Disclaimer: I can sit here claiming to own HSM, but would you believe me?
A/N: I screwed up the ages, I'll go back and edit it. They were supposed to be 10 in the last chapter, and 9 in the first.
Age 11. December.
Throughout their 5th grade year, and the beginning of sixth grade, I was beginning to psychically see the progress the twins were making—Ryan with his depression, and Sharpay with her, uh, penmanship. Ryan no longer felt the need to keep his feelings to himself, while Sharpay had finally perfected the final flourish in "Evans." Today, however, both Ryan and Sharpay marched into the office and sat in their usual seats without saying a word.
"Hi, Ryan. Hi, Sharpay. How are you?" No responses.
"How was school?" I tried again. Ryan shrugged helplessly. He looked stressed. Sharpay didn't even blink, her eyes fixated on the blank patch of wall directly to my left. Her expression was unreadable, but she was furious with Ryan, I could tell. Sharpay sighed, overdramatically.
"Ryan is a stupidhead. Auditions for the winter musical are in 3 weeks, 3 WEEKS, and he keeps missing lessons to play with Troy. ON PURPOSE! How can I be a famous Broadway actress if my brother doesn't want to work?!? And it's all because I'm making him wear a super cute outfit."
"Sharpay—" She interrupted him.
"It's just black pants, dress shoes, a blue shirt (to match my dress. It was going to be pink, but I think blue is a more winterish color), and a blue hat. So what if the shirt and hat are glittery? The girls will love him! He'll be super popular. I'm doing him a favor, and this is how he repays me?"
"I believe Ryan has something to say, Sharpay."
"I don't care. I'm super mad at him. He's so upset about mom that he's forgetting that nothing he can do will make her come back. Plus, if she was here, she'd make him wear the outfit, because appearance is the most important part of the audition! She said it herself."
"I know! Stop—"
"'The way you and your audition partner represent yourselves is probably the most important aspect of the auditioning process nowadays." She was reading off a slip of paper she pulled from her pink purse. "'In this business, you can be the most talented performer out there, but if you don't look a certain way, you won't get far at all. That's just how it is.' That's exactly what she said. I made her write it down so I'll never forget it. AND RYAN'S FORGETTING THAT! IF WE DON'T MATCH, WE WON'T GET ANY PARTS!"
"Are you done?" He asked. She nodded. She's making us rehearse all the time. It hurts my throat. It's not about the clothes. I like them. It's just, we know the song by heart, but yesterday she wouldn't even let me eat dinner!"
"We need to have it perfect!" She shrieked.
"Calm down, Sharpay. Ryan's right. You both are very talented, but if you over-exert yourselves, you'll ruin your voices. How about you practice for an hour before bed?"
"But…can't it be two hours?" Ryan groaned.
"Not if you want a singing partner," I said. She sighed, loudly.
"Fine. But I'm practicing for two."
xoxoxo
Patient Report: Ryan Andrew Evans.
Age: 11
So, the audition was last week. We made it. I told Shar not to worry but she didn't listen. She was a little flat on some notes though, so the whole thing was off, but I didn't tell her that. Of course, only one other pair auditioned—and they sucked, no offense to them. So it's not like we had any competition. I can't wait til next year, where there's an actually drama club and more competition.
Shar puts way too much pressure on me to be perfect. I hate it, a lot. I know, mommy told her that appearance was the most important part, but she meant professionally. There's nothing professional about a 6th grade musical. Now, once we get to middle school, it'll be professional-er, but there's still no reason to be totally perfect.
Middle school should be interesting. Besides the competition thing, they have a basketball team, which Troy is probably gonna make—he's really good. He signed up for chorus class, can you believe it? Only because music class is required and it was that or band, but still, I don't think Troy has ever actually sang professionally. Like, in a group. Sharpay's gonna be mad. She hates amateurs, even if it is Troy.
But there's still the rest of 6th grade to worry about before that happens. Yay—not.
Tomorrow is father-son night at school. You know, when the guys go in with their dads and learn about sex, puberty, and drugs and stuff?? (Ugh.) I can't wait. Mother-daughter night is tonight. Shar was really upset in class. She's going with Kelsi's mom, but still, it would probably be weird if it wasn't your mommy.
I really don't want to go tomorrow. I hate my dad enough as it is; watching a movie about sex with him might just make me hate him more. Can you come kidnap me at 7ish? Please, Claire?
And to top it off, I still miss mommy, and Shar isn't making it any better. She won't talk about mom, still. She says it's pointless, cause mommy won't come back. I think it's pointlesser not to talk about her though, cause what if we forget? I really, really don't want to forget my mommy. She doesn't deserve that.
I'm glad I have Troy. He doesn't scream "Shut up, Ry, she's gone" or "It'd be easier for you just to not think about her" whenever I want to talk about her. He listens to me. I just wish Shar or daddy would listen.
It's just that Troy is amazing. He's the bestest friend I've ever had. I love him.
Oh, oh, did I tell you? There's a new kid in our class—his name is Chad. He sits next to Troy, Shar, Kelsi, Zeke, and me. He's nice, plus, his hair is so cool. It's like, an afro or whatever.
Ryan
Patient Report: Sharpay Jade Evans
Age: 11 & 4 months!
Hi!
We got the audition. I told you, I am amazing and need absolutely no practice.
Ryan on the other hand…I told you he needs practice! He screwed up one note—that low one. He didn't go low enough, so I had to do it.
The new kid, Chad, has nice hair. I hate him though.
Wanna know a secret?
Troy and I are getting married.
That's it.
Love,
Sharpay Evans, Superstar
xoxoxo
A/N: The Hanson concert is 20 days away, and my birthday is on September 4th! I'm super excited.
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