Tanning and Talking (Sharpay and Emma)

[Emma the Loyal Sharpette]

((So excited to start the first official RP of the reboot of Secret Love! Wooooooo! ;D))

Emma, the most loyal Sharpette to Sharpay Evans, quickly walked towards the pool area at the Lava Springs Resort. She giggled and squealed with anticipation to spend some one-on-one time with her idol and best friend, Sharpay Evans. Ever since Emma could remember, she idolized Sharpay. She wanted to be exactly like the Pink Princess in every way possible.

Emma's white Jimmy Choo sandal heels clacked with each eager step she took. She clung onto her Gucci poolside bag, filled with water, tanning lotion, a plush white towel and of course, Cosmopolitan and every other style magazine one could think of.

She breathed in the subtle smell of sunscreen and chlorine as she entered the pool area. She walked directly over to Sharpay's reserved chaise and plopped her bag down on the one right next to it. Emma quickly removed her cover-up, revealing her pink and white polka-dotted bikini. She hoped Sharpay would approve of her choice of swimsuit. Everything needed to be approved by Sharpay, and Emma wouldn't have it any other way.

She quickly pulled out the tanning lotion and lathered some on, leaving it on the table between the two chaises. She knew it was Sharpay's favorite brand and wanted to make sure she had everything she needed once she arrived. Emma adjusted her white Dolce and Gabanna sunglasses and moved her Gucci bag to the table.

Emma smiled and excitedly squealed as she slowly relaxed onto her chaise, soaking in the sun and waiting for her absolutely favorite person to arrive.

[Sharpay Evans]

"You look absolutely fabulous and perfect in every way, Sharpay!"

Sharpay Evans told herself in front of her full-length pink mirror, turned around, posed, and made a kissy face to her perfect reflection. Ever since she woke up that morning, and every morning after the summer talent show, she had been feeling a bit different and slightly less-Sharpay. She knew she had told Ryan at the last day of school that everything changes, but she didn't expect it to change so drastically. This summer, not only did the Wildcats invade her own personal paradise, but they also stole her spotlight in the talent show, the one she had been keeping for almost 15 years.

She had definitely kept a facade up. She had let them think that they won and that she's fine with how things went. She had to. She had to be composed for the many people, especially her parents and their acquaintances, who were watching. She even joined the celebration they did, even if she did nothing but just put on a fake smile. She did not talk to anyone, she didn't have to because Zeke took care of the talking part and all she had to do was to pretend to listen. It didn't help that Ryan avoided her like the plague too but that was understandable, they still had not really made up about their fight. She did not even get upset when Troy and Gabriella kissed a lot that night, which was weird. Usually, she would feel jealous about it, but not that night. She was just there, pretending to be happy, but indifferent inside.

But Sharpay knew she had to stop whatever was making her feel so un-Sharpay. You know you're better than that. So that morning she called up Emma, her most loyal Sharpette and immediately made plans with her and told the other girl to cancel whatever plans she had for that day so she can spend some girl time with her. She put on her most pink and most sparkly bathing suit, her white D&G sunglasses, her best Jimmy Choo flip-flops, her pink Prada tote, and her Tiffany hair band.

"Sharpay is definitely back!" She declared in front of her mirror, and after one last look, she picked her bag up and strutted out of her room and towards the pool area, basking in the attention she was receiving from everyone she passed by. She handed her bag to one of the waiting staff before going out into the pool area.

With the staff carrying her bag around, Sharpay put even more attitude in her strut as she walked towards her pink chaise in the pool area. She grinned as she spotted Emma who had everything she would need arranged. "Hey, girly! I see you have everything arranged already. Inspired!" She did her own clap of satisfaction before looking the other girl over. "And Sharpay approves," she told her Sharpette with a smile and a nod before sitting gracefully on her chaise.

"It's good to be back out here. I do need to have a perfect tan, because we all know Sharpay can't have anything less than perfect." She motioned for the staff to place her bag by the nearby table and then waved him off.

"And B-T-W, I forgive you for ditching me at the talent show, just because you got the brand of tanning lotion I prefer." She gave the other girl a glare, before taking the lotion and lathering some on her arms.

[Emma the Loyal Sharpette]

Emma sat up quickly when she saw Sharpay approaching her. Emma could feel her excitement growing as she realized she was finally getting some one-on-one time with her idol. Most of the time she had to share Sharpay with the other Sharpettes. Emma knew she was most loyal of all the Sharpettes and deserved time with the Queen Bee.

Emma glowed as Sharpay approved of her outfit and her set up of their tanning session. She knew to stay in good terms with Sharpay, she needed to impress her. Emma relaxed a little bit and sank into her chaise, as Sharpay mentioned about having the perfect tan. Emma was slightly nervous that Sharpay might be a little sore with her for leaving her at the talent show. Emma normally would never leave Sharpay under any circumstance, but that night, a different Emma took over. She became strong and independent. It was weird. Emma normally was always a follower, which was the way she always preferred, or at least she thought she did. Emma shook her head, trying to clear her mind of these thoughts. She was here now with Sharpay and was going to make the afternoon wonderful for them both.

Suddenly, Emma felt her heart sink as she heard the words spoken very clearly and articulately from Sharpay about the talent show. Emma sat right back up, and looked at her idol. Emma knew that tone in Sharpay's voice. Even though Sharpay was speaking the words of forgiveness, Emma knew she was going to have to do some serious sucking up to truly make Sharpay happy. Emma was determined to not let her own whims get in the way again and leave Sharpay.

Emma turned herself towards Sharpay, lowering her head slightly to show her shame.

"Sharpay, I am so sorry about that. I honestly don't know what came over me. You know I'm not like that," said Emma. "I will do whatever it takes to make it up to you. Tanning lotion included."

"I promise I will never, ever do anything like that again," Emma spoke very slowly.

Emma smiled very slightly, trying to show Sharpay that she truly was sorry. She was also trying hide her nervousness. Even though Emma adored her friend, Sharpay still had the power over her to make or break her. The last thing Emma ever wanted to be on Sharpay's bad side. There was nothing worse than dealing with an angry Sharpay.

[Sharpay Evans]

When Emma asked for her forgiveness, head down and all, Sharpay lowered her sunglasses a little bit to look at her. She felt slightly bad at the sight of her most loyal Sharpette being really sorry and nervous for her reaction. She did seem like she did not really mean to leave her, but the night of the talent show somehow felt like it was magical to all of those other people and gave them the power to stand up for themselves, even Ryan. She was most probably the only one who was miserable that night. It was probably not entirely Emma's fault.

"It's cool, I'm over it now," Sharpay said with a shrug of her shoulders. It was not really true, she still was not over that night. She still had a lot of issues over some things, but she would think about it some other time. At that moment, she preferred to relax and keep her mind off of negative things. She did deserve some pampering after the stressful days spent scheming and rehearsing for the talent show.

"Just don't ever do that again. I chose to hang out most often with you for a reason. You wouldn't want me to replace you, would you?" she said, giving Emma an I mean business look. Of course she did not mean that. Emma had been the most loyal to her for the longest time. She was the first Sharpette after all. But Emma's nervous reactions give her some kind of satisfaction that she really still had power over other people, which she needed after what had happened lately.

One of the real reasons though why Sharpay had hang-out with Emma more often lately was because Ryan seemed to not want to be around her for a long time. They had not even spoken to each other ever since the talent show, and he had always wanted to run off and hang out with the Wildcats for some reason. He also seemed to be changing his style of clothing too, and it was really starting to upset her.

Sharpay was not aware that she was already frowning, and it was only when one of the staff brought her special iced tea that she had been aware of where she was and who she was with. "Anyway, let's not talk about it anymore. I just really want to forget the talent show," she told Emma with a wave of a hand, dismissing the subject totally as she fixed her sunglasses again, hoping to forget that night as easily as that.

[Emma the Loyal Sharpette]

Emma could feel her heart pounding in her chest, awaiting the impending doom of Sharpay's wrath upon her. She squeezed her eyes shut, silently praying it would happen quickly. When Sharpay merely shrugged it off, Emma almost felt like she was going to have a heart attack. Could Sharpay really just let it go like that? Emma knew Sharpay well and knew she was definitely not over it. However, Emma was not going to press her luck and egg her on. If Sharpay wanted to drop it, she would do exactly that. Emma felt herself slowly let out her breath that she didn't even know she was holding. She felt her tensed body slowly relax a little.

It was however short lived as Emma suddenly gasped when Sharpay mentioned the idea of replacing her.

"Re-replace me?" Emma could almost feel the words trembling with fright and anger as they traveled out of her mouth. Who else would this coveted position go to? Lea? Jackie? Bebe? Emma knew Bebe and Sharpay had been getting to know each other quite a bit as of late, but did Emma really know the full story of this 4th Sharpette? Emma scowled slightly at the idea of another being Sharpay's right-hand man. There was no way she would ever let that happen.

"I promise you, Sharpay. I will never do anything like that again. You have my absolute word on that," Emma swore with all her might. She knew that she would do whatever it took to make this right and make absolutely sure that she would become indispensable to the Pink Princess.

Emma's mind still lingered on this idea of replacement as Sharpay waved her hand at her to dismiss the topic at hand. Emma slowly leaned back into her chaise, her mind still ensnared on the idea of the other Sharpettes replacing her. Emma knew she was going to have to go to some great lengths to make sure that thought never entered Sharpay's mind again. Her eyes began to dart back and forth behind her sunglasses as her mind raced with ideas.

"So, I've noticed that you and Ryan haven't been seeing as much of each other lately. You must be off running around with Troy! Lucky you! Isn't he just so delicious? I'm super jealous of you!" Emma giggled. She figured the best way to rid Sharpay's mind of anything was to instantly cloud it with visions of Troy Bolton. Emma knew Sharpay practically loved him more than herself! (If that was at all possible.) Emma gave Sharpay her sweetest smile and nodded her head as if to signal that she was all ears for the Troy-gushing Sharpay was surely about to let loose on.

[Sharpay Evans]

When she heard the tremble in Emma's voice, Sharpay slightly let a smirk pull up at the corners of her mouth. It really did give her back the power that she lost after the talent show. Knowing that people were still afraid of her despite everything that had changed made her feel slightly better. Sharpay almost felt sorry for Emma that she felt the need to acknowledge her promise. "Good, you better keep that promise this time around or else I wouldn't think twice about choosing from the other three," she huffed before turning away from Emma and picking up a fashion magazine from the table.

Sharpay felt like things were going back to normal, and she was starting to feel better until Emma mentioned Ryan. It took a lot for her to not show any kind of reaction at what she had said. Even just the mention of his name upsets her now, and she did not even know why. But the fact that Emma brought up one of the things that was bothering her lately made her almost want to storm off and find Ryan. She almost did not hear what her Sharpette said about Troy, but thankfully she still caught most of it.

"Well it seems like both of them are running off to hang out with Gabriella, so no, I'm not running off with Troy. I guess the basketball star realized that I'm much too good for him," Sharpay answered as nonchalantly as she could, still pretending to read the magazine as she talked. Thankfully, she was wearing her sunglasses or else, she thought, Emma would see right through her. Her Sharpette may not seem to be the brightest bulb in the chandelier but she knew that Emma knew her well enough to be able to tell how she was feeling by looking at her eyes. That was one of her problems with acting, her eyes just seem too honest.

"And that's totally fine, because he may be right. I really am probably too good for him, but I might just still flirt with him sometimes. He would at least be a good-looking pastime, and it would be nice to annoy the hell out of that nerdy girl," Sharpay told Emma what seemed like the answer the other girl wanted to hear. In Sharpay's reality though, Troy was not in her mind anymore, not since she caught Ryan rehearsing with the Wildcats and spending more time with Gabriella. Ryan seemed to be the main reason why she was still so upset lately. If things were only back to normal, then maybe she would have been over the talent show disaster faster, just like the time they lost the Twinkle Towne lead roles to Troy and Gabriella. If only Ryan did not leave her side, then she might probably still be her normal self despite everything that had happened.

Sharpay let out the slightest of sighs and and focused back on the magazine, pretending to flip a page. Before she could control herself however, the question slipped out of her mouth.

"How's Ryan?"

[Emma the Loyal Sharpette]

Emma gulped and nodded quite furiously as Sharpay acknowledged her promise and voiced the threat she hated most of all. Emma bit her bottom lip, trying not to display any emotions behind her sunglasses. The last thing she needed was Sharpay thinking she was weak, on top of it all. A Sharpette needs to be confident, poised and a diva! Of course, not too much of a diva to out-shine Sharpay, but enough to hold one's own.

Emma shifted uncomfortably in her chaise as Sharpay began to talk about Troy and Ryan, each with their own unique experience with Gabriella Montez. Gabriella had caused Sharpay nothing but heartache ever since she came on to the scene. Gabriella was the reason Sharpay didn't get the lead in the musical, talent show and didn't get Troy. Emma suddenly felt very protective over her Pink Princess. Emma frowned slightly thinking how Gabriella ruined so much for Sharpay and suddenly realized how little she actually knew about the girl besides what Sharpay had told her. Emma shook her head slightly knowing that Gabriella was probably as awful as Sharpay had said.

"You are so right about Troy," Emma spoke up, wanting to reassure her idol. "You are way too good for him! I mean c'mon, how could he ever want that Montez girl over you?"

Emma nodded as Sharpay continued about Troy. She drifted slightly as her own mind became clouded with a shirtless Troy Bolton. Emma could almost feel herself drooling. She wouldn't feel as bad lusting after the Golden Boy, now that Sharpay was ready to throw him to the side. Emma knew she had a stupid grin on her face, but couldn't really control it. Any good-looking guy would make Emma's jaw drop. She was the worst when communicating with cute guys. This was Sharpay's expertise area that Emma could never hope to learn.

Emma was suddenly drawn slowly back in to reality when she heard a question being poised her way. Emma sighed slightly, letting Troy escape and began to think about Ryan.

"Ryan?" Emma thought outloud.

"Well, to be honest I haven't seen too much of him lately. I know I've been hanging around with the erm-Wildcats lately..." Emma spoke with much regret in her voice. "But I haven't seen him with the group much. He's been off doing something."

Emma thought more. "And come to think about it, when he has been around he hasn't been talking to me or anyone else that much. Except I think for Gabriella, but I can't be sure about that."

Emma was never super close with Ryan, but she held a decent relationship with him being that she was always around Sharpay, or rehearsing with the twins. Ryan was okay, in Emma's mind, but definitely no Troy Bolton. Emma could feel her mind turning to mush again at the thought of Troy. She grinned stupidly, as she looked at Sharpay.

"Why do you ask? Haven't you at least been talking to him?"

[Sharpay Evans]

Sharpay once again smirked as Emma ate up her words of lies. In her reality, the thought of getting over Troy so quickly and once and for all not thinking about ways to get him to be with her was bothering her. That was just not how Sharpay was. Troy had been one of her goals ever since she had met him. He was the prince of her dreams, the one who was meant for a beautiful princess like her. But in just a matter of weeks she had already forgotten about him, and it bothered her that she also did not know why.

When Emma asked the question about why Troy wanted Gabriella over her, Sharpay almost flared up in anger, but the odd thing was it was not because of Troy. She knew that Troy was all over Gabriella since the day he met her so it was no surprise that he chose the nerdy girl over her, and somehow she had finally accepted it especially after the talent show. What bothered her now though was why everyone else chose Gabriella over her, even Ryan, her own twin brother.

She was trying not to show any emotion over that question but she knew she could not help but frown. Sharpay Evans was never one to be insecure, she was probably the most over confident girl in East High that was until Gabriella Montez came along and stole everything from her. The boy, the lead role in Twinkle Towne, the spotlight in the talent show, and now her twin brother. She knew she should not get too upset or bothered, but this was the first time Ryan left her, and now he was always away hanging out with the Wildcats at the baseball field and hanging out with none other than Gabriella Montez.

Sharpay forced herself to pay attention to what Emma had been saying especially when her Sharpette finally answered her question about Ryan.

"And come to think about it, when he has been around he hasn't been talking to me or anyone else that much. Except I think for Gabriella, but I can't be sure about that."

She did not notice that she was already gripping the magazine in her hand too tight when she heard the ripping sound coming from it as Emma said those words. She could not understand why the thought of Ryan and Gabriella together really bothered her, but she was starting to feel really angry.

"Of course we haven't been talking! Isn't that obvious? If things were normal between us he would have been on that chaise you're sitting on exactly," Sharpay threw the magazine forcefully at the ground and crossed her arms, her spoiled brat attitude coming back in full force as she threw a tantrum. It was almost like an overreaction, and even Sharpay herself could not understand why she felt so much anger towards Ryan and Gabriella. All she knew was that she totally hate the idea of them together.

It can't happen. No, I will not allow it!

[Emma the Loyal Sharpette]

Emma watched Sharpay closely as her whole demeanor changed when Emma had talked briefly about Ryan. Especially with Ryan possibly spending time with Gabriella. Emma watched Sharpay tense her grip on the magazine she was holding, as she heard it begin to rip. Emma cringed slightly, knowing Sharpay's anger was rising and it was apparent Emma had said the wrong thing. She didn't know what she said wrong, but instantly regretted saying anything.

Emma shrunk into her chaise as Sharpay's temper tantrum began. Emma absolutely hated being on the receiving end of Sharpay's tantrums, but she knew it was one of the few down-sides to hanging out with Sharpay. Emma slowly lowered her sunglasses, eyes widening, as Sharpay threw the magazine down and resumed her normal pouting position. Emma looked at the magazine on the ground, up to Sharpay and back down to the magazine. Emma was almost at a loss for words.

"Did-did I say something wrong?" Emma almost didn't want to ask. Her mouth was slightly agape at the scene that just occurred in front of her. She began to think that maybe Sharpay hated Gabriella more than she had let on. It seemed like her anger was centered all around this girl and the obviously conflict with her and Ryan. Emma did think it was weird that Sharpay and Ryan were not together like they usually were all the time. Emma swung her legs around so her whole body was facing Sharpay. Emma gently picked up the magazine off the ground and held it in her hands, tenderly. She kept her eyes on the spot on where it had landed. She was almost afraid to say anything.

"I'm sorry Sharpay. I didn't mean to cause you any more heartache about you and Ryan."

[Sharpay Evans]

Sharpay kept her head held high and she refused to look at Emma even when she could feel the other girl's stare at her, her arms still crossed tight on her chest. She knew she overreacted, but she refused to admit that of course, especially not to her Sharpette, even if she was the most loyal one. After all, she had the right to get mad after what had happened to her. Everything was stolen from her by Gabriella Montez of all people. Who did she think she was? If it was up to her, she would have banned that girl from ever stepping foot on her summer kingdom. But for the moment, she had to pretend to be okay with those Wildcat barbarians again, especially now that her own brother had decided to join them.

"Did-did I say something wrong?"

She was brought back to the present when she heard Emma's question, which she only answered with a huff. She did not want to admit to Emma that it was not her fault, it was easier to blame other people after all than to explain to them why she reacted the way she did. First of all, she herself could not understand why she got that mad. It wasn't like it was a big deal, right? Ryan and Gabriella were just hanging out. Secondly, it should not affect her too much, right? So what if they were hanging out more often than before? So what if Ryan had develop some kind of feelings for that nerd? It wasn't a big deal, right?

But why did she feel so angry, hurt, and betrayed?

"I just have a headache, not heartache," Sharpay quickly responded, not wanting Emma to think about her outburst too much. After all if she finds her own reaction weird, then what more if Emma does? She didn't want Emma to think of her as weird. That was just not a Sharpay trait.

She rubbed her temple some more as if trying to calm herself down, when she suddenly got an idea.

"Emma, will you do something for me? And the answer better be a yes," she asked her Sharpette, giving her a warning look.

[Emma the Loyal Sharpette]

Emma quickly reached into her bag next to her and dug around for a quick second. She pulled out a bottle of pain killers and smiled happily at Sharpay.

"Tylenol?" Emma offered. She quickly dove back into purse and pulled out several more bottles. "Aspirin? Ibuprofen? Advil? Motrin? Aleve?"

Emma was never quite sure what Sharpay would ever want, but always had everything on hand that she could possibly carry. She smiled and nodded at Sharpay, trying to show her desperate eagerness to please the Pink Princess. Emma knew that Sharpay was picky about everything in life and always felt the need to please her. If Emma didn't have what Sharpay wanted or needed, she would run as fast as her heels would take her to get it. Emma didn't really know why she idolized Sharpay to the extent she did. She just knew that everything about Sharpay, was everything Emma wanted to be. She studied Sharpay from head to toe, constantly. Always trying to copy her signature moves, but never quite performing them as well as Sharpay.

Emma's eyes began to widen as Sharpay asked her to perform a task for her. Emma could not really remember the last time Sharpay had asked her that, besides getting her materialistic things. Emma knew this was probably going to be something relatively big. She wondered what her idol could possibly ask of her? Maybe it was to accompany her on a luxurious vacation? Or a ride in her father's helicopter to an important Broadway meeting? Emma's mind raced with wonderful, promising things. She suddenly shook her head of these thoughts, knowing she was letting her imagination run a muck. Still, Emma was very intrigued by this question from Sharpay.

"Of course, Sharpay," Emma nodded, taking in Sharpay's warning look. "You know I'd do anything for you."

[Sharpay Evans]

Sharpay put her hands up and made a disgusted face at the medicines Emma was offering her. "No! I don't need any of those!" She shook her head and pushed the bottles away quickly. "This situation is just stressing me out and none of those pills can make this go away. You know what you should do though? You should get us a spa appointment very soon, and I mean soon."

When Emma told her she would do anything for her, Sharpay smiled smugly. She knew that anyway. "Of course you would." She grinned, nodding at her most loyal Sharpette. "Now this shouldn't be too hard, after all you're used to spying on people for me by now." She looked at Emma again, a mischievous smile spreading on her face this time. "So I'm gonna need you to do that for me again."

Sharpay sat up straighter this time, motioning for Emma to lean closer to her. "Here's what you're going to do for me," she said in a lower voice. "You're hanging out with the Wildcats now too, right?" She almost looked disgusted as she said it, still not believing that her Sharpettes would want to hang out with a bunch of dishwashers and waiters. "I need you to spy on Ryan and Gabriella. Don't let them out of your sight, ever. Especially if they decide to hang out alone, but do so stealthily. They should never suspect anything from you." Sharpay gave Emma a warning look.

"I'm going to give you Ryan's walkie-talkie since he never used that again with me, and your code name is Pink Poodle. My code name is Golden Throat, so you should address me using that name using the walkie-talkie or else I would not respond. Keep me updated on them at all times, and I do mean all times." Sharpay had a dead serious as she commanded Emma, almost as if she was planning another scheme. "Are we clear?"