Thank you to everyone who read or reviewed the last chapter or the earlier version of this one. I accidentally posted the old version of this chapter on 10/24/2009, but did not know I did that until today. Most of the differences were very strange grammar mistakes.
This is the revised version as of 10/27/2009
Sorry for the inconvenience
Disclaimer: If I owned high school musical Chad and Sharpay would have been together by the third film and Gabriella would have went to college a year early.
Title inspired by the Jay-Z song 99 problems.
I will be raising the rating to M in the next chapter.
Warning sexual content
Chapter 16: 99 Problems
November 8 2008 7:03 AM Evans family home
Chad sat on the bed in Ryan's old bedroom waiting for Sharpay to finish getting ready. As he was waiting, he decided to call Troy to see how he was handling being thrown headfirst into fatherhood. Unfortunately he must dialed Kim by accident because she was the one who picked up the phone.
For the first time since he and Sharpay got together they slept in separate beds. Considering everything that happened yesterday, they decided not to give Mr. Evans anything else to worry about. Not that it would work, any normal parent would notice the high amount of boxer shorts in his daughter's wardrobe. The Evans parents were not the most observant parents in the world, so maybe that would work to his advantage.
Chad was already dreading having to talk to Mr. Evans this afternoon. He almost snuck into her room four times last night because he wasn't used to being without her. He couldn't believe how normal it was for him to share a bed with Sharpay every night.
"How are things going in Vegas? I'm sure things are going better there, than here." Chad told Kim.
"That's just not possible. I'm the dealing with the big dysfunctional family reunion." He knew Kim was worried about seeing Troy for the first time in over two years considering everything that happen. Troy was just as nervous about the entire Alex thing.
"How are things going between Troy and Alex?" Chad asked as he walked in to Sharpay's room to get his clothing. Sharpay was in the bathroom getting ready, so it was safe for him to talk about Alex in here. Chad was not sure why he went along with Kim and Troy when they told him not to tell Sharpay about the identity of Alex's father.
"Perfect, I caught Troy watching Alex sleeping last night. It was so cute. It was the only peaceful moment so far this weekend."
"It can't be that bad. I thought you and the coach were getting along pretty well. At least you don't have to have brunch with a man who saw you and his daughter almost having sex on the Internet."
"Yes but in your case you can honestly say that you never slept with his daughter. Did I forget to tell you my dad is here? Vanessa has the flu so she cannot come. Instead, we get to spend the weekend with my father who hates both Troy and me. At dinner last night he screamed out you got my baby pregnant six times and he tried to hit Troy once. My father got us kicked out of a restaurant in Las Vegas. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get kicked out of anything in Vegas?"
"At least you don't have to spend time with Darby." He could hear Kim laugh a little.
"Have you met my mother? That is the only positive aspect of this weekend. She is not here. You know what Chad; you tell your story and I will tell mine. Let us see who is having the most dysfunctional weekend so far."
"Works for me."
November 5, 2008 9:55 PM Pacific time
"Your coach knows you're not traveling with the team right?" Kim asked Troy for the 10th time that night.
"My coach knows about everything, you need to calm down. Kim everything will be fine." Troy said trying to calm his… Okay he had no idea what Kim was to him. The statue of their relationship was kind of up in the air with everything else in his life. It was just another thing on the long list of complicated things in his life right now. Kim's name was right there with Gabriella. Gabby was currently trying to get back with him. Part of him still cared about her, but there was no way he will go back to somebody who could hurt his friends like that. Worst of all Gabriella had no remorse for what she put Chad and Sharpay through.
"What do you mean by everything?" Kim's question brought him back from his musings.
"After speaking with my dad, we decided it would be better if the coach knew about Alex now. It would be really bad if he found out accidentally. He's been supportive. He only yelled at me for 15 minutes."
"Did you tell him that you're thinking about transferring?"
"Not yet. I have not even told dad about the possibility. I'm still reading the literature from the NCAA web site. Chances are I would have to sit out a year." Troy spent an hour reading the PDF file and he was still totally confused.
"What would be the point in transferring, you wouldn't even get to play again until after I graduated. I don't know where I'm going to go to grad school. I am sure could I find something in San Francisco. The drama program is a lot better at Berkeley. That's the real reason why you went to school there. It would probably be best if you stayed there. Maybe I should be the one to transfer?" Considering Kim was getting deep into her education classes, transferring for her wouldn't be that practical either.
"Another thing for us to talk about this weekend." Troy said with a sigh.
"I think the only reason why I'm bringing your dad and Vanessa with us, is so they can watch Alex while we go through all the decisions."
"Are you okay with dad coming?"
"Your dad, yes. He's been really helpful. Alex loves coach grandpa. In addition, he taught me how to write a practical lesson plan. Now if it was my father I would be absolutely terrified." Troy could pick up the uneasiness in her voice instantly.
"He can't be that bad? I thought he was the good parent."
"Only compared to my biological mother. Daddy can't decide whether he hates me more for getting pregnant at 18 or you for getting me pregnant at 18. Besides, I think we are going to need your dad there for when we strategize how to tell your mom that we made her a grandmother before she turned 40. She already hated me before for corrupting you."
"All corruption was completely voluntary." He said with a little laugh
"Because you want to tell everybody yet thanksgiving were also going to be breaking the news to both of your grandmother's, three aunts, four uncles, and a serious amount of Cousins. This is going to be the most psychotic Thanksgiving of all time." Kim said with a sigh. He could tell she was stressed. A part of him wishes he could be with her to take everything away.
"You forgot about Sharpay who probably is going to kill us when she finds out that we lied to her for three years."
"I figure if we tell her when Chad is holding her hand and Alex is with us, we will get out of there with a slight maiming. If things get really bad, we can always tell Sharpay how you're now ex Girlfriend posted the almost sex tape on the Internet. Sharpay will be so distracted with visions of Gabriella's murder that will be able to get away completely unscathed."
November 7, 2008 7:25 PM eastern standard time
When Ryan Evans left for Juilliard in August, he was worried about his sister being alone at A of U. Let us be honest, his parents were too self absorbed to think about their children. Darby was too busy being Darby. At least their father did try to be there; unfortunately, he was usually away on business 90% of their lives.
He could have asked his friend Chad directly to look after Sharpay. That is what his then girlfriend suggested. However, Ryan was too worried that Chad would say no. In high school, everybody assumed that the two hated each other. Looking back at it now, that perceived hatred was unresolved sexual tension. If he realized that a few months ago, he would have never told his dad that Chad and Sharpay were dating just so he would put them in the same building. Thanks to his brilliant lie, his sister was now actually dating Chad.
These lies lead to his good friend Taylor having her heart broken into a million pieces. Taylor was the only person he could really talk to about the whole Kelsey thing. He felt horrible about his role in her heart being broken. He was hoping to make up for his part in this fiasco by treating Taylor to a shopping weekend in New York. Now he just needed Chad's help to keep his sister from coming.
"I agree with you. I think it is a good idea to invite Taylor to come see you in New York for Thanksgiving break. After what happened at the anniversary party, I don't think she wants to see her extended family any time soon. She needs all the friends she can get right now, especially after the best friend breakup with Gabriella. After the Kelsey breakup, I'm sure you could use another friend." Chad told his friend over the phone. A week ago, Kelsey finely told him that their relationship just wasn't going to work. She almost loved him as more than a friend. However, as Brandy said, "almost doesn't count". He did not tell Sharpay and Chad what happened until yesterday, because it was too painful.
"We are still friends, it's just complicated. Things are probably more complicated between you and Taylor. I just feel so guilty about the entire thing. I had no ideal this would happen. I just wanted to make sure Sharpay was safe. I figure you would just tell my dad the truth, not actually start dating or producing the almost sex tapes. Did I thank you and Sharpay for the fact I watched my sister try to sleep with you. That video is the most popular clip in my building. I'm a celebrity for being the brother of 'fantasy girl'." He was sure Chad could hear the sarcasm dripping off his voice. "If I ever find out who posted that tape I'm going to kill them."
"At least there's not T-shirts about the incident at your school." He heard Chad say with a sigh. "You shouldn't feel guilty about what happened between me, Taylor, and Sharpay. Sharpay and I were going to get together eventually no matter what. Contrary to what everybody assumes, Taylor and I didn't just break up because of Sharpay. The relationship had more substantial problems."
"Falling in love with someone else is probably the only reason that counts." Ryan said with a hint of bitterness. "That's why I need your help in telling Sharpay not to come to New York for Thanksgiving."
"She is your sister. You tell her."
"She's your girlfriend now because you broke Taylor's heart. Therefore, you should tell Sharpay. You know how upset Sharpay gets about everything. Maybe you could teller after the show tonight. She is always tense on opening night. Remember last year, everybody was too terrified to tell her that Troy was not coming on time." He remembered the car ride home very well; his sister was halfway in tears and screaming about losing her chance at Juilliard because of Troy's stupid stunt. Ryan was sure Sharpay was no longer upset about that because she now had Chad.
"Things aren't as bad as last year. The production is moving more smoothly now that Ms. Darbus replaced Tiara with Anita and demoted Tiara to the cheerleader chorus. However, that means Donny is now doing the interlude. "
"I'm sure Tiara isn't very happy with that." Ryan couldn't believe they were all taken in by Tiara's sickeningly sweet persona last year.
"At least your sister was a good sport with Gabriella. Tara is just been an absolute bitch about the whole thing. She has been sabotaging scenes in the rehearsals and throwing onset tantrums. As for Thanksgiving Sharpay, mentioned something about wishing she could stay here with me. She just wasn't sure how to tell you and your father because he had something special planned this year." Ryan couldn't help but laugh at that.
"My dad always has something big planned every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Unfortunately, it always falls apart. Every year without fail, mom will always go on a last minute shopping trip overseas and dad will always be called away on business. Sharpay and I usually end up eating our gourmet Turkey dinner alone. In a couple of days, we'll have this great gift waiting for us. This year when they forgot about our graduation party, we received brand new cars. Last year, when they didn't show up for the fall musical, we got a week at a spa for winter break. For forgetting about thanksgiving last year we received the black card for cyber Monday. The presents do not make up for the parental neglect."
"I'm sorry." He knew Chad was genuinely sorry. However, Ryan really didn't need pity.
"You don't have to be. At least this year Sharpay and I can have a Thanksgiving that we actually want to have without the family drama. You can probably tell dad about your Thanksgiving plans after the show tonight. He and mom are scheduled to come watch Sharpay's directorial debut."
"Thank you for warning me." Chad said sarcastically. "Although could you have told me earlier when I had time to choose a different outfit."
"You've been with my sister for too long. Considering my parents track record, they probably won't be there. Out of all the shows we performed in during high school, they only made it to the last one. Tell Sharpay break a leg and I really want to see the DVD of the show as soon as possible."
"I will tell her in few a minutes when I get to the school. I am currently waiting in line to get her coffee and a pre shows snack."
"Now I know it's love. I won't even get her coffee." Both guys laughed that that
"What do you mean you're not coming?" Kim yelled into her phone as she waited in the Bolton driveway for Jack to finish loading the car. Mrs. Bolton was apparently working late again and wouldn't be seen her husband off to his 'teacher conference'.
"I'm sorry can but I'm currently throwing up in the bathroom. It's probably the flu. I thought because I could be contagious that it would be best if your father went with you."
"No way. It's going to be hard enough with Troy meeting Alex for the first time. Now the entire time dad is going to be threatening to kill him. 5 minutes into the whole thing he's going to try to cut off Troy's parts for getting me pregnant." Her father still had not made peace with the whole Alex situation.
"I seriously doubt he's going to do that."
"I know you guys have been married for a few years. However, I've known him my entire life. He still hates me for bringing disgrace to the family name and Troy for helping me in that disgrace." Kim said in a bitter voice
"Your father loves you."
"Sometimes I doubt that."
"Kim your father does love you."
"Then why has he not forgiven me?" Kim asked in a whisper. "Vanessa, I need to warn Troy that my father is coming to kill him. If Alex becomes an orphan, it will be all your fault." Kim yelled sarcastically as she shut her phone.
Kim decided to quickly call Troy to warn him. Unfortunately the call went straight to voicemail. He was probably already on the plane.
"Hey Troy you will probably not get this voice mail until you land in Vegas. Any way it turned out my dad is coming instead of Vanessa. I would like to apologize right now in case things really do go to hell this weekend or you end up in a body bag. Love you."
"As you and my son point out all the time you're not dating again, But you tell my son you love him." Jack's comments completely cut her off guard and she gave him that dear in headlights look. She would say that she and Troy were just friends if she didn't hear that lie enough during the Chad Sharpay denial phase. She and Troy would never be just friends.
"You know I love him. My relationship with Troy is on the complicated side right now." Kim said hoping Jack would leave her alone.
"Yes your relationship is very complicated." Jack said sarcastically." Since you two started talking to each other again, Troy's cell phone bill has double. Troy broke up with his girlfriend of the year and ½ without telling anybody the real reason. A girlfriend that he moved 1000 miles away for. I know my son well enough not to buy his' I need space' excuse. Plus there were those inappropriate text messages he sent you while he was still dating Gabriella."
"You're never going to let that go are you?" Kim said with a slight blush.
"Not until Alex is in kindergarten."
"Troy and I have to make decisions on custody arrangements, what schools were going to attend, and try to figure out what state we are going to be living in. We don't have time to figure out our relationship."
"I'd just like to know what's going on between you and my son."
"As soon as we figure it out, I promised one of us will tell you." Kim said in a whisper.
"Like you did last time," Jack muttered under his breath. "Do you mind if we stop at the pharmacy." Jack said when the CVS came into view
"No, we are currently running ahead. You can run in and get anything you need."
"I think you're the one who needs to run in. I love my grandson, but I don't want another grandchild until both you and Troy have graduated college." Her mouth was on the ground in shock. She was definitely not expecting that statement.
"Nothing's going to happen--were just--I'm not sure."
"I don't trust you and my son to be in the same state without your hormones taking over your better judgment." He gave her that don't lie to me parent look that scared her half to death. She really needed to learn that look before Alex was a teenager.
"Fine I will run in the store." Kim says as she pulled into the pharmacy parking lot, "Even though I won't be using them at all this weekend and will probably be giving them to Sharpay. I'm sure they'll make use of those things." Kim said in annoyance as she got out of the car.
The present
"Troy's father made you buy condoms?" Chad was laughing hysterically.
"It's not that funny," Kim said in annoyance.
"Considering all your little presents to me and Sharpay, yes it is. So will Sharpay and I be getting the surplus or did something actually happen this weekend?" Chad asked as he tried to stop laughing.
"How did the play go last night?" Kim asked quickly changing the subject completely.
"It looks like somebody is taking my award for most blatant subject change."
November 7, 2008 6:09 PM backstage East High auditorium
The backstage area was complete madness. The curtain would be going up in less than an hour. Everyone was rushing around trying to get the sets and costumes together. Ms. Darbus appeared to be calm, but Sharpay felt on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She was worried about getting a good grade on this project. She was afraid everything would go wrong, such as Anita forgetting her lines or Tiara sabotaging everything. Sharpay was just waiting to see what Tiara would do during the actual show tonight.
In addition, there overly sensitive principle just made them completely change a scene in the play less than 30 minutes ago. Kerri and Nicholas were going through their new lines in the back. She hoped that they would actually remember them. She was currently calming down Jason McKessie, who is very angry about their play being butchered in the name of censorship.
"I can't believe he's acting like this. He is destroying this play. The scene he made us rewrite was not even that bad. I have seen worse language on the Disney channel. He still won't let us have a kissing scene. How can we have a love story without a kissing scene?"
"Jason I know you're upset, but you need to calm down. Look on the bright side; at least he didn't completely shut down the production of the play like two years ago." As she was talking to Jason, she fell two arms wrap around her and her favorite lips descend upon her neck.
"How's my favorite director doing?" Chad asked as he continued to hold her.
"Only slightly on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Now that you're here, I'm starting to feel less stressed." Sharpay said as she reached over to kiss him. She was so wrapped up in Chad's kisses and the way his touch made everything melt away, she did not pay attention to the conversation between Jason and Ms. Darbus.
"That's so unfair, they can make out on school property and we cannot even have a stage kiss." Jason said in a whiny voice.
"The rule the principle is using to keep us from having any kissing scenes in the play applied only to students. This production will run more smoothly if Miss Evans is actually calm." Ms. Darbus said quietly to Jason. If Chad's hand wasn't moving to a place on her body that he probably shouldn't be touching in front of a 12 year old, she probably would have notice the wicked smirk on Jason McKessie face.
Kim sat in the first class lounge mentally preparing for her father to criticize every single one of her life choices once he arrived. She watched Jack play with Alex. She felt guilty that Alex meted his grandfather before his dad. More and more lately, she felt like she made the wrong decision in not telling Troy. She was so afraid that Troy and his family would treat her exactly like her family. It turned out her fears were completely unfounded and now she felt like a horrible person for keeping Troy from Alex.
"I'm sure my dad will be here any moment." Kim said in a slightly panicky voice.
"You don't seem happy. If I remember correctly, he was the sane parent."
"Compare to my mom, almost everyone is relatively sane. My dad didn't exactly have the best reaction to the pregnancy. He wasn't deliberately trying to get me to get rid of Alex, but he wasn't exactly supportive either. He just made everything worse. He is always talking about how I was such a disgrace to the family name. I am almost positive he hates me." she was starting to tear up.
"I'm positive your father doesn't hate you. I don't hate you and Troy for what happened. I know the pregnancy was unplanned if not unwanted. I'm actually proud of both of you for handling the situation instead of running away."
"You're rational, he's not. I am just scared. Things are going to be tough enough this weekend without him being here. Now I have this odd feeling I'm going to be pulling him off Troy at least twice this weekend. Then there will be choruses of 'you got my baby girl pregnant 'alternating with 'how could you be so stupid to get pregnant at 18 by a 15 year old'." Kim finished as her father walked in.
In true Jay Kim fashion, the first thing he says to her was an insult on her parenting abilities. "Are you sure that jacket is warm enough? I wouldn't want my grandchild to get sick." He used that condescending voice that made her feel like a two year old who couldn't do anything. She could see Jack's shocked expression. She knew she should have prepared him better for this.
"Its 60 outside and sunny, he'll be fine. No matter what I do, it probably won't be enough, sense in your mind I am to irresponsible to take care of my own child."
"I didn't say that Kimberly."
"Jack will you please watch Alex, I think I need a cappuccino. Do you want anything?" Kim walked off before her father could say anything else to her or see her cry.
When Amanda walked into East High, she was shocked at how beautiful it was. She could tell instantly that East High was in a completely different class of funding from her old high school. Everything at the school was shiny and new, from the textbooks to brand new computers. This place was definitely not like the dirty and broken high school she went to. She was somewhat jealous of Chad and Sharpay for going to such a great school that actually had decent equipment.
"I see somebody went to high school in the land of the rich and spoil." Marc said as soon as they found Chad outside the auditorium.
"We are only mildly spoiled. Besides this is still a public school." Chad said in response.
"A public school that has computer labs and has a library that is more up to date than several universities." Amanda said to Chad.
"Aren't you supposed to be attached to Sharpay at the lips right now?" Nikki asked in her usual way.
"The principle kicked me out of the backstage area. We were apparently corrupting the little children." Chad said sarcastically.
"You principle has issues. Let's just go find our seats," Amanda said as they walked into the auditorium. Before they made it to their seats Chad was engaging in a "guy hug" with some shaggy hair boy that she never saw before. She assumed it was some friend from high school.
"What are you doing here Jason?" Chad said to this person that they didn't know.
"My cousin is one of the leads in the play and I came to support him. How are you doing I haven't seen you in forever. Out of the entire group, I think you are the only one who stayed in Albuquerque besides me. I'm going to community college because of my GPA in high school." From the way he made it sound Sharpay, must not have been considered one of their group back then.
"I've kind of been busy." Chad said as an excuse.
"With your girlfriend in your bedroom." Marc said snidely under his breath.
"I thought Taylor was at Yale?" Jason asked in confusion, apparently hearing Marc's comment. This quickly earned him a slap from Nikki.
"For the moment, but she is transferring as soon as she can. It just wasn't the right fit. Taylor and I broke up last month. I'm here because my new girlfriend is directing the play."
"Nicholas said that a student from A of U was directing the play, but he wouldn't tell me who. He said he wanted it to be a surprise." Amanda could see Chad visibly let go of a breath.
"Hey Jason these are some of my friends from college. This is my girlfriend's roommate Amanda and her partners in crime Nikki and Marc. This is Jason Cross one of my teammates from high school." After noticing that Chad specifically didn't use Sharpay's name she decided to drag him off for a private little chat before the play started. The safest place to have this conversation seemed to be the guest parking lot right outside the auditorium.
"So why exactly did you not tell him that you are dating Sharpay?"
"I told him I had a different girlfriend."
"You didn't say her name. Although I'm surprise he doesn't already know that you're dating Sharpay. You have the most popular almost sex tape in Albuquerque. He must be the only person in Bernalillo County that hasn't seen that tape."
"I know, we were approached by a grandmother and her granddaughter about the clip yesterday at the mall. Sharpay wasn't exactly the most popular girl in school. She is like a Geo, tough on the outside, pretty and shiny on the inside. Not a lot of people back then took the time to look beyond that tough exterior, including myself. Most people either hated her or used her. My friends in high school said a lot of mean things to her. She was always pushing everyone away. Until I got here, I didn't know why. I just don't want to have to justify why I love her to somebody who I may or may not see again till the 5 year reunion."
"So you will explain everything when you show up as Mr. Chad Danforth-Evans?"
"I don't know if I want a hyphenated name. I think I prefer Chad Evans."
"That's what Jack White did. He even kept the name after the divorce."
"Speaking of the Evans, it looks like Ryan's prediction of them not showing up to support Sharpay has fallen through." Chad said noticing Darby step out of her town car. They both noticed Mrs. Evans kissing a man that definitely did not match the picture Sharpay had on her computer. The dark haired man couldn't be more than 25.
"That's not Mr. Evans is it?" Amanda asked quietly.
"No it's not," Chad said as he pulled out his phone to capture the incident.
Halfway through Chad story Troy decided it was best to let Chad know that he was listening with Kim. "Did you tell Sharpay?" Troy asked his friend in complete shock. He couldn't believe Darby Evans was cheating on her husband. She just seemed like a nice person when he met her a few summers ago. But then again he used to think Gabriella was a nice person.
"Not at that moment. You do not want to mess with a pre show Sharpay. The woman is absolutely scary. I love her, but I can't deal with her when she is like that."
"Trust me I remember, I was vice president of the drama club with her for two years. It's probably best to avoid telling her anything upsetting, until she is less likely to kill people. I'm sure nobody wants a hot cappuccino throne on them? You did tell her later?" Kim said as she reached over to Troy side of the bed and grabbed the phone back.
"Let me finish the story, if I skip around it just won't make any sense."
October 7, 2008 6:59 PM
In the final moments, before the curtain went up Sharpay watched the crowd. When she saw Chad and all her friends sitting in the front row, she breathed a sigh of relief. She quickly mouth the words 'I love you' to Chad. She wished he could stay back stage with her.
Unfortunately, a couple rolls back from Chad, was the one person she didn't want here. She couldn't believe her mom actually brought her boy toy Jose with her. Jose sister who he had custody of, was playing the role of the new girl in the interludes. Sharpay was almost positive that Darby was here to see Carmen perform not her own daughter direct. Darby was only happy when Sharpay was number one. However, no matter how hard she tried she could never be good enough.
Even though she really wanted her father there, she hoped he couldn't make it. She didn't want him to be humiliated by Darby any more than necessary. Sometimes she wished they would just sign the papers and get this farce of a relationship over with. Her heart started to calm down a bit when Donny and Carmen made their way to the stage.
"I see you're new here at east high. You'll find out quickly that there are a lot of interesting legends at this school." Said Donny as the wise upperclassmen to Carmen's new student.
"You mean other than the entire school bursting into song at a basketball game." Carmen's character said sarcastically. "Or were you referring to the incident at the spring dance two years ago that triggered the principle to become obsessed with censorship. I heard he tried to get the Scarlet Letter removed from the AP English curriculum." Sharpay made a point to look at the principle during this scene. They may have forgotten to remind him that they were using one of the elements from the original play involving a interlude. They just forgot to include this in the script that they gave him to review. Judging by his angry body language, they would probably all be in serious trouble Monday. She really didn't care, they were going to get back at him for taking away their artistic freedom.
"Yes unfortunately it's all true. Due to this overzealous censorship we cannot use any bad language nor had anything of a sexual nature in the entire play." Donny's character said this as he pointed directly at the principle.
"That's sad."
"However that tragic tale is not tonight story. Once upon a time at East High, not as far back as one might think there was a girl who went to school here who was an absolute bi – wait, I can't say that word here. Let us just call her a drama queen instead. She was legendary for her temper and her mood swings. Catalina was extremely strong willed and kept everyone at arm's length. Her aggressive behavior made her really unpopular. However, this girl also had a brother who was a god of high school. Mr. Basketball star himself. Every girl at East High wanted to be with him. Unfortunately, he couldn't date until his sister did"
"So what happen?"
"I'm not telling you. You're just going to have to sit back and watch the play."
At that moment, the curtain opens behind Donny and Carmen to uncover a classroom that looks like a replica of Ms. Darbus's room. Unfortunately, during the first 5 minutes of the first scene Tiara screwed up the lines of three of her cast members and threw a piece of furniture in someone's way. This was definitely going to be a very long show.
The short flight to Las Vegas seemed to last forever. Kim was currently avoiding her father while she colored with Alex. The man had yelled at her eight times since he arrived less than an hour ago. Jack was shocked that she didn't start crying. When he started on the ninth round 'of I can't believe you got pregnant at 18' Jack decided to intervene.
"I don't know why you're blaming her for everything, my son was there to?"
"I am waiting to we get to Las Vegas to talk to your son about knocking up my 18 year old daughter at 15."
"Why you did keep doing this, there's no point. What's done, is done. They both feel bad for what happen, but now they need to concentrate on taking care of their kid. You placing the metaphorical scarlet letter on their chest is not helping. Just get over it." He probably would be freaking out just as much as Mr. Kim, if he didn't watch what his friend Carolina when her father pretty much forced her to marry someone she didn't really know when she got pregnant. He has been making a lot of calls to DC since he found out about his early grandfather hood.
"Why Are You Taking Her Side? She's The One Who Kept You Away From Your Grandchild For Two Years." Mr. Kim shouted at him.
"She Was A Scared 18 Year Old. Who Instead Of Getting Support From Her Parents, Was Humiliated And Pretty Much Told To Get Rid Of Her Child If She Ever Wanted Their Love or Support Again. Instead Of Giving In To Their Demands, She Took Care Of Her Child On Her Own For A Year And ½. Until Your Wife Who Treats Her More Like Her Child's Then You Ever Had, Managed To Have Her Trust Fund Restored. Because Of You And Your Evil Ex Wife, Kim Was Too Afraid to Tell Anyone Else About Alex. I Don't Blame Her. I Blame The Adults In This Situation For Not Telling Me What Was Happening." This argument between him and Mr. Kim went on until they landed in Vegas.
His favorite moment when he pointed out how hypocritical Mr. Kim was when he admitted that he did sleep with Vanessa before they got married. Yet, he was furious for Kim doing the same thing with Troy. No wonder Kim didn't want her father to come. This was going to be a very long weekend. He already wanted to punch out Mr. Kim after less than 2 hours in his company.
"Was it really like this at your high school?" Amanda asked Chad during the four act of the play. Catalina just found out that Pedro was only dating her to become basketball captain next year. Jackie was doing an excellent job with Catalina's emotional breakdown.
"Pretty much, except Sharpay decided not to explore the whole social apartheid system that controlled East High until recently."
"I think every high school has that to some degree, although most schools don't call it apartheid."
"Most schools don't have De Facto social segregation that rivals the racial segregation of the south during the era of Jim Crow."
"Are you Sharpay's Pedro?" Chad was not expecting her to ask that question. "It's obvious that Catalina is modeled after Sharpay more than Shakespeare's Katherine."
"How did you get that? I thought I was the only other person that saw it."
"it's easy to notice things when you live with someone for a few months. Are you going to tell her about what we saw earlier?" Amanda asked changing the subject.
"After the show." As Chad whispered this to Amanda, he felt his phone vibrating. He felt like Ms. Darbus was going to come down from backstage and get him for having his cell phone on during her performance. Although she couldn't be mad at him because the message came from her. The phone fell out of his hand before he could see the message telling him to go calm down his girlfriend. Apparently, the British ones sabotage was takeing a toll on Sharpay. He also knew Sharpay looking like a lost little girl every time she peeked her head from behind the curtain to see if her father was there. He didn't want to tell her about what he saw in the parking lot earlier, however he knew he had to.
"I knew you would forget to turn off your cell phone," Ms. Darbus said only slightly upset.
"You're actually saying that like it's a good thing." Then he saw Sharpay 30 seconds from punching out Tiara. He quickly grabbed Sharpay and dragged her away.
"Come on Chad let me kick her ass. You know the bitch deserves it." Sharpay said under her breath. "If you let me beat her up I promise to play strip basketball with you tomorrow."
"If I let you do that you'll get an incomplete for this course."
"I would suggest you take your girlfriend to one of the dressing rooms to calm her down. However, I don't want a repeat of the garden incident."
"Why don't you go backstage? The rest of the play takes place in front of the curtain or in the aisle ways of the theater." Young Jason said to the couple.
A few moments later, they both sat down on top of the large teachers desk.
"Okay now why exactly do you want to make Tiara black and blue?"
"Because she's a power hungry bitch that is trying to destroy this play, because she didn't get her way. This is my punishment for all the things I've pulled in high school." Sharpay said in anger.
"You're sure there is not another reason?" Chad said looking her straight in the eye.
"Like I need a better reason than that," She said with a little laugh that was obviously forced.
"So it doesn't have anything to do with your dad not being here? Because as someone who has a father that has called him a grand total of two times in three months I can understand." The truth of the matter was chad's father was much more of an absentee parent either Evans parent. His mom did a better job of staying connected even after she moved to DC last winter.
"Trust me, I'm glad daddy had a last minute business meeting. Mommy decided to bring Jose with her," by the way she said the man's name he was almost positive that in news if of the scene he witnessed in the parking lot would not shock Sharpay.
"Who's Jose?" he asked grabbed her hand.
"Mommy's special friend, like me and you are special friends before you broke up with Taylor." Every word she said this better and filled with pain.
"Why am I just hearing about this now?"
"Do you remember when you were moving into the dorms and I told you that my parents would probably be divorced if they lived in the same city? I wasn't joking. I found out a couple of months ago about Jose. I'm not even sure if there really together. It's not like I ever saw them making out in the mansion. They just seem a little too close. Darby is Darby and shall never change. She's only cares about herself. You're the only person I told about my suspicions. Not even daddy or Ryan know about it. Considering how bad things are between mom and dad, maybe he does know." Sharpay said leaning into Chad.
"You know you can tell me anything. I'll always be here for you." Chad said kissing her on the forehead before pulling out his cell phone. He knew he needed to show her now even though he didn't want to.
"I know,"
"Unfortunately, I have the evidence to prove your suspicion." Chad said passing her the phone. He was expecting her to scream or cry. She did nothing and that scared him the most. She switched into pure ice queen Sharpay mode and that terrified him. It was her coping mechanism for when things got too much for her.
"Sharpay say something."
"What am I supposed to say Chad? Hallmark doesn't make cards for when you find out your mom is screwing someone else that's young enough to be your older brother. What do you do when you realize your entire life is a complete lie?"She was starting to cry. That was a good sign.
"It's okay to be upset." Chad said wiping away her tears. "It's okay to be mad at her. I am mad at her."
"This is such a mess." At this point Sharpay was so close to him that she was sitting on his lap.
"It will be okay," Chad said holding her tightly.
"We are going to have to tell dad." Sharpay said with a painful sigh.
"We can tell him at the same time we tell him that you're going to spend thanksgiving with me hopping from party to party as I try to please both my parents. It will help you prepare for next year. Although now your dad has another reason to hate me. This is worse than when he saw us practically screwing each other in the water fountain.
"Don't worry will get through all this together," Sharpay said mockingly as she went in for one of her earth shattering kisses. It was one of her award winning 'I wish she would let me take off her outfit' kisses complete with tongue and semi inappropriate roaming hands. As his head made contact with the desk he remembered having a fantasy about doing this with her some time during senior year.
Kim was going to kill both of them, she just knew it. If it wasn't for her iPod and coloring with Alex she would be being escorted off the plane by the air marshals. She was surprised that the air marshals didn't separate Jack and her dad once or twice. Actually, she was surprised that it didn't get physical. She was currently walking behind them with Alex by her side. The two were still yelling at each other. After a few seconds, she felt Alex let go of her hand. She was afraid he was going to run away again and she didn't want chase after him in a crowded Airport.
Fortunately, he ran right into the arms of his dad. Troy looked the same, yet completely different. Gone were the last bits of baby fat, in its place was this finely crafted athlete with hard lines and muscles. He still had the same smile and the same eyes that she loved so much. She was completely torn on what to do. Part of her wanted to run over and kiss him. The other half wanted to drag him into the nearest restroom and make good use of her force purchase earlier today. Instead, she just pulled out her camera and started filming. She knew neither option was practical. When it came to Troy Bolton, she never made rational decisions.
Due to his flight being undersold, he ended up having to take a later flight and barely made it to Kim's gate before she got there. The first thing he noticed was his father and Mr. Kim arguing as they were walking off the plane. He was positive they were so caught up in their argument that they didn't even see him. He received Kim's voicemail in time to prepare himself for dealing with a man that probably hated him. When Mr. Kim gave him an icy glare, he knew they finally saw him.
He himself was only concerned with Alex and Kim. Even when she first sent him the video file, he didn't quite think this was all real. However, when he saw that little being who was a mixture of him and Kim he realized how truly happy he was to have his son. Alex knew instantly who he was. When he held his son for the first time, he felt a completely indescribable feeling. He knew he was crying, but he really didn't care.
He knew Kim was waiting patiently on the side filming everything with her infamous camera. Knowing her she was trying to give him space to process everything. When he looked over at her a few minutes later, he could see the tears falling from her eyes. With Alex in his arms, he quickly walked over to her.
"Are you okay?" He asked as he pushed her hair out of her eyes as he always did.
"I'm sorry. I should have told you. I was just so scared." Kim said as her tiers began to fall harder. Even though he didn't want to let go of Alex ever. He handed him over to his father so he could take care of Kim, who was a crying mess at this point.
"It's okay." He said wrapping his arms around her.
"No it's not. You lost two years without him because I was so stupid." When his father will ask him what he was thinking when he decided to kiss his ex girlfriend, he would have no answer. It was just something that he needed to do. When Kim's lips came together with his, he did get the answer for why he and Gabriella never made it past second base.
The Present
"It looks like someone had fun recreating the Airport scene from Love Actually. Seriously, you are just figuring out why you couldn't go all the way with the evil bitch of Stanford." Chad said to his best friend.
"Where's your girlfriend? She needs to throw a pillow at you."
"I think she's still in the shower."
"By the way what did Ms. Darbus do to you for doing inappropriate things on her stage?" Kim asked in hopes of ending the other conversation.
"Actually nothing,"
"That's not possible. I'm still trying to repress the punishment for the garden incident." Troy said with a shiver.
"Let's just say I received our punishment in a different form. Apparently you and Kim were not the only ones who recreated a scene from love actually"
November 7, 2008 8:56 PM
Ms. Darbus was patiently watching the final scenes of the play. The idea to stage the last few parts of the play in the audience was brilliant. It worked really well. As she watched this final scene, she felt something was missing between Pedro and Catalina. She didn't know why it was perfectly acceptable for students to hit each other in sports, yet she couldn't have one chaste stage kiss in her play. She was positive that the principle was taking the censorship stuff too far. The theater should be a place of free expression.
"How do I know what you're saying is true? Pedro and Catalina did not even kiss." Carmen said to Donny.
"More like couldn't. I told you about the censorship at this school." Donny said with a sigh.
"I still want to see proof." Ms. Darbus didn't remember that line in the rehearsals.
"So maybe what you saw wasn't a complete true story."
"I knew it wasn't true."
"I didn't say that. Parts of the play were based in reality. The girl's name was not Catalina. However she was a real student at East High. The names were change to protect the guilty. The real Catalina was completely afraid to let anyone because like Catalina she was hurt before. One day she met her Pedro who just happened to be already basketball captain. Contributing factors include a scheming brother and a evil cheerleader. Her Pedro gave her the strength to let people in. His love for her definitely made her a better person as well as her love for him." He was going completely off script but it added something to the show. So she let him continue.
"It's a really pretty story, but that doesn't mean it's true." The girl said skeptically.
"If you don't believe me, look behind the curtain. At that moment, the curtain was pulled back revealing Sharpay and Chad on top of the teacher's desk as they engaged in a very passionate kiss. If it were anybody else on stage, she probably would be panicking. Instead, she watched the reactions of those in the theater.
Principle Matsui was currently hyperventilating in the front row. She felt it was what he deserved for taking away their creative freedom. In the second row, Jason Cross was apparently slumped over in his seat unconscious. In the back Mr. Evans, who finally showed up to the presentation just in time to see his daughter being fondled by her boyfriend, was actually smiling. His reaction may have something to do with Mrs. Evans screaming in the back row. The audience had no idea that this was not part of the script. Despite the clapping, Chad and Sharpay kept kissing. After a few minutes, the curtain was lowered.
"I told you it was true. That is why I believe in true love. If those two can find love, then it is possible for anyone. That is the true lesson of tonight's play."
As the rest the cast stepped in front of the curtain, Ms. Darbus made her way back to the oblivious couple. Even though there probably going to end up with the principle, watching every rehearsal this spring, the ending was worth it.
Present November 8, 2008
"So that explains why Jason Cross text messaged me about your lack of sanity last night. You had no idea that the entire auditorium saw your make out session with Sharpay?" Troy asked Chad in shock.
"Not until Ms. Darbus pulled us apart. We violated her policy about doing anything on school property. Let's just say, even though I am no longer a student at East High She is already coming up with creative ways to punish me. Or she would if Taylor's brother Jason didn't take the blame for the entire fiasco."
"I definitely want to know how this happened." Kim said from behind him on the bed.
"Jason was upset that the principle wouldn't allow him to do the play the way he and Sharpay wanted to. He told the principle the entire stunt was a way to get back at me for breaking up with his sister." Chad said this with a laugh.
"I thought he was on your side during the break up?" Troy asked in confusion
"I know that. You know that. The principle does not. Because Jason McKessie is 12 and had a good reason for his little stunt, he is only going to get a week's worth of detention. While Sharpay and I got off without punishment because we were setup. Technically because wear not students, it was okay for us to kiss during the play. There was a technicality in the principal's policy that Jason decided to exploit. That boy is scary smart."
"You should be glad he is on your side. I hate to see what he would do to you if he didn't like you." Troy told Chad.
"So how did things go with the dads after making out at the Airport?
"You're not going to let that go?" Kim asked Chad.
"I still want to know if you used Kim's CVS purchase."
"I'm not telling you. After we left the Airport, our dads manage to get in a fight in the hotel lobby, the hotel elevator, and a fight at the restaurant so severe that got us kicked out. At that point we ditched them for parental bonding with our own child." Troy told his friend.
"Troy, did you and Kim actually do any bonding with your son or did you just make out the entire time?"
"Not funny. What did Mr. Evans say to you when he saw you fondling his daughter on stage?"
"He was actually okay with it and assumed it was part of the play. Not that I could look the man in the eye. I think it would have been easier if he yelled at me. Nothing is more uncomfortable than having cell phone footage of his wife fooling around with someone, as you tried to make small talk with the person. On a lighter note, he felt it was Sharpay's best performance ever, even if it only lasted about a minute."
"That must have been a wonderful boost to her ego." Troy said sarcastically.
"The production was considered the best in East High history, even better than last year senior year production. Everyone loved the "surprise" ending. This means she's most likely going to get an A for her time at EHS. The fact that she got to be in the play in any way it was just a bonus for her. Darby was the one who completely threw a fit. I cannot repeat the things she said to me because Alex could be listening. In a few hours I'm going to have brunch with Mr. Evans and Darby knowing that Darby hates me and is screwing around on her husband. Therefore, I win for most complicated weekend.
"I want to hear everything Darby said. I doubt Alex will over hear us, he sleeping in the other room. We would still be asleep if you didn't wake us up." Kim said in annoyance.
"I'm sorry I… You're sleeping in the same bed?" Chad asked in surprise. Troy was almost positive that Chad finely piece together what he and Kim did last night or rather early this morning.
"You and Sharpay sleep in the same bed all the time and are not having sex." Kim pointed out quickly.
"I didn't mention sex, you did. You had sex last night!" Chad said with a scream as he finally got it.
"I think I here Alex crying. Got to go." Kim said as she ends the call.
"You do realize he's going to be a lot more suspicious now?" Troy said as he played with the sheet covering Kim's body.
"I don't care," Kim said just before her lips descended on his.
Eavesdropping on other people's conversations has always been Sharpay's favorite thing to do when she was bored or stressed. She was definitely stressed now, thinking about how to tell her dad about what Chad saw last night. At first, she thought Chad was talking to Kim, but then he heard him say Troy's name a lot. For a while, she just assumed he was using conference calling. However, when she heard Chad talking about the two kissing at the Airport she got really confused. However, the moment of clarity came a few minutes later with one very simple line. "Troy did you and Kim actually do any bonding with your son or did you just make out the entire time?"
At that moment, a million different things started to make sense. She now knew why Chad helped Kim so much with Alex. She now knew why Kim knew so much about Troy. Most importantly, she knew why Alex had Troy's eyes. As she heard Chad yelling because Troy and Kim hang up on him, she decided to walk into the room. She slowly walked over to her boyfriend only wearing an oversized towel.
"So exactly how long have you known that my so-called best friend is fucking Troy Bolton and had his kid?"
To be continued
A/N: This is a question to all those reading this story. Would anybody like to see more of what is going on with the other wildcats at their schools while Chad and Sharpay are groping each other? I'm thinking of doing a companion piece call Other Scenes from Freshman Year. The story would contain things like Taylor helping Ryan get over his breakup with Kelsey, Gabriella scheming at Stanford, and Troy's at Berkeley. It would be made of sporadic one shots that take place in the scenes from freshman year universe.