Hello hello. I hope you all are doing well. Thank you so much for all of the lovely reviews and for simply taking the time to read my story. Lauren and Matthew think it is pretty kick-ass that they are featured. (Even though "kick-ass" isn't a word they would use.)
I thought it smart to give the warning that this story is winding down...about three more chapters left...if I am calculating correctly. I have so enjoyed writing "Wallflower". Thanks to all of you for being such a ready inspiration.
I would also like to give a HUGE shout out to fallinrain. She has been such a support...not just with writing, but in general. I was so worried about writing so many people in one chapter and she not only gave me some great advice, she also set my mind at ease.
"Grace" is coming along. Once I finish "Wallflower", I believe I am going to take some time to really focus in on "Grace." (Get at least the first book written.)
Well, without further ado....
"Lauren, Matthew, come on guys, please stop fidgeting." Sarah's soothing voice attempted to calm her children as she watched them straining to see around the masses of people swarming the theater. It was opening night of "Mary Poppins", and it seemed like almost everyone in Chicago was in the packed theater.
"Mom, I can't see around this guy's hair in front of me...it is too...poofy." Lauren's normally sweet voice was starting to wear an edge of hysteria. This night was so important to her. Not only was she going to watch Kelsi play the piano, she was also going to see Ryan dance and sing on the huge stage. There was no way she was going to let some guy with "poofy" hair obstruct her view.
Sarah was just about to switch seats with her daughter, when her son decided to fix the situation himself.
Matthew didn't understand why Lauren was getting so upset...the problem seemed pretty fixable to him. Matthew gingerly tapped the poofy-haired guy's shoulder.
Chad Danforth had been in the middle of a serious basketball conversation with Troy when he felt the tiny chubby finger poking him. He turned around and was met with a smiling little boy, a little girl who looked on the verge of tears and a very overwhelmed young woman who he guessed was their mother.
"Matthew-" Sarah began to scold, only to be cut off by her precocious little imp of a son.
"It's okay Mommy, I've got this." Matthew responded, his blue eyes all the while holding Chad's confused gaze.
"Hey little man, can I help you with something?" Chad inquired, smiling, he was figuring the tap on his shoulder had been some sort of childish game.
"Your hair is too poofy man; my sister can't see Kelsi and Ryan." Matthew stated simply.
At the little boy's announcement, the people sharing the row with Chad started to laugh. Matthew, thrilled his announcement got that sort of reaction, started to hop up and down on his seat a little. It seemed the poofy haired guy was there with A LOT of people.
"Matthew!" Sarah scolded, mortified by her son's proclamation.
"It's alright ma'am." Chad said quickly, focusing on Sarah before returning his gaze to the little boy, who quite frankly was reminding him a bit of himself. "So, you know Kelsi and Ryan?" He asked intrigued.
Lauren, no longer sensing the threat of her view being blocked, decided it was time for her to chime in.
"Oh yes, Kelsi is our nanny and Ryan is her boyfriend. We love them." She stated with a sweet smile. "Do you all know them?"
A bright grin fell across Chad's features at the little girl's answer. "We all," he started, gesturing towards the other three people that filled his searing section, "went to school with them."
Lauren and Matthew took in the line of friendly faces in the row ahead of them.
"You're the Wildcats!" Lauren exclaimed excitedly. "Kelsi talks about you guys all the time." She took in all of their faces, searching her memory for placement. Her eyes took in the man sitting to the right of Chad, he had sandy brown hair and the bluest eyes Lauren had ever seen. "You're Troy, aren't you?" She asked.
If Lauren had been unsure of the man's identity before, the moment he smiled she knew it was Troy Bolton. He just seemed to ooze charisma...at least that was what Kelsi said. Lauren hadn't really known what "charisma" was...until now.
"So you are the family our Playmaker works for?" Troy asked, addressing not just Lauren, but Matthew and Sarah also.
"We are the family Kelsi is a member of." Sarah corrected. "She may watch my children, but she is more aunt and sister to us then employee.
Troy took in Sarah's comment, recognizing that along with the truth to her words there was a story.
"Well, I know she feels the same way about you...that you are members of her family I mean." This comment was made by a petite woman with flowing ebony curls and huge brown eyes, Lauren and Matthew were instantly able to place Gabriella. Not just because of her physical description, but also because she was holding hands with Troy.
Matthew was instantly in love. He spryly moved onto his mother's lap, so he could have better access to the pretty woman with the sing-song voice.
"You're pretty." Matthew said lightly, his dimpled smile adding even more charm to his words. "Oh, and so are you." Matthew focused his later comment on who he now knew to be Taylor. He noticed that she too was holding hands with a boy, this "boy" being the poofy-haired Chad. Matthew couldn't help scowling a little, why was it that all of the pretty girls were taken?
"Well, you certainly are a charmer aren't you?" Taylor supplied, tapping her finger playfully on Matthew's nose.
"I think my brother likes your girlfriends." Lauren said, eyebrows raised inquisitively as she stared at Troy and Chad.
All Sarah could do was laugh; only her children could form some sort of a social club while sitting in a noisy theater.
"It is so nice to meet all of you in person, Kelsi has told us so much about you all." Sarah supplied kindly.
"And so has Ryan." Lauren added.
"Did someone just mention my brother?"
Lauren turned quickly, to see who the new voice belonged to. Her gaze was suddenly filled with more pink than she had ever seen in her life. Seriously, it was a lot of pink, the pretty blond haired lady looked kind of like a bottle of the pink bubble gum medicine her mommy gave her whenever she was sick. Lauren knew instantly who this woman was.
"You are Ryan's sister Sharpay aren't you?" Lauren asked, her voice filled with something akin to awe. She still wasn't quite over all of the pink....Lauren loved the color pink.
Sharpay looked down into the little girl's upturned face, it was impossible for her heart not to melt by the sight that greeted her. Framed by wispy red waves, was a precious little green-eyed, lightly freckled sweet heart. Standing next to the little girl, not one to be overlooked was an adorable little blue-eyed angel faced boy.
"You must be Lauren and Matthew. Ryan has told me all about you. And after seeing both of you, I can see why he is so gung-ho on staying in Chicago."
Sharpay's announcement was met by shock from the rest of the group, not including Sarah and the kids.
"What?!" The Wildcats' unanimous yell filled the space, as the lights started to dim.
Zeke came up behind Sharpay in time to hear the outburst.
"Love, only you would start a commotion right before your brother's show." He said, his chocolate eyes filled with affection.
"Because the love you feel for me is so evident in your expression, I have decided not to be annoyed by that comment." Sharpay said smartly, placing a lingering kiss on her fiancées cheek, before moving to sit next to the rest of their friends.
"It's starting, it's starting!" Matthew's excited voice echoed through the theater, only to be met with good natured chuckles.
Lauren and Matthew both kept their eyes trained on the orchestra pit, as they waited for Kelsi to step out.
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Kelsi had almost forgotten what it felt like to be this nervous. She placed a trembling hand to her stomach as she heard the sounds of a settling crowd. She had been taking calming breaths all evening, or what she thought were calming breaths, in reality they more resembled someone who was hyperventilating. She placed one shaky foot in front of the other, as she started to walk out from behind the safe confines of the curtain, only to be pulled back into the comfort of a steady chest. She felt muscular arms wrap around her from behind and soft lips press themselves to her clammy cheek. Taking a deep breath, Kelsi inhaled the sweet, earthy and familiar scent that epitomized Ryan.
"What are you doing here Ryan? You are supposed to be back stage waiting for your entrance." Kelsi tried to chastise, but there wasn't a trace of discipline to her voice, she was simply too grateful to have him there with her, taking all of the nerves and fears away...almost as if they had never existed in the first place.
"No worries Kels, I can run back into position in no time. I had a feeling you may need some support before you made your way out there." Ryan said, the ready calm in his voice washing over Kelsi like fresh flowing water.
"You know me too well." Kelsi said, turning in his arms and returning his embrace, letting the heat from his body seep into hers.
Ryan placed a tender kiss upon her forehead, before placing his fingertips gently on her cheeks, willing her eyes to meet his without words.
"You are going to be amazing Kelsi."
Her blue eyes met his as she took in his simple statement, all she could see was love and truth. It was almost as if Kelsi could feel confidence filling up her petite body as she received the encouragement and comfort from Ryan.
"I love you...so much." She said with utmost feeling, a tremble in her voice that had nothing to do with nerves.
"I love you too Kels." Ryan returned, as he wrapped her in another hug. With his lips pressed into her soft curls he whispered, "so much."
He placed another lingering kiss upon her lips, before sprinting backstage. Kelsi spun around, this time feeling more than ready to face the crowd that awaited.
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Lauren let out a ready squeal the moment she saw the top of Kelsi's head in the orchestra pit. Matthew shifted closer to his sister as he squinted to see the source of her excitement. A huge grin spread across his face the moment realization dawned.
"It's Kelsi!" He yelled, his voice echoing through the entire theater. "Kelsi...look Mommy, it's Kelsi!" Matthew cheered excitedly as he pointed towards his nanny. He shifted his gaze from Sarah to Lauren. "Look Lala, Kelsi is here!"
Sarah didn't know whether to be embarrassed by the scene her son was creating or laugh. As she noticed the ready smiles of the people surrounding her, she realized laughing was really the only reasonable choice. And as she watched Kelsi lift herself up from the pit and wave directly at her children, she could not have been more proud of her exuberant kids.
"Hi Kelsi!" Lauren and Matthew shouted in union, thrilled that Kelsi had greeted them in front of an entire audience.
Kelsi was seriously surprised she wasn't presently blushing...with all of the eyes on her, many of them confused and/or amused. But she wasn't nervous or embarrassed...no, she was filled with pride. As she waved at Lauren and Matthew she recognized that she was partly responsible for those amazing little personalities. As she felt her eyes make contact with Sarah's, gratitude seemed to be rolling off her in buckets. She softly mouthed the words "thank you" to the woman who had welcomed her not only into her home, but into her family. She knew the gratitude was returned when she saw the soft smile grace Sarah's features, a smile filled with such love.
Kelsi's eyes drifted to the row in front of Sarah, Lauren and Matthew. A huge laugh escaped her as she took in her friends. They were all there, every single one of them. And they all were wearing expressions of such happiness and love. Kelsi's eye caught Jason's as he was squeezing his way between Zeke and Taylor, he had been back stage with Martha prior to the show. He rewarded her with a huge thumb's up signal as he shared kisses with the girls and high five's with the guys.
Kelsi focused on the kids once more before blowing a parting kiss which they promptly caught. She then turned around, sat down at the piano and let the familiar waves of comfort fill her body. There was no doubt in her mind that she could do this. And not just "do this"...but thoroughly kick some ass. Her focused eyes met the other members of the orchestra for about a second before she started to play. And play she did, Kelsi didn't think she had ever played a more perfect score. In fact, she would go as far as to say, "it was practically perfect in every way." Especially when it was accompanied by Ryan's performance as Bert. He was absolutely stunning.
Kelsi didn't think the evening...or life for that matter could become any more phenomenal.
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Lauren and Matthew pushed themselves through the throngs of people as they worked their way backstage. They were just about to reach their destination, when a large body came out to block their way.
"I'm sorry, but this is a restricted area."
A frustrated Lauren blew some wispy bangs out of her eyes before beginning to answer. "What's restrict-" She cut off her question the moment she saw who had issued the warning.
"Charlie!" She shouted, launching herself into his waiting arms. "You were being silly weren't you?"
Charlie let out a deep laugh as he cuddled Lauren, before placing her back down upon her feet and giving her brother the same greeting.
"Who me? I would never be silly." Charlie replied jokingly.
Matthew just laughed, loving that he was in on some sort of inside joke. While Lauren rolled her eyes and muttered Charlie's name under her breath.
"That's exactly how I feel sometimes Lauren." Reilly said, as she walked up and put a loving arm around young girl, before having Matthew throw his little wiggling form at her.
As Reilly gave Matthew Eskimo kisses, Sarah and the Wildcats met up with the already waiting foursome.
Charlie walked right up to Sarah and gave her a welcoming hug.
"It's good to see you again Sarah."
"Hi Charlie." She replied, returning the hug and placing a kiss on Reilly's cheek. "It seems my son is still in love with your girlfriend." Sarah supplied in a teasing manner.
"And his girlfriend loves your son right back." Reilly announced, loving the feel of a child in her arms.
Charlie looked up to greet the huge group of visitors; he recognized Jason, but that was about it.
"Hey Jase, who are your friends?" he asked, interested.
Jason shared a handshake with Charlie before introducing the group.
Charlie and Reilly both took in the visitors names and appearances, as they worked to place who was who with the descriptions Kelsi had given. They were both forced to admit, Kelsi had been pretty spot on and thorough. This was especially true as the saw a very blond and very...pink woman push her way to the front of the crowd.
"Excuse me, could you please direct me towards my brother?" Sharpay asked, her voice seemingly coated in cotton candy as she looked right over Charlie and Reilly, her gaze searching for Ryan.
"Wow, you must be Sharpay." Reilly stated. "Your brother's description was quite...accurate." She deadpanned.
Sharpay paused to focus on Reilly, her brown eyes holding a blank look before a smile spread across her features.
"Awww...that's so sweet." Sharpay replied, before letting out a shrill yell. "Ryan!"
Zeke gingerly made his way up to his fiancée, a smile on his face the whole time.
"Sweetie, there's no need to yell. He will be here shortly, I'm sure." He placed his arm around Sharpay's shoulder, effectively turning her around to face the rest of the people waiting. "Notice all of the people here, they are all waiting to see Ryan too."
"And Kelsi." Matthew supplied. "We are here for Kelsi too."
Chad let out a laugh at Matthew's comment.
"Dude, I love that kid." He exclaimed.
Matthew responded by gifting Chad with an enormous smile.
"Thanks dude." He replied cheekily.
Taylor couldn't help the snort that escaped at Matthew's comment. "You know Chad, I can definitely see why you two are fond of each other. You are like two peas in a pod."
Ryan and Kelsi were walking towards everyone in time to hear Taylor's last comment.
"Chad and Matthew...you know, I could definitely see that." Ryan said, before sharing greetings with everyone. All the while, his arm securely around Kelsi.
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Kelsi was waiting patiently for Ryan at Pequod's Pizza. They had all decided to go there to celebrate after the show. Well, everyone but Sarah, Lauren and Matthew; the kids had already been up past their bedtime. Ryan had wanted to run home first to shower and change and Kelsi had elected to go with him, but had been persuaded by Taylor and Gabby that they needed some girl time. So now she was sandwiched between two of her best friends, trying to concentrate on what they were saying in order to keep her mind from worrying about what was taking Ryan so long. She seriously thought their pizza was going to be delivered to the table before he arrived. And that was saying a lot because the pizzas took a little over 30 minutes to prepare. Kelsi attempted for what seemed like the hundredth time to pull herself away from her worries and focus on what Taylor was saying.
"I have to admit, I didn't think Chad would enjoy "Mary Poppins" as much as he did. It seems there is an even bigger kid stuffed inside his body than I thought." Taylor stated.
"Hello, I am right here...sitting next to you." Chad interjected with a grin. "And hey, don't knock that play, it had been deep man. Dude, Troy even cried."
"Chad, I did not cry." Troy defended. "I had something in my eye." He faced the table as he told the blatant fib, daring anyone to disagree with him. As he turned to meet Gabby's warm gaze, a soft smile spread across his lips. "Okay, so I cried. I loved the movie as a kid and it struck a chord with me."
At his confession the table erupted into laughter...all except Kelsi. Sharpay glanced at Kelsi from across the table. She knew why Kelsi was worried, and she would be lying if she said she wasn't starting to get a bit nervous herself. Something was wrong. Sharpay didn't know what, but her gut was telling her that something wasn't right. She could tell Kelsi felt the same way, but was trying to ignore the feeling. Sharpay however, wasn't one to ignore anything, especially when her innate twin senses were acting up. Meeting Kelsi's eyes from across the expanse of the circular table, Sharpay inclined her head slightly towards the bathrooms.
Kelsi didn't need to be told...or signaled twice. At Sharpay's nod, she leapt up as though her chair had been on fire, following Sharpay towards the restrooms at a brisk pace.
Sharpay couldn't help but smirk at Kelsi's reaction. The girl certainly wasn't one for subtlety. She rolled her eyes, as she noticed the whole group attempting not to look over to see what had caused both women to flee the table.
"For someone so small, you can certainly acquire everyone's notice." Sharpay commented.
Kelsi had the grace to blush at the blond's comment, especially after she looked in the direction of their table and noticed all of her friends trying to act like they weren't interested in what she and Sharpay were talking about. Well everybody but Jason, he seemed oblivious to the art of being inconspicuous.
"Sorry, you made the motion to speak privately and I didn't really think about anything but that." Kelsi explained before continuing. "So what's up?" She asked, hoping beyond hope that Sharpay would mention Ryan.
Sharpay wasn't going to disappoint.
"Somethings wrong with Ryan." She answered matter of factly.
Kelsi let out a relieved sigh, grateful she wasn't imagining things.
"You felt it too?" She asked rapidly. "I was worried I was just overreacting."
"Kelsi, when have you ever overreacted?" Sharpay scoffed lightly, a blunt honesty to her tone.
Kelsi just stared at Sharpay like she had grown an extra head. "Hello, a few years ago, remember when I ran out of your house, out of Albuquerque and out of Ryan's life when he announced his engagement to Amanda. True, I had a right to be angry, but even I can admit that was an overreaction."
Sharpay started nodding her head as she softly puckered her lips in thought.
"That's true, that was definitely an overreaction. God Kelsi, that was like something I would do....very dramatic for you." Sharpay stated in a reflective manner, losing her track of thought for a moment.
Tilting her head to the side, Kelsi peered at Sharpay, her eyebrows raised in question.
"You know, if you are trying to make me feel better...you are not succeeding." Kelsi started. "Besides we are getting a bit off track."
Sharpay immediately snapped back into attention. "Oh right...we were talking about Ryan...in the present sense that is." Sharpay supplied. "I was just going to tell you that you should go get him."
Kelsi was already buttoning the gray knit sweater she had worn into the bar.
"I'm on it." She said, starting to back out of the bar, before pausing to turn around. "Oh, and Sharpay?"
"Yes?" Sharpay asked, her brown eyes alight with question.
A soft smile washed over Kelsi's features before she answered. "Thanks, I really appreciate your support."
The two women shared a wordless moment, as their eyes seemed to do all of the talking.
"No problem Kels."
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Ryan was just about to leave for Pequod's, when a knock sounded at his door. Figuring it was Kelsi or Sharpay wondering what was taking him so long, he didn't even stop to look through the peephole before opening the door. The visitor wasn't Kelsi...or Sharpay. His feet seemed cemented to the floor as his gaze took in the woman standing in front of him. All he could do was stare dumbfounded as the woman walked briskly into the room, seeming to take up every crevice available.
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Kelsi was just nearing Ryan's door, when a feeling of dread filled her body. She didn't know how or where the said feeling was coming from, but she knew her emotions well enough to sense dread when it occurred. Her breath started to come out in gasps as she almost had to force her fist to knock on Ryan's door. As the door slowly swung open, it was almost as if she knew. Before even fully seeing the person on the other side of the heavy wood panel, she knew what awaited her.
An almost crippling chill coursed through her body as she came face to face with the woman who had started it all...the catalyst to so much of her previous pain.
"Hello Kelsi, I wish I could say your arrival was a surprise. But then you always seemed to follow Ryan around like a lost puppy."
The cold voice whipped the smaller woman like a piece of sharp ice. Kelsi wasn't expecting to respond, she honestly didn't even know if she would still have her voice. That is why she was just as surprised as the tall brunette standing in front of her when her voice filled the entrance.
"Hello Amanda."
Cliffhanger....don't be too mad guys. I promise the next update won't take as long...I have already started working on it and hope to have it up sometime Wednesday. And just remember...my stories always end happy.
Oh, and I don't own "Mary Poppins"...even though it was my very favorite movie growing up.