At first he'd been cooperative. The perfect little brother. The perfect addition to her routine. But no. Those Wildcats had come and taken that too. The moment that she'd let her precious little brother out of her sight he'd made fast friends with the talentless crew and become their leader…at least theatrically. Kelsie may have provided the songs, but Ryan provided the star power they needed. Forget Troy Bolton. He would be nothing without Ryan's dance lessons. And now as Sharpay watched her brother laughing with them at the cast party, her gaze darkened.

He'd laughed at her.

Ryan had never been cocky enough to make a snide remark about his sister, and now he was bragging about lowering the orchestra pit to get her off the stage and out of sight. Her little brother. She could begin to feel her nails breaking the skin on her palms, but grit her teeth and glared harder.

"Um, bagel dog?" Kelsie asked, timidly offering a small plate.

Sharpay grimaced down at the treat and looked up, offered a sugary sweet smile to the pianist who had first entered Troy and Gabriella into the world of theater.

"Thanks, Kelsie," she said sweetly. "You were great up there!"

"R-Really?" she blushed. "Thanks."

"Yeah! You and my brother make such a good couple."

"Well…I don't know about that," she chuckled nervously. "He is a great choreographer though."

Four years at East High and Kelsey still had almost no confidence. Sharpay resisted the urge to throttle her.

"Of course you do. I know how much he admires you," she assured Kelsie with a warm hug around the shoulder. "Who knows? With both of you going to Julliard, maybe one day we'll be sisters! In law, that is."

Kelsie managed a weak laugh and shot a glance at Ryan, who had donned part of his mascot uniform and was dancing to some song, "You Got It." His gyrating hips distracted the girl for a moment, who immediately caught her thoughts and attempted to bolt.

"Oh, but Kelsie," Sharpay stopped her from walking away, nails sharp as knives in her shoulder. "Don't tell Ryan about this, 'kay? Just keep it our little secret."

The fake smile and promise between the girls put Sharpay in a slightly better mood. Of course Kelsie immediately scuttled over to Gabriella, no doubt to ask her opinion on the subject. Sharpay felt a little better, but not enough. Ryan was still gyrating, trying to get the guys to dance with him. Zeke and some of the other guys looked mildly uncomfortable.

"Zeke," Sharpay called, waving him over.

"Sharpay?" Zeke's entire face lit up at the prospect of being needed by Sharpay in any respect.

"Zeke, could you be a dear and make me something for my birthday? This cookie cake you made for us here was just so delicious," she drawled, scooping and sucking some frosting off her fingers for effect. She saw her brother roll his eyes at her and pulled Zeke closer. "You wouldn't mind, would you?" She batted her lashes at him, watching him blush from being so close to her.

"Sure, Sharpay. Anything for you," he grinned stupidly.

"Great!" Her gaze shifted to the dance floor. Zeke was a complete oaf when it came to dancing, but she could still find a way to put this to her advantage. "How about we get out there and show them what we've got?" she asked.

"Uh, you wanna dance?" he asked, nervously glancing at the cleared space where Ryan and a few of the backup dancers from the show were gyrating.

"Sure!" she shrugged. "What's not to love?" She grabbed his hand and yanked him to the center of the floor, close but not too close to Ryan and Kesha, one of the backup girls that Ryan seemed to favor for her dance moves. She changed the playlist to something the group would love, slowly but surely getting them to trust her with her music choices, until she came up to "Soulja Boy." The Wildcats went wild. Chad even grabbed Troy onto the dance floor for the one group song he knew the moves to. Sharpay smiled, staying by the iPod.

The first couple of choruses went great. Everyone was laughing and stumbling over each other, launching themselves from one side of the room to the other. And then, as predicted, during one of the "watch me yooo" parts, the Wildcats started playfully shoving each other, and Zeke slammed full on into Kesha and Ryan. Her brother, being the underweight dancer that he was, crashed onto the couch nearby, and Kesha started yelling at Zeke, ignorant puppy dog that he was.

Ryan was officially out of the dance. Chad and Troy were nearly crying they were laughing so hard at the spectacle. Ryan warily dusted himself off, once again reminded that he wasn't really one of them.

"Hey Ryan, you might want to gain a little weight," Troy laughed.

"Yeah, man. We can't be worried about knocking you over when we're playing ball!" Chad chimed in.

Zeke shrugged, apologetically smiling at Ryan while keeping Kesha at an arm's length. Some of the girls towed Kesha away and Ryan stayed on the outskirts of the group. Sharpay noticed Gabriella heading towards him, so she decided to intercept the brunette before too much healing could go on.

"Gabriella! Great show," she grinned, linking arms with her. "I know how close we came to losing you for this one, but I just want to say I am so happy that you made it back in time."

"Really? I thought you'd be mad," Gabriella frowned, brushing her hair behind her ear.

"Oh no," she waved it off. "Please. You and Troy belong together! I know that now," she said sincerely, pausing to look at Troy, Jason, and Chad, who were stuffing their faces with Zeke's cookie cake. "I just feel sorry for him."

"For Troy?" Gabriella asked, furrowing her brow.

"No," Sharpay turned emphatically, as if shocked she'd even think of it. "For Ryan."

"Ryan?" Gabriella repeated stupidly.

Sometimes Sharpay just wanted to punch that pretty little face of hers.

"You didn't know? One of the reasons I tried to hang out with Troy last summer was so Ryan could have some alone time with you."

Gabriella took in a deep breath, as if she suspected this might have been the case. "He's a great guy," she remarked politely, still not fully trusting the blonde.

"But I know you would never go out with him," Sharpay insisted, laughing it off. "Which is why I tried to get him to get together with Kelsie. She's single, and they've been working together, so I figured they'd be a perfect fit!" she nearly squealed. "What do you think?"

"I think Ryan's a great guy, and Kelsie's one of my best friends," Gabriella offered, as though still not sure. "But are you sure Ryan likes Kelsey that way?"

Sharpay faked a shocked laugh. "Why? Are you jealous or something?"

"I just want them to be happy," Gabriella said sincerely, looking at her friends.

"Oh," Sharpay let out a breath, trying not to reveal how disappointed she was in the lukewarm sentimental reaction. "I guess we'll have to see how this little development works itself out," she shrugged. "But don't tell Ryan I told you about his little summer crush. I don't want Kelsie to get hurt either. Let's just let the gods of love bring them together, huh?" she offered excitedly.

"Yeah, sure Sharpay." Gabriella couldn't help but break into a smile at Sharpay's enthusiasm. They briefly held hands and walked around the room, reminiscing and gossiping about who was going to what school. Sharpay pretended to be the friend Gabriella was missing. Taylor noticed the girls bonding and attempted to cut in.

"Excuse me, don't you have a car to buy?" she remarked snidely, glancing Sharpay up and down

That was the best she could come up with? For a braniac she wasn't very witty.

"Hi Taylor, I really enjoyed your solo," Sharpay smirked.

The future poly-sci major narrowed her eyes, ready to bring it on.

"Taylor," Gabriella cleared her throat. "Sharpay was just telling me about the University of Albuquerque's programs. Apparently her dad can get us tickets to Chad's games for free!"

Taylor eyed the blonde, unforgiving. "Really?"

"That is, if you're ever planning to go. I heard from Troy that you guys are going your separate ways after graduation."

"Chad and I have an understanding," Taylor said, already preparing some kind of rant. "Besides, I won't have time for a guy like him when I'm studying to become the next president of the United States."

"Great," Sharpay attempted a smile, "As long as you guys understand each other." She shrugged, excusing herself from the company of the girls, only to walk past her still uncomfortable brother, flipping her hair and flashing Chad one of those winning smiles of hers.

"Hi Chad!"

"Uh, hey," Chad said, surprised she would ever even attempt to initiate a conversation with him. "What's up, Sharpay?"

"You know, just doing my rounds," she shrugged happily.

"Yeah?"

"Mm-hm," she smiled, eyeing him slightly. "I was just telling the girls, with my dad being so influential at Albuquerque, I could probably get free tickets to the games. I guess I'll be seeing you a lot in the future."

"Yeah, right," Chad laughed, rolling his eyes as he reached for a soda.

"What?" she asked, feigning ignorance.

"You didn't even know when the championship game was! I can't really see you coming out to a gymnasium in those heels."

"Taylor didn't go to the games either," she reminded him. "And I can walk anywhere in these shoes, as long as there's valet. Besides, you'll come see me in the plays, won't you Chad?"

"Um, yeah," he stammered, uncomfortable with how close she was becoming.

"College is a trying time, Chad. I might need you," she pouted, casually laying her hand on his bicep.

He seemed at a loss for words.

"Besides, I hear you and Taylor won't be together after this summer…and who knows? College is a different stage. In college, everything changes," she grinned deliciously. Chad gaped for words for a moment before she turned on her heels, her blonde hair delicately flicking his chest.

"What was that?" he asked Troy, who shook his head.

Taylor's jaw was slack in horror. Ryan hadn't been close enough to hear what was said, but knew enough to watch his sister flaunt her beauty across the room with "Oh my god, what did you just do?" written across his face.

"Zeke," she flashed another smile, an endless supply. "I'm ready to go now."

"A-All right," he stammered. "You want me to take you home?"

She nodded, promptly turning and snapping her fingers, Tiara begrudgingly offering up her bag. Sharpay snatched the bag without a glimmer of thanks to her betrayer/assistant, having already humiliated her every single other night of the performance with threats of returning next year and helping Ms. Darbus cast the shows.

Ryan watched, mouth agape, as his sister and Zeke left without him. He rushed after them, "Hey, aren't you even going to offer me a ride?" he asked.

"Oh. I forgot you were still here," she said, turning to face him as Zeke opened the door for her. "Did you want to ride with us?"

"Uh…yeah, that would be great" he frowned, still hesitant to leave the party. It was getting late, however, and Sharpay knew that he'd want to get into his pajama pants and do his winding-down yoga soon.

"We won't force you to leave if you're not ready. Zeke will stay with you."

It was barely there, but Ryan could see the hard glint in his sister's eyes. She was preparing to give him hell at home, whether he came now or later.

He hesitated, squinting as he considered his options. At least he'd be able to buy more time if he stayed at the party. "You know what? I'm gonna stay," he offered. "I'll see you at home, Shar."

Sharpay almost protested, taking a step after him. She huffed quietly to herself while Zeke watched, unsure of what to do now that he was still holding the car door.

What was her stupid little brother thinking? She wasn't going to sit at home waiting for him to come back so that she could hash him out. But what other chance did she have?

Feeling like she'd lost this round, she climbed into the car and had Zeke drive her home, sulking as he made polite conversation. She avoided scowling as he showered her with compliments, even walking her to her door.

"Thanks Zeke," she managed cheerily. "Ta!" She waved, barely patting him on the arm before disappearing inside.

"I was…wondering if you'd wanna go out sometime," Zeke mumbled to himself, as if practicing to the door she'd just shut in his face. "Huh," he said, tilting his head. "Okay. Next time."

Ryan made sure to come home too late for his sister to chew him out. She needed her beauty sleep, after all. He'd gotten a really awkward car ride back with Troy, Gabriella, and Kelsie. Chad and Taylor were still fighting at the party. Kelsie kept shooting him sidelong glances, Troy had never really warmed up to him, and Gabriella sighed every once in a while, managing idle chit-chat with the gang before they dropped him off.

"Bye Ryan!" Kelsie had sputtered as he stepped out of the car.

"Uh, right," he frowned. Gabriella half-waved as if she understood some secret he had, and Troy just yelled, "See ya" before backing out of the driveway.

He didn't know what was going on, but he was sure it had something to with his sister's escapades that evening. There would have to be some way to get her to tone down. Or at the very least he needed leverage.

Sharpay came down the next morning, completely dressed and fabulous by 11am.

"Ryan!" she barked, waiting expectantly.

"Yeah, Shar?" she heard him sigh.

"Where's breakfast?"

"In the kitchen."

She could practically hear him rolling his eyes. Hmph. He used to knock faithfully at her door every weekend to call her to meals. Now he couldn't even be bothered to join her at the table. That was just fine with her. She'd find a way to make him cry later. He wouldn't do it in front of her, of course, but she'd heard his sniffles from behind closed doors before and it filled her with satisfaction to know that he still cared enough for her to be able to punish him.

Waltzing into their pristine kitchen, Sharpay skidded to a halt when she saw that thing sitting at their table.

Tiara brought that plastic smile up as soon as she saw the blonde walk into the room. Sharpay nearly hissed.

"What are you doing here?"

"I invited her," Ryan chirped, as if it was the most natural thing in the world. He'd already polluted her sanctuary with Wildcats, so she knew how to deal with them…but her recently turned evil assistant? Not so much. "I figured since you spent so much time together she should finally see the house."

"You have a lovely home," she drawled in that god-awful accent, stirring…was that a cup of tea?

"Ryan," Sharpay snapped. "Is that a scone?"

"Yes," Tiara cheered happily. "Ryan was kind enough to get some for when I come to visit."

"You're visiting?"

"Ryan offered to give me some dance lessons this week. Every day from 3-5pm. This morning I'm just getting acquainted with the space."

"I was thinking she could stay for dinner. What do you think, Shar?" he asked, making sure to hide his budding smirk with a gulp of tea.

"Every day, huh?" Sharpay shifted, hand on her hip. "Sure. If you think you can handle it."

"I always like a challenge," Tiara responded, leveling her gaze.

"Ms. Darbus loves challenges too. Like searching for new talent."

Tiara shot a knowing glance at Ryan, who cleared his throat. "I was thinking I could introduce Tiara to the summer program people at Julliard. I know Ms. Darbus needs a new president for drama club and Tiara would be a prime candidate."

"Oh really?"

Ryan and Tiara both nodded.

Sharpay pursed her lips. "Okay." She grabbed an assortment of fruit and scones before strutting out of the kitchen. Ryan and Tiara exchanged a satisfied grin of relief. They'd won. She wasn't as tough of a nut to crack as they thought she'd be.

"Shar! Dinner!" Mrs. Evans called excitedly, scurrying to her seat adjoining her husband.

"So what did you do today, Ryan?" Mr. Evans asked.

"Well, Tiara and I have just started some dance lessons," he cleared his throat, subconsciously rubbing the bruise on his shin from the surprisingly uncoordinated British girl.

"Good. Exercise is good," Mr. Evans nodded. "Did you know that in India, that's their favorite part of the movies?"

"Uh, no, I didn't," Tiara cleared her throat. "But I am from England, and dancing usually consists of trained ballet."

"So are you in ballet at school?"

"Not yet, although I am thinking of joining the club next year now that I'm not employed by Miss Evans."

"Speaking of," Mrs. Evans began, "Sharpay?"

"Coming!" Sharpay called, heels dancing on the tiled floor.

"Did you bring your friend?"

Ryan and Tiara shot each other a look. Friend?

"Yeah!" she breathed, jogging into the room. "Mom. Dad. Meet Rocketman!"

Jimmy strode into the room, brushing his bangs out of his face. "Mr. and Mrs. E! What's up? I'm Jimmy the Rocketman," he threw them a head nod.

"Jimmy," Mrs. Evans grasped for words. "Um, welcome! Please, have a seat."

"Do you know each other?" Mr. Evans asked.

"Yeah, we were in the play together," Jimmy drawled, sliding into his seat. "What's up?" he threw another head nod to Tiara, who was growing paler by the second.

"Ryan, say hello to your sister's friend!" Mr. Evans chided gently.

"Hey Jimmy," he said, every word dripping with sarcasm as he glanced at his sister, who pretended this was a completely rational dinner party.

"What's up?" he repeated. Ryan and Tiara let out a sigh. The secret weapon. Rocketman.

"Rocketman tells me you might have a thing for him, Tiara," Sharpay smiles, conspiring right before the entire table. "I thought it might be nice if you could catch up. After all, it must've been hard to see me dancing with him when really he was kind of your boyfriend. To think—we almost kissed!"

"Sharpay, really," Mrs. Evans giggled.

"Stage kissed, mother. But I was so baffled by Troy's absence that it didn't occur," she shrugged, flashing a smile to Tiara, who was beginning to look ill. "I always wondered what it would be like to kiss a Mick Jagger look-alike."

"Why?" Ryan blanched.

"Well, we could always try it again," Jimmy offered, putting down his fork to put his arm around her.

"NO. No thank you," Sharpay managed to laugh it off while still leaning as far as possible from him. "Oh, Jimmy. You're so silly sometimes. I mean, really, right in front of Tiara!"

"She's not my girlfriend," he protested. "Unless you want to be," he offered suggestively. Her only reply was a gaping choked sound. "I am currently single, so if you want to show me you room or anything, Sharpay, I'm sure I can make a concession."

Ryan watched Tiara as she continued to pale, posture stiffening.

"Oh, Tiara, are you all right?" Sharpay feigned concern. "You're looking a little white."

"I…I have to go to the powder room," Tiara mumbled trying to stand and knocking the chair over instead. "Sorry!"

The Evans all just nodded and watched her sprint to the bathroom. Sharpay smiled happily at her guest, who was now slurping his noodles at an alarming rate. Mr. Evans looked as though he'd just been told there would be no bonus this year.

"So do you guys like serve wine here or what?" Jimmy asked, mouth full.

The Evans were banned from having any dinner guests for a long time. Their parents had to pre-approve everyone now and have at least a week in advance. Tiara had thrown up in the bathroom from nerves and Jimmy had flicked bits of food from his teeth onto his plate like nobody's business.

"Well, looks like you've won again," Ryan sighed, slamming the pantry door shut.

"Don't be so dejected, Ryan. I've had years of practice," she teased, delicately biting an Oreo. "Besides, I think I'm really warming up to Jimmy. Maybe I'll ask him to be my dance partner for the next talent show."

"What?" Ryan asked, nearly knocking over the bowl of fruit on the table nearest.

"I don't see why not," she shrugged. "It's clear you don't want to be my dance partner after the whole Star Dazzle fiasco and all."

"That was you, Shar. Remember? You ditched me for Troy?"

"Who ditched me for Gabriella. Who ditched you for Troy," she glanced coyly in her brother's direction. "You must be getting really tired of that guy. He takes all your women."

"Yeah," he scoffed, spinning his hat on the table. "I wish."

Tensing, Sharpay leaned back and crossed her arms. "You know, I was really flattered that you took our song and made it into your high school solo act. The cat girls? Nice touch. I guess that's the closest you'll ever get to a crowd of screaming fans. Next time you take a scholarship, you might want to give credit where it's due," she snapped, giving him a look before striding out of the room.

"Geez, Shar, it's not my fault Troy didn't want to dance with you!" Ryan called. The house shook as she yanked the front door after her. He let out a long, withering sigh. This was not going to be a good week. And it had all started because she didn't compliment him on his performance…but on his pink pants instead. It's true, he'd worn the pink after her influence, and he was happy she liked them (the Wildcats hadn't been as supportive). But the least she could've said would've been, "Great job, Ry! Love your pants!" like she'd done a million times before. But no, she had to be so focused on her own performance, her own romance with Troy, boyfriend-stealing mischief-maker that she was.

Dejected, he began to play with his hat on his finger. He supposed she wasn't a too bad. She was just self-aware. And that Jimmy kid was…an individual. Maybe he should've offered her some sympathy afterwards, but when he saw her tramping over Tiara's performance, he'd had mixed feelings. At first he was happy to see the "fighter" back, but then the fact that she was taking over just reminded him of all the times she'd made him go one step lower on the ladder, and he'd pressed the button, lowering her into the orchestra pit. Sure, they'd "made up" later when he got the Julliard acceptance. That's when he'd forgiven her, when she'd given him the hug he so desired, surprisingly no trace of jealousy whatsoever. But then she'd heard him laughing about it with the Wildcats, Taylor making some snide comment about how her fake smile could still be seen from miles away if he ever got homesick.

It was no more than a fraction of a second, but the look on his sister's face reminded him of when he'd told her he was going to be the school mascot: shock, then resentment mixed with disgust. He should've known better than to put on part of the costume at the cast party, but he couldn't help it! And now here they were, unable to have friends for dinner and fighting over Oreos.

He sighed, trying to roll his hat from one shoulder to the other. It flopped to the floor dejectedly. "As always, one move behind," he sighed.

A single knock caught Ryan's attention.

"Ryan?" Sharpay asked cheerfully, peeping her head in his room. "I have a surprise for you!"

"Yeah?" he asked, still on his laptop.

"Mm hm. Come see what it is," she grinned, gesturing one finger to follow her.

"All right," he sighed, closing the screen and scooting off the bed. "Is it something you bought?"

"Better," she gleefully cheered once again, prancing down the stairs and into their dance studio.

Stepping in behind her, Ryan was surprised to see the piano was occupied by one Kelsie Nielsen.

"Hi," the girl blushed, glancing down at her sheet music.

"Wow! Kelsie, I didn't expect you to be here." Ryan smiled as he headed over to the piano, genuinely happy to see his good friend.

"Haven't you ever heard of a surprise?" Sharpay mock-laughed. "I thought Kelsie and a sing-along would be just the treat!"

"That's great," he said, joining her on the piano bench. "So, what have we got here? New song?"

"Oh. No. It's nothing—I—" Kelsie blushed, moving her hands over the sheet music.

"Naw, Kelsie, come on! Show me. We never keep secrets," he pleaded, offering his hands out to her. Kelsie wavered.

"Don't spoil everything at once," Sharpay interrupted, not taking kindly to the "no secrets"bonding happening in front of her. "Kelsie, let's have a warm-up, shall we? Ryan, you remember this song, don't you?"

The three students joyfully sang a medley from their last musical together, Ryan occasionally interrupting to compliment the blushing and laughing Kelsie. As they got to "Be With You," the pianist fell into a complacent silence and watched as Sharpay approached the piano, her palms spreading across the shining surface.

She teased Ryan with the choreography, beckoning to him with her fingers. "You're in my mind, you're in my heart. It doesn't matter where we are, it'll be all right! Even if we're miles apart!"

She flashed a grin to Ryan, who missed his cue for a half a second before jumping in, "Oh! All…I wanna do…is be with you, be with you."

Even Kelsie joined in as Ryan began to do the choreography half on the piano bench, spinning her and pretending to inch forward on the banister.

"There's nothing we can't do. I just wanna be with you, only you. No matter where life takes us, nothing will break us apart. I just wanna be with you."

The song ended, Ryan's arms around Kelsie in a laughing embrace.

Sharpay's face had darkened. "So you do know the lyrics, huh Ryan?"

"Yeah," he laughed, "I even did the choreography."

"Then explain to me exactly…what kept you…and your pink-clad ass…from GETTING UP ON THAT STAGE?" she bellowed.

Ryan shifted away from Kelsie, who had begun to cower. "Whoa, sis, I thought we were just having fun."

"We were not having fun. WE were not being humiliated on stage. That was me! Do you think it was fun having to explain to Rocketman that I had did not want his tongue down my throat? Do you think it was fun to watch you take our song and turn it into some kitty-freak dance show? Huh? Or was it when I saw Tiara, in my dress, from my store, going down MY staircase?"

"Shar—"

"Oh no! How about when my little brother and his girlfriend got accepted into Julliard! Hoo-ray!"

"Sharpay, I—"

"Shut it, Kelsie!" she snapped. "I know," she began, a malicious smile creeping onto her lips. "It was when my own little brother decided to lower me into the depths of hell…with the one person I hated most in the world."

"Gabriella?" Kelsie squeaked.

"NO! I'm over that book-Bolton-lover!" She paused, considering her brother for a moment. "Oh…but maybe Ryan's not."

"What do you mean?" Kelsie asked, shooting a glance his way.

"Oh, Ryan would never tell you this, Kelsie, but he had a total crush on Gabriella this summer."

Momentarily at a loss for words, he could only protest, "That was last summer."

"Our little charmer had some private dances, kissing her hand as they parted. Did you get a goodnight kiss at prom, Kelsie, even on the cheek? Because I don't remember him doing that for me either," she frowned, as if deep in thought. "Funny. I guess he must not care very much about either one of us." Sharpay pursed her lips, watching the destruction of that girl's heart right in front of her eyes. Part of her regretted watching their friendship sink. Kelsie could be useful. But she was also dangerous. Just like her brother. "Ciao," Sharpay said snarkily, waving halfheartedly in dismissal as she left the room.

Ryan and Kelsie sat in silence as the echo of Sharpay's heels faded throughout the house.

"So…um…I'm guessing that Sharpay lied about you liking me," Kelsie murmured.

"What?"

"Yeah," she shook her head, as if the whole idea was stupid. "I guess I should've known better than to trust a girl who keeps a dog in her purse."

"Kelsie," Ryan tried to laugh it off. "You know I like you."

"It's okay, Ryan," she tried to brush it off, slowly gathering her things. "I mean, I liked you. I liked working with you. And who knows? Maybe we will end up seeing each other in college. But right now…I'm not sure I can deal with that."

"Why?"

"I didn't know you liked Gabriella."

"So? That was like, a year ago."

"But we never kept secrets," she murmured, clutching her books to her chest.

"Our relationship is important to me," Ryan assured her, attempting to scoot towards her on the bench.

"What is that, Ryan? A friendship? Or am I still just your concert pianist?" she asked, raising an eyebrow. "You know, you're the only person in the show who didn't use one of my compositions. Even Sharpay was nice enough to do that," Kelsie sighed, slinging on her shoulder bag.

"I…I'm sorry," Ryan mumbled, suddenly confused and ashamed all at once. Had he been more selfish than his sister?

"Yeah. Don't worry about it, slick," she tsked, sliding past him as she left the house.

He glanced, dumbfounded, at the sheet music in front of him.

Ryan's Song.

He let out another sigh.

Since when had HE become the selfish jerk?