Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos. I appreciate it all. We continue with mostly new material. I made too many mistakes as a young writer, so it was better to start fresh. Although there were some good bones underneath all the mistakes. Though this is mostly new, I am following some of the story beats of the original story.

Chapter 66: Of Airports and Apologies

December 15, 2008 3:55 PM

"I just find it very sad that we only get to see each other at the airport," Maria said as she hugged Ryan. Even though they've constantly been emailing one another since Thanksgiving, it's so great to actually see him. It's time-consuming to coordinate the subleasing of your apartment along with the packing up of all your belongings remotely. Eventually, she would head back to New York, but not until Gabriella was settled. She doesn't see that happening before February.

"At least I can pass you your Christmas presents and your favorite bathrobe," Ryan said, handing a carry-on bag to Maria.

"Are you allowed to do that?" Troy asked.

"When you're taking first-class, yes. You can pretty much do whatever you want short of terrorist activities." Alex wiggled out of Kim's arms and ran straight to Taylor as she explained.

"There is my favorite nephew." Taylor quickly wrapped Alex in her arms and kissed the child on the cheek.

"He's your only nephew," Kim remarked.

"Let's keep it that way for at least five years," Taylor replied.

"Same. Let's just enjoy our new little sibling for a few years."

"Glad your warming up to the idea, Kim. You look good," Taylor said that she as wrapped Gabriella in a hug despite still holding onto Alex.

"For somebody who just got out of the mental hospital." Gabriella joked, causing Maria to frown.

"I really didn't get to see the highlights when you got them in New York. It still looks great. You have a manicure." Ryan remarked.

"Sharpay required it for operation vengeance," Troy commented. "She even picked out our outfits Friday during her last bit of shopping before having to turn over her credit card."

"I expect nothing less of my sister. Honestly, I'm surprised she isn't flying out with you to exact revenge personally." Ryan remarked.

"Chad won't let her," Troy answered.

"Neither will Carolyn because we don't want to have to worry about getting Sharpay off on homicide charges," Maria added. That child wanted blood. Not that Maria can blame her because she still getting accosted at the grocery store because of the video.

"Smart," Ryan remarked.

"I bet you guys are starved after that flight. Let's go have a late lunch/early dinner as planned. Then we can tell you all about everything planned for Mercedes. It will be glorious, and we are bringing cameras." Kim grinned.

"That works for me," Taylor said, following behind the group.

A little while later

Hot boyfriend: Hey, just so you know, I am now picking you up from the airport in your shiny new convertible for winter break.

Ryan: Sharpay is letting you drive the convertible? She never lets me drive the convertible. This is so unfair.

Hot boyfriend: And you're still not allowed to drive. I've been given instructions to hand the keys over to Taylor. She is the one on the insurance.

Ryan: I'm not even surprised. Honestly, Taylor is the better driver. I am fully willing to admit that someone who gets left and right confused shouldn't have a driver's license. It's why I'm in New York. There I at least have public transit and town cars.

Hot boyfriend: Other than Broadway.

Ryan: I could've joined Troy at Berkeley.

Hot boyfriend: If your mom wasn't a bitch.

Ryan: It's an option now.

Hot boyfriend: You're not leaving Julliard. Although I deeply regret not going to the University of Manhattan. There was some interest from the recruiter, but they didn't have a computer science program. However, they do have a graphic design program. Now it's too late.

Ryan: It's never too late. Especially with the Kim Bolton scholarship fund. At least then you wouldn't have to deal with the homophobic teammates.

Hot boyfriend: I'm not going to lie and say I'm not tempted.

Ryan: We did a campus tour of U of M Saturday, and Taylor might be in love. But she still has GW, Georgetown, and Howard to visit in January. She doesn't want to decide until then. However, Kim is trying to convince her to apply everywhere she wants to.

Hot boyfriend: You really want her in New York?

Ryan: It would be nice to have more people that I know. With Maria moving out west, I'm only going to have Kristen and Natasha.

Hot boyfriend: You're definitely going to have to tell me the entire story of how you became friends with your ex-girlfriend's ex-girlfriend.

Ryan: We both despise Kelsi with a fiery passion. It was a great way for us to bond.

Ryan: BTW, I will have to spend Wednesday and Thursday grading drama finals with Kelsi. Since you're already going to be gone, I will be extra miserable.

Hot boyfriend: Do I even want to know?

Ryan: Ms. D made arrangements for some of her former students to grade her final performance exams for her. Since she is currently getting chemo in LA. In other words, the cancer was so bad that she couldn't even wait a week to start treatment.

Hot boyfriend: I am so sorry. I'm assuming nobody told her what Kelsi did?

Ryan: She's missed a lot of days this semester. I think deep down, Sharpay knew something was wrong. So we just didn't tell her. Besides, we don't even know exactly what Kelsi did. The investigator is still looking into it.

Ryan: It's fine. I can spend two days with my ex-girlfriend. Gabriella and Kim are practically friends.

Hot boyfriend: And you're friends with Natasha now. You'll be fine.

Ryan: I hope.

Hot boyfriend: So when do you think you'll be done? I'm already in the cell phone waiting area.

Ryan: We just asked for the check. We're going to have to give a 200% tip, at a minimum.

Hot boyfriend: What did Alex do?

Ryan: Why do you think it was Alex?

Hot boyfriend: He threw Penelope's lipstick in the toilet.

Ryan: Which is better than what he did to that memory stick at midterms.

Hot boyfriend: Definitely. Although Penelope got a really nice gift card out of it.

Ryan: There is currently sour cream on the carpet. Plus, Mustard on the chairs. Taylor's shirt is just gone. I think I might have blueberry syrup in my hair.

Hot boyfriend: And not in the fun way. So sad.

Ryan: What would be the fun way?

Hot boyfriend: Licking it off your stomach. But I prefer chocolate sauce.

Ryan: We can try both. It's going to be a long break.

Hot boyfriend: I'll see you in 30 minutes.

Ryan: I am looking forward to it.

30 minutes later.

"Oh God, I hope nothing bad happens this time," Taylor said as they walked outside to the pickup area. Thankfully their bags were waiting for them because everything is better when you travel first class.

"Other than Alex pouring ice cream on you," Ryan remarked.

"I got a new shirt I love out of the experience, but I can't believe Kim just paid $100 for a shirt at the airport. Why didn't she just buy me an I love Albuquerque shirt?" Taylor asked.

"I think she still feels really guilty about Thanksgiving," Ryan explained.

"I'm not as mad at her about that as I probably should be. Honestly, I'm just glad the truth is actually out there."

"Even if you are planning to stay at my house the entire break." Taylor didn't want to see her parents during this break. She hasn't spoken to any of her parents outside of Makayla monitored conversation since the Thanksgiving fiasco.

"I will see them eventually, possibly at the talent show Friday night. I just need some more time to process." Taylor explained.

"I thought Jason wasn't allowed to write anything?" Ryan asked.

"Yes, but could still perform. I'm not sure what he's planning, but I think the Mariah Carey Christmas album will be involved. His text messages were really cryptic."

"I'm sure Sharpay already has tickets for us."

"Second role center. I see your boyfriend in your sister's car." Taylor said, pointing to Zack. "I think I remember it being blue from Thanksgiving."

"She painted it as part of the Darby exorcism," Ryan explained. "I do not blame her at all."

"Sharpay is letting you borrow her car?" Taylor asked as she approached Zack. He quickly hugged her. Over the last few weeks, they have been emailing each other constantly. There are even some video chats. It was good for her to have another friend since she still didn't have any on campus. She did have a study group that she now found tolerable, so that was an improvement. Ryan was just grateful that his boyfriend and girlfriend were getting along even if Taylor didn't call herself the G-word.

"Actually, she was just letting me drive it to you. It's yours until you go back." Zack placed the keys in Taylor's hands. Taylor looked over at Ryan to explain.

"Do you remember the marriage assignment from ninth-grade health class?" Ryan asked.

"Vaguely. I got paired up with Troy. I almost threw a basketball at him because he was more interested in practice than actually doing the assignment. Thankfully that's about the time Kim started tutoring him. Good thing my stepsister has a team to handle finances. She's going to need it."

"That is still better than what I went through. I ended up with Jason C, who was freaking out about what it meant that he was paired with me. I should've known then to avoid him like the plague." The internalized homophobia was obvious back then, but he wasn't ready to see it.

"That your class had more boys than girls, and Jack has always been really open-minded in that regard at least. Did you tell Zack about Jason Cross?" Taylor asked.

"I know all about your school closet case," Zack answered. "We're supposed to have lunch with Martha sometime during winter break to talk her into breaking up with him."

"Yes, but later. Probably not this week because…" Ryan had no idea how to finish that sentence.

"Tomorrow will be traumatic enough, and I have a game later in the week." Zack supplied for him, thankfully.

"Exactly."

"Which is why we are going to go to the grocery store, get way too much junk food, and watch a ton of movies tonight," Taylor added.

"And maybe some actual food. Maria said she left a few things in the fridge for us, but it's probably mostly cookies. Dad doesn't like staying in that house. Darby has taken over the house at the club for herself." Ryan explained.

"Of course she did." Taylor just sighed.

"Her family started the club, so it makes sense. Although I'm sure she did it because she knows it's my dad's favorite house."

"No talk of Darby for the rest of the night." Zack admonished. "This is time for just us."

"Agreed." Ryan and Taylor said, both getting in the car. Ryan was looking forward to spending the rest of the night with his two favorite people.

Oakland International Airport a few hours later.

By the time they landed at Oakland International Airport, Gabriella was half asleep. She desperately wanted to get to the hotel. She was relieved to see Troy's friend Yolanda there, ready to pick them up. She was only slightly embarrassed by her past behavior. Gabby was more relieved to see Madison, who quickly hugged her.

"I'm glad you came," Gabriella said, pulling out of the hug.

"I couldn't leave you here alone. Also, it will only be cramped until we drop the happy couple off to get their rental car." Madison joked.

"There is my little cutie pie. I have heard all good things about you." Yolanda said, wrapping baby Alex and a hug.

"You've been waiting to meet my son since the first picture," Troy remarked as he placed his luggage in the trunk.

"Because he's just the cutest. We are also kindred souls."

"Although thankfully, I got to meet Alex at two instead of five," Troy added.

"And my mom did not successfully succeed in murdering me." She and her mom both give Kim a look. There was definitely a story there. Gabriella didn't know all the details, but she knew Kim's biological mom was a horrible person.

"Look, I have to joke about it at this point. Otherwise, it will eat me up from the inside. I have no choice," Kim remarked.

"I wish you didn't have to go through so much." Her mother lamented.

"As the song goes, it's not right, but it's okay. Right now, I just want to get to the hotel." Troy, Kim, and her mom would be staying near the Berkeley campus. Which was good because it meant her mom would still be an hour away. Gabriella is okay with her mom moving to the Bay Area. As long as she doesn't end up right on top of her. Berkeley would be nice.

"Same here. Although how are we all going to get there in that car?" Troy asked.

"I would say creatively, but I think maybe Troy and Kim should just take the shuttle bus to pick up the rental car. We can meet you at the hotel. We can even stop off somewhere and pick up snacks." Madison suggested.

"I could use some potato chips," Gabriella remarked.

"See, good plan," Madison smirked.

"Except for the fact you are splitting me up for my kid," Kim remarked.

"Because I feel like you and Troy need some alone time," Madison replied.

"And we already have the car seat. I even called my stepmom for recommendations." Yolanda commented.

"You do not want to take a two-year-old on the airport shuttle. More importantly, you don't want to carry the car seat with you." Her mother remarked.

"This is true." Troy and Kim said simultaneously.

"Besides, I promise to take excellent care of your baby while Gabriella and I talk about the latest in sorority revenge," Madison reassured.

"Does Mercedes still not believe that Troy has a new girlfriend?" Gabriella asked.

"She is still 100% in denial. Despite us watching the interview around the clock. I'm pretty sure she has going straight into cognitive bias territory." Madison explained.

"Mercedes is a Tuesday problem. You guys are staying with us tonight just to avoid that?" Kim asked.

"That and to avoid an hour plus drive," Madison remarked.

"I actually think you should still stay in the hotel and not move back into the sorority house." Her mom suggested.

"I want to at least try for tomorrow. Besides, you are all staying at a hotel that's more than an hour from Stanford. I'd rather be closer by to make up all the exams." Gabriella remarked.

"Valid point. Although why are you doing this now?" Troy asked. "You can wait until next semester."

"I want to start fresh next semester. I'm not going to have a restful winter break if this is just hanging over my head."

"Okay, I think I see the rental car shuttle now," Kim commented. "Take care of the baby, and we will see you guys all at the hotel. Although Gabriella, you know if it gets too much at the sorority house, I can book you someplace closer." Kim offered.

"I know. But I have to face it sometime." Gabriella gave Kim the biggest smile she could muster.

"Not less than 48 hours out of the hospital."

"If not now, when?" Gabriella remarked. "I can't run away from my triggers forever."

"OK, I'm not gonna argue with you," Kim said as Troy dragged her towards the rental car shuttle.

"We'll see you at the hotel, and we will have food waiting for you," Maria called out.

"Which is for the best since Alex already destroyed one restaurant today; let's not make it two," Troy remarked as they got on the shuttle.

XXXX

Thankfully, it only took them 10 minutes to successfully get Alex in his car seat. He only kicked off his shoes twice, which is actually pretty good for him. Teresa has been helping with some of those behaviors. Maria opted to sit in the back with Alex to ensure he kept his shoes on. This resulted in Gabriella sitting up front with Yolanda. It was for the best that Troy and Kim went to get the rental car. Yolanda's vehicle barely sat the five of them comfortably. Seven would be impossible, especially with a car seat.

"Thank you for coming to pick us up. It was really nice of you to do so." Maria commented as she fastened her own seatbelt.

"It's no trouble at all. Chad would be here, but he's in the middle of studying for his principles of engineering exam." Yolanda remarked as she pulled out of the pickup area.

"That's not the actual name of the class," Madison remarked.

"I really appreciate you being here regardless. You didn't have to, especially with how I treated you before. I wasn't OK. I'm sorry."

Gabriella has made several apologies like this over the last few weeks. Maria almost wonders if it's part of her therapy. She could ask Dr. Suarez the next time they speak. Gabriella will be doing video sessions until she clicks with a local therapist. Kim offered to pay for it, so they wouldn't be restricted by what the insurance will cover.

"I don't need an apology. You weren't yourself."

Yolanda remarked.

"I was myself. I just wasn't taking my medication and probably drunk." Madison glared at Gabriella at that moment.

"OK, I was definitely drunk. I may have lived on Jell-O shots for a couple of months. That is not an excuse for what I did. I tried to hit you. That's not okay."

"It wasn't okay, but I wonder if I made things worse. I'm sorry I referred to you as the crazy bitch. That was extremely ablest. I'm sorry for that." Yolanda apologized.

"I am crazy."

"You're bipolar," Madison called out from the side. "We really have to work on this."

"You can call yourself crazy. I can't. It's the mental illness version of N-word privileges," Yolanda explained.

"Fair enough."

"How are things at the sorority right now?" Maria asked, wanting to move to safer ground.

"When I left this morning, they were working on a Gabriella welcome back banner. I also expect balloons." Madison explained.

"And they know I was in the mental hospital and not just recovering from a car accident?" Gabriella asked. She was actually upset at all of them for that lie.

"Yes. Although we didn't tell Mercedes because we hate her," Maria could see Madison's wicked smile as she spoke. There was definitely no love lost there.

"Evil bitc," Alex babbled from the back.

"Obviously, somebody keeps learning new words," Yolanda commented.

"In four different languages." Maria sighed.

"Cassandra will give you more details in the morning," Madison explained. "But that is a tomorrow problem."

"I am totally coming with you. I need to meet the infamous Mercedes." Yolanda sounded very enthusiastic about this.

"You can help tape the whole thing," Madison suggested. "Chad's coming as well. We will have to take two cars again."

"Which is not a problem, especially because Kim will now have a rental car," Maria added.

"I hope she picked up an SUV," Gabriella remarked.

"I'm not sure. Sharpay picked it out." Maria responded.

"They're not planning to keep it for long. Apparently, Kim plans to buy a really big SUV as soon as possible. Probably a Cadillac Escalade." She knows Kim and Troy have been looking at websites for the last few days deciding what they want. Or rather Troy deciding what he wants now. Kim convinced him to get a new car instead of something held together with duct tape and a prayer. Maria remembers the old truck well, and Alex is never getting into anything like that.

"That makes sense, especially because I was told to buy a car seat, not borrow one from my old boss." Mercedes remarked.

"Part of this trip is for Kim and Troy to set up a house here as well. After they get the car, they're going to begin house shopping. I'm going with them to keep Alex occupied." Maria was also going to make sure that they were not taken advantage of. Buying a house is hard. Thanks to moving every few years, Maria was an expert at it.

"That also makes sense," Yolanda remarked as they kept driving.

December 16, 2008, 9:04 AM MST.

"I'm so sorry I'm a little late." An impeccably dressed Ryan said as he slid into the booth to sit across from her. Amanda and Ryan were meeting for brunch at the Garden Grill instead of the club since Darby now has full control of it. As of yesterday, the entire family was banned from the place, including the family house. What a hateful/spiteful Woman.

"It's fine. I'm sure you were really busy."

"I haven't started packing the house yet, but I'm sure we will be. Dad told me everything has to be in storage or on its way to New York by the 27th. Although I don't know why yet." Ryan explained. Amanda knows why but she wasn't at liberty to share.

"At least since you moved into Maria's apartment, you will have space for things." Amanda took a drink of water. "Despite that, you look really ridiculously happy this morning. Did somebody get laid last night? Or are you just happy finals are over?" Ryan turned completely scarlet at Amanda's words.

"We're not at that point yet. We're taking things slow." Amanda raised a skeptical eyebrow.

"I'm very familiar with the Evans version of slow. Blowjobs count, especially with you and Zack." Amanda took a sip of her water.

"I know they do, but we're not even to that point. I am taking things slow after the disaster that was Kelsi. Plus, I'm navigating two relationships. Although Taylor and Zack are like best friends. Thankfully they both respect my boundaries." Ryan explained.

"That is really the best-case scenario when you're dating two people simultaneously."

"It helps when they are aware of it as well. Natasha really thought I already knew about her relationship with Kelsi when she was crashing our dates. I've gotten three apology cupcakes out of it." Ryan smirked, and Amanda was so happy he could joke about that now.

"Cupcakes make everything better." Amanda giggled.

"I'm so glad we're at least going to be able to have breakfast." She placed her napkin on her lap. "Even if I'm going to have to go straight to the airport after this." Amanda really hoped the server would get there soon. The car will pick her up from the restaurant at 11 AM to take her and the others to the airport. She was supposed to get the stuffed French toast to go. Marc and Nikki were invited to this as well, but they're really horrible at waking up early and had last-minute packing to do.

"I wish I could've driven you to the airport, but…"Ryan trailed off.

"I know about the Zack situation. We are friends." Ryan sighed in relief. "If I could change the flight to something later, I would have so I could stay for Zack. Unfortunately, even Daniel couldn't find an alternative."

"If Daniel can't find something, it's not an option. BTW dad told me that he upgraded you guys to first class. It's your Christmas present. One of them anyway." Ryan told her.

"He already got me a computer with the good adaptive tech as well. My new microphone is so nice." Her English paper was slightly less frustrating with the new software. She is still 90% sure she will flunk English class because her professor is an ablest asshole, but she's made peace about it.

"That's a tool for work. That doesn't count as a present."

"It does to me. I've been using a hand-me-down from my father for the last three years." Amanda explained.

"By now, you should realize that the Evans family show they care with elaborate presents. It's annoying, but eventually, you get used to it. At least we're getting better with saying the same thing with words." Ryan explained.

"Good to know. So what exactly did happen last night with Zack and Taylor. I need to live vicariously through you.

"Not anything that would be considered sex but some things." Ryan took a sip of his water.

"And will I be getting details?"

"A gentleman doesn't Kiss and Tell," Ryan remarked.

"But you, sir, are no gentleman," Amanda replied right as their server arrived. This was definitely going to be a good breakfast. Amanda could use this after the chaos that was her first semester of college.

To be continued…