Four P.M. -- Ashley's Room, Bolton Residence, England.

Vanessa was sitting on the bed in Ashley's room texting very fast into Ashley's cell phone when Sharpay knocked on the door.

"Knock, knock," Sharpay said. Vanessa grunted, and Sharpay walked into the room. "So, I guess the news of the engagement came as a bit of a shock, huh?"

"Ya think?" Vanessa retorted, still texting away.

"Yes, actually," Sharpay said. Vanessa paused in her texting to stare at Sharpay, who didn't seem to realize the sarcastic tone Vanessa had taken. "You know, when I was eleven, I had my first boyfriend."

"I find that very hard to believe," Vanessa said, pushing send and closing the phone.

"Okay, so my first real boyfriend I was eleven," Sharpay said. "But it's a great age. You're just starting to feel like a woman, and soon you'll understand what it's like to be in love. Believe it or not."

"Not," Vanessa said.


Ten A.M. -- Vanessa's room, Montez Residence, Albuquerque.

Ashley flipped open Vanessa's phone as it vibrated, and sat down on Vanessa's bed to read it.

Ash- Crisis. Dad's getting married. V.

"That is not good," Ashley said to herself.

"What's not good?" Kelsi asked. She was standing in the doorframe of Vanessa's room.

"Oh, nothing," Ashley said. "I just…got a text from a girl I met at camp. My friend Mildred who I was talking to last night."

"The one on vacation in Bora Bora?" Kelsi asked, skeptically.

"Yeah," Ashley said, smiling, and beginning to text back to Vanessa.

"So she sent you a text at…six in the morning?" Kelsi asked, skeptically. "When she's on vacation?"

"Mhm," Ashley said, still texting away.

"Uh-huh," Kelsi said, still skeptically. "What's really going on here, Nessa?"


Same Time -- Ashley's Room, Bolton Residence, England.

"You know, I see what mystery my dad sees in you," Vanessa said. "You're hot and sexy, and hey, the guy's only human. Not to mention you're filthy rich, too. But marriage is supposed to be based on more than just that stuff, right?"

"So I'm rich and beautiful," Sharpay said, throwing her hair over her shoulder in trademark fashion. "It's not a crime. And FYI, I adore your father. He's exactly the kind of man I always planned on marrying. This is the real deal, and nothing you do can stop it. You are no longer the only girl in Troy Bolton's life. Get over it."

"And so the fact that my dad is Troy Bolton, the best basketball player to ever hit East High, and the most popular guy in school has…nothing to do with this."

"Nope." Ashley's cell phone vibrated and Vanessa flipped it open.

V- Do something to stop them! I'm coming over. Ash.

"Okay, then. You have my blessing. Where and when is this little gathering? I will need my best dress buffed and polished…or whatever it is that you do to them."

"It's in a month. Back at the house in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Have you ever been there?"

"I don't think so," Vanessa lied, texting back to Ashley. "When are we going? It seems like a fabulous place."

"We're leaving in a couple days, so get your stuff packed, darling." Sharpay gave Vanessa an over sweet smile.

"Happy to, Shar," Vanessa said, copying Sharpay's smile exactly. She pushed send and closed Ashley's phone. Sharpay left the room. "Toodles!" Vanessa called after her.


Same Time -- Vanessa's Room, Montez Residence, Albuquerque.

"Nothing's going on," Ashley said to Kelsi. "Honest. It was just a text I got in the night." The cell phone vibrated again, and Ashley immediately flipped it open.

Ash- No need. We're coming to A-town. Get ur best dress, there's a wedding to crash. V.

"Nice," Ashley said. Kelsi stared at her. "I mean, my friend is just telling me what she's going to do today."

"Vanessa, I'm serious. If you don't tell me why you've been acting weird, I'm going to have to tell your mother."

"No!" Ashley said. "I mean, no, don't do that. You can't. It'll totally ruin completely everything."

"Why don't we sit down and you tell me the whole story," Kelsi said.

"Well, it's kind of a long story."

"Well, I'm not busy, so it's okay."


A Little While Later -- Gabriella's Room, Montez Residence, Albuquerque.

"Do I have to?" Ashley asked Kelsi.

"Yes, you do," Kelsi said. "And if you don't, then I will. I've already called Ryan, and he's on his way right now." Ashley sighed and walked into her mother's room.

"Oh, hi, sweetie," Gabriella said. She was putting in a pair of earrings. "What's up?"

"I kind of have something to tell you," Ashley said, letting herself fall into Gabriella's bed.

"What is it, honey, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, mother."

"Then what is it? Are we still on for shopping this afternoon?"

"No, you see, I have to go out of town today." Ashley pulled a blanket or six down over her head.

"Out of town? Whyever would you have to do that?" No response. "Nessa? Ness? Vanessa?"

"That's where I have to go. I have to see Vanessa."

"And where might she be?"

"In England, with her father, Troy Bolton." Gabriella gasped.

"You're not Vanessa?"

"That would be correct," Ashley said.

"You're Ashley?" Ashley nodded, and dropped her fake American scheme.

"Vanessa and I met at camp, and we decided to switch places. I'm sorry, but I'd never seen you and I'd dreamt of meeting you my whole life and Vanessa felt the exact same way about Dad, so we just sorta switched lives. I hope you're not mad because I love you so much and I just hope one day you can love me as me and not as Vanessa."

"I've loved you your whole life, darling," Gabriella said, hugging her daughter. Back in the hallway, Taylor walked up to Kelsi, viewing the situation in the bedroom.

"What's up with Vanessa?" Taylor asked.

"That's not Vanessa. That's Ashley," Kelsi said. Taylor gasped. "They switched places on us."

"They're trying to pull a Parent Trap," Taylor said.

"A what?"

"You know, that old movie with Dennis Quaid and Lindsey Lohan?" Kelsi shrugged.

"So, I guess you have to switch us back now, huh?" Ashley said to Gabriella.

"Well, technically you belong to Troy, and Vanessa belongs to me," Gabriella replied.

"His and hers kids. Good thinking, mom."

"It was so not my idea."

"I'm sure. I guess we just have to go to London and switch us back." Gabriella nodded and Ashley pulled a face like she was just remembering something. "Oh, no, wait, I remember Vanessa saying something about them coming here…on a…vacation or something." In the hallway, Kelsi rolled her eyes.

"Oh. That's…wonderful," Gabriella said. "At least we don't have to fly over there."

"Are you going to be nervous about seeing Dad again?" Ashley asked.

"Oh, no," Gabriella said. "It'll be…just fine. When are they coming?"

"Three days, I think," Ashley said. "That should be fine, right? Give you time to prepare?" Kelsi rolled her eyes again.

"Oh. Sure," Gabriella said. "Sure thing. I can handle this. People see their exes all the time, don't they? Not to worry. Are we still going shopping?" Gabriella's tone was falsely cheery, and she looked a little shell-shocked.


Same Time -- Ryan's Room, Bolton Residence, England.

"I told you why I'm leaving, Chad," Ryan said, throwing yet another pair of pants into his suitcase. "Kelsi called, said there was an emergency, and that I needed to come home."

"What's the emergency?" Vanessa asked, from the doorway. "You're going home?"

"Yes, he's going home," Chad said. "Although he won't tell me why."

"Geez, you play one baseball game together in high school, and suddenly I have to tell you everything," Ryan complained.

"Is it about me and Ashley?" Vanessa asked.

"She didn't say, but that's what I am, assuming, yes," Ryan said. Chad looked between Ryan and Vanessa.

"Am I missing something? I thought she was Ashley," Chad said.

"No, that's Vanessa," Ryan said, not bothering with a long-winded explanation. "Ashley's in Albuquerque with the girls."

"Okay," Chad said. "I'm going to go and…scream into a pillow now. … I'll see you later." He left the room, looking extremely confused.

"Good job," Vanessa remarked. "You've gone and scared him off."

"Meanwhile your twin sister is facing a week of being grounded for switching places with you."

"Oh, that sucks. When you get there, get her out of it, and remember to not mention the wedding." Ryan saluted, and zipped up his suitcase.

"Well, I'm off to Albuquerque. Where is it that I'm going if Troy asks?"

"You're going to New York."

"Why?"

"Make something up. You're the actor." Ryan sighed and pulled his suitcase out of his room. Vanessa sighed and left as well. She pulled Ashley's cell out of her pocket, because it vibrated.

V- I told Mom. TTYL. Ash.

"Well, that's just more than less than unhelpful," Vanessa said. She texted her sister back and stowed the phone back in her pocket. That's when the voices from downstairs came ringing up through the hall.

"You're leaving?!" came Sharpay's voice.

"Where are you going?" Troy's voice said.

"I'm going to New York. It's official business business. I'll be back in no time. No worries," Ryan's voice said. "Bye all." The front door slammed, and Troy and Sharpay looked at each other.

"Official business business?" Sharpay said. "I don't buy it."


Several Hours Later -- Albuquerque International Airport, Albuquerque.

"Oh, thank God, you're here," Kelsi said. "I was beginning to think you'd waited for tomorrow's flight."

"Well, it is tomorrow in England," Ryan said, yawning. "It was almost five when I left. Where's Ashley and Gabriella?"

"They're with Taylor, of course," Kelsi said. "Now, let's go."

"Why am I here?"

"Because you're needed in the facilitation of this switching back process."

"What, you don't want Troy and Gabriella parent trapped?"

"No."

"Do you want Troy to marry Sharpay?"

"They're getting married?!"

"Ashley didn't tell you?"

"No, she conveniently left that part out." They walked down the moving sidewalk towards the entrance to the airport, towards Kelsi's car. Ryan was the first to break the silence.

"It's good to see you again."

"Too little too late, Ry," Kelsi replied.

"I said I was sorry."

"This isn't about us. This is about Ashley and Vanessa."

"If you say so." They drove to the Montez residence in silence, where they were greeted upon arrival by hugs from Gabriella and Ashley.

"Hi," Taylor waved.

"Ryan! You didn't say you were visiting again," Gabriella said.

"Wait, you've been here before?" Ashley asked.

"Um, I wasn't really planning on visiting," Ryan said. "Kelsi called and said there was an emergency and to be on the next flight to the states." Gabriella and Ashley looked at Kelsi, who looked at the floor, and tried to slip out of the room without being seen.

"Don't hide behind the lamp," Gabriella said. "Did you call Ryan?"

"Yes," Kelsi said, frowning.

"Why?"

"Because I had to."

"That's a good reason," Taylor said. "What we have here is a classic case of Kelsi overreacting. But now that you're here, you can help."

"Help?" Ryan asked.

"With facilitating the reswitching of the twins," Taylor said, pointing at Ashley.

"Right," Ryan said. "That's exactly why I'm here. So, I'll just be in the guest room if you need me." He swept out of the room without another word. Gabriella followed him.

"Why are you really here, Ry?" Gabriella asked.

"I told you," Ryan said. "I have no idea. But now that I'm here, I might as well help you mentally prepare for seeing your ex."

"Does anyone on the other side of the Atlantic know we were married?"

"Seriously doubtful. Well, I mean, Chad knows, but no one else." Gabriella nodded. "Well, and Troy knows unless he's suffered from some kind of amnesia and forgot that he used to be married to you." Gabriella laughed.

"Or at least, that would be something."


Three Days Later -- Eleven A.M. -- Gabriella's Room, Montez Residence, Albuquerque.

"I'm not ready for this. I haven't seen or heard from Troy Bolton in eleven years, and suddenly I'm just going to seek him out!" Gabriella said. "Ryan, I just can't do this. If the man didn't make me so crazy, I'd still be married to him. We came up with this arrangement so we'd never have to see at each other again. Look at me, Ryan, have you ever seen me like this? Don't answer that. What if he doesn't recognize me? Be honest, Ry, how old do I look? No, don't answer that either. Hey, what am I worried about. He could be fat or bald. Or both." Gabriella giggled in spite of herself.

"Actually, he's still quite the hunk," Ryan said. "And never remarried, either. Just like you, Gabs."

"It just so happens that I am not remarried by choice. I've had my opportunities for el amor. Not lately, of course. But I've had my fair share of the dudes."

"Not lately," Ryan repeated helpfully. He was sitting on Gabriella's bed, watching as Gabriella paced the room in panic.

"I just said that! So, he's still a hunk, huh? He always was kinda hot. Used to make me weak at the knees, if you could imagine that." Gabriella stopped pacing in front of her floor length mirror in shock. "Is that a grey hair?" She yanked it out, and Ashley walked in, wearing a skirt set.

"Ready, mom?" Ashley asked.

"Yep!" Gabriella said. Ashley surveyed her, and then looked at Ryan who shook his head. "Almost."

"Mom, you're still in your PJs. You've got to get changed."

"Right. Did you talk to your dad?" Ryan looked at Ashley, giving her his complete attention.

"Yeah. He said he'd meet us at one this afternoon at the Evans' Mansion."

"My, my, that's awfully soon."

"He sounded awfully excited to see you!" Ashley added for good measure. Ryan rolled his eyes, knowing full well that Ashley had not done anything of the sort.

"He did? Like he's looking forward to it?"

"Definitely," Ashley said. "Now, let's not be late, shall we?" Ashley left the room, and Ryan whispered after her.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire." Ashley pulled a finger across her neck and continued down the hall.

"Ryan, I have a kind of ridiculous question."

"You seem to have a rather lot of them, actually."

"Yeah," Gabriella said. "So, you're coming with us, right? Because I mean I know I can't possibly do this alone. I mean, even with the girls, you know, but you're just…please?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," Ryan said, beaming. It was bound to be fun. Especially to see Troy's face when he saw Gabriella again. "And, if you don't mind my advice, if I was seeing my ex again after eleven years and I had your body, I'd wear this." He pulled a red halter dress with a handkerchief hem out of her closet. "Actually, I might wear this anyway. What do you think?" He held it up to himself and examined himself in the mirror. Gabriella laughed and stole it from him. She examined it, and then put it back in her closet.

"Not today," she said. She pulled out a pair of jeans and a turquoise tank top from her closet, with a matching turquoise long sleeved shirt and raised her eyebrows.

"I still say the red thing," Ryan said. "Because if you don't wear it, I will." Gabriella glared at him, and he left the room hands up in surrender. "I'm just saying." He walked downstairs to the kitchen, where Kelsi was pacing around. "Hey, Kels." She jumped.

"Hey, Ryan," she said. "I am so dreading this. I'm scared. What if this goes bad?"

"Oh, it's going to," Ryan said. "Don't worry." Kelsi rolled her eyes and started opening all the cabinets. "What on earth are you looking for?"

"The liquor," Kelsi said. She opened a cabinet above the stove that she could barely reach.

"Kelsi, if you even touch that Vodka, I will have to personally take it away from you, and you might not like that," Ryan warned. Kelsi didn't listen, and took down a bottle of the Vodka. Ryan suddenly moved in to kiss her, and managed to take the Vodka from her sometime during the kiss.

"That…was unfair," Kelsi said.

"Don't say I didn't warn you," Ryan said, setting the Vodka on the counter. "Now get into the living room before I have to do that again."

"And if I want you to do it again?" Kelsi asked, quietly.

"Just go," Ryan said. Kelsi left, and Ryan unearthed a martini glass from nowhere and poured himself one.

"If I don't get to drink it, then neither do you," Kelsi said. Ryan sighed and put the martini in the fridge with the opened bottle of Vodka. He followed Kelsi into the living room. Gabriella came downstairs five minutes later into the kitchen, and opened up the fridge.

"Oho," she exclaimed quietly to herself. She took the martini and drained it. "That's good." She poured herself another one and another one. "Wow, that stuff's strong." She had a little bit more before replacing the bottle back in the fridge and taking out the thing she had gone in there for in the first place (chocolate) and closed the fridge. She wobbled into the living room.

"Ooh, chocolate," Ashley said. "Yummy. Thanks mom." She took the chocolate and Ryan caught Gabriella as she almost toppled over.

"Gabriella, did you drink the Vodka in the fridge?" Ryan asked.

"Maaybe," Gabriella said, giggling.

"Oh my God, she's drunk," Ashley said.

"Hey, well, this way she won't be as mad as you when she finds out Troy doesn't know we're coming, and that he's getting remarried," Ryan said. Gabriella appeared not to hear, instead busying herself with picking the petals off the lilies in a vase. "Okay, some one get in the driver's seat. Let's do this."

A/N: Okay, kids. And other people. This is chapter Seven. I hope wasn't too confusing. I really don't think it was, but then I wrote it. Next Chapter: (Sorry, I'm laughing too hard to tell you). Oh well.

Did anyone see Get Smart (the movie with Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway, and Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson) and realize that's where the idea behind Ryan and Kelsi's kiss came from? If not, that's okay, but I recommend the movie. Anyway, I suppose you've figured out by now that this is Troyella and Ryelsi, at least. Well, congratulation. It is. I won't leave my opinions on Ryelsi here.

So, I don't own anything. Got that? Nothing!! Thanks for reading, and please review! I probably told you last chapter that I'd have these out faster. Yeah, that was a lie. But I am trying. I've just had a lot going on. I won't bore you.

Samantha.

Oh, and she ended up wearing the turquoise shirt set and jeans. The red dress is actually one I own and love. But I'm boring you again...