East High Drama Club
By angellwings
Chapter Ten: Both of Us
Sharpay and Martha had been surreptitiously planning Kelsi's birthday party for the last few weeks. They had called Ryan for advice on several occasions. The good thing about being friends with a bunch of entertainers was that they all had the ability to make sure surprises stayed secretive. Today was the first day of filming, and Ryan and Kelsi were both going to be on set for the filming of the first musical number, "Work This Out."
"Work This Out" was going to be filmed in the tiny kitchen of Lava Springs, and it was going to be really crowded. Ryan was already going to have to talk to Jason about the blocking. He'd choreographed it for a much larger space. When he came across Kelsi on set she was in a very good mood. He grinned and approached her.
"You look happy," Ryan told her.
"My parents are coming to visit this week and they're not leaving until after my birthday next weekend. They called this morning to tell me," She said brightly. "They called your parents first, by the way."
Ryan chuckled, "Of course they did. Let me guess, we're all having dinner tonight?"
Kelsi laughed, "Yep."
"It's wonderful that my parents felt the need to inform me of this before they arranged it," Ryan grinned.
"Isn't it?" Kelsi asked sarcastically.
Their conversation was halted as Jason called for silence on the set and began filming the first take of the day. After that they were only able to exchange brief comments on the kids' performances in between takes. Even so Ryan had to say he enjoyed it. It was like they were back in high school again, but he didn't want things to be like they were when they were in high school. He wanted things to be back to what they were when they were in college. Being Kelsi's friend was fine, but what he really wanted was to be much more than that.
The end of the workday came and his parents and Kelsi's parents came to fetch them both for dinner in the Lava Springs dining room.
"I thought the dining room was closed because of filming?" Ryan asked.
"We own this place. I think it's okay if we use our own kitchen and dining room for one night," Mr. Evans said with a smirk. "Besides we've hired a very special chef for the evening."
Kelsi arched an eyebrow at Ryan's parents, "Who?"
"You'll just have to wait and see," Derby teased.
"Well, then let's go eat," Kelsi's dad piped up. "I'm starved."
They arrived in the dining room and Derby led the group to the Evans's usual table. As they sat down Vance left and headed toward the kitchen.
"So, Anne, Gabriel, how have you been? It's been ages since we talked," Derby said brightly as she addressed the Nielsons.
"We've been well," Anne responded. "Pretty busy at the university. They had us both teaching an extra class last semester."
Gabriel chuckled, "That's only because we're so good at it, dear."
"That's right," Kelsi agreed. "I don't think U of A has two better professors than my parents."
"Look, honey, she complimented us and hasn't asked for any favors. Our little girl is growing up," Gabriel joked as he nudged Kelsi's shoulder.
Vance rejoined the table, "The Chef is making a special dish for all of us tonight. The waitress should be out with the meal shortly."
"No, appetizers or a salad?" Ryan asked. His parents usually ordered one or the other before their main entrée.
"Believe me, I don't think we'll need one with this main dish," Vance smirked. "The waitress should be out with it shortly."
"What dish is it?" Kelsi asked curiously.
"Boeuf bourguignon," A familiar voice announced behind them as he and a blonde assistant wheeled out a cart or full plates.
"It sounds fancy, but basically it's beef stew made with red wine," The blonde said with a huff. "The French language is misleading. Everything sounds more lavish in French."
Ryan and Kelsi immediately stood and rushed the pair.
"Zeke! Sharpay!" Kelsi exclaimed as she hugged Zeke first and then Sharpay.
Ryan hugged them both and then asked, "What are you two doing here?"
"We're using our vacation time to see how movies are made," Zeke grinned.
"Not to mention somebody had to come down here to make sure Kelsi took time off to celebrate her birthday," Sharpay said with a pointed look at the shorter girl.
Kelsi laughed, "Okay, I get it. I need to take some time off."
Ryan gave her a flat look, "But you're not going to, are you?"
"Not until after post production," Kelsi told him.
Sharpay shook her head, "After all these years of knowing me you STILL haven't learned how to have fun? That's a shame."
Zeke began to set the full bowls down on the table and motioned for Sharpay, Ryan, and Kelsi to sit. Once the food was set out Zeke sat down across from Sharpay and beside Ryan.
"Hey," Josie said with a weak smile as Matt entered the rehearsal studio.
"Hey," He said as he mirrored her expression. "Any news from the Isabella front?"
Josie sighed, "Laura told her about Tyler's Sharpay out burst."
"And?" Matt asked expectantly.
"She's on board with the plan!" Josie said excitedly. "Now we just have to figure out how to get this past Stella."
Matt sat down on the piano bench beside of Josie, "You just worry about writing an amazing song. I'll work on distracting Stella."
"I've actually already started a song," Josie said excitedly as she looked down at the keys and placed her hands on top of them. She looked up and caught Matt's gaze. He smiled softly at her and they both blushed bright crimson before looking away. Josie cleared her throat, "Would you like to hear it?"
He nodded, "Definitely."
"Cut!"
"Print! Great job, kids!" Jason called from behind the camera. "Set up for the rehearsal scene!"
Alicia and Connor walked off set and waved to Ryan and Kelsi as they passed them. Ryan and Kelsi smiled in return and avoided eachother's gaze awkwardly. Kelsi now thought that scene between Josie and Matt probably could have been left out. It wasn't essential to the overall plot and was based on a very personal cherished memory. It was too late now though. It had already been filmed. It was up to Jason and the editor as to whether or not it made it into the actual film.
Ryan, for his part, was reminded of his conversation with Martha from the dinner party. It was strange to watch the scene from the outside. It was a little different than he remembered but still basically the same. It had taken him entirely too long in high school to make a move, and then after college he'd somehow managed to let Kelsi lose faith in their relationship. It had been stupid, and if hadn't known it before he definitely knew it now.
Kelsi cleared her throat, "Well, um, I have a lunch with Martha planned so I'm gonna go. I guess I'll see you after lunch for the 'Fabulous' shoot?"
"Oh, yeah, definitely. I'll be there," He said with a nod and smile.
"Great, um, see you then," She said awkwardly as she walked off the set. She headed toward the craft services tent to meet Martha. Martha waved as Kelsi entered the tent, and Kelsi joined her at the table she reserved, "Well, I just escaped an awkward moment."
"With Ryan?" Martha asked knowingly.
"Yes," Kelsi sighed. "Alicia and Connor just finished filming The Scene."
"THE scene? Yours and Ryan's scene?" Martha asked.
"Yes, THAT scene. It was awkward," Kelsi told her. "What's for lunch?"
"Chicken salad sandwiches and potato chips. Sound good?" Martha asked.
"I guess," Kelsi smirked. "So, what are we doing this weekend?"
Martha's brow furrowed, "Do we have something to do?"
"Um, well, I thought we might go out somewhere maybe go out to eat or something tomorrow night," Kelsi suggested.
"Oh, well I guess we can. Jason and I might go and see a movie but we can meet you for dinner after if you want?" Martha asked.
"Right, um, sure," Kelsi said in a disappointed tone. "That sounds…perfect."
"Is something wrong?" Martha asked worriedly.
"No, no, it's fine. A birthday dinner sounds great," Kelsi said with a sigh.
"Oh my gosh, It's your birthday!" Martha exclaimed. "I can't believe I forgot tomorrow was your birthday! Wow, Kel, I'm so sorry."
Kelsi smiled at her, "It's okay, don't worry about it."
"Oh my gosh," Martha said. "I have to get you a gift! What do you want for your birthday?"
Kelsi chuckled, "I'm good Martha. I don't need a gift. It's okay."
"No, you have to get a gift on your birthday! That's the rule!" Martha teased.
"Do we have to have rules on my birthday?" Kelsi smiled.
Martha sighed, "Do you really not want any presents?"
"No, Mar, I'm good. I'm pretty satisfied with what I've got," Kelsi told her.