Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. You are all wonderful. Thank you so much.

This chapter is probably about 80% new material. Also, any material taken from the original version has been re-contextualized. When I wrote the original version, I was a newbie writer, and I focused more on my primary couple than I should have. I have all these other great characters in the story that I want to build on. I also want to keep us all connected. Despite the fact, my characters are spread out all over the place in multiple time zones.

Mood music: Hurt, preferably the Johnny Cash version. I suggest playing it on repeat during Vince's part of the chapter. I didn't choose this; the iPhone did. Siri comes up with great ideas for the story sometimes.

The title also comes from the song. Thank Siri again because otherwise, you would've got another LINKIN PARK title.

Chapter 27: Full of broken thoughts (I cannot repair)

The meeting with Troy's coach went well on Saturday. Kim was thankful that Troy prepped his coach ahead of time. That way, he got out all the yelling without her there. Although, per Troy, the coach didn't yell at Troy. He just repeated the word fuck a lot. Kim will contemplate that later. She was just grateful for one adult, not yelling at her this weekend. Troy was also shocked by the lack of yelling.

Kim also had a great time watching Troy play, even if he wasn't in the game that long. It was probably for the best that Troy only played for a few minutes. He was still exhausted from their earlier activities. Alex was happy to cheer for daddy anyway, though. So was Jack, for that matter. Her father was absent, and Kim was grateful for that because she couldn't deal with him. Even if she was a little sad that he left without even sending her a text message.

She was also thankful that Jack was way too distracted, sending text messages and pictures to Carolyn to talk to her about what happened that brunch. It was probably a temporary reprieve, but Kim appreciated it all the same.

Although Kim was starting to wonder exactly how close of a friendship they had. They were kind of reminding her of Chad and Sharpay. Which is problematic. Even though Jack's marriage was obviously on the rocks, he probably shouldn't be sending that many text messages to somebody who is not his wife. Of course, said wife still hasn't figured out that he moved out of their bedroom. Kim probably should start mentally preparing to pay for that divorce attorney. She'll definitely be able to afford it soon.

After the game, Kim, Alex, and Jack got to meet some of Troy's teammates. She now knows why Troy's happy not to be flying back with the team tonight. Jasón Hernandez is a dick, and so is most of the group. But Hernandez was extra sleazy. First, the guy hit on her until he realized that her two-year-old was her son, not her baby brother. He also made several unfunny homophobic barbs in Troy's direction. Which doesn't surprise her considering some of the things Chad has told her about his team. Everyone but Chad B laughed along with Hernandez's jokes.

This doesn't surprise Kim because Chad B is the only teammate that Troy actually likes. Kim had to make several jokes about that when they went to a restaurant after the game together. Troy must have a Chad with him at all times.

Although this Chad is an engineering major and happens to have a girlfriend at Stanford in the same sorority as Gabriella. Although Madison, the psychology major, is there because her mom forced her to join. She stayed after breaking up with her family because it was relatively cheap compared to the dorms. Kim is well aware of that type of parent. Kim was glad she at least got to have dinner with one of Troy's college friends. She's also glad he's making them even if he's not ready to branch out beyond guys named Chad, who are really smart. Troy has a type. It's adorable.

There is also Yolanda, but she hasn't had a chance to meet Yolanda in person yet. They're going to have coffee when Kim visits in December.

She was also thankful that Troy didn't travel back with the team but was able to stay the night with her. Of course, Alex was really clingy that night and decided that he was sleeping with mommy and daddy. Troy was not upset about that at all. One because they both needed actual sleep. Two, Troy wanted as much Alex time as possible.

Kim took so many pictures; it was ridiculous. She borrowed Troy's phone to text one to Chad. Kim is kind of surprise Chad hasn't called him back. Maybe he's mad at the two of them for hanging up on him this morning. However, Kim is not entirely ready to answer questions about her relationship with Troy.

Although Kim is aware, she will since she's sort of got engaged. It's been one weird weekend. But at least she got to spend Saturday night cuddling with her two favorite guys. That was good; it made up for the fact that her father got on a plane without even bothering to say goodbye.

XXXX

Morning November 9, 2008

Kim did not cry when she had to say goodbye to Troy at the airport. Although Troy couldn't stop crying and Alex was just as bad as his daddy. He didn't want to let go of Troy. Kim really didn't want to make him. But she had no choice right now. Troy had to go back to his life at Berkeley, and she had to go back to Albuquerque no matter how much they didn't want to do that. Their two-year-old felt differently. She actually had to pull him away from Troy.

Alex didn't stop screaming until the flight attendant gave him a candy bar. Usually, she wouldn't give her almost 2-year-old chocolate, but he had to say goodbye to his daddy today. So he deserved it. Also, Kim ate half of the candy bar because she needed chocolate too after saying goodbye to Troy. The goodbye kiss was not enough.

On the flight back to New Mexico, Kim wondered if she could actually make it these 2 ½ weeks without Troy. How did she manage 2 1/2 years without him? She would never know. Thanksgiving and her 21st birthday felt as if they would never come.

"Are you okay?" Jack asked as they walked to her car once they've managed to get through baggage at the Albuquerque airport. They did not talk on the plane because she was trying to do her English homework, and he was grading exams for his health class. The first thing she learned as an education major was never to interrupt a teacher while grading.

"Why does everyone keep asking that question?"

"Because you look like you can fall apart at any moment," Jack said pointedly.

"It's just been a long weekend with everything with my dad and Troy," Kim told him.

"I'm sure it's been a long weekend considering you're now engaged, or was that just another way to psychologically torture your father?" Jack asked. Thank you, Carolyn, for keeping him too distracted to ask yesterday.

"We're actually engaged," Jack gave her a weird look. "Well, sort of."

"I'm going to need an explanation."

"I basically said I would marry Troy if we were still together when he turned 21. There's no way I'm ever telling anybody the real story of our engagement. Troy will have to propose again, so we have a story that we can tell our children. The possible psychological torture of my father is just a bonus." Kim explained as they finally reached the car.

"After you left, Jay was distraught," Jack explained. "I think there's some stuff going on that you may not know about."

"Because he doesn't actually talk to me, he just lectures me, usually in Korean. Despite being upset, he got on a plane without even trying to talk to me. I'm standing by what I said."

"I don't doubt that. Carolyn actually believes you're doing the right thing." Jack said as Kim finally found her missing cell phone inside Alex's car seat as she buckled her son in. It was totally Alex's fault. He loves hiding her stuff in his car seat.

"I'm glad I have the Carolyn Sanchez seal of approval." Kim quipped as she unlocked her phone. "Let's see how many messages I have. 23 Text Messages and four voice mails." She quickly listened to the three voice mails from Vanessa that begged her to talk to her father. The final one was from Chad." Unfortunately, she played Chad's message loud enough for Jack to hear.

"Apparently, I wasn't the only one who knew you two wouldn't make it through the weekend."

Kim hated when Jack smirked at her like that. Their relationship was weird. It felt like he treated her more like a work colleague than his son's girlfriend. Although she sort of is a work colleague right now due to her student teaching.

Kim felt it best not to comment. Instead, she quickly looked through her text messages. Half were from Sharpay, along with several from Troy and a few from Ryan. This wasn't unusual because Ryan text messages her all the time when he was in crisis, and he's been in crisis since the whole Kelsi breakup happened. He's been bonding with Gabriella's mother in New York.

That's probably why she checked Ryan's text messages first. Also, Kim wouldn't risk opening any of Troy's messages with his father around. Even before they were back together and he was still with Gabriella, there was a 50/50 chance that Troy's messages were X rated. They were so delusional to think that they could be anything but lovers.

After reading Ryan's first text message, Kim realized something terrible happen this weekend. Chad accidentally mixed up the video file for the show with the video file of Darby making out with her assistant. Judging by Sharpay's text messages, it just got worse from there. She wondered why Chad didn't try calling her on Troy's phone. She called Sharpay, but she didn't pick up. Chad's phone also went to voicemail. She quickly sent a text message to both of them before she pulled out of the parking lot. She would call Ryan when she gets home because he's going to need her.

XXXX

Vince Evans sat in his office as he usually did on Sundays. He still worked weekends, despite the advice of his cardiologist. Today, Vince pondered what his workaholic tendencies really cost him. Yesterday he eventually followed his daughter's boyfriend off the golf course after spending a good 45 minutes contemplating Chad's words on the green.

Part of him couldn't believe Darby could do something like that; the other part had always been suspicious. Unfortunately, he was more suspicious of Sharpay's various teachers than Darby. That is why Vince place cameras in the rehearsal room after their year in Rhode Island, even after firing Mrs. Henderson. Regardless of the abuse allegations, he had in his hand evidence that his wife of over 21 years was most likely fucking her assistant. Who happens to be about as old as their marriage.

When he finally got the courage to speak with his daughter, he arrived just to see the two leaving in the town car. He didn't try to call his daughter, and it wouldn't do any good to call Chad since the only number he had for him was currently sitting on top of his desk.

That phone was beeping once again. Chad had many friends who were concerned about him. He had 15 unread text messages from Ryan alone, a.k.a. "the good twin" per Chad's address book. Although the one that alerted him to the phone's presence was from Kim. She just landed back from Vegas and wants to know why he didn't call her on Troy's cell phone when obviously Sharpay was in the middle of a nervous breakdown. Vince did not like the wording of that message.

Vince should probably call both of them. Ryan saw the bruises. Ryan told him about the bruises, but Vince assumed it had to be the dance instructor Mrs. Henderson. It couldn't be his wife. There's no way Derby would hurt her own children. Obviously, he was wrong.

Vince wondered if Ryan would tell him the truth if he called. Would he yell at him, or would they lie? He wasn't sure what he would get. He feels like he deserves the yelling, at least. As he contemplated this, another text message from Ryan arrived.

XXXX

The good twin: Are you avoiding me? You didn't even do that after the ill-advised baseball seduction incident. I haven't heard anything from you since you called my mom a racist, homophobic bitch in text message form. As well as accidentally told me about her infidelity. I agree with you.

The good twin: I told you her reaction to my locker getting tagged last year. She said it was my fault and told me to date, Kelsi. So that's no reason to stop messaging me. Are you okay? She was extra evil today, wasn't she? She's like that when dad is not there.

XXXX

Those words from his son made him feel cold. Maybe a part of him knew Darby wouldn't be okay when she found out Ryan wasn't straight. But he didn't think it was this much.

The other parts of the message also hurt. Vince wasn't aware of how different Darby was when he wasn't there. What did she do to his kids? What did he miss by being so caught up with his job?

He should call Ryan. At least that child may answer his phone call. At a minimum, he wants to know what happened with Kelsi and that Natasha girl. If anybody understands how much infidelity hurts, it's him right now.

And yet he couldn't bring himself to do it. Then the phone received another text message from Ryan.

XXXX

The good twin: Although considering what you accidentally sent me last night, it's probably best he wasn't there, for him at least. My mom is screwing her assistant. Do you think Vince knew? At least I was suspicious of Natasha. Although I didn't actually realize they were together until I caught them making out.

The good twin: I hope they actually get divorced now because this is not good for any of us. They should not be together.

XXXX

Those two messages made Vince decide to read the other unread messages. Chad removed his password before handing the iPhone back to him, most likely so he could watch the video of Darby and José. However, that gave Vince access to everything else on the phone as well. You would think a computer major would know better, especially after what happened with Taylor and the video last month.

Vince knew better than to read the messages between Chad and Sharpay. There are some things a father doesn't want to know about his children. He's already received reports from their RA that they are practically living together. That was enough.

Ryan and Chad's messages to one another had to be safer. They may have almost had something, but it didn't work out. Despite that, they were terrific friends, as evidenced by the fact that Chad knew all about the implosion of Ryan's relationship with Kelsi and Vince did not. That's why he began with Chad's messages to Ryan that morning.

Xxx

Chad: Hey, I sent you the video from last night. Actually, I sent it last night. Sorry, I forgot to text you. Your dad did get there eventually, but he arrived late. Therefore it's not surprising that Daniel just called to let us know Vince is running late for brunch as well. I hope your dad pays Daniel well because Darby cursed him out.

Chad: How did you and Sharpay turn out so well adjusted? Your dad is never there, and your mom is a racist, homophobic bitch. She is absolutely horrible to your sister. My dad was nicer to my mom postdivorce, and all he does is cut her down. No wonder Sharpay knew how to deal with him when we all had lunch together on move-in day.

Chad: Darby hates me but loves Kelsi. You know, the one that cheated on you, but she probably likes cheaters. That's why Kelsi is her favorite. That, along with her Sharpay hatred. Although maybe I'm just a little too Afro Latino for her. The Latino part she's cool with, but the Afro part probably not so much. She doesn't even know I'm queer. No wonder you don't want to tell her.

Chad: Shit! I wasn't supposed to Send that. iPhone buttons are sensitive. There's no reason at all for her to feel solidarity with cheaters. None. And I can't chastise you for not telling Darby when Charles doesn't know about me. I know he's going to hate me more than he already does. My mom knows because I think she figured it out before I did.

Chad: I would stop texting you, but then I may accidentally stab your mom with a butter knife because she doesn't want Shar to eat bread. She made her order just fruit salad. I will now add controlling to my earlier comment of her being a homophobic, racist bitch. Let's also add hypocrite because José is just White passing. I'm sure the passing part is important to her. She only cares about appearances—heartless witch.

Xxx

Now Vince understands why Chad was so agitated by the time they were on the golf course. Vince was oblivious to everything going on. And when he wasn't ignorant, he just let it go. He never confronted Darby about her reaction to the abuse Ryan received last year. Evil grows in silence.

He should close the phone, but instead, he kept reading.

xx

The good twin: Seriously, how does Sharpay not know about Alex's paternity yet? Because you are absolutely awful at keeping a secret. Or maybe you are just terrible at keeping a secret when I'm involved? Either I know you too well or secretly want me to know but are afraid to tell me.

The good twin: So this is when I tell you that you accidentally included the Jose footage. I've already wired the money to Sharpay's account. I was wrong.

The good twin: I'm not surprised. Okay, I'm surprised about Jose but not about the adultery. He was hot, and he's probably fucking my mom, which is so sad. My parents' marriage has been a show for a long time. They only kiss each other in public, let alone speak to each other. They had separate rooms since I was in kindergarten.

The good twin: This totally explains how I ended up being Kelsi's beard because those are the only type of relationships I've actually seen. Or that's Maria's current theory. Did I mention I went over to her apartment after catching Natasha and Kelsi together?

The good twin: The first time. I caught her making out with Natasha again this morning. I'm okay, although I really wish that your parents waited like a week to get divorced. That way, we could've got together. Okay, I would've ended up fighting my sister for you eventually, but we would've worked it out.

The good twin: She's the only one I actually can share anything with. You are a much better kisser than Kelsi. I feel like the sex would've at least been good. We could've come to an arrangement.

Xxx

Obviously, Vince was mistaken when he thought these text messages would be easier. Now he's wondering exactly what Ryan and Chad's relationship is. Again there are some things Vince doesn't want to know. Vince should stop reading, but he doesn't. Instead, he continues on to the Sunday messages.

XXXX

The good twin: Hey, I'm starting to get worried because you haven't texted me back yet. Also, Shar's phone is off.

The good twin: I sent a text to Mandy, but she says she hasn't seen you or Sharpay since Friday. She said that you and Shar stayed at the mansion Friday night.

The good twin: Amanda sent me footage of you two making out on stage. How did anybody think that was a stage kiss? I know where your hands were.

The good twin: Did you purposely not send me that footage because you were afraid it would upset me?

The good twin: I found the José stuff much more upsetting. Am I horrible for being happy you were the one who saw it and not me?

xxx

At this point, Vince caught up with the messages he already read. However, his son is a very prolific texter, which is remarkable with the dyslexia. The Dragon must be useful.

XXXX

The good twin: I assume you told my father about José? How bad did it go? Is he staying with her anyway despite the adultery? That would be bad and stupid. I'm personally team divorce. Sometimes it can be a good thing.

The good twin: Kim called, mostly to console me about the destruction of my parent's marriage and to figure out what the hell happened yesterday. From what I gathered from screenshots of Sharpay's text messages to Kim, Shar knows about Alex, and you told her. Again I am not surprised, considering you accidentally told me about my mom screwing Jose.

The good twin: Kim is freaking out. She didn't get any of Sharpay's messages until this morning because Alex hid her cell phone in his car seat.

The good twin: So I've been informed that Sharpay is not taking calls. I tried calling your landline, but it's off the hook. You know I hate calling landlines. Seriously call me back. If I don't hear from you in an hour, I'm sending an email.

XXXX

Obviously, he made the right choice in not calling Sharpay yet. She wasn't ready to speak with anyone. At this point, Vince decided to look at Kimberly's messages.

XXXX

Kim: I am sorry. When we talked yesterday morning, I should've told you that my phone got left in the car because Alex likes to hide mommy's things.

Kim: You should've texted Troy. You were right, and I should've told her sooner. This is going to end up plasma TV bad. I've already listened to most of her voicemails, and I realize I fucked up. Ryan also agrees that I totally fucked up. So does Maria.

Kim: I'm not even going to analyze why my boyfriend and Ryan are both best friends with Gabriella's mom. But apparently, she's a better person. She would never post a revenge porn video like her daughter.

Kim: Ryan still doesn't know about that. I'm not going to tell him.

Kim: Although Troy did tell Maria. She wants Gabby back in New York by whatever means necessary to be punished appropriately for turning you and Sharpay in to porn stars via YouTube.

Kim: Darby is a monster. Did Sharpay tell you how we met? I hope she does because you need to know the true depths of that woman's depravity.

Kim: I'm sorry I wasn't there. I'm sorry I didn't tell Sharpay about Troy earlier. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you. I've said similar things to her in various voicemails and text messages. Sharpay probably deleted those without reading. I get that. I'm just sorry.

XXXX

He stopped reading Kimberly's text messages when he heard a knock at his door. His assisted Daniel, stood in front of him holding a DVD.

"This was dropped off a little while ago. It's from Fulton at Lava Springs. He says it's footage involving Sharpay at the club. He said not to worry; the original files were destroyed. This is the only copy."

Vince took the DVD from Daniel but not before asking him how Darby treated him the day before. Daniel lied, and Vince knew Daniel was lying. However, Vince sent Daniel home for the rest of the day anyway. He shouldn't be making the man work on a Sunday.

Before popping the DVD in, he poured himself a scotch because he knew he would need it. He saw the broken rehearsal room the day before. He knew whatever would be on this video would probably be worse. He was right. Vince now knew the story of how Kim and Sharpay first met. His doctor would probably be happy he threw up the scotch.

He only watched the first few minutes of the footage because that's all he could take. He learned his wife was a heartless bitch who tortured their daughter for years in the part that he was willing to watch. After reading the text messages from Chad, Ryan, and Kim, he shouldn't be surprised, yet he throws up a second time. He was so blind.

He wasn't even that upset about seeing Chad and Sharpay being physically intimate with each other. Although he did end the video before it got too much. At some point, Vince needs to have a conversation with Sharpay about not doing 'things' with her boyfriend when cameras were around. He just hoped this one didn't end up on the Internet.

Considering what he has learned today, he is not sure he even has a right to have that conversation with her. He's a shit father. He knows he's never made enough time for his kids. It's even worse now with all the doctors' appointments.

He needed a friend right now; this was why he called Jay.

"Are you already back from Vegas?" Vince asked.

"I came back early after Kimberly got engaged after being back with Troy for about 12 hours. You don't need me to come into the office, do you? I prefer not to. Vanessa is still not feeling well. I'm trying to convince her to go to the doctor tomorrow, but she doesn't want to." He's not even surprised Jay assumes that he's calling to ask him to come in.

"No. I've actually sent Daniel home already. How are you doing with the engagement?" Vince asked.

"I'm worried. Zhēn is going to freak out and do a repeat of what she did before Alex was born." Jay always suspected that his ex-wife was responsible for the car accident that nearly killed Kim and sent her into premature labor. Unfortunately, he could never prove it.

"Zhēn wouldn't try to do the same thing twice? She barely avoided getting caught last time. You still knew it was her, even if you didn't have proof." Because the driver of said car mysteriously disappeared.

"That might change soon," Jay said cryptically.

"In that case, you could probably use a drink. We can celebrate your new son in law."

"I have no desire to celebrate. I want better for Kimberly than the life I had. I feel like she's making my same mistakes." I.e., getting married way too young due to contraceptive mishap. "Should you even be drinking?"

"What my doctor won't know won't hurt me. Also, this weekend I found out that Darby is fucking her assistant and apparently started hitting Sharpay when she was five." Vince heard Jay let loose a string of Korean curse words that he didn't know.

"It wasn't the choreographer; it was Darby. But the fact that my five-year-old twins even had a choreographer should have been a sign that something was really wrong. But I was too busy working to see what was going on." Vince lamented.

"That explains Johnny Cash playing in the background." His iPad was playing Hurt at that point. It felt oddly appropriate. "Are you at the club or the office downtown?" Jay asked.

"The offices downtown. I'm always at work as my life is crumbling around me."

"I'll meet you there in 20 minutes. You shouldn't be alone right now."

"You're a good friend."

"I'm also bringing Vanessa's divorce lawyer list."

"I guess I'm going to need that." He knew he couldn't stay married to Darby. Letting go of her is the first step in fixing his life. He had a lot to fix and very little time to do it.

To be continued…

I want to say upfront that Vince probably shouldn't have looked at those messages, but Chad did surrender the phone and took the passwords off. Remember to always wipe your phone. But he's also a man on a very limited schedule. Why is that? You'll just have to keep reading.