Thank you to everybody who has been reading and leaving kudos for my pandemic sanity project.

There will be a lot of changes in this chapter beyond splitting it into two sections. For one thing, in the original version of the story, this was the first time we heard from Ryan. In hindsight, it seems ridiculous not to hear from Ryan until the old Chapter 16. Obviously, I did much better this time around, which means that Ryan's section had to be retooled for the new version. He is a significant character in the story now.

Disclaimer: If I owned High School Musical, Chad and Sharpay would have been together by the third film. Also, Ryan would've had a boyfriend, and Gabriella would have gone to college a year early. Alternatively, the third film would've had Chad with Ryan.

It's a double edge sword when you ship both Chadpay and Chad/Ryan. At least in Marvel fandom, you can have alternate timeline counterparts. I had to get creative here.

Chapter 23: Tales of CVS runs and asshole parents.

November 8, 2008, 7:03 AM Evans family home

Chad sat on the bed in Ryan's old bedroom, waiting for Sharpay to finish getting ready. He would send Ryan a picture, but he's afraid he's going to say way too much about Darby. Ryan does not need that on top of everything else. Shar wants to tell her dad first. Besides, Ryan would probably just make a joke about finally getting him in his bed. Which would actually be a nice pleasant distraction right now.

For the first time since he and Sharpay got together, they slept in separate beds. Considering everything that happened yesterday, they decided not to give Mr. Evans anything else to worry about. Not that it would work, any average parent would notice the high amount of boxer shorts in his daughter's wardrobe. The Evans were not the most observant parents in the world, so maybe that would work to his advantage.

Chad was already dreading having to talk to Mr. Evans this afternoon. He almost snuck into Shar's room four times last night because he wasn't used to being without her. He couldn't believe how normal it was for him to share a bed with Sharpay every night. This escalated quickly.

Since texting Ryan was out because of awkward family shenanigans, he decided to call Troy to see how he was handling being thrown in headfirst into fatherhood. Unfortunately, he must have hit the wrong preset by accident because Kim was the one who picked up the phone.

"How are things going in Vegas?" Chad asked. "I'm sure things are going better here in Albuquerque."

"That's just not possible. The Kim-Bolton family reunion is a disaster, mostly because we brought too many Kims." He knew Kim was worried about seeing Troy for the first time in over two years, considering everything that happened. Troy was just as nervous about the entire Alex thing.

"How are things going between Troy and Alex?" Chad asked as he walked into Sharpay's room to get his clothing. Sharpay was in the bathroom getting ready, so it was safe for him to talk about Alex in here. Chad still did not agree with their decision to wait until they could tell Sharpay in person together. He still thinks this is going to go plasma TV bad. However, on the advice of Taylor and Ryan, he's going to let Kim and Troy deal with this themselves and will keep his mouth shut.

Ryan dragged Taylor into a group text message conversation about it. It was only a little awkward. This means progress is being made, and therefore they might be able to be in the same state again by Christmas.

"That's the only good part. I caught Troy watching Alex sleeping last night. It was so cute. It was the only peaceful moment so far this weekend." Kim actually sounded almost happy.

"It can't be that bad. I thought you and Jack were getting along pretty well. At least you don't have to have brunch with a man who saw you and his daughter almost having sex on the Internet." Or have to tell him the truth about his wife.

"Yes, but in your case, you can honestly say that you never slept with his daughter. Did I mention that the one Kim too many is my father? Vanessa has the flu, so she stayed in Albuquerque. Instead, we get to spend the weekend with my father, who hates both Troy and me. At dinner last night, he screamed out, 'you got my baby pregnant' six times. He tried to hit Troy once. My father got us kicked out of a restaurant in Las Vegas. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get kicked out of anything in Vegas?" Kim practically yelled that part.

"At least you don't have to spend time with Darby." He could hear Kim laugh a little.

"Have you met my biological mother? The only positive aspect of this weekend is Zhēn is still hiding out in China somewhere. You know what, Chad; you tell your story, and I will tell mine. Let us see who is having the most dysfunctional weekend so far."

"Works for me."

XXXX

November 5, 2008, 9:55 PM Pacific time

"Does your coach know you're not traveling home with the team?" Kim asked Troy for the 10th time that night.

"My coach knows about everything. You need to calm down. Kim, everything will be fine." Troy said, trying to calm his… Okay, he had no idea what Kim was to him. The status of their relationship was up in the air with everything else in his life. It was just another thing on the long list of complicated things in his life right now. Kim's name was right there with Gabriella. Gabby was currently trying to get back with him. Part of him still cared about her, but there was no way Troy will go back to somebody who could hurt his friends like that. Worst of all, Gabriella had no remorse for what she put Chad and Sharpay through. It says a lot when Maria is on his side. She's been really supportive these last few weeks, which has helped a lot.

"What do you mean by everything?" Kim's question brought him back from his musings.

"After speaking with my dad and Carolyn, we decided it would be better if the coach knew about Alex now. It would be awful if he found out accidentally. He's been supportive. He only yelled at me for 15 minutes." Unfortunately, that wasn't a joke.

"Did you tell him that you're thinking about transferring?" Kim asked.

"Not yet. I have not even told dad about the possibility. I'm still reading the literature from the NCAA web site. Chances are I would have to sit out a year." Troy spent an hour reading the PDF file, and he was still confused.

"What would be the point in transferring? You wouldn't even get to play again until after I graduated. I don't know where I'm going to go to grad school. I am sure I could find something in the San Francisco Metro area. The drama program is a lot better at Berkeley. That's the real reason why you went to school there."

"That's true."

"It would probably be best if you stayed there. Maybe I should be the one to transfer?" Considering Kim was getting deep into her education classes, transferring again wouldn't be that practical for her either.

"Another thing for us to talk about this weekend," Troy said with a sigh.

"I think the only reason why I'm bringing your dad and Vanessa with us is so they can watch Alex while we go through all the decisions."

"Are you okay with my dad coming?" Troy asked. He was worried about how Kim was getting along with his father. Troy knew better than to ask her about Lucy. Actually, he knew better than to ask his dad about Lucy, but that was a whole other matter entirely. His dad was trying to hide it, but he knew things weren't that good right now between his parents.

"Your dad, yes. He's been really helpful along with Carolyn. Alex loves coach grandpa. Also, he taught me how to write a practical lesson plan. Now, if it was my father, I would be absolutely terrified." Troy could pick up the uneasiness in her voice instantly.

"He can't be that bad? I thought he was the good parent."

"Only compared to Zhēn. Daddy can't decide whether he hates me more for getting pregnant at 18 or you for getting me pregnant at 18. Besides, I think we will need your dad there when we strategize how to tell your mom that we made her a grandmother before turning 40. She already hated me before for corrupting you." He hated his mom right now, so they were even.

"All corruption was completely voluntary." He said with a little laugh.

"Because you want to tell everybody at Thanksgiving, we're also going to be breaking the news to both of your grandmothers, three aunts, four uncles, and a serious amount of cousins. Almost all from your mom's side as well."

"Actually, it's only going to be two aunts and three uncles. It's Liz's year to spend Thanksgiving with Kevin's family." This is sad because Aunt Liz is the one he's closest to. It helps that she's less then nine years older than him. Actually he's probably closer to Liz than his dad is. "They'll come up for Christmas instead."

"That makes it worse because your dad's sister was the one who I thought would be on our side. This is going to be the most psychotic Thanksgiving of all time." Kim said with a sigh. He could tell she was stressed. A part of him wishes he could be with her to take everything away.

"You forgot about Sharpay, who probably is going to kill us when she finds out that we lied to her for three years. Are you sure we can't have a video conference now?" He knows Chad has been pushing for that. He's afraid of a repeat of the baseball bat to the plasma incident. Ryan and Taylor have also been lobbying for this approach.

"I figure if we tell her when Chad is holding her hand, and Alex is with us, we will get out of there with just slight maiming. If things get completely catastrophic, we can always tell Sharpay how you're now ex Girlfriend posted the almost-sex tape on the Internet. Sharpay will be so distracted with visions of Gabriella's murder that we will be able to get away completely unscathed." Troy is not entirely sure Kim is joking. This is going to go badly.

XXXX

November 7, 2008, 7:25 PM EDT

"So Taylor wanted me to remind you that you owe her video of Jason. Taylor is sure her parents will be there, but she says you actually know how to use a camera and won't make her nauseous. Besides, you owe her." Ryan told Chad during their pre-musical phone call.

Now that Ryan is hiding from most people, including his ex-girlfriend, phone calls with Chad have become one of the highlights of his day. The other being text messages from Taylor. He also had Amanda, Troy, and Kim. However, Troy and Kim were distracted with each other, and Amanda was still in Albuquerque. Locally he only had Maria and Kristen. Kristen was just starting to move from acquaintance to possible friend. After the other potential friends started making snide comments about his sister, Ryan has become cautious.

"I could understand her feeling that way because I saw all the anniversary party footage from Jason. It did make me nauseous." Chad joked.

"Tell Taylor that I will, although she could've texted me herself. We've been doing well. Sunday, you got us to collectively agree that Kim and Troy are absolute idiots by waiting until Thanksgiving weekend to break the news to everyone, including your sister. That's going to be a fucking nightmare."

"However, do you feel that the two of you are at the point where you can be in the same city for Thanksgiving? Right after you and Taylor broke up, I invited Taylor to come here for Thanksgiving. I'm sure she thinks I was joking, but I'm planning to extend a second invite complete with hotel reservations. I don't think she can deal with the drama of Albuquerque right now."

This was partially a lie. Taylor was coming up for Thanksgiving no matter what, even if Sharpay was there. Taylor said she could deal with it.

However, thanks to what he accidentally overheard, he knew Chad would need Sharpay if he was going to be able to survive Thanksgiving madness. Ryan knew that Charles would be bringing the reason for the divorce to Albuquerque as his new girlfriend. Taylor and Ryan agreed they both needed to be away from that and the Troy/Kim drama.

"I feel like we are, but I am the only one who has to be here for the Kim/Troy coming out party. Save yourselves. It's going to be a disaster. Your sisters going to add a minimum break something. Hopefully, not Kim or Troy. You know she's not going to be happy about finding out Troy was in love with her best friend and said best friend never told her."

"Sharpay has been maturing lately. She took the fact that I kissed you pretty well." Ryan was still shocked about that.

"Because it was you. If Sharpay ever meets Jamie, she might break something."

"No, we have other plans, and I'm in charge of hiding the body." Ryan joked, mostly. He despised Jamie to the point he's only ranked slightly below Malick, the rapist.

"I think your sister was cool because she knew that you had a crush on me. It was blatantly obvious from the fact you used to watch me and Troy play basketball shirtless from her bedroom. Not that I blame you because I would've done the same thing." He totally would.

"But not with Troy?" Ryan had to ask because he was starting to wonder if there was a little truth to the Troy thing.

"Kim is very possessive. Also, I was pretty much raised with Troy as my big brother. It would be weird. There are pictures of us bathing together."

"I'm going to need those for the scrapbook," Ryan said seriously. Chad was going into the family scrapbook.

"I'll text my mom and have her bring the book to Thanksgiving. I'll make scans. I'm sure Kim would want some Troy baby pictures as well."

"She would. Thank you."

"I'm all for the both of you being far away from New Mexico. Thanksgiving in New York would be so much better. After what happened at the anniversary party, I don't think she wants to see her extended family any time soon. I saw the video. I owe her an apology for surviving her family members asking her about me for most of the evening. I'm just grateful she didn't refer to me as a dick the entire time."

"She's been enjoying the apology baskets that Sharpay keeps sending." Mostly the chocolate.

"At least we are doing something right. Taylor needs you, especially after the best friend break up with Gabriella. I know you need her just as much after what happened with Kelsi."

"Don't say the K-word right now." He doesn't want to think about her at all. It hurt too much.

"That bad?" Chad asked, concerned.

"Yes. The ex still doesn't realize why I'm mad about what she did. She also comes by more now than before the breakup. Although she still brings Natasha but now, they are openly holding hands. You and Taylor are on better terms right now." Ryan is sure he will be hiding at Maria's again unless Kristen won't let him.

"Does she know that you caught them kissing on Halloween?" That crisis was actually how he ended up in a text message conversation with Taylor and Chad simultaneously. He played it cool Saturday, but Chad brought reinforcements Sunday to actually talk about it. Kim and Amanda were unavailable, so he brought Taylor.

"Nope, and I'm not going to tell her. Taylor agrees with me."

"I know. I was there." Chad side.

"I think Taylor and I have managed to stay on OK terms because we share custody of Jason and you to an extent. We have to keep it civil for the sake of the kids. Although Shar is trying to be the best stepmom ever." Ryan couldn't help but laugh. "Jason adores her."

"I'm glad you and Taylor are making progress, but I still feel so guilty about the entire thing. Remember, I was the one who couldn't keep her from looking at that PowerPoint even though I was texting her at the time. I just wanted to make sure Sharpay was safe. I figure you would just tell my dad the truth, not produce an almost-sex tape or start dating before you actually broke up with Taylor."

Ryan is not even going into his role as hot boy Lava Springs. He knows that he should tell Taylor that he was the one who kissed Chad that summer and the one that Chad actually had feelings for but wasn't ready to be with. But he's terrified that Taylor will end their friendship. He can't deal with that right now. He needs their friendship now that Kelsi is gone. Now he understands Chad's dilemma the summer before.

"I am again sorry that the almost-sex tape caused your break up with Natasha's new girlfriend. Also, for being so dense that Kim had to make that PowerPoint presentation in the first place."

"You're not sorry for the breakup because you keep sending me pictures of Zack. Along with other hot boys at your school. I'm still shocked my sister is okay with you checking out other guys, even if it's on my behalf."

"She enjoys the fact that she has a boyfriend she can check out guys with. I think she wants to go to a strip club together once I turn 18." Ryan knows Chad and Sharpay well enough to know that this is not a joke.

"I feel like she would be over that after the tape. Thanks to the ex-girlfriend and her new girlfriend, that video is the most popular clip in my building. I'm a celebrity for being the brother of 'fantasy girl.'" He was sure Chad could hear the sarcasm dripping off his voice.

"If I ever find out who posted that tape, I'm going to kill them." Ryan really did mean that. The only good thing that has come out of that tape was speeding up the inevitable end to his relationship with Kelsi. He's 99% sure he was just her beard, a.k.a. what everybody accused him of using her for. Oh, the irony.

"I can understand the anger. At least there are not T-shirts about the incident at your school." He heard Chad say with a sigh. "Sharpay keeps signing them."

"This is New York. They sell bootlegs for everything. Although people are too jaded to asked for autographs." Thank God.

"Okay, point. You shouldn't feel guilty about what happened between me, Taylor, and Sharpay. Especially the PowerPoint because things would have blown up anyway when Ginger started throwing Sharpay's bra."

"Not helping Chadwick."

"You know Taylor and I didn't just break up because of Sharpay. You were the one who made me realize the relationship had more substantial problems."

"Yes, I am the one who made you realize that by making out with you after a baseball game. This is also on top of accidentally setting you up with my sister. According to Taylor, the most damning thing I did, that she's aware of, is sending you that book on sexual orientations. That lead you to your not being attracted to Taylor epiphany. I did a lot of damage here. I think that entitles Taylor to a Sharpay free shopping spree in New York." And now he was at the part of his plan where he suggests Sharpay stays in New Mexico.

"Point, although by Sharpay not going to visit you, there will be no escape patch where the Kim and Troy thing goes FUBAR." Ryan is not even going to ask how he knows the acronym.

"I know. But do you think Sharpay and Taylor are ready to go shopping together?" Actually, Taylor would be okay with it, but she agreed that they need to get Sharpei to stay in Albuquerque with Chad. He may have told Taylor what he overheard on the call because he had to tell somebody. They both feel that Chad cannot deal with Charles alone. So Taylor agreed to allow him to play the upset ex-girlfriend card.

"Okay, you have a point. However, Sharpay is your sister. You tell her that you would prefer to spend Thanksgiving with Taylor than her. I'm sure you know your sister well enough to know that would not go over well at all." Ryan is well aware he can't tell Sharpay point-blank that he doesn't want her to come to New York.

"Or you can tell Shar that you really don't want to deal with your parents alone and ask her to stay with you." But he can manipulate Chad into asking her to stay. Shar would do anything for her Chad bear.

"Let's be honest; you do not want to deal with your parents alone. I heard what happened the last time they were together. Troy told me you had to keep your parents on opposite sides of the school at graduation."

"Jack and his sister Liz helped. Actually, Liz likes my mom better than Troy's mom. I'm just glad there was no property damage. You're right; I actually don't want to do Thanksgiving alone with my parents. I really wish I could just go to New York, but I can't because Troy is telling everybody that he has a two-year-old. His mom is going to go nuclear, and Julia is probably going to faint. I have to be there for that. Being a best friend is exhausting."

"It is. I think if you tell Sharpay that you need her to save you from your parents later tonight, she would instantly say yes." Because Chad, you are going to need Sharpay.

"She is always tense on opening night, but she'll be better after the show. That's a perfect time to ask for a favor. Shar said things are going better than last year."

"It is now that Ms. Darbus replaced Tiara with Anita and demoted Tiara to the cheerleader chorus. However, that means Donny is now doing the interlude." Chad explained.

"Now, I definitely want video. I'm sure Tiara isn't very happy with that." Ryan couldn't believe they were all taken in by Tiara's fake sweet persona last year.

"At least your sister tried to tolerate Gabriella. Tara has just been an absolute bitch about the whole thing. She has been sabotaging scenes in the rehearsals and throwing onset tantrums. As for Thanksgiving Sharpay, mentioned something about wishing she could stay here with me. She just wasn't sure how to tell you and your father because he had something special planned this year." Ryan couldn't help but laugh at that. Maybe their plan will work.

"My dad always has something big planned every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Unfortunately, it always falls apart. Every year without fail, mom will always go on a last-minute shopping trip overseas, and dad will always be called away on business. Sharpay and I usually end up eating our gourmet Turkey dinner alone."

"At least it was a gourmet Turkey dinner and not lean cuisine."

"Because Shar probably would end up burning that," Ryan said with a laugh. "In a couple of days, we'll have this great gift waiting for us. When they forgot about our graduation this year, we got to have a lavish party that they didn't even bother to show up for. We received new cars because they were too busy to see us off to college, outside of a photo op. Last year, when they didn't show up for the fall musical, we got a week at a spa for winter break. For forgetting about Thanksgiving 2005, 2006, and 2007, we received the black card for cyber Monday."

"Why do I feel like your sister did some serious damage to the card?"

"Actually, she didn't. The presents do not make up for parental neglect."

"I'm sorry." He knew Chad was genuinely sorry. However, Ryan really didn't need pity.

"You don't have to be. At least this year, Sharpay and I can have a Thanksgiving that we actually want to have without the family drama."

"You mean without your family drama because you've obviously never been to a Danforth Thanksgiving. Somebody always gets arrested."

"Yes, but your family cares enough to actually be there. You can probably tell dad about your Thanksgiving plans after the show tonight. He'll probably be happy that Sharpay is actually going to spend it with an actual family this year. He and mom are scheduled to come to watch Sharpay's directorial debut."

"Thank you for warning me," Chad said sarcastically. "Although could you had told me earlier when I had time to choose a different outfit." That's when Chad texted him a picture of his current outfit, which looked beautiful and was obviously picked out by Sharpay.

"You've been with my sister for too long. Considering my parents' track record, they probably won't be there. Out of all the shows we performed in during high school, they only made it to the last one." And Ryan was still shocked about that. "Tell Sharpay to break a leg. I really want to see the DVD of the show as soon as possible."

"I will tell her in a few minutes when I get to the school. I am currently waiting in line to get her coffee and a pre-show snack."

"Now I know it's love. I won't even get her coffee." They both laughed at that.

XXXX

"What do you mean you're not coming?" Kim yelled into her phone as she waited in the Bolton driveway for Jack to finish loading the car. Lucy was apparently working late again and wouldn't be seen her husband off to his 'teacher conference.' Kim was not entirely sure the woman knew that her husband was sleeping in another room and has been for almost a month. That does not scream healthy marriage.

"I'm sorry, but I'm currently throwing up in the bathroom. It's probably the flu. I thought because I could be contagious that it would be best if your father went with you." Vanessa told her.

"That is the exact opposite of what I need. It's going to be hard enough with Troy meeting Alex for the first time. Now the entire time, Jay is going to be threatening to kill him. 5 minutes into the whole thing, he's going to try to cut off Troy's parts for getting me pregnant." Her father still had not made peace with the whole Alex situation.

"I seriously doubt he's going to do that. Your dad loves you. He is just protective." Kim rolled her eyes at Vanessa's words.

"I know you guys have been married for a few years. However, I've known him my entire life. He still hates me for bringing disgrace to the family name and Troy for helping me in that disgrace." Kim said in a bitter voice.

"Your father loves you." Vanessa implored.

"Sometimes, I doubt that."

"Kim, your father, does love you. Do you have any idea how hard he fought to keep full custody of you?"

"That was before Alex. Why has he not forgiven me?" Kim asked in a whisper. "Vanessa, I need to warn Troy that my father is coming to kill him. If Alex becomes an orphan, it will be all your fault." Kim yelled sarcastically as she hit the end call button on her phone. She missed the satisfaction of flipping close a flip phone.

Instead of throwing the phone at something like Kim wanted to, she quickly called Troy to warn him. Unfortunately, the call went straight to voicemail. He was probably already on the plane.

"Hey, Troy, you will probably not get this voice mail until you land in Vegas. Anyway, it turned out my dad is coming instead of Vanessa because she's sick. I would like to apologize right now in case things really do go to hell this weekend, or you end up in a body bag. Love you." Kim was so wrapped up in talking to Troy that she didn't hear the steps of someone walking up behind her.

"As you and my son point out all the time, you're not dating again. Yet you tell my son you love him. Is there something you need to tell me?" Jack's comments completely cut her off guard. She gave him that dear in headlights look. She would say that she and Troy were just friends if she didn't hear that lie enough during the Chad Sharpay denial phase. She and Troy would never be just friends.

"You know I love him. My relationship with Troy is complicated right now. I don't have the energy for labels." Kim said, hoping Jack would leave her alone.

"Yes, your relationship is very complicated." Jack said sarcastically." Since you two started talking to each other again, Troy's cell phone bill has doubled. Troy broke up with his girlfriend of the year and ½ without telling anybody the real reason."

Well, he didn't tell Jack the real reason. Troy said he would tell Carolyn, and they all knew she would bring holy hell down on Gabriella. Kim and, oddly enough, Taylor knew the truth. Also, Yolanda might know as well. She's been helping him prep for meeting Alex for the first time. (Chad figured it out on his own because he's a genius.)

"A girlfriend that he moved 1000 miles away for. I know my son well enough not to buy his' I need space' excuse." Because Jack is obviously not an idiot. "Plus, there were those inappropriate text messages he sent you while he was still dating Gabriella."

"You're never going to let that go are you?" Kim asked with a slight blush.

"Not until Alex is in kindergarten," Jack smirked at her.

"Troy and I have to make decisions on custody arrangements, what schools were going to attend, and try to figure out what state we are going to be living in. We don't have time to figure out our relationship. I told you I don't have the energy for labels right now."

"I'd just like to know what's going on between you and my son."

"As soon as we figure it out, I promised one of us will tell you," Kim said in a whisper.

"Like you did last time," Jack muttered under his breath. Thankfully Jack stayed quiet for the next 15 minutes of their drive. Which was good because Alex kept kicking the back of her seat.

"Do you mind if we stop at the pharmacy," Jack said when the CVS came into view.

"No, we are currently running ahead. You can run in and get anything you need. Although no treats for Alex because he keeps kicking the back of my chair."She turned around to give Alex the mommy look, but he just giggled at her and said no a lot. That's his favorite word.

"I think you're the one who needs to run in. I love my grandson, but I don't want another grandchild until both you and Troy have graduated from college." Her mouth was on the ground in shock. She was definitely not expecting that statement. "And, I think you would like to finish without another baby to kick the back of your chair."

"Nothing's going to happen-we're just-I'm not sure." Kim stuttered out. Kim wouldn't mention the fact that she's on birth control because she was on birth control last time and she has Alex.

"I don't trust you and my son to be in the same state without your hormones taking over your better judgment." He gave her that 'don't lie to me' parent look that scared her half to death. She really needed to learn that look before Alex was a teenager.

"Fine, I will run into the store." Kim says as she pulled into the pharmacy parking lot, "Even though I won't be using them at all this weekend and will probably be giving them to Sharpay. I'm sure they'll make use of those things." Kim said in annoyance as she got out of the car.

XXXX

November 8, 2008, 7:23 AM Evans family home

"Troy's father made you buy condoms?" Chad was laughing hysterically.

"It's not that funny," Kim said in annoyance.

"Considering your little present to Sharpay and me when we chaperoned the East high welcome back dance, yes it is. So will Sharpay and I be getting the surplus, or did something actually happen this weekend?" Chad asked as he tried to stop laughing.

"How did the play go last night?" Kim asked, quickly changing the subject.

"It looks like somebody is taking my award for the most blatant subject change ever," Chad remarked. I don't think I'm getting any condoms. "Which is good because I don't want another niece or nephew for at least five more years."

XXXX

November 7, 2008, 6:09 PM backstage East High auditorium

The backstage area was complete madness. The curtain would be going up in less than an hour. Everyone was rushing around, trying to get the sets and costumes together. Ms. Darbus appeared to be calm, but Sharpay felt on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She was worried about getting a good grade on this project. She was afraid something would go wrong, such as Anita forgetting her lines or Tiara sabotaging everything. Sharpay was just waiting to see what Tiara would do during the actual show tonight. She didn't trust her one bit.

Also, their overly sensitive principle just made them completely change a scene in the play less than 30 minutes ago. Kerri and Nicholas were going through their new lines in the back. She hoped that they would actually remember them. She was currently calming down Jason McKessie, who is very angry about their play being butchered in the name of censorship.

"I can't believe he's acting like this. He is destroying this play. The scene he made us rewrite was not even that bad. I have seen worse language on the Disney channel. He still won't let us have a kissing scene. How can we have a love story without a kissing scene?" Jason asked angrily.

"Jason, I know you're upset, but you need to calm down. Look on the bright side; at least he didn't completely shut down the production of the play like two years ago." As she talked to Jason, she felt two arms wrap around her, and her favorite lips descend upon her neck.

"How's my favorite director doing?" Chad asked as he continued to hold her.

"Only slightly on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Now that you're here, I'm starting to feel less stressed." Sharpay said as she reached over to kiss him. She was so wrapped up in making out with Chad that she ignored the conversation between Jason and Ms. Darbus.

"That's so unfair, they can make out on school property, and we can't even have a stage kiss," Jason said in a whiny voice.

"The rule the principle is using to keep us from having any kissing scenes in the play applied only to students. This production will run more smoothly if Ms. Evans is actually calm." Ms. Darbus said quietly to Jason. If Chad's hand wasn't moving to a place on her body that he probably shouldn't be touching in front of a 12-year-old, she probably would have noticed the wicked smirk on Jason McKessie's face.

XXXX

Kim sat in the first-class lounge, mentally preparing for her father to criticize every single one of her life choices once he arrived. She's so stressed out that Kim is 90% sure she accidentally checked her cell with her luggage. She realized it was missing during the security check.

She watched Jack play with Alex. Kim felt guilty that Alex got to know his grandfather before his dad. More and more lately, Kim felt like she made the wrong decision in not telling Troy. Kim was so afraid that Troy and his family would treat her exactly like her family. It turned out her fears were completely unfounded, and now she felt like a horrible person for keeping Troy from Alex.

"I'm sure my dad will be here any moment," Kim said in a slightly panicky voice.

"You don't seem happy. If I remember correctly, Jay was the sane parent."

"Compare to my mom, almost everyone is relatively sane. My dad didn't exactly have the best reaction to the pregnancy. He wasn't deliberately trying to get me to get rid of Alex, but he wasn't exactly supportive either. He just made everything worse. He is always talking about how I was such a disgrace to the family name. Which is weird because we've never been on speaking terms with his parents. I am almost positive Jay hates me," she was starting to tear up.

"I'm positive your father doesn't hate you. I don't hate you and Troy for what happened. I know the pregnancy was unplanned, if not unwanted. I'm actually proud of both of you for handling the situation instead of running away." Jack told her, being genuinely supportive.

"You're rational; he's not. I am just scared." Kim confessed. "Things are going to be tough enough this weekend without him being here. Now I have this odd feeling I'm going to be pulling him off Troy at least twice this weekend. Then there will be choruses of 'you got my baby girl pregnant 'alternating with 'how could you be so stupid to get pregnant at 18 by a 15-year-old'." Kim finished as her father walked in.

In true Jay Kim fashion, the first thing he said to her was an insult to her parenting abilities. "Are you sure that the jacket is warm enough? I wouldn't want my grandchild to get sick." He used that condescending voice that made her feel like a two-year-old who couldn't do anything. She could see Jack's shocked expression. She knew she should have prepared him better for this.

"It's 60 outside and sunny; he'll be fine. No matter what I do, it probably won't be enough. Since in your mind, I am too irresponsible to take care of my own child." Kim said defensively.

"I didn't say that, Kimberly," Jay argued back. "I just don't want anything to happen to Alex. You can never be too careful, and he was a preemie."

"Jack, will you please watch Alex? I think I need a cappuccino. Do you want anything?" Kim walked off before her father could say anything else to her or see her cry.

XXXXX

When Amanda walked into East High, she was shocked at how beautiful it was. She could tell instantly that East High was in a completely different class of funding from her old high school. Everything at the school was shiny and new, from the textbooks to the brand new computers. This place was definitely not like the dirty and broken high school she went to. She was somewhat jealous of Chad and Sharpay for going to such a great school with proper equipment.

"I see somebody went to high school in the land of the rich and spoil," Marc said as soon as they found Chad outside the auditorium.

"We are only mildly spoiled. Besides, this is still a public school." Chad said in response. "We were just lucky that Vince wanted his kids to go to public school because it builds character."

"A public school that has multiple computer labs and a library that is more up to date than several universities," Amanda said to Chad.

"Aren't you supposed to be attached to Sharpay at the lips right now?" Nikki asked in her usual way.

"The principal kicked me out of the backstage area. We were apparently corrupting the little children." Chad said sarcastically.

"Your principle has issues. Let's just go find our seats," Amanda said as they walked into the auditorium. Before they made it to their seats, Chad was engaging in a "guy hug" with some shaggy hair boy that she never saw before. She assumed it was some friend from high school.

"What are you doing here, Jason?" Chad said to this person that they didn't know.

"My cousin is one of the leads in the play, and I came to support him. How are you doing? I haven't seen you in forever. Out of the entire group, I think you are the only one who stayed in Albuquerque besides me. I'm going to community college because of my GPA in high school." From the way he made it sound Sharpay, must not have been considered one of their group back then. She should probably text Troy or Ryan about that.

"I've kind of been busy," Chad said as an excuse.

"With your girlfriend in your bedroom," Marc mumbled snidely under his breath.

"I thought Taylor was at Yale?" Jason asked in confusion, apparently hearing Marc's comment. This quickly earned him a slap from Nikki.

"For the moment, but she is transferring as soon as she can. It just wasn't the right fit. Taylor and I broke up a while ago." Some would consider a month a while ago. "I'm here because my new girlfriend is directing the play."

"Nicholas said that a student from U of A was directing the play, but he wouldn't tell me who. He said he wanted it to be a surprise." Amanda could see Chad fidgeting. He was obviously nervous.

"Hey, Jason, these are some of my friends from college. This is my girlfriend's roommate Amanda and her partners in crime, Nikki and Marc. This is Jason Cross, one of my teammates from high school." After noticing that Chad specifically didn't use Sharpay's name, Amanda decided to drag him off for a private little chat before the play started. The safest place to have this conversation seemed to be the guest parking lot right outside the auditorium.

"So why exactly did you not tell him that you are dating Sharpay?" Amanda asked.

"I told him I had a different girlfriend," Chad said defensively.

"You didn't say her name. Although I'm surprised that he doesn't already know that you're dating Sharpay. You have the most popular almost-sex tape in Albuquerque. He must be the only person in Bernalillo County that hasn't seen that tape." Amanda scoffed.

"I know. We were approached by a grandmother and her granddaughter about the clip yesterday at the mall." Chad sighed in frustration.

"Sharpay wasn't exactly the most popular girl in school. She is like a Geo, tough on the outside, pretty and shiny on the inside. Not many people back then took the time to look beyond that tough exterior, including myself. Most people either hated her or used her. My friends in high school said a lot of mean things to her, even the ones that were also friends with Ryan. You know what his ex-girlfriend did." She knew everything, including the fact that Ryan is now sure Kelsi was just using him as her beard, and that broke Ryan's heart because he really did care about her.

"I probably know more about it than you do." Because even though Ryan considers Chad one of his best friends, Ryan's emotions are all over the place right now. It's hard to talk about your most recent breakup with the guy who chose your sister over you.

"Ryan is the Evans that shares and even I know he's not telling me everything about Kelsi. Sharpay is worse. She was always pushing everyone away. Until the beginning of the semester, I didn't know why. I just don't want to have to justify why I love her to somebody who I may or may not see again till the 5-year reunion." Chad explained.

"So, you will explain everything when you show up as Mr. Chad Danforth-Evans and just let people decide which twin made an honest man out of you?" Chad laughed at her.

"Please, most of them don't even know I'm bisexual-ish, nor do I want to tell them that. I don't know if I want a hyphenated name. I think I prefer Chad Evans."

"That's what Jack White did. He even kept the name after the divorce." Amanda smirked at him.

"Speaking of the Evans, it looks like Ryan's prediction of them not showing up to support Sharpay has fallen through. That's Sharpay's mom over there," Chad said as he pointed to a blonde woman stepping out of her town car. Now Amanda has never even seen pictures of Darby. Sharpay has none of them in her room. However, she did meet Vince after the Taylor breakup fiasco. Therefore Amanda knew Mrs. Evans was definitely not kissing him. He had dark curly hair and definitely couldn't be more than 25.

"That's definitely not Vince Evans," Amanda stated.

"No, he's not," Chad said as he pulled out his phone to capture the incident. Which was good because she didn't want to be the one to tell Ryan or Sharpay that their mom was fucking around on their father. At least not without evidence.

To be continued

Obviously, I cut the original chapter into two parts (and moved a little bit of it to a third chapter). Yet somehow, the new version is still over 7000 words. I blame Ryan and Chad. They just can't help themselves.