Chyan

5

Summer was officially here. Plans were coming into play as everyone broke off to do their own thing and enjoy their short release from school. As the days progressed, Chad and Ryan slowly drifted apart. This was due to Ryan constantly running behind Sharpay and worrying about the upcoming talent show, and Chad focusing on the guys and trying to find a job that would contribute to the savings he was building up for a car.

And the few times Chad longed for that feeling he got whenever Ryan got even remotely close to him and attempted to hang out with him, Ryan would always end up cancelling to deal with whatever Sharpay dished out for him. This only drove an even bigger wedge between the two.

To say Chad was ecstatic when he learned Troy had gotten him a job at the Evans private resort would be an understatement. Not only would he be able to see his old friend, he'd also be able to hang with his current friends everyday. Plus, he'd also be getting paid.

Unfortunately, his excitement was quickly crushed when he realized how much of a living hell Fulton was gonna make his life. He was even more saddened the day he caddied for Mrs. Evans. Ryan had barely acknowledged him, only giving him a curt nod and a tight smile when he and Troy had arrived.

Chad frowned as he walked behind Troy, letting his thoughts take over. Had he done something to anger Ryan? Was it something he said? Chad had never felt so confused.

***

Ryan felt awful. He hated how Sharpay was practically all over Troy and completely disregarding of Chad. Well, he had no room to talk either. It wasn't that he wanted to be rude to Chad, it was that he had to be.

Not only had Sharpay been upset about the night they had spent together, and the many other times they had hung out, but she was also still very disapproving of his crush on the darker male. Plus, his father was here. Not only did him and Ryan not have the best relationship, Ryan wasn't even sure if his father was aware of his sexuality. And he prayed he wasn't due to the fact his father never chose to hide his blatant homophobia.

He hated having to put on a mask around his family, and he especially hated having to put on a mask around Chad. He bit his lip and pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind as it was now his turn to put. His father corrected Ryan's posture and smiled as he adjusted Ryan's hat. Ryan flashed him a quick glass smile as he gave the ball a soft tap. His mother quickly pushed the ball over with her foot and gently kicked it into the hole. Ryan grinned as his family cheered while Troy and Chad both gave him a set of applause.

As they made their way back to the golf carts Ryan glanced up and spotted Chad. Chad looked over at him and gave him a quick smile. Ryan almost returned the smile-insanely grateful that the boy didn't hate him-until he spotted his father watching him out the corner of his eye. He nodded at Chad and quickly turned away and hopped into the golf cart next to Sharpay. He pushed down the instant feeling of regret and guilt he felt as he watched Chad's face instantly fall. If he didn't hate him before, he certainly did now.

***

"Hey, man, you okay? You've been real quiet," Troy asked, concern etched all over his face. Chad looked up, snapping out of his daze of what just occurred between him and Ryan.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Chad replied, giving him a smile. Troy nodded and patted him on the shoulder before walking in front of him to catch up with the Evans. As soon as Troy wasn't looking, Chad let his smile drop. Something was definitely wrong with Ryan. He had no idea what exactly what was wrong with him, but he intended to find out.

***

Ryan loves his sister to death. She was always there for him; And even though she could be a little inconsiderate sometimes, at the end of the day she was still his sister. Just like today, this was one of those moments when she was being a little inconsiderate. Why did everything have to be about Troy? Why couldn't they just have one talent show together and win the award like they always did?