Hate is a Passionate Emotion

Changed

"Ha! Sucker!" yelled Gabriella as she pushed Troy into the wall.

"I am so going to get you for that, Brie!" He ran after her, up the stairs and into their favorite spot.

"You know, Brian's going to apologize to you, Brie." Troy grabbed her hand and stared into her eyes.

"I'd just like to forget about it," sighed Gabriella.

"We're all here for you. Don't you forget that."

Gabriella laughed suddenly, startling Troy.

"What? You think what I just said is funny?"

"No, of course not! But remember at the beginning of the school year, when we hated each other?"

"You hated me. I didn't hate you," corrected Troy softly.

"Wanting to play me is even worse than hating me." Gabriella was serious now.

"I have to say I'm ashamed. You've changed me, Brie. I don't think I'll ever be the same as I was before you came." Neither of them noticed they were just inches away from each other now.

"Maybe change is a good thing," whispered Gabriella.

"In your case, it definitely is." Troy pulled her and by instinct, his lips found their way to hers, and they shared a kiss full of understanding and change.

"Gabriella Montez, will you be my girlfriend?" asked Troy.

"Of course! I've never felt special before, Troy. Until I met you," gasped Gabriella when they pulled away.

"You've always been special, Brie. You just needed the right person to show you that." Troy smiled.

"Then I'm guessing you're the right person?" Troy grinned.

"I certainly am."

"Is this our happily ever after then?"

"You ask a lot of questions."

"We can answer them together." The bell rang, interrupting their moment.

"After this," groaned Gabriella. She gave Troy a quick kiss on the lips before dashing down the stairs to her next class, as Troy followed.

"So you're saying that Troy Bolton asked you to be your girlfriend?" squeaked Sharpay happily.

"Yeah," Gabriella muttered for the hundredth time.

"Girl, you sure have changed him!" Taylor laughed. Gabriella caught Troy's eye as he winked at her. She flushed and smiled back.

After school, Troy chased after Gabriella as she walked out to the parking lot.

"Want a ride?"

"Sure."

When they got to her house, Gabriella turned to Troy.

"Thanks for everything, Troy."

"I should be the one thanking you. You've made me realize…"

"Realize what?"

"That I love you," whispered Troy.

Gabriella's eyes widened.

"I'm sorry, that was out of line," stammered Troy.

"I love you too, Troy," breathed Gabriella. "I think I always have."

"In that case…" Troy took a small velvet box from his pocket. "Do you accept this?" He snapped open the box to reveal a beautiful silver ring with a pink gem. A promise ring.

Gabriella gasped. "I couldn't take this, Troy! It probably cost so much."

"Not as much as it would cost me if you didn't take it." He slid the ring onto her finger.

"It's so beautiful," marveled Gabriella. She hugged Troy.

"You've taken my heart, Brie. And no matter what happens, it'll be yours forever." Troy looked at her, and his eyes radiated what he felt. Gabriella gave Troy a deep kiss, and when they pulled apart, both were panting.

"Forever."