Kelsi finishes the piece of music she's been working on and I applaud her as the notes die out, a smile on my face. She murmurs a 'thank you' before quickly scrawling down some side notes on her music sheet.
"I'm going to write up the neat copy later," she informs me, her brow furrowing slightly in concentration and the serious mood she's in right now. "Ry, you do realise this is all we've written so far?" I laugh – but it's not even funny. This is a serious matter.
"I'm a distraction, aren't I?" a growing smile tugs eagerly at my lips. "Whether I'm a harmless distraction or not, well…" I trail off, with a wink. I bend slightly to deliver a gentle kiss to her lips as she turns on the stool to face me.
"So, um, does this -?"
"Yes," I pick up on what she is trying to say. "I mean, if that's –"
"It is," she reaches up to softly stroke my cheek. I hold her hand in mine, lacing our fingers together. It feels like time has stopped, but I don't care at all.
"How much is Darbus expecting you to write in one day? You're not some kind of music machine, you know…I hope."
"As much as possi – Hey! I don't think Ms Darbus is 100 on what production we're doing. So, I'm thinking that we could use that tune you were playing when I came in. We could change it around a little bit, to suit the musical, wherever it will fit into the show! What do you think?"
"Genius idea, Kels, but I…don't know what I was playing. I was sort of occupied. Kind of why I dodged your compliment and question about it. I'm really sorry, hon," I can't help it but I flinch, just for a split second. Not even that, I'm sure. Kelsi doesn't threaten me in any way, but I guess I've gotten used to flinching, expecting some huge argument. There have only ever been two females in my life I've come up against – my mom, which is no problem, and Sharpay. Usually Sharpay. It makes sense now that whenever I think I've annoyed a girl or something, I can expect a piercing shriek in my ears, coupled with the day's selection of insults.
"Sorry," I repeat, this time referring to the way I drew back like that.
"Let me guess, Sharpay," Kelsi sighs and I nod, slowly, wondering what I'm doing. Wondering what is making me pour everything out to Kelsi. "Has she ever, you know, hit you?" I open and close my mouth a few times, trying to figure out what to say. My silence gives it away.
"I know, I'm weak," I sigh, turning away. "It's not like it's all the time, though. Sometimes…Sometimes I guess I just make her mad."
"Oh my God, Ryan. I don't think you're weak, at all," she gets up onto her feet, coming over to stand in front of me. "For what it's worth, I think more of you for being honest about it." I sigh, looking at the floor. I can't bear to look at Kelsi; she's so amazing to me, it hurts.
"I'm sorry. I'm just a case study of problems."
"No! No, you are not! You have things going on, sure don't we all, but it does not make you one huge problem. Don't ever think that."
"It does to everybody else!" I scream, my face flushing red with...anger, is it? "Tell me, what is it you see in me, Kels?"
"You know I think you're wonderful. You're the most genuine guy I've ever met. You're honest, kind, gentle, and caring. I like you because you're you," tears sparkle in her eyes and I feel sick, with an ache in my heart.
"I'm sorry. I'm going to get some lunch. I'll just tell a teacher I came in here at the end of my class before lunch. Whatever it is. I'll say I'm feeling better or-"
"Will you have lunch with me? I mean, we are…aren't we?"
"Yeah. Yeah. If I haven't scared you off."
"I'm not letting you escape that easily," she laughs softly and takes my hand.
'She really is incredible,' I think to myself breathlessly.