"I know that you can do better than that, both of you." Mrs. Darbus snapped at Ryan and Gabriella. "Run through that again. This time, entertain me."

Ryan took a deep breath and looked over at Gabriella. He too knew that they both could do better, but he had a lot on his mind, and he was sure that Gabriella did too. There was a lot going on at East High lately. A lot of it had to do with Troy, Gabriella and Sharpay. Ryan knew that his sister was going off on dates with Troy all the time, and he tried to stop her. Only because he didn't want to see Gabriella so hurt all of the time. But, she didn't listen. She was happy that she was finally with Troy. Ever since grade school she had had feelings for him. If Troy hadn't cheated on Gabriella for his sister, Ryan would probably be happy for her. But, he hated the fact that Troy hurt Gabriella.

"I'm sorry, Mrs. Darbus. I just...need to get my head cleared out. Can we have a quick break? You know, to grab a drink or something?" Gabriella asked, wanting to get her mind off Troy. All he did lately hurt her. She knew that he was still with Sharpay, even if they kept it all quiet. Only because she had asked Ryan, knowing that he wouldn't lie to her.

"Five minutes. I'm timing you. Hurry up." Mrs. Darbus sighed loudly.

Kelsi looked over at her two friends. She could tell something was up with Gabriella, even though she hadn't said anything. Everyone knew of the Troyella split. But, few knew the real reason why the two split. And of course, the only ones that knew were the three involved, and Ryan. Gabriella hadn't even told her best friend, Taylor, yet. She was unsure if Troy had told Chad. Her guess was that he hadn't. Chad and Gabriella got along well, mostly because she was best friends with his girlfriend, Taylor. She had the feeling he would have at least been mad at Troy for even just a day.

As Gabriella walked over to grab a drink of water, Kelsi stood up from her piano. She walked over to Ryan and in a low voice, watching Gabriella still, she whispered, "Hey...what's going on with Gabby? Is she alright? Is it because of the split?"

Ryan sighed as Kelsi spoke. It wasn't up to him to tell her friends. But, he was going to tell her anyway. Well, not the full story, only part of it. "I can't really say much. But, yes, it is because of the split."

"Why did they split?" Kelsi asked, knowing that the story they had told wasn't the full truth. But, then she realized that Ryan, if he knew, wasn't going to tell. She was sure that Gabriella had asked him not to say anything. So, she shook her head. "Never mind...it's not your business to tell me. I shouldn't be asking you. But...do you think she's going to be alright?"

Ryan thought it over in his head. He hoped that she was going to be okay. Well, he was sure that she would be. Maybe not yet, but soon enough she'd be okay. He was going to make sure of that. He cared about her, a lot, possibly even loved her. Although, he wasn't going to admit that he loved her to just anyone. He gave a small nod of his head. "Yeah...I think she will be. Maybe not right away...but she'll be fine. If she's not soon...we can get a big group of her friends together and throw her a party or something. Not sure yet. But, we will probably be able to find something."

Kelsi gave a small nod of her head as Gabriella started to walk back. "Yeah...so...you're doing great. It's just this scene you two need to work on..."

It was a complete change of subject, of course. She didn't want Gabriella to know what they were really talking about. She did want to know what was wrong with her friend, but she knew she would find out in time. Even if she didn't want to wait, she would have to.

"Kelsi...I'm sorry I'm not doing so well right now. Just got a lot on my mind, I'm trying to do better. I promise."

"Don't worry about it." Kelsi smiled. She, of course, had written this play. Ever since Twinkle Towne Musical the year before, she had been doing well in that aspect. She was very proud of herself. "We all have our times where we just can't get things right. You'll be fine soon, I know it."

"Thanks, Kels." Gabriella smiled at her friend. Then she glanced at Ryan, her smile grew slightly. Although she was scared to admit it, she definitely had feelings for him. She always had, but lately they were growing stronger. He was a great friend. He had proven that to her that summer at Lava Springs. When he wasn't being brainwashed by Sharpay, he was a great friend. "Anyways...I think I'm ready to try again. I'll do my best."

"Gab, don't worry. I understand that you're going through a tough time. Ryan understands too. Everyone does. If you ever need to talk...you know that I'm here for you. All your friends are." Kelsi smiled.

"You're a good friend, Kelsi. So are you Ryan. I don't know where I would be without you guys." She smiled, looking at one then the other.

"Times up! You had better all be ready. Let's try this scene again." Mrs. Darbus announced loudly.

Kelsi looked at Gabriella and smiled. She gave a small nod and walked back over to her piano. Both Ryan and Gabriella stayed where they were. They looked over at each other. Ryan gave her a reassuring smile, as if to tell her that everything would be alright. Oh, he was going to make sure of that.

Gabriella took a deep breath and closed her eyes. After a second, she nodded her head. She was trying her best to keep her mind off of Troy...and Ryan.

"Oh...Darwin, why must you leave for..."she started, but was unable to finish. As she thought about her lines, tears came to her eyes. She lifted her hand to her face and wiped the tears away. After apologizing, she tried again. But, she couldn't do it. There was no way she was going to be able to do it that day. It was just going too badly for her. "I'm sorry; I'm not going to be able to do this today. Mrs. Darbus, I'm truly sorry. I need to go home."

Ryan looked over just as she started to wipe her eyes again. The tears were starting to flow down her cheeks. Not wanting everyone to see her, she turned and ran off.

"Gabriella! Wait!" Kelsi called after her, getting up from the piano again.

Ryan was already chasing after her, Kelsi followed not far behind him. They caught up to her outside the back of the school. As they reached her, Ryan carefully grabbed her arm and turned her around. "Gabriella...are you alright?"

Although she didn't want to admit it, she shook her head. She didn't want her friends to worry about her. But, she knew that they were going to either way. So, she might as well tell them the truth. It was what they deserved to hear. "No...I'm not. I ...can't rehearse. Not today. I'm sorry. I need...friends right now. Can you guys come over for a bit?"

Ryan nodded his head quickly as she spoke. Any chance he got to spend with Gabriella; he was definitely going to take. Then she turned to Kelsi, who nodded her head as well.

"Can I invite Taylor and Martha too? Just because...if there are more of us...we can all...try helping." Kelsi said, not really knowing what to say. She was sure that Gabriella would understand what she meant though.

"Yeah...sure...I guess so. I could use the friends right now." Gabriella nodded, tears flowing down her face faster.

"I'll go and grab my bag...and call them. I'll meet you back here in a few minutes." Kelsi said, turning on her heel. She quickly headed back inside and over to her piano, where her bag was sitting. As she picked it up, she dug in one of her pockets for her cell phone. Instead of calling the two, she quickly texted both of them. She figured it would be easier that way. Cheaper too. "Meet me at Gabriella's place, ASAP! It's important."

Back outside, Gabriella started to cry harder. As she did, she moved closer to Ryan and buried her face in his chest. Right now, she just wanted him to hold her. And hold her close. When he put his arms around her, she was able to smile slightly through the tears.

Ryan held her close. It definitely felt good to have her in his arms. Even under the circumstances that they were in. He carefully moved his hands from her back, to her elbows as he pulled away slightly. Using one of his hands, he gently lifted her chin up. Looking into her eyes, he took a deep breath. He was tempted to lean in and kiss her, but wasn't sure that it was the best idea. "I know this is hard to do, but the best thing is just forget him...and move on. If he was a big enough jerk to do this to you, you can definitely find better. I promise you. Especially since..."

Before he could finish, Gabriella took a deep breath. Standing on her tip toes, she leaned in and kissed his lips gently. After realizing what she had done, her eyes widened. She backed away, and shook her head. "Ryan...I'm sorry...I shouldn't have done that...it just..."

Ryan had been caught off guard by the kiss. But, he couldn't deny that he had enjoyed it. He really had. And he couldn't believe that it had just happened. Taking a deep breath, he smiled at her. Then moving closer to her again, he leaned down and kissed her again.

Kelsi came outside just in time to see this. Her eyes widened and she couldn't move. She wasn't sure what to do. She had the feeling that Gabriella had liked Ryan...but she had never suspected this.

Neither of them noticed Kelsi come outside. They looked into each other's eyes, smiling brightly. Even Gabriella couldn't help but smile at that moment. She had enjoyed the kiss. Well, both of the kisses. She blushed and let out a small laugh. She didn't really know what to say at that moment. She couldn't believe that she had actually kissed him. But, it was a great feeling. It was something she had wanted to do for quite a while. Even though she never would have admitted to liking Ryan, especially not when she was with Troy. That just would have been bad.

"I know we probably shouldn't have done that...but...I guess I should let you know...even if you don't feel the same... I like you. I like you...a lot. I've always liked you, Gabriella. I'd love to be with you. But, if you don't feel the same...I understand." Ryan replied, his face turning a slight shade of red.

As she heard the words, her face brightened up a little more. It looked strange with the tear stained cheeks, but it didn't matter. She was happy to hear those words. "Ryan...I like you too. I have for a while. Ever since I worked at Lava Springs I've liked you. But, I couldn't admit that when I was with Troy...I thought him and I were happy. But, I guess not. And after our breakup...and you started helping me...my feelings for you definitely grew. A lot. You've been a great help to me, Ryan. And I thank you for that."

Kelsi's eyes went even bigger as she listened to the two. She found it cute...but strange. Only moments before, Gabriella was extremely depressed. Now, she seemed really happy. Although it was good...it was strange.