Weeks later Kelsi found herself packing her things as Terry blathered on through the telephone. She was half-listening and half-calculating in her mind the number of times she had packed and repacked some of her hats, unsure of which ones to bring.

"So we're already having problems with casting." Terry continued, "You've got your work cut out for you."

Kelsi sighed and nodded, "You really wouldn't make it easy for me anyway would you Terry?" She cradled the phone on her shoulder and jotted down some notes as her old boss and old friend laughed, "I wouldn't give you anything you couldn't handle Kelsi, you'll do great. And I'm just pulling your leg, just be happy you don't have to deal with casting, Bernard has his hands full."

Kelsi nodded, "I bet. Has he met anyone interesting?" She heard Terry sigh on the other end and could picture the old man sipping his decaf double latte with a shot of vanilla, "There are a few prospects, but nothing is finalized. I mean, don't get me wrong we have a great line up of understudies but still, I'll feel better when we've got this principal cast. So how long are you going to be gone?"

It had been a good four weeks since Kelsi's run-in with Troy Bolton and she had continuously debated whether or not to call him and back out but now it was too late, she was flying out that night and he needed her. She had promised. "I'll be back on Monday," she replied, setting her pen down and taking the phone back in her hand, "Just in time to sit in on Bernard's callbacks."

"Good, good. Well just try to have fun dear. I need you bright eyed and bushy tailed at that meeting."

Kelsi chuckled, "Don't worry boss. I'll be ready. I'll call you when I get back."

"Take care Kelsi. And have fun okay?"

She nodded, "I will." With a sigh she hung up and shook her head, pulling her glasses off in deep thought as she massaged her temples. A pair of hands rested themselves on her shoulders and she looked up to see Daniel smiling at her encouragingly, "It's going to be fine Kelsi. You're going to be fine." Peter appeared in front of her and set a steaming mug of cocoa at her side, "Yes you are. Stop worrying."

Kelsi only rubbed her face in frustration and sighed, "I don't feel fine. I feel like a mess! And it's stupid because I don't even know if he'll be there!" Peter pushed the mug toward her, "Then stop worrying about him and just worry about being supportive on Troy and Gabriella's wedding day, seeing your other friends, and having a good time."

"But if you really want to have a good time I totally think you and Zeke should hook up already. Mm. He is delicious." Daniel swatted Peter on the head, "Ow! What was that for?" He cried but Daniel only rolled his eyes causing Kelsi to chuckle, "Um, let's not go there, for the last time Zeke has only ever been my friend. He's actually the only one that knows what it's like to be in love with an Evans." Peter sighed, "Well, even still, maybe that could be something that brings you together." Daniel sighed, "Peter leave her alone, Kelsi can get her own men." Peter sighed, "It was just a suggestion."

"Yeah?" Daniel replied, "Well shut up. And you," He said, motioning toward Kelsi, "Drink this," He handed the mug to her, "Chocolate makes everything better." She smiled weakly at her two friends and took a small sip, letting the warm chocolate ease her slightly before thanking them both.

"No problem Kelsi-bear, anything for our favorite girl in the world."

"Oh, don't let Riley hear you say that." Peter only waved her off, "What she doesn't know doesn't hurt her." And the three erupted in chuckles as Daniel continued to massage Kelsi's shoulders. "But seriously Kels, you're going to be fine."

She sighed and nodded, not really believing them but resigning to the fact that she would try to be fine as best she could. Daniel and Peter had been a never ending well of support for her and Riley and she couldn't be happier for their presence. It was because of them that Riley was never without a male role model and, though she had hoped for Ryan to be that father figure, Daniel and Peter were enough and they did their best.

"I better finish packing, could one of you go check on Riley and see if she's awake? We need to get going soon." Peter nodded, "I'll do it." And quickly walked toward the little girl's room leaving Daniel and Kelsi alone. She sighed once again and shook her head, rubbing her face wearily as Daniel continued to rub her shoulders comfortingly, "You knew this was going to happen sooner or later Kelsi. You knew that one day you would have to see him." She nodded, "Yeah, I just hoped it would be later than sooner." Daniel snorted, "Well, it's nice to hope for things, but this is reality. And the reality is he might be there, but you're going to be okay."

Kelsi rolled her eyes, "You're supposed to say that, you're my best friend." He only laughed and bent down to hug her from behind, "Well, it is my obligation, but even if it wasn't, I'd still think the same." It was Kelsi's turn to snort, "Yeah right." But Daniel turned her around to look at him and steadily gazed at her, "It's true. You are Kelsi Nielsen. You can say more in one song than most people can say in a lifetime, and through everything that life has thrown you: Ryan Evans, having his child, and trying to become a broadway legend, you have been able to pull through like no one else. You can do anything Kelsi and I truly believe that."

Kelsi was touched by his words and leaned into his hand as he traced her cheek affectionately as she tried to keep herself from crying. "You are amazing you know that?" Daniel smiled back at her and shrugged, "Well, some people just have a gift." She chuckled and shook her head, "And there is the big head again. Well, anyway, I should finish packing. Will you go get Riley's things from her room?"

Daniel nodded and left a friendly kiss on her forehead before leaving her to her thoughts. She watched him go and sighed, feeling slightly better after their conversation but still felt a twinge of hesitance. She knew she would have to just suck it up, because soon enough she would be in Albuquerque, seeing the faces that she had been avoiding of for so many years. The reality was that she had to face facts, there was no going back from this.

As soon as they had gotten settled on the plane Kelsi whipped out the folder of music and charts Terry had sent her fully dedicating her attention to them. It helped to keep the nerves of lifting off and slowly flying closer and closer to New Mexico at bay. She had been skeptical about a Legally Blonde musical, despite how much she loved the movie, and had considered turning Terry down when he asked but when she had heard the first song she had been hooked. Even now looking over the music she could pick out what the melodies of the other songs and found them to be just as catchy and attention-grabbing as the opening number, but one fell particularly close to home.

The scene where Warner breaks up with Elle so that she won't hold him back.

It wasn't the same as what happened between her and Ryan but she could practically feel Elle's pain on the page. Though Ryan had never said that she wasn't good enough for him Kelsi had always felt that way. 'Ryan Evans has always deserved so much better than me--'

"Mommy, I have to go to the bathroom."

Kelsi's downward spiral of pity was thankfully interrupted by her daughter and she turned to her with a meek smile. "Alright dear, let's go," But RIley shook her head.

"I can do it myself mommy! I'm a big girl."

Kelsi sighed, "But honey--"

"Please! Please mommy!"

The little girl gave her best pout and Kelsi could only chuckle and nod, "Oh alright." She lifted her head to see where the closest bathroom was and motioned toward the front, "The bathroom is right there alright? Go and come back and stay out of the first class cabin. We're not allowed in there you got me?"

Riley nodded, "I got you mom." Kelsi smiled, "Alright, hurry back, don't dawdle." And with that Riley made her way to the restroom. Kelsi watched her go all the way before stepping into the stall and couldn't help but shake her head thinking her little girl was growing up so fast. With a smile she turned back to her charts and began to sing under her breath,

"Baby my future's all planned
We've got some dreams to make true.
I thought that you'd understand.
It's time to get serious.
Time to get serious..."

He tapped his fingers on the armrest impatiently and tried to stare out the window to calm himself but was fighting a losing battle. He wouldn't deny the fact that he was nervous as hell about this trip but he had promised he would be there, promised he would come back because it was important to his friends.

Martha, who seemed to be sleeping beside him quietly, her ipod on at full blast opened one eye to watch him and his nervous fingers before shaking her head, "Can you quit that? You're throwing off my beat."

He sighed and ceased like she asked, "Sorry, I can't help it. I'm just anxious. Aren't you anxious?"

Martha only snorted and shook her head, "No, but then again, I was home nearly two weeks ago. Just calm down, we'll be there soon."

He leaned back into his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose trying to calm himself down enough to breathe properly but it wasn't working. "I never thought I'd be this nervous to see my friends. I mean granted we've been trading emails but this will be the first time in years we've been faced to face."

Martha could only laugh, "Are you sure that's what you're nervous about?"

He looked at her questioningly, "What? Of course it is. What else would there be?"

Martha only shrugged, "Nothing. If you're sure then you're sure."

He eyed her wearily but she gave no inclination of explaining herself so he sighed, "Well I gotta use the bathroom. I'll be right back."

Martha nodded, "Just try to relax Ryan. It's going to be fine, actually it's going to be great. Trust me, it'll be just like old times."

Ryan sighed, "Yeah. Yeah you're right. Thanks." He got up without another word and Martha watched him go before putting her earphones back in her ear and getting lost in the music.

Ryan reached the bathroom between first class and coach and sighed at the occupied sign on both stalls. He leaned up against the wall and pulled his hat down over his face, trying to make sure not to be noticed by anyone so as not to attract attention. There had been a few times when a fan had caught sight of him and all hell broke loose and was really not in the mood to deal with the repercussions. As he rested his head against the wall he heard the faint sound of singing.

'If you are chilly...
Here take my sweater.
You're head is aching...
I'll make it better...

Cause I
Lo-o-o-ove
The way you call me baby
And yo-oo-ou
Take me the way I am...'

He stopped and turned to the stall closest to him, hearing a small melodic voice drift through the door and listened harder. It was definitely a little girl, singing to herself as she padded around the restroom. She sounded just like Sharpay did when she was younger, her voice pure and sweet. But Sharpay had been more powerful even at a young age. He continued listening, hearing the sink turn on, signaling that she must be washing her hands as she sang.

'I'll buy you rogaine.
When you start losing all your hair.Sew on patches..
To all you tear.

Cause I-I-I
Lo-ove you more
Than I could ev-er promise
And yo-oo-ou
Take me the way I am--Oh!"

The little girl had pulled the door open and was startled by his presence, immediately ceasing in singing and blushing profusely.

"Sorry. Did I take too long?"

He smiled comfortingly and shook his head, kneeling down to her level with a wink, "No no it's fine. You have a really pretty voice. What song were you singing?" The little girl blushed harder, tucking her dirty blonde hair into the newsboy cap on her head and fixing her glasses that seemed to magnify her pretty blue eyes.

Her gaze fell to the ground as she muttered, "It was just something I...was making up."

At this Ryan looked surprised, "You made that up? Just now?"

But the little girl only shook her head, "Oh no! I've been working on it for some time I just...finally finished. But it still needs work. When we get to my grandma's house my mommy said she'll help me with the sheet music."

He grinned, "You write music? How old are you?"

She folded her hands shyly and smiled, "I'm seven. And I want to write music just like my mommy. She's teaching me to play the piano."

Ryan nodded, "Well if you play like you sing you're already amazing. Your mommy and daddy must be really proud."

She smiled, "Well, my mommy is. I've never met my daddy."

Immediately Ryan's smile fell, "Oh...I'm sorry."

But she shook her head, "No, it's okay. One day I'll meet him. I just know it. And when I do I'll sing him this song and he'll come home. I wrote it for him and mommy you know." Ryan couldn't help but smile at her innocence and her hope before nodding.

"I'm sure he'll love it. Any dad would be crazy not to."

She smiled even wider, "You're really nice. And I like your hat."

He chuckled tapping the bill of his own cap before motioning to hers, "I like your hat too. It looks familiar..."

Before he could think more on it she only pulled at the bill, "My mommy gave it to me. Oh! She told me to hurry back. I better go."

Ryan smiled, "Yeah, I have to go to the bathroom."

She smiled up at him and waved, "It was nice meeting you."

Ryan nodded, "You too. Good luck with that song."

She giggled, "Have fun in the bathroom." As she skipped away Ryan couldn't help but shake his head. She was a cute kid and there was something about her so familiar, but his bladder called and with one last look he shut the door.

AN: Haha. I can't help it. I love this chapter, it's really a hit and miss kind of chapter for them, but having Riley inadvertently meet her father was fun for me. And you can be sure that this won't be the last time they'll catch sight of each other. =D

Anyway, moving on, thanks for the reviews and all of the story alerts, i'm glad so many of you are liking the story so far. I get excited every time I open up my doc to write because it's....exciting to write. haha pray that that stays consistent and please please please REVIEW!

till next time
--scribbling wordsmith--