Tales From East High & Beyond

2.2 Meeting Them (Beyond HSM)

September 25, 2014
Lava Springs Country Club

'Janson, you can just park in the usual VIP spot. I phoned Fulton earlier and he assured me that the roof was installed for our spot just in case it would rain tonight.'

'Of course, will do Ms. Evans.'

Peyton and Sharpay were both finally on their way to the rehearsal dinner.

Shuffling with his little video camera, Peyton had his hair jelled back and wore a formal grey and almost plaid like tux paired with an identical pastel pink tie that matched Sharpay's formal pink long sleeved Swarovski embroidered crystal dress.

'Don't be too nervous honey, just try to be as cool and chill. Now, for the introductions and for the people you need to know.....

You already have met Ryan tons of times before so there's not a need to talk about him.

The main stars tonight are Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez. It's gonna be their wedding in 2 days and they're the reason why we're even in Albuquerque.

Troy's a professional basketball player while Gabriella is a very successful lawyer.

They both met sometime before junior year and have been dating since then... well engaged now....their both nice people so don't panic too much.'

As soon as Sharpay finishes her statement, the car comes to a stop at the brightly lit entrance of the still homey and fancy Lava Springs. As expected, Mr. Fulton, the general manager looking a bit older smiled as he welcomed Sharpay Evans back.

'Welcome back again Ms. Evans, It's been a rather long time since we've last seen you. Everyone in the staff is ecstatic to meet you again.'

Sharpay grins as she greets Fulton and scans the surroundings.

'Fulton!!! Always so responsible!!! What can I say? It's extremely good to be home.'

As Sharpay walks past Fulton, she smiles as she finally takes in the fragrant smell of the classy and elegant stone walled clubhouse.

For the years since that unforgettable summer, she had ordered to hang up a huge framed picture of the gang on stage cheering for Ryan as he held the sparkly pink star dazzle trophy in his hands. It was eye-catching, since you'd literally have to pass that wall everytime you enter the clubhouse.

Peyton smiles gently as he scanned the picture. He knew little about Sharpay's past... But he knew how much she cherished those times, perhaps she cherished her high school chums more than the ones she met in college.

'Peyton!!! Come on now, we don't want to be late. Let's go to the dining hall, Ryan just texted me and apparently we're the only ones their waiting for.'

Chuckling, the male tucks his hands away into his pockets and nods as he follows his elegant girlfriend into a long hallway.

Soon enough, the couple found themselves standing in front of a fancy double mahogany wooden doors.

After fixing her hair a bit and checking Peyton's tie, Sharpay grins excitedly as she opens the door and readies herself to meet the friends she had missed for all these years.

'Well, well... Look whose here?'

'Welcome our dearest Pink princess.... Or should I say, broadway queen?'

Chuckles echoed through the walls of the dining hall as Ryan approached his sister with a wide smile.

'Wouldn't miss tonight even If I had to cross the Atlantic. Now, where the hell is the bride and groom!!?'

'Shar!!!'

As the familiar female voice calls her, a wide grin immediately forms on the female's lips.

Sharpay and Peyton both turn around finally meeting the couple of the night.

Without a moment's hesitation, Gabriella runs forward and engulfs her former frenemy into a warm hug.

'It's been so long Shar!!!.... In fact, too long.'

Sharpay smiles and nods as she lays her chin on the brunette's shoulder.

'I know Gabi... I missed you quite a lot, unexpectedly'

Chuckling at her usual Sharpay like reply, Gabriella releases the female from her embrace and walks back to clutch onto her fiancée's arm.

'It's been a long time Sharpay, glad you actually came.'

Smirking at Troy's greeting, Sharpay nods her head and replied in her sassy voice.

'Well I'm glad you finally made a move Bolton!!! I've been betting since 09' that you'd propose but I guess you finally have the balls to do so.... '

At her statement, their other friends all tried their best to stifle their laughter.

Taking no offense, Troy could simply smile and chuckle as he nods and puts up a peace sign using his hands.

Finally remembering her boyfriend, Sharpay turns around and pulls the silent blonde into the spotlight.

'Oh yeah!!! Before we all sit down and watch Troyella have their evening right here... I have to finally introduce my man to you guys....'

'Meet Peyton Leverett, his a newbie director in the film industry. His been making amazing independent films. But most important of all, his my boyfriend.'

Peyton nervously smiles as he scans all the familiar faces that his seen in Sharpay's picture frames, albums and yearbooks.

'Well... Hello, It's an honor to finally meet all of you. Sharpay has told me a lot about you guys.'

Breaking the slightly awkward air, Troy was the first to step in.

Peyton simply could not believe it. Troy Bolton, the star player of the Lakers was in front of him.

He looked very handsome in person, with his hair cut a bit shorter and styled up. His blue eyes sparkled even under the dim lighting.

Wearing a black tux, it had made him look much mature and in a way intimidating.