The next day I woke up to the sound of someone singing. The same song from my dream. The guy in the other hospital bed was listening to the song. I could hear sniffles coming from that side as well. I decided to try and talk to him.
"Hello?"
"Hi Troy." The male said as he moved the cloth partition from view.
"Ryan?...What?...How?" Clearing noticing his injuries.
"You don't look so hott yourself, Troy. I figure you've already heard."
"Actually, I've been out just as long as you have. What happened?"
"My jerk of an ex boyfriend was cheating on me. I caught him and we got in a huge fight. I said some nasty things to him and his new boytoy swung at me. They double teamed me and now I'm here."
"Jeff right?"
"How did you know?"
"I think my ex-boyfriend is sleeping with your ex-boyfriend."
"Wow, small world. When did you find out?"
"Same night you did. I went over to his house earlier than he expected. They were making out on the couch. I slammed the door on my way so that he knew I was there."
"Did he hit you?...Is that why you're here?"
"No, I got so furious with him that I started driving faster than I knew. By the time I looked down I was pushing 100 mph. I slammed on the brakes and swerved into a tree."
"So the sex god of East High went all queer for some guy." Ryan said broodingly.
"And what about you?" I questioned defensively.
His hurt showed hurt beyond what I could comprehend as he lowered his eyes to the ground.
"Sorry Troy. I'm kind of in a stage where all men are jerks. I just never expected someone like you to be gay. I don't know that many people who are."
"I understand Ryan. I've always seen people tease and hurt people who are gay so I don't really like to go around telling everyone."
"Can I ask you something Troy?"
"Sure."
"How long were you with your boyfriend?"
"A little over eight months. But six of them were a lie."
"I wonder why they cheated."
"I know why Jason cheated…I wasn't putting out as he so blatantly stated."
"Troy Bolton…sex god withheld sex."
"Just because I am a sex god doesn't mean I am a manwhore."
"A manwhore." He laughed. He had such a cute laugh.
"So why did Jeff cheat?"
"Why wouldn't he. I'm not that good looking and I definitely wasn't putting out. Why would anyone stay with me?"
"You're not all that bad."
"Troy, I am a queer bashing magnet. I can't hide it as well as you can."
"I don't hide it. I just don't go telling everyone either. I have no problem saying that a guy is hott or the saying that 'if a bunch of people weren't there I would take him right then and there'. I am who I am and if people can't handle that then who needs 'em."
"How can you be so strong?"
"I am not the one who is strong. Last time I check you confronted your boyfriend about cheating. I left like a crybaby throwing a tantrum."
"You..cried."
"Hey, I can be sensitive too." I argued defensively.
"You know, you're really not a bad person Troy. I think people just need to get to know the real you. Behind the 24 point average with 6 rebounds and 4 assists."
"Someone's been keeping score on me. I'm flattered."
"I hope it doesn't freak you out. So wanna tell me why you know all that?"
"I used to have a crush on you. Like a way long time ago."
"You mean up until five minutes ago."
"No, I'd clock it at about 54 seconds ago." He joked. Once again I couldn't help but notice his laugh. His eyes that were once laden with hurt and distrust were showing life and happiness.
"You think I'm gorgeous…you want to kiss me…love me and marry me."
"Oh my god did you just quote Miss Congeniality."
"Shut up. It's a funny movie."
"I know I just never expected you to quote that movie. Ewww…did I just say that. Yuck….word vomit." After realizing what he said, Ryan clasped his hand over his mouth and began to chuckle.
"You talk about me. Hello, Mean Girls."
"Dude, it's a classic."
"Did you say dude?"
By this time I was walking out of my bed and sitting in the chair next to his. My injuries weren't nearly as bad as his were. I was just covered in random scrapes and bruises. He was nursing a broken leg and a dislocated shoulder as well as the bruises which covered most of his body.
"This is nice Troy. It just sucks that we had to get to know each other under these circumstances."
"Yeah, me and circumstances were never really good friends."
Again he laughed. He now allowed his smile to freely form over his face. I grabbed his hand and tried to comfort him.
"Ryan this is nice…nicer than I would have thought possible. But for the first time ever I have to follow my heart. I would love to get to know you on a more personal basis but I am not sure if I can handle another relationship right now."
"Then make a deal with me. We will hang out and get to know each other…as friends. If things develop than they do, if not than they don't."
"Sounds good to me."
"Now can you do me a favor?"
"Sure."
"Get those gorgeous blue eyes away from me before I feel the need to grab you and kiss you."
"Okay." I said as I winked to him. I turned my back to him and began walking to my bed when I heard a whistle and a few chuckles. I turned around and saw Ryan trying hard not to laugh out loud.
"What may I ask is so funny?"
"Your butt. It's really cute and makes me want to squeeze it."
I blushed and realized that I was wearing a hospital gown and never had a chance to put my boxers on. Not even together yet and he's already gotten a good view of my goods. This is turning out to be one hell of a friendship.
I hopped back in bed and began to drift into sleep thinking about Ryan. Our friendship will last a week tops….
Tootles...L.Kerr