Hi Lovelies...Hope your weekend is going well. Thanks...as always for reading and reviewing. Sorry my updates are taking a little bit longer. I have had a lot of stuff going on recently with school and well...life.
Kelsi was in the middle of an amazing dream. True the said dream was going to cause more distress when she awoke, but for right now, while she was living it...or dreaming it, it was fabulous.
Kelsi was sitting alone in the Chicago theater. The baby grand piano, that she so adored, on stage with her. The moment her fingers made contact with the keys, it was as if musical inspiration took off. With no actual thought to what she was playing, Kelsi just let her most natural instincts create. She turned off her mind and allowed herself to feel the music. Chords Kelsi would never have even thought to combine filled the grand space with perfect melodies. None of her usual insecurities were hindering her. Not once did her brain inject itself to ask questions like: what are you doing? Or are you sure this sounds alright? Kelsi's head dipped back, her rich brown hair falling in cascading curls down her back, a lovely smile gracing her features and her bright blue eyes closed tight as she felt the music swirl every which way around her.
She felt him before she saw him. She had been aware of Ryan's presence the whole time of course. She always knew when he was near. It was as if she had a special seventh sense reserved just for him. This time though, everything was heightened...something was different, something was about to happen. Kelsi felt her hands pause above the keys, as she turned her head to face the man who framed the doorway.
He was spectacular. Ryan was dressed all in white...white pants, button down shirt and fedora. There was almost something magical about him. He seemed clearer and brighter...sparkly even.
"You came?" Kelsi's voice held a trace of hesitation. As if some secret part of her couldn't believe this was actually happening.
A ghost of a smile drifted across Ryan's features, as a warmth filled his blue eyes.
"Of course I came Kels...I would follow you anywhere, you know that." Ryan said, every aspect surrounding him supporting the truth to that statement.
Kelsi's lips were parted slightly and trembling as she formed a shaky smile.
"I was hoping you would, but I wasn't sure." She said, with barely a whisper.
Ryan's hand came up to gently caress Kelsi's smooth cheek. She leaned into the simple embrace, letting her eyes drift shut upon contact. She felt his finger carefully trace the line of her bottom lip. At the sound of his voice, Kelsi opened her eyes.
"Please don't doubt me Kelsi...don't ever doubt me." It seemed as though Ryan's eyes were burning the order into hers, the intensity was so fierce. As if he was doing everything within his power to will her to believe.
"I won't...I promise." Kelsi stated truthfully.
Kelsi could have sworn she heard a beeping coming from the far excesses of the theater.
"Do you hear that Ryan?" Kelsi asked, a wrinkle furrowing her brow as she tried to figure out where the tiny sound was coming from. It was odd, the more aware she was of the sound, the louder it became.
Kelsi turned over in bed, willing her body to stay in a dream state as opposed to succumbing to reality. As her eyes squinted open, she realized the insistent beeping from her dream seemed to have followed her to her bedroom. Kelsi sat up slowly, attempting to gain her bearings. Her tiny bedroom was blurry as she struggled to first find her glasses and then figure out what was making the annoying beeping sound. Her fingers absently searched her nightstand until they wrapped around the small frame of her glasses. Placing them on, Kelsi's tired gaze scanned the confines of her room, before finally resting on her cell phone. A faint blue light was flashing indicating messages, accompanied by the dream interrupting beep. Kelsi's eyes narrowed behind her glasses, as she faced her phone. Kelsi worked her fingers through her messy hair as she made her way barefoot across the room to see who had called. She wasn't surprised to find new voice mails and texts from Taylor and Gabby. Obviously Martha had told them about last night's conversation. Quite honestly, the last thing Kelsi wanted to do was relive last night. She just wanted to attempt to forget about it and move on. But Kelsi knew that was going to prove impossible...especially if her recent dream were an indication. Ryan was even haunting her in her sleep. She quickly sent Taylor and Gabby identical basic texts, stating she was sure Martha had done the story justice and she really wasn't up for talking about it yet. She finished with the promise that she would call and catch up soon.
Kelsi began her usual morning routine, starting with her mandatory glass of green tea. She was actually grateful she didn't have plans today. The only thing on her mental "to do" list was to work on the music to "Mary Poppins". With rehearsals starting in one week, she didn't have much time. Besides, this would give her just the outlet she needed to get her mind off Ryan...for a little while anyway.
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Ryan awoke to a persistent banging. It had taken him forever to fall asleep the night before, mainly due to images of Kelsi swirling through his mind. So needless to say, he was not too happy about being woken up. Turning to glance at the clock, Ryan saw that it was 7 am., which meant it was 8 am. In New York. Ryan groggily pulled himself out of bed to investigate the non-stop banging noise that seemed to be perminating through the walls of his hotel room and into his head. He was surprised to realize the sound was coming from his door. The only people he knew in Chicago were those from the theater and...Kelsi. Hope flared to life within his body, as all traces of sleep seemed to evaporate. Ryan sprinted across his spacious suite, the plush carpeting slowing his usual brisk pace down. He had no idea what would bring Kelsi here or what she had to say; but she was the best morning wake up call he could have possibly imagined. Ryan whisked the door open in anticipation, a huge smile ready on his face. His smile instantly left his lips as he stared at the visitor in confusion. Standing there in all of her pink glory, surrounded by luggage was his sister.
"Sharpay...what are you doing here?" Ryan asked, automatically stepping back as his sister breezed into his suite.
Sharpay looked at her completely clueless brother. She tried (unsuccessfully) to smother her smirk as she saw his mouth drop open in disbelief. Thank God she was here...the man was in need of desperate help. There was no way he was going to win Kelsi back if left to his own devices.
"I'm here to help Ry. It is obvious you need a little guidance when it comes to "wooing" Kelsi...that is the word you used last night right?" Sharpay asked, while placing her manicured finger under Ryan's chin to close his open mouth.
All Ryan could do was nod, as he stared dumbfounded at his sister. Seriously, he felt like looking for an audience, because he suddenly felt like he was in a situation comedy.
Sharpay lightly patted her brother's cheek as she took in his bewildered expression.
"Stop gawking Ryan. Please tell me this wasn't your first reaction when you saw Kelsi again? Because if it was...well, we've got a lot of work ahead of us."
Sharpay's reprimand seemed to knock Ryan out of his state of disbelief.
"Sharpay, regardless of what you may think, I am completely capable of "wooing" Kelsi on my own. I don't need any help. Besides, I don't think she's ready to be....wooed...just yet. She needs some space...and time. I think it's best if I start out slowly, as her friend. And then after a certain amount of time has surpassed...then I move to the woo...ing." Ryan stated, quite happy with his explanation. He had spent a good amount of the night contemplating how best to go about winning Kelsi's heart...romantically and friendship wise.
Sharpay just stared at her brother with a look that seemed to convey "have you lost your mind?"
"First of all Ryan...you will cease to use the word "woo". And I don't think I even need to explain why that is. Secondly...I somewhat agree with you." Sharpay revealed, her surprise over this fact matching Ryan's.
"Really?" Ryan asked, not quite believing what he was hearing.
"Yes, I really do. I agree with the whole "friendship" part. Kelsi isn't about to jump at the chance to start a romantic relationship with you Ryan...you broke her heart. I still can't believe you chose Amanda." Sharpay said, wincing when she noticed the duel looks of regret and sorrow stamped upon Ryan's features. "I'm sorry. That was too blunt. Sometimes I forget to filter what I say before it comes out of my mouth. I didn't mean to hurt you Ryan." Sharpay said apologetically, wrapping her arms tightly around her brother in a comforting hug.
Ryan returned the hug for a moment before pulling back and focusing on his sister. His bright blue eyes met her chocolate brown ones.
"No, it's okay. You're right...everything you said is true. Harsh...but true. And I know eventually, Kelsi and I are going to have to confront the past. It's the only way we can ever possibly build a future." Ryan said, a look of understanding gracing his features.
Sharpay met her brother's gaze searchingly. "You really care about her don't you?"
"I haven't yet figured out everything going on in my head and heart. But I know I need her...I need her in my life Shar. And I'll understand if she isn't able to give me more than friendship. Hell, I wouldn't blame her if that's all she's able to give me. But I'll take anything...anything she's willing to pass my way I will gratefully accept." Ryan said, the truth evident in his expression.
In that moment Sharpay knew she was doing the right thing. A man didn't make a statement like that, unless he loved the woman he was talking about. Sharpay wrapped her brother in another tight hug, before untangling herself and walking towards the suite's door.
Ryan watched Sharpay's retreating figure in confusion. Where was she going? She had just got here. Dear Lord, if this was how his day was starting...who knew how it was going to end up.
"Um...Shar, where are you going?" Ryan asked, stating his thoughts aloud.
Sharpay stopped instantly and turned around. A radiant smile on her pink lips. She carelessly flipped a long strand of blond hair behind her shoulder.
"I'm going to get my own suite Ry. You are my twin and I love you...but, I can't share this small of a space with you." Sharpay said by way of explanation, completely oblivious to the fact that Ryan's "small space" was the size of most three bedroom apartments. "You look exhausted, why don't you go back to sleep and I'll call on you later..okay? Toodles!" And with that abrupt farewell, Sharpay sailed out of Ryan's suite as rapidly as she had entered.
Ryan stood looking at his shut door, baffled. Sharpay was here...in Chicago. And she had come to help him woo-....no scratch that win Kelsi back. Ryan let his instantly tired feet carry him back into his bedroom. He flopped down on the bed dramatically as he stared at the ceiling. He hadn't thought it possible...but life had just gotten way more complicated.
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Kelsi was amazed at how catchy the score to "Mary Poppins" was. She was actually finding it a joy to loose herself in the music. Which was saying something, because she had been so excited at the prospect of working on "Wicked." Kelsi was familiar with the movie "Mary Poppins" and had loved it as a child, so she was surprised to find so many differences in the musical. All of the songs from the movie were present and the theme was the same. But certain aspects of the layout where quite different. Kelsi could just sense that this musical was going to be magical...and very popular in Chicago. She would have to find a way to make sure Lauren and Matthew saw the show. And as much as Kelsi tried to not let her mind wander towards Ryan...the task seemed impossible. After all, she was playing the songs he would soon be singing. And he was perfect for the male lead. The part of Bert seemed to be catered to him. Kelsi could practically picture Ryan prancing around the stage, singing with a cockney accent and goofing around with the children cast as Jane and Micheal Banks. Ryan was going to be extraordinary. A smile drifted across Kelsi's lips as the thought provided pictures for her mind. She imagined Ryan dancing on the stage...taking up the whole space in the that special way he was prone to do. She pictured his hands linked with two children, as their laughter filled the space of the theater. And in her mind, those children were exact replicas of Lauren and Matthew. She saw them as clear as day....spending time together...all four of them. Soon the theater turned into the park, and the zoo, and the beach. A slow tear seemed to drop effortlessly down Kelsi's cheek as the pictures took on a life and reality of their own. The realization that Kelsi wanted those daydreams to be real was slow coming, but natural at the same time. She wanted more than anything to share all aspects of her life with Ryan. And Lauren and Matthew....her little loves, were two of the best gifts she could share with him. Kelsi purposefully wiped the single tear off her face, and worked to bring her focus back to the task at hand....learning the music. She may want Ryan to be a part of her life. It was so easy to get lost in the million tiny moments that her mind seemed so ready to create. But she couldn't. Because it was all a dream. The reality of the situation was, Ryan was back, there was indubitable tension between them, they were working together and then he would leave. And that last little dose of reality was what kept Kelsi centered...because he would leave. He had a whole life back in New York, a home, career, friends. And Kelsi's life...it was here, in Chicago. That was the choice she had made, and she was sticking to it.
Kelsi's thoughts were interrupted by the faint ring of her phone. After waking up to flashing blue lights and constant beeping, Kelsi had turned the ringer down on her phone. Deciding she needed a break from work, Kelsi reached for the phone, pausing slightly when she saw Gabby's name lit up. Was she ready to relive last night again? Probably not, but it would be better to talk about it to a living person than to just wallow in it on her own...which was what she had been doing.
"Hey Gabby." Kelsi said in greeting, hoping her voice sounded relatively normal.
A worried smile crossed Gabby's features, as she recognized the sadness and fear in her friend's voice.
"Hi Kelsi...so, it sounds like you had an interesting day yesterday?" Gabby stated, getting right to the point.
"I take it you spoke to Martha?" Kelsi said, already knowing the answer to the question.
"Yeah, she called last night after she got off the phone with you. She was worried...we all are." Gabby carefully added.
Kelsi left the piano bench to sit on her bed, feeling the comfort of cushioning pillows and her familiar blanket surrounding her.
"I'm okay Gabby. Or I will be okay. It was odd, tense and awkward...but hey, it can't get any worse right?" Kelsi asked, not aware of the slightly pleading note to her voice.
Gabby felt her heart ache for the turmoil her friend must be going through.
"Things have a way of working themselves out just the way they are supposed to...does that make sense?" Gabby supplied, not sure if she was giving out comforting advice.
Kelsi burrowed deeper into her covers, seeking the extra source of physical comfort.
"I think so. It's your in depth way of saying hang in there, everything will be alright." Kelsi said, taking a moment to take off her glasses and rub a hand against her exhausted blue eyes.
Gabby smiled to herself, her gaze catching a photo of herself and Troy. She felt an almost overwhelming gratitude take over her body as she studied the way Troy looked at her in the picture...with so much love.
"Everything will be alright Kelsi...I just...know it." Gabby said, certainty entering her expression as she continued to study Troy's smiling face. There was something about the look he was giving her. It was so familiar. And not just in accordance to herself, Troy always looked at her like that. Someone else also wore that look...she had seen it before. Ryan! He had looked at Kelsi that same way. Probably before either of them had been able to fully vocalize or recognize that feelings other than friendship were present. Gabby couldn't fully explain or comprehend why...but she knew that Ryan loved Kelsi. She just knew. Gabby was pulled out of her inner reflection by Kelsi's response.
"Well, I wish I shared your confidence." Kelsi said quietly.
Gabby knew she had to do or say something to get the ball moving in the right direction...she just didn't know what that was.
"Will you do me a favor Kelsi?" Gabby asked, trying to keep the calm still in her voice.
"Sure." Kelsi answered, her blanket somewhat muffling her voice.
"Be his friend." Gabby stated simply.
"Okaaaaaay?" Kelsi said, wondering where this was coming from.
"Just trust me on this Kelsi...try, try hard to be his friend. I think you'll find this benefits both of you in the long run." Gabby said confidently.
Kelsi thought about what Gabby said for a moment. She and Ryan had already agreed on a truce. Even though that said truce was somewhat tentative after last night's debacle. Could she be his friend? And not just someone who is more of an acquaintance, but a real and genuine friend? Kelsi let her mind wander to her earlier daydream which featured Lauren, Matthew and Ryan. She missed him. No doubt about it...she missed him so much. And it was because of this fact that Kelsi recognized she was willing to try.
"I'll try Gabby. I promise, I will try." Kelsi stated honestly, meaning behind the simple declaration.
As soon as Kelsi spoke the words aloud, a knock resonated through her whole apartment.
"Hey Gabby, I'll call you back. Someone is at the door." Kelsi said by way of explanation. Hanging up shortly after she heard Gabby offer a sweet farewell.
Kelsi felt the instant cold draft, the moment she escaped the confines of her warm bed. Taking a moment to replace her glasses, Kelsi's bare feet slapped lightly on the hard wood floors. She was still dressed in her pajamas, her hair a curling mess when she opened the door. Kelsi instantly jumped back when she saw who was awaiting her arrival. Dressed in immaculate couture...all pink of course, was Sharpay Evans.
"Oh shit." Kelsi said under her breath, instantly slapping her hand over her mouth the moment the curse word escaped.
Oh dear!