His Hidden Passions
No one knew about it until that summer.
Everyone just thought of him as Sharpay's brother.
He never really had his own name.
Well, until that summer.
That was when Gabriella invited him to the baseball game.
That was when everyone figured out he could do more than just follow his sister around like a lost puppy.
That was when everyone figured out he loved baseball.
All his life, he had to hide it from his parents.
Sharpay disapproved, but she always helped him.
She would schedule play dates with her friends, and say both of them were there.
And it was only with her friends who lived by the baseball field.
So while Sharpay played dolls, Ryan was on a team.
Practicing once a week, games on Saturday mornings.
Needless to say, his parents never even found out.
His sister was always good like that.
She would get them a cab, or ask their driver to take them to the field.
And she would always slip him a 20 dollar bill to buy his silence.
Even when she was 8.
Then she would go to her friend's house.
And come back to get him after practice was over.
For the games, she would say they were going shopping.
And she was always his only fan.
That's why he loved her so much.
That's why he never went against anything she said.
Because thanks to her, he could play baseball.
His other passion was a secret.
No one knew about it.
Not even Sharpay.
He was in love with Gabriella.
And no one would ever know.
Except his sister figured it out.
She was smart.
She knew her brother.
She didn't do anything, though.
Not until Troy and Gabriella broke up.
And when they did, she sent Gabriella a note pretending to be Ryan.
And asked her out.
And when Gabriella said yes, she showed it to Ryan.
His expression was something he'd never forget.
But it was even better when Gabriella came over, and shyly kissed him on the cheek.
And Sharpay was there, and saw all of it.
And best of all, she knew it was thanks to her.
And that was also why Ryan loved his sister so much.
She might have been mean and condescending to pretty much everyone.
But she loved him.
And would do anything for him.
Including supporting his two passions: Baseball, and Gabriella.