Author's Note: First of all, thanks to all of you who have read, reviewed, and subscribed to this story and to me too. You've all become my fuel to continue the story. This is the next part of the story...it just basically followed what happened in our RP site, and I've just written it from Sharpay's POV...which I hope I got right...haha! So there...enjoy!

Disclaimer: Still the same...I don't own HSM, Alicia Keys, and stuff…I only own ideas.

Everything changes.

I really had no idea how much these two words would mean to me when I first said them. The original intent was just to have a dramatic exit from the scene like I always do. But I never really thought of how much these two words would affect my whole summer…and my entire life. And trust me, I'm not being overly dramatic this time, you'll see.

When I woke up the next day, well it seemed like last night's wishes didn't come true. Who was I kidding? Of course they wouldn't come true. They're just stupid wishes and I shouldn't have made them in the first place, and I know I'm much better than that. Those were the thoughts in my mind that time…and once again, I was proven wrong. By the way, the continuous proving me wrong – definitely annoying.

And so I decided to spend the day alone, like I had any choice anyway. Well, I did have a choice, but in a situation like that, I think I'd much rather spend my day alone than spend it with my Sharpettes – Emma, Lea, and Jackie. Sure, it was fun being followed and adored and worshipped all the time for things you do and even the things you don't do, but seriously it gets annoying too, and that day was not really a good day for me to be annoyed since I was already upset. So I had to make an excuse (a stupid one, I admit) about needing to spend time with my loyal dog, Boi. At least they believed me. Again, who was I kidding? Of course, they'd believe me, they always do.

I don't really know why, but I just really would like to spend that day alone – alone meaning no Ryan either. I just figured that if Ryan really needs me, he would come back to me. If not, then I should just get over it and forget I have a brother. After all, I am the Princess, I shouldn't and wouldn't beg to someone…no matter how much I wanted to…no matter how much I was secretly hoping he'd come and find me and apologize. But damnit, why do I even care that much? It's just Ryan, my brother, for crying out loud.

In Lava Springs, there are only two places I go to when I want to relax alone: it's either the spa, or the pool. For some reason, I picked the pool that day. It was like something inside me was telling me to just go there. So I went with my instincts, and after seeing the pool, I was so glad I made that choice. The sparkling, crystal blue water looked so inviting that day.

I asked (well, it was really more like ordered…or screamed at) Fulton to clear the pool for me. The old man had always followed me ever since the small incident that happened when Ryan and I were still little kids and was just starting to explore the country club and its secret places. I am really sorry for what had happened to his foot though, but hey, I was still a kid then, I'm sure he had forgiven me. Well, he better.

Going back to the story, I knew Fulton did a good job when I arrived at the pool that afternoon. It was completely deserted, just the way I prefer it. And even if he protested a little, he actually followed what I have said (surprise, surprise!)…there was no life guard either. Good. Last thing I needed was Gabriella watching me sulk alone in the pool area.

I went to my usual spot there, my very own pink chaise. As I walked towards it though, I couldn't help but feel incomplete…and of course I know what, or who was missing in this scene. And you know how it felt like? It was like I was waiting for a cue that never came, and so the whole scene was ruined because I just couldn't improvise, because it's just not the same…it would feel wrong. This particular scene needed him. I needed Ryan, as much as I didn't want to admit it even to myself.

Sitting on my own chaise didn't feel the same as when Ryan was sitting on the one next to mine. No matter how much I denied it even to myself and tried not to show it, I was missing him terribly. Even if I was still mad at him for just leaving me alone like I mean nothing to him, still I wanted him to come back. And this is so not like me, or at least so not like my typical front.

Because when it comes to Ryan, I am a different person. To him, I had no front…I didn't need it. He didn't see me the same way as all the others did, even our own parents. No matter how bossy or mean or bitchy I was to him, he still thinks I'm a good person. Even if I screamed at him, pushed and dragged and ordered him around, he still stayed by my side. He was the only one who was patient enough to deal with me, and yet I still managed to push him away. So that must be how horrible I am.

I let out a loud sigh as I looked up at the setting sun. What I was feeling last night, and actually even the days before had me thinking about one thing. Why am I feeling so upset about this in the first place?

It's not like it was the first time Ryan and I had fought or argued…hell, we've been arguing a lot ever since we have learned to talk, that was what daddy had said. That was also just a part of our routine…we'd fight and then make up at the same day. That was what I was used to.

This was the first time that we haven't talked for a week. I wonder if he has been feeling as horrible as I am.

I looked again at the empty chaise on my right and sighed, again. Doubt it. He is so much happier with them…than he was with me. I've seen it with my own eyes at the time I caught him helping them with their number. He likes her, too without a doubt.

Ugh. What the heck? Why was I even feeling a sudden pain in my chest?

I couldn't be upset…no way. In fact, I should be happy…with Ryan liking Gabriella, he could help me get together with Troy. That would work. That was what I should be thinking.

But why the hell was I feeling…jealous? That's my twin brother, for crying out loud.

And yet, even that fact couldn't stop me from feeling this way, no matter how much I forced my heart to stop it.

As the sun set, realizations suddenly hit me. I wasn't upset about losing the award, Troy Bolton, and all those crap…I was just upset about losing Ryan.

And why am I upset about losing Ryan? And even about the possibility of losing him to another girl?

Because...I love him.

I love him…I love him in a way that I, his sister, shouldn't.

And what do I exactly mean?

I mean, I've fallen in love with Ryan Evans.

Suddenly, it was all clear now…

That was the main reason why I was so upset about losing him…why I miss him so much…why I wanted to see him so badly…why I needed to hear his voice again.

With a sigh, I finally took my eyes off the empty spot beside me. That was the only time I noticed that it was getting dark already, and there really was no point in staying on my chaise, but at that point, I just don't care. I'm clearly going crazy anyways.

I was about to close my eyes again when suddenly…

"Shar!"

So I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I've started the next one already, though I'm going to be busy this week until the next...but I will have a short vacation soon anyways, so I hope to work on this story during that time. Again, I've made references to my boyfriend Pax's (EdwardIsIntoIncestNow) story Origins...you should check it out if you haven't yet. Ü And also our Rypay RP site, if you want more Rypay (the link is in my profile).

That's all for now. Tootles! -- May