Year 11: Snowman
Ryan and Sharpay's next big introduction into the world of theatre came when it was announced that their elementary school would be putting on a production of "The Snowman" for Christmas. A sign up list would be posted in the hallway near the cafeteria, and all those who wished to sign up for a part or backstage work were welcome to. Before even asking Ryan, Sharpay put their names down.
"You do realise the lead part is for a boy, right?"
"But there's a big part in the second half for an Ice Queen. I can get that role, and you can play the boy. I put your name down out of the goodness of my heart. You'll thank me some day." She said, walking ahead of him to their classroom. Ryan paused at the list. They needed a pianist to lead the music, and without thinking, he wrote Kelsi's name quickly, and followed Sharpay to the classroom.
By that afternoon, he had an angry Kelsi storm over to him during lunch.
"Why did you put my name on the sign up list! I can't learn all those songs!"?
"Of course you can." Said Ryan, motioning to the seat next to him. "Why wouldn't you be able to learn them? You're really good on the piano."
"But...not good enough that I want to perform in front of everyone. That scares me. I'm not that good."
"You are." Reassured Ryan. "Everyone'll love to hear you play."
"The last time I did something in public was kindergarten when I was the angel and I forgot the lines to my song.
"That was kindergarten." Ryan pointed out. "And that was because you were singing. You know how to play the piano, and you do it well. Plus it's only an audition first, so you might not get it anyway." Kelsi pouted at him.
"You're going to make me do it anyway, aren't you?" She said, and Ryan smiled and nodded.
"Yep, I am, so go practise." Kelsi rolled her eyes and walked away.
A week later the auditions were held. This was the first time Ryan and Sharpay had formally auditioned for anything, and whereas Ryan was terrified, Sharpay was her normal outgoing, overconfident self.
"If we don't get this it'll be your fault." Warned Sharpay. "Couldn't you have worn a different shirt? We clash."
"This shirt goes with my hat, and it's my lucky hat." Said Ryan, touching the brim of his little hat. Kelsi had bought it for him a few years ago, and he wore it every christmas for his and Sharpay's family performances.
"Just because you're girlfriend bought it for you." She sniffed.
"She is NOT my girlfriend, and I will not mess this up." Retorted Ryan, as he and Sharpay enterered the stage. The teacher in charge of the auditions tried to explain to them that there was no need for them to audition together, but Sharpay insisted. After their audition, Sharpay started to head out of the room they were held in.
"Come on Ryan, lets go, I need to work out my costume."
"You don't know you got the part, and I'm going to wait until Kelsis ready."
"Fine, wait for your little girlfriend, whatever. You're a lame brother." She snapped, storming out of the room in a bad mood. Ryan let out a slow exhale, but turned round when he heard Kelsi's name called. Nervously, she stepped forward, and approached the piano.
Kelsi's mind was rushing. Taylor and Martha had come to watch her and offer her support, but it wasn't enough. Her mind went blank on how to play the piano, and her hands were shaking as she touched the keys. She took a deep breath and began playing, and almost immediately, she realised she was playing the wrong notes.
"I'm s-sorry..." She stuttered, looking panicky around the room. Eventually, her eyes found Ryan, and she took a deep breath. She wasn't sure that he would've stayed for her audition, but when their eyes met, he smiled at her reassuringly, and gave her a gentle nod. Kelsi nodded to herself and taking another deep breath, she began playing again. After she was finished with her piece, she grabbed her sheet music and rushed over to Ryan, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I did bad." She whispered, and Ryan hugged her.
"No you didn't you did really well."
"No I didn't! I don't know why I let you talk me into this!" She sobbed, rushing out of the room. Ryan went to follow her, but Taylor came over.
"I'll talk to her you'd better get back to your sister." She rolled her eyes. "She should get the role, an ice queen suits her." She then rushed off after Kelsi.
The cast list was posted after school the next day, and as soon as the bell for the end of school rung, Sharpay grabbed Ryan's hand, and pulled him to the board.
"You got the part! And so did I! We're going to be so good!" Gushed Sharpay, pulling Ryan away from the board before he got a chance to see who the pianist was. "We have to tell mom and dad so they can order our costumes! Hurry up, mom'll be waiting in the car for us!"
"Yeah sure...Tell mom I'm getting the bus home." He said, pulling away. Sharpay rolled her eyes and left the building, surrounded by congratulations.
Standing at the bus stop, Ryan saw Kelsi sitting on the wall, waiting for the bus. Awkwardly, he sat down next to her.
"I saw you got the part." She said, without looking up. "Congratulations."
"Thanks." He said, awkwardly. "...I didn't get to see anything other than mine and Sharpay's name, who--"
"....I'm the pianist." Said Kelsi, looking up at him suddenly, grinning. "They really liked my playing. They've given me the sheet music, and it doesn't look too hard!" Ryan smiled, and hugged her.
"Knew you could do it."
The show went without a hitch. It was the last time for a long while Ryan would play a lead without his sister, and Sharpay had earnt herself the nickname of the Ice Princess.