Epilogue

Sighing, I flipped my curly hair out of my shirt. I looked myself over in the mirror in the big hotel suite. There were empty bottles lying all over the floor, along with some people too. I couldn't tell you one thing that happened last night. All I knew was that I woke up in the bed, without my phone, shoes, and my shirt.

I found everything but my left pump, and my cellphone. I dug through the articles of clothing, and finally saw my cell phone. I had eleven text messages, six of whom were from Dakota. I think I was supposed to be doing something with her last night, the other ones were from Sharpay or someone else. And two missed calls from my sister also. Obviously, I missed something, but I couldn't remember what.

Limping around the room, I was still in search of my other shoe. I walked over to the bed that someone was in. I couldn't tell you who they were buried in blankets. The mystery person sneezed, and I jumped back.

"I should really stop coming to these parties," I mumbled, bending down, and pulling the heel that was wedged under the bed. It was mine! Finally I could get out of here, and face Hurricane Dakota when I get home. And my dad. He'll kill me when he finds out I threw yet, another party in one of his nicest hotel suites.

After we got our money back, he's been really strict on what I can do at the hotel, and what I can't. Big parties were under the don't list, which I tend not to follow.

My hand went to the top of my head, where I felt my hair and not my sunglasses. I needed those. I couldn't walk out of here with hangover eyes. I looked around and saw that they were sitting on the end table by the couch. I snatched them up, and slid my Chanel butterfly sunglasses over my red, watery eyes.

When I got to the elevator, I pressed the button that would take me to the first floor. I arrived on the bottom floor, and walked to the coffee stand my father had put in. At first I hated it because it reminded me too much of New Mexico and the people I met there.

"One large black coffee," I said to the back of the person working there. Whoever this person was, had a nice butt. Hmm, I wonder if he would- My thoughts froze as I realized who that butt belonged to. My eyes widen under the sunglasses, as I pulled out my phone and started typing a random text message to no one so I looked busy and wouldn't have to make eye contact with this person.

"Is that it?" He questioned. I felt his ocean blue eyes on me. I couldn't look up now, risking he could recognize my face.

I simply nodded, still typing on my phone.

His footsteps went to the back, to the machine where the coffee was made. I sighed, taking my sunglasses off, and rubbing my itchy eyes. But when I took my hands off of my eyes, he was standing right there in front of me.

"Thought it was you," he smirked, handing me the cup of coffee.

"Yeah," a small smile formed on my face.

"How have you been?"

"Uhm, I've been better," I told him honestly. "And you?"

"Good actually. Really good."

"So, are you living here?" I asked, taking a sip of my coffee. It burnt my tongue, but I ignored it.

"Yeah," he nodded. "I'm going to college here, so this is just a job I have..., his voice trailed off.

"So, Troy Bolton finally made it to California?" I asked, trying to make this awkward conversation less awkward, if possible.

"And Gabriella Montez finally made it back to California?" He said in a harsh tone. Ouch.

"Okay, I deserved that," I said, looking at the floor.

"Listen, I'm sorry, I-"

"I better get going. It was nice seeing you, Troy," I sadly smiled at him, as I turned around.

"You too, Gabs," he whispered behind me.

I made a beeline for the front entrance, the doorman opening the door for me. And then I just stood there, staring at the open door. I could easily walk out of here right now. Go home and find some other guy. I was trying to convince myself that I didn't need Troy. I didn't want or need some average person who had to work for money. It would be simple. I could meet a guy who was filthy rich, that could pay for all my expenses; shopping trips, vacations, getting my hair done, manicures, new cars and jewelry. But I realized that I didn't want those things as much as I thought I did. Sighing, I turned back around and went up to Troy.

"Okay, listen, this is the first time I've seen you forever and there hasn't been a moment since I left New Mexico that you haven't been on my mind. And now you're here, in my dad's hotel, standing right in front of me. And my heart still beats really fast and my stomach turns upside down and all this weird stuff that it only does when I'm in front of you. And I'm sorry."

"For what?" Troy asked softly after my rant.

I shrugged. "For leaving. I wanted to stay there with you, but I kept telling myself that I didn't belong there. But when I came back to California it seemed like I didn't fit in here either. That's when I realized I belong wherever you are."

Troy's face broke out into a huge grin, as he walked out from behind the counter. He stood in front of me, his blue eyes that I've missed staring into my brown ones as his hand reached up to cup the side of my face. "I missed you." And with that, he bent down connecting our lips together. I responded by wrapping my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

Finally, I thought happily to myself. His arms were around me and his lips were on mine. I've been dreaming, wishing for this moment to happen ever since I left New Mexico.

I wouldn't have changed anything from the past year. I met Troy and other great people. I've changed Sharpay somewhat. There's only so much you can do with that girl.

But I finally got what I needed; Troy, and a reality check.

A/N: I know this wasn't very long, but I think it ended pretty well, haha. I really loved writing this story, I loved the plot even though I seemed to get writer's block every chapter towards the end. But thank you to all the people who stuck with me and reviewed. Also, I would like to know if I wrote another story would you guys read it even if it isn't High School Musical, but characters I make up? Let me know what you thought about this story and please let me know if you would read a story that isn't High School Musical. Thanks again!