Austin & Ally / High School Musical

Chapter Two

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 amazing voice," Austin said. "You're a singer, right?"

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

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

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

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

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

Austin knew how she felt. "Completely," he agreed.

"You sounded like you've done a lot of singing, too," she said

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

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

The New Year's Eve countdown had begun.

Austin and Ally glanced at each other, then just as quickly looked away.

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

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

I can't believe I didn't want to come to this party! Austin thought. This is awesome!

"Three! Two! One!"

Everyone begun cheering and blowing their noisemakers. Fireworks burst in the sky in showers of red, gold and blue. Everyone was celebrating - but Austin and Ally were suddenly feeling awkward.

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

It's a tradition to kiss people when the clock strikes midnight, Ally thought. Will he - ?

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

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

He pulled out his mobile, quickly snapped a picture of her, then handed her the phone. "Put you number in."

Ally grabbed her own phone an handed it to him. "You, too - "

They quickly switched phones and tapped in their numbers. Then Ally turned to leave. Austin stopped her.

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

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

Ally was already at the stairs. She waved back, smiling, then vanished. Austin stood absolutely still, gazing after her.

A week later, school had started again at Marino High School in Miami, Florida. 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 Austin entered the courtyard, under the banner that read "Happy New Year, Manatees," other students gave him high fives, low fives and side fives.

His best friend and basketball teammate Dez came up to him, yelling, "Yo, doggie! Austin, my hoops boy!"

Dez had shiny, red hair and a weird attitude to match. He was the loyal number two to Austin's number one and, before Austin could blink, he found Dez had drawn in all the other members of the team. They were happy to see him, excited to be back together, and totally keyed up about the championship game, now just a couple of weeks away.