AN: As promised. A new chapter. This one is a doozy.

Kelsi gripped Riley's hand in hers as they stood taking in the sight of the towering Evans' Estate. It had been years since Kelsi had come anywhere near the place, but it still stood, impressive and grand, atop East Hills like a castle in the sky. The way that Riley bounced on the heels of her feet made Kelsi deftly aware that her daughter felt the same way, in at least thinking that the Estate was like a castle. She tugged at Kelsi's hand and pulled her mother's attention to her eager face as she asked, "Is this a palace mommy? Are we having tea with the queen?"

Normally, Kelsi would have been endeared by her daughter's sentiments, but she struggled to bite back her nerves enough to respond as she should have. Thankfully, Zeke came to the rescue, bending down beside Riley with a chuckle as he shifted his dessert packages to the other hip, "Oh we are definitely having tea with the Queen and King, Riley baby. And I hear that they're looking for someone to name as their Princess. So, if you know anyone interested you be sure to tell her alright?"

Riley looked as though she was about to explode looking back and forth between Zeke and her mother. Kelsi felt the sides of her mouth twitch as she straightened her daughter's hat. "Ring the doorbell mommy! Ring the doorbell!"

Laughter bubbled out of both adults as Kelsi nodded, "Alright, alright. Calm yourself dear. Remember, they're royalty, you've got to be polite and well-mannered." Immediately Riley calmed and faced forward, relaxing into a sweet smile, which only made Zeke and Kelsi laugh again, but then Kelsi sighed as she turned to face the doorbell. Casting a glance at Zeke, who nodded at her with an encouraging smile, she squared her shoulders and reached out.

Ding-Dong

The bell tones resonated in the air and Kelsi bit her lip as the sound faded away to an uneasy silence. She felt her breathing become more labored and her heart begin to thump in her chest, but tried to stay calm. She had been invited. Derby and Vance wanted to meet their granddaughter. She needed to stay strong. Faint footsteps could be heard on the otherside of the door and Kelsi tensed, glancing again at Zeke to see that he was watching her, "It's gonna be okay Kels," he whispered, just as the door swung open.

"You're here! Oh, finally! Vance dear! They've arrived! Do come in, do come in." Derby ushered the three in, looking immaculate as ever in a floral sundress, her smile wide and inviting. She caught Kelsi's eye just as she reached out for the girl and offered a softer gaze, "I'm so glad you're here dear," she whispered, just as she pulled Kelsi into her arms.

Kelsi relaxed into the older woman's embrace, but clung tight to her, "Thank you." Derby ghosted a kiss on her cheek before turning to Zeke with a welcoming grin.

"And you, my dapper young man. What a nice surprise to see you as well, I had hoped you would remember my offer from yesterday."

Zeke smiled and accepted a hug from Derby, "Any excuse to come dine with the Evans family is a welcome one to me."

Just then Vance Evans made his way down the grand staircase, letting out a booming laugh in greeting, "Zeke, Kelsi, so good to see you!" He exchanged the same pleasantries as his wife before turning to Riley who seemed to be staring at both elder Evans with wide-eyed wonder. "And who do we have here? Riley I presume?"

He knelt down before her, Derby standing at his side, her hand resting on his shoulder as Riley looked between the both of them. Right away she curtsied dramatically and smiled wide, "My name's Riley Melody Nielsen and I hear you're looking for a Princess?"

The adults erupted in a good natured bout of laughter as Zeke whispered to the Evans that the young girl thought they were royalty. Vance stood and mockingly rested his fists on his hips, "Is that so? Well, Riley Melody Nielsen, my name is Vance Evans, this is my queen Derby Evans and you've heard right. We are looking for a Princess. Know anyone interested?"

"Me!" she cried out almost immediately, "I've always wanted to be a Princess." Vance and Derby chuckled and nodded.

"Well then," Derby supplied, "We'll have to see if you're qualified. First and foremost, a Prinecss must be talented. Do you have any talents?"

"Yes!" she yelled, "I play the piano and I sing and I dance. I can play for you! Would you like me to?" Kelsi's breath caught in her throat as she glanced up at Mr. and Mrs. Evans. both seemed to swell with pride at the admission of Riley and wasted no time in nodding profusely.

"I would certainly love that. You wouldn't mind?" Derby's eyes were misting over, but Riley didn't seem to notice.

"Of course," she laughed, "anything for the King and Queen. Do you have a piano?"

"Yes," Kelsi answered before she could catch herself, her daughter rounded on her right away and she offered a nervous smile as she nodded, "Yes they do, a very beautiful one if I remember.

"It's right through there," Vance directed, "If you'll allow me to escort you," he held out a hand to Riley, which she took with a large smile and Kelsi could feel her own eyes start to fill with tears. She quickly wiped them away just as a hand came to rest on the small of her back and another on her shoulder. Zeke and Derby had come up behind her, following Vance and Riley into the sitting room where her daughter nearly squealed at the sight of the marble white baby grand.

"She's absolutely perfect Kelsi, thank you for bringing her here."

Kelsi choked back a sob and shook her head, turning to the older woman to see that she too was struggling to hold back tears, "Thank you for wanting her. I was so afraid that-"

"Mommy! Look at this beautiful piano!"

Kelsi sniffed and wiped her eyes quickly before turning to her daughter, who sat perched on the piano bench, fingers already poised on the keys. Kelsi laughed, "I know sweetheart, it is beautiful. Well, go on and play. I'm sure King and Queen Evans would love to hear a song."

Sharpay and Martha had to restrain Ryan from tearing out of the room like a madman. As much as they could understand Ryan's sudden desperation to see his daughter, they didn't think it was appropriate to frighten the girl. "You're still a mess Ryan!" Sharpay had cried out, "I mean, look at you." And it was true, the young Mr. Evans was not at his best. There were heavy bags under his eyes and his hair was matted, standing up in odd angles. The pajamas that he wore were the wrinkliest and shabbiest he owned and not to mention the nearly manic expression his face held. He was clearly in no condition to greet his daughter. But still both girls had to nearly drag him to the ground before he heeded their words to freshen up.

"Come on, Daddy," Martha had groaned as she helped Sharpay push Ryan into the bathroom. "Just hop into the shower and we'll grab your clothes."

When they heard the water turn on they quickly pulled out a pair of jeans and a clean tshirt, Sharpay grabbing a pair of underwear for her brother as well as his favorite penny loafers. She shooed Martha to her own quarters in the guest room so that she could change and get ready, before running to her own room and throwing on a pair of jeans and a pink tang top and white cardigan. If there was one thing being an actress taught her it was how to get ready in record time. Having to dash off to auditions at a moment's notice had had it's lessons for her and she could transform into any character for any role in mere minutes. It was only for award shows and premieres that she truly milked the celebrity perks of being pampered, but this was no such event. She wanted to make sure that Ryan didn't take try to take off.

When she returned to his room, brushing her hair through and straightening her shirt she noticed that he had grabbed his clothes and most likely returned to the bathroom. The water was no longer running, but she could almost see her brother staring beseechingly at the mirror behind the door. She knew him all too well and being twins had it's ESP-rumor advantages from time to time.

Placing her brush on his dresser she checked herself in the mirror, straightening her hair and whipping out a lip gloss to touch up her lips. She eyed the door wearily, beginning to tap her foot to a syncopated rhythm, then sighed. Turning on her heel she came to the door and placed a hand on the wood. "Ry?" There was no response, but she imagined him gripping the sink and bowing his head to his chest. "It's gonna be okay," she whispered. "I promise, it's gonna be okay."

The sound of the door opening behind her signaled Martha's entrance into the room, but she didn't turn. She kept her gaze fixated on the door and rested her forehead on it. "I can't keep that promise though unless you come out. So, come on. Let's go meet her. I think I hear the piano playing."

The door swung open in one sharp swoop and Sharpay would have fallen inward had it not been for Ryan's arms encircling her and clutching her close to his chest. She instinctively wrapped her arms around him and sighed, rubbing his back as he took deep breaths. They didn't speak and neither did Martha, but Sharpay could feel the tension in her brother's form and wished that she could take it all away. She never liked seeing Ryan get upset. When they were younger she was always the one to defend him, to save him from bullies and mockers alike. No one was allowed to belittle her brother, but her. And yet, this was so different. She couldn't just threaten Kelsi or Riley into leaving Ryan alone. He needed them probably more so than they needed him. So she just had to push him. She had to make sure that he didn't run. This time, he had to face his problem all on his own and Sharpay couldn't just take care of it.

Finally, with one last squeeze Sharpay pulled away and slipped her hand into his. "Come on Ry," she whispered again, turning towards Martha, "Let's go?"

Martha nodded and smiled, "Yeah, I'm hungry. Let's eat."

Zeke and Kelsi had slipped into the kitchen, taking advantage of Derby and Vance's captivation with Riley so as to talk in private. They left the room under the guise of Kelsi helping Zeke with the dessert that he had brought, which under normal circumstances, Derby Evans, ever the proper hostess, would have taken upon herself. But the way she sat transfixed on Riley as she played through an impressive Moonlight Sonata, had been enough to take out the fight in her.

Now the pair stood at the island in the Evans' kitchen, Kelsi finishing the topping on Zeke's chocolate trifle and Zeke pulling out his blow torch and eyeing his creme brulee cups with a smile. He tested the torch a few times before expertly brushing the first cup with the flame. Kelsi watched from the corner of her eye as the custard carmelized and browned in an instant, creating a perfect sugar shell and the way Zeke's eyes lit up as it appeared. "Never get's old does it?" she asked, pulling the ziplock of chopped walnuts out of Zeke's bag and beginning to sprinkle it over the top of the trifle.

Zeke chuckled and shook his head, turning the torch off and setting it beside the tray holding the others, "Nope," he took a spoon from his own bag and held out the cup to Kelsi, "Here, for you. It'll make you feel better."

Kelsi made to shake her head, but Zeke was quick to place both the cup and spoo in her hands. He nodded and pushed the dessert towards her, "Come on, a little sugar in your system will do you good." With a sigh Kelsi took the spoon and looked at the glass quality of the sugar topping, feeling unmotivated to break it by how perfect it looked. But, with a deep breath, she took the spoon and gently tapped the top, hearing the crack and Zeke's relieved sigh after. She snorted as she looked up at him and spoon fed herself.

She leaned against the counter and slowly ate the custard, enjoying the contrast of temperature and texture, while trying to force her thoughts to stop racing. She was still uneasy about this luncheon, wondered if Ryan would make an appearance, if she was subjecting her daughter to an impending explosion. But Zeke had reminded her that it was always going to feel like that regardless of how or when she decided to begin mending the situation. She was glad he was there though, to support her. It was nice to have someone on her side.

"What are you thinking about?" She glanced up to see Zeke also leaning against the counter watching as she ate his favorite dessert.

Kelsi pursed her lips and swallowed, "That I'm glad you're here. That I'm not alone."

Zeke stepped forward and rested a hand on her shoulder, "I wouldn't be anywhere else, Kelsi." She smiled just as the door behind them swung open and Kelsi tensed, already knowing who it was. Zeke gripped her shoulder nervously, his eyes resting on the person behind her and Kelsi felt light-headed. Slowly, she handed Zeke the cup and turned slowy on her hell, finding all thought leave her as her eyes found his blue ones. "Hey Ryan," she breathed, taking in the tired look in his eyes and the way his jaw was set. It was too early. This was happening too soon.

"Well, this is awkward."

Kelsi broke her gaze away and noticed, for the first time, Martha and Sharpay flanking Ryan's sides. Martha stepped around Ryan and moved towards Kelsi, "Hey girl, good to see you again." She pulled Kelsi in for a hug and Kelsi let out a nervous laugh.

"Hey Mar, some wedding yesterday huh?"

Martha chuckled and pulled back, "Oh it definitely had it's moments." Martha then turned her attention to Zeke, exchanging greetings with him as Kelsi held her stand off with the Evans twins. Sharpay made no move to greet Kelsi or Zeke, though the way her expression was set Kelsi knew that her loyalty was to Ryan and Ryan only in that moment. Instead Kelsi took the opportuntiy to nod at the intimidating blonde.

"Sharpay."

"Kelsi," she responded, sidling up closer to Ryan. Kelsi wasn't sure what else to say, finding herself losing all train of thought as Ryan continued to bore into her with his gaze.

She faintly heard Martha and Zeke trying to initiate some small talk when Derby popped her head in from the other swinging door that led into the parlour room, "Oh Kelsi dear! Your daughter is requestion your presence, apparently there is a song she would like to sing, but only you can play it." There was a beat of silence as Kelsi tore her eyes from Ryan and Derby took in the sight of Martha, Sharpay, and Ryan. With an even wider smile she jumped excitedly and pulled the door open, "Oh! All of you must come and watch! She's absolutely sensational. You've really done wonders my dear. Wonders with that daugther of yours!"

She grabbed Kelsi by the hand and ushered her into the other room, quick to usher Martha, Zeke, Sharpay and Ryan as well. "Riley! You've got more of an audience dear! Is that alright with you?"

Kelsi caught sight of her daughter and smiled as Riley giggled and nodded, never one to really shy away from a performance. She lacked Kelsi's insecurity which was always a good thing. "Wh-," Kelsi coughed and cleared her throat, "What song did you want to sing honey?"

Riley looked up at her mother as she approached the bench and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. As she named the song Kelsi couldn't help the smile and nodded, taking her daughter's shoulders in her hands and placing a kiss on her cheek, "That is an excellent choice. Alright, you ready?"

Riley nodded and turned toward her audience with a wide grin. Kelsi placed herself on the piano bench, just as Zeke ushered Ryan into the room. He stayed closest to the door, but Sharpay and Martha found seats beside Mr and Mrs. Evans. With a sigh Kelsi turned toward the keys and began to play a the well-practiced chords to a steady rhythm. Soon, Riley began to sing,

"There's a saying old, says that love is blind
Still we're often told, seek and you shall find
So, I'm going to seek a certain boy I've had in mind

Looking everywhere, haven't found him yet
He's the big affair I cannot forget
Only boy I ever think of with regret.

Kelsi closed her eyes as Riley's voice enveloped her thoughts, falling in perfect tandem with the piano and rising in an angelic melody above the clinking of the keys. This had been one of the first songs Kelsi had taught Riley, one of her favorite old tunes as a sweet and heavenly lullaby.

I'd like to add his initial to my monogram
Tell me, where is the shepherd for this lost lamb?

There's a somebody I'm longing to see
I hope that he turns out to be
Someone who'll watch over me

I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood
I know I could always be good
To one who'll watch over me

Kelsi glanced over at Riley, to watch as she sang out with all the heart that she had, portraying the song beautifully as she shut her eyes and smiled a serene and gentle smile at her little audience.

Although he may not be the man some
girls think of as handsome
To my heart, he carries the key

Won't you tell him please to put on some speed
Follow my lead, oh how I need
Someone to watch over me..."

There was a moment as the final chord faded into the silence, before a rumble of applause cut through. Riley bowed graciously as Kelsi turned toward her and pulled her daughter close, placing a kiss on top of her head. In a second both his mom and dad were at Riley's side, gushing with words of praise for the young girl and soon enough Martha and Sharpay were up as well. But he stayed glued in his spot.

He couldn't take his eyes off of her. She was perfect; so much more than what he ever could have imagined to have in a child one day and he knew, the moment he saw her, that she had captured him mind, body and soul for the rest of his life.

"She is so much like you, you know? She really is." He hadn't even noticed that Kelsi had come up beside him, but the sound of her voice, brought about mixed emotions. Before, her voice had always soothed him, allowed him to relax into her presence, but now her proximity made him tense with confliciting feelings. He struggled with wanting to hate her for keeping Riley from him, but, at the same time, love her for giving Riley to the world in the first place.

Both overwhelmed him, but he did his best to keep calm and stop himself from doing either. "She's perfect," he whispered, "absolutely perfect." That's all he knew to say, anything else was still uncertain in his mind, but Riley and her beauty was enough of a definitive to focus on.

Kelsi sighed beside him and turned to her daughter, who seemed to be in awe at the sight of Sharpay Evans. "You're a movie star!" her voice rang out above the compliments from Derby or Zeke, "You're Sharpay Evans!" Laughter erupted from the group as Riley bounced on her heels and searched for her mother, "Mommy! Mommy! Look it's Sharpay Evans! SHARPAY EVANS!"

Ryan watched as Kelsi bit her lip and nodded, "I can see that dear." Riley bounded towards her mother and grabbed hold of her skirt.

"Mommy, this is the best day ever. First we meet a king and queen and then SHARPAY EVANS? Who else is coming to this lunch?" Suddenly Riley seemed to notice him and she fixed him with a curious gaze. The tension in the room mounted as Riley seemed to study Ryan in front of her and tilt her head to the side.

"Hey, you're the nice man from the airplane. You're here too?"

Ryan's eyes widened as he took in the little girl once more, the familiar melody that had been nagging him in the back of hismind coming back in full force. His lips parted, shock registering on his face as Kelsi looked between both he and Riley with her forehead creased in confusion.

"Airplay? What do you mea-"

"OH! RYAN!" Derby cried out as, with a deep sigh, Ryan's eyes rolled back into his head and his body slumped towards the ground. His head barely hitting the floor as Vance dashed to catch his son.

AN: DUN DUN DUUUUUUUUUUN. haha =] Poor Ryan, I'm actually surprised he was able to hold out as long as he could. Talk about your ups and downs. Keep an eye out for the next update. I've already started on the next chapter which I'm really excited about. Look for it within the next couple of days. REVIEW. if you're all still out there...