Double Skate -- by phoebenpiper
Chapter One
Ryan stopped in the open doorway of his sister's bedroom. "Is that what you're wearing?" he asked.
"Yes!" Sharpay momentarily glanced away from the mirror to glare at him. "Why?!"
"Well," Ryan began tentatively, "it's a skirt."
"Well DUH, Ryan! It doesn't take a 'fashionista' to figure THAT out."
Ryan rolled his eyes. "What I mean is, do you really think it's WISE to be wearing a skirt?"
"It's our first official date, Ryan! I have to look nice!"
"'Date'?" Ryan raised a skeptical eyebrow. "You said you were just accompanying Zeke to his little sister's birthday party – that sounds more like glorified babysitting than an actual date."
"It's a DATE, Ryan!" Sharpay snapped, clearly in a mood. "Zeke asked me, he's paying, we're spending quality time together – that's a date. Look it up!"
"Okay okay, it's a date," Ryan conceded. "But...I still think you should rethink the skirt."
Sharpay rolled her eyes and sighed in frustration, but Ryan jumped in again before the yelling could start. "I mean, it's the first time you've ever been roller skating, sis. Aren't you afraid you might...you know...fall down?"
Sharpay laughed. "It's just roller skating, Ryan. So I haven't been before – so what? Little kids roller skate. I'm sure I'll be fine."
"SOME little kids roller skate, Shar. But SOME little kids also play the violin, swing on trapezes, and skateboard – it doesn't mean YOU can."
"It's just SKATING, Ryan – it's not rocket science!"
Ryan sighed. When his sister got like this, there was no dealing with her – it was best just to leave her – and her attitude – alone. "Well, have fun," he said halfheartedly, starting off down the hallway.
"Ry?"
Ryan recognized the vulnerable tone in his twin's voice and instantly returned to the door. "Yeah, Shar?"
"I look okay, right? I mean, the skirt looks nice?"
Ryan could hear the nervousness and uncertainty in her voice, and his heart melted. "You look beautiful, sis," he said, walking into her room and giving her a warm hug. "Zeke's gonna be blown away."
Ryan and his sister shared the tender embrace for several moments before Sharpay impatiently snapped, "You're messing up my hair, Ryan."
Ryan quickly released his hold on his sister and stepped back. He knew how hard it was for Shar to simply LET her guard down, let alone KEEP it down. And at least now he knew how much this date really meant to her.
"Really, Shar – you look perfect. Have a great time."
Sharpay flashed him a smug smile, all hints of her recent vulnerability neatly tucked back away. "Oh, I will!"
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