Disclaimer: Because this could have changed, right?

Epilogue

Sharpay lounged in the chaise by her oversized backyard pool contentedly. She could faintly make out the deep base of Ryan's music, undoubtedly blaring deafeningly through his speakers in his bedroom. But from her position, and with her surroundings, the world seemed at peace. Turning her largely sunglassed face to the sky she took in a deep breath, savoring the tepid, fragrant breeze that lingered in her nose as she focused her senses on the warmth of the sun beating down on her chilled skin.

She felt calm. Relaxed. A sensation she hardly remembered, the foreboding having finally left along with Jack.

Still marveling in the immense warmth that surrounded her (not all of it created by the sun) she turned her head to the left to look passed her shoulder, at Troy lying in the chair next to her. His chest was rising and falling evenly with his dozing breaths. Damn, he's sexy when he sleeps. She smiled softly to herself, drinking in the image before her, hoping to imprint this moment into her memory forever.

It had been a week since that night in the tallest tower of Cinderella's Castle in Disney World. Just a week. And yet everything was different.

And exactly the same.

Sharpay's feelings for Troy were the same now as they had been before that night. And she knew his were for her, as well. Or, perhaps, they were more open with each other than before, their trust beyond what words could express. Well, beyond what her words could express, certainly others would understand and be better equipped to explain. But for the moment Sharpay was content with simply living with this conviction and enjoying their time together. She'd learned all to well that situations can change at the drop of a hat.

Her return to school had been very much the same (though their were, thankfully, fewer tripping's). Ms. Darbus had been incensed about both her and Troy's sudden disappearance but her anger was easily forgotten once she witnessed a flawless run-through with her two leads. She stood in the middle of the empty auditorium clapping her hands dramatically and crooning "Bravo! Brava!"

Sharpay and Ryan were on better footing, as well. He finally seemed to have come to terms with the fact that her memory may never come back completely, but she needn't hide the fact. It wasn't a weakness. In fact, for Sharpay, it had turned out to be her greatest strength. It allowed her a new beginning, and from what she gathered, she had been anxious for that change. Maybe her reputation will not disappear entirely from her life, but her personality certainly had. Her ability to see people for who they are and not what they are or how much they have had returned and she quickly learned to capitalize on it.

Zeke didn't return to school as his presence was no longer required in Albuquerque. Mr. Matsui had been reluctant to inform their class that Zeke's father had been abruptly called in from the reserves and they had been shipped to Kazakhstan. But Sharpay knew the truth and it sounded admittedly less exciting. After a long discussion with Jack, Zeke had decided that free-agent counter terrorist work was not, in actuality, his dream. So he decided to go back to school and study the culinary arts. He may not have been the best agent for hire but he was never hungry.

Jack, on the other hand, was even more convinced than he had been before his mission that he had picked the correct field of work. After arresting Vanessa and turning her into the local authorities his energy was flowing free and his senses were back on high alert. Without taking a moment's rest he returned to Los Angeles and to the Counter Terrorist Unit to receive his next assignment. Sharpay couldn't be sure, but considering the number of indiscriminate explosions that have been occurring in Alaska lately, she'd guess he'd been sent North.

Now, Vanessa and Ashley are where the greatest disappointments have turned out to be. Ashley, being the considerate soul that she is, did not publicize Vanessa's murder attempts. In fact, she released a statement saying that she had been out of the Country working on a film, thus explaining her long absence, and she had not realized that so many rumors had been circulating as to her whereabouts. She apologized to her fans for allowing them to worry for the length of time that they had and she assured everybody that she wasn't going anywhere.

And Vanessa was last seen on the side of Imperial Highway in a bright orange jumpsuit and a so-called Grabber Jaw attempting to lessen any pending verdicts by emphasizing her philanthropic tendencies. But, for the time being, a frequent user of the highway, it should be noted, has claimed that the road side has "never looked so clean".

Sharpay momentarily broke out of her thoughts as Troy woke with a snort. She giggled softly, he opened his eyes and smile at her, not embarrassed in the least. Damn, he's sexy when he wakes up.

"Hey sexy," he said, his intense blue eyes seemingly reading her very thoughts.

"Hey," she replied softly, her smile still playing on her lips.

"What are you thinking about?"

Sharpay winked, "Nothing, really. Just enjoying the view."

And Gabriella. What can really be said about her? Well she and Ryan are almost officially dating. They seem to be playing this weird game where neither wants to be the first to admit their feelings. Sharpay is relatively certain it's for different reasons; Ryan out of embarrassed denial, Gabriella out of her own ridiculous obliviousness. Either way, their personal situation has remained vague. But Sharpay is proud to admit that, usually, after she's had her coffee and before her daily stresses start to weigh on her mind, if it's a good hair day and Margot remembered to press her designer outfit in that way she likes, she can almost, half the time pretend to enjoy Gabriella's company for nearly three minutes.

This is quite an improvement, don't you think?

Now, you all know what's coming. Please leave me a review! Especially as this is your last chance. I would love to hear what you all thought. Thanks so much for reading! – and keep an eye out for more stories from me.

Peace out.