The show was almost wrapped up; the dramadies had just finished their skit, and it was Sharpay's turn to sing her big solo. She was not used to singing by herself onstage, and Ryan had a hard time getting her to calm down. He cheered her up by doing their old warm-up, making her laugh at how ridiculous he looked. But once faced with the empty stage again, she once more tried to back out. Ryan was having very little success in shoving her out there when Troy came running up.
"You need to see this!" He shouted, and dragging the protesting Sharpay, while the curious Gabbi dragged Ryan, over to a break in the side-curtain.
"Troy, what is it?" She grumbled, peering out into the audience. "Is it some old schoolmate or something?" Troy tried hard not to laugh, but managed to get out,
"Just wait till you see! Look in the back row, 4 seats from the right. Recognize them?" Sharpay, Ryan, and Gabbi peered out into the audience.
"What am I supposed to…" Sharpay began, than gasped loudly. "Ryan, Ryan!! Do you see them?!" Sharpay pointed to the couple sitting awkwardly in the foremost row. "It's Mom and Dad!!!! Ryan, they came! THEY CAME!!!" Ryan's face split into a gigantic grin, and laughing uncontrollably, he hugged his sister.
"I don't believe it!" He said, unable to breathe, staring out in wild joy at his parents. "They actually came!" Ryan grabbed his sister's arm. "Shar, you have to go out there and sing now! Mom and Dad are out there, waiting to hear you sing! Go, go!" With that, Ryan shoved her out on the stage, and the music began. Sharpay swallowed hard, and then looked nervously off the stage. Ryan, Gabbi, and Troy gave her the thumbs up, miming cheering. She looked at the back of the theatre, and saw Justin, Chad, Taylor, and Kelsey clapping for her, giving her encouraging smiles. However, Sharpay got her most assurance from the back row of seats, four seats from the right, at the mildly interested, middle-aged pair.
"Tale as old as time, true as it can be" she began, gaining confidence as she sang. The lights glistened on her sparkling berets, and Sharpay looked and sounded like a glistening star as Beauty and the Beast soared across the audience. Troy and Ryan stared on admiringly from backstage.
"God," Ryan said quietly, "Sharpay has never looked or sounded more amazing"
"You're telling me!" Troy responded, just as softly, not looking at Ryan when he turned towards him. Ryan stared anew at the jock. He smiled when he saw the affection in Troy's eyes, aimed towards Ryan's sister. Smiling to himself, Ryan looked out at his sister, who was closing her eyes in concentration as she hit every note perfectly. When the song ended, the room became swallowed with cheers and applause. To Sharpay's unending happiness, she saw her parents among those standing. Beaming, she scurried offstage into the arms of many different people, all telling her how amazing she had been. She just blushed modestly, for once, and leaned up against Troy.
Gabbi ran off, before returning with Ryan's guitar and a stool. He thanked her, kissed her cheek (making both Gabbi and Sharpay giggle), took a deep breath to ease the mammoth butterflies in his stomach, and then walked out on stage, underneath the blinding lights.
"I know that, in your programs, it doesn't say what I am going to sing," Ryan began, shifting awkwardly in their stare, "and it doesn't mention that I was going to play guitar." He cleared his throat. "Well, I thought that an acoustic guitar would do this song the most justice. And I…err…would like to..well…sort of dedicate this song to a very important guy in my life; the man who built this Country Club" Smiling in the general direction of where his father sat, Ryan pulled out his guitar pick, positioned his fingers, and started to play.
My
child arrived just the other day
He came to the world in the usual
way
But there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He learned
to walk while I was away
And he was talkin' 'fore I knew it, and
as he grew
He'd say "I'm gonna be like you dad
You know
I'm gonna be like you"
And the cat's in the cradle and
the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When
you comin' home dad?
I don't know when, but we'll get together
then son
You know we'll have a good time then
My son turned
ten just the other day
He said, "Thanks for the ball, Dad,
come on let's play
Can you teach me to throw", I said "Not
today
I got a lot to do", he said, "That's ok"
And
he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And said, "I'm
gonna be like him, yeah
You know I'm gonna be like him"
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then
Well, he came home from college just the other day
So much like a man I just had to say
"Son, I'm proud of you, can you sit for a while?"
He shook his head and said with a smile
"What I'd really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See you later, can I have them please?"
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then
I've long since retired, my son's moved away
I called him up just the other day
I said, "I'd like to see you if you don't mind"
He said, "I'd love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You see my new job's a hassle and kids have the flu
But it's sure nice talking to you, Dad
It's been sure nice talking to you"
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He'd grown up just like me
My boy was just like me
And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
When you comin' home son?
I don't know when, but we'll get together then son
You know we'll have a good time then
By the time the mournful tune finally drew to an end, there was not a dry eye in the house. And it was only when Ryan stood up and picked up his stool did the audience remember to clap. The blonde singer gave the audience a small smile and a nod before he walked offstage. Sharpay, remembering she was the announcer, quickly dried her eyes and hurried out onstage. She began to thank the audience, and wish them all a good night, when the Ryan and Troy came out from behind her with a surprised Gabbi, and awarded them both flowers. The two girls giggled, hugged their boyfriends. The four planners wished everyone a happy new year, and dismissed the audience.
The talent group rendezvoused backstage; excited at the success, but at the same time sad how it was all over. Sharpay and Ryan bid Troy and Gabbi "goodnight", and headed across the parking lot, planning to take the community bus home.
But suddenly, Sharpay stopped, and pointed out to Ryan that their parents' car was still there! The twins walked over in surprise to the Cadillac, and asked their parents why they were still there.
"We just thought that we should take you home," Mrs. Evans said briskly, refusing to look at them, "and to make sure that you locked up the place properly." After briefly glancing at each other, the twins slipped quietly into the back of the car. After riding silently for the first half of the ride, Mr. Evans gruffly remarked,
"It was a good show." Mrs. Evans nodded in agreement. Ryan's head jerked up, as if his father had just made an outrageous statement. "Good job you two. We're….ah…very proud of you both"
Both. Ryan played the words over and over in his mind. His father had said he was proud of both the twins! That meant him too! Ryan Evans!
Sharpay smiled happily as she watched her brother hold this small jubilation in his brain. It was evident all across his beaming face. He glanced at his sister, who smiled warmly and understanding back. At last, that melting smile broke out across his face, as Ryan leaned back in his seat, happy to be where he was.
Although no person exchanged words for the rest of the car trip, both twins believed it to be the best conversation they had ever had with their parents.
