squealed “You could be…”

“I know.” Taylor groaned.

“We should make an appointment for us 4 right know.” Gabriela suggested. She grabbed the phone and a phone book. She spoke after a minute. “Hola. Mi nombre es Gabriella Montez. Me gustaría pedir hora con doctor Martínez para cuatro miércoles. Taylor McKessie, Kelsi Neilsen, Martha Cox, y Gabriella Montez. A las 2? Si. Gracias. Adios.” (Translation: Hi my name is Gabriella Montez. I would like to make an appointment with Dr. Martinez for four on Wednesday. Taylor McKessie, Kelsi Neilsen, Martha Cox, and Gabriella Montez. At 2? Yes. Thank you. Goodbye.) She hung up. “Sorry couldn’t help myself.” She grinned. They all knew that Gabriella spoke English, Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino fluently, but she always surprised them nevertheless. They sat for a while. “Let’s do something that will make us forget about all our problems.” Gabriella suggested.

“But what? None of us like the same things.” Kelsi reminded her.

“Shopping?” Sharpay suggested

“I don’t really like to shop, but I do need some new clothes for school.” Kelsi said. Everyone agreed. They went out to Sharpay’s car. “Wait how are we gonna fit anything in here? We can barely fit.”

“Yeah. We can go and buy a car.” Sharpay said excitedly.

“Okay Shar, we know you like to shop, but I’m not sure your father will like the fact that you bought a car.” Taylor said.

“You have a better idea?” Sharpay challenged.

“No, but-“Gabriella cut her off.

“I do.” Gabriella said quietly. She gestured for them to follow her. She led them into the garage. When they walked in they saw a large red van.

“Is it yours?” Martha asked. Gabriella nodded. “Then let’s go.” Gabriella walked over to a nearby desk and grabbed the keys out of an almost invisible niche. They climbed into the car.

“Wait, I can’t drive.” She handed the keys to Sharpay who eagerly switched places with Gabriella, so she was in the passenger seat.

“Do you have your license?” Taylor asked once they pulled off. Gabriella nodded. “Then why not?”

Gabriella sighed. “Unpaid parking tickets. And I ran through a few red lights.” They laughed. “What?”

“Gabriella you’re in trouble with the law?” Taylor asked.

“You could say that. And my mom tried to hide the keys so I couldn’t drive. But I found them four months ago.” Gabriella grinned.

“When did you get the car?” Sharpay asked.

“Uhh…last year on my sixteenth birthday. Exactly seventeen days before I met Troy.” She sighed at the memory.

“Wait you met on New Year’s Eve?” Sharpay asked.

“Nice math. But yes, we did. Didn’t I tell you?”

“You told me that you guys had met on vacation but never how.” Taylor said.

“Well it started with a party, which I didn’t want to go to but was forced. Wait aren’t those the boys?” She pointed out the window. Sure enough, on a bench sat Troy, Jason, Zeke, Chad and Ryan. “I thought they were at practice. But Chad is the only one with a ball and there is no hoop near here.” Sharpay pulled over. They got out. They hid behind a tree.

“Hey what am I gonna tell Gabi?” Troy asked.

“The truth.” Ryan said. “That you are worried about not getting into U of A.”

“What about us? We have to tell our girlfriends too.” Chad and the others whined.

“The truth. God.” Ryan exclaimed.

“Why aren’t you worried?” Troy asked.

“Because me and Kelsi already talked about this.”

“How? You’ve only been going out for a weekend.” Chad snickered.

“Well the truth is…” Kelsi jumped out from behind the tree and covered his mouth. Chad screamed at her sudden appearance.

“The truth is overrated.” She said. The other girls came out from behind the tree. Chad screamed again.

“Chad shut up!” Taylor said.

“Hi?” Troy said to Gabriella nervously.

“Troy I thought you were getting in there because of your basketball. Do you not remember this summer?” Earlier that summer Troy had played with the Redhawks and they were going to give him a scholarship.

“Well you see I gave that up. I wanted to get in there for something other than basketball.” He smiled innocently.

“Troy! What are you going to use? You singing? Because we both know that your grades aren’t perfect!” She said sadly realizing that her boyfriend had just given himself less of a chance to get into college.

“And yours are?” He asked the stupidest question ever.

“Damn straight they are!” They all knew that Gabriella swore when she was angry or excited. And she sure wasn’t excited.

“Gabi I’m sorry.” Troy apologized. She knew whenever he called her Gabi he was being truthful.

“No I’m sorry your decisions are what they are. Your decisions.” She smiled sadly.

“No they’re our decisions. Every choice I make I think of you first.” She kissed him.

While had been arguing, everyone else was betting on their making up.

“We all know that they’re gonna make up, but how? “ Sharpay asked.

“I bet $15 that Troy’s gonna say sorry and something sweet and then they kiss.” Ryan said. The girls agreed with him and placed $15 in as well. The other boys just gave the same answer with the events switched.

“He gonna kiss her, say something sweet, apologize and kiss her.” They placed in their money in. They looked at the couple, saw Troy apologize, say something sweet and kiss her. The girls yelled yes along with Ryan. They each split they money $9 dollars apiece quickly before the couple noticed. Of course, Gabriella saw.

“What are you guys doing?” She asked curiously.

“Nothing.” They lied.

“Four of you are bad liars. Taylor, Kelsi, Zeke, and Jason. And I can get it out of Chad.” Troy said.

“Hey!” The mentioned five yelled. Gabriella came up with a quick plan.

“Whatever. Let’s just go home. This is boring.” She lied. The boys walked the girls to the car. When they saw the red truck they were surprised.

“Sharpay you didn’t buy this did you?” Ryan asked.

“No! It’s Gabi’s.” She said. The boys walked around the car, checking it out.

“Nice.” Chad said.

“Gabi, when’d you get a car?” Troy asked.

“A few weeks before we met. But I couldn’t drive.” Gabriella said.

“Yeah because Gabriella ran some red lights and didn’t pay her parking tickets.” Taylor said. Gabriella looked away innocently.

“Bad girl.” Troy laughed.

“Yeah, but you can’t do anything about it.” She replied cheekily.

“Wanna bet?” He asked.

“Sorry Bolton I don’t gamble.” She smiled at him. Suddenly everyone burst out laughing. “What?” They were laughing too hard to answer. Chad pointed at the back of her car. Her and Troy walked over. It was her license plate. It read: BABYG84.“What’s so funny?”

“It sounds like a stripper’s name.” Chad said in between laughs.

“Are you calling me a stripper?” Gabriella got in his face. Chad ran behind Taylor.

“Sorry.”

“Let’s go.” Sharpay whined. The girls climbed into Gabriella’s van, Taylor driving. The boys left soon after in Troy’s truck, Jason driving. They reached Gabriella’s house and got out. They waited for Gabriella to find her key. She was taking long on purpose.

“Found them!” They walked in. “Let’s play truth or dare.” They all sat down.

“Me first! Truth or dare, Gabriella.” Taylor asked her. Gabriella got scared. This wasn’t her plan. She was supposed to go first!

“Uhh…d-dare?” She wanted to change the answer as soon as she saw Taylor’s face.

“I dare you to show everyone that box under your bed. I’m sure Kelsi would like them.” Taylor grinned.

“Taylor no! That was secret!” Gabriella cried.

“And why would I like it? What is it?” Kelsi asked.

“Do you wanna do it Gabi? Or take another dare?” Taylor asked. Gabriella smiled on the inside. Her pretend anger had made Taylor go soft.

“Another dare.”

“I dare you to tell us all your secrets.” Gabriella glared.

“Never gonna give up on that box are you?”

“Nope. You have talent and you should let everyone know that.”

“Whatever Tay. The box is filled with stuff I wrote. Like songs and poems. And no you can’t see them.” Kelsi slumped in her chair. “Except Kelsi. I lied about…my moving here. Well partially. My mom did get transferred here but we left because of me. She asked to move that time. I was getting too… never mind. I can’t tell you. Dare or no dare.” They nodded. This was the only time she would get away with it.

“Okay Gabi. Pick someone.” Taylor said.

“I pick Kelsi. Truth or dare?” Kelsi knew she was stuck either way.

“Truth.”

“Okay. What did you mean earlier?” Gabriella asked.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She lied.

“Oh right. “The truth is overrated.” She mocked Kelsi.

“Uhh…that the truth is overrated?”

“What is the truth? If you don’t tell Ryan will. He seems to know.”

“Okay. The truth is…me and Ryan have been secretly seeing each other since the triple win. I pretended to like Jase so Sharpay wouldn’t find out. He even told their pianist to quit.” Kelsi looked down.

“Wait you lied so I wouldn’t find out? Why?” Sharpay asked.

“You were evil, self-centered, and…wait, didn’t you say that you use to read Ryan’s diary? If you did wouldn’t you know that?” Kelsi looked at Sharpay. Ryan looked at Sharpay. Sharpay looked at her nails.

“I…I lied to make Martha feel better.”

“Oh, I know I just wanted you to tell everybody else.” They laughed.

“Okay go Kels.”

“Okay Chad. Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” He grinned proudly.

“I dare you to tell Taylor what you told Troy about her last week.” Chad looked at Kelsi.

“How do you know about that?” He asked.

“Troy told Gabriella and Big Mouth Brie told Shar and I overheard.” Gabriella gasped at the new nickname.

“Troy!” Chad said.

“Gabi!” Troy groaned.

“Uh…Kelsi?” They laughed.

“Well what did you say?” Taylor asked worriedly.

“That I always had liked you since you hit me in preschool for stealing your cookies.” He grinned sheepishly.

“Aww.” Taylor said. She kissed him.

“Maybe we should go to sleep now.” Sharpay said. She was starting to get uncomfortable.

“Oh but there’s more turns to go around. It wouldn’t be fair, now would it?” Chad grinned. Sharpay shook her head. “Well then. Truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“Okay how many boys have you kissed in your life?” Sharpay glared. “Come on. I sure Gabriella would be interested.”

“Chad shut up! Leave her alone.” Gabriella said. She knew where this was going.

“But-“

“But nothing! Give her another.” Taylor said. Chad knew better than to argue with Taylor.

“Okay. How old are you and Ryan? And we want the truth.”

“What do you mean? We are eighteen.”She asked.

“Liar.” Troy said.

“Almost nineteen.” She looked at their faces. “Troy truth or dare.”

“Dare.”

“I dare you to tell Gabriella that what you loss.” Gabriella looked at Troy.

“What did you lose?”

“Hey I lost it and I don’t remember what I lost.” He chuckled.

“Not funny.” She looked at Sharpay. “What did he lose?”

“That list.” Sharpay said.

“Blonde-haired witch, say what?”

“Why do you talk like that?” Chad asked.

“I picked it up in California.”

“California?” Taylor asked.

“Yeah this girl used to live in Texas. Her name was Miley or something. She always seemed to be hiding something.” Gabriella said.

“Back to Troy! Aren’t you mad?” Sharpay asked.

“Wait what list?” Gabriella asked.

“I heard Troy and Chad talking yesterday. Troy said that he lost a list that Gabriella gave him.” Sharpay said.

“No I said I lost the list I made for Gabriella. It was a list of stuff I wanted to ask her.” Troy explained.

“Oh the one we made after our secret walk.” Gabriella remembered.

Flashback

Troy and Gabriella left Gabriella’s house. They were hoping that everyone would stay out of her stuff. They walked to the park and sat down under a tree.

“Okay you go first.” Gabriella said.

“Okay. What do you wanna know?” Troy asked. Gabriella shifted nervously.

“How many girls have you kissed since I started going to East High?” Troy sighed.

“Two. One was an accident and one was a dare.” Gabriella nodded.

“Care to elaborate?”

“Well I kissed Sharpay on a dare because the team dared me. And I kissed a cheerleader on accident when I was walking and I fell and our lips touched.” Gabriella smiled at the truth. “So what about you. What don’t I know?”

“I don’t know. You tell me.” Gabriella grinned.

“Okay why did you really move here?” Her smile fell.

“I wish I could tell you. But I’m not ready. Sorry.” She looked down.

“Hey, hey. Look at me. It’s alright. Just tell me when you are ready.” She nodded.

“Let’s make a list of stuff we wanna know about each other.” She smiled.

“Did I ever tell you that I absolutely love your smile?” He grinned.

“Only every time I do it.” He kissed her.

“I love your kisses.” She said.

“And I love you.” He realized what he said. “I mean…I mean… I mean I love you. If you don’t feel that way yet it-“She cut him off by kissing him.

“I love you too.” He kissed her. They stood up and walked home, stealing kisses on the way. When they reached her door Troy stopped her.

“They can wait.” He kissed her. She pulled back.

“I wanna make sure that they didn’t break anything.” Before he could protest she pulled him inside.

End of Flashback

Gabriella put her head in Troy’s lap.

“So you’re not mad at him?” Sharpay asked. When Gabriella’s response was negative Sharpay pouted.

“Okay Jason, truth or dare?” Troy asked.

“Truth.”

“I got nothing.” Troy said.

“This game is getting boring anyways. Hey let’s go to Troy’s house.” Gabriella said.

“Yeah but before that let’s get some ice cream.” Troy said. They all agreed and got into each car. Taylor, Sharpay, Jason, Kelsi and Gabriella in her van and everyone else piled into Troy’s truck. They drove towards Troy’s house first. They stopped and everyone except Gabriella got out.

“Come on, Gabs.” Troy begged. Gabriella shook her head.

“You promised me ice cream.” She pouted. She was trying not to laugh.

“I’ll get your ice cream later. Just come on.” Gabriella pressed her face against the window and puffed out her cheeks. “Very attractive Gabriella. You look like a frog.” She pretended to be mad. “Okay then I’ll get you out myself.” She tried to lock the doors but Troy was faster. He opened the door and pulled her out. In less than two seconds she was over his shoulder.

“TROY BOLTON! I AM IN A DRESS! PUT ME DOWN!” She yelled.

“Nope. Shoulda thought about that before you decided to make frog faces.” He said.

“Alright then. You want it? You got it.” She started trying to kick his face. He kept dodging her kicks. “Okay I’m telling your mother.”

“Ha-ha I’m very scared.” They walked into his house, everyone else behind them, trying not to laugh. Mrs. Bolton popped her head out of the kitchen.

“Lucille can you tell your son to put me down?” Gabriella said.

“Troy put her down! She is in a dress.” Lucille Bolton glared at him. After Gabriella was on her feet, she looked behind them. “Hello everyone.”

“Hello Ms. Bolton.” They said.

“Call me Lucille, all of you.” They smiled. “Would anyone like some cookies?” They all followed her into the kitchen. She handed them a plate of cookies. “So Troy, why were carrying Gabriella?”

“Yeah Troy. Why were you carrying me? I’m sure Lucille will love this.” Gabriella smiled.

“Yeah she will.” He smiled at her. “Mom, Gabriella was making frog faces at me, so I had no choice. Plus she wouldn’t get out of the car.” Gabriella gasped.

“Okay tell her why I wouldn’t get out.” She grinned.

“Because I promised her ice cream.” He looked down. Her smile faded.

“Don’t look so sad. I don’t need ice cream.” He looked up.

“Gotcha!” She hit his arm. He faked hurt. “Mom are you just gonna let her hit me?”

“Yep.” She smiled at Gabriella. They all continued talking until Gabriella gasped. “What’s wrong?” Gabriella smiled and shook her head. Lucille went back to talking to everyone else. The cookies were long gone. As soon as they had turned around Gabriella grabbed Troy’s ear.

“Your mother is right here. Stop it before I tell her what you said about her last weekend.” Troy immediately stopped rubbing Gabriella's thighs.

“Honey why are you holding Troy’s ear?” Lucille asked. Gabriella let go of his ear.

“No reason.” She smiled at Lucille. Lucille shook her head and smiled.

“What was he doing?” Gabriella smiled. Lucille knew her son all too well.

“Touching me and being-“Troy put his hand over her mouth.

“I didn’t do anything. She’s lying.”

“Somehow I don’t believe that.” Lucille said. Troy pouted. “What else was he doing, dear?” Gabriella smiled evilly.

“Gabi! Mom, don’t listen to her! She’s evil! Look at that evil smile!” Gabriella looked at him.

“Oh I’m evil am I? I’ll remember that.” Troy looked at his friends. They snickered.

“Come on let’s go get your ice cream.” He said.

“Okay but you’re still not off the hook, basketball boy.” She leaned over so only he could hear. “You won’t be getting any for a while.”

“I can handle that.” He said.

“Please.” She said sarcastically. Only the girls knew what Gabriella had said. They giggled.

“Wanna bet?” He said.

“I don’t gamble. But I will today because you’re gonna lose.” They all laughed.

“Keep thinking that Montez.” Troy said. Gabriella raised her eyebrows at Taylor.

“Never underestimate a girl!” They both giggled. Troy pouted. Lucille laughed at them.

“Troy stop pouting. You look like a fish.”

“So when’s Coach gonna be home?” Chad asked.

“I don’t know I’ll call him.” Lucille got up and went to into the living room. As soon as she left, Gabriella hit Troy on the arm.

“What was that for?” He asked, rubbing his arm.

“I just remembered that you are an idiot.” The boys snickered and they got hit as well. Lucille came back in.

“He’ll be home in an hour. By the way, Troy, I cleaned your room. Took me three hours. And Gabi, sweetie, you left a few things in there. Just stuff for when you sleep over. And some stuff I didn’t know you had.” She added. Gabriella turned a bright red. Troy did too. Everyone else laughed.

“Anyways, Baby G, I need to get home.” Sharpay said.

“It’s Gabriella, Pay-pay. And you need to get your car first, so I think we should head back to my house.”

“How did all of you get here? Not all in Troy’s truck?” Lucille asked.

“No Gabriella has a car. But she can’t drive it.” Troy said.

“Don’t you have your license?” Lucille asked.

“She has unpaid parking tickets.” Troy said.

“Snitch.” Gabriella said under her breath.

“Tease.” He said. She turned to him.

“Jerk.” He looked in her eyes.

“Freaky math girl.” She stuck her tongue out.

“Lunkhead basketball boy.” He opened his mouth. Lucille saw the word his mouth was about to say so she stopped him.

“Kids.” Lucille said. They smiled at her. “Now you should be going.” Everyone else headed outside but Troy and Gabriella stayed back. Troy went up to his room to grab Gabriella’s things and Gabriella helped Lucille clean up. “Gabriella, I’m going to just come right out with this. Are you and Troy having sex?” Gabriella bit her lip. Not wanting to lie, she nodded. “Good.” Gabriella laughed. “I mean, I didn’t want you teasing him and leaving him alone. You’ve been teasing him since you got here. But please tell me that you I won’t be expecting grandchildren soon.” Gabriella smiled.

“No worries, we use protection and I even have an appointment on Wednesday.” Lucille nodded. They finished putting the dishes away. “You know, I feel unusually comfortable when I talk with you about this. You’re like my second mother.” Lucille placed a hand over her heart and they hugged. Troy walked in.

“I wanna hug.” He looked at Gabriella.

“Admit defeat and you got it.” She grinned.

“Never.” He crossed his arms.

“Then no hugs from me.” She grinned again. They said goodbye to Lucille and walked outside. Gabriella got in back of her car. But before they could drive off, Troy opened the door again. He handed Gabriella her stuff.

“What is that?” Sharpay asked. Gabriella quickly sat on it.

“Nothing.”

“Does it have anything to with the stuff you left over his house?” Gabriella refused to answer. When she turned around to look out the window, Taylor grabbed it.

“Got it! Gabriella Marie Montez! Did you seriously buy this? And wear it?”

“No Kelsi gave it to me and I just keep it for decoration.” Gabriella said sarcastically. She tried to snatch the red lingerie from Taylor.

“I’m sure your mother would love to know how you spend your money.” Taylor said passing it to Kelsi who was in the front seat. Kelsi waved it in front of Gabriella’s face. Sharpay stopped the car.

“How would she find out? She’s in New York until Friday. That’s four days from now.” Taylor pointed. In the drive was a very angry looking Ms. Montez. “Taylor, don’t tell her. She looks mad already.” Taylor nodded and they all got out. Everyone except Gabriella got into Sharpay’s car and left. “Hi Mom.”

“What is this about a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday? I come back to my hotel to find a message saying that they need my consent for a test. And do you wanna know what my favorite part was? That it’s a pregnancy clinic! Why didn’t you tell me?” They walked into the house. Ms. Montez took a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Gabriella. It’s just very surprising to find out that your only daughter may be pregnant.” Gabriella. Who was close to tears, hugged her mother. “Gabriella, please just tell me why there are appointments for four?” Gabriella bit her lip. “Sharpay, Martha, Taylor and you?” Gabriella shook her head.

“No. Martha, Kelsi, Taylor and me. Sharpay’s still innocent.” Ms. Montez looked surprised.

“Kelsi? The quiet one? And Taylor? How ‘bout that? I never thought I would ever see this day. Since you were little, I had always saw you working, too busy for a family.” She looked down and added,” Like me.”

“Aww, Mom, you are a wonderful mother. I’m glad you have such a successful job.” They hugged again.

“Gabriella I just realized. That car. I know I hid those keys. And are you not supposed to be driving?”

“I found the keys a long time ago and Shar and Taylor were driving.” Gabriella confessed.

“And that license plate?”

“I’ll get it changed. But what’s the big deal?”

“Baby G sounds like a stripper’s name.”

“But Baby V and Baby A don’t?” Ms. Montez shook her head. “Okay I’ll change it to Briella. Or T'sElla. Yeah T'sElla.” She walked up to her room and sat on the bed. She opened a book and started to read. About twenty minutes and four chapters later, she heard a thump on her balcony. She smiled but didn’t put the book down. “Hello Romeo.” That was what she called Troy every time he did that.

“Hello Juliet. I was told that you were in trouble and I came to save you.” He sat on her bed.

“Well one, you’re too late and, two, why don’t you use the front door?” She put her book down.

“Because there was a big, fire-breathing dragon guarding the premises.” She fake gasped.

“I’m telling mother that you called her a dragon.”

“WH-What? Gabi, I didn’t mean-“She laughed.

“Chill, I was kidding.” He made a face and grabbed her book. “Troy that’s mean!” He stood up and walked backwards. She chased him. “That’s really mean!” They both stopped running when Ms. Montez opened the door.

“Hi Maria.” Troy said. Maria smiled.

“Hello Troy. Gabriella may I talk to you?” Gabriella nodded.

“Be right back Romeo.”

“Don’t be long Juliet.” She giggled and followed her mother out the door.

“What was with the names?” Maria asked her daughter.

“Since he uses the balcony a lot so that’s what I call him.” Gabriella explained.

“You seem so happy with him. I just wanted to ask you something. How many times have you two…”

“Only once. And we used protection. Mom don’t worry I know how to take care of myself.” Gabriella said.

“I know. Whatever happened to the Gabriella that always came home from school, ate did her homework, and then went to bed. The one who thought boys had cooties.” Gabriella smiled softly.

“Well Sharpay pushed her in the pool at the beginning of the summer. And mom what are you really worried about?”Gabriella looked at her mother’s face.

“Gabriella I’m going back to New York and I want you to promise you won’t do anything sexual again until after your appointment.” Gabriella bit her lip.

“Mom I don’t know.” She pulled her mother farther away from her bedroom door so Troy couldn’t hear. “I know that I can stop us from having sex but I can’t promise anything else. I do have needs.” She reminded her mother. Maria shook her head.

“I’m gonna pretend you said you have knees.” Gabriella smiled and hugged her mother. Ms. Montez went back to her room and Gabriella went back to hers. She walked in but Troy was no were to be found. She knew he was hiding and she could see him but she ignored him. She sat on her bed and lay down. She pretended to close her eyes. She heard him sneak up on her. She opened her eyes.

“BOO!” He jumped back. She started laughing uncontrollably.

“Do you think that was funny?” He got closer to her.

“You can’t touch me Bolton.” She smirked.

“I would, but I know how to control myself, Ms. I-have-needs. Or should I say knees?” She pinched his arm.

“You were listening to me?” He nodded. “Then you know.” She kissed him. “You win. I couldn’t control myself. What do you want?” He thought for a minute.

“Well, I want you to promise me that you will control yourself. For a week.” She gasped.

“I don’t mean to sound trampy but a week? You know I can’t do it.”

“Either that or you have to…” He whispered in her ear.

“I told you I don’t do that Troy. So that’s not fair.” She pouted.

“Big baby.”

“I’m not a baby. I’ll do it.” She pulled him on top of her.

“Gabi, your mother.” He warned.

“My mother what? I didn’t do anything… yet.” She kissed him. He got off of her.

“Gabi, I should go home.” He grabbed his bag and went outside. Gabriella sat there and started crying. She didn’t know what she had done wrong. Then it hit her. She realized that he probably thought she was a tramp. She cried even harder. She heard her bedroom door open. She kept crying.

“Gabs? What’s wrong?” Taylor sat down. Gabriella looked up.

“WH-where’s my m-mom.” She asked Taylor.

“She must have left. Now honey, what’s wrong. I just saw Troy. He looked uncomfortable and he wouldn’t talk to me. He just walked to his car. I came to make sure you two were cool.” Gabriella just made a noise. “Gabs?”

“I’m a tramp Taylor. My own mother even told me not to have sex until after my appointment! And Troy told me to promise that we wouldn’t have sex for a week! And then I kissed him and he just left.” She cried onto Taylor shoulder. Taylor patted her back.

“Calm down Gabs. They don’t think your trampy. They just wanted to make sure you don’t get pregnant. And Gabriella how exactly did you react when Troy told you about the no sex for a week?” Gabriella looked at Taylor. “You freaked didn’t you?” Gabriella nodded. “Good.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that every time the conversation involves Troy and mine’s sex life?” Taylor laughed.

“I mean that he must be good if you beg for it.” Gabriella smiled.

“He’s good. But I seen better.” She put her hands over my mouth. “I mean…I mean…”

“Gabs calm down. Your sex life is none of my business. But what happened before he left?” Gabriella told Taylor what happened. “What did he whisper?” Gabriella cleared her throat many times. She made a gesture with her hands. “I don’t get it.” Gabriella sighed.

“He said…” She whisper something that Taylor couldn’t hear.

“Gabs. No one’s here. Why are you whispering?” Taylor asked.

“He said the b word.” Taylor looked confused. She screamed the word out loud. They heard a gasp. They looked towards the door. There was Lucille Bolton and Jack Bolton. Gabriella turned bright red. She grabbed a pillow, put it over her face and took several deep breaths. She felt Taylor pull the pillow off her face. Taylor was laughing. Gabriella pinched Taylor’s arm. “Not funny.” She looked at the Boltons. “H-hi.” Jack was looking uncomfortable and Lucille was trying not to laugh with Taylor.

“Hello Gabriella. We just wanted to know if you knew what was up with Troy. He came home and went straight to his room. He won’t talk.” By this time Jack had wandered downstairs and Taylor was laughing on the floor. Lucille had a smile on her face. “But I think I know now.”

“No! That’s not why. We didn’t…don’t worry.” Gabriella explained. Taylor stood up.

“I know what’s wrong! Gabs, what did you do right before he left?” Gabriella tried to remember.

“I told him I would do it. And then I kissed him.” She looked away from Lucille.

“He was walking funny when I saw him.” Taylor gave Gabriella a look.

“You mean he…” Gabriella fell off her bed laughing.

“What?” Lucille asked. Gabriella whispered it to her so Jack wouldn’t hear. Lucille laughed.

“And I thought it was my fault he left.” Gabriella said.

“In a way it was.” Taylor said. Gabriella laughed.

“I thought he thought I was a…” Gabriella coughed remembering Lucille was in the room. Lucille just smiled.

“Don’t worry Gabriella. He doesn’t think you’re a tramp.” Gabriella’s eyes widened and Taylor kept laughing. “Well I should get home. I’ll tell Troy to call.” Lucille turned to the door.

“Bye Lucy! Tell Coach I said good-bye and please explain. Just don’t say too much.” Lucille nodded and she left. As soon as their car was out of the driveway, Gabriella started laughing along with Taylor.

“What’s so funny?” They looked towards the door. Sharpay stood at the door.

“I should lock my doors.”Gabriella said. Sharpay helped her and Taylor up.

“Nope. You know you want Troy to walk in on you someday.” Taylor’s comment caused them to fall right back on the floor. Sharpay rolled her eyes and sat on Gabriella’s bed. Since they looked like they weren’t gonna stop laughing anytime soon, Sharpay decided to search Gabriella’s room. She opened the closet and saw a lot of clothes. Behind the clothes was a big box marked Do Not Open. Sharpay ignored the sign and was about to open it but felt Gabriella pull her arm.

“I told you never go in my closet! The box said do not touch and you were going to anyways!” Sharpay bit her lip fearfully. “Sorry Shar. It’s just…don’t go in that box, ever.” Sharpay nodded.

“Why are you here?” Taylor asked. She didn’t know why but she felt like laughing again.

“I came to ask Gabriella’s advice. If I had known you were here I would have came later.” Sharpay said.

“What does that mean?” Gabriella asked.

“Nothing. I just don’t want anyone else to know.” Sharpay sat down.

“Know what?” Taylor asked.

“Nothing.” She fidgeted. “Gabriella I need to confess. Taylor you can stay. I need your help. I been doing something and I can’t stop.” She looked down.

“Drugs? You look kinda pale.” Taylor said giggling.

“No!” She opened her purse. They gasped. At least Gabriella did.

“I knew it! I knew I wasn’t stupid. I saw it in your room under your bed!” Taylor hopped up and down. Sharpay quickly put it back in her purse. Suddenly the boys came upstairs.

“Great.” Sharpay muttered. Taylor started laughing like an idiot. So did Gabriella.

“What’s up with them?” Troy asked.

“They gone screwy.” Chad said. This made them laugh even harder. Sharpay covered their mouths. The boys went downstairs.

“Shut up!” Sharpay said.

“Sharpay’s screwy not us.” Taylor whispered. Gabriella giggled softly.

“Hush! They might hear you! Don’t say anything, please. I think Ryan may have already seen it. He keeps saying “Don’t you need some new batteries Shar?” I don’t get it.” The other two laughed.

“Sharpay. Is this how you’ve been holding out from Zeke for so long? That…thing?” Gabriella asked. She didn’t want to say the word because she would start laughing.

“Yeah. But now I can’t stop. I think he thinks I’m cheating. The other day he kept asking did I love him.” They sighed.

“Just throw it away. That way you can’t do it.” Gabriella said.

“That won’t work. She’ll still find a way.” Taylor said. “I got it! Just have sex with him. Just once. Once you have Zeke, you won’t need your…” She lowered her voice so Gabriella wouldn’t laugh. “Vibrator.” Gabriella heard and laughed anyway.

“Are you two on drugs? You seem high. And Taylor you look pale.” Taylor stuck out her tongue at Sharpay. They went downstairs. They found the boys and Martha and Kelsi on the couch. Troy was somewhere else.

“Where is Troy?” Gabriella asked. They pointed to the kitchen. She walked in to see him at the table reading something. A letter. She realized what it was. “Where did you get that?” She snatched it.

“I’m sorry Gabi. It was on the floor and I picked it up. Is that why you moved, because your father died?” She nodded and fake cried into his arms. She still wasn’t ready to tell the truth. After a few minutes she calmed down.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” She sniffed.

“It’s okay Gabi. You weren’t ready. But is there anything else you want to tell me?” She thought for a moment.

“No, but I want you to tell me something. Why did you leave earlier? Were you mad at me for something?” She asked as innocently as possible.

“Well you know what I told you? I didn’t think you were gonna do it. And when you said you were I had to leave because I knew we would probably end up having sex.” She smiled.

“I knew it. So we were right!” She grinned at him.

“Wait we? Who is we?” She stopped smiling.

“Did I say we? I meant I. I was right.” He touched her shoulder.

“Gabi?” She sighed.

“Me, Taylor and…” He interrupted her.

“Say Sharpay or someone other than who I think you’re talking about.” She made a face.

“Your mother.” He fell into a chair. “Relax Troy. Our mothers already know. And I think your father does too.”

“Wait. You think he does?” She explained about what happened when Ms. Bolton had come over. “Great. Well, we should go back out there.”

“Troy wait. I really don’t wanna sound weird but…I can’t handle a whole week. Can’t I do something? Anything. And just so you know you must be really good because I’ve never begged for it before.” He grinned. Gabriella was relieved that he wasn’t mad at her

“Can you tell me what Sharpay was so worried about when we came in earlier?” She sighed.

“That’s really her business. But it has something to do with Zeke. And why she’s been holding out on him.” He nodded when he realized that was all she was gonna say. Troy and Gabriella went back into the living room.

“What took you so long? Gabs you went in there ten minutes ago.” Chad said. Gabriella heard Taylor whisper something to Sharpay that sounded a lot like “Head”.

“Sorry Tay. Your wrong. I wouldn’t do that in a kitchen. But you might.” Everyone laughed and the other girls said “Burn”. “We were talking.” She looked at Troy. He nodded. “I think I should tell you guys why I moved here.” Everyone listened intently. “Well my dad died and my mom couldn’t stand to live there with all those memories so she asked for a transfer. And we just happened to move here.” The girls all hugged Gabriella and the boys looked sadly at her.

“How did he die?” Chad asked.

“You all know where I used to live? It was a drive by.” The girls hugged her and she started crying again. They calmed her down and they decided to walk to the park. The boys played basketball while the girls sat on the swings.

“Why do they like basketball so much? It’s boring.” Kelsi said.

“No it’s not it’s fun. And easy.” Sharpay said. They rolled their eyes.

“Sharpay you can’t play. You’d be too scared to break a nail.” Taylor said.

“I can too.” She got up and they followed her to the court. “Give us the ball.” Troy threw it to her. She caught it and dribbled it. She threw it and it sailed through the sky. Nothing but net!

“Go Shar!” Kelsi said.

“I bet us girls can beat you boys. First team to get 20 wins. Losing team has to do whatever the winning team wants for a day. But it has to be reasonable.” Gabriella looked at Troy pointedly. He ignored the look.

They kept playing until one team won. Of course the girls won. 16 to 20. The girls did a victory dance. Well Sharpay and Gabriella did. The other girls sat down, hot and tired. They walked back to Gabriella’s house and all got some water.

“I want ice cream.” Kelsi said.

“Me too.” Martha said.

“I want pizza.” Gabriella said. Taylor tried to think of something very hard.

“I want sushi.” Chad looked at her.

“You’re allergic to fish.”

“No I’m not.”

“Then why wouldn’t you eat that fish when we went to dinner last week?”

“Didn’t look right.” The girls laughed.

“Forget it. I just wanted to see if I could beat you at basketball. I’m out.” Sharpay said. The girls sighed. It wouldn’t be fun without Sharpay’s twisted mind.

“Me too.” Taylor and Gabriella said.

“Me too.” Kelsi and Martha said. The boys kissed each girl on the cheek for giving up. The boys went back outside and the girls stayed in Gabriella’s room.

“So Shar. When are you gonna tell him?” Gabriella asked.

“I’m not. I’m just gonna go for it. But I need your help.” Sharpay said.

“What are you guys talking about?” Kelsi asked.

“Sharpay tell them. It’ll be okay.” Taylor encouraged. Sharpay told them her secret. The two others giggled.

“How do you need my help?” Gabriella asked.

“I want it to be special. I don’t want it to just happen.” Sharpay explained.

“So you wanna seduce him? I can help you.” Gabriella grinned. “Gabriella what do you know?”Taylor asked.

“More than you ever will.” The girls laughed. Gabriella walked into her closet and pulled out the big box. “The rest of you have to leave while I help Sharpay. Keep the boys busy.” The other three left and Sharpay helped Gabriella open the box. It was full of dresses and very small night wear.

“Gabi! Where did you get this?” Gabriella ignored the question.

“Please, I have way more. This is just the stuff that doesn’t have my… the store’s name on it.” Sharpay raised her eyebrows, but didn’t question her. “Anyways when do you plan on doing it?” Sharpay thought.

“Tonight.” Gabriela grinned.

“I’ve got the perfect thing for you.” She grabbed a bright red nightgown and gave it to Sharpay. She spent the next ten minutes telling Sharpay what to do and giving her more stuff. She gave her a CD.

“Gabriella, I can’t do it. I need to know exactly what dance moves to do. What if I mess up?” Gabriella shook her head.

“First of all you won’t mess up because your dancing the way you feel what is right. And he won’t be looking at if you mess up.” Sharpay smiled. They heard the girls trying to convince the boys not to come upstairs. By the sounds, they obviously weren’t listening. They hid the stuff in a bag and quickly put the box back in the closet. They pretended to be talking about hair. The boys walked in.

“Hi boys.” Sharpay said. The boys stood there.

“We said hi. You say hi back.” Gabriella said. She knew she sounded stupid but that’s what she did when she was nervous.

“Gabriella I need to talk to you.” Chad said.

“Why me?” Gabriella asked.

“I just need to.” She rolled her eyes and followed him to the kitchen. They sat down. “Well, I was going to give Taylor something but I don’t know if she would like it. You’re her best friend so I asked you.” He pulled out a box.

“You’re gonna propose?” Gabriella asked.

“No. They are promise rings. What do you think?” He opened the box. There were two. The pink one said We’re not Charlie’s Angels. The blue one said I can dream, can’t I? Gabriella squealed.

“She’ll love them. But what do you mean by those lines?” Chad smiled.

“You know how me and Taylor tried to break you up? That’s what we said.” He explained to her.

Flashback

The next morning, as students poured into the school, Chad looked around secretively, as if on a spy mission. He spotted Taylor across the courtyard and gave a quick, secret nod. She rolled her eyes and came over.

“My watch says seven forty-five, mountain standard time. Are we synched?” Taylor had an infallible inner clock, so she rolled her eyes.

“Whatever.”

“Then we’re a go mode for lunch period? Exactly 12:05?” Taylor nodded and handed him a small laptop with a camera. She waved her hand in his face as he looked around. “But Chad? We’re not Charlie’s Angels.” He smiled slightly.

“I can dream can’t I?” And then they were off.

End of Flashback

Gabriella smiled. She put them back in the box. “She’ll love them. Give them to her now.” He shook his head.

“I’m gonna wait until after you guy’s appointment on Wednesday. So whatever the news, I can cheer her up.” Gabriella smiled.

“So sweet. Now let’s go back out there before Taylor throws a fit. I can hear her now.” They walked out, Gabriella still talking. “What took you so long?” At that same moment Taylor asked the same question. “If you must know you have a very sweet boyfriend. I’m stuck with Troy.” She grinned playfully at Troy.

“Like you’re any better?” Troy said.

“I am. Way better.” They all sat down on Gabriella’s couch. “Let’s have another sleepover. We haven’t had one here yet.” Everyone agreed. Except Sharpay. She looked at Gabriella. “You know what? I think you all should go home. I think that would be better.” They rolled their eyes. Kelsi, Martha, and Jason drove home in Kelsi’s new car. Zeke, Sharpay, and Ryan all went back to the Evans’s and Taylor and Chad didn’t feel like leaving.

“I’m not leaving.” Taylor said.

“You can stay. Sharpay needed to get home, so I made up an excuse so as not to single her out.” Gabriella explained.

“Why did she need to get home?” Taylor asked.

“Let’s just say I might need to make another appointment.” Taylor gasped.

“Wow. Go Sharpay.” The two boys pretended not to hear them. They stayed up all night watching movies until about three o’clock. They all fell asleep on Gabriella’s living room floor.