High School Musical (Harry x Taylor Lautner)

Ice Princess

They were still giddy from the excitement of their impromptu performance, so they went for a walk outside in the cold, sparkling air.

"You have an awesome voice," Taylor said. "You're a singer, right?"

Harry shrugged. "Just the church choir is all." He smiled and admitted. "I tried to do a solo and nearly fainted."

"Why's that?" He asked, surprised.

He shook his head at the memory. "I took one look at all the people staring only at me, and the next thing I knew, I was staring at the ceiling. End of solo career."

"They way you sang just now, that's hard to believe," he said sincerely.

"This is the first time I've done something like this," he answered.

Taylor knew how he felt. "Completely," he agreed.

"You sound like you've done a lot of singing, too," he said.

"Oh, sure, lots," he said jokingly. "My showerhead is very impressed with me."

At that moment, everyone around them started chanting in unison. "Ten! Nine! Eight!. . ."

The New Year's Eve countdown had begun.

Taylor and Harry glanced at each other, then just as quickly looked away.

"Seven! Six! Five! Four! . . ."

This was a magical night, Harry thought, wishing it would last longer.

I can't believe I didn't want to come to this party, Taylor thought. This was awesome!

"Three! Two! One!"

Everyone began cheering and blowing on their noisemakers. Fireworks burst in the sky in showers of red, gold, and blue. Everyone was celebrating—but Taylor and Harry were suddenly feeling awkward.

People kiss each other on New Year's Eve, Taylor thought. Should I—?

It's a tradition to kiss when the clock strikes midnight, Harry thought. Will he—?

Neither one moved. After a few seconds, he smiled and said, "I guess I'd better find my mom and wish her Happy New Year."

Taylor nodded. The spell was broken, and he was a little relieved. "Me, too," he said. "I mean, not your mom—my mom...and dad. I'll call you tomorrow."

He pulled out his cell phone, quickly snapped a picture of her, then handed him the phone.

"Put your number in."

Harry grabbed his own phone and handed it to him. "You, too—"

They quickly switched phones and tapped in their numbers. Then Harry turned to leave. Taylor stopped him.

"Singing with you was the most fun I've had this vacation," he said sincerely. "Where do you—"

Another series of fireworks exploded overhead, drowning out whatever he was saying.

Harry was already at the stairs. He waved back, smiling, then vanished. Taylor stood absolutely still, gazing after him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A week later, school had started again at East High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was the first morning back after winter vacation, and the scene was bedlam. Kids were piling out of buses, yelling at each other, showing off new clothes.

As Taylor entered the courtyard, under the banner that read "Happy New Year, Wildcats," other students gave him high fives, low fives, and side fives.

His friend and basketball teammate Justin came up to him, yelling, "Yo, doggie! Taylor, my hoops boy!"