Kelsi
The small composer tried to take deep slow breaths.
"Just the day of the show. No big deal. Just breathe…"
Suddenly the brass section of the orchestra decided they all wanted to tune together and Kelsi's meditation was interrupted by a loud and abrupt C in several octaves. She glowered at the musicians and stalked back out of the orchestra pit, her ears ringing. Upon checking her watch she gulped. Ten minutes.
"Uuuh, Kelsi?" Kelsi spun round and came face to face with the freshman Donny. Literally. He was about her height. Kelsi instantly burst out laughing. Her immediate memory of him was when he and Jimmie had ran onstage in just their towels. This was the result of Troy and Chad stealing their clothes and them pursuing them through the whole school.
"What's so funny?" Donny asked confusedly.
"Nothing." Kelsi said, quickly composing herself. "Just… nerves. I'm a little hysterical."
Donny looked at her strangely but seemed to buy it.
"Okay… Well Ms Darbus asked me to tell you that Troy's not going to make it till the second half."
Kelsi felt her jaw drop.
"What?!" she shrieked, grabbing Donny's shoulders. "Where is he?"
Donny looked terrified. Kelsi quickly took a look at herself, then at Donny's scared face, and let him go, trying to collect herself.
"I dunno, all he said to Jimmie was 'Been driving all night. I'll try and make it for the second half. Break a leg'. So Jimmie's going to do the duet with Sharpay." he explained nervously. Kelsi slapped her forehead. Of course! Troy had been with Gabriella two days ago. No one had even considered that he might not make the show in time.
"Oh God and he's driving that TRUCK!." she said faintly. "Wait… who's playing Troy?" she asked tentatively, praying she'd heard wrong the first time.
"Jimmie." Donnie said cautiously.
"Oh dear God!" Kelsi gasped frantically. And she thought Sharpay replacing Gabriella had been bad!
"It'll be fine. He's been the understudy for ages. He should know what he's doing." Donny assured her. Kelsi wasn't convinced but smiled in response nonetheless, knowing that it would do no good to take her panic out on the innocent freshman.
"Thanks Donny."
Donny rushed off and Kelsi quickly explained to the orchestra about the change.
"Jimmie. Seriously?" a flautist in Jimmie's year replied incredulously. Kelsi nodded and the other freshman in the orchestra looked at each other fearfully.
"I'm sorry guys but at least it's in the same key and everything. There's absolutely no changes, I just didn't want anyone to freak out when they heard Jimmie instead of Troy…"
"Kelsi!"
Kelsi stood up from the piano at Ms Darbus' voice. The drama teacher marched over to her, looking stressed beyond belief.
"I have just been informed that Mr Bolton will not be available to us for the first half. Therefore…"
"Donny already told be Ms Darbus." Kelsi said quickly. Ms Darbus looked back at her in confusion.
"I could have sworn I told him to tell Sharpay… Oh well, quick pep talk backstage please!" she called. Kelsi said a quick good luck to the orchestra and scurried backstage. Her group of friends bar Troy, Gabriella and Sharpay were all gathered there.
"Where is Sharpay?" The drama teacher demanded.
"She's warming up in her room Ms D." Ryan informed her.
"Well I'll start without her. I just want you all to know that I am so proud of you!" Ms Darbus exclaimed. "And that I want you to shine out there tonight. Give it your all young thespians!" she cried, clapping her hands together. Everyone was so hyped for the performance that they embraced Ms Darbus' dramatic nature and applauded and cheered. She even joined in with Chad's signature 'Wild cats!' chant.
"Now everyone get ready, except Ryan and Kelsi. I need to speak to you both."
Everyone else rushed off to finish getting ready or take places and Ms Darbus put a hand on each of their shoulders.
"I have been informed by the Julliard representatives that before the end of the show they will have perhaps reached their decision." she told them excitedly. "Therefore I will hopefully be able to reveal who has the scholarship at the end of the show." Kelsi nodded silently but could feel her heart beat accelerate. She could also hear Ryan's feet start to tap nervously. They would know by tonight!
"So I will need to know where you plan to go if you do not get the scholarship." she told them.
"I'll be doing music at Alberqurque." Kelsi told her meekly. Ryan winced a little at this. Kelsi's parents couldn't really afford to send Kelsi to another prestigious performing arts college.
"I'll be at Chicago's college of performing arts." Ryan informed his teacher.
"And Sharpay will be here." Ms Darbus said with a hopeful note to her voice. "Thank you. Now take your places. Make me proud!" Ms Darbus scurried away. Kelsi and Ryan looked at each other for a short moment.
"I'll see you onstage." Ryan whispered with a crooked smile. Then he kissed her cheek and ran off to go down under the stage. Kelsi gulped. This was it. Now or never She was nervous about the music and whether she and the orchestra would play everything well. However, these nerves came second to the fact that in less than two minutes she would have to sing in front of the huge waiting audience… She took a deep breath and walked out of the stage door and along the front of the stage. The first thing she heard was applause from the multitude of teachers, students and parents. Like any performer, she couldn't help but smile broadly at the audience. As they continued to clap she felt a burst of confidence. These people were here to hear her music and she didn't want to let them down. She proudly presented the orchestra and sat down at the piano. Taking a deep breath, Kelsi played the jazzy beginning of 'Last Chance' as Ryan slowly started to rise from beneath the stage. Kelsi began to sing and at that moment she realised the hard truth of the words she had written.
"It's our last chance to share the stage, before we go our separate ways."
"High School wasn't meant to last forever." Ryan joined in. He turned to her gave a little laugh and winked, his face already animated and excited from the thrill of performing. Right then the audience seemed to disappear as Kelsi felt suddenly comforted by his presence. He looked so comfortable up there, making it look like the easiest task in the world. It eased her nerves and she allowed herself to smile contently.
"It's our last chance for us to shine. To bring you music one more time. So come on, come on, come on." The choir joined in beautifully from the orchestra pit.
"Come on, come n, come on." Kelsi and Ryan finished and Ryan slunk offstage. As soon as the number ended, the performing rush kicked in. Kelsi grinned widely and pointed to the 'coach' by the side of the stage. The whistle sounded and Martha and the cheerleaders bounded in. Kelsi was so hyped up from actually being apart of the performance that she couldn't help but join in with the singing and dancing from her piano stool. She couldn't believe how improved Martha and her dancers were! Kelsi could almost feel the audience getting excited behind her, as if it was a real basketball game. Then Chad, Zeke, Jason and the rest of the guy dancers entered, all holding basketballs. Kelsi smiled as she remembered first suggesting the idea to Ryan. He had certainly done it justice. She couldn't believe how polished his choreography was! 'Now or Never' got a standing ovation from the crowd and Kelsi was cheering along loudly. So far so good…
She quickly positioned herself for Ryan's number. For the beginning, Ryan, Martha, Jason, Zeke, Chad and Taylor were all lined up along the stage, like they had the day they had found out what the musical would be about. Ms Darbus entered.
"So, Taylor McKessie, your future?"
I'm gonna be the president of the United states of America." she said proudly.
"Zeke Baylor?"
"I'm gonna run the best restaurant in Albequrque miss." Zeke stated.
"Jason Cross?"
"Right now I just wanna graduate miss." Jason said shyly. The audience laughed.
"Ryan Evans, your future."
"My future miss?" Ryan asked, uncertainly. He appeared to be wearing just black trousers and a black jacket. Kelsi knew better, she could already see some pink peaking through…
"Yes Mr Evans… what do you want?" Ms Darbus asked, an expectant glimmer in her eyes.
"What do I want?" Ryan asked, a wicked grin appearing on his face. "Well miss, seeing as you asked…"
The stage went dark and Kelsi started the intro to the song. When the lights flashed back on Ryan was at the top of the stairs, surrounded by girls clad in pink and black. His black tearaway trousers had vanished revealing the hot pink pair underneath. Kelsi managed to play and watch the stage at the same time. She smiled proudly as Ryan gave everything he had for the Julliard representatives.
"I want it all! Want it all! Want it all! Want it all! Want it all!" Ryan held on the last magnificent tenor note as the girls tugged on him from all sides.
"My band! Thank you East High you're amazing! Good night!" Ryan yelled as the girls held him up. Kelsi looked at the final position in awe. Charisma and stage presence seemed to ooze out of every part of Ryan. The roar from the crowd was deafening. It continued as Ryan was lowered, rolled across the floor and sat up to flash a charming grin right at Kelsi. She looked him straight in the eye and clapped and cheered just as loud as the crowd behind her.
Ryan
Ryan felt completely exhilarated as he bounded into the wings and applauded the dancers following. They had performed his choreography flawlessly. He was also sure that he had never performed better. The applause was still going on in the auditorium and Ryan couldn't help but picture the standing ovation his parents had given him. He grinned as he remembered their proud faces. It was then he spotted his sister debating with one of the stage crew. He tapped her on the shoulder breathlessly and she turned round. Too out of breath to talk just yet he pointed to himself as if to ask 'What did you think?'. Sharpay looked him up and down and smiled warmly.
"Aaaw cute pants! Aaaw." she said sweetly, either not noticing or choosing to ignore the indignation in her brother's eyes.
"You're on." the stage crew member told her and she strode off, warming up her voice as she went. Ryan let his head hang. She probably hadn't even been watching. He knew Sharpay was probably really nervous with Troy not being there and everything… but she could have at least congratulated him on his performance. He was determined to stalk back to his dressing room but as the intro to 'Just Wanna Be With You' started up he found he couldn't. No matter how his sister had treated him, he couldn't bring himself to purposely not watch her performance. He crept closer to the stage and peeked round the curtain. Sharpay had just entered. She was over-acting everything but Ryan was sure she was just nervous. He stole a quick look at Kelsi and saw her smiling… a rare thing she did when Sharpay was singing one of her songs. He realised this would be the first time Sharpay had performed one of her songs without having changed it. He had to smile along with her. It was a proud moment for the composer. Sharpay began and Ryan nodded along happily. She was doing really well and was following the choreography he had given her perfectly.
"We'll be alright! Even if we're miles apart!" she sang joyfully. Ryan automatically looked over to stage right where Jimmie was meant to be appearing from. Nothing.
"Even if we're miles apart!" she sang again with a smile. Still nothing. Ryan looked at Kelsi and saw her face was overcome with panic as she desperately tried to keep the orchestra vamping. Ryan looked behind him wildly to see if Jimmie was running out of his dressing room. Nothing.
"Even if we're miles and miles and miles apart!" Sharpay sang, a hint of anger in her tone now. She was starting to look desperate and the audience was starting to murmur. Ryan couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't let this happen to his sister. He was about to walk on stage and sing the part himself when the orchestra started back up again. Ryan let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank God."
"ALL! I wanna do…"
Ryan paled as he saw Jimmie jump out from the prop doors. He was wearing the oddest outfit Ryan had seen besides the tiki warrior outfit he had once owned. It was complete with pink tank top, hat and jacket. Ryan wasn't sure if all the pink was to impress Sharpay but it definitely wasn't working. She looked completely horrified. Ryan gasped as he took in his sister's expression. He knew his sister inside out and knew it wasn't just Jimmie's outfit that had alarmed her… Clearly no one had told her Troy wouldn't be doing the duet with her. However, she managed at least to sing to the end of the first chorus with him then promptly ran off stage. Ryan clasped his hands to his mouth in worry as she ran past him in outrage. He ran after her to comfort her… and they came face to face with Troy and Gabriella's smiling expressions. Ryan didn't even have time to feel surprised, ecstatic or relieved before Sharpay cut in.
"Oh perfect, go ahead, save the day! Whoopee!" Sharpay shouted sarcastically. She pushed through Troy and Gabriella and stomped off to her dressing room. Ryan had to hold in his excitement at their return for the time being. This moment could not be missed.
"You guys gotta see this." he said and led them to the side of the stage. Ryan finally allowed himself to laugh as Jimmie entertained the still cheering audience. He craned his neck to see over Troy and Gabriella's heads and saw Kelsi looking shocked, but laughing along with everyone else. He waved his arms to get her attention and she looked over.
"They're here!" he shouted excitedly. Kelsi's face instantly lit up and she started to indicate to her orchestra what was to happen. Ryan yanked Gabriella by the hand and started to pull her round the back of the stage.
"C'mon you're on!"
Kelsi
"You know how life can be, it changes over night." Troy sang from one of the aisles. Kelsi played along happily. This was the way she had always hoped the song would be performed. Playing now with Troy and Gabriella was pure bliss.
"Through every up through every down, you know I'll always be around." Troy sang as he stood on her piano stool. They exchanged a grin. This was the part they had been working on forever.
"Through anything you can count on me!" Kelsi let out a small cheer as he played the notes she had shown him on the piano correctly. Troy then proceeded to make his way to the stage, and as he met Gabriella they performed Ryan's choreography together. Kelsi laughed slightly as she remembered Ryan playing that very same song in the music room not that long ago. With this in mind she stole a look at the wings and, as she expected, he was jumping up and down in excitement because Troy and Gabriella had got the dance perfect. Smiling she looked back at her music. He had been the inspiration for the song. It made her let go of her inhibitions and she allowed herself to sing along passionately. The composer looked up at the stage proudly as the performers of her songs all took he stage together. She had written the songs, but they had brought them to life. And also… they weren't just her performers. They were her closest friends and they were friends she would always cherish. Kelsi thought she would burst with happiness when Gabriella tossed a rose down onto the piano for her. For the girl that had for the most part of her high school years been an outsider or just 'the girl that writes the songs' it was a huge sign of the gratitude that she had long deserved but hardly ever received.
Ryan
It was the last song before the interval and Ryan had placed himself beside the stage again. He knew there was no way his sister was going to let Tiara do her number now and he wanted to see Sharpay regain some of her pride. However, it wasn't his sister that appeared on stage. Ryan frowned confusedly. How on earth did Tiara manage that one? It was then he heard the clacking of heels behind him. His sister was strutting past in a dress almost identical to Tiara's.
"Sis!" he ran towards her but she didn't stop. "What's going on…"
"That traitor's singing MY song that's what's going on!" she snapped. She started to climb some metal stairs.
"Shar what are you…"
"I've got it all sorted with the stage crew Ryan. I know what I'm doing!" and she disappeared. Ryan bit his lip nervously. He didn't like the sound of that. He quickly ran back to his viewing point in the wings and waited for the scene to unfold. Soon enough he heard Sharpay's voice.
"It's gonna be a night, to remember." she was lowered on a platform with a neon umbrella.
"Surprise." she said vindictively. Ryan had to laugh at Tiara's look of disbelief. This was going to be brilliant… Soon a crowd formed around him to watch the two girls battle for attention and ignore the male dancers. However, as funny as it was, Ryan wasn't entirely confident on how it would end. He didn't want any hair-pulling, scratching or slapping on HIS stage. He quickly grabbed a control pad next to him. To his delight the two girls ended up just where he wanted them. With a smug smile he lowered the pair beneath the stage. Neither girl wanted to be even more unprofessional and just went along with it. Ryan loved his sister, but standing in the wings and lowering her under the stage was the most satisfying thing he had ever done.
Kelsi
The curtain closed on Sharpay and Tiara and Kelsi shared a giggle with the orchestra at the standing ovation behind them. The show may not have been going to plan, but the audience was loving it.
"Back in twenty minutes ok!" Kelsi instructed to the musicians before she scurried out of the pit.
"Halfway through!" She squealed as she made her way backstage. Everyone had congregated in the wings. Without warning Ryan ran towards her and spun her round.
"The music's awesome Kels!" he yelled happily. He put her down but let his hands linger on her waist. She blushed as the rest of the wild cats gave her and Ryan a curious look. No one was really sure what their romantic status was…and no one really wanted to ask.
"Yeah the orchestra's sounds amazing." Taylor broke the silence.
"Well what about you guys?!" Kelsi said excitedly. "You all look great out there!"
Everyone heard the clacking of heels and went deadly silent. Sharpay and Tiara rounded the corner and halted beside the rest of the group. Tiara gave the wild cats a haughty look and strutted off towards the dressing rooms. Sharpay just glared at her.
"Isn't she going to do anything?" Kelsi heard Martha whisper to Ryan.
"I know that look." he replied. "She'll get what's coming to her in due time." Ryan murmured in reply.
Sharpay looked to the others as if she wasn't sure what to expect. She didn't look angry, but embarrassed and a little bit nervous. Everyone knew laughing would be the worst thing to do.
"You really showed that freshman Sharpay." Gabriella said brightly. "She looked so shocked!"
"Yeah! And how did you manage to come down under that umbrella? That was amazing!" Martha chipped in.
"She'll know not to mess with Sharpay Evans again I'll bet." Chad joined in enthusiastically. Sharpay looked around at the group and smiled weakly.
"Really?" she asked, a wicked grin forming on her face. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Yeah! That was such an entrance!"
"Your vocals were soooo much stronger."
A look of gratitude appeared on Sharpay's face and she giggled. "I can't believe what happened with 'Just Wanna Be With You.' I must've looked so dumb." she grinned. Everyone stared. Sharpay was laughing at herself? There was a small pause then a small laugh that seemed to come from Chad.
"Well… it was pretty funny." he said cheekily. Sharpay laughed and everyone relaxed.
"Ugh and that outfit!" Sharpay reminisced. "It was hideous!" Everyone was soon laughing and talking about their various small slip ups in the show. Kelsi looked at Ryan and couldn't help but laugh at his expression. It seemed to be a mix of amazement, disbelief, pride and happiness. Ryan looked to her and caught her eye.
"She's come a long way." he whispered with a smile.
"Wait! Girls!" Taylor suddenly shouted. Everyone hushed. "We need to get into our prom dresses!"
With that the girls sped off to their dressing rooms to prepare for the two prom numbers.
Kelsi ran into the dressing room she shared with Martha and slumped into a chair, breathing deeply.
"That was amazing." she thought as she looked in the mirror and took in her flushed cheeks and her bright eyes. Kelsi Nielson hadn't danced in front of an audience since her kindergarten nativity play in which she played one of about ten angels. The rush she had just experienced from the rapturous applause that had followed the number was second only to how it felt after she played the piano. She noticed a sly grin work it's way onto her reflection.
"Though maybe Ryan's kisses win…"
"Kelsi what are you doing?! Get your robe on!" Suddenly all Kelsi could see was red as a large piece of fabric fell over her head. Martha had burst in through the door and had thrown her graduation robe on her. Kelsi felt herself freeze.
"Kelsi! C'mon!" The robe was ripped of her face and Kelsi saw her and Martha's expressions in the mirror. One panicked and one concerned.
"You're going to have to find out about Julliard sooner or later honey. Either way you need to get on stage." Martha said calmly. Kelsi just nodded and started to quickly get changed out of her prom outfit. Once she and Martha were ready they sprinted to the wings. Luckily they still had a minute before they had to be in their places. Kelsi felt a bit emotional as she looked around at everyone in their robes. It almost felt as if they were actually graduating.
"Aaaw you look so cute in your little robe." Taylor teased Chad and ruffled his hair. He ducked out of her reach.
"Hey! Don't mess up the hair! And you're just jealous because the robe suits me more than it does you." he replied with a cheeky grin.
"I can't believe they let you have a baseball cap graduation hat." Zeke was laughing with Jason who just shrugged happily. Sharpay was showing off her sparkling graduation cap to Martha and Ryan. Troy and Gabriella were simply holding hands and looking at each other sadly. Kelsi felt bad for intruding on such a private moment and looked away quickly. She thought it would be hard leaving Ryan after summer and couldn't imagine how hard it would be for Troy and Gabriella to go their separate ways. She couldn't even picture one without the other now, despite having gone to school with Troy and without Gabriella for most of her life. She looked around for Ryan again and realised he was by her side. He looked at her fondly and smiled.
"Good luck." he said softly as he reached out to take her hand. Kelsi took it and squeezed it tight.
"You too." she replied huskily, trying to will her voice not to crack.
"Places everyone!" Ms Darbus cried. Kelsi gave Ryan one last fleeting look then they got into the correct order and bustled on stage. Standing between Gabriella and Martha she watched the dancers, in their white robes, file in front of them. The music began and the dancers started to move from side to side singing.
"Together, together, together everyone…"
The curtains opened and the audience applauded loudly as they saw all the graduation outfits. Kelsi gulped nervously as Ms Darbus took the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our seniors!" she announced proudly. Kelsi took a deep breath and stepped forward confidently with her classmates to the front of the stage.
"Kelsi Nielson. The Julliard scholarship recipient. Music!"
Kelsi froze in shock for a moment… then the standing ovation that she received from the audience brought her back to earth and happiness overwhelmed her. She was going to Julliard to study music! She squealed in excitement and felt her two closest girl friends at East High hug and congratulate her.
Ryan
Ryan applauded loudly and was grinning from ear to ear. It didn't matter that he hadn't won the scholarship. He knew Kelsi deserved it. Convincing himself that he was glad the waiting was over he relaxed and continued to listen to his drama teacher.
"Jason Cross."
The teenager stepped forward nervously, clearly unsure of what Ms Darbus would say.
"You did it, you graduated!" Everyone laughed and Jason jumped on Zeke in excitement. Ryan laughed too but applauded heartily. Despite what other people might have thought, Ryan was sure Jason was going to make something of himself.
"Taylor McKessie. Yale University with honours. Political science!"
Taylor stepped forward and clicked her fingers happily.
"And I am pleased to announce that due to the excellence displayed here this evening the Julliard school as made an extraordinary decision. Another senior is being offered a Julliard scholarship." Ms Darbus stated. Ryan gasped and turned quickly to look at his sister. She smiled nervously then looked ahead again. He glanced at Troy, but the boy was just staring straight ahead while Gabriella eye him curiously. Surely things couldn't turn out that perfect. There was no way he could be so lucky…
"Congratulations Mr Ryan Evans, choreography!"
Ryan looked at his drama teacher in shock and she smiled warmly at him. Then
realisation hit him. He was going to Julliard! With Kelsi! To study choreography! As if he didn't know what else to do with himself he managed just to laugh happily as the audience clapped and cheered for him and felt that the grin covering his face would never disappear. Trying hard not to start jumping around in excitement Ryan occupied himself in clapping and cheering for his sister as Ms Darbus announced she would be studying performing arts at Alberqurque University and would be helping out the East High drama department next year. He watched his sister give Tiara a sarcastic wave backstage and grinned. But as he looked at Sharpay, he couldn't help but see past her to Kelsi. She was facing ahead but was wearing a smile that he was sure matched his own. As if she could sense him looking she turned to him. As their eyes met her expression changed to what looked like a mixture of disbelief, shock and delirious happiness.
"And now a senior who I believe has a decision to make." Ms Darbus went on. Ryan and Kelsi both sharply faced the front again, but with their ecstatic smiles still in place.
"Mr Troy Bolton." Troy stepped forward. Ryan paid close attention. Everyone was curious as to what Troy had decided to do next year.
"I've chosen basketball." he said to the audience. Ryan couldn't help but a feel a little disappointed. Troy had proven to be a great performer. However he clapped politely.
"But I've also chosen theatre." Troy continued. The audience erupted in cheers at this and the wild cats all joined in. Ryan saw Ms Darbus smile proudly at her student.
"The university of California, Berkley, offers me both. That's where I'm gonna be attending next fall."
Ryan looked around at his classmates to see if everyone had caught on. They had. Everyone was smiling excitedly at each other. Except for Gabriella who was staring in amazement at Troy. They were all thinking the same thing. Berkley. Right next to Stanford.
"But most of all I choose the person who inspires my heart. Which is why I picked the school that's exactly 32.7 miles from you." Troy said, turning to his girlfriend who was looking at him in adoration. Ryan and the rest of the wild cats watched their two friends affectionately all of them equally happy that things had worked out for them after all. Ryan and Kelsi shared another smile and he was sure he knew exactly how Troy and Gabriella felt at that moment.
"Miss Gabriella Montez. Stanford University. Pre-law." Troy announced and twirled his girlfriend to the front of the stage. Everyone cheered loudly for Gabriella. Ryan had to smile for her. Firstly because he was a hopeless romantic and that scene had just been beautiful. And secondly because she had been nothing but a good friend to him.
"Next Mr Chad Danforth. University of Alberqurque basketball scholarship!" The audience was on their feet but they looked confused. Ryan looked down the line and started. Chad had disappeared. Troy quickly ran off stage. Evidently to find him. The remaining wild cats looked around at each other nervously.
"Did Troy tell him about Berkley?" He heard Sharpay ask Gabriella quietly.
"I don't think so. He didn't tell me. I don't think he told anyone." she said worriedly.
"To continue!" Ms Darbus went on confidently. "Zeke Baylor, Culinary Business Academy Rio Rancho!"
Zeke stepped forward and Sharpay's loud 'Woooo!" could be heard above everyone.
"Our head cheerleader Martha Cox will be taking a year out to teach hip-hop classes at the Alberqurque dance studio before taking up her place at Phoenix University to study medicine!"
Martha stepped forward and did a neat double pirouette with few hip hop moves after.
"Go Martha! Go Martha!" Gabriella started to chant as she clapped. Everyone along the line stared at her oddly. She quickly inclined her head in the direction Troy and Chad had disappeared. Then it was apparent she was trying to pass the time before Chad and Troy returned. The rest of the wild cats joined in nervously at first but soon got into it as the audience chanted as well. The drummer and lead guitarist in the orchestra started to jam below the stage as Martha improvised along the stage enthusiastically. Some of the other dancers from the cheerleading squad even joined her.
"Go Ryan! Go Ryan!" Gabriella then started to chant louder. Ryan looked at her incredulously.
"Get in there wild cat!" she yelled with a mischievous grin. Ryan just raised his eyebrows at her. He was too over the moon right then to care what people thought of him. In fact, now he thought about it, he DID kind of feel like dancing! Bounding in front of the students, he met Martha in the middle of the stage to freestyle with her. All the students laughed and kept chanting and soon the whole auditorium was clapping along to the dancers. Then Martha suddenly stopped and grabbed Ryan's hand.
"While we're waiting!" Martha called out to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, our wonderful choreographer Ryan Evans!"
Ryan nearly stepped back as the applause and cheers from the audience hit him. Just in time he managed to hold his composure and give a small bow, grinning like an idiot the whole time. He thought he had been the proudest choreographer in the world last summer at lava springs. How wrong he had been.
"And our equally wonderful Composer Kelsi Nielson, without whom, there would be no show!" Martha added. Ryan spun round to look at Kelsi who looked frozen in her spot beside Gabriella. Without even thinking, Ryan strode over to her. He took her hand, walked her to the front of the stage and spun her neatly under his arm to face the audience. Ryan looked at the small composer in amusement. She looked completely overwhelmed by the amount of noise that was coming from the audience and just managed to smile shyly and do a small curtsey. Ryan probably clapped the loudest and couldn't help but think about how amazing it was that Kelsi had finally got the recognition she deserved. Little did he know the girl at his side was thinking the exact same thing about him. Said girl then gestured gratefully to the orchestra below the stage then up at the lighting crew at the back of the auditorium. Ryan smiled at this. Kelsi never forgot anyone.
Eventually Troy and Chad came dashing onto the stage and Martha, Ryan, Kelsi and the other dancers quickly stepped back into line.
"Chad Danforth, University of Alberqurque basketball scholarship!" Troy announced loudly. Chad ran forward and bowed as the audience cheered. Chad then stood in the middle of the stage. He said nothing for a few moments. Everyone looked at him closely, wondering if he was going to make some sort of speech.
"What T-"
Chad was interrupted as Taylor put a chiding hand on his shoulder.
"Not here honey." she whispered so only the students on the stage could hear her. Chad smiled bashfully, nodded and raised his hand instead.
"Thanks everybody!" he announced and took his place back in line with Taylor.
The students joined hands, held them high, took a bow and the curtain closed. As soon as the audience was out of sight, the student started to scream and cheer and congratulate each other, but Ryan had eyes for no one but Kelsi. She hadn't moved from her spot but had turned to look at him as he ran towards her. She looked almost frozen, then her face broke into a huge smile. Ryan grabbed her around the waist, lifted her up and spun her round happily. She laughed and he couldn't help but laugh along with her. They were going to Julliard together! Ryan eventually stopped and let her down, but kept his hands round her waist and pulled her in close to him, convinced he would never tire of the feeling. He noticed that Kelsi was smiling through tears and gave her a small comforting squeeze.
"So I get to keep you?" he asked softly. Then she smiled that smile that now captivated him and nodded.
"Yes Ryan Evans. You get to keep me." she whispered. Then they shared their first kiss as a couple.