Hi darlings!! Here's the update! Didn't take long, did it? However, I'm not totally pleased. I was planning of updating on Thursday's afternoon but now… well, let's say I won't be able to do so.
As always, thanks to my lovely reviewers: krfan, anothersmallperson, digigirl02, Dramione x3, iIce, jenpen1027 and KiNoMoTo18.
HSM belongs to Disney.
Chapter 53.
Emotions at the surface.
Ryan sat over his sister's bed, watching her walking around the room, while she rambled about how much she hated Gabby. He sighed. Since he was really emphatic with his twin, he did understand she was upset. However, after a whole day of complaining…
"Shar, chill. We don't want to spend summer in court room because you happened to kill a classmate"
"Hush, Ryan. I'm not in the mood"
He ran his fingers through his hair, exasperated. Such a long day was waiting for him…! She needs to get over it… seriously.
"Am I boring you?"
He looked at her, startled. She was, but it wouldn't be nice to tell her so. And he really cared for her, so he thought it was (almost) his obligation to listen to her incoherent ramble. "Of course not, sis"
"Yes, I am" she argued and plopped on the bed, next to him "I'm sorry Ry. This is not how it was supposed to work out. Argh, I had this brilliant plan and then Ms. Goody shows up and it just gets burned down to ashes!"
"Which plan?"
She froze. She had given too much away. Think of something; think of something, he doesn't need to know! "I… well, you know, I meant…" a soft knock on the door save her from answering. She immediately stood up and rushed to the door, opening it. A second later, she regretted it.
The person standing at the threshold was the one she would have expected the less. And also the person she didn't want to talk to right then "Is there something wrong, Kelsi dear?"
"I need to ask you something, Sharpay"
"And what would that be?" the blond asked, leaning against the wall, crossing her arms over her chest, assuming (involuntarily) a defensive position.
"I think I'll better leave" Ryan stated, from behind her "I'll be at the pool if you need me, sis"
He immediately left, not even acknowledging Kelsi's presence. The brunette seemed hurt, but just bit her lip and kept her eyes fixed on Sharpay. The blond frowned. She was getting a bit tougher; she would give her that much credit. True, she still had a long way to go, but that confirmed her suspicion: Kelsi would make a fine Evans.
And Sharpay would make sure of that.
Now he was at the pool, 'working on his tan', looking around, feeling bored. Lava Springs wasn't as fun as he remembered. Actually, he would much rather not remember. Because every time a memory came to his mind, his heart ached.
How many days and nights had he spent there with Kelsi? Not as much as he would have wanted, but many, he would say. When they were together, he always thought they spent too little time together. Now he realized they didn't. Basically, every vacation since they had met, they had spent almost every minute together…
No sense of thinking of the good old days, but he couldn't help it. Everywhere he went seemed to remind him of her. Every single spot in Lava Springs seemed to be full of memories, promises or just feelings. Certain sights, a certain smell, a certain song… all of those were bittersweet memories.
He wondered what was she discussing with his sister. Something to do with the summer jobs, most likely. Why did she no longer turn to him for help? Or support? Did she disliked him that much, enough to get her to beg to his sister but not to ask for his assistance?
While he thought about that, he had been staring at the life guard's chair. Gabby was sitting there, playing absent-mindly with her hair, while she smiled and giggled at random moments. She was thinking of Troy, without a doubt. Ryan sighed. He guessed he and Kelsi had been like that once…
The girl stood up and flipped her hair back, while she stretched her muscles. She had been there for two hours already and being a life guard could be boring. Especially since most of the club members were very good swimmers.
Ryan gazed at her, with interest. He had always thought she was a pretty girl. Not as gorgeous as his Kelsi, but beautiful nonetheless. Now he also noticed she had a very curvy figure that gave her a nice sleek silhouette. He knew Troy would kill him if he ever found out what he had thought, but what the jock didn't know, wouldn't hurt him, right?
And following that line of thought… Well, what was the point of being a Casanova if he couldn't show off his abilities? He smirked. This could be fun.
He wolf-whistled to gain the braniac's attention. Gabriella looked around, startled by the sound and blushing madly. Ryan laughed and waved at her; after spotting him, she waved back (but her blush didn't disappear) He gestured her to come near him and after looking around nervously, she got off her chair and approached him.
"Hey Ryan" she greeted, standing now in front of him. She looked around once more "You could get me in big trouble, you know?"
"Who do you think you're talking to?" he asked, with a bit cheeky smile "come on, sit next to me"
She giggled while rolling her eyes but sat next to him anyway "Taylor's right" she said, after a couple of seconds in silence.
"About?"
"You're a real Casanova" he laughed and she giggled harder.
"Maybe I am" he conceded, with a mischievous smirk "but I don't think that'll work with you, will it?"
"And why would that be?" was she flirting back? Ryan couldn't believe it. Maybe she just liked messing with guys' heads. After all, she had never tried to stop his flirting at the beginning of the year…
"Troy would kill me" he stated, his grin never fading. Gabriella laughed harder.
"I didn't know you were the kind of guy who could be intimidated, Ryan" she replied, with a cocky grin.
"You're such a tease, Gabriella Montez!"
"I'm not. It's just that you bring out the worst of me!" she joked "I mean; normally, I blush like crazy when a boy compliments me but with you… you just bring to the surface my flirtatious nature!"
"I'll take that as a compliment" he said, while calmly and softly running his fingers across Gabriella's arm.
"You should"
Sharpay walked down the hall, softly biting her bottom lip. She hadn't expected Kelsi to actually ask for some… mercy. She wasn't being that ruthless, was she? Well, maybe…
Are you actually taking in consideration what she said? When the hell did you become a softie?
Stupid voice in her head. Where the heck was here conscience when she needed it? Years ago it had nagged her like crazy about doing the right thing and now, when she was actually need some help to see the wrongness of her actions, it just wouldn't show up!
"Kitten!" she stopped, after hearing her mother calling. Most of the times, the older woman addressed to her as 'Shar', but when she was in a particular good mood…
"Yes, mom" she turned on her heels, a fake smile plastered on her face. She knew her mother could see through her act but hoped she would let her be.
"Is something wrong?" no, no such luck. She internally groaned. Why couldn't things work the way she wanted them to?
"Nothing; everything's fine"
Derby frowned and held Sharpay's chin. The girl tried to break free, yet her mother's grip was steady. So she closed her eyes instead "Kitten… tell me what's wrong, please?"
"Why should you care?" she was angry and her mother was the last person she wanted to share her problems with. After all, half of this mess was her fault.
"I won't allow you to speak to me that way, young lady!"
"When is dad coming home?"
"Shar…"
"I'm serious, mother. I apologize for being so rude but I refuse to talk about my worries with you"
"Oh darling, I'm sorry for…" Mrs. Evans said, hugging her daughter. Sharpay closed her eyes, fighting back tears. She should have told her mother about her brilliant plan; it wasn't the woman's fault that she was having problems now. However…
"I'm perfectly fine, mother. Seriously. I just want to find Ryan"
Derby frowned but after taking a good look into her oldest child, she nodded her head. She did understand that Sharpay would much rather talk to Ryan that with her; they had a very special connection, after all. Nevertheless, it hurt "Okay, I understand. Listen; perhaps you could join me tomorrow for a day in the spa?"
Sharpay nodded "That would be great"
She was already dealing with many mixed emotions when she found Ryan and after that, she had to add a new feeling to the mix. She groaned in frustration, before calling for him at the top of her lungs "RYAN!"
The boy turned around, with a silly grin still on his face. Sharpay glared. Why was he flirting to Montez? Didn't he understand that she hated Gabriella? Okay, that was it! That woman had it coming!
Still, she hoped her brother wasn't thinking about 'switching sides'. She would hate to have to 'crush' her twin too.
"Ops" he whispered, after seeing his sister "Shar is so gonna kill me"
"Afraid of the wicked witch of the west?"
Oh, so she had some sense of humor. Interesting "Actually, she's the big bad dragon" he smiled and pecked Gabriella's cheek "See you around, honey"
Honey?! The braniac stared at his retreating figure, while she placed her palm against the cheek where he had kissed her. Okay, that was weird…
And why the heck are my cheeks burning?
"I can't believe you!" everyone in the reception turned their attention to the young 'couple' arguing. The guest stared at them curiously while the employees were trying to contain their laughter. Whenever the Evans' heirs were having a discussion, Sharpay looked like a terrorizing dictator while Ryan looked like a lost puppy. And the discussion would always end the same way.
"I'm sorry Shar"
"You're sorry? YOU'RE SORRY?! Sorry is not quite enough! Of all the women in the world you had to pick her! My most hated enemy! My nemesis! My…!"
"Okay, that's over the top, sis. Gabby is…"
"Oh, calling her by her short name, are you? How dare you Ryan Evans?! Not only mother backstabs me but you too! Of all the people that…!"
"Shar, I'm not…"
"How could you? How could you?! After all I've done for you…" she started sobbing and the boy rolled his eyes. He knew she was fake-crying, but the knowledge didn't make him felt less guilty.
"I'm sorry Shar, I really am" he hugged her "please don't cry…"
"Sorry doesn't make everything better" the girl argued, whipping her tears.
"Okay then; how can I make it up to you?"
Sharpay smirked. Ryan gulped. He knew that look… stupid conscience, always getting him in trouble! "Meet me here in an hour, dearest. I have a new plan I want to put into action"
Ryan sighed. He was gonna regret this…
After terrorizing random people, Sharpay found out were Troy and Gabriella were having lunch today. It wasn't easy, yet she was convinced it was worth it. Following them around wouldn't be too much fun but as the saying goes: keep your friends close…
And your enemies closer.
They were sitting on the top of a tower-shaped construction that was in the middle of the golf's court. Ryan didn't quite understand what Sharpay had in mind, but decided to keep his mouth shut. The girl started pacing over the place; obviously worried about something. However, he kept silent.
"Here they come…" from that distance, Ryan could only see two people approaching. One was a female and the other a male. It didn't took him long to figure out that the ones moving toward them were Gabby and Troy.
"Shar…"
"Hush, Ryan" the older twin exclaimed, sitting next to him, pressing her binoculars against her eyes "I can't understand what they're saying"
"You can't read lips, sis"
"Maybe I can't" she smiled mischievously at him and he rolled his eyes. Oh no, she really wasn't… "But you can"
He let out a frustrated groan before taking the other binoculars "Remember me to never promise to help you again"
She just giggled.
"And she's saying 'I wanna remember this summer Troy…"
Sharpay groaned. "They can't be that pathetic"
"Apparently, they are" Ryan gave the binoculars back to her "Did you seriously believe that you were going to achieve something by spying them?"
"Hmph" she took out of her bag a walkie-talkie. Her brother rolled his eyes "Fulton, I was in the golf's court today. It seemed… bone-dry. Could you tell maintenance to give it a little extra-splash?"
She looked at her brother and offered him a satisfied smirk. However, Ryan was no longer paying attention to her. He seemed to be thinking about something while he looked at the 'happy couple' just a few yards away from them.
Oh-oh. I think I've miscalculated something…
The golf's court was a lovely place for a picnic. And for being incredibly corny. After all, that was where he and Kelsi had proclaimed their undying love for each other and were they had had eaten breakfast on their first anniversary. Ryan found interesting and funny that, by some odd reason, Troy had chosen the exact same place for his picnic with Gabriella.
He sighed. As he watched the couple laugh and play, he thought they were genuinely blissful. He and Kelsi had been like that once too. There was a time when nothing seemed to be able to break them apart; when the idea of being without each other seemed like madness. They had been so in love and to think that they let something as insignificant as routine get in between…
He had been a proud fool for letting her go; just like that, without even a fight. They should have tried to fix up their mistakes and make everything work again. What had they been thinking, throwing away true love? Love isn't something that happens everyday. How could he be so blind and stupid to not realize it sooner? Sooner, when there was still a chance…
Sharpay's voice interrupted his thoughts "Keep an eye on them tomorrow and keep me posted" He stared at her, unable to focus; too many thoughts still going on inside his head. However, he did notice that his twin seemed quite pleased with herself.
"Why are you smiling?" he asked, confused by the female's behavior.
"No worries, Ryan. This is our turf, remember?" she smirked, before walking away. Ryan didn't like her tone. It seemed so… evil. Wicked, even.
He hoped it was just his imagination.
Later that day, Ryan was back to the pool, looking around; bored. Once again, he spotted Gabriella, but instead of gesturing her to come, he walked towards her. "Hello again, hon. Why the long face?"
She did look down. However, as soon as she heard him, her face lighted up and she chuckled "Nice to see you're back, Mr. Casanova"
He laughed "You haven't answered my question"
"Oh, that…" she sighed, running her fingers through her hair "Well, Troy and I were having a picnic at the golf's court and… well, let's say that Mr. Fulton didn't appreciate that"
"You should be careful, Gabby. My sister won't miss a chance to get you fired"
"I know… it's just… well; how do you decline a romantic picnic?"
Ryan smiled "I guess you don't" He leaned against her chair and yawned "So… You and Troy seem like a really happy couple"
"We are" she responded, shrugging.
"Yeah… would you say you're in love?" Gabriella frowned and looked around; avoiding eye-contact with the boy "I'm sorry, it's none of my business, really…"
"No, no, it's not that" she whispered, shaking her head lightly "it's just… Love is a big word, Ryan. You don't go around saying it carelessly. Well, perhaps you do; but the rest of us…"
"You do have a bad mental-image of me" he replied, light-heartedly "Just for future references, I don't tell every girl I date that I love her" he winked "just very special ones"
"Oh, so, how many girls had been worthy enough of Ryan Evans' love?" Gabriella asked jokingly, arching her eyebrows.
"Just one, actually" he answered, biting his lip "she was the love of my life, I must add"
She stared at him, curiously "You know, Ryan? I think I would like to get to know you better"
"Do you want Troy to kill me?"
She giggled madly "I mean as a friend. I'm under the impression that, without your sister's pressure and without this whole 'status quo'-thing going on, you're a very nice guy"
He smiled sincerely "That would be nice. See you tomorrow, then?"
"I look forward it"
What was he thinking? Which was the big plan behind his recent behavior? Why did he want to befriend Gabriella Montez? Or was he actually trying to seduce her? No, that's not it he thought to himself, while pacing around his room. But then, what…?
Maybe he just wanted a friend. Most of the time, he would trust Sharpay with his problems, but perhaps now he was in the need of someone more… objective. Perhaps it was time to share his love-problems with someone who wasn't his sister…
But, why Gabriella? She was nice and sweet, yet…
She and Sharpay are very alike. That's why you feel like you can trust her.
That wasn't completely accurate. Gabby was compassionate and caring with everyone, while Sharpay only was like that with him. And Kelsi, before they break up. But that was beside the point.
Well, whatever the reason, being friends with Gabriella might help him to get closer to the rest of his schoolmates. And perhaps, if he was lucky enough…
He might be able to reconstruct his friendship with Kelsi.
Kelsi, Taylor and Martha had arrived early that morning. Gabby was coming later, because Troy was picking her up. So, while the braniacs went into the kitchen to get some breakfast and chat with the boys, Kelsi made her way to the music room.
She walked around the room, with long and calm steps. Of all the places in Lava Springs, that room held the most hurtful memories. Every time she entered it, she felt this sudden urge to run away and never look back. So, to repress the feeling, she paced while humming to herself.
That always seemed to sooth her. She opened the room's curtains and sun-light filled the room; the warmness of it made the place more comfortable and welcoming. She smiled, before resting her head against one of the windows. Such a lovely summer morning…
Her conversation with Sharpay hadn't gone too well. Perhaps the blond would go easy on them for a while, but given the chance, she wouldn't hesitate to crush them. And the brunette knew that the chance will present itself at some point…
She sat at the piano's bench and sighed. No sense in worrying herself of the endless possibilities. Right now, she had other things going inside her head. Namely, the Lava Springs' summer show.
She was hoping to convince Gabriella to make the show. Once the braniac was convinced, talk the rest of the Wildcats into it would be a piece of cake.
Her mayor problem was that she hadn't picked up a song. Well, she had written one, yet…
"It's like I knew you before we met / Can't explain it / There's no name for it / I'm saying words I never said/ And it was easy/ Because you see the real me/ as I am" She wondered what did the guys think that inspired her. They were most likely to believe she just liked writing corny stuff. Which was true, but there was also another factor…
The Ryan Evans factor. "You understand/ And that's more than I've ever known/ To hear your voice /Above the noise /And no, I'm not alone/ Oh you're singing to me" How could he still affect her so badly? They had broken up almost a year ago and there she was, writing a new song for him. Or rather, writing a song in his memory. In the memory of their happy days.
"When I hear my favorite song/I know that we belong /You are the music in me
It's living in all of us/ And it's brought us here because/ You are the music in me" she bit down her lip. Of course he was. He had always been and will never stop being; whenever she composed, she would always think of him to inspire herself. Because every freaking time she thought of Ryan, of his arms around her, of his lips over hers, of the way he petted her hair, of his kind and encouraging words, of his LOVE…
Inspiration would always come. And that was a fact of life. And it sucked.
She allowed herself to cry for a whole minute. After that, she whipped her tears and put the biggest smile possible in her face. Any moment now, Troy and Gabriella would walk into the kitchen and she needed to make sure she was ready to 'sell them' her idea. She looked at the clock in the wall and took a deep breath.
Here goes nothing…
"Na na na na. Na na na na. Yeah. You are the music in me" as she predicted, East High's Golden Couple walked through the door; Troy's arm casually around Gabriella's shoulder and both smiling like there was no tomorrow.
"Sounding good, Kels!" the other girl exclaimed enthusiastically and the brunette tried to repress a smirk. Things were working exactly as she expected… I think Sharpay's scheming nature is rubbing on me!
She laughed good-naturedly "Thanks. Actually, I gotta get ready for the lady's luncheon. It won't be exactly rocking out…" she smiled while Gabriella chuckled lightly "You know, I'm so excited about the club's talent show; I mean, employees get to make a number and I have ideas for everyone" She was bluffing, granted, but hey, a good saleswoman knows how to improvise! "You guys will sing the lead, maybe Zeke and Chad do backup and everyone could dance…"
"Big time!" Troy interrupted "Ah… my singing career, began and ended with the East High's winter musical. I'm just here to make a check and sneak in the pool after work and that's really it" oh no, he was walking away! Time to appeal to Gabriella's mother-instinct!
"Oh" she looked down; making use of every single acting technique Sharpay had ever taught her. As long as they stayed in the room, she would still have a chance.
"What was that you were playing a minute ago?" Way to go, Gabby! She knew the braniac wouldn't let her down!
"Oh, it's nothing, it's nothing" Play nonchalant, play nonchalant!
"What's this?" Yes, exactly where I wanted her! Dear, I can't believe I'm getting this good in manipulating people!
Dear, I can't believe you're turning into Sharpay! Her conscience protested, but the composer ignored it. It was for a good cause, after all!
"I was thinking, if you'd show that I wanted to be ready and I wrote this for you guys" how could they resist? Honestly, she was giving them her best puppy eyes! Still, Troy was trying to escape… but if she convinced Gabriella, there was no way Troy wouldn't do it.
He was so seriously whipped.
"Come on. Go" Gabby instructed her, with a kind smile. Kelsi knew she was a minute away from getting the full braniac's support and all she needed to do was…
"Na na na na/ Na na na na/ Yeah/ You are the music in me"
Piece of cake, indeed!
What Kelsi didn't know was that someone else was listening to their singing. It hadn't been Ryan's intention to follow his sister's instructions but after the sleepless night he had spent, he figured it would be better to be in his twin's good side. So, for now, he would forget about this crazy idea of befriending Gabriella and stick to Sharpay's wishes.
He grabbed the walkie-talkie his sister had given him and hesitated for a second. Should he…? "Golden throat this is Jazz square. We may have trouble"
"Was that your brother?"
"Yeah"
"Did you send him to spy on your chumps?"
"They aren't my chumps" the younger female rolled her eyes while she relaxed against her chair's back "And yes, you could say so..."
"Shar..."
"Mom, trust me this once, okay? I have a brilliant plan. Thanks to you it's a bit messed up, but..."
"What did I do?" the older protested, sitting up and taking the cucumber's slices off her eyes "And that's not the proper way to address to me, young miss"
"Sorry" the other whispered "I had this big plan, you know? To get Ryan and Kelsi back together. Troy was a mere distraction but with all of them here... things are rather complicated. And that Montez-girl...!"
Mrs. Evans seemed to be giving a lot of thought to her daughter's words "So, hiring your Kelsi and Troy wasn't just some sort of selfish act that served your own purposes?"
"Mother, you really think I'm evil"
"Not evil; spoiled. And it's your father's fault, I may add" she smiled kindly "I'm sorry for messing up your plan, pumpkin but you really over think things"
"I know... still, trust me in this, okay?"
"Well, I..." just then, Ryan walked in and both women fell silent.
"Am I interrupting something?" the boy asked, with an uncomfortable smile.
His mother and his sister just smirked.
After giving a full inform of the Wildcats activities, Ryan wasn't feeling too enthusiastic. Sharpay was going to stay in the spa until lunch time and the boy found himself with nothing to do. He guessed he could go to the pool and chat with Gabriella, but after what he just did...
It didn't feel right. He really wanted to be friends with her and the rest of the guys; yet, it would turn his whole world upside down. Sharpay was his twin and she had been always with him. Through every up and every down, his sister was by his side. Turning his back to her wouldn't be nice... Of course, someone might say that befriending new people didn't mean he would no longer spend time with Sharpay, but he knew better. Sharpay would never forgive him if she felt backstabbed.
He sighed and decided to go to the music's room instead. Kelsi was supposed to be working on the restaurant, so he should be safe. He made up his mind and headed towards said room.
"Ducky! Where have you been?!"
Ryan wished her mother didn't call him like that in public; especially not in front of his schoolmates. Chad chuckled a bit but immediately got a grip of himself when Mr. Fulton glared at him. Ryan smiled gratefully at the older man and took a seat next to his mother.
"In the music's room" he responded and Mrs. Evans arched her eyebrows, smiling.
"Is that so?" she shared a secretive smile with Sharpay and the girl smiled openly at her brother.
"Nice to see you're on the right path, bro"
"I was alone" he protested "she's working, remember?" his voice dropping to a barely audible whisper.
"Oh, right" said Mrs. Evans, with a somewhat shy smile "we'll maybe we could find a solution for that"
"A solution for wha...?"
"Kelsi dear!" the older woman exclaimed and the pianist turned her attention to her, while blushing madly. The rest of the guests in the restaurant gazed at them curiously.
"Mother, what are you doing?" Ryan hissed and Sharpay couldn't help to chuckle a bit.
"Yes, Mrs. Evans?" Kelsi was now standing next to them, still blushing like crazy.
"Oh, I was just wondering, have you had lunch already?"
"Not really, but the break starts..."
"Wonderful!" the older woman grinned "sit with us!"
Ryan glared at his sister. Somehow, he knew this all was her fault. The girl gave him a smug grin, before turning her attention to the menu. As if she didn't know it by heart.
Kelsi sat in front of him and keep shifting uncomfortably on her seat. This was going to be such a weird lunch… Well, at least, Ryan thought, things couldn't get more awkward.
"Fulton!" Sharpay called.
"Yes, Ms. Evans"
"Could you please inform Bolton and Danforth that they'll be caddying this afternoon?"
Oh, forget it!
Whatever Sharpay's crazy new plan was, Ryan knew he didn't want to get involved. Especially not now that his father was there and it was just plain obvious Sharpay would get her way no matter what.
So, having Troy and Chad being cadies for his parents, was part of a brilliant scheme. Which was her plan, exactly? He didn't know. But he didn't like it. And it wasn't the fact that Sharpay had a new scheme, but the fact that she had requested those two to be with them in the golf's court. Maybe Chad by himself wouldn't have been that bad but…
It was so obvious Troy was exactly the kind of son that Vance would have like to have. Yes, Ryan knew his father loved him but that didn't change the fact that he would have wanted another type of son. Someone who liked basketball and baseball and football and all that stuff that the older man loved.
As he watched his father talk to Troy, he felt a bit hurt. Mr. Evans was never that fraternal to him and Ryan always believed (or liked to believe) that it was due the man wasn't a very demonstrative but now he saw the truth.
Well, Sharpay would make his father unbelievably happy by giving him such a perfect son-in-law.
"Are you alright, ducky?" Mrs. Evans asked, placing an arm around her son and dragging him near.
"Perfect" he responded sarcastically and when Derby was about the say something, her husband called for her because it was her turn. She sent a concerned glance in her younger child's direction and Ryan smiled kindly. He didn't want to worry his mother...
He sighed. He just couldn't wait for this to be over.
Ryan was walking back to his room by himself. Sharpay was too busy being all over Troy to notice and his parents were talking to each other about some recent business his father had just started or something along those line.
He felt depressed. At some point during the game he had wished for the earth to shallow him but his wish hadn't been granted. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor while he walked, so he didn't notice he was about to run into...
"Ouch!"
"Gabby! I'm so sorry!" he immediately helped her up while blushing madly "I wasn't looking where I was going and..."
"Relax Ryan, I'm fine" she responded, with a smile, while brushing the dust off her clothes. He looked around, embarrassed and Gabriella couldn't help to giggle "You know, I've been waiting for you"
"Huh?"
"You said you would come to talk to me, remember? So we could... bond or something" she laughed nervously "It's okay, really, I do understand you have more important things to do..."
"No, no, it's not that!" he exclaimed "It's just... well... my father arrived today and I've been with my parents and... well, I'm sorry"
"It's really okay…"
"No; umm… let me make it up for you, okay? Tomorrow, maybe?"
Gabriella laughed "Okay. Tomorrow then"
Ryan smiled weakly and walked away. Oh dear Lord, what have I gotten myself into?
"So, tell me kitten. How's this gonna help your brother?"
Sharpay froze and turned around, slowly. She had just walked out of her room after changing her clothes for dinner and she hadn't been expecting her mother be there. Her parents didn't get to spend a lot of time together, so they time they were actually in the same place, they seemed to be glued together.
And that was what Sharpay had been hoping. Because if they parents stick together, her mother wouldn't confront her about her actions. She was actually hoping that her mother wouldn't even notice...
"Shar? I'm still waiting for your answer"
She snapped back to reality "I... well... it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you, would it?"
"Sharpay..." the older said, in a very threatening tone.
"There you are! Wow, look at that son. Aren't these two the most beautiful women in the world?" Mr. Evans and Ryan had just showed up and the older man placed his right arm around his wife's waist while placing the other around the younger female's shoulders.
Ryan smiled a bit and nodded. His mother smiled and took off his cap, in order to ruffle his hair. The boy smiled a bit more.
"Peter and Claire are coming for dinner" the older man informed, with a smile "so I thought we could go for a walk before dinner"
"That sounds good" Mrs. Evans responded.
"Well children, behave. We'll meet in the restaurant in an hour, okay?"
Ryan nodded, turned on his heels and left. Sharpay frowned. Why was he so upset? She really hadn't done anything that would piss him off. Unless...
Well, no use in worrying herself too much about her brother. Besides, she still had business to take care of.
I have the feeling this is a bit… rushed. So many things going on. However, I hope you enjoyed it. I know I enjoyed writing it; the conversations between Sharpay and her mother are a bit awkward, I know, but let's face it, they don't seem that close in the movie. The Ryella might be over the top but if you see the deleted scenes from HSM2 (I didn't even know they existed until yesterday!) you'll see I was in the right path!
So… anyway, I hope you liked it. Please let me know what did you think. I really love reading reviews!!
See you soon, darlings! Thanks for reading!
