Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos for the last chapter. I really appreciate it. This is our preliminary chapter. This was originally part of the previous chapter, but during the proofreading process, I decided it was best to end the chapter after Troy's confrontation with his mother.

Chapter 76: So This is Christmas: Part Two

Group text message now from Jack's cell phone.

Son: Hey, I'm back. Lucy showed up. Kim took care of it. I just needed a minute to compose myself.

Son: Okay, hotel security took care of it. I think she may have thrown something at someone. Asked Vanessa. She taped everything. I got out of there as fast as I could.

Little sister: Seriously? Is she even supposed to be in the state?

Son: She said she had permission. Vanessa will call some friends to see if that's the case.

Jack: Carolyn says she can check too.

Son: Tell her thank you. I'll let you know if we find anything out on our end. We're currently packing. We're going to switch hotels. Something in San Francisco proper.

Son: Apparently, Lucy figured out we were staying here because the hotel posted something about Kim being there on their Facebook page. Kim is not happy and making phone calls right now.

Jack: As she should be. Do you want me to come?

Son: No, we will be okay. Vanessa and Jay are here and are handling things.

Jack: I'll be on the first plane out if you need me.

Little sister: Me too.

Son: I'm okay. I was just hoping not to see her. That's the whole point of me being here instead of returning to New Mexico.

Little sister: No, you're in San Francisco because that's where your life is. You're at Berkeley. That's where you're planning to be for the next 3 ½ years, maybe longer. You are even buying a house there.

Son: Maybe

Son: Hey, Madison just texted. She's sending me pictures of a house.

Son: Covered in very gaudy Christmas decorations.

Jack: Go, we will talk to you later.

XXX

Little sister: Okay, this is just a chat between you and me. Do you think we should go up there now?

Jack: I don't think it's necessary that you go but would you be upset if I went? Caroline is already looking for flights for the 27th instead of coming to visit you guys. We were going to take a day trip to Santa Fe, but I think it's better if we join Troy.

Little sister: No, I think you should go. Not tomorrow?

Jack: She tried, and if we really want to get there tomorrow, it would be better to drive. We would if Troy was really freaked out, but I think we are okay waiting a day or two. Chad's going to look into that for us.

Little sister: Because Troy will be more honest with Chad than you?

Jack: He always has been.

Little sister: Yes, make arrangements to get up there as soon as possible. I'm going to see if anybody told Lucy where Troy was staying. I doubt she was searching Facebook pages.

Jack: Maybe she wasn't, but the paparazzi are. It probably made the news. Kim is the new Paris Hilton.

Little sister: Except wealthier.

Jack: And with more "scandals."

Little sister: I don't think having a kid is more scandalous, but okay.

XXXXX

Troy B: Why are you sending me random house photos? Did Kim tell you what happened?

Madison: What happened?

Troy B: Lucy just crashed Christmas before brunch was even served. We are in the process of switching hotels.

Madison: I am so glad I did not accept your fiance's invitation to join you this morning. I would hate to get arrested on Christmas for assault.

Troy B: I'm also thankful for that, mainly because Gabriela and Maria are with you. I don't think we can cover things up this time.

Madison: We're doing a very IHOP Christmas. My pancakes are Christmas tree-shaped.

Troy B: I was supposed to have blueberry stuffed French toast, but brunch is now ruined. Allegedly we will get room service as soon as we get to the other hotel, but that might be a while. We have a lot of stuff to move, even with the hotel helping.

Madison: I am so sorry. Do you want good news?

Troy B: Yes. Good news would be very appreciated right now.

Madison: So you know I went back to my old neighborhood yesterday?

Troy B: Because you had to go to the Christmas party of the woman who kept you off the streets last summer?

Madison: Exactly. Anyway, I found out my parents are divorcing.

Troy B: I don't know if I would consider this good news. How do you feel about it?

Madison: Essentially indifferent. I'm shocked it hasn't made the society page yet. Mainly because the whole neighborhood knew.

Troy B: Really?

Madison: Okay, I feel like they should have gotten divorced a long time ago, and I'm not surprised that the events of the last 13 months have sped up that process. It doesn't matter because it's led to the perfect house going up for sale very soon.

Troy B: Wait, that's the house you grew up in?

Madison: Yep, complete with ridiculously over-the-top Christmas decorations and a brand-new meditation garden that is ridiculously pretentious. But you can make a playground for Alex. I think it will be perfect for you and Kim.

Troy B: Are you seriously suggesting that we buy it?

Madison: Yes, I am because it has six bedrooms, a finished basement, and two offices. It's precisely the amount of space we need. Plus, it's halfway between Stanford and Berkeley.

Madison: Also, this neighborhood is only mildly pretentious as a bonus. They won't care that your wife is a future billionaire.

Madison: Or that you're an 18-year-old father of a 2-year-old. They are good like that here. None of the neighbors went to the press to point out that my sister died by suicide and not whatever bullshit cover story my parents are still using. They mind their business in this neighborhood.

Troy B: It's a pretty house, but you will live there too. Are you able to handle that because of what happened there?

Madison: I don't hate the house. Actually, I love that house. It's the only thing from my old life that I genuinely miss. I rather you and Kim have that house than some stranger.

Troy B: I'll talk to Kim. Do you know when it's going to go up for sale?

Madison: January 2 but Trisha, AKA the woman who saved me, is their real estate agent. Trista told me she would show it to you earlier. The parents have already vacated for separate vacations somewhere warm.

Troy B: And yet she couldn't get you in a better apartment?

Madison: Well, she did after discovering where I was. The thing is, I didn't actually tell her that I was staying in a place filled with roaches and had no stove for a month and a half.

Troy B: Which was too long. I'll talk to Kim and get back to you.

Madison: Good, you're learning.

XXXX

"I just talked to the front desk, and they're going to send the team to pack us up. They will take everything to the other hotel. Vanessa thinks we should just leave now, and I agree with her. I don't want to risk Lucy coming back." Kim explained.

"I'm almost done packing my own bag, which I prefer to do." Because of the condoms and sex toys. "But I agree we should leave. I'm sorry I suggested we have Christmas brunch at the restaurant. We should have just done room service year." Lucy couldn't crash if they were hiding up here.

"None of us expected Lucy to show up. The manager did apologize for announcing my presence here. No one was aware of the situation." Troy scoffed at that.

"The one with my mom anyway. I just wanted to get the cleaning crew time to pick up all the wrapping paper." Troy lamented

"Oh no, they're just going to put it to one side so Alex could play with it later. Although I don't think we can bring that to the new hotel." Kim joked.

"Probably not. I just talked to Madison. She sent pictures." Troy explained.

"I'm sure she had a better Christmas morning where ever she is. Originally I was upset she didn't want to have Christmas breakfast with us, but now I'm glad neither she nor Gabriella are here."

"Christmas tree pancakes were involved. She also sent us pictures of houses." Troy passed his phone to Kim.

"First, I am arranging for Christmas tree pancakes when we get to the other hotel. Second, that home looks gorgeous despite the decorations. Unfortunately, there's no for sale sign." Kim lamented.

"That's because it doesn't go on sale until January 2. If you're interested, I can ask Madison and the realtor to let us see the house before it technically goes on the market." Troy explained.

"I definitely want to see the place, but I feel like there's a but here. Please tell me no one died there?"

"Actually, yes," Troy said, remembering that Madison's sister died at home. "If I remember correctly, it happened in the guest house, which apparently the place doesn't have anymore. That's the house Madison grew up in."

"And she suggested that we buy it? Despite everything that happened there?" Kim asked, confused.

"It's better if I just let you read our conversation," Troy suggested, and Kim did that. Troy took that time to finish packing his suitcase. Thankfully he never completely unpacked.

"Okay, now I feel like I have to buy it just for her," Kim said, looking up from his cell phone.

"Let's see if we can get a tour first. But from what I've seen so far, I like it."

"We can do that after we get to the other hotel and have breakfast. I would feel much better if we were far away from where your mom knows we are."

"Good point."

XXX XXX

Mandy cakes: Happy Christmas. I'm sending you all sorts of pictures to you and Ryan. We appreciate all your gifts. We're doing the spa day together, right?

Sharpay: Of course, we are, although it might not be until spring break. It depends on how chaotic the first few weeks of school are this semester.

Mandy cakes: Good point.

Sharpay: Okay, I just checked my email and found the pictures. I also just sent you a video from this morning.

Mandy cakes: Thank you, we will look at it later.

Sharpay: It seems like you had fun. Marc looks happy. That's the first time I've seen him with a genuine smile.

Mandy cakes: Probably because Nikki's dad kicked mommy dearest off the property when she tried to show up last night. I think I took that picture right afterward.

Sharpay: Seriously, what is it with evil moms crashing?

Mandy cakes: Did Darby show up?

Sharpay: Per her social media, she's too busy partying in Aspen to care. They don't believe my accusations of child abuse.

Mandy cakes: Or they believe you but just don't care.

Sharpay: Lucy showed up at Berkeley. She crashed Christmas breakfast. She had to be escorted out by hotel security.

Mandy cakes: Okay, now I have to check on Troy.

Sharpay: Give him a little while. Chad hasn't even texted him yet. Although Kim has. They're busy moving to a different hotel right now.

Mandy cakes: That makes sense. It's probably best to wait until Troy contacts Chad before anybody else tries to talk to him.

Sharpay: Yes.

Mandy cakes: Thank you for the ridiculously comfy sweater. I know better than to ask you what it actually cost.

Sharpay: You're learning. Let's just say I definitely got it before I lost my credit card privileges. Although I'm getting it back for my birthday.

Mandy cakes: I'm sure you're happy.

Sharpay: I'm a little less stressed out about it than I was. But I'm glad to have it back before we spend three nights at the Garden hotel at Lake Tahoe. That was Kim's Christmas present. Apparently, we will get whatever Troy got us when he arrives.

Mandy cakes: Troy better be getting us all chocolate. There are a bunch of excellent chocolate shops in San Francisco.

Sharpay: I think there's one next to the hotel they've moved to. So I'll definitely ask Kim to bring us candy.

Mandy cakes: You're the best.

Mandy cakes: Although, did you know that your dad got me a car?

Sharpay: I did tell him you're a better driver than Ryan. But the present choice was all his.

Mandy cakes: I don't think I get left and right as confused as Ryan does. But seriously, he got me a car. I get to pick it up when I get back.

Sharpay: Think of it as a company vehicle. It will be easier for you to get to work with the car.

Mandy cakes: I get to keep it after the internship is over. I don't think it counts as a company car under those circumstances.

Sharpay: He bought me a house. Ryan is getting one as well.

Mandy cakes:?

Sharpay: The Evans group is tearing down our current house and building me and Ryan new homes along with five other properties.

Mandy cakes: Which Kim will probably buy for all of your friends.

Sharpay: She bought Jack a house.

Mandy cakes: See, this is why I'm not going to ask about the sweater because it's definitely not house expensive.

Sharpay: Hey, I'm also giving you all of my textbooks for Mr. Stark-Rogers' class. That way you don't have to buy them.

Mandy cakes: You are perfect and the best roommate anybody could have.

Sharpay: You may feel differently in a few minutes because I have to ask a favor.

Mandy cakes: What do you need?

Sharpay: Malick's Uncle Grant got Lisa fired.

Mandy cakes: She was great. Why did he get her fired?

Sharpay: Probably because she tried to kick Malick out of the dorms. Anyway, her replacement won't let Penelope move. She can probably stay in Zack's apartment.

Sharpay: However, Malick already found the last one, and I'm sure the new one won't be any different. It's in the building that we're currently living in with excellent security. However, from our conversation this morning, Penelope doesn't want to leave the dorms. She feels like that would be letting him win. So would you be willing to switch rooms with her?

Mandy cakes: I thought they wouldn't let Penelope switch rooms.

Sharpay: Yes, but living with me will be considered more of a punishment than they might agree to it. Also, they might be willing to let you and Nikki switch rooms to one where an almost sexual assault didn't happen.

Mandy cakes: Which Nikki would definitely appreciate, and so would I. Although I don't necessarily want to room with my best friend, I'm willing to do it. I think she's going to need me next semester. Her dad is really sick.

Sharpay: How sick?

Mandy cakes: Lung cancer. He says that they caught it early, but I'm not sure.

Sharpay: You think he's lying?

Mandy cakes: I know he's lying. I heard too much last night. He is worried that this might be his last Christmas. I just don't know how to tell Nikki.

Sharpay: Get them to tell her the truth. You do not need to be in the middle of this. But regardless, we will be there for Nikki no matter what. I already have a list of the best oncologists in the country. I can send it to you.

Mandy cakes: I don't know if we will be able to use them but thank you. Again you're still the best.

Xxx

BFF: I just want to say Merry Christmas. I hope you had a good one.

Jackie: I did. Did Sharpay give you my present?

BFF: Yes. I love the scarf. It also matches the new coat Sharpay got me.

Jackie: I'm glad it matches. Thank you for the diary. I could use it right now.

BFF: I'm sure you could. How was Christmas with your aunts?

Jackie: Really good. It was just us this morning with tons of leftovers from last night. We're currently watching a Muppet Christmas Carol.

BFF: We watched that yesterday. We are doing part two this afternoon of the very Evans movie marathon. We're watching The Sound of Music. Chad's mom, Ryan, and Sharpay are singing along to everything. She's a musical buff.

Jackie: I'm aware. I've heard stories from Aunt Mariah. She's seen Phantom of the Opera 27 times. Apparently, that's the only reason she visited their cousin in Brooklyn.

BFF: This is not surprising. Are you happy over there?

Jackie: I am. You should see my new room. It's enormous and so lovely.

BFF: You want me to come over? I'm still surprised that you responded to my text message.

Jackie: You're always going to be my best friend. No guy is going to change that. I just needed a little time to adjust.

Jackie: But I really want to show you my new place. I'm ready.

BFF: I'm helping Sharpay move furniture for the next few days, but I'm coming over as soon as I can.

Jackie: Good. I miss you.

BFF: I miss you too.

xxx

Afternoon December 26, 2008

"I'm so sorry that I'm leaving early." His mom said as she stood in front of the door to the soon-to-be-demolished Evans mansion. A car was waiting outside to take her to the airport with Jack. Daniel, the miracle worker he is, managed to get her and Jack on a flight today.

"It's okay. Your other baby needs you. Seeing Lucy yesterday really rattled Troy." And Chad has the 300+ text messages to prove it. It's why he's completely okay with his mom leaving with Jack to spend the remainder of her vacation in San Francisco with Troy and Kim. "He needs both of you. See, I'm learning to share."

"I know, but I'm here to spend time with you." His mom gave him a sad smile.

"And we will see you next month when we're in DC for the inauguration. Also, I'm sure Vince will bring you back as soon as possible to consult on some things."

"I think he has something planned for February. In the meantime, we are diligently working on taking care of the trust fund situation. We found out civil partnerships qualify, so that's an improvement." His mom reassured.

"I knew you would find something." At least that puts a little less pressure on Sharpay, even if not that many states recognize civil partnerships yet.

"I'm doing my best." His mother reached over to hug him. "I hate that I won't be here for your birthday."

"Well, I won't be here. Kim and Vince are sending us to Tahoe for our birthday. This is why I'm not going with you to San Francisco right now. Daniel offered to get me a ticket as well." Chad explained.

"And Troy told you to take your girlfriend to Tahoe six times. Even though you asked." His mom remarked, pulling out of the hug.

"But he said nothing at all about sending him, my mom. He needs a mom right now. Unfortunately, Maria is busy with Gabriella right now, so she can't be that." They're all glad Maria and Gabriella were not at Christmas yesterday because that would have resulted in bloodshed and arrests. At least this way, Christmas turned out better than Thanksgiving.

"I'm so glad you learned to share." She teased him.

"Well, I'm not an only child anymore." When the twins get here, he will be the middle child. This feels so weird.

"You've always considered Troy your Big Brother. You never were an only child."

"Yes, but now other people recognize it. I'm going to get a little sister." Chad was actually looking forward to it.

"I'm glad you're warming up to the twins." His mother remarked sincerely.

"I'm coming around." He smirked at his mom.

"I'm glad. Remember, I love you. Also, try to call me more often."

"I will. I love you too." With that, his mom was out the door.

"Are you okay?" Sharpay asked, putting an arm around him.

"Yes," Chad answered softly. "I just hate seeing her go. I'm going to be 18 soon, but I still don't like us living so far apart."

"Which is why you've been looking at every university within two hours of DC since you found out that daddy will pay for us to go anywhere we want next year?" Sharpay asked.

"Yes, but she might come back here. Also, I think it would be better if we do the first two years here and then transfer. Transferring as a junior might be easier in some ways. If we wait a year, we will have more time to apply to the other schools." He knew Taylor was already stressing over application deadlines. But unlike him, she was 100% done with her current school. Chad wasn't sure yet.

"Something else to talk about later."

"Definitely later. We have a bunch of furniture to move to Jack's new house and Zack's apartment. I can't believe Kim bought Jack a house and paying for Zack's new apartment for at least the next year." Chad remarked.

"I can. Kim is the most generous person I have ever met. I think she will be like Dolly Parton and won't stay a billionaire very long because she'll keep giving away all the money. She's already conspiring to create a new foundation with your Uncle Zach." Kim explained.

"They've already created it. Although Kim needs a better name than the teenagers kicked out of their families fund."

"We will think of something."

xxxx

To be concluded…

Only one chapter left in book one.

In the original version of the story, Jackie and Kerri kept fighting well into the following year. I decided that was one thing I needed to change in this version.