"I figure they told you what went on a little while ago. I didn't mean to yell at them, Kelsi, but it all feels so fake to me. I'm paranoid," I look her in the eye, so she can see I'm being completely honest with her. She wraps her arms around me tightly, and I can't do anything except let go of myself. My tears stream down my face steadily even though I try to gulp them away. Kelsi pulls back for a second and studies my face, a worried expression on what I can see of her, my tears distorting my vision. Neither of us says a word as she holds me close again. I breathe in the scent of her perfume, which, in a way, soothes me, as it does to feel her securely holding me in her arms, despite my body trembling uncontrollably. I don't trust myself to say or do anything except put my arms around her waist. I lean my head on her shoulder; she returns this gesture by resting her head on mine, and one of her hands rubs my back gently. To let me know she's here for me, and everything will be okay because I have her to support me. Talking to me without using words.
"Kelsi," I finally breathe her name when my tears have slowed down, almost cautious of being the first one to break the silence.
"Yeah?" she whispers back, looking straight at me, leaning back slightly to get a full view of me.
"I think I should get to my class," I look at the clock. "Yeah, I'm going to get a detention." I laugh slightly, picking up my bag. I stand up and begin walking begin walking through the aisle toward the door.
"Don't go."
"What?"
"Don't go. Stay here, with me," Kelsi speaks up, and I turn around to face her again. "I mean, you can help me with some of the songs for the musical. If you like? You've shown me your talent on the piano, and you can sing and dance, too."
"And get the rest of the week in detention? Why not? Okay, I'll help, but you don't really need it. You're brilliant," I grin properly for the first time, moving back over to her. I drop my schoolbag to the floor. It makes a soft thud when it touches the ground.
"What if Ms. Darbus – or anyone else, for that matter – comes in and finds me here? I shouldn't be here, and I have no idea if the others have bailed me out or sold me out. I wouldn't be surprised if it was the latter, I mean, they have every right to do that. The way I yelled at them was –"
"Calm down," Kelsi smiles, interrupting me before my head explodes. "I asked if I could be left alone to work, no interruptions. I even got given a key, in case I want to continue working after school. I guess Ms. Darbus trusts me more than I thought she would."
"You're amazing!" I exclaim, and watch with amusement as she darts over to the door, quickly locking it. She looks so happy she's not alone anymore. I guess we have that loneliness in common.
"And now you're safe. And yes, I know I'm amazing," she jokes, a giggle escaping her lips, and she runs back to me – and the piano. "Ryan…Will you please tell me what's troubling you, though? I'm worried about you." She reverts to a serious state, her hand resting on my shoulder.
"I just…I don't feel a part of them lot anymore. When Sharpay became friends with Gabi, it was like my time was up. I got pushed out. It just really hurts, you know. They were my friends, especially Chad and Gabriella," I explain, finally giving in. "I feel like none of them want to know me, none of them care about me. It's kind of stupid, Kels, don't worry about it."
"I care about you," Kelsi fires back quickly. So quickly, it almost sounds like a challenge. Before I can think of what to say, I feel my lips collide with hers. She runs a hand through my blond hair while I draw her closely to me, tenderly touching her cheek. The realisation suddenly hits me that me and Kelsi are kissing. I don't recall us being so close together for this to happen so unexpectedly, and I don't remember either one of us leaning in.
She lets out a small sigh as we deepen the kiss. I don't want this moment between us to end because it feels so right and so magical.
We break apart from each other, neither one of us wanting to completely let go. Her hands are clasped around my neck, and I'm holding her tightly around her waist. I can feel her heart beating, and she leans her head on my chest for a few seconds. I close my eyes, picturing this scene, replaying it over and over. I can't think of how this occurred or who kissed who, but I know it was just wonderful.
"I suppose you're glad you locked the door now," I say cheekily, a grin spreading across my face. Kelsi laughs and playfully hits my arm.