I'm so sorry that its been like a decade since my last chapter. Things have just been really crazy and to top it off my laptop stopped working so I've been using a 'replacement' that is not the best. But finally I was able to finish this chapter although I've had two pages of it forever, I think I hit a little writer's block. This is a much longer chapter than I usualy post so hopefully this will make up for my absence. Thanks for reading and please take a second to review!
Disclaimer: Don't own anything (sadly)!
It was six o clock in the morning when the shrill sound of Sharpay's alarm woke her from her dreams. With a loud groan, she turned the damn thing off and forced herself to open her eyes. There was definitely no time for snoozing, she had to shower and get dressed before she woke up Evan. Troy was going to pick them up around 7; she said that they could meet at the clinic but Troy insisted on driving. Ryan was coming over to watch Ella and Aidan for the morning; hopefully he would actually show up on time. She would kill him if he came late which was usually his style but he knew how important this was so Sharpay had a feeling that he wouldn't let her down. She had thought about getting a babysitter but she didn't want to have to explain the situation to her.
Sharpay dragged herself out of her warm and cozy bed and into the bathroom for a hot and steamy shower. Once she was finished, she threw on a pair of khaki capris, a pink fitted t-shirt and a jean jacket. She didn't bother to blow dry her hair or put on makeup, there wasn't really time and she really didn't care. Sharpay went into Evan's room and attempted to wake him up. It was quite the chore since Evan wasn't that much of a morning person; it was always a battle to get the little boy up for school. Evan was practically comatose as she pulled him into the bathroom to brush his teeth. She grabbed a pair of khaki shorts for him and solid blue polo shirt while he went to the bathroom. She had to drag him back out to the bedroom and actually help him put his clothes on.
"I know you're tired buddy, but we've got to get dressed," Sharpay sighed as she lifted up his arms to put on his shirt.
"Need some help," Troy appeared in the doorway of Evan's bedroom, looking surprisingly fresh faced unlike Sharpay.
"You're early," was the first thing that came to mind when Sharpay saw Troy.
"Hope you don't mind that I let myself in," Troy replied. "Ryan's here too, we pulled up at the exact same time. He's fixing himself some cereal and probably drinking the white chocolate mocha I got for you. It looks like he hasn't even been to sleep"
"You got me coffee?" Sharpay questioned, that sounded perfect right now. She was so exhausted; she had barely slept a wink last night. Her thoughts were on Evan the whole night.
"I can get him dressed; you go on down and save your cup from Ryan."
"Alright," Sharpay smiled.
"I'll bring him down in a few and then we can go."
"K," Sharpay handed Troy the clothes she had picked out before heading out of the room. Troy took Sharpay's place on Evan's bed and took over the challenging task of getting the half asleep boy dressed.
Sharpay made her way downstairs and into her kitchen, "Step away from my venti white chocolate mocha if you value your life Evans!"
Ryan groaned and placed the hot beverage back on the counter, "Chill out Bolton."
Sharpay rolled her eyes but she still took her cup and took a long sip, "Mmmm yum."
"Tired?" Ryan questioned as he took a bite of his cereal.
Sharpay nodded, "Utterly exhausted. I couldn't sleep."
"Me neither," Ryan sighed.
"Yes but you see the difference is that I was alone and you were rolling around in bed with someone."
"I was not," Sharpay glared at him. "Ok so I went out for drinks and met a handsome young fellow but nothing happened. I was just trying to get my mind off of everything. I was even home before midnight but I stayed up in the studio, I was working on some new music."
"You were working on music?" Sharpay questioned, wondering if her ears were playing tricks on her.
Ryan shrugged, "Just working on a couple of songs."
"As in writing songs? Since when do you do that?"
"I don't know, it just kind of came to me. But enough about that, where's the damn coffee? You always have coffee brewing, you and Troy live on coffee."
"First of all Troy doesn't live here," Sharpay snickered at him as she corrected him, something she took great pleasure in. "And I've had a lot on my mind, I didn't get around to it this morning. This is my first time downstairs since I woke up. Besides you know where everything is, make yourself useful."
"Can't I just go back to sleep?" He felt like he was about to fall into his cereal bowl.
"You could but the kids will be up by 7:30, you'll only get about forty five minutes if that."
"Argh," Ryan groaned and Sharpay rolled her eyes before taking another sip of her coffee. "When are you leaving?"
"As soon as Troy gets Evan dressed," Sharpay responded sadly.
"You okay?"
"Not really," Sharpay sighed, she could always tell Ryan the truth.
"Aww Sharpie, come to Ry-ry," Ryan extended his arms to his 'little' sister and as much as Sharpay hated that nickname she hugged her brother anyway. "He's going to be alright."
"How do you know?" Sharpay muffled into brother's shoulder as she tried not to cry, she had been doing so well. She knew that if too many tears were shed, she'd have a full on breakdown but she needed to be strong for her son.
"I made a little promise with the big man upstairs. I told him I'd give up all my show tunes if my nephew was alright…ok and maybe one night stands. I said I'd be good just for Evan."
Sharpay let out a loud giggle, "Oh Ryan…no words, no words."
"Love you."
"Love you too," Sharpay gave Ryan a kiss on the cheek before grabbing her cup once again, she couldn't let the delightful treat get cold.
"We're all set," Troy carried a semi-sleeping Evan down the stairs into the kitchen. Sharpay was impressed, Troy worked faster than she ever could.
"Ok," Sharpay took a deep breath. "Let's go then."
"Good luck guys," Ryan said sincerely to his sister and brother in law.
"Thanks," Troy responded as he shifted Evan in his arms.
"Come on," Sharpay urged Troy. "We don't want to be late."
The car ride was extremely awkward as Troy drove, Sharpay stared out the window and Evan continued to sleep in the back seat. Both Troy and Sharpay felt like the ride to the medical center took forever. They were both lost in their own thoughts and most of them of were not positive. Both were rather apprehensive and anxious about their son's procedure but they were both trying to hide their fears from their son.
"Hey bud, wake up," Troy opened the door to where Evan was still snoozing in his car seat.
"Hmm," Evan muttered as Troy unbuckled him and picked him again. Troy was surprised that Evan was still sleeping, but he had a feeling that like the rest of them Evan didn't get too much sleep that past night. Knowing Evan, he let worry overtake him.
Despite the fact that Troy was holding his son, he held the door open for Sharpay who was carrying her purse and Evan's little back that he always carried. But since Troy was ever the gentleman, it was no problem to hold the door despite the added weight.
"Thanks," Sharpay replied as they began their walk down the long hallway.
"You're welcome," Troy said back as he shifted Evan in his arms, trying to get a better hold on him. The sleeping boy was beginning to feel a little bit like dead weight.
"Umm," Evan mumbled as he felt himself being moved. "Daddy?" he questioned after opening his eyes and not recognizing his surroundings.
"I'm right here buddy," Troy kissed Evan's forehead and held him tighter. "You alright?"
Evan nodded against him and wrapped his arms around Troy's neck. "Mommy?"
"I'm here sweetie," Sharpay rubbed his back gently and smiled as he turned his neck to face her.
"Hi," Evan said quietly as he placed his head down on Troy's shoulder, looking at Sharpay.
"Hi to you too," Sharpay almost giggled. "You still sleepy honey?"
"A little bit," Evan admitted, he really didn't get that much sleep last night. He was on the verge of joining his mom in bed but finally fell asleep on his own.
Sharpay nodded, "I'm sorry you had to get up so early but this was the only time we could schedule you an appointment."
"Its ok Mommy, I'm fine," Evan tried to reassure her.
"Maybe you can take a nap with Aidan later," Sharpay suggested.
Evan looked from his mother to his father; Evan and Troy shared a laugh. "No way Mom, I'm too big for naps right Dad?"
"Right," Troy smiled.
"Gee what was I thinking," Sharpay rolled her eyes. "Oh here we are," she noticed the out-patient surgery sign. They were about to make there way over to the front desk to sign in when Sharpay noticed a familiar Jimmy Choo sitting on one of the couches, crouching behind a newspaper. Only she wasn't alone, she was sitting among three other newspaper clad people. Sharpay cleared her throat and hit Troy in the back to get his attention.
"Ow…Jesus chri…Sharpay why'd you…" Troy stopped when he saw her pointing towards the couches. He immediately rolled his eyes as he noticed their two sets of parents trying to their best to blend in. "They're certainly persistent."
"No kidding," Sharpay placed her hands on her hips in annoyance, they had specifically told their parents not to come. "Hey buddy why don't you go sit with your grandparents while Daddy and I check in, it's going to take a few minutes."
Evan lifted his head, he didn't see his grandparents. "Where are they?"
"Right there behind the newspapers," Troy carefully put him down. "Feel free to surprise attack them."
"Here honey," Sharpay handed him his backpack.
"Thanks," Evan replied as he began to sneak up on his grandparents. Sharpay and Troy watched, both with their arms folded across their chest. Evan approached his grandpa Jack, he knew that he would be an easy target. Evan poked his newspaper, causing the older man to let out a little yelp and drop his paper. "I got ya!" Evan laughed.
"You sure did bud," Jack laughed, only to be met with a disapproving look from his son and daughter in law.
"Well it took you long enough, we've been waiting forever," Vance Evans put down his newspaper as did Julia and Lucy.
Sharpay rolled her eyes dramatically and turned around to walk to the front desk with Troy following her, neither saying a word to their parents.
"Just give her your best puppy dog face and she won't be mad at you anymore," Evan laughed as he sat down between his two grandmothers. "Works all the time."
"Good to know," Vance chuckled. "How you doing buddy?"
Evan shrugged, "Ok," the little boy replied as he watched his parents filling out a bunch of paperwork.
"You know sweetheart, it's alright to be scared," Julie said as she wrapped an arm around him.
"I know," Evan sucked in. "Do you think it will hurt?"
"Maybe for a little bit honey, but you'll get some medicine to make it feel better," Lucy answered.
"We'll all be waiting for you and we've got a little something for you afterward," Jack smiled at his grandson.
"You do?" that certainly sparked Evan's interest.
"Yes we do," Vance confirmed.
"What is it?" Evan asked excitedly.
"Nice try kiddo," Lucy laughed.
"Shucks," Evan opened up his backpack and pulled out a book that Sharpay had packed him. He was going to start first grade in the fall but was already reading almost on a second grade level.
A few minutes later, Sharpay and Troy joined the group, ready to take Evan into his own little private pre-op room. The grandparents all gave Evan a hug and a kiss before he held both of his parents' hands and was led away by his parents. A nurse showed them to the room and gave Evan the standard hospital gown, much to his dismay. She told them that the doctor was prepping for the procedure and that it would probably be another half an hour until the actual procedure began. The anesthesiologist was going to come by and administer a local anesthetic before the procedure.
"Do I have to wear this dress?" Evan asked as he frowned at the light blue hospital gown.
"It's not a dress," Sharpay replied. "And yes you do, everyone does."
"Where are the pants?" Evan asked.
"There are no pants," Troy told Evan, the little boy's mouth dropped open. "Just put it on, no one else is going to see you alright."
"Fine," muttered. "Don't tell anyone that I put on a dress!"
"My lips are sealed," Troy closed his mouth and tossed away the 'key."
"Mom?" Evan looked at Sharpay.
"Promise honey, this doesn't leave this room," Sharpay smiled, happy to see the old Evan back.
Once Evan finished changing and Sharpay put his clothing into the little provided closet in the corner, Evan climbed into the small bed while his parents took seats opposite of him.
"Want to turn on the T.V.?" Troy asked his son, trying to lighten the mood. "I bet there's cartoons on."
Evan shrugged, "It's usually the baby cartoons on so early in the morning but whatever."
"Do you want to read?" Sharpay asked, trying to think of something else.
"No not really, we can watch T.V.," Evan replied, he did think it was kind of cool to control the T.V. from the built in remote on the hospital bed. "Cool," he smiled to himself as he pressed the power button.
It wasn't long before the anesthesiologist came in; he suggested that Evan go the bathroom because it would be a long time before he would be able to do so. Evan took him up on his suggestion before coming back for the local anesthetic. He had to lie on his stomach and hold still while he squeezed his mother's hand tightly. The doctor administered the anesthetic around Evan's hip closer to his back.
"It's alright honey," Sharpay reassured him as his grip on her got tighter.
"Its almost over Evan," the doctor stated as he finished numbing Evan's hip. "There, not too bad," he threw away the used needle and his gloves.
"Uh huh," Evan replied.
"Can you feel this?" the doctor questioned as he tapped on the spot where he had administered the anesthesia.
"No," Evan shook his head, amazed and yet freaked out at the same time that he couldn't really feel a part of his body.
"Good, then my job here is done. It shouldn't be long now until they come for you." Troy and Sharpay each thanked the anesthesiologist before he left the room.
Evan kept poking his side trying to see if he could feel something, anything.
"Evan, don't do that," Sharpay frowned at him.
"Why not?" he looked up at her.
Sharpay was just about to respond with the classic "Because I said so" when there was another knock at the door. The original nurse who brought them to the room, popped her head back in.
"Ok Evan, the doctor's ready for you," she smiled.
"Ok," Evan gulped.
"Its ok buddy, Mom and I will be with you the whole time," Troy rubbed his son's shoulder gently.
"Oh," the nurse frowned. "I'm sorry Mr. and Mrs. Bolton but only one parent is allowed to be present during the biopsy. I thought that had been explained to you previously.
Troy and Sharpay immediately turned to look at each other. "You go its fine," Troy said first.
"Are you sure?" Sharpay questioned, although there was not a doubt in her mind that she would be the one going. Evan needed his mother more than he needed his father, although it pained Troy, even he had to admit it too.
Troy nodded, "Come on, we both know that you're going," he grinned.
"Thanks," Sharpay smiled.
"Ok buddy, I'll see you when it's all done alright," Troy bent down to hug his son. "I love you so much."
"I love you too dad," Evan said as he continued to hug his father.
"Mr. Bolton, you can wait in the waiting room and someone will get you when we bring Evan to recovery," the nurse stated, trying to rush things along somewhat.
"Um thank you," Troy pulled away from Evan but gave him a quick kiss. "I'll see you soon, don't worry ok."
Evan nodded and waved at his father as he made his exit out of the room. Sharpay watched Troy go and feelings of sadness began to overwhelm her. She was counting on Troy to be her rock during the procedure.
"Ok Evan, have you ever taken a ride in a wheelchair before?" the nurse smiled.
"No," Evan shook his head.
"Then hop in, you're in a for a real treat," She motioned to the wheel chair in front of her.
Once Evan was all set in the wheel chair, the nurse wheeled him to the surgical unit. Sharpay followed at his side and it wasn't long until they reached their destination.
"Thanks that was kind of fun," Evan said as the nurse wheeled him into the room.
"No problem," the friendly nurse replied. "Um Mrs. Bolton, if you could wait right here. I just need to bring Evan in and then I can show you wear to scrub up."
"Sure thank you," Sharpay smiled as Evan waved to her. Once he was out of a sight, Sharpay let out a deep breath that she didn't even know she had been holding in.
Troy forced a smile at a passing nurse before walking out into the waiting room where his mother and mother in law were chatting away.
"What happened?" Lucy immediately asked as Troy took a seat on the love-seat across from his mother.
"What's wrong?" Julia followed suit.
"Nothing, they're just about to start the biopsy," Troy explained.
"Well then why aren't you in there?" Lucy questioned, somewhat bewildered by the presence of her son.
"Only one of us can be in there," Troy replied as he fiddled with his hands.
"Oh," Lucy bit her lip, knowing that Troy was upset that he was stuck out here while Sharpay got to hold Evan's hand. But if that were Troy in there when he was a little boy, she would certainly be the one with him. Nothing would stop her from being with her son, so she totally understood why Sharpay was in there but she also sympathized for her son.
"Do you want something Troy? Vance and Jack went to get coffee and donuts. I can tell them to grab one more," Julia suggested, thinking that Troy and Lucy might need a moment to themselves.
"Actually some coffee would be great," Troy replied.
"I'll be back soon," Julia placed her newspaper on the coffee table before getting up and heading out down the hallway.
"I'm sorry you can't be in there honey," Lucy moved to sit next to her son.
Troy sighed, "I just…I just want to make sure that he's okay. He was so nervous, I just want to hug him and make this all go away but I can't."
"You're right honey, you can't make this go away," Lucy grabbed Troy's hand gently. "But you can still there for him, he's going to need you, now more than ever."
"I know Mom," Troy closed his eyes.
"You're a great father Troy, I know how much you love him."
"But sometimes love isn't enough."
Sharpay was forced to put scrubs on over her clothes for sanitary purposes as well as scrub her hands clean for a good two minutes. Once she was finished, she walked into the room where the biopsy was to be performed. It was such a sterile and cold environment and she thought that Evan looked so small lying on the exam table. She walked over to him and took the supplied seat next to him.
"Hi baby," Sharpay said as she adjusted the mask over her mouth and nose.
"Hi Mom," Evan smiled as he saw his mom, no longer wearing her usual clothes. She almost looked like a doctor.
Just then, the doctor walked in and greeted both Sharpay and Evan. He explained the procedure to them, trying to speak more in layman's and kid friendly terms so that Evan would understand what was going on. After checking that Evan was still numb and couldn't feel anything around his hip, the doctor began the biopsy. First he cleansed the area with a special soap to make sure the site of the biopsy was very clean. Once the skin was clean, he placed several cloths around the spot before he began the actual biopsy. Immediately Sharpay held Evan's hand while a nurse watched over to make sure Evan was perfectly still. The doctor talked the whole time he performed the biopsy, making sure that Evan knew what was going on. Sharpay whispered comforting words to her son as she noticed several tears sliding down Evan's cheeks.
The doctor began the biopsy by placing a needle into Evan's bone marrow, he pulled a small amount of marrow out into a syringe. Evan took a deep breath as he felt a little bit of pain for an instant which was when a few tears came. The doctor pulled the needle out and explained that the first half of the test was done. Next, a larger needle was used and the doctor pushed done in the same spot until a small piece of bone was in the needle. Evan was starting to feel even more pressure at this point and was trying his best to stay still but he desperately wanted to move. Once he had the biopsy specimen, the doctor removed the needle.
"We're all done," the older doctor replied. "That wasn't so bad was it son?"
"Uh huh," Evan replied as Sharpay leaned forward and wiped away his tears before placing a kiss on his cheek.
"You did great honey," She smiled at him and caressed his hand gently.
The doctor took Sharpay out into the hallway to talk to her briefly while the nurse in the room washed off the special soap. She then applied pressure to Evan's hip for a few minutes making sure there was no extraneous bleeding. She then placed a bandage over his hip that he would have to wear for at least two days. The surgeon spoke to Sharpay saying that he would send the marrow samples to the lab where they would be looked at. The results would then be given to Evan's regular pediatrician and he would tell the Boltons the results in a few days once they were ready. Regardless of the outcomes, the Boltons would actually have to go to the pediatrician's office and not just hear them over the phone. Sharpay thanked the doctor before going back in to be with her son. A nurse brought Evan back to the recovery area where he was placed in a big chair, almost like a recliner. The nurse promised to bring him back some juice and a snack. Sharpay took off her scrubs and face mask before sitting next to her son.
"How are you feeling?" Sharpay asked him.
"Ok," Evan sighed.
"Sweetie, tell me the truth," Sharpay smiled at him. "We always tell the truth remember."
"Yeah," Evan bit his lip. "My hip hurts."
"We'll tell the nurse when she comes back and maybe you can take a little something for it, alright."
"Ok," Evan nodded. "Where's Dad? He said he would be here when it was all done, I want to see him."
"He should be here soon sweetie, a nurse was supposed to bring him back when you came to recovery."
Troy looked at his watch for what seemed like the thousandth time in the past few minutes. It had been a half an hour since he had left Evan and come out into the waiting room. He knew that the procedure would only last ten to fifteen minutes tops. He desperately wanted to know that everything went alright. He was on the edge of getting out of his seat and making his way to the front desk to find out what was going on. Lucy and Julia nervously watched Troy as they waited for word on their grandson. Vance and Jack seemed to be in much better spirits and were keeping their minds off of things by talking about the previous night's baseball game.
"Mr. Bolton," a voice called out causing everyone to look up.
"Right here," Troy sprinted up and over to the nurse, with his parents and in-laws right on his heels.
"Your son's biopsy is finished and he was just brought into recovery," the nurse told the family. "I can bring you back to see him."
"Great lets go," Troy followed the nurse back to recovery while the two sets of grandparents hugged each other in relief, happy that their grandson was ok.
"Yuck," Troy heard Evan's voice as he entered the recovery area, he smiled upon seeing him down a spoon of medicine. Troy walked in just as the nurse walked out after giving Evan some pain relief. "Hey buddy!"
"Hi Dad," Evan smiled at his father as he took a seat next to his mother.
"How are you Ev?" Troy questioned as he looked his son over, just checking to see that he was still in tact.
"Ok, my hip hurts still," Evan replied. "I'm a little tired too."
"He did great, he was so brave," Sharpay turned to Troy and couldn't help but smile.
Troy nodded, "I knew you would be bud, I'm so proud of you for being so tough," Troy bent down and kissed his son's cheek. "When can we get out of here?"
"In about a half an hour," Sharpay replied. "The nurse is going to bring him a snack and they want to monitor him for a little bit but then we'll be free to go."
"Grandpa Jack said that they had a present for me," Evan smiled, he couldn't wait. He thought he deserved a little something for the biopsy, it was a big deal.
A half an hour later, the Boltons found themselves leaving the medical center. Troy and Sharpay knew that there would be no way they could get rid of their parents especially since Evan knew they had a gift for him. So they told them to meet them at the house. Troy pulled into the driveway about ten minutes later. Sharpay grabbed the bags while Troy grabbed Evan, figuring that it would be easier to carry him since he was still in a bit of pain. The nurse had instructed Sharpay to give him a little bit of children's Tylenol if the pain persisted. If he was still hurting after forty eight hours than Sharpay needed to make an appointment with Evan's pediatrician.
"Mommy!" Aidan screamed as he ran outside, wearing only his Superman underwear.
"Aidan!" Ryan's voice could be heard well before he dashed outside.
"And where are your clothes mister?" Sharpay glared at her son who attached himself to her leg.
"I don't know," Aidan shrugged.
"Uh huh," Sharpay rolled her eyes.
Ryan made his way outside and smiled in relief upon seeing Sharpay and Troy. "Thank god you people are home!"
"Nice to see you too," Sharpay smirked at her brother.
"Here!" Ryan threw a bundle of clothes at his sister. "Your son's clothing that he refuses to put on."
Sharpay barely caught the shirt and shorts, "Ok everyone inside now."
"Yes Mama," Aidan took hold of Sharpay's hand and let her lead him inside with the boys following behind them.
"Where to buddy?" Troy asked Evan as they walked inside the house.
"Can we watch a movie?" Evan asked his father.
"We can do anything that you want," Troy smiled as he carried him over to the family room.
"So how'd it go?" Ryan asked Sharpay as she dropped off their stuff by the laundry room at the back door of the house, closest to the garage.
"Ok," Sharpay replied. "Ev was pretty great, he's so brave."
Ryan smiled, "That's my boy."
"I'm not even going to ask how it went here but thank you for at least not burning down my house."
"No prob," Ryan chuckled.
"Where's Ella?" Sharpay asked of her absent daughter.
"Good question," Ryan rubbed his head in confusion.
Sharpay just rolled her eyes and walked away in search of Ella and Aidan, who hadn't followed his mother and uncle to the laundry room. "Kids," she called out as she walked down the hallway. It didn't take long until she heard laughing coming from the kitchen. "Oh I so don't think so!" Sharpay exclaimed when she walked into the kitchen and saw Ella and Aidan feasting on cupcakes and chocolate frosting, straight from the container.
"And that's my cue to leave," Ryan bit down on his lip from behind his sister.
"You are so not leaving," Sharpay quickly turned around, looking less than pleased with her brother.
"Fine," Ryan grumbled.
"Aidan you are putting your clothes on now and Ella if you take one more bite, you're not having dessert for two weeks." Immediately Ella and Aidan dropped their spoons and backed away from the table.
"Sorry," Ella replied sheepishly knowing that what they were doing was wrong but it was just so fun to pull one over Uncle Ryan's head. "Where's Evan? Is he okay?" Ella asked, worried about her twin.
"He's going to watch a movie, why don't you go join him," Sharpay suggested.
"Ok," Ella replied.
"Come on squirt," Ryan grabbed his niece and tossed her over his shoulders before exiting the kitchen.
"Come on you," Sharpay pointed to her youngest who began to giggle.
"I no wanna wear those clothes that Unkie Ryan got for me!" Evan exclaimed when he saw that his mother was not laughing.
"Fine, upstairs then, we'll get you something else," Sharpay grabbed hold of his hand before leading him out of the kitchen.
"Mommy carry Aidan," Aidan said as he let go of her hand and held both of his hands up.
"Sorry honey but you're all messy," She pointed to his stomach which was now mysteriously covered in chocolate frosting. She knew the kid was messy but she didn't have the slightest clue as to how frosting ended up that far away from his mouth.
"Mommy," Aidan's bottom lip began to quiver and he stopped walking entirely.
"Aidan," Sharpay bent down before him. "We talked about this before honey, you're a big boy now so you don't always need me to carry you ok."
"Ok," Aidan sniffled, he liked the idea of being a big boy just like Evan but he was a little weary of giving up so much Mommy 'stuff.'
"Good," Sharpay smiled before standing up and brushing off her shorts. "Come on you," she took hold of his hand once again and they headed to the front stairs. "So did you have…" Sharpay stopped as the doorbell rang and then the front door swung open. She rolled her eyes, she couldn't fathom why they even bothered ringing when they all knew they were just going to walk right in. "Hello," Sharpay greeted her parents and her in-laws.
"Hi Sweetie," Julia walked into her daughter's house.
"Where's the boy?" her father got right to the point.
"Resting in the family room, you guys can join him for a movie," Sharpay replied. "Now if you'll excuses me, this one needs some clothes."
Aidan smiled and waved at his grandparents who laughed at his state of non dress and chocolate covered mess.
"Are you giving your mommy a hard time?" Jack asked his grandson.
Aidan shook his head and laughed, "No, just my unkie Ryan," he said before running up the stairs.
"Aidan," Sharpay ran after him while the grandparents ventured further into the house to see their grandson.
The day was extremely long for everyone in the Bolton household. Sharpay felt like everyone would never leave but finally after dinner Sharpay managed to get her parents, Jack, Lucy, and Ryan out of the house. She knew they just wanted to help but in the mean time they were driving her crazy. At least the kids were being good, Aidan and Ella were pretty much on their best behavior and spent most of the day making sure that Evan was in good spirits. Sharpay put Aidan to bed while Troy spent a little bit more time with the twins. He brought Evan upstairs once he noticed that the young boy was barely keeping his eyes open. So Troy dressed him and tucked him in; he kissed his forehead and moved a wisp of brown hair out of his face. Content to see his son sleeping, Troy began to leave the room.
"I love you," he whispered to his son.
"I love you too," Evan responded.
"I thought you were sleeping," Troy walked back to his son's bed.
"Almost," Evan replied.
"Well get some sleep, you've had a pretty long day," Troy replied.
Evan nodded, "Dad?"
"Yeah bud?"
"Thanks for being there today."
"I'm always going to be here, whenever you need me ok. Always remember that," Troy hugged him close and gently laid him back down when he heard Evan's shallow breaths; the little boy had fallen asleep. Troy got up and turned out the light.
"Hey," Sharpay came out of Aidan's room just as Troy came out of Evan's.
"Aidan asleep?"
Sharpay nodded, "Evan?"
"Yup," Troy responded.
"Good, good," Sharpay responded. "He's seemed pretty exhausted for the past couple of hours."
"He's had a long day," Troy added, "we all have."
"That we have," Sharpay sighed followed by a huge yawn.
"You should go to sleep yourself, I can put Ella to bed."
"No that's alright, I can do it. I'm sure that you're just as tired as me, you should go on home," Sharpay insisted.
"No, no, its fine. I'm going into the office late tomorrow."
"I don't have to work either and the kids don't have camp so we can sleep in."
"Sharpay I can…," Troy chuckled. "This is going to go on forever isn't it?"
Sharpay smiled, "Probably so."
"Well I have an idea," Ella said as she stuck her head outside of her room. Neither Troy nor Sharpay knew that she had come upstairs already.
"And what's that princess?"
"You both put me to bed!" She grinned. "Pretty Please!"
"Sure," Troy responded before Sharpay would have the chance to say no.
"Yay! I'm all ready. I put on my p.j.'s and brushed my teeth without you telling me," Ella replied proudly.
"I'm impressed sweetie," Sharpay giggled as she walked into her daughters room. She was glad that Troy had said 'yes' because she was in no mood to 'argue' anymore.
"Come on," Ella climbed into her pink princess canopy bed. "I got a book too. Daddy you sit here," she patted one side of her. "And mommy you can sit here," she patted the other side of her bed. Troy and Sharpay each sat down where they were told. "Daddy can you read? I love your funny voices."
Troy smiled before kissing his daughter's beautiful blonde head, "I'd love too princess." He took the book out of his daughter's hands and began the fairy tale. As he read he gained giggles from both mother and daughter.
"Thanks Daddy, that was so gooood," Ella applauded him once he was finished.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Troy replied.
"I did, Mommy too, right Mommy?" Ella looked at her mother anxiously.
"Yes it was quite nice," Sharpay smiled. "Your daddy does do the voices quite well. I think my favorite was the frog's."
"Why thank you Sharpay," Troy bowed as best he could for sitting in the bed.
"It was good but not that good, I wouldn't quit your day job," Sharpay snickered.
"Thanks for the tip," Troy smirked.
"Ok Ella Bella time for bed my love," Sharpay bent down and gave her daughter a kiss and a hug. "Sleep tight sweetie, I'll see you in the morning. I love you so much."
"I love you Mommy," Ella replied as she snuggled into her bed.
"I'll see you this weekend," Troy smiled down at his little girl once Sharpay had moved aside. "I love you," Troy said before snorting like the pig in the story that he had just read.
Ella snorted too before laughing, "I love you daddy or should I say piggy."
"Let's go with daddy," Troy kissed her cheek before turning off her bedside lamp.
"Night baby," Sharpay said once more as she and Troy slowly walked away from Ella's bed.
"Daddy? Mommy?" Ella called out to them just as they had made their way over to the door.
"Yeah?" Troy questioned.
"Yes baby?" Sharpay asked.
"Does this mean that you're gonna get back together again?"