So I know I needed to update something today. And I happened to have an idea for "How to Ask". I also came up with an idea for a new story, which I'm thinking of putting up soon, but I at least wanna finish my HSM Future story first, and I'm not sure how many more chapters that's gonna be. So we'll see how that goes. And I don't think there's actually much more to say except that I don't own HSM so that'll be the end of this a/n. Now for the next thing I'd change about HSM if I owned it...I'm running out of things I'd change, actually. I guess probably emphasize the fact that Ryan is straight. Does anyone else think that Ryan just happens to be slightly more feminine because he grew up with Sharpay?
"Looks like you're counting the days off to something." Chad Danforth teased as he looked over his girlfriend's shoulder at the calendar.
"Mm." Taylor McKessie nodded contently. "Only three days to go." She marked off a big X on January twenty-sixth. "And you do know what that day is, don't you?" she asked as she turned to the curly-haired man while closing the red marker.
"Now how could I ever forget?" Chad teased with a smile, placing an arm around her shoulder. "Every year in middle and high school as soon as we were done with midterms you would celebrate. Isn't somebody's birthday coming up?"
"Which means in exactly one year and three days I will have successfully accomplished the first two decades of my lifetime." Taylor smiled.
"Really?" You don't even look a day over sixteen." Chad smiled, pulling her into him and wrapping both arms around her. "If I wasn't dating you for almost two years no I never would have guessed you were turning nineteen."
Taylor playfully pushed some hair out of his face. "About two and a half years, but who's counting?" she corrected. She gave Chad her look which her friends have labeled the 'Taylor look' and then pulled him in for a kiss. Chad accepted, happy to know that he knew her well enough to know when they were joking around. He and Taylor have gotten that close since they first met.
So now they were both attending the same college in Los Angeles and living together in a two-bedroom apartment. They went strong for nearly two whole years in high school and by the time they graduated the pair knew that they didn't want to break up. So they had agreed to go to the same college and obtain part-time jobs so they could pay for their own apartment. It was one bedroom, but still perfectly comfortable. Chad was an undecided major, since he wasn't sure what courses he'd want to take to deal with his future. And Taylor was a biochemistry major with a minor political science. Though the two were complete opposites they always found a common ground to work for them both. Chad was the funny, clueless, jock and Taylor was the down-to-earth, serious brainiac.
But their differences didn't stop Chad from feeling the way he did about Taylor. He loved being with her and he enjoyed every minute they were together. He loved making her smile and laugh and even though he barely understood half the stuff Taylor ever talked about, he still loved listening to her. Now Chad had told Taylor how he felt before; he did admit when they graduated that he was in love with her but Chad was stuck. He didn't know where to go after that. He knew he wanted to stay with Taylor and could never picture being with another girl, but they were only freshmen in college. Perhaps she wasn't ready to make a commitment like that yet. And he certainly didn't want to freak her out. So until then he would have to keep those feelings inside for a little longer. Until then, there was the matter of her birthday present.
Taylor couldn't say she felt any differently for Chad. But sometimes she had no idea what was going on in his head, especially since she was most often two steps ahead of him. But that didn't change the way she did feel. She loved being with Chad and he always found a way to make her feel better when she was at her lowest. When they agreed to live together while attending college, she was thrilled to say the least. Of course they did set a few ground rules, such as dividing up the bedroom equally between them so her tidiness wouldn't get in the way of his messiness. But even though she had confessed her love for him after graduation last year, Taylor was afraid that they would go downhill. She had especially held out on sex while she knew that Chad never really waited on that. And she certainly didn't want to push him away now.
"Alright loverboy, give me some air." Taylor teased, pushing Chad off of her. "I have some homework to finish that's due tomorrow."
Chad chuckled at her antics. They really have been hanging out too long. "We're back in school for less than two weeks already for the second semester and already you're piled with homework."
"Imagine how much more work I'd have if I were double majoring instead." Taylor winked. "Do you mind doing dinner tonight?"
"You really want that?" Chad joked.
Taylor rolled her eyes. Chad had always said that, saying that if he cooked or baked anything the apartment would burn to the ground. "Ok, you can order in." she agreed. "Just no pizza, ok? I'm not tasting cheese tonight."
"Anything for you Tay-Tay." Chad smiled. He pecked her on the lips.
"I'll be out in an hour or so. Enjoy the peace and quiet." Taylor smiled back. She walked into the bedroom and closed the door behind her.
Chad leaned against the wall as he watched Taylor exit the room. Man I really gotta do something special for that girl. he thought.
~CT~CT~CT~
"Ok I'm in a complete slump." Chad admitted over the phone the next day to his best friend Troy Bolton, who was staying back home in New Mexico. "Tay's birthday is this Friday and I don't know what to get her."
"Dude, you had this problem the first year you two dated. Or the one after that." Troy replied. "Well, you know what I mean. Remember in junior year when it was the first time you actually have Taylor a birthday gift? You were freaking out like crazy. You ended up giving her a gift card to Barnes and Noble bookstore and a mixed CD."
"Yeah and you remember the face she made." Chad said. "It didn't look like an overly pleased look."
"But then what about last year?" Troy recalled. "You got her that charm necklace and took her out for dinner that weekend. Wasn't she happy with that?"
"Well she did mention enjoying the necklace." Chad admitted. "But that doesn't solve my problem this year."
"There is no problem." Troy urged. "It's the thought that counts and you know it."
"Of course I know, but I want it to be something I know she'll like. It can't be something lame like a a Flounder cookie jar." Chad replied.
Troy rolled his eyes and scrunched his face. "You been watching the Little Mermaid again haven't you?"
"Hey it happened to be on last week." he replied defensively. "And c'mon, who can resist that yellow fish? And the crab doesn't have too bad a voice either."
Troy hit his forehead. He couldn't believe Chad was this clueless. Sure, he'd been clueless before but this was taking it to a new level. But Chad was definitely making too big a deal out of this. Troy saw him and Taylor together and they both looked at their happiest. And if Troy was reading their relationship right, then no matter how stupid the gift would be, as long as it was from Chad, Taylor would love it. He just couldn't understand why Chad didn't see that.
"Has she dropped any hints?" Troy wondered, trying to help out his friend.
"No." Chad shook his head. "We just started school last week so she's been focusing on getting back into it. And I just noticed her counting down the days yesterday."
"Dude!" Troy gasped. "You only have two days to get her something? Why didn't you look over her shoulder at the calendar earlier? Heck, why didn't you even look at the calendar earlier?"
"Well sorry for being distracted." Chad said sarcastically. "So now you see the problem."
"Well what do you wanna get her?" he wondered.
Chad thought for a minute. He knew exactly what he wanted to get Taylor. But there were a few different problems. Issue a: Chad didn't know if she would accept it. For all he knew Taylor could throw it out the window or give him a look. She may not look at it the same way he would. Issue b: it may be the worst gift Taylor could ever get. She could be hoping for something different like a special book or a fancy dinner but instead just some ring that she may get rid of. Chad didn't want that.
But then Chad remember what Troy said. It was the thought that counted. Then again, Taylor may not have the same thought that Chad did. And he didn't want to give her something like that if she wasn't ready. Maybe he should talk to the parental figures first. That might be the best idea, even if it was just a phone call.
"Thanks Troy. That really helped." Chad replied. "See you later." He hung up the phone and dialed the McKessie residence. Maybe Taylor's mother could tell him what he needed to hear.
On second thought, no. There was no answer. So maybe Chad wasn't going to get the help that he wanted. He sighed and hung up his phone, not sure what to do now. It was Wednesday night and Taylor's birthday was two days away, with Chad being gift-less and idea-less. He sighed and leaned back in the chair he was sitting on. If he couldn't find anything he was sunk.
"You look stressed." Taylor observed as she stepped behind Chad and massaged his shoulders a bit.
Chad sighed contently and rested his head against her. "Maybe just a little." he admitted. "But give me five minutes with you and I'll be completely un-stressed."
Taylor giggled and shook her head. "It's about school isn't it?"
Chad paused. He couldn't tell her the real reason why he was freaking out. He didn't even want to think about Taylor's reaction. "Guess you could say that." he answered. "It's something to do with school."
"Well there's no need to worry. You'll get back into the swing of things soon." Taylor promised. "Will it make you feel any better if I made you your favorite meal tonight?"
"And we get some cupcakes for dessert?" Chad asked hopefully, looking at her.
Taylor smiled and nodded. "Of course." she agreed. She leaned over and pecked him on the lips. "I'll go get started." She walked into the kitchen.
Chad sighed with relief. He was off the hook. For now.
~CT~CT~CT~
Luckily Chad had no classes on Thursday so he was able to spend most of the day searching for Taylor's perfect gift. After two hours of searching Chad came up with nothing. he didn't even understand why it was so difficult. He knew Taylor. He just wanted to make her happy and give her something special.
"Guess I've got nothing to lose." he finally sighed as he walked into a jewelry store. Chad began looking over every shelf they had, eying each ring carefully. He had to find a cheap one but he wanted it to be the nicest cheapest ring there was. Definitely something gold, maybe with at least one small jewel on it if he could find one. And then his eyes fell on it. It was the perfect ring. Golden in color with what looked like very tiny ruby diamonds circling it. And as soon as Chad looked at it, he saw the perfect gift for Taylor. Chad knew exactly what to do. Maybe it'd be a bit over his budget, but he didn't care anymore.
He was going to make this the best birthday he could ever give Taylor.
~CT~CT~CT~
Friday afternoon, four thirty-nine exactly. Taylor walked into the apartment room with her schoolbooks. She took the car home and Chad insisted on walking home after his last class, which ended a good three hours ago. Taylor was so used to driving to and from school with Chad and to not have him there with her felt weird. But now, looking around the apartment room, it felt even weirder. Taylor had a perplexed look on her face as she looked at the atmosphere.
The living room had streamers in different shades of purple and red and all the lights were off, leaving numerous candles lit. The couch in the room was replaced with a love seat and there was faint romantic music playing in the background. She could smell turkey and fruit salad coming from the kitchen. Turning her attention back into the living room, Taylor could see a small box of chocolates on the coffee table and the window curtains were open slightly to take in a view of the city. On the love seat was a big blanket resting on the top and a pillow on each side.
Taylor raised an eyebrow as she slowly put her books down. "Chad are you here?" she called.
Chad smiled as he stepped out of the bedroom. From what Taylor could see from the angle she was standing at, the bedroom looked at least slightly decorated as well. "Chad what is all this?" Taylor asked in awe as she walked over to him.
Chad took Taylor's hands in his and smiled. "It's for your birthday Tay. I've been working on it since I got home."
"So this is why you wanted to leave so early." Taylor realized. She looked around the living room again. "But you didn't have to do all of this. You went through so much trouble."
"It's never any trouble for you." Chad shook his head. "I just wanted to give you a great birthday."
Taylor could almost feel her eyes water up as she smiled warmly. "Chad that is so sweet. But you don't have to rearrange the whole apartment or cook a fancy dinner for me. Even if you just sat down with me to watch my favorite movie I'd be happy."
"Oh..." Chad replied. "Well, I guess you wouldn't want your present then."
"Who said that?" Taylor gasped. Her face naturally lit up with excitement. "What'd you get me?"
Chad smiled and pulled out a small velvet case from his back pocket. "I really wanted to get you something special for tonight. And I thought I had the perfect idea but I kept picturing in my head that you'd turn it down. And I'm really hoping that you like it and don't throw it out the window."
"Why would you ever think I'd do that?" Taylor asked. "Anything you get for me I wouldn't dream of throwing out a window. The most I'd do is throw it at you when I get angry."
Chad chuckled and nodded. "Yeah that's pretty much what Troy said." he replied. "But I just wanted to get you something you'd love, not like that first time I got you a gift."
"Are you kidding? I love all the gifts you got me." Taylor replied with a smile. "That gift card to Barnes and Noble got me two of the books I've been wanting to get months before. And the necklace last year was perfect. Every time I need a little boost or luck I always wear it."
"So I don't get terrible gifts then?" Chad asked hopefully.
"Never." Taylor shook her head.
"So I guess I don't have to worry about you hating this one then." he smiled.
"Not a chance." Taylor replied.
Chad sighed with relief and opened up the case he was holding. "Tay, you have no idea how much you mean to me. I wanted to make today special for you and as soon as I saw this ring I knew it was for you." he explained. "When we graduated high school I wanted us to last more than I wanted to play with some famous basketball team. I've gotten so used to going out with you and seeing you everyday as something more than a classmate that you just became a part of my life. And I didn't want you out of it. And I still don't. So when we found out we'd go to the same college and agreed to live together, you have no idea how happy I was. I don't know what you think, but I want us to be together forever. You mean tow rold to me Taylor, and I never want to lose you. So here is my gift to you today. Even if you somehow turn it down, we'll still jave your favorite meal and we can relax in this room together as long as you want. So that's why I'm going to ask you this..." That's when he got down on one knee. "My gift to you is this ring. My hand. My life. Everything I have to you. Will you accept me as your husband?"
Taylor just stared at him blankly for a minute, blinking. This was not what she had been expecting. She didn't even know how to respond right away. Taylor never even thought about something like this. She especially never thought of being engaged before turning twenty. Heck, she wouldn't even officially be nineteen until eight-o-seven p.m.
"Chad...we just started college. How can we...?" she replied, almost stuttering.
"We can get through college first." Chad answered as-a-matter-of-factly. "I'll understand if you don't want this, Tay. But if you don't want it now then I can wait. Because I know you're the girl for me."
"You really are the sweetest guy aren't you?" Taylor asked, letting a single tear fall and a smile spread on her face.
Chad blushed modestly. "I do what I can."
"And I can't turn you down. You're always there for me and I know no matter what I can always count on you." Taylor said. "I love you, Chad. That hasn't changed since this summer and it doesn't change now."
Chad pushed himself off his knee to stand up straight. "I love you too, Taylor."
Taylor smiled, hearing the answer that she was hoping for. That was all she needed to hear before giving her answer. She took the ring out of its case and slipped it onto her finger.
Chad's eyes widened. "Wait a minute...that's a...?"
"Yes." Taylor smiled happily.
Chad's smile grew as he wrapped his arms around her, picked her up and spun her around. "Tay you have no idea what this means."
"Neither do you." Taylor giggled as Chad put her back down. She smiled at him and looked right into his eyes. "I love my present, Chad."
"Happy birthday Taylor." Chad smiled. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her. Taylor returned the action and wrapped her arms around his neck, only to pull away less than a minute later, leaving Chad whining for more.
"How about we take this into the bedroom?" she suggested with a grin.
Chad raised an eyebrow. "Tay are you sure?" he asked. "What about the abstinence thing?"
"Abstinence, shmabstinence." she laughed. "It's my birthday and I'll do what I want. I've kept you waiting long enough."
"So then let's eat dinner quickly so we can get to it." Chad chuckled. "I don't think that turkey's gonna eat itself."
The couple laughed as Chad then dragged Taylor into the kitchen. And as soon as they were finished they went right into the bedroom, which had as much decoration as the living room. Chad really went all-out on everything and even if they didn't do anything, Taylor couldn't be happier.
And Taylor made sure to turn to the clock when it turned eight-o-seven. She smiled as she watched the clock, already feeling herself turn nineteen. And she felt even better to have Chad by her side. Taylor turned back to Chad when she felt his arms find their way around her again. She palced a hand on his check and snuggled close to him under the covers.
"I couldn't imagine having a better day." she whispered with a warm smile. "Thank you Chad." She kissed him softly on the lips.
Chad smiled into the kiss, even after the two of them pulled away. "Happy birthday, Tay-Tay."
Corny-ish, huh? I had to stop in the middle of this to eat dinner so a thought or two were kinda lost in the middle of it. Ok, and I was catching the ending of a Simpsons episode at the same time, too. You caught me. -_- So is there anything else I need to say? Oh yeah, I actually had a packet on Zodiac signs printed out so I could try and figure out around what time Taylor's birthday would be. Figured she'd be an Aquarius or Libra. So now that that's taken care of, I'll see when the next time is that I update. Until then, time to read more stories! ^^