Thank you to everybody who read or reviewed the last chapter. You're fabulous. Again more new material.
I am so sorry for the late update. My computer went into hard drive failure and spent over two weeks in the shop. That caused all of my updates to get delayed. This story also shared a posting slot with my Spider-Man story letters I can never send. I needed to post the last chapter during February because it takes place in February. That led to the story being delayed another week. I will now be posting chapters every three weeks. Alternating between this story, happily ever after is just a rumor, and letters I can never send.
I now have the final chapter count for the story, 76 chapters. If we stay on the current schedule, we will end in September. However, I may return to updating every two weeks once my Spider-Man story is done. It's a short story by my standards.
Chapter 67: One chaotic Tuesday in December
Morning December 16, 2008
Taylor: Hey, I just wanted to check-in. Last night, I got a quick text from Kim when she picked up the rental car but nothing else. It was also the middle of the night here, so I didn't respond.
Gabby: Possibly because Kim ended up spending two hours at the rental car place. We all kind of crashed after that.
Taylor: It's OK, especially because I was sleeping at that point. I kind of expected that to happen. How are you feeling this morning? Have you arrived at the sorority yet? I know your mom said you weren't heading over there until today.
Gabby: We're driving there now.
Gabby: I think you were right, and I should not be moving back into a sorority house fresh out of rehab. I'm getting nauseous just thinking about it. This will be a disaster, and I'm going to end up throwing up in Yolanda's car.
Taylor: At least try to get the door open first. I'm just glad Zack did that much. I am also thankful that Ryan is driving Sharpay's car. Even Sharpay will not forgive her brother's boyfriend for throwing up in her car, no matter how much she likes him.
Gabby: I feel like I'm missing something.
Taylor: Did I ever tell you that Ryan is dating both me and Zack simultaneously?
Taylor: Actually, did Ryan tell you about Zack at all?
Gabby: He was mentioned in New York. I have a vague memory of him driving me to the hospital, but I was out of it at that point. I also know about him from overhearing a conversation I wasn't supposed to between Jack and his girlfriend Saturday night. Apparently, today you are supposed to find out if Zack is Chad's half-brother. I think Chad's biological father is a bigger prick than mine.
Taylor: Unfortunately, that's true. Kim says Jack and Carolyn tend to be loud on the phone.
Gabby: I knew you two were together because you were finishing each other sentences yesterday. But Ryan did not mention Zack. He didn't even confirm that you two were together.
Gabby: Not that he needed to. I don't think he wants to rub his happiness in my face since my ex-boyfriend is engaged with children.
Taylor: And he jumps on Sharpay all the time for keeping things from him when he is so similar.
Gabby: We will have so much to talk about when all this is over.
Taylor: So much. Chad's Aunt Claudia just arrived in the parking lot. So I think we're gonna have to go up now to see the attorney.
Gabby: Good luck.
Taylor: I also wish you good luck. Make Mercedes suffer.
XXXX
"Who are you texting?" Troy asked as he sat next to Gabriella in the back of Yolanda's car with Madison upfront with Yolanda. Her mom was riding with Kim. Gabriella was almost happy for that reprieve.
"Taylor. She wants us to make Mercedes suffer."
"Of course she does." Troy sighed at that.
"Also, could somebody have told me that Ryan has a boyfriend and a girlfriend right now?" Gabriella looked directly at Troy.
"Chad and I had a vote. We decided that Ryan and Taylor are completely in charge of telling people about that." Troy answered simply.
"Especially if Ryan's new boyfriend turns out to be his ex's half-brother," Gabriella commented. Troy gave her a look.
"That makes sense. At Thanksgiving, I couldn't tell Chad and Zack apart. It was like a soap opera where they have the same performer playing twins." Madison told the group.
"That feels like an accurate way to describe it. I felt like I've been trapped in a soap opera ever since I've met you, Bolton." Yolanda said from the driver's seat. She refused to let Madison drive her car.
"How did you even know about that?" Troy asked.
"Your dad likes to use speakerphone. Especially when conspiring with his girlfriend." Troy sighed exasperatedly.
"He finds iPhones weird. He doesn't like holding it up to his ear. Kim does the same thing."
"Why isn't Kim riding with us again?" Yolanda asked. "That monstrosity of a car you picked up actually could fit us all. I was hoping we could hang out."
"Dramatic effect. It's all part of Sharpay's plan. You did read through the plan?" Troy asked.
"I've read enough to know I'm on video duty. I expect to be fed after this." Yolanda remarked.
"Were bringing brunch for the girls at the sorority. Also, once we terrorize Mercedes, we will leave for lunch." Troy promised. "Possibly someplace way too nice to take a two-year-old, but Kim will make them take us anyway."
"As long as it's not my father's restaurant, it's fine. If anybody knows how to manipulate people, it is Sharpay. It's a side effect of being raised by a sociopath. I would know." Madison commented. Gabriella really needs to find out more about Madison's family. Her sister's death last year isn't the only big thing going on. But not right now. Gabriella is barely keeping it together as it is.
"If things go badly, your mom can get Alex the hell out of there. Which is the other reason why Troy's mini-me isn't riding with us." Yolanda actually pouted at Madison's words.
"You're going to get tons of baby time. Alex will be here for weeks at a time once I get the house. You really think Mercedes would go after a little baby?" Troy asked.
"Mercedes is fucking crazy. Yes." Gabriella answered.
"Or possibly really drunk/high. Mercedes's mood changes daily, sometimes hourly. Although per Cassandra, this is a good day." Madison added.
"And why is today a good day?" Troy asked.
"Cassandra had me on speaker when I told her that you and I were driving Gabriella back this morning. Apparently, she's already dressed in a red bikini." Madison remarked.
"It's 59 right now. It's also drizzling." Troy remarked incredulously. It looked positively dreary outside, which was another reason Gabriella was not looking forward to going back to the house.
"She's dressed to get wet," Madison remarked.
"Just not the wet she wants." Yolanda quipped.
"Yolanda." Troy admonished.
"By now, you should be aware I am a sex-positive asexual person."
"This is a safe space where we can tear Mercedes to shreds," Madison remarked.
"Oh wow, she really is wearing that," Troy said as they pulled up in front of the house. Thankfully it stopped drizzling.
"Complete with come fuck me heels," Madison observed.
"Maybe she's going after Gabby again. Cassandra told you that she was trying to target both of us," Troy argued.
"I'm pretty sure I'm really, really straight," Gabriella told the group.
"And even if you weren't, you could do so much better," Madison commented as Yolanda parked the car. Gabriella took a breath to steady herself.
"You know you don't have to do this. You may actually already have a reservation at the Grand Garden Hotel Stanford."
"See, this is why I can't hate your wife. She's like the nicest person in the universe." Gabriella gave Troy a shaky smile. She was halfway ready to cry happy tears.
"Fiancé." Troy corrected.
"Only because Kim wouldn't agree to elope in Vegas. Besides, you know I'm telling Mercede you're married. I've been instructed by Sharpay to." Although they haven't talked, Sharpay sent Gabriella detailed instructions via email. Gabriella hasn't emailed her back because she wasn't ready yet. "That's also why you're wearing an engagement ring." Which looks very suspiciously like a wedding ring.
"Kim told you about Vegas?" Troy asked.
"She visited me almost every day. We've talked a lot. I really like her." Gabriella said genuinely.
"I think the fact she was OK with you wrecking her photo in New York is what clinched it," Madison added.
"The fact that Kim also thinks that Lucy is a manipulative bitch has ingratiated her to me. Wait, sorry, I didn't mean to say that out loud." She didn't want to say mean things about Troy's mom, but it just slipped.
"It's fine, Gabriella. I'm not offended. Grandma Katrina has said worse. Actually, grandma Karen said worse. To each other. It was weird. I've never seen them not fight with each other. There was even an appetizer skirmish at the meet Alex party." Troy commented. She's already heard a lot about the meet Alex party while in the hospital.
"Prepare yourself. This will probably be worse." Madison warned.
"Just remember you already have a hotel reservation."
"I'll try to remember that." This was really hard to do when Mercedes was all over Troy only a minute later.
"I'm so glad that you are dropping Gabriella off." Mercedes said as she draped an arm over Troy.
"I'm sure you are. Hands off, though." Gabriella stepped in between Troy and Mercedes. "Mr. Bolton is already taken." Gabriella held up Troy's hand so she could plainly see the ring on Troy's finger. Kim deliberately picked out something that looked like a wedding ring. Not that it was that common yet for men to have engagement rings. The only other person she knew that had one was Chad.
"You're back together?" Mercedes may have been smiling outwardly, but Gabriella could hear the bitterness in her words.
"OK, I'm just gonna be the one to ask how much cocaine have you done this morning already?" Madison asked.
"Cocaine was so last century," Madison remarked.
"Right. You probably took something from the opiate family". Yolanda added. She already had her iPhone out filming everything.
"Troy and I are never getting back together. We are much better off as friends." Gabriella realizes that now. That would be the case even if Kim wasn't a factor. Gabriella just wished she realized that before spending half of December in the hospital and throwing a lamp at Troy.
"That's good. Oh, I'm sorry you weren't able to come to Colorado. I am also sorry your mom checked you into the hospital. I guess New Mexico has a 5150 hold as well."
"It wasn't anything like that. I checked myself in. I haven't been OK for a while. But I feel better now. I couldn't have done it without Troy." She quickly wrapped the man in a hug, which resulted in a death glare from Mercedes. Before the woman could say anything, Cassandra grabbed her and wrapped her in a hug.
"Hey, there you are. I'm so glad you're back." Cassandra's words seemed genuine. Before she was in the hospital, they didn't talk too much. However, they spoke on the phone and texted a lot while she was recovering. At least once she was allowed phone privileges.
"I have to show you our new room. I'm planning to pick up decorations over winter break, so tell me what you want."
"The new sober room for the quitters and the insane." Gabriella felt Cassandra place a hand on her back in support at Mercedes's words.
"Well, some of us don't want to end up a drugged-up alcoholic mess," Cassandra remarked.
"Just because you can't handle your boyfriend dumping you, does it mean you need to drag Gabriella into this." Mercedes shot back.
"I handle that situation just fine by dumping him. But I'm aware of my limitations, and so is Gabriella. Come on, Gabriella, you're going to love our new room." With that, Cassandra pulled her into the house. They were alone in the entryway. Most of the other girls were outside watching the show.
"Thank you for getting me out of there, although I feel horrible for leaving Troy behind."
"This is part of the plan. My job was to get you out of there so you can watch the fireworks from a safe distance." Cassandra explained.
"Except by leaving, we're giving Mercedes ample opportunity to molest Troy," Gabriella said, pointing to a Mercedes that had her hands about an inch from Troy's dick.
"We have to give her enough rope to hang herself. Thankfully Troy is a really good actor and doesn't look like he's about to throw her across the lawn. Also, she doesn't realize that Yolanda is out there with a video camera in hand ready to give her a taste of her own medicine." Cassandra explained.
"This is going up on YouTube, isn't it?" Gabriella asked.
"Possibly. It depends on how much of a fool Mercedes makes it herself." Cassandra answered.
"It's going to get worse now that Kim is here," Gabriella said, noticing her arrival.
"Is that a Cadillac Escalade?" Cassandra asked.
"Sharpay requested the most expensive car they had. Really I'm shocked she didn't request a limo."
"I really want to meet this Sharpay. She seems cool." So did Gabriella. She's only now realizing that she never actually met the real Sharpay. She also felt even worse for the almost-sex tape.
Xxx
"I just got the text from Madison that everything is ready to roll," Kim said, placing her cell phone back in her pocket. She was dressed head to toe in brands that made Gucci seem cheap. Along with some of the best pieces of the Sharpay Evans jewelry collection. She doesn't actually want to know where Sharpay got a wedding ring that matched her engagement ring perfectly. Chances are Troy just got the wedding ring early. It works for what they're about to do.
"Maria, stay here in the car for now. Chad, you're with me." Kim said just before opening the door.
"Oh, I'm going to have fun." Madison's boyfriend Chad said as he joined her.
"Hey, sweetie," Kim said, running up to Troy and kissing him in a way that was anything but chase. She also made sure to position her hand in a way that flashed her wedding ring.
"Hey, I miss you. Did you have trouble finding the place?" Troy asked, now wrapping his arms around her. Again they tried to position their hands so that their rings were visible.
"No, mostly because Chad was driving. You pick the best friends named Chad." Kim joked. Mercedes was still glaring at her. Good.
"He's been here a lot. Although I'm sure he was excited driving a Cadillac." Madison said, running up to kiss her boyfriend.
"So much. It's the best car." Chad said enthusiastically.
"Well, now I know what type of car to pick up for you," Kim commented. Mostly because she knew it would make Mercedes angry. Kim was purposely showing off how rich she was.
"Hey girls, we brought brunch. It's just my way of saying thank you for being such good friends for Gabriella while she was recovering." Kim told everyone.
"No sorority girl will say no to food," Chad said as he began to unload the several boxes of pastries and bagels. Several of the other girls went to help them. Apparently, he was very popular among the girls at the sorority.
"Who are you?" Mercedes asked, obviously annoyed.
"This is my wife, Kimberly." Troy enjoyed saying that a little too much.
"You're married. You went from Gabriella to being married in a month? You're married?" Mercedes was furious.
"When you know, you know. But we were together before in high school." Troy explained, kissing her again.
"Unfortunately, our moms conspired to break us up. Thankfully we found our way back to each other. Gabriella actually helped after Troy explained what happened." Gabriella said she would have done this if Troy had told her the truth.
"Wait, how do you not know this? Madison asked. "It's been all over the media for like the last two weeks? There was a 2020 Special last Friday."
"Oh, thank God we were busy. Your Nana loves 2020." Unfortunately, much to her displeasure, they weren't busy celebrating the engagement but rather finding Penelope a really good lawyer.
"You're Kimberly Kim. The heir to the Beijing gardens Fortune." Madison was right, and Mercedes did recognize her.
"Actually, it's Kimberly Bolton." The name change really will help them convince Mercedes that they're already married. Actually, the name change is why they already have rumors about being married since Thanksgiving. This is the whole reason why she's OK with this ruse. Despite the fact, there might be a video of her referring to Troy as her husband on YouTube shortly. They were going to edit it out of their version, but who knows who else is filming.
"You have his last name?"
"That usually happens when you get married," Madison remarked darkly. Of course, Alex managed to make his way out of the car at that moment. Thankfully he ran right to Troy.
"Hey sweetie, I want you to meet some of Gabby's friends," Troy said as he walked over to Madison. This is Miss Mercedes."
"Evil bitch." Under normal circumstances, Kim would be mortified that Alex finally learned to pronounce that word correctly. Instead, she just had to act like it.
"Sweetie, we don't say that." Even if it's true. However, her fiancé knew not to say that, especially with the camera rolling.
"Evil bitch! Evil bitch! Evil bitch!"
"Troy, your kid, has impeccable taste," Chad said from the side.
"He is your son?" Mercedes asked, bewildered.
"Yes, although he has to learn that certain things should not be said." Even though this is adorable, they really do need to watch the cursing around Alex. She's honestly surprised he's just doing this in English. He knows the equivalent in at least Mandarin and Spanish.
"Evil bitch," Alex said again. That's when Maria managed to grab the toddler from Troy.
"I am going to go take him inside for a bagel and to hang out with the girls. No chocolate for you. We don't say that word."
"Nana no," Maria has also been made one of the Nanas. So Alex now had Nana Vanessa, Nana Carolyn, and Nana Maria.
"Don't Nana no me." Maria admonished the two-year-old.
"You're engaged and have a kid?" Mercedes asked incredulously.
"Yes." Troy and Kim answered together.
"Seriously, how did you not realize this?" Madison asked.
They never got an answer because Mercedes lost consciousness.
XXXX
Ryan had a wonderful breakfast with Amanda. She didn't even complain when he paid for the full breakfast and Nikki and Marc's brunch for the plane. He was sad that he didn't get to me either of them this time, but they had texted. They both sent messages of support after the Darby fiasco was made public.
Now Ryan was pulling Sharpay's convertible into one of the empty parking spaces at Rodriguez and Associates. Per the last message he got from Taylor, she and Zack were already there. Thankfully Ryan parked the car without scratching it. If he hurt Sharpay's car, he would never hear the end of it. Unfortunately, when he got out of the car, he saw Sharpay standing right there. He is so screwed.
"Have you been a good car for Taylor?" Sharpay said towards the blue convertible. "You know you're not supposed to let Ryan drive you." His sister's eyes turned toward him. He could tell she was annoyed.
"I didn't want to wake Taylor or Zack up to drive me to breakfast. It was either take the car or Zacks SUV, and I'm better in the car." Ryan explained.
"Barely. Did Ryan scare you, baby?" Sharpay was actually petting one of the headlights at that point.
"I can't believe you're talking to the car." This was just too much.
"Because Lorenzo is my favorite. However, I had to keep the Lexus because I needed to pack and store everything in Alicia's classroom this week. Also, I promised her daughter that I would ship some things from the house." Sharpay explained. Ryan could tell that Sharpay was very upset about that. So is he. Ms. D didn't even pack up her classroom the last time. This all felt like she was leaving for good.
"Do you need help with that?" Ryan asked. He didn't want Sharpay to deal with all of this alone. She's done that too much in the past, and Ryan will not let her do it anymore. "I can come early tomorrow for the exams."
"I will take care of most of it today when I get out of here. Some of the students are helping. With the packing anyway. You can help me carry boxes tomorrow." Because obviously, Zack will need you tonight was left unsaid. "We do have two days of exams."
"Oh, God." Ryan groaned. He didn't like the drama final even when he was a student there. Very few people took it seriously outside of the drama club. He sure it's going to be worse on the other side.
"It's just us, right?" Ryan hoped that was the case. He would like to actually spend some time with his sister.
"Kelsi is the third," Sharpay admitted reluctantly.
"Oh shit. Why?" He did not want to see Kelsi right now. He was hoping for a Kelsi-free break.
"Ms. D set everything up. I didn't have the heart to tell her how bad things got with Kelsi. I don't even know if she knows that you guys broke up."
"She knows that I am with Taylor and Zach, but she thinks the breakup was amicable and not so disastrous that her ex-girlfriend and I have formed a support group." He wasn't even completely joking about that. Since the breakup, Kelsi has been horrible to Natasha, and Ryan has been right by her side.
"Are the lawyers still trying to find out if Darby paid Kelsi directly to date you?" Sharpay asked.
"Yes." Ryan didn't have the heart to tell Sharpay that the private investigator had already found some suspicious transactions. "Tomorrow is going to be miserable."
"Probably, but we will just ignore her together. Although I'll pick up some chocolate while I'm at the grocery store this afternoon."
"Good plan."
"How is Zack doing?"
"Taylor said he threw up on the car ride here," Ryan answered, simply recalling one of the earlier text messages.
"OK, I forgive you for taking the convertible. Lorenzo does not like for people to throw up in his backseat."
XXXX
"So that's why you were taking so long," Chad said as Sharpay walked into the waiting room of Rodriguez and Associates. Aunt Claudia was sitting next to him on one of the long white sofas. Of course, she was there. The woman wouldn't let her grand nephews go through this alone. She's already claimed Zack as a nephew even without the DNA test. She even brought out pictures of Zack's mom and aunt Amy Sunday. Per Chad, Aunt Claudia hasn't even looked at those pictures since Amy died.
"I had to make sure he didn't scratch up the car," Sharpay commented as she sat down next to Chad. "Thankfully, nobody threw up on the upholstery, so all is good."
"Hey, I opened the car door in time," Zack said, sipping on a ginger ale. Marcia probably got it for him. This was a full-service law firm. Taylor was sitting next to him, rubbing gentle circles on his back. Sharpay is thankful that Taylor has found herself in the friendship role with Zack. It makes Sharpay hopeful that this relationship might actually work. Ryan needs it after the disaster that was Kelsi. "The ginger ale was helping, so I don't think I'm going to throw up again. I hope not anyway."
"It wouldn't be the first time something like that happened in this office. People can get very nervous, especially in situations like these," Jen said from the front door of her office. "Come on in. Thank you for all being patient."
"No matter what the test says, you're already part of the family," Claudia said reassuringly. She squeezed Zack's hand before letting him take a seat between Chad and Ryan. Sharpay ended up with Taylor and Aunt Claudia sitting on the opposite side. She was fine with it because Zack needed Chad right now.
"There's a few people I don't want to be related to," Such as Charles, Esther, or Nana Danforth herself. Sharpay wasn't looking forward to being related to the three of them either, even if it was just by marriage. But Chad was worth making the sacrifice for.
"I went five years without talking to my sister. I completely understand." Sharpay wondered which sister. Actually, she's pretty sure aunt Claudia isn't talking to Esther or Nana Danforth right now. Both are hateful hags.
"That does not surprise me," Taylor mumbled under her breath. Justin Penelope ran into the room, panting.
"Hey, I'm sorry I'm late." Penelope walked over to Zack.
"You came. I thought that you would be stuck with your lawyer." Zack asked, wrapping Penelope in a hug.
"Thankfully, Alex is in the building next door, and we were able to finish up just in time for me to run over here. Ryan, again, thank you for paying for that."
"I'm happy to help in any way. I despise Malick." Ryan said, getting up to let Penelope take his seat. It makes sense. Penelope has been friends with Zack since they were little kids. They were practically raised together.
"Taylor was the one who recommended Alex."
"Alex worked with au—Vanessa." Taylor quickly caught herself using the term aunt. Obviously, things are still quite confusing for Taylor. "She calls her a pit bull."
"She is. We went to law school together years ago." Jen remarked as she grabbed an envelope from her desk.
"Good to know," Penelope remarked as she sat down in Ryan's vacated seat.
"So, do you want me to read you the results or just pass you the envelope?" Jen asked.
"Just give me the envelope," Zack said as Jen wordlessly passed the envelope to her client.
XXXX
Afew hours later
Future stepbrother: Hey, we just got out of the lawyer's office. Congratulations, I now have another older brother. You're the middle child now.
Troy: Until Tiffany has her kids. Then you'll be the middle kid, and I'll be the older brother with Zack.
Future stepbrother: That is so unfair.
Troy: Check your email for the video.
Future stepbrother: I already watched it. Twice. Ryan is practically giddy. Sharpay is deciding what screenshot will become her new cell phone background.
Troy: Of course she is.
Future stepbrother: I feel bad that we all accidentally taught your child that curse, but it's adorable. Are you putting it on YouTube?
Troy: No. Maria won't let us because Mercedes passed out. Our version anyway. One of the other girls may upload it later. Although there are already rumors about Kim and I being married all over the Internet.
Future stepbrother: That is not surprising. There have been rumors about that since Thanksgiving. It's what happens when you have a child with a hotel heiress.
Troy: I think Maria is more concerned about Mercedes passing out. She believes in being kind to the enemy. Good news, it wasn't an overdose. Although she wasn't exactly sober.
Future stepbrother: That was an actual concern?
Troy: Yes. Especially with the number of drugs that were found in her room. We searched her room just in case it was an overdose. We're all grateful that Gabriella mostly stuck to alcohol and never did anything worse than an edible.
Future stepbrother: Definitely a good thing.
Troy: If she had a scale in her room, Mercedes could have got arrested for trafficking. However, it was enough for her to get kicked out of the sorority, which was celebrated by everybody.
Future stepbrother: Because most of the girls hated her anyway.
Troy: Yes, but they needed the family money, so they put up with it. They don't need to do that anymore because of the generous donation from the Bolton foundation. Everyone's glad that she's going to be gone from now on.
Future stepbrother: I'm sure they all are. And videos of what happened have started popping up on YouTube.
Troy: Of course, it's already on YouTube. Where are you right now? Hanging out at Zack's apartment?
Future stepbrother: We're watching a movie while brainstorming all the ways we would like to eviscerate Malick. Penelope is with us. She kept us from having to have lunch with aunt Claudia.
Troy: It's still weird that you two are on good terms.
Future stepbrother: I am new to the sibling thing, but Ryan told me I have to tolerate my sibling's friends. That's why he never choked any of the young and shallow that Sharpay hung out with before.
Troy: Kim says Sharpay didn't even like those people. She just preferred that to being lonely.
Future stepbrother: Exactly.
Troy: Where is Sharpay?
Future stepbrother: At the school or possibly already at the grocery store with Kerri.
Troy: I thought she was done for the semester?
Future stepbrother: She's packing the drama room up with your dad. Afterward, Kerrie is teaching her how to shop on a budget. After that, we have Lamaze class with Tiffany.
Troy: Does your girlfriend even understand the concept of a budget?
Future stepbrother: Not without using daddy's credit card to supplement it. We're working on it.
Troy: Kim says she wants pictures. Alex is throwing things, so we're going back to the hotel for a nap. Then we are going to go pick out our new car.
Future stepbrother: Good call.
To be continued.