-sigh- I'd forgotten how much fun it is to write Ryellas. –sniff sniff- It's been awhile since

A New Tune…anyways, just a heads up, there's really going to be very little Tryan—sorry, I know, but this story is really leading more towards Ryella…and the little Tryan there will be is going to be a "one-way relationship", if you get my drift, muahaha…never mind. Enjoy this chapter!

Chapter Two: Reading, Roles, and the Rain

Ryan just stood there on the stage, breathing deeply and clutching his sore chest; waiting for Darbus's evaluation.

"Mr. Evans, have you ever sang a solo before?" Mrs. Darbus asked.

"Erm…well, I have had a few small solos in Sharpay and-"

"I mean real solos; with just you up on the stage"

"No," he said in a very small voice, shuffling his feet nervously.

Nervous? Ryan? Since when was Ryan ever nervous? I couldn't help but stare at the drama king. His voice had given me goose bumps—as if he was singing it directly to me. His clear tenor had gone straight to my heart, and my eyelids felt very hot.

"Gabbi, you alright?" I hurriedly wiped my eyes, scolding myself for letting my emotions get the better of me. I smiled at Troy.

"I'm perfectly fine; my eye's just itchy." I don't think he really believed me, but he didn't press the issue.

Was he feeling the same thing I was? The feeling that the song had not just been sung by Ryan, but rather had been sung through him. The feeling it gave me was so…unearthly, it was creepy.

I had a feeling Darbus was sharing my vibe in this area, but she shrugged it off and called on the next soloist. Ryan plopped down shakily into the seat next to me, grinning lopsidedly.

"Well that sucked," he laughed, obviously trying to get rid of post-audition nerves.

"Sucked?" I said, startled to hear my voice cracking. "Ryan, that was amazing! You're really good"

He sent me a very skeptical look, and I knew he didn't believe me. "You don't have to be nice; I'm used to the cold truth"

"I'm serious! You're really good!" I insisted, looking at Troy for support. He hastily nodded, and I could tell that deep down he was truly impressed as well—being a guy, he wouldn't show it.

"Yah; it was pretty cool, man." Boys. I swear, sometimes they can be such dorks. I could tell Ryan wasn't convinced of Troy's sincerity. Who could blame him? Ryan flattened his hair and gave us a small smile before turning his attention to the next student auditioning.

Later that day we had dancing lessons; musicals required many, many hours of choreography practice. Right now the boy's were getting lectured—Ryan watched quietly from the sidelines, taking notes. I, moved by loneliness, sat down Indian-style next to him, grinning a greeting. He looked up, slightly surprised, smiled back, and went back to observing the clunking boys.

"How come you're so good I dancing?" Now what had inspired me to say that? The thought had randomly popped into my brain and gone straight out my mouth. Smooth move, Gabbi. To my surprise, he didn't seem at all disturbed by my question, and kept his eyes glued on our choreographer.

"I've been dancing since I could walk, and my parents are very passionate about their children excelling in whatever they love to do. I loved dancing, so they really encouraged to become the best dancer I could." He smiled at me, and I felt my knees turn to butter. "I still love dancing, but recently, my interests have turned more towards musical theatre—singing and acting more than dancing. But, my parents are convinced that dancing is my only true passion, so I don't really go out for the big roles. Until this year…" I blinked in surprise.

"You tried out for Tony?"

He nodded, a pink tinge flowing over his pale skin. Wow, this guy looked even cuter blushing. "I figured that as Sharpay doesn't want me, I might as well jump at the chance." Ryan hung his head sheepishly. "Silly as it may seem, I still want main roles of plays really badly"

"Do you want the honest-to-goodness truth?" I asked bluntly. He finally pulled his eyes off of the dancing and looked me straight in the face. God, he was beautiful.

"Sock it to me." Since when did people in our generation say that?

"I think that your talent is overshadowed by Sharpay. Frankly, you are a way better dancer and singer than her—and probably actor. I mean, I wouldn't know, since I've never really seen you perform to your fullest. You should stop taking your sister's advice and just do your own thing-thing, you know what I mean?"

I was afraid I had completely lost him. He just kept on staring at me with those captivating eyes, and after a very long, uncomfortable silence, spoke. "I've never heard anyone call me better than Sharpay before…do you really think I am?"

"Yes," I answered confidently and without hesitation; no doubt was left in my mind. "And I hope you-" I was about to say 'I hope you get Tony; you deserve it', but my loyalty to my boyfriend halted my tongue. If I wished Ryan good luck, I would be wishing my boyfriend to lose. Confound it all!

Luckily, Ryan read my eyes easily. "It's alright; you don't have to wish me good luck. It won't do any good, anyways; Troy is better than me in most areas, so he will undoubtedly get the part of Tony, and you the part of Maria. That's the way things are supposed to be." I stared sorrowfully at him; knowing deep inside my heart it to be true, but somehow wishing it wasn't so. Ryan loved the theatre with all his heart…it seemed unfair such passion and talent should be shoved aside. For a split second, I wished him all of the best luck in the world. Despite my protesting mind, I didn't take it back.

At dinner that night, I noticed something odd. Ever since Ryan had broken his rib, Sharpay had utterly neglected him. Bearing his food tray, he made his way towards his twin's table, but the blonde managed to hurriedly fill the open seat with a member of her huge fan club. Heaving a sigh, Ryan scanned the classroom for an empty place. I followed his look, and saw nothing but turned backs and saved seats. He walked patiently over to a small, two-person table in a far corner by a window and sat by himself, dance bag at his feet.

To my astonishment, I saw him pull a thick book out of the bag as well as a pair of reading glasses. Curiosity got the best of me, and whispering in Troy's ear that I'd be right back, I wandered over to where he was sitting and sat opposite of him. He glanced up at me in mild surprise, and took off his reading glasses.

"You like reading?" I said bewilderedly, wishing to say something a bit more intelligent. He laughed gently.

"You're surprised?" He chuckled again. "Troy thought it very weird too, but said that you really like reading"

"I'm a complete bookworm," I confessed, giggling. "What are you are you reading?"

He held up the spine for me the read. War and Peace.

"I love that book!" I cried out without thinking. His smile increased.

"You've read it?"

"A million times," I gushed. "My favorite part is when-"

"Don't tell me," he interrupted, "if it happens late in the book. I haven't finished it yet." I grinned, and nodded.

"I absolutely hate it when people give away endings for me, so I won't breathe a word." Ryan laughed slightly, and put his bookmark back in the book.

"So what's your favorite book?"

I thought about it long and hard. "That's a really hard question; I have so many favorites!"

"Surely you have an absolute favorite, though?" he questioned, surprised at my trouble. I thought harder.

"Probably Watership Down, by Richard Adams.,"I concluded. "It's so much fun hearing about the rabbit's world!"

He laughed again. I could get addicted to that laugh. "Can't say I've read that one. I'll have to check it out"

"You'd better," I said in a mock-angry voice. "So, if you are so convinced that everyone has an 'absolute favorite book', what's yours?"

Ryan grinned cockily and tipped his chair back some. Wait, Ryan could be cocky? "Easy; The Lord of the Rings trilogy, hands down. Tolkein's amazing"

"Don't you get bogged down in all of the description?" I questioned. "I got bored with it about one half into the second half of Two Towers"

"That's what makes it all so interesting," he insisted. "Tolkein creates an entire world in his writing—languages and everything. It all seems so real"

"What did you think of the movies?"

"Peter Jackson did the books justice, but the books are still way better"

"Yah, that's the way it usually is with books made into movies"

"What's your favorite movie?" he asked, switching topics slightly.

"I don't think I'll tell you," I giggled, wrinkling my nose at him. He laughed.

"And why not?"

"'Cause you'll laugh"

"Will not"

"Will too!"

"Will not!"

"Will too!"

"I won't laugh!" he argued with such intensity that he fell over backwards in his chair, which he had tipped on its back legs. I collapsed into a helpless fit of giggles, attracting stares from surrounding tables. I couldn't help it; his obvious sincerity was so endearing and hilarious at the same time.

Wincing slightly, he climbed back in his chair, acting like nothing had happened. "Now seriously, tell me!"

"Are you alright?" I asked, realizing his chest was probably still tender.

"I'm fine. Tell me!" He was not to be put off.

"'Moulin Rouge'."

Ryan stared at me with a blank expression. "What's so embarrassing about that? That's on my top ten movies"

"You've seen it?" I gasped. "But it's a total chic flick!"

"Obviously you don't live with Sharpay," he laughed. "Every now and again, when she's forcing me to go see movies with her, a good one pops up, such as 'Moulin Rouge'"

"If that's not your top movie, then what is?"

"Must I have a top favorite of everything?" he teased. I stuck my tongue out at him. He stuck his out back. I giggled. I had had no idea Ryan Evans could be so much fun.

"Yes, as a matter of fact. A wise old geezer once told me 'Everyone must have an absolute favorite'," I giggled, making my voice go very low.

"Sounds like a very smart, intelligent person," Ryan said with a straight face. "Alright then…my favorite movie would probably be 'Jurassic Park'"

I was not prepared for that answer. "What?"

"Why, you don't like that movie?"

"It's not I don't like it, but I was picturing you a much more musical-loving person!"

"I do love musicals, but I also love horror movies"

I automatically shivered. "I detest horror movies"

"You're crazy"

"You're the one who's crazy"

"That's true." I giggled. "What say we just agree that we both are crazy and move along with the conversation?"

"Sounds good to me"

"Any suggestions to a new topic?"

"None"

"Well, look around; maybe something will inspire you"

I looked around as ordered, and my gaze fell upon his dinner tray. "All you have is a salad and water?" Ryan blushed self-consciously.

"I'm watching my weight"

"Let me guess; Sharpay put you up to it?"

"She started it, but I kept on the diet anyways—I want to stay in shape." I shook my head incredulously. Ryan was probably the skinniest guy in East High next to Victor Salamier, who was skinnier than a string bean and extremely creepy. Victor's weight was just unhealthy; all that Ryan had left was just dancer muscle.

I noticed that the snack bar had opened. "Hey, wanna go get an ice cream Sunday with me?" I asked as I stood up. He shook his head.

"No thanks; I'm not into sweets." I stared at him for what felt like the millionth time that evening.

"Not into sweets? How do you live??" He chuckled again.

"Quite nicely, and you?" I just rolled my eyes and continued on my way, his laughter following me. Such a nice, velvety laughter; it gave me tingles.

"Hey Gabs, what's takin' you so long to come back to the table?" I jumped in recognition of the voice. I now realized that I had spent pretty much the entire dinner sitting with Ryan. I couldn't blame sweet Troy for noticing—but I wondered if he might have gotten jealous of Ryan Evans.

"Are you jealous, Troy Bolton?"

"Jealous? Of what?"

"You mean of whom—and Ryan"

"Me? Jealous of Ryan? Get real"

"Troy's jealous of Ryan, Troy's jealous of Ryan…"I teased in a sing-song manner. "Troy's jeeeaaaalooousss"

Troy grabbed me around the waist and picked me up. I giggled madly and tried to squirm away, but he held on tight. Eventually, he let go and we both collapsed to the ground, breathing hard in between bursts of laughter.

Trying to regain my composure, my gaze settled on the table I had just left. Ryan was watching the goings-on with a strange look in his eyes…almost like watching us almost hurt him somehow. He replaced his reading glasses and once again opened his novel. Troy, still cracking up, looked at me with surprise.

"How can you stop laughing so fast? Turn that frown upside down!" I rewarded his goofiness with a small smile, and got to my feet. I didn't really feel like laughing now.

I heard a load groan from the doorway. When I turned, I saw Sharpay and her entourage about to leave the room.

"It's pouring outside!" Alicia, one of the girls, whined. "My hair's going to be ruined"

Inwardly, I also groaned. I really detested rain of any sort—it just made everything so depressing and got you wet and cold and miserable. Troy also groaned, and then handed me my ice cream Sunday with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, and maraschino cherries. I dove into the dessert with relish, and let Troy guide me back to his table.

Twenty minutes later, when both discussions and ice creams were finished, the crew dispersed out into the soaked, muddy campus. Holding my hands over my head, I began darting towards the girls' dorm.

"Here." Ryan appeared out of nowhere and offered me an open umbrella. "I don't need it"

I gladly accepted the umbrella, but stayed behind for a minute. "Why; do you have an extra or something?"

"No; I just love the rain"

I gawked at him. "How can you love the rain? It's makes everything so…so…wet"

He smiled at me, rivers of rainwater cascading down his tangled golden hair and past his baby blue, crystal eyes. Those eyes…so gentle, happy, innocent, knowing, experienced, optimistic, I could go on for hours. "Staying dry isn't everything, you know. Sometimes you have to make a sacrifice, take a risk, and throw away the umbrella to get what you want"

"But what do you want?" He gazed directly into my eyes now, and I could feel a blush creeping over my cheeks.

"I just want to be happy without any of the lame side-affects that forced happiness provides." He smiled. Holy mother and child, his smile was drop-dead gorgeous. "The simple pleasures, you know?"

"I know…" At least, I thought I did. Ryan smiled at me again and walked cheerfully off, in the direction of Dedric's Cliff. A moment of hesitation, and then I followed him.

"Why are you coming over here?" He looked back at me, not seeming at all surprised that I had followed.

"It's peaceful over here…and the rain isn't stopped by any trees"

Dedric's Cliff is a very, very steep, rocky hill that has an eighteen foot drop-off (not exactly a cliff, but that was what it was called, at any rate). No student is allowed within ten feet of the edge for safety reasons. Ryan lay down exactly at the ten-foot mark, and fixed his eyes on the blue-gray sky above.

"Care to join me?" After much inward debating, I closed the umbrella and sat down next to him, clutching my knees to my chest. "Just close your eyes and let the rain pour down your face…" he murmured, his eyes half-closed. I did as told, as was surprised to feel how relaxing it was. In the back of my mind, I knew my clothes were soaked through and it would take hours to straighten my hair, but somehow, I didn't care. All I could think about was the drops of rain hitting my face and the soothing sound of sheets of water pouring down from the sky. I sighed contentedly.

"Told you it was worth the risk." I opened my eyes and peeked down at Ryan. He winked at me, and closed his eyes again; a satisfied smile perched on his lips. I chuckled, and let my eyes rest on the peaceful, stormy skies above. Never again would I complain on a rainy day.

I was blessed with the good fortune to have many rainy days ahead of me to look forward too. With an occasional sunny break in between, the sky constantly poured down buckets and buckets of rain—putting me in a fairly good mood. There is nothing more pleasant that waking up to the sound of rain pattering against the roof, and a gray sky peeping through the blinds. It provided excellent conditions to curl up with a book and read.

Too bad that there was so little free time! Every day we learned new dance steps and new songs. It was grueling work, but terrifically fun. During regular rehearsals, since parts were not chosen yet, Darbus pick out a few select people to play roles and read out of the script. The entire group was kept amused by the text in the script, and we all we sentenced to speak in a New York accent whenever we entered the Neverland Auditorium (I swear, whoever came up with this college loved Disney).

Finally, that Sunday afternoon, the big meeting came. The meeting where we would find out what we were casted as for East High's rendition of "Westside Story".

"Playing Officer Krupke will be Jackson Frederick. Playing the part of A-rab will be…" And at last some familiar faces and names. "Playing Chino will be Kevin Baylor." Kevin looked excited, looked excited about getting a main role, but at the same time disappointed that he had not gotten Tony. "Playing Riff will be Wes Skropka." Wes—the Ryan-look-alike, as Troy called him—was excited at getting such a big dancing role, but the same as Kevin, slightly disappointed. "Playing Anita will be Sharpay Evans." Deep down, I couldn't help but gloat that Sharpay had not gotten Maria. Evil as the thought may have been, it was very rewarding to see the look of fury on her face. "Playing Maria will be-" oh please let it be me, please let it be me, "Gabriella Montez." YES!!!! Troy gave me a side-hug and I saw Ryan smile his congratulations for the end of the row.

Darbus was narrowing down roles to name, and Troy and Ryan were still left to be casted. Finally, the moment came—when our dramatic teacher would name who played Tony. I decided not to think about it, as I could not decide who to cross my fingers for. "Playing the lead role of Tony will be…." She paused, letting the class fall into silence, aching with anticipation. Why could she not just spit it out like every other normal theatre teacher?? "Playing the star of our play is…"

Haha, I had lots of fun writing this chapter. I am able to pull off the bookworm chat because I am a HUGE bookworm myself and have read all the books I've mentioned (and seen all the movies mentioned). And by the way, if you haven't seen Moulin Rouge; GREAAAAT MOVIE, I sob every time I see it (just like I do with Westside Story, haha). And I usually don't cry in movies. Ewan McGregor is just so gorgeous…-sigh- but I still love Lucas G. more and I don't know how I got off on the topic of hot guys MOVING RIGHT ALONG

A note about the sweet thing; Lucas doesn't eat sugar /candy. No wonder he's so in shape, god. That crazy grandpa (I did not coin the term; he called himself that, taha).

I loooooooooooooooooooooooove rain. I don't know if y'all have noticed, but most of my romancey scenes happen in the rain. It's just then unlike almost all the kids at my school, I get in a REALLY good mood when it rains! It just makes me so cheerful to have the skies gray and gloomy and a chilly wind and rain It's been pretty rainy lately down here in Austin, Texas—so I've been pretty happy lately. Sadly, the sun's coming out…dang it

(the "Holy mother and child" comes from "Pirates of the Caribbean 3: At World's End", by the way. Good movie, very traumatic if you are an Orlando Bloom fan—I used to be one, am not one anymore, and I still almost yelled at the theatre screen…)

Sorry for all these end notes, but I am very talkative! But what did you think? Still like it? Any ideas, advice, corrections, suggestions? Who do you think is going to get the part of Tony? R&R please, as always