Summary: When Troy decides he'd rather stay behind and shoot baskets than go to the New Years Eve party at the lodge, Fate has to scramble to find a way to get Gabriella and Troy together. (AU)
- - -
Trusting in Fate
- - -
Prologue
- - -
Hi. Fate here. Yes, that's right, the Fate. As in "Praise Fate! I won the lottery!" or "Damn it. Does Fate hate me? I'm already late for work." Or whatever. It's not like I listen to the criticisms anymore - after a couple hundred years of being cursed out, I've learned to ignore them. Anyway, I'm real. As real as the shoes on your feet and that tree outside your window. Yeah, I know - it kinda sucks knowing that your life really isn't in your hands - but I do my best for everyone. I don't try to leave people out in the cold, it just happens sometimes. I mean, I do have about a trillion billion people to look after - and eegads, the ones that are meant to be? The most stubborn of all of my charges. They never seem to want to stay together? Don't the words 'fated forever' mean anything to anyone anymore?
Anyway.
So, I'm here about one particular pair that might interest you. Known as Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton. They are the two most perfect-for-each-other people that I know. Unfortunately…I kinda…well…messed up this time around. You see, I was taking care of this thing on the other side of the world and completely forgot to force Troy to the party. I mean, one tiny mistake in all of what, a hundred years? This shouldn't be such a big deal - but it is, at least to me. My superiors are screaming, the Head Boss is angry beyond belief and my underlings are all laughing at me. Apparently I screwed up the newest 'It' couple.
Imagine my joy when I found out.
So here I am, scrambling to pick up the pieces after my disastrous mistake. I'm inviting you along for the ride - though no more laughing. I don't think my pride can take it.
- - -
"Are you sure you don't want to go to the party?" asked Andrea Bolton, looking concernedly at her son, who was still faking and breaking, even though his father had reluctantly headed upstairs to change for the New Years party he would be attending with his wife.
"Positive Mom." he replied, twisting and setting a perfect shot, smiling contentedly as it swished through the net.
"Oh but Troy, I don't want to leave you he-"
"Leave the boy be Andrea, I'm sure he'll be fine." came the words from Troy's father, smiling over at his wife. "If he wants to play, he can play." Andrea sighed, but smiled.
"Wouldn't want to pull him away from something he loves. Night Troy honey. Come on Mr. Bolton, you promised me a dance." she pulled gently on her husband's arm, who made a face after her, ignoring his son's laughter at the oncoming demise of his father.
- - -
"Mamí, I really do not want to go to this party." Gabriella said, pleading with her mother, attempting to tug away her book from the stubborn grip of her mother, who was convinced this party was the best thing for her daughter.
"Querida, I love you, honestly I do, but please - do this for me." Gabriella sighed. If there was one thing she could not fight against, it was the guilt trip her mom sent her on every time she wanted her to do something.
"Fine. But I won't enjoy it." And she was right - not only could she not even finish the chapter in her book, she was called up on stage to sing! Gabi hated singing, possibly more than anything else in the world. She hugged her book to her chest, staring nervously at the screen, unable to even glance at the person beside her at the microphone. He was getting catcalls from all his friends who were perched around the 'freestyle club' and she didn't have to look to know he was looking at her. She glanced at the screen - how in the world was she going to sing this love song with this boy whom she knew nothing about? The boy started singing and he had little to no talent - his friends were laughing and everyone around them was giggling.
She supposed that ought to make her feel better about when it was her turn, but it just made her more nervous - when she opened her mouth to sing she could feel her breath catching in her throat - all that came out was a soft 'eep'. The eyes of everyone were on her and she could feel her heart being to race. All of a sudden she needed air - much more air than was in that room at that moment. She fled off the stage, ignoring the shouts of those inside. She pushed past everyone milling around and burst into the open porch, breathing heavily. She hated crowds - hated people staring. She could not believe her luck.
She was never going to sing again. Ever.
- - -
Fate again here. Great. Angst is making my job hard. He likes to torture me and my charges. I really have to get this right. I don't know how it's going to happen or even when - but Gabriella Montez and Troy Bolton will be together and be IN THAT MUSICAL.
Somehow.
After all, I'm Fate.
It's gotta work out at some point, right?
Right.
At least, I hope so.
- - -
Author's Note: This is just a side fic that I'm working on every now and then when I can't work on True Drama, so enjoy. This might be updated soon, or in a week. I really have no idea where this is going - but I wanted to get this out there. Make sure it wasn't a total flop. :D
Let me know what you're thinking. Fate's kind fun to write, nearly as fun as Jamie. :P
-B