Chapter 9

Troy didn't know what else to do. So, he ran. He ran right out of the school. He kept running til he felt like his legs were going to fall off. When he caught his breath and took time to look around, he saw that he had ran all the way to the park. He decided that since it was a nice, warm fall afternoon, he would find a quiet place to sit. He needed to think about things. It was more likely than not, that Ryan knew about his feelings now. How could you not after listening to his song. Anyone would be blind not to see it. He was terrified. He had no idea what he was going to do now. For now though, he was going to sit here, under this giant willow tree and think. After all, he had a lot to think about.

Meanwhile, back at the high school...

"What just happened here?" Sharpay whispered to Gabriella.

"I do believe that your best friend just admitted he was in love with your brother." Gabi couldn't be more happy. Troy had beaten her too it. She was hoping Troy might have feelings for Ryan but after hearing that song, there was no doubt in her mind. Troy was in love with Ryan and had been for years. He was heartbroken over what Ryan had done to him five years ago but had somehow managed to come to terms with it. Now, all she was worried about was how Ryan was taking it.

"What? Troy in love with Ryan!? Oh thank God! I thought I was just imagining things!" Sharpay was ecstatic. She was hoping something like this would happen. She always though Troy and Ryan would be good together, but after Ryan had stopped being their friend, she decided she was just imagining things. Turns out, maybe she was right after all.

"So, what happens now? Should we go after Troy?"

"Yeah, I think we should. But how about you go on ahead and let me talk with my brother for a few minutes. We'll catch up with you. Just call his cell if you find him."

"Ok, but where should I look?" Gabi didn't know Troy well enough to know where he might run too.

"The park. He always ends up there when he needs to be alone and think. Under the big willow tree at the far end. Talk to him. Maybe you can help him right now more than I could. You've been around Ryan more than me these last few years. You know what he's thinking. Help Troy understand."

"No problem. What are you going to talk to Ryan about?"

"His feelings for Troy. And before you deny that he has any, don't. I saw the look on his face while Troy was singing. He's a man in love. Anyone could see it. I think that's why Troy ran. He saw something in Ryan's eyes that terrified him. Anyway, I want to hear it from my brother how he feels about Troy. He was there for me when Ryan wasn't and I will not sit by and let Troy be hurt by Ryan again. I love them both and want them to be happy. Hopefully, they can be happy together."

"Alright, I'm out. I'll call soon. Do you want to meet us there?"

"Sure. But we'll give you sometime to talk to Troy alone."

While Sharpay and Gabriella were in their discussion, Ryan was still sitting where he was when Troy ran out. He couldn't believe he hadn't seen it before. All this time, Troy felt the same way about him. What was he going to do? He knew it wouldn't take much for him to fall madly in love with Troy. But to hear it through a song that Troy had written for him, about him, it was unbelievable. He just couldn't figure out why he ran.

"He was scared. I mean, that's what your wondering, right? Why did Troy run out of here like his life depended on it? He was scared of what he saw in your eyes. Now, do you want to tell me what he saw or should I just throw it out there?" She knew the only way to get him to admit it was to push it out of him. Even after all this time, she still knew how her twin brother worked.

"What are you talking about, Sharpay? Saw what in my eyes?"

"Ok, if that's how you want to play it. Your in love with Troy. There, I said it. And guess what? The world didn't come to an end. Now, I'm going to ask you one more time. What did Troy see when he looked at you?"

"Love. He saw love. And it obviously scared the shit out of him. Is this what you want to hear? That not only is your brother gay, but he's also in love with your best friend? And here's another one for ya, I have been for 5 years! That's what I was going to talk to him about that day. The same day I was ready to tell Troy how I felt, I ended up destroying him. I broke his heart and didn't even know it."

"Ok, first, calm down. Did you think I wouldn't accept you for being gay? I mean, hello, my best friend is gay. Your my brother, Ryan and I love you. I only want you to be happy and if Troy makes you happy, then I don't understand the problem."

"I'm scared, alright? Is that what you want me to say? I was scared of anyone finding out and treating me like they treated Troy. I'm a coward and I know it."

Sharpay decided it was time she came clean. Maybe if she told Ryan her secret, he would feel better about her knowing his.

"You wanna know something about me, Ryan? You're not the only one with a secret. I have my own, ya know. I'm scared too. Its not something I have told anyone, not even Troy. So, do you want to know what it is?"

"Sure, Sharpay. I mean, what could it be? Your favorite color is really pink?"

"Ok, first, NO! And second, I'm bi. Just like you. And wanna know something else, I like someone. She is the prettiest, smartest, most beautiful girl I have ever seen and just like you, I'm afraid of what people would say if they found out. But I trust you enough to tell you. Five years is a long time to go without talking to each other and I plan on changing that right now. I want us to be friends again, and friends trust each other enough to tell them things like this."

"You're a lesbian? Wow, I so did not see that one coming!"

"Ok, Ryan, you sounded so gay right then! But seriously, I'm bi. I like guys and girls, leaning more towards girls. What do you think about that?"

"Its cool. A shocker, but I'm fine with it. So, who is your mystery girl? Maybe someone I know."

"You have no idea. But we aren't here to talk about me and my problems. I want to know what you plan on doing now that you know how Troy feels about you? You may be my brother and I do love you, but Troy was there for me when I needed him and I will not just stand back and let you crush him again."

"I never wanted to hurt him, Sharpay. You have to understand that. I never wanted to hurt either one of you. I would give anything to go back and change everything. I would gladly give up that stupid basketball team if it meant I could have you and Troy back in my life."

"Good. Glad to hear it. But you still haven't told me what you're going to do. I know you have feelings for him and after his performance up there, its safe to say he has feelings for you. Now, what are you going to do about it?"

"I want to be with Troy. That's what you want to hear, right? I hope so, because its true. I've wanted him for so long. I just never thought I would ever have a chance with him. Not after the way I've treated you guys."

"Well, there's only one way to find out. You have to talk to him. If I know Troy like I think I do, then right at this very moment, he is beating himself up for singing that song. He's terrified that you're going to hate him. You have to show him its not true."

"Got anything in mind. Its going to take a lot more than just telling him to get him to realize just how much I care about him. I need to show him. I remember how thick headed he used to be. I can almost bet that he still is. Help me out here, sis. Please. I want him to know how I feel. Heck, I want everyone to know. I'm tired of hiding it."

"Wait a minute. You want to come out to everyone? Ryan, are you sure? You just go through saying you were scared of being treated like Troy was. Are you ready for this? Cause its going to be huge when you come out."

"I think I'm ready. I want to do this for Troy. So, can you help me?"

"Ya know what. I think I have the perfect idea."

"Really? What is it?"

"How long has it been since you've sang in front of a large crowd?"

"At least 5 or 6 years, why? What does that have to do with me showing Troy how I really feel?"

"Because, big brother, you are going to audition for the winter musical. And your song of choice will show your feeling for Troy. You're coming out with a bang in front of the whole school!"

Ryan wondered if he had just gotten into more than he could handle.

A/N: There ya go. Another chapter. Hope you like it. Its not my best, but it seems like its all I can come up with right now. But anyways, feedback is always welcomed, good or bad, I just wanna know. Tootles:)