Chyan 2

Chapter 2

"Genius," Sharpay quipped from beside her.

"Oh, playing a role is easy, but, being yourselves? Now that's a challenge. So, Kelsi will compose, Ryan will choreograph, and I will direct," she exclaimed as she moved over towards Ryan and Kelsi. Chad grinned as he heard Ryan mumble a quiet 'thank you'. He moved past the others to stand beside Ryan and threw his arm around his shoulder.

"Congrats," he whispered as Ms. Darbus continued to talk about the play. Ryan smiled and reached up and placed his hand over Chad's, giving it a small squeeze.

"Now, time for my special announcement. I have some very important news from the Juilliard School in New York City," she proclaimed, and it was then Chad noticed just how proud and excited she looked. Plus Juilliard was Ryan's dream school. Now he was definitely listening.

"For the the first time in East High history, Juilliard is considering four of you for one available scholarship," she said as she picked up one of the pamphlets atop her clipboard. "Ms. Sharpay Evans," she said and handed it to the blonde girl. "Mr. Ryan Evans," she handed one to him as well before moving on to hand Kelsi hers and Chad didn't miss the way the boy practically lit up as he held his pamphlet. He gave his shoulder a comforting squeeze as Ryan looked up towards him, eyes shining with excitement.

"Congrats again," Chad grinned as Ryan wrapped one of his arms around his waist, smile wide as ever.

"Thank you," he whispered back, and Chad was sure the boy would have kissed him if the others weren't crowded around them.

"And finally," Darbus' voice caught his attention as he looked over at her. "Mr. Troy Bolton." She handed Troy his pamphlet as Sharpay let out a shrill 'what?' Zeke and Jason, however, practically howled with laughter as Troy stared down at the pamphlet, confusion written all over his face. Chad couldn't help but laugh as well as he moved from Ryan's side towards the two.

"Juilliard will also be sending to representatives to view our show," she declared, motioning towards two seats that held the reservations. "So good luck to all four of our applicants."

Troy looked towards his friends and chuckled at their amusement before asking who the big comedian was. Ms. Darbus tilted her head as she asked if there was a problem.

"Yeah, there is. I didn't apply. I've never even heard of Juilliard," he exclaimed, convinced it was all some big joke. Ms. Darbus smiled sweetly as she walked over to him.

"Well, my dear boy, it seems that Juilliard has heard of you," she said softly. She then turned away, shifting the subject to their futures as she called for them to line up on the stage.

~~~

Chad had wanted to pull Ryan aside before lunch to, well, properly congratulate him on the scholarship, but Sharpay had gotten him first. He sighed as she watched her drag her twin down the hall beside her towards the lunchroom. He felt someone throw their arm around his shoulder and he looked to his right and relaxed when he realized it was only Troy.

"Hey, man. You wanna get lunch together or?" He trailed off and pointed at the twins just before they disappeared through the double doors. Chad grinned and shook his head.

"Nah, I think Sharpay's already beat me to that. C'mon," he said as they both headed towards the lunchroom. Once they had gotten their lunches and reached their table, Troy pulled out the pamphlet and handed it to Chad for him to see it.