I am a horrible, horrible person. I can't believe it's been a whole week...that's just....wow. To be fair, with the holidays and what-not I didn't have a lot of time. And this is a long chapter. Not show-long but close...13 pages in Word. Almost 8,000 words. It's long. I've already got tons of ideas for the first year sequel, so expect that up at some point. I haven't decided if I want to write it all out then post it, or post the chapters as I write them. Obviously one way gets you the sequel sooner with less frequent updates, and the other basically guarantees one a day (give or take) but you have to wait a while for it. So I guess it's really up to you. But without further ado, the final chapter.
Oh, you guys should really thank Smartalienqt for hounding me. Or at least threatening to give my virtual cookies to her muse...
Ryan woke up early Saturday morning wondering why there were already butterflies in his stomach. Then his eyes fell on his desk calendar and his heart skipped a beat. Today was the day he graduated from high school. And in less than three months he'd be off to Juilliard! He jumped out of bed and rushed into his closet, grabbing a pair of track pants and a t-shirt. He did a quick jaunt down the hall to his sister's room, intent on waking her up to start getting ready for the day. But as he neared, he heard her shower going and her voice belting out some pop tune to the radio, indicating that (for once) she'd actually gotten up with her alarm. Leaving his sister to it, he checked the time and very nearly dashed down the stairs to where his mother was waiting.
"Morning Mom," he kissed her cheek as he joined her in the hallway.
"Ready for class, Ducky?"
"Of course." He held out his arm and she took it as he escorted her to the gym where their personal trainer was waiting for them. Ryan had not outright told anyone he did yoga (and enjoyed it), but it was evident in every graceful step and in the quiet strength the others were surprised he possessed. By the time the instructor had taken them through the first eight positions, Ryan felt more relaxed and the butterflies from earlier were gone. The next few positions tested his flexibility, and he made sure to stretch himself completely. By the time it was done he and his mother were sweating, and she blew him a kiss as she grabbed a towel and followed Enrique out the door to the cardio section of the gym.
Ryan grabbed a quick drink of water and made his way to the small practice room off the side of the gym where he did all of his dancing at home. Ryan spent the next thirty minutes refreshing dance moves in his head and completely choreographing another song just for fun. It was a challenge he liked to put himself through - pick a random song from the radio and put dance steps to it. Sometimes it was easy, sometimes it wasn't, but it kept his mind sharp and his feet fast.
When he was done he made a quick detour to the kitchen to grab an apple before bounding back up the stairs to take a shower and get ready for graduation day. His and Sharpay's robes were hanging in their respective closets, though they weren't supposed to wear them to the school. He grabbed a pair of khaki pants and a navy silk shirt before disappearing into the bathroom.
Twenty minutes later he was showered, shaved, and dressed. He checked the time and texted a quick good morning to Kelsi (she had told him never to call or text before seven-thirty if she wasn't supposed to be up) before he grabbed his robes and met up with Sharpay on the way downstairs.
"Morning Shar," he greeted. She beamed at him, her excitement for the day shining through as he grabbed her robes from her and added it to his load.
"Morning Ry. How was your class with Mother?" They walked side by side down the staircase.
"Invigorating as always. How was your hour long shower?" She shoved him playfully.
"I do not spend an hour in the shower, just in the bathroom. My shower's only forty-five minutes." He laughed at her as they met their parents in the living room.
"Morning Princess, Ryan," their father greeted. "Are you two ready to graduate?"
"Oh Daddy," Sharpay giggled and sat down next to the man. "Is everything ready for the after-party?" she asked.
"Of course, Princess. The DJ will be here at noon, and the caterer called to say that he was going to start setting everything up at eleven. So by the time you and your friends get back here it will be all set to go." He put down his paper and looked up at Ryan.
"Son, Jules was going through Mr. Nielsen's estate and he found a tape addressed to Kelsi. The note on it said it was to be given to her upon graduation. He's bringing it with him." Ryan took a breath and nodded, his mind already deep in thought about how to tell Kelsi.
"Thanks Dad. Is it time to go yet?"
"Almost," the eldest Evans chuckled. "Why don't you go find your mother?" Ryan darted off to his parents' room and knocked on the door.
"Entrez!" his mother's voice called out and Ryan turned the knob.
"Mom? Are you ready to go?"
"Oh just about Ducky," she stood up from her vanity and turned around. "How do I look?" Her shimmering dress looked more appropriate for a night out than a graduation, but that was par for the course for the Evans family.
"Stunning of course," he responded. "Shall we?" he held out his arm and she took it, allowing her son to escort her back to the rest of the family.
Ryan and Sharpay were quiet for the entire ride to the school. When they pulled up there were already a lot of seniors milling about with their families, and Ryan spotted the Boltons and the Danforths huddled by their cars. As the twins approached their friends, Gabriella and Kelsi pulled up, followed shortly by Zeke, Taylor, Martha, and Jason. The teens broke off from their parents and formed their own circle.
"So everything's set for the party later," Sharpay was telling them. "Daddy called the caterer and the DJ to make sure it was all perfect."
"We even set up a portable basketball goal on the tennis court," Ryan added, and half the group cheered.
"Attention!" Mrs. Darbus' voice rang out, and they immediately stopped and turned to their drama teacher. Other students took a little longer (and a final shout from Ms. D), but once she had everyone's attention she smiled broadly.
"All seniors please report to the football field, and bring your cap and gowns. Parents are asked to please remain here until you are directed to the stands." Seniors began filing toward the football field as various adults and children shuffled into the school.
"You excited?" Kelsi whispered to Ryan as she snuck up by him. He snaked an arm around her shoulders.
"More than ever," he replied. "Honestly, I just can't wait until the end of the summer."
"I know what you mean," she shared a smile with him at the thought of attending the most prestigious college for the performing arts in America.
"Hey Kelsi," he pulled her a little closer as a few jocks jostled by. "Jules found a tape with your dad's things…it was addressed to you." He watched her face for any clue to her reaction, but she just nodded. "He's bringing it today to give to Dad. You'll have it at the party."
"Thanks," she leaned against him briefly before stepping away.
"Alright seniors!" Ms. Darbus' voice carried over them again. "Just like in rehearsals. Places!" Smiles were exchanged as people began scurrying around to find their place. There were red and white robes everywhere as they threw them on over their clothes; someone had gotten the bright idea to actually create something with the graduates, instead of the top one percent of the class wearing white and everyone else in red. So as everyone settled down in their chairs, one of the drum majors ran up to the top of the band high stand to check that the "EH" was perfect. Mr. Matsui stepped up to the mic and tapped it a few times, sending feedback across the field. Everyone covered their ears briefly as the high-pitched whine faded out.
"Alright everyone, settle down! There will be several speakers including your valedictorian, Gabriella Montez, and your salutatorian and class president, Taylor McKessie. Your commencement address will be delivered by Ms. Judy Darbus, your elected faculty speaker. Names will be called and diplomas will be given, then your class-elected student speaker, Mr. Troy Bolton, will take the podium. You will then be dismissed to your frivolities as high school graduates." Cheers erupted across the field which quickly died down into a dull roar as the teens began chatting to the people around them.
Music began playing and the East High Choir filed onto the smaller stage set up off to the side of the main one. Donny waved enthusiastically at the basketball captains, and Troy smiled and tilted his head up quickly in acknowledgement.
The parents began filling the stands as the students settled down into their seats. The choir began singing the school song as the last people filtered in, and Mr. Matsui stood up once more.
"Good morning!" he turned a little to include the parents, who were in the stands behind him. "Thank you all for coming to support the graduating class of 2008. It's been quite a ride, but I couldn't be prouder of the young men and women sitting here today. They have all proven to be driven, capable people, and I look forward to seeing what they do with their futures and what they will accomplish. Before we hand out diplomas, we will have three speakers. First is our salutatorian, senior class president, and co-captain of the scholastic decathlon team, Taylor McKessie, Taylor?" The front row surrounding her led the cheers as she stood and made her way to the mic. When she got there, she spent a moment just looking out over the crowd, and her eyes lingered on her friends for a moment before she took a breath.
"Good morning fellow graduates, family, faculty, and guests. It is an honor to be standing here today addressing you as your class salutatorian. And now, after 18 long years of waiting…it's finally our turn. After 13 years of schooling - some difficult, some not - it is finally our turn. And after this excruciatingly long year of waiting, hoping, and dreaming it is finally our turn.
"This day has been in the back of our minds since our first day of kindergarten all those years ago. This year, amid bouts of senioritis," she looked out a few known jokesters who just laughed and clapped, "today was all we could think about - that fateful day when it would finally be our turn to graduate." She paused and took another deep breath before continuing.
"However, it is not only our turn to graduate, but also our turn to assume full responsibility for the direction our lives will take. From this day forward, our lives are our own. We will now make the decisions about our futures. For some of us, that decision is college - whether a two, four, or post graduate degree. For others, that decision takes them directly into the work force as contributing members of society, making a living for themselves. Some will join the military, shipping out to far and exotic places or even defending the home front. Some may take a year or two off for travel, or to stay home and relax. No matter what choice you make, it is important to remember that it is our time to make these decisions. For these things, it is our turn.
"Our turn to play in the sandbox is over. No more playing tag in the park," she shared a smile with her friends, "or battling with GI Joes. No more showing off our latest outfit for Barbie, or your newfound skill at riding a two-wheeled bike for the first time. We have learned our ABC's and 123's, said goodbye to Mr. Rogers and Sesame Street. Most of us no longer watch Saturday morning cartoons and we haven't had recess in seven years. Our turn for these things is at an end." She felt herself tearing up, and forced her breathing to even out so she could finish the last part.
"Now it is our turn to complete our education and begin our careers, wherever they may take us. It is our turn to become our own person in society, to make a difference in this world, to begin our new lives, and to succeed. Ladies and gentlemen…it's finally our turn." She smiled as she stepped away, and everyone cheered for her as she took her seat. Her friends clapped her on the back and Chad even kissed her cheek quickly as she sat down.
"Thank you Taylor," Mr. Matsui was back up. "Now our class valedictorian and scholastic decathlon team co-captain, Miss Gabriella Montez." Troy squeezed her hand as she stood up and quickly walked up to the stage.
"Friends," she said simply, "are the people who share in the good and bad times and lend a shoulder to lean on. They are the basis in which memories are created and everlasting bonds are tied. To cheer you up when you're blue, to help you through tough times, to listen, to push you beyond your limits, and to make you understand what life is all about is what a friend - a soul mate - is willing to do for another friend." She looked right at the front row as she spoke.
"When I look back on all the good, bad, high and low times over the past years, I realize that my friends have always been present. Whether it was through a simple note, phone call or a comforting hug, my friends pulled me through, no matter what. Together, we have fought for our place in high school.
"As freshmen, we struggled to fit in at the bottom of the rank and attempted to earn the respect we deserved. We dared to be bold and make new friends. Sophomore year was the time to tie the new friends to the old friends. Introductions were made and circles were formed. Junior year was spent getting re-acquainted with old friends, making some new ones, and realizing who your good friends really were. It was the time to create that close-knit group of friends that will be present for years to come.
"Senior year was focused on savoring the last moments with your close friends and creating memories of a lifetime. Friendship ties are knotted. The thought in all of our minds is, 'Will we survive the test of time?' Friends have always been a part of my life that I could never live without. I truly believe that they are a major source of my motivation and my will to carry on in life.
"Remember, in the years to come, if you ever need someone to make you laugh when you are sad, make you smile when you are crying, tell you the brutal, honest truth or help you see your dreams come true; your friends will always be there. I wish you all, my fellow graduates, a future full of cherished friendships.
"As we look back on our past 13 years of education, we acknowledge our hard work and accomplishments. Yet, we must realize that it is really only the beginning of the rest of our lives. We have reached a turning point in life. For some this will be the end of a formal education and they will move out into the work force, while for others it will simply be a step in the process of their continuing education. Whichever avenue we choose to pursue, there will be rewards to gain, challenges to face, and opportunities to encounter. We must remember that we are the future of this country and this world, and in so remembering, we must always seek to develop ideas, goals, and aspirations to sustain our place in society and the world. "This past year has been a time of preparation as we embark on this life-long journey. We must grasp onto our memories and the lessons we have learned for they are the foundations for our future. Thank you." More cheers and applause accompanied her back to her seat where she was pulled into several hugs by her friends as Mr. Matsui took the stage once more.
"And now we will hear from your class-elected faculty speaker, Ms. Judy Darbus. She has been the head of the drama department here at East High for almost fifteen years now. She, along with a few other faculty members, has served as class advisor for the class of 2008 since they set foot in the halls of East High four years ago. She has received numerous local and state awards for teaching excellence, as well as a civic award for her volunteer work at the community theater. Ladies and gentlemen, class of 2008, Ms. Judy Darbus." Troy's entire row stood up to cheer as their teacher took to the podium, and she couldn't help but smile at them even as she glared good-naturedly.
"Mr. Bolton, sit down and kindly take your friends with you," she scolded lightly, causing everyone to laugh. Troy looked at his friends, but they all just smiled wider as they sat back down in their seats.
"Today marks the end of an era. Years of books, plays, dances and sports have all led to this gratifying moment. As you, the graduation class of 2008, sit here watching as the last of your high school careers fade into twilight and nervously awaiting what new adventure tomorrow will bring, it is important that we share a moment to reflect and appreciate the enormity of your fine accomplishment. For today's graduation marks not only your passage from the halls of East High School, but is also a declaration of your commitment and effort.
"Today you sit here as proof of hope for the future. You are the businessmen, the teachers, and the parents of tomorrow. By your own dedication to your success in high school having qualified you to lead the future, today you rise above and shed the labels cast upon you. For today's graduation is the culmination of your commitment, from efforts from that first day of kindergarten to now as you await the satisfaction of diplomas in your hands. While at times it may have been easy to have been drawn into the negative aspects of school, you have chosen to pursue and to accomplish. Worthy of pride, this is why I congratulate you.
"Integrity is defined as a firm adherence to a code or standard of values. A word not understood by many, for its respect has been lost over the years. In a world where acceptance is desired more than individualism we stand the risk of losing ourselves and our values. Throughout high school you have seen examples of this integrity." She looked out across the field, her eyes landing on someone in the back. "It was the person who was faithfully loyal to a friend," she moved to the other side of the field, "the classmate who accepted responsibility for his or her actions," then over to Ryan, "the individual you trusted because never did they give you reason to doubt their honesty," finally Troy, "or the steadfastness of someone who, even when under pressure, never made that an excuse for bad behavior. As the years ahead unfold may their examples inspire, guide and encourage each of us. "By learning to live a life that is comfortable and true, you can achieve the happiness so many before you still seek. This, however, requires you not to accept the norm. Instead you must step outside your comfort zone and towards the integrity so many have misplaced. It's up to you to make these decisions now, to stand up without holding back or being embarrassed by your choice. As you head into the world with all its influences, make that choice wisely and with the belief that each of you possess qualities that can make a difference in this world one person at a time. This is done by being in reality what you wish to appear to others.
"With the support of your family, your teachers and your friends you have made it to this day and to the beginning of a new stage of your lives. Where you go from here and what new frontiers you are meant to discover may remain unseen, but as you step off this field today and stare into the first lights of what is to come and what is to be, always remember today's victory. For no matter what tomorrow brings, be it the simplest path or a road wrought with twists and turns, today you share an achievement. Class of 2008, congratulations. Always take with you the memories, the knowledge and the self-satisfaction of a job well done." She smiled proudly as, once again, the front row jumped up and cheered. This time, however, they were joined by the entire senior class and the families in the stands as Ms. Darbus reclaimed her seat and Mr. Matsui stepped back up.
"Another of our senior class advisors, Mrs. Yarbough, will be reading off the names of our graduates in alphabetical order. Just like rehearsals seniors, walk up, shake hands, take the diploma, move your tassel, then retake your seat. No shenanigans," he warned, and a few people sent up catcalls. Each group had been given a number and the first two groups stood and made their way to the side of the stage.
Names were called and the audience cheered, some sections louder than others depending on who was walking across the stage at the time. As the line died down, the third group, including Zeke, stood up and walked to the stairs. Sharpay got her camera ready as Zeke stepped up to the top of the stairs.
"Ezekias Baylor," she called, and everyone clapped. Sharpay took a picture as he accepted his diploma from Mr. Matsui and pulled Ms. Darbus into a hug, depositing cookies into her hands as he left. She laughed and set them on her chair as he walked off the stage waving at his parents. Several more names were called and by that time the fourth group was up, and when Martha's name was called there was another round of cheers as she got her diploma and hugged her teacher. Jason soon followed sporting his East High ball cap instead of the traditional cap the others were wearing. Mr. Matsui eyed the hat with a raised eyebrow, but Jason just shook his hand and hugged Ms. Darbus.
"You did it," she whispered, and he grinned back as she held her hand up for a high five. He slapped her hand before jogging down the stairs and back to his seat. Chad was near the end of the next group, and there was a deafening explosion of cheers as he trotted across the stage for his diploma. He paused for a moment to lift it up high to his mom and dad in the stands before hugging Ms. Darbus enthusiastically, lifting her up for a moment in celebration, before leaping down the steps and nearly skipping back to his seat. Kelsi squeezed Ryan's hand as the fifth group stood up to file to its place in line.
"You know, according to the alphabet, Ryan is before Sharpay," she joked, but he just shrugged.
"I've never gone before Shar in anything," he replied, and she laughed as he winked and jogged to catch up to his sister. Sure enough, when it came time for the Evans twins to graduate they called Ryan's name first. But he didn't move, and Kelsi watched in confusion as he looked at Ms. Darbus, then at his sister. Smiling, the drama teacher whispered something into Mrs. Yarbough's ear.
"What in the world? Alright…Ryan and Sharpay Evans," she announced, and Ryan escorted his sister to the principal as they accepted their diplomas together. In an extremely rare show of public affection, Sharpay kissed her brother's cheek in thanks before they both pulled Ms. Darbus in for a hug. Ryan let Sharpay precede him down the stairs, and everyone laughed as he danced down them after her, diploma in hand.
"That was very cool, Ryan," Chad said, clapping the boy on the back. Ryan just smiled and sat down next to his sister, who was trying very hard not to cry.
"You're mascara will run," Kelsi told her simply, and Sharpay immediately sobered and sent a grateful smile at her friend. After almost fifteen minutes, Taylor and Gabriella's group was up, and the girls walked arm in arm to the line as everyone filed into their correct positions.
"Taylor McKessie." Taylor strode confidently to Mr. Matsui and took her diploma before hugging Ms. Darbus and turning to her mom in the stands. Photos were snapped quickly and Taylor reclaimed her seat next to Chad as her friends congratulated her. A few more names, then…
"Gabriella Montez." Troy jumped up from his seat clapping and whistling while everyone else settled for just clapping, leaving him standing and cheering alone. Laughter joined the applause as Troy yelled out.
"Way to go Gabi!" She smiled at him before hugging Ms. D and letting her mom take a few pictures. She hurried back to her seat and hugged Troy before sitting and dragging him down beside her.
Finally, it was time for Kelsi to go, and all of her friends were grinning ear to ear as she stood and joined the other N's and O's on the side of the stage. She waited patiently as the line in front of her thinned, and finally she was standing atop the steps.
"Kelsi Nielsen," Mrs. Yarbough announced, and even Ms. Darbus cheered for her as she walked across the stage and accepted the diploma from her principal. She moved her tassel over to the other side of her cap just before Ms. D grabbed her and embraced her warmly.
"I'm so proud of you Kelsi," the woman whispered in her ear. "You're going to do great things."
"Thanks, Ms. D." Kelsi pulled away and shared a smile with her beloved drama teacher before she descended the steps and walked back to her seat. Ryan stood up and hugged her eagerly, and even Sharpay pulled her in for a hug. They settled quickly as the roll call continued, and the remaining seniors received their diplomas. Finally, Aaron Zielinski stepped off the stage and Mr. Matsui took the mic once again.
"Once more I would like to offer my congratulations to you. This is a day you will remember for the rest of your lives, and you have earned it. Your final speaker was elected by you from your own class, and with a surprising ninety-one percent of the vote, I give you Mr. Troy Bolton." Troy stood and jumped up onto the stage and shook the principal's hand before turning around to address his fellow graduates.
"I'm not as good of a speaker as Tay and Gabi - and I really want my diploma - so I'll make this brief." There was a brief trickle of laughter as he smiled at everyone. "East High is a place where the teachers encouraged us to break the status quo and define ourselves as we choose. Where a jock can cook up a mean crème brulee. Where a brainiac can break down on the dance floor." Everyone laughed as Martha stood up and danced a little in response before sitting down smiling. "It's a place where one person - if it's the right person - changes us all." He looked at Gabriella and something meaningful passed between them even as Sharpay nudged the girl knowingly.
"East High is having friends that we'll keep for the rest of our lives. And I guess that means we really are 'all in this together,'" he smiled at Kelsi as the choir sang the slower version from Senior Year behind him. "Because once a Wildcat…always a Wildcat." Chad nodded in agreement, and Troy lifted his hand up in triumph as everyone stood and cheered around him.
"Thank you!" He turned around and accepted his diploma from Mr. Matsui, moving his tassel over as he grinned widely. He turned around and hugged Ms. Darbus, and she even gave him a high five as he jumped off the stage and joined his friends in celebration.
The local news had planned a fly over with their helicopter at a specific time, and the seniors rushed to the center of the field where people were shuffled around in order to get it just right. The moment they heard the chopper they all settled down for exactly ten seconds - long enough for the video crew to get a good shot of the Wildcat logo for the evening news. Chaos erupted around them as the entire graduating class grabbed their hats and chucked them into the air.
Kelsi ducked and laughed as she, Ryan, and Sharpay tried to dodge the artillery of graduation caps raining down upon them. Ryan grabbed Kelsi's arm and spun her around as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her soundly.
"Congratulations," he said when he pulled back.
"You too," she smiled at him, then shrieked as he lifted her up and began spinning her around and around. "Stop Ryan! I'm gonna puke!" He was laughing too as he set her down and she hugged him tightly.
"Dizzy?" he laughed, and she slapped him lightly on the arm as she pulled away.
"Daddy's got a limo waiting!" Sharpay called out to them, and Kelsi looked at her boyfriend's sister, then at her friends.
"Come on guys," she grabbed Ryan's hand and joined Sharpay as they hunted through the mass of caps to find their own. Ten minutes later they all had their respective caps and piled into the Evans' limousine. Troy whistled low as he looked around at the plush upholstery and the soda bar.
"This is kickin!" Chad grabbed a Mountain Dew and settled back as the rest got into the limo.
"And," Sharpay said pressing a button, "we have cable!" Horrible pop music blasted from the speakers as MTV came on, and Ryan grabbed the remote quickly and changed it. The next two "music video" channels weren't much better, and he just shut it off as the driver pulled out onto the road.
"I guess we entertain ourselves," he stowed the remote back in the storage bin and handed Kelsi a soda before grabbing his own. "What are everyone's plans for the next few weeks?"
"Mom wants to go on a road trip," Taylor said. "Something about reconnecting with her daughters before I go to Connecticut. So for the first two weeks, I'm gone."
"My dad wants to go to the Grand Canyon," Jason said. "Because apparently we haven't been in two years and it's changed drastically." He rolled his eyes and everyone laughed.
"I am going to do nothing," Chad announced. "For one whole week I am not leaving my room."
"Eew," Sharpay shook her head, and Chad scoffed.
"Hey, I'll shower!" he protested.
"I gotta help Dad reroute plays and pick a new captain," Troy announced. "But I should be relatively free."
"Who are you thinking about?" Chad asked eagerly. "Rocketman?"
"What, no? He's a sophomore! I was thinking Greg." Chad nodded in agreement. The junior had been an outstanding playmaker and an excellent point guard in the past year. He even filled in for Troy a few times when the captain needed a break, and his command of the first string team was amazing.
"Yeah, that's what I was thinking," Chad agreed. "So now that that's settled, who's ready for a movie marathon?"
"How about a game?" Gabriella offered. "Boys against girls."
"Basketball? You've got to be kidding Gab," Zeke shook his head.
"What, you don't think we can whip you?" she shot back.
"No, I don't," he answered honestly.
"Fine then," Taylor said. "Five on five."
"Whoa, leave me out," Ryan held up his hands. "I don't play basketball."
"And I don't dance," Chad retorted, and they all jeered.
"Come on, Ry," Kelsi shouldered him gently. "It's no fun if we don't all play." She looked at him pleadingly, and he groaned.
"That is so not fair," he sighed, and everyone cheered.
"Score one for the girlfriends," Taylor high-fived Kelsi across the seat as they pulled into the Evans estate. The ten graduates piled out and raced around the house to the back as music blasted from large speakers.
"I have to go change," Ryan said, looking down at his attire.
"Me too," Sharpay echoed, and the twins disappeared into the house as everyone else dove into the large buffet.
"If they're not out in five minutes, you're going in after them Kelsi," Chad pointed at the girl.
"Why me?" They all just gave her a look, and she sighed. "Fine." Ten minutes passed, and Kelsi was shoved through the back door by no less than three people. She waved at Mr. and Mrs. Evans as she passed through the parlor and up the stairs to the second level.
"Ryan?" she knocked on his door and he opened it seconds later dressed in shorts and a t-shirt.
"Hey Kelsi," he looked a little nervous. She caught a glimpse of something in his hands as he steered her down the hall toward their media room, but she couldn't get a good look.
"What is that?" she asked, gesturing to his hand, and he sighed heavily.
"It's the tape…from your dad. Dad gave it to me when I came in. I didn't know if I should give it to you now or wait, but I guess you solved my problem."
Ryan handed Kelsi the tape and tried to ignore how her normally rock-steady hands shook with the emotion coursing through her. This was a private message from her father and she deserved to view it alone. But Ryan knew that if she even hinted that she wanted him there his resolve would waver, so he just smiled at her, squeezed her hand, and exited the room before she could protest.
Kelsi stood there a moment in the Evans' media room staring down at the tape in her hands. She was torn between wanting so badly to hear her father's voice again and not wanting to tear open the wounds she had healed. Her curiosity won out in the end and she popped the tape in the VCR, thankful that some old musicals had not yet made it to DVD, making the near relic a necessity. She settled down on the couch as the video played.
The date stamp was her birth date and, sure enough, when the hand held camera stopped shaking and spinning, she saw the hospital where she was born and a much younger Daniel Nielsen smiling into the camera as he tried to walk down the hall and videotape himself at the same time.
"We're here. This is it! My little girl's on the way," he looked up as he walked down the hallway. "I hope she looks like her mother." The door opened and a very tired-looking woman Kelsi had only seen in pictures lay in the bed with a very swollen belly.
"Danny, honey, put the camera away," she scolded lightly, and Kelsi's breath caught in her throat as she heard her mother's voice for the first time.
"I'm capturing every moment, Lizzie. How is everything going in here? Is it almost time?"
"Yes, the - ah!" she screamed out as another contraction hit her and the camera was switched off quickly. The scene jumped to a room with a lot of bustling people and a sweat-drenched Lizzie bearing down on another contraction. The camera swiveled sickeningly from Lizzie to the doctor, who pulled a writhing, screaming baby up and slapped it a few times. Newborn cries filled the room and Kelsi tried to overlook the absolutely grossness of the situation to realize she'd just witnessed her own birth.
"She's beautiful," her father said in a reverent tone, and Kelsi felt the tears in her eyes. The screen went black for a few seconds and when it was on again her father was sitting in a chair next to a hospital bassinet looking torn between sorrow and joy. Faint music came from the tape player at his side, and Kelsi recognize the soft classical tune.
"Hey Kelsi. This is Dad. Wow, that's still so…odd to say. You won't be seeing this for eighteen more years, but I just wanted to tell you right now how much your mother and I love you. I'm sorry…" Kelsi watched as the man she'd come to think was infallible broke apart. "Your mom…I'm sorry she won't be here to watch you grow up. But I promise you I'll do the best I can by you.
"You look so much like her. And already you have her love for music. This cassette player here is the only thing between silence and my sanity. You wouldn't even calm down until the doc brought it in and turned it on, then you were out like a light. Must have been all that Mozart your mother made you listen to for the last nine months." He paused and ran a hand over his face and looked down at the sleeping bundle wrapped in pink.
"You look like an angel, baby. You're only a day old but you have me wrapped around your finger. I love you baby girl." He reached out and switched the camera off, and Kelsi had only a moment to compose herself before it switched back on again. The date stamp told her it was a year later.
"Your first birthday," her father's voice said as the camera maneuvered through a small group of people to reveal a child sitting in a high chair covered in birthday cake. "This is the aftermath of allowing you to cut the cake. It's gonna take me an hour to clean this - and you - up, but the smile on your face was worth it. Oh, and remind me to thank Papa for that toy piano. I'm sure I'll be hearing a lot of that in months to come." Kelsi laughed as the camera focused on a few people wishing her a happy birthday. Some, like her father's parents, she knew and others she didn't recognize. One in particular made her heart freeze, and she guessed from the striking resemblance that it was her mom's mother. She'd never met her maternal grandmother (that she could remember) - the woman had passed away not long after this video had been taken.
The scene jumped again, and once more her father was sitting in front of the camera in his room five years later. "I found the camera. Apparently it had been stashed in a box labeled 'Miscellaneous' during the move. But we're here. Albuquerque, New Mexico. The job here is amazing and all the people are great. And you seem to like your new school, though we did have a few minor problems today. I cannot believe you dumped your mac and cheese on little Chad Danforth. I know this move has been hard on you, but you'll settle in soon." He chuckled a little to himself as he recalled the day's events.
"This might be the first time I've really had to punish you. At the moment you're sitting in your new room pouting. I took away your little keyboard and you just about threw a fit. I'm going to tell you a secret that you won't be able to use against me when you see this, but when you flash that crooked little smile at me, I almost cannot say no. I try to stay firm, I really do, but you just look so much like your mother…you're growing up so fast, Kelsi. I hope you know how much I love you, baby girl." He kissed his fingers then pressed them against the lens before reaching around to shut the camera off.
Another jump and it was Kelsi's eighth birthday. Someone else was behind the camera as Daniel Nielsen lugged a large present over to where his daughter waited patiently. As soon as he set it down she tore into it and shrieked.
"Thank you Daddy!" she leapt up and hugged the man before ripping open the box to her very own keyboard. It wasn't big or fancy, but it wasn't her dinky Casio keyboard and that's all that mattered to the girl. The group gathered was much smaller than the one at her first birthday, though Kelsi recognized some of her father's co-workers from The Journal. By this time, her father's dad had passed, and only her paternal grandmother was there, sitting on the couch behind the girl.
"Art and music run in the family dear heart," she was saying. "And so my present to you is along those lines. One free year of ballet lessons! Every little girl wants to be a ballerina!" Kelsi watched as her younger self pulled off an enthusiastic thank you that would have made Katharine Hepburn proud.
"Hey Dan," the person holding the camera said. "The batteries are -" and it cut off.
"I am in trouble," her father said when the camera came on again. Kelsi checked the date and smiled as she remembered her first few days of junior high. "Who knew one hat could cause so much drama? But you seem to have worked things out. What I'm worried about now is this…boy. I knew this day was coming when you turned 12 and graduated sixth grade…but I didn't realize how much panic would set in. I haven't met 'Ryan' yet, but I'm sure I will. His sister sounds like quite a prize, but take the bad with the good, eh baby girl? I never thought you'd find someone as into all that musical-Broadway-theater thing as you are, but apparently I was wrong." Daniel took a breath before staring straight into the camera.
"Rule one: no boys allowed in your room. Rule two: no dates until your sixteen. Rule three: no kissing. Rule four: He must be a boy scout. Rule five: no kissing. Period, end of story. Oh, you're home from school, gotta go. Love you!" The camera was switched off quickly and Kelsi had only seconds before it was on again, this time showing her father just as she remembered, and the date said it was mid-summer last year.
"Remind me never to get on your bad side. You stormed in today ranting and raving about Sharpay and how horrible she was. Three cookies and a glass of milk later, I understood why. Making you change one of your perfect songs? And I can't believe she'd do that to her own brother, just cut him out like that. Sadly, some people are more concerned with their selfish needs than the feelings of others, and I thank God everyday that you possess a heart of gold.
"Unfortunately, this just confirms my fatherly fears. You like Ryan - why else would get so mad on his behalf? Hey, you're seventeen now, it's perfectly normal for you to be 'into' guys, and I suppose you could have picked a worse one…but it still doesn't make me feel any better." Kelsi smiled at her father's words.
"Someday some young boy is going to come and ask me for your hand. But I'm not gonna say yes unless I know he's going to take care of you, cherish you for the gift you are. He'll tell me he's in love, but between you and me, baby girl, he won't be good enough. I love you more than you'll ever know, and I'll always be here for you." Once again he kissed his hand and touched the lens, and Kelsi had tears running down her face as the screen cut away. At first, her father's room looked empty, but Daniel moved from behind the camera and sat down on his bed.
"Well, this is it. Probably the last recording. It's the first day of your senior year, and I've never seen you more excited. You've grown into a beautiful, intelligent, capable young woman, and I couldn't be more proud of you than I am now. I know you've already written out your application and letter to Juilliard, and I really do think you should send it. They would be lucky to have such a talented young person like yourself in their halls. But maybe I'm just biased. I'm so happy you've found a group of friends willing to support your endeavors and be there for you no matter what. Friends like that are rare, and you should cherish them, no matter the distance between you. Senior year is bittersweet, I know, and as you watch this you've already graduated and are probably getting ready to say goodbye to a few of them. But goodbyes aren't always forever. Remember that, baby girl. And know that I'll always love you. And when you're a successful Broadway composer, come and visit your poor old man every now and then, will you?" This time he leaned in and kissed the screen just before it went blank and the tape stopped. Kelsi sat in the dark room crying as she soaked in her father's messages. Even after he was gone he knew exactly what to say to her. Minutes later, there was a soft rapping on the door and Ryan stuck his head in.
"Everything okay?" he asked softly. Kelsi wiped her eyes and sniffed once as she nodded. He stepped into the room fully and shut the door behind him before walking to the couch and sitting beside her. She wasted no time falling into his outstretched arms and burying her head in his chest as she cried again. His arms came around her and he held on as she let it out, and when she composed herself and pulled away he staved off her apology with a handkerchief and a smile.
"Come on," he said, "this is supposed to be a happy day. Your dad wouldn't want you crying. Besides," he said, pulling her to her feet, "you got me into this whole 'basketball' thing, so you're not copping out now." She laughed and wiped her eyes, hugging Ryan briefly before grabbing his hand and dragging him downstairs.
And there it is. We're finished. Well, with this one anyway. On to the sequel! So what's it gonna be? Wait a while for a post a day or get it in sporadic spurts immediately. Again, the power is yours. I think this took me so long because I'm sad to see it end. This is probably one of my favorite stories of mine, definitely the most emotional. I hope you guys have enjoyed it as much as I have - though from the look of the review pages I'd say that was a safe bet...TTFN.