High School Musical: The Adult Years Chapter 9, a high school musical fanfic

Chapter Nine

"Happy Anniversary," Jason said, carrying a tray with eggs, toast, the morning paper and a single peach-colored rose. Kelsi sat up, reached for her glasses and smiled. He set the tray down and kissed her on cheek.

"You are so sweet," she said, reaching out and gently touching the side of his cheek. Just then, Dagda jumped up on the bed, purring like crazy.

Jason laughed, reached over and petted him behind the ears and turned back to his wife of one year. "I'll be downstairs when you're done." He leaned in and kissed her.

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Kelsi made her way down the stairs, her kitten happily walking around her shoulders. As she turned the corner to go into the living room, all her friends jumped out. "Happy Anniversary!"
Kelsi jumped, her glasses flew off and Dagda fell. Luckily enough he caught his claws on Kelsi's robe.

"Now look what we did," Gabriella said. She leaned forward and pulled Dagda off of Kelsi's back while Jason retrieved her glasses.

"This was all your idea, so it's your fault," Sharpay said, playfully slapping Jason on the arm.

When Jason handed back her glasses, she replaced them and turned to her friends. "It was a nice surprise," she said. She looked at Jason. "Thank you."

Jason took her hand and kissed it. "Anything for you. But the day isn't over."

Taylor slapped Chad. "Why can't you be sweet like that?

Chad looked at Jason. "Thanks, man. Now my old lady wants me to be sweet," he grinned.

"Old lady? I'll show you old lady," Taylor joked back.

"Well, maybe some of my charm rubbed off on him," Jason said.

Zeke and Troy grinned. "Go ahead Chad."

Taylor turned back to her boyfriend. He was on one knee with a diamond ring in his hand. "Taylor McKessie, will you do me the honor and marry me?"

"Yes," Taylor smiled, speechless. They had talked about getting married before the twins were going to be born but she didn't expect this. Chad placed the ring on her fingers and kissed her. When they parted, she slapped Chad.

"What was that for?" Chad asked bewildered.

"You had to propose on Jason and Kelsi's anniversary? Today is their day," Taylor stated.

"No, it's okay. We told Chad it was okay," Kelsi came to Chad's defense.

"You knew about this?" Taylor asked.

Kelsi and Jason nodded. "We all did," Jason informed her. He turned back to Kelsi. "Sharpay, Taylor, and Gabriella are going to take you to the spa for the day and then tonight we are going some place special. I bought you a new dress that I hope you like. It's i n your closet, but no peeking until tonight."

Kelsi nodded. If Jason went through all this trouble for her, the least she could do was honor his request.

After her long hot shower, Kelsi stood at her closet. This is it, she thought. She opened the door and gasped. Inside hung the most magnificent dress. She pulled it out and slipped it on.

It had no sleeves and was completely backless. It came up and tied around the neck. It was a light pink. It hugged the top part of her body, showing off her most flattering curves. The bottom was loose and wavy. The material felt cool against her skin which was nice compared to the normal Albuquerque weather. She went over to her vanity table and proceeded to get ready.

Over at Troy's Jason stared at himself in the mirror. His hair was brushed, he was cleanly shaven and he looked handsome in his tux.

"Don't forget this," Gabriella stated, handing him a long velvet box.

"Thanks," Jason said. He took the box from her. "I definitely don't want to forget this." He grabbed his car keys and cell phone from the table at the door, said his goodbyes, and left.

Kelsi was putting on the finishing touches as Jason pulled in. He honked the horn. She grabbed her purse, slipped on her shoes, and headed out the door.

Jason was standing by the passenger side door, ready to open it for his wife. When she opened the door, his jaw dropped. The dress looked perfect on her. Her hair was done up in a bun, and she had in simple stud earrings.

"Wow," he said.

"I didn't think I could surprise you any more," Kelsi flirted as she crawled into the front seat.

"You'll never cease to surprise me," Jason assured her.

"Hi, reservations for two," Jason said as they walked into Chez Caravel, one of the most expensive restaurants in town. It was a half an hour drive from their home but it was worth it.

"Name please?" the host asked.

"Cross," Jason answered.

"I'm sorry, sir. I don't see you on here."

"But I called in the reservation two weeks ago," Jason protested.

Kelsi put a hand on Jason's shoulder. "It's okay. Really."

"No it's not. This is our first anniversary. I wanted it to be special," he told her.

"With you by my side, it is special."

"Can I at least use your bathroom?" Jason asked.

The host, who was deeply sorry, showed him where to go. Once he was out of earshot, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed Troy. "Dude, we have a problem."

The ride home was quiet. Kelsi and Jason's hands were intertwined. Just then, Kelsi broke the silence. "I appreciate the effort. I can tell you went through a lot of trouble for the night."

"The night isn't over."

Kelsi just looked at him.

"If you will follow me to the back yard, milady," Jason said, holding out his arm.

"I would follow you to the ends of the earth," Kelsi replied, taking his arm.

They walked on the sidewalk that led to their backyard. When they got there, both their jaws dropped.

"Surprise, again," their friends cheered. There were white lights hung everywhere. There was a small round table in the middle of the yard, already set for two. Two candles were lit and a song was playing.

"But how…?" Kelsi asked, looking around.

"I called Troy when I found out that our reservations were messed up," Jason explained.

"And this is part of our anniversary gift to you," Sharpay said. She pointed to Ryan, who hit next button on the CD player.

"Another one of our songs," Kelsi exclaimed.

"Do you want to dance?" Jason asked. Kelsi took his arm and they made their way to the middle of the yard.

Baby when I met you there was peace unknown
I set out to get you with a fine tooth comb
I was soft inside
There was something going on

You do something to me that I can't explain
Hold me closer and I feel no pain
Every beat of my heart
We got something going on

Tender love is blind, it requires a dedication
all this love we feel, needs no conversation

we can ride it together, uh huh
making love with each other, uh huh

Islands in the stream, that is what we are
No one in between, how can we be wrong
Sail away with me, to another world

And we rely on each other, uh huh
From one lover to another, uh huh

I can't live without you if the love was gone
everything is nothing if you got no one
and you did walk in the night

Slowly losing sight of the real thing

But that won't happen to us, and we got no doubt
too deep in love and we got no way out
and the message is clear
this could be the year for the real thing

No more will you cry, baby, I will hurt you never
We start and end as one, in love forever

We can ride it together, uh huh
Making love with each other, uh huh

Islands in the stream, that is what we are
No one in between, how can we be wrong
Sail away with me to another world

And we rely on each other, uh huh
From one lover to another, uh huh

Sail away, oh come sail away with me

Islands in the stream, that is what we are
No one in between, how can we be wrong
Sail away with me, to another world

And we rely on each other, uh huh
From one lover to another, uh huh

Islands in the stream, that is what we are
No one in between, how can we be wrong
Sail away with me, to another world

And we rely on each other, uh huh
From one lover to another, uh huh

When the song ended, Gabriella got up on stage, and took the microphone. "This is my gift to you."

All I want to do is stand close to you

I'll be the one to tell everyone I'm gone
I've fallen in
To a place I can begin to understand.
I'm just happy you're here to hold my hand

All I want to do is stand close to you
Be by your side
All I want to do is make the world revolve
Around you and I
What I would give up
What I would go through
To get it right
All I want to do in this lifetime is make you mine
All I want to do in this lifetime is make you mine

My secret's out
It's been hidden in my heart
That's over now
I want everyone to know I found it all
You're the everything I've never had
And baby I got it bad

And it's far too hard to see to see
What the future will be
Everywhere I go everywhere i go
Everywhere I go now you're with me

Make you mine

All I want to do is stand close to you
Make you mine

All I want to do is stand close to you

Be by your side
All I want to do is make the world revolve
Around you and I
What I would give up

What I would go through
To get it right

All I want to do in this lifetime is make you mine
All I want to do in this lifetime is make you mine

Na na na na, na na na na na, yeah
Na na na na, na na na na na, make you mine
Na na na na, na na na na na, yeah
Na na na na, na na na na na, make you mine
Na na na na, na na na na na, yeah
Na na na na, na na na na na, make you mine
Na na na na, na na na na na, yeah
Na na na na, na na na na na, hey hey
Na na na na, na na na na na, yeah (make you mine)
Na na na na, na na na na na, make you mine
Na na na na, na na na na na, yeah
Na na na na...

As she was ending the song, Sharpay took the stage.

I'm not alone
Even when we're apart I feel you
In the air (yeah)
I'm not afraid
I know what you're thinking
I can hear you everywhere

Some people say it'll never happen
And we're just wasting time
But good things come when you least expect them
So I don't really mind

We'll be together come whatever
I'm not just staring at the stars
Just remember
That no one else can tell us who we are
We'll be together so don't ever
Stop listening to your heart

'Cause I can't turn mine off
Woah woah oh

I can't pretend
That this is a rehearsal for the real thing
Because it's not
And I know we're young
I can't help feeling what I'm feeling
And I won't stop

Some things are meant to be and will be there
When the time is right
Even though I know that
I swear, I wish it was tonight

Wish it was tonight

We'll be together come whatever
I'm not just staring at the stars
Just remember
That no one else can tell us who we are
We'll be together so don't ever
Stop listening to your heart

'Cause I can't turn mine off

Ooooh yeah

I like what's happening to me
Ooooh yeah
Nothing else to say, oh
Ooooh yeah
Somebody finally got to me
Carry me away

Carry me away

We'll be together come whatever
I'm not just staring at the stars
Just remember
That no one else can tell us who we are
We'll be together so don't ever
Stop listening to your heart

'Cause I can't turn mine off

Woah oh oh
Yeah

We'll be together come whatever
Come whatever
Come whatever, come whatever

I'm not alone
Even when we're apart I feel you

When Sharpay finished the song, Kelsi gave Taylor, Gabriella and Sharpay all a hug.

Just then, Zeke and Chad emerged with the cake that Zeke had baked. Jason and Kelsi took their seats. Chad slapped a slice on each of their plates.

"Before we eat, I have something for you," Jason said. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the velvet box. He handed it to her. "Happy Anniversary. I love you."

Kelsi opened the box. Inside sat a beautiful sterling silver charm bracelet. The charms alternated from music notes to pianos. "Thank you. It's beautiful." Jason leaned over and helped her put it on. "And I've got something for you." She opened her purse and withdrew a small box. As she handed it to him she said. "I was unsure of what to get you, so I hope you like this."

Jason opened the box. Inside sat his class ring. It was fully restored. Jason took it out and put it on his right index finger where it belonged. "Thank you. I love it." Jason couldn't wear it because on the day of graduation it had slipped off his finger and the red jewel had smashed on the concrete.

Just then, Zeke raised his glass. "To Jason and Kelsi. May you have many, many more years of happiness."

The others followed. "To Jason and Kelsi."

"I'll drink to that," Jason smiled. He and Kelsi raised their glasses, tapped them together and took a sip.