Chapter One: One Year Anniversary, con't

"Here you go, Ms Munroe, right in here."

"Thank you, " Sonny gushed to the limo driver. She was full of excitement as the driver opened the door and led her into the car. She was being taken to meet Chad somewhere. He had planned this whole elaborate anniversary date and wouldn't tell Sonny a thing. She could hardly wait to see what he had planned.

Chad was not the guy Sonny had thought he was when they first met in the studio cafeteria over a year and a half ago. It was like there were two Chads. One Chad was the hot superstar tween idol and star of McKenzie Falls, the number one tween drama, and the "greatest actor of our generation." But Sonny's Chad, the one he was around her, was completely the opposite. He was putty in her hands. He was sweet, sensitive, caring, and thoughtful. He would text her just to say hi, or send her flowers just because he thought of her at the moment, and even became a secret So Random fan just so he could watch her on stage. It was Chad who first brought up their one year anniversary and told Sonny how he had planned a special night just for the two of them. Sonny was completely thrilled. She had first thought dating Chad was fun and he was fun to be around, but over the past year, her feelings had evolved into much, much more. They hadn't said they were "serious" or "exclusive" until about three months ago. They had kept their relationship pretty much secret from the world outside the studio and out of the press and mags until about five months ago. After the billboard stunt, Marshall told the couple that they couldn't date, afraid that Mr Condor would fire both Chad and Sonny. So, they kept it secret and out of the rumor mill. The studio execs had no idea, so they thought it would be a great idea to boost the popularity of both shows by doing some crossover promos. They decided to use Chad and Tawni for the materials. They tried to pair them up, and create a love connection, which would have solidified the two shows at the top of the tween popularity scale. Of course, Sonny tried to pretend that she wasn't jealous, but she couldn't help but feel a twinge of anger whenever she saw Chad and Tawni's pictures hanging everywhere. Both Chad and Tawni would reassure Sonny that there was nothing going on between them, but Sonny still felt jealous seeing them together. When "Tween Magazine" interviewed the two, they insisted on making Chad and Tawni admit they were a couple. They tried skirting the issue and changing the subject, but to no avail. The studio had made it clear that they were to do whatever the "tweens wanted" to make the shows a success, so when the magazine hosted a huge "We Want to see a Chawni kiss" party for the shows' fans—everything blew up. Afraid for their careers, Chad and Sonny were forced to play along in this charade. Sonny watched as Chad and Tawni shared a kiss in front of camera for the magazine, then ran away because she couldn't take it anymore. The magazine was published, everyone thought Chawni were an item, and Sonny's heart was broken. She broke up with Chad and moved out of the dressing room she shared with Tawni. She knew deep down it wasn't their fault, that they were both doing what they were told because they were afraid to defy Mr Condor's wishes, but she couldn't help but feel betrayed. Chad's pleading wouldn't change her mind until…..

During an interview for a top tween magazine, the reporter wanted to make pictures of Chad and Tawni on a "date" for the story. Chad resisted until finally the magazine execs asked him point blank why he didn't want to go on a date with his girlfriend. Chad snapped. He could no longer deny the truth and he didn't care what happened with his career or his show, he just cared about Sonny and what he could do to get her back. So, he blurt out the truth, "It's because she's not my girlfriend. She never was. My heart belongs to one girl and one girl only-Sonny Munroe."

Needless to say, the headline of every Hollywood tabloid featured those words with a Photoshop-ped picture of Chad and Sonny. The news was definitely out! Mr Condor demanded to see both casts and was furious that they had made him look like a fool, wasting his time setting up Chad and Tawni when there was already a connection between the two shows-Chad and Sonny. That's right, he was not mad that the two were dating, he was actually glad. He thought it would be great publicity. And when the shows both topped their ratings brackets, he was ever happier. So happy, in fact, that he renovated the dressing rooms for both shows, giving the So Random cast some of the items on their wishlist. Chad apologized to Sonny and Sonny apologized to Chad for being so jealous, and things were back to normal.

Ever since, Sonny's feelings had grown from deep friendship, to caring, to love, but not just teenage crush love. Sonny Munroe was truly, madly, deeply in love with Chad Dylan Cooper and she could see herself with him for the rest of her life. What Sonny didn't really know, though, was how Chad felt. He was romantic, but reserved. He didn't wear his heart on his sleeve like Sonny. While he said all the right things, he never had said the "L" word. Neither of them had. It wasn't that they didn't feel it, it's just that it wasn't the right time. Sonny thought tonight might just be the night, though.

As the limo pulled to a stop, Sonny looked out the window.

"Why are pulling up across from my apartment?' she wondered aloud.

Before she could think of an answer, the driver opened her door and held his hand out for her. She emerged from the limo to find a bucket truck sitting before here.

"If you will step in here, Ms Munroe, the truck will lift you up to Mr Cooper," the driver said.

"What?" Sonny puzzled. The driver pointed up to a familiar sight. Before Sonny was the billboard Chad first put up for her. This time it looked very similar, only it had the word "still". As Sonny read, "Chad is STILL a fool for Sonny" she couldn't help but smile. Still smiling, she stepped into the bucket and was lifted up to meet Chad. He greeted her with a smile of his own, holding an armful of lilies.

"Chad, this is amazing!"

"Not as amazing as you."

"Aww, Chad," Sonny gushed.

Chad took her hand and helped her up onto the platform. He handed her the flowers, which she accepted and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"I should bring flowers more often. You look…..beautiful is the only word I have, but it doesn't do you justice."

"Chad Dylan Cooper, I never knew you could be so sweet."

"Yeah, well, me neither. Anyway, " Chad said, embarrassed, quickly changing the subject, "I wanted to create our first date. I mean, our first real, me-not-throwing-up-on-you-and-running-out-date."

"Chad this is incredible. I love it."

"Well, this is just part one, wait 'til…."

"Sonny! Chad!"

"What in the…" Chad puzzled.

"Nico? Grady? Tawni? Zora! What are you guys doing here?"

"Sonny, we have to talk to you. It's important."

"Tawni, what could be so important you would interrupt my anniversary date with Chad? You know how special this night was to me."

"Really?" Chad asked, sweetly.

"Of course, Chad."

"Sonny!"

"I am going to throw this table at her," Sonny grunted through gritted teeth.

"Fine, Tawni. You've got three minutes…and it better be important."

"Ok, come down here."

"Uggh, alright. I'll be down in a second."

"I'm so sorry, Chad. I'll be right back, I promise."

"It's okay, Sonny. I'll be waiting right here."

"Oh, Chad," Sunny gushed. She stepped back into the bucket and lowered down to face her traitorous cast.