Chapter 23 Shopping Offers

It was November, and Sharpay and Ryan had decided to go shopping for some clothes for Sharpay, as she was struggling to fit into any of hers at the moment. When they arrived at the mall they went into some shops that sold maternity clothes, browsing around they got some funny looks. "Ryan…didya see that…that woman just looked at me disguisedly…" Sharpay said in a hurt voice to Ryan.

"Just ignore them Shar," Ryan said reassuringly, snaking his arm around her waist. She nodded and they continued to shop for clothes, "This looks nice…" Sharpay said admiring a pink sequined baggy top.

Ryan just laughed, "It's so you…you gonna go try it on?" he asked, she nodded and the pair headed towards the changing rooms.

The woman at the entrance to the changing room just gave Sharpay a snooty 'I feel sorry for you' look, and directed Sharpay to where she could change. Ryan started to follow her but was stopped by the woman, "Can't you read?" she asked him, pointing to a sign, "This is the women's changing room."

"I know, but I'm with her…" he pointed in the direction of Sharpay.

"Oh, ok then" the woman said reluctantly and let him through to Sharpay.

Ryan stood outside of the changing room and got some strange looks from passers by, but just ignored them and waited for Sharpay. Eventually she came out wearing the pink top, she looked amazing despite being pregnant, in fact, it was difficult to even tell that she was pregnant wearing the top. She smiled at him, "So what'd you think?"

"I think it makes you look even more stunning than usual," he said slowly pushing her back into the changing room. She giggled as he ripped the top off of her and they made out against the changing room wall. When they finally re-emerged from the cubicle, the woman at the entrance was giving Ryan a very displeased look, but the two just smiled at her, to happy to care as they left the changing room to buy the top.

Ryan and Sharpay decided to stop to grab something to eat and sat down in a small café, "I think I want something chocolaty…" Sharpay said, smiling at Ryan.

"Yeah…all you've wanted is chocolate for ages…guess we can blame little one in there," Ryan said pointing to Sharpay's stomach. She giggled and they ordered, a big piece of chocolate cake for Sharpay and a sandwich for Ryan. As they were tucking into their food, they heard familiar voices, "Hey guys!" Gabi called to them and she and Troy pulled up chairs and sat down with them. "Heya Troy, heya Gabi," the twins greeted their friends warmly.

"So what're you guys doing here?" Sharpay asked Gabi.

"Oh, well Troy brought me here so that I can pick out my Christmas present…we like to do all our Christmas shopping early to avoid the last minute rush." Gabi said.

Sharpay nodded, "So have you told decided what you would like him to get you yet?"

"No, not yet, we've just been looking round some jewellery stores." Gabi replied, "So what brings you two here?"

"Oh, we're just buying me some new clothes…cos you know…" she said pointing at her stomach.

Troy stared wide-eyed at Sharpay, she had forgotten that only Gabi knew about her pregnancy. "Oh yeah…Troy…I'm kinda pregnant…" Sharpay said quietly.

Troy look shocked, "Oh…" was all he could manage to say, he just stared gormlessly at her.

"Troy…" Ryan waved his hand in front of him, "Earth to Troy…"

Troy blinked and the others laughed at him, "So you told Gabi, but not me?" Troy said looking hurt.

"I only told Gabi cos I was scared…and I didn't tell you cos I don't want the whole world to know," Sharpay said, "So please don't tell anyone."

"Of course you know I won't, but how much longer do you think you'll be able to had it – and how on earth d'you plan on keeping a baby a secret?" Troy whispered.

"We don't know," Ryan admitted, "But our parents are hardly ever home, so its unlikely they'd even notice…"

"What about school though?" Gabi asked worriedly.

"Well, we will just have to take it in turns to take time off…we'll think of an excuse or something…" Sharpay said.

Gabi nodded, how bout I come round to yours once a week and help you catch up on stuff you miss?" Gabi offered.

Ryan and Sharpay looked at one another and nodded, "Thanks Gabi, that'd be really helpful," Ryan smiled at his friend.

The four left the café after they'd all finished eating, and decided to spend the rest of the afternoon shopping together.

Today, Ryan and I went shopping for maternity clothes, and met Troy and Gabi at a café. Gabi solved our little problem of school, and we all spent the rest of the day together, which was really fun. I'm starting to wonder whether or not to tell mom and dad, as they're gonna find out sooner or later – well I'll leave it for now and see what happens.

Sharpay