Another Woman
If I'd thought Ryan was flamboyant, it was only because I'd never met his sister.
Sharpay Evans flew in the day after Christmas break began and compared to her, Ryan looked like Chuck Norris. I lost count of the number of bags she had, but if I ever saw another Louis Vuitton suitcase it would be too soon. I had to give the girl credit though, she knew her way around New York City and with the enthusiasm for musical theatre that she shared with her brother, I had to wonder why her name wasn't on the roster at Julliard as well. She seemed like a born performer, a diva from the cradle and from the bits of random song I'd heard her bust into (another trait she shared with her twin), she was talented enough to boot.
Even after a full twenty-four hours in her presence, it was still hard to pass judgment on her personality. Charisma and an energetic nature made Sharpay fun to be around, especially if Ryan was rounding us out. The two of them had the most amusing sibling chemistry I'd ever witnessed first hand in my life. It was pretty clear to see that under her tough, ambitious exterior, Sharpay really depended on the emotional support of her brother behind the scenes. And that was really humanizing.
It was a good thing too because she gave a whole new meaning to word 'spoiled'. Born into upper middle-class surroundings in Jersey with parents who both worked and forced me to do the same all through high school, I thought I'd gotten off lucky. However, all the time I'd spent around Ryan had prepped me somewhat for his sister's expectant-only-of-the-best attitude. And I couldn't blame her. If I had parents swimming in money and praising my every step I'd probably be a little bitchy too.
But I was still stuck with the two biggest theatre geeks I'd ever met and it was still rough trying to muddle through half of the things they said. Big names in the business I'd never heard before, backstage lingo I was totally out of the loop on, famous productions I wasn't even aware existed. These were the major topics of conversation and it was like listening to a foreign language. But, for Ryan, I just went with it and did my best to steer conversation back to normal topics like television and clothes. Both of them were pretty up to date on all things pop culture as well, and because Ry and his sister were so much alike, it made sense that we all got along pretty well.
In fact, I was just starting to decide I liked Sharpay when, on my way out of her hotel room one night for a group study session, I overheard them talking behind her closed bedroom door. It was rude, but I'd always been too curious for my own good and decided to eavesdrop.
"Well, I'm glad things are working out for you Ry…just don't get too attached."
A wrinkle pulled up my nose. 'What is she talking about?'
"What do you mean?" Ryan's voice let me know I wasn't the only one confused.
"Oh please. You don't actually think you can keep this up forever, do you? Girlfriend on the outside, career on the inside? It just isn't gunna work."
"Look, I know she's not like us"-
"Pfft, that's an understatement. She's a cheerleader at an Ivy League university. I mean, don't get me wrong, it's a step up from Kelsi…but get real Ry."
"Don't drag Kelsi into this! She never did a thing to you. Just because she got into Julliard and you didn't"-
Oh snap. I'd had no idea Sharpay had been vying for her brother's spot at the most esteemed performing arts school in the world. Not getting accepted must have left a mark.
"Screw you, that has nothing to do with this. She's a joke."
"She deserves to be here, her compositions aren't just good they're heartfelt. She doesn't just want this for the fame and money, sis. She just wants to play her music."
"Ugh, gag me. You can do so much better than a freak with glasses and mousy hair."
"Maybe you hadn't noticed, but we broke up. I'm currently dating a girl who's almost as fashionable as I am and, for the record, wears contacts."
'I am just as fashionable as you are, Ryan Evans. Get over yourself.' I laughed inwardly.
"Yes, I know." Sharpay sighed dramatically. "I already told you, I like her but she just doesn't fit inside of our world."
"Just because we like different things doesn't mean it can't work. We like each other, that's all that matters."
"I know you're not that naïve. Theatre isn't something you like, it's who you are. It's how you define yourself, Ryan. There is no half-way. People are either born to live in a theatre or they aren't. You can't have a relationship with someone living on the outside."
My heart sunk with all the fears that had been lingering on the edge of my heart for a while. Maybe I shouldn't have stayed after all…
"Why don't you like her, Sharpay? Why don't you like anyone I date? I'm starting to think you're just jealous that I'm happy."
There was a small pause, weighted down with tension. When Ryan's sister finally responded, her tone was bitter and I could tell they'd both been hurt by the conversation. They weren't the only ones.
"I don't want you to make a mistake that's going to hurt both of you in the end. That's all. Sorry I even tried."
*Alright guys, I love this story and I love posting it. But I'm getting more than 20 hits a chapter and only one review each. If you guys don't start reviewing I'm just gunna stop posting and start e-mailing the chapters to Val, who's the only consistent reviewer I have. Sorry to sound like a b*tch, but it's kind of insulting when I *know* people are reading consistently.