Disclaimer: Disney owns all characters used except the ghosts that are hanging around in the eaves.
The house was dark, the work lights were casting an eerie glow on the plush red seats and the curtain was drawn partially closed. Kelsi Nielson glanced around the auditorium, checking for any signs of company, and headed to the piano settled neatly on the left side of the stage. Her own shadows danced as she greeted the aged ivory keys that lay idly on the dully black instrument. The bag at her side was dropped casually onto the ever-black stage floor and the warm down jacket discarded. Kelsi stretched slightly before sitting down on the rickety piano bench and lightly brushed her fingers over the keys, before pressing down to create an ominous sounding chord. She then shut her eyes and played for an invisible crowd; they applauded and cried out for her, for her skill. A smile emerged on her face as her mind created a beautiful melody, and her fingers dutifully played. The sounds bounced around the room, filling it with a bittersweet story that was being weaved on the spot.
As she concluded the song, Kelsi opened her eyes and shivered at the deafening silence. The expansive room seemed to have absorbed the melody, as if determined to wipe away any evidence of the sound. The ghost audience appeared to have dissipated and now the red seats returned to their vacant state. Kelsi nodded, the familiar routine was both comforting and terrifying.
She didn't know exactly why, but the idea of being consumed by something larger than her was enthralling. What was most exciting was being able to contribute to the grandeur of the room on a daily basis, when it was only her and the auditorium seemed to come to life. It was exhilarating to expose the ghosts in their eaves and have nothing but a grateful ear. It was like everything in her life, terrible and intimidating…and yet beautiful and irresistible.
Kelsi sat for a moment staring blankly at the piano; she felt a familiar pang in her stomach, yearning for something she could never have. The pure joy she was feeling a moment ago vanished as her brain was flooded with thoughts of the ultimate unattainable prize: Sharpay Evans, Queen of Ice and Drama. Kelsi shook her head in disgust, she hated that she was so hopelessly infatuated. The emotional pain was more than enough, but no, she had to endure physical pain as well. And it hurt so much.
With a drawn out sigh Kelsi rose from the piano bench, gathered her things and stood center stage. She looked out at the vast empty space and took a quick bow before rushing out of the auditorium. Just like every morning, adrenaline coursed through her tiny body as she stepped into the Land of the Living.
The hallway was packed with kids trying to make it to their lockers before the bell rang. Kelsi attempted to push her way through the various cliques to make it to her own locker, but deemed it a fruitless effort and began to walk in the opposite direction.
Homeroom was completely vacant when Kelsi walked in and took a seat towards the back. She knew that no one (even Ms. Darbus) would arrive until the moment before the bell rang; taking comfort in that fact, Kelsi closed her eyes and hummed something similar to what she had played in the dark auditorium. In her head she could see the story, a love story nonetheless, play out in a rather dramatic fashion. A smile emerged on her lips as she saw the lovers come together triumphantly and her humming took the form of an enticing finale.
"What's that from?" A sharp voice demanded. Kelsi's eyes snapped open and saw the object of all her fantasies standing in front of her. Sharpay had her hands on her hips, and a foot tapping impatiently. Kelsi gazed up for a moment before speaking.
"Nothing, it's mine." Sharpay stared at her skeptically and her foot tapped harder.
"Don't lie Kelsi, now come on, what's that from?" Kelsi felt herself shrink under the hard gaze of the other girl. Every part of her body felt numb and all she could do was stare at Sharpay stupidly. The blonde glared at her, "Fine then, don't tell me. But I'm sure Ryan can get it out of you later, and he tells me everything!" Sharpay turned on her heel and stalked to her own seat.
And once again I let her walk all over me. Instead of defending yourself, you sit there gaping at her. God Kelsi, grow a backbone! One of these days…one of these days I'll stand up to that girl. One day. Kelsi slumped back in her seat and sighed.
"That was excellent Sharpay, just excellent!" The booming, dramatic voice of Ms. Darbus resounded in the auditorium; Sharpay beamed. She had just finished a monologue that was both emotional and sincere: the perfect opportunity for Sharpay to show how skilled an actress she was. The rest of the class, who were sitting in the red seats of the auditorium, half-heartedly applauded before continuing on with their own conversations.
Kelsi sat beside Ryan, who was applauding feverishly for his twin. He turned to her, "Kelsi, one of these days you'll realize that you're way too good for her." Kelsi glanced up, slightly startled at her best friend's comment. "Sure, she's my sister and I love her, but she's also shallow and conceited. You're too good for her." Kelsi patted his arm affectionately, touched by his attempt to make her feel better.
"Thanks Ryan, really, thanks. I just wish I didn't have to feel this way, I hate it so much. I hate that I can't move when she's near me. I hate that I can't form coherent thoughts when she talks to me. But what I hate most is that I will never be able to show her how I feel. That hurts, it hurts a lot." She bent her head down, and wiped away the slight tears on her face.
As she looked up, she noticed that the stage was now vacant and Sharpay was headed her way. A barely audible whimper escaped her mouth as she watched the gap between her and Sharpay grow smaller. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Sharpay towered over the shaking Kelsi.
"Ryan, could you please ask your friend to move over so I can have my seat back?" Ryan blinked at his sister's request before turning to Kelsi and giving her an apologetic look. The smaller girl nodded and scampered to the empty seat beside her. Sharpay grinned in triumph and sat down with her usual air of self-importance.
Kelsi glanced down at Ryan, with a look of utter terror in her eyes. His face was full of concern as he looked back at her, fully aware of the pain his friend was feeling. He grimaced slightly before mustering a smile of encouragement. Kelsi nodded at him in thanks and smiled briefly.
Kelsi could feel the presence of Sharpay starting to suffocate her. Sharpay's arm was resting only inches from her own and Kelsi wanted more than anything to hold the perfectly manicured hand in hers. Blonde strands of hair rested gently against Sharpay's face; Kelsi felt her insides twitch when she thought of running her fingers through it. She soon found her gaze resting on the slightly red lips of the other girl and she couldn't help but wonder what it would be like press her own lips against them.
Her feelings were like no other, and she wanted Sharpay to know, but she didn't know how. All she had was her music, her piano, and her heart. But how was that enough? Sharpay had everything; there was no way a little music would her over.
+(NooeyLove)+ Kay, so whaddaya think? I like reviews lots, they mean updates!