Chapter 2

"He doesn't remember the past 9 months, the doctors estimate."

Those were the only words that Chad remembered hearing from Mr. Evans. Sure, he knew Sharpay and Mr. Evans had told him a lot of information about Ryan. He remembered hearing about police being unsure of an attacker, there being no witnesses, and the physical trauma that Ryan had suffered. All of that information was a blur, however. He found himself fixated on one simple fact: when Ryan woke from his medically induced coma, and finally did return to normal, he would probably not remember the past nine months of their time together.

He wouldn't remember anything. There would be no reminiscing of their first date, or the awkward study session when Chad finally told Ryan how he felt about him. Ryan wouldn't be able to look at Chad and know that Chad would always protect him, as he had done many times at school when kids made it a point to mock his choice of wardrobe, or imitate his sometimes dramatic and theatrical outbursts. Chad was frustrated, angry, hurt, confused, and saddened all at once. Chad felt like he had finally made so much progress coming to terms with everything and making adjustments. They had another semester left before their graduation, and the future was finally looking bright for them. He didn't know where to even start processing the new reality.

Even the small memories would be no more. Ryan wouldn't remember that he had once watched Chad frantically search for his keys and phone in his filthy room, all the while hiding the phone in his messenger bag. He wouldn't remember that he needed to teach Chad that he should keep a clean room, and he wouldn't remember the silly fight that they had once Chad learned the truth. He wouldn't remember any of their fights; even that bothered Chad.

FLASHBACK

"Here, Ryan!" Gabriella and Taylor said, as they stood at their cafeteria table and waived at him from across the room. "Come sit with us today!" Taylor added, as she walked across the cafeteria to help him carry his tray and books.

"Jeez, what's the rush?!" Ryan said, sounding somewhat confused. He had not had a good day. He was late to Chemisty, tore his favorite pair of pants on a jagged park bench, and forgot his lunch, which caused him to have to eat cafeteria food. On top of all of that, Ryan and Chad were still having a stupid fight.

Ryan had been irritated at Chad for several days. The winter formal was approaching and he wanted everyone in the school to know that he was going with the one and only Chad Danforth, the second most attractive and popular boy at East High. As much as he hated to admit it, he recognized that this was probably due to his need for intense recognition and admiration. The Evans' blood ran thick.

Chad, on the other hand, didn't see what the fuss was all about. So what if people didn't know they were together, he thought. So what if he didn't make a formal invitation. Ryan knew they were together and Chad knew they were together, and that was all that should have mattered. Besides, Ryan already knew Chad was going to go with him. They were going to front as friends, and Chad expected Ryan to deal with it. Chad had decided that, despite how much he liked the Evans Boy, there was no way he was turning soft for him, or anyone for that matter. Chad Danforth was not a mushy guy, Chad Danforth was not gay, as far as everyone knew, and most importantly, Chad Danforth did not dance. That was the end of the discussion.

As Ryan and Taylor placed his books and tray at the table, Gabriella grinned brightly at Ryan.

"What the hell are you so cheerful about?" Ryan snapped.

"Oh you'll see," Gabriella responded, completely ignoring Ryan's angry and hesitant tone. "We have to show you something really quick," she said as she grabbed his hand and started to pull him up from the table.

"I just sat down," he answered, obviously annoyed at being made to rise from the table and drop his food. He had yet to see Chad walk in the cafeteria. Ryan rolled his eyes. Knowing Chad, he was probably casually late from his previous class. "…Probably doesn't even care about food….why would he, if he doesn't care enough to ask me to the freaking formal?" Ryan muttered under his breath as he was led out of the cafeteria by Gabriella and Taylor.

"What did you say, Ryan?" Taylor asked, as the three of them were now in the hall outside of the cafeteria.

"Nothing, just..nothing," he answered. "Where are we going now?" he demanded. The frustration in his voice was quite obvious at this point.

"The gym," Gabriella answered as she grabbed his arm and Taylor covered his eyes.

"You gotta be f-" Ryan began, but was interrupted with Gabriella's hand over his mouth.

"No time for words" she chuckled, as they led him down the hallway. He could now hear what sounded like music coming from the gym.

Ryan pushed Gabriella's hand away from his "Is that music?" he asked.

"Keep moving," Taylor almost sang. "Almost there," she said as she continued to cover his eyes.

Ryan was sure it was music now. In fact, it was more than music. It was music that represented an embarrassing secret of Ryan's, that only Sharpay and one other person knew. Despite his love for all things and music related to the theater, Ryan had somewhat of an obsession with the music of Michael Jackson. Until recently, only Sharpay knew this. He could now clearly hear Michael Jackson's "Rock with You," pulsating loudly from the gym. He could feel his face turning red. Intially he was furious at Sharpay for exposing his secret to Taylor and Gabriella, but when they pushed him through the gym doors, and Taylor removed her hand, he was no longer worried about any of it.

Ryan couldn't really remember when Gabriella and Taylor slipped out the gym doors behind him. All he could do was hear one of his favorite Michael Jackson songs over the gym sound system and stare at Chad in a tux with a sly grin on his face.

"Well, aren't you going to tell me I look sexy?" Chad said with a smirk.

"What are you-I-I don't understand-I thought you said…" Ryan could hardly focus. He was stuttering because he was flattered, ecstatic, and happy that Chad was going to ask him to the formal. Even if only the two of them would know what it meant. At least it was a step.

Chad walked closer to the stuttering blonde boy, and Ryan was now aware that he wasn't stuttering because of his excitement. He was stuttering because Chad in a tux turned him on and made him nervous. Ryan wasn't used being unnerved by sexual tension.

As Chad approached, he motioned over to the corner of the gym where a stunning white tux was sitting over a chair Chad placed there. Ryan followed Chad's gesture, and looked at the tux.

"Chad! How did you know I wanted that tux?! How did you get it? Sharpay bought it and gave it to you, didn't she?! I know it's expensive, I sure hope you didn't spend a bunch of your money getting it for me, just for that formal, and…" Ryan's stammered questions were interrupted by Chad's lips on his.

"You talk too much," Chad said with a smirk. "So, Mr. Evans," Chad said in a British accent. Now Ryan knew Chad was the nervous one. "Will you attend the winter formal with me?" he asked.

Ryan paused dramatically. He was, after all, an Evans. Chad raised his eyebrows and looked at Ryan somewhat tentatively.

"Um...yes. Yes I will, Chad Danforth," Ryan said with a happy grin as he grabbed the back of Chad's afro and pulled him closer.

END FLASHBACK

"I…I need a minute," Chad said as he slumped in the uncomfortable waiting room chair.

"Son, I know it's difficult. Hell, you're like another son to me…and you know…"Mr. Evans began, before he was interrupted by Sharpay. She knew her father was trying to find some comfort and find the right words to say. There were still so many more details to be discussed.

"Daddy, let me and Chad have a moment," she said calmly. Mr. Evans nodded and stood from his chair. He placed a hand on Chad's shoulder, before he headed back down the hall to Ryan's room.

"Chad," Sharpay began. Chad did not make eye contact with her at first, but continued to slump in his chair and stare at the floor.

"Chad, look at me," she said more forcefully. Chad now began to lift his head slowly, and turned to face Sharpay.

"I know this is hard for you. It's hard for all of us, and I know you've probably thought for a while that I've hated you. At first, I didn't like the idea of you with my brother. I always had him pictured with a different type…more creative, romantic, not a jock…sorry. I digress. The truth is Chad, as much as I don't always like to admit, I know that he is happy with you and that you make him happy. So I'll be damned if this, this monster who did this to him is going to steal anymore away from him than he's already lost" she said as her voice began shaky and she fought off tears.

Chad began to get a little choked up and even recognized his eyes watering. Now he was certain being with Ryan had changed him. Chad Danforth never cried. He continued to look at Sharpay as her voice became more firm again.

"Chad," she began, "Memories or not, he can't afford to lose you too. You can't give up because of this," she finished, with a few tears streaming down her face. She then placed her hand on his shoulder.

"After all," she chuckled light heartedly, "You fell for an Evans and loving an Evans is never easy."

Sorry for the MAJOR delay. I swear I'm going to finish writing this story and updated about once or twice a week. I know it's been forever, but don't give up on me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and will keep looking for the next ones!