AN: Okay, I know many of you probably stopped reading after two years of no updates and don't even remember this story anymore, but, if you HAPPEN to be reading this story now and were a fan from the beginning, or even a new fan, can I just say that I am SO sorry. It really was my intention to finish this story, but at the time that I last updated, as luck would have it, I began working two jobs PLUS full time school and time just ran away from me.

Now, I'm not going to make the excuse that I didn't HAVE time to write, because I did make time, but like I've said in previous Author's notes, I'm a Creative Writing Major and got slapped in the face with the fast-approach of graduation. Therefore all of my writing has been dedicated to my personal and original work for MFA programs and publishing. My hope and ultimate dream is to finish my book and get it published.

But, as of late, I've had severe writer's block and have been at my wit's end on how to relieve myself, when thankfully I got a review this past weekend from an old fan, asking that I please come back to the story. It made me realize just how long it has been and that I cannot call myself a writer if I cannot stay faithful to my readers. Therefore, I promise to finish this story by the end of the school year. Now, you'll have to bear with me, I do have a lot of other deadlines as far as writing and am constantly forcing my brain to work, but this story has always been a labor of love for you. So though I can't promise consistent weekly updates I can promise updates and I will never leave for two years again.

If you understand, then thank you for that, and if you don't, well it was a pleasure to have you as a reader and I'm sorry I disappointed you.

Kelsi's whole body seemed to tense up as her eyes stayed locked on his. All the air left her lungs so fast that she could almost feel herself go blue in the face when, "Kelsi! Kelsi dear!" She was pulled from the pull suddenly and turned to see June at the bottom of the stairs. "You can come down now dear."

She was disoriented to say the least turning to look at June with a deer-caught-in-headlights sort of look before taking in her surroundings. Once she got her bearings she turned back toward where she saw Ryan and nearly jumped out of her seat to see that he wasn't there anymore. He had been there hadn't he? She frantically looked around, but the mass amount of people leaving the church made it difficult to pinpoint any one person and she sighed; resigned. She saw him! Didn't she?

"Kelsi dear are you alright? Have you inhaled too many fumes?"

With a sigh she turned back toward June and shook her head. "No, I'm alright June, I'll be right down." She took one last fleeting look at the slowly diminishing congregation and sighed. He wasn't there anymore and now she was doubting if he had been there at all. With a heavy sigh she picked up her folder and made her way down the stairs where June stood waiting.

"Oh dear that was absolutely marvelous! You did so spectacularly and I know that Troy and Gabriella are truly indebted! I mean did you see their faces! I've never seen a newly-wed couple so happy!"

Kelsi could only smile politely and nod. "Yes well, Gabriella and Troy have always been a happily-ever-after couple."

June continued to blather on about how people were already talking about what a creative and heartfelt display it had been while Kelsi took the time to thank every member of the choir that had been involved. But she was relieved as June left her in the back room to retrieve her things. Her mind just could not erase the vision of Ryan. She was almost certain that he had really been there; that he had been staring at her with the same piercing gaze that would always bring her to her knees. But as she recalled the expression on his face she felt herself deflate. It wasn't one of elation it was one of shock. And the uncertainty of whether he was excited to see her after all these years took a toll on her confidence.

If he had really been there and was actually at the wedding...how would he feel about seeing her? And would he want to stick around long enough to become reacquainted? Would he explain why he never came back for her? Would he understand if she told him about Riley? Would he want anything to do with Riley?

The questions suddenly began to pile up once more and she felt herself become light headed when the door to the back room opened and in walked Taylor. "Kelsi! That was amazing! I had no idea that that was what Troy had planned!"

Kelsi quickly pushed the rest of her thoughts on Ryan aside and chuckled, unfazed, as best she could. "Well, he had an idea but the choir was totally a surprise. It turned out well didn't it? You think Troy and Gabriella liked it?"

Taylor scoffed. "Liked it? Gabriella can't stop talking about it and thanking Troy for it. She also has been looking everywhere for you because she wants to be sure to thank you!"

Kelsi laughed. "Well I'll be sure to find her at the reception, I actually have to find Zeke so I can head over there. Have you seen him?"

"Oh yeah," Taylor replied. "He's actually out rounding up the rest of the entourage, the photographer wanted to take pictures before we headed out so Zeke has to stay a while. Do you need to be at the reception right now?"

Kelsi checked her watch. "Um, no, but I wanted to go set up before too many people show up. How long will the pictures take?"

Taylor shook her head. "Not sure, but maybe you could just take Zeke's car, he drove here separately, right?"

Kelsi nodded. "Yeah, that's right, he can just ride in the limo with the rest of the entourage and I can take his car. If anything I'll just wait, but can't hurt to ask." Taylor nodded and followed her out the door, hooking arms with her friend before smiling gratefully.

"And I just wanted to say that it is really good to see you Kels. What you did for Troy and Gabriella today, well, I know they wouldn't have their wedding day any other way. We've missed you."

Kelsi smiled. "I've missed you guys too."

With that Taylor bid her friend farewell and made her way towards the gardens where the photographer was setting up. Kelsi, left to her own devices, maneuvered around the crowd until she found Zeke's towering figure talking to a guest animatedly. With a smile she reached out her hand and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey Zeke, you think I could borrow your car to get to the reception since you've got pictures?"

As he side stepped and turned to her smiling Kelsi got a good look at the guest he was speaking to and she couldn't hide the surprised smile that sprang up to her face. "Jason! Oh my gosh it's been years!"

The boy from her past could only smile and bring her into a hug. "It's good to see you too Kelsi; really good to see you."

Ryan had to be dreaming. That was the only explanation he could come up with. He had to be dreaming, because, in the last seven years, the only time he'd seen Kelsi was in his dreams. But there she was. Playing the piano; singing with the biggest and most radiant smile he had ever seen. He could just make out the music and the singing going on around him but was distracted by the way Kelsi's hair framed her face, the way her skirt rode up her thigh, the boots she was wearing. She looked more beautiful than he had ever imagined, but reality soon came crashing down the instant he was able to comprehend that it wasn't a dream at all. That she was really there.

After seven years of absolutely no contact from the only woman he had ever loved, she was present and within reach. His mind began to spin.

Ryan was vaguely aware that the music had ended and everyone was clapping. He even was able to glance over and stand as Gabriella and Troy faced the congregation as man and wife for the first time. But his eyes turned back to Kelsi.

She had tears in her eyes, happy tears that seemed to only make her more stunning and he caught his breath thinking the time apart had been extremely kind to her. It was then that she turned back to her folder and grabbed it, sighing somewhat contentedly before moving to leave. Then, just as she was about to turn her eyes met his and he felt himself go weak in the knees. She was looking right at him in utter shock.

And even though she was a ways away, he couldn't help but memorize the contours of her face; watch as a strand of hair fell from her knitted hat, and force his arm down from reaching out to her. But in a moment the trance was broken as Kelsi seemed to be distracted on her end and turned to look away, giving Ryan ample time to let his body work. In a flash his fight-or-flight reflex kicked in and he stood, taking off through the crowd towards the door. He had to breathe, he just couldn't seem to find any air.

Once outside he took big gasping breaths and leaned against the stair railing, pulling his hat off to fan himself almost frantically. He couldn't get rid of the image of her in his mind, she seemed different; older, wiser, more mature. It was doing wonders to his fantasies about her and he knew that no matter what, even though he had thought of her quite often over the last few years he would never be able to get rid of her now.

"Ry?"

Ryan jumped at the contact on his shoulder and turned to see Martha looking at him with concern etched into her eyes. He sighed to try and steady his breathing and nodded. "Yeah, sorry. You startled me."

Martha nodded and leaned up against the rail next to him, watching as he continued to fan himself profusely. "So is it a safe assumption that you are not okay?" Ryan sighed and couldn't help the nervous chuckle that escaped him.

"She's here Mar. After all these years, it's her."

He turned around to lean his back up against the railing while he settled his hat on his head once more. In a sign of exhaustion he rubbed his face tiredly and shook his head. "I mean, when Troy said the whole gang I didn't even think that really included her anymore. I mean, it's been nearly seven years and no one has heard from her. No one even knew where to find her!"

Martha nodded. "But Troy did obviously and now here she is. Back in Albuquerque."

"Yeah," Ryan sighed. "Back in Albuquerque."

He was silent for only a moment before he stood. "But how did he find her? I mean, I looked for months, I practically scoured all of New York for her and found absolutely-"

"Woah, woah there Ry. Calm down. Take a breath."

Ryan noticed that people were beginning to stare and he leaned back against the rail. "Sorry...it's just...you know...Kelsi..."

And his friend nodded. "Yeah I know. But," And she rested a hand on his shoulder comfortingly. "Maybe all of those questions are ones you should ask her."

He only breathed for a second before jumping back up to his feet, finding his balance. "You're right. You are absolutely right."

He left Martha without another word and took off through the crowd, trying to see if he could find her through the massive throng of people. It took him a while to circulate through and he slowly started to make his way back to the foyer of the church when he caught sight of a familiar blue knitted hat.

He turned towards it, trying to focus his attention to see if it was her but his view was suddenly blocked by two very excited teenagers. "Ryan Evans! Oh my goodness I love your music! Please can we take a picture with you."

He stepped back in surprise from the young teenager and felt himself needing to adjust. "Er well-"

"Yes please please please!" The other girl continued, looking equally excited. "And an autograph as well!"

"Er well, you see..."

They hardly waited for an answer as they pulled him in close and struck a pose. They continued to flash their cameras as often as possible, stunning him into a daze. He had to talk to Kelsi, had to see her. Finally slipping away from the two with a few more squeals, he stole a glance towards where Kelsi had been feeling his heart drop a second time. She wasn't there? Where was she?

He scanned the crowed once again for her and rushed forward at the sight of a blue knit hat but she wasn't alone. He froze in place as he watched Kelsi being helped into a car by Jason Cross, her once ex-boyfriend. "She's with Jason...?"

AN: Keep a look out for the next chapter to be coming within the next week or so. I'm in process of writing and editing so I'm hoping to update soon. XD I do turn 21 this Friday though, on the 21st (haha coincidental) and my family is hauling all of us to Vegas. But I will keep my promise. So keep an eye out. ::wink::

-scribbling wordsmith