im so sorry for not updating at my usual time, and trust me, when I found out I lost those chapters, I had a pathetic mental break-down on my kitchen floor, balling my eyes out as snot dripped from my soaking nostrils----

Yeah. It was an intense moment.

xD

Chapter 18.5: Amen to that, brotha!

Remember that time, during your 6th birthday, when you always looked forward to presents? That amazing feeling, each time you opened a gift, and revealed toys that just kept on getting better? Can you recall your parents present? The one with the huge red bow, and big-as-life box? Do remember the stellar feeling as you ripped apart the wrapping paper, and gasped to the best present in the universe? You know, the kind of feeling that people fantasize about? The one you only see in your favourite books? Or the kind of feeling when that princess gets her knight in movies? How 'bout that biggest cinematic reveal in history, when Dark Vadar turns out to be Luke Skywalkers father? The feeling that never reaches reality, but pries above our heads, teasing us to think its real?

At that exact moment, I was that six-year old girl. I was that princess in that movie. I was that die-hard Star Wars fan that absolutely freaked. I was all three combined. I was in an OMG, are-you-kidding-me, I-can't-believe-it, SOMEBODY GOD DAMN PINCH ME, mood.

"You like?" he whispered, pedaling forward.

Lanterns hung from the trees, the lights reflecting off of the fall coloured leaves. Candles surrounded a blanket that laid in the centre, shedding a romantic glow. A picnic basket sat in the middle, and a bouquet of roses leaned beside it, a white flower in core.

Speechless. Lost for words. Not a word escaped from my lips as Brian parked the bike. Taking my hand, he helped me off as I circled around the blanket.

"You're starting to worry me," he chuckled, staring.

Turning my head, I let three words tumble out. "I love it."

Sitting down before my knees buckled, Brian scooted next to me and pecked a kiss on my cheek. "Good, because I put a lot of work into it."

Joy crackled inside my heart, and I lost any tense nerves from before. "From yours truly, all that work surely paid off," I answered, and gently knocked foreheads with him. "It's beautiful."

Grinning, he planted a soft kiss, sending hot rushes to my neck.

Pop!

Like bubbles, more rushes travelled upwards, making me a little dizzy. His lips pressed to mine again, the same feeling exhilarating.

Pop!

And then again.

Pop!

Pop!

I pulled him close, letting him collapse on top of me. A small grunt escaped as his weight came down, but his tongue caught my lips before I let out another noise. A strange desire overcame, and I deepened the kiss, tightening my grip around him. Breathes getting faster, more bubbles popped as his hands roamed my hair.

Just as I couldn't get enough, a loud grumble came from Brian's stomach. Groaning, he cursed, making me laugh. "Ignore it," he ordered, reaching for my mouth.

I dodged his tempting lips, keeping a distance between his face and mine. "You're hungry," I informed, dropping my hands from his neck.

"Yeah, hungry for you," he growled, attempting another snog.

Shoving him off, I sat up and drifted over him. "You better eat, or else your stomach's just going to get louder," I advised, lightly patting his cheek like a child.

Brain scowled and got up, stealing a kiss while grabbing the picnic basket.

"Oh god," I sighed, smelling the aroma of fresh food. My stomach silently rumbled, ready to eat itself inside out. To come to think of it, I don't think I even had a lunch today. "Brian," I glanced at him. "Did you cook?" Like staring at a wet puppy, or a squishy hamster, my eyes softened and an uncontrollable smile took over.

"Well," he said as his hand rummaged through the basket. "I tried to cook, but let's just say it didn't turn out so good," Brian admitted, pulling out two wine glasses and a large Coke bottle.

"Soda?" I chuckled, and smiled to myself, the thought of Brian wearing an apron humorous. He could be a good house wife-er, boyfriend.

Twisting the cap, the sizzling sound came out as he poured the glasses to the rim, catching my attention. "I heard you weren't a fan of wine, so I had to improvise," Brian said, lifting his cup.

"I'm glad you put my thoughts into consideration," I grinned, raising my goblet.

"Cheers," he sang, clinking our glasses together, "to my hottest, sexiest, smartest, and bitchest girlfriend yet!"

Glowering, I narrowed my eyes, slightly fuming. "Yet?" I harshly questioned.

Brian jokingly nodded his head, and took a swig of his soda. Me being bitchy at that point, tipped his glass, watching the sticky liquid hustle down his shirt, all over his chin. I bursted out laughing, and covered my mouth from snorting.

"Coke looks good on you," I commented, setting down my cup. He sent me an evil glare and looked down at his wet shirt. "Sweat stains much?" I added, laughing all over again.

"You're so going to pay for that," he snarled, the soda dripping from his face. He stripped off his hoodie, revealing a long white sleeve underneath.

"You crazy?" I asked, trying not to stare through the thin shirt. "It's early December and you're going to wearing just a sleeve?!"

"Relax," he said, and tied the hoodie around his waist. "It's not that cold out. And besides, it's your fault for spilling Coke on me."

Not feeling a bit guilty, I peeked into the picnic basket, and licked my lips. "Well, some hot food would fix that right up."

He took the basket from my reach, and whacked my hand. "You're not touching anything!"

Crossing my arms, I scrunched up my nose. "Then what's for dinner?" I pouted, my voice strained yet high pitched, like a little girl.

"Don't be a child," he advised, patting my cheek like I did earlier. I tried to bite his hand, but he shrunk back laughing.

"For starters," he said and pulled out a carton box, and a couple of napkins. "Since my cooking skills weren't that advanced, I decided to give Popeye's chicken a second chance."

I chuckled, remembering our first experience with Popeye's. It didn't exactly go as planned....hell, we ate at McDonalds instead!

"Second chance...." I echoed, my smile abruptly fading. Like a false weather report, a harsh slice cut through my chest, suddenly turning the tables. My eyes fell to the ground, and I chewed on my gum. Would Brian ever give me a second chance if he found out that I cheated on him? Would he even think twice? My stomach no longer empty, it soon filled with a dreadful substance, something like spoiled milk. Queasy, I clenched my hand into a fist.

Brian looked up from the basket and lifted my chin, aligning our faces. His eyes softened, and out of the blue, it felt as if he could see right through. Like he could understand and feel the cold pain himself. "I always believe in second chances," Brian whispered, as if he read my mind.

The nauseous milk was suddenly replaced by a warm exciting flow that swam to my head. My lips curled upwards, as he reached for the bouquet of flowers. Pulling out the single white rose, he grinned and moved closer until I could smell his natural attractive scent. Or maybe that was the flower. Oh, no matter. They both shared beautiful aromas that made me want to melt on the spot.

"For," he whispered, and touched the petal on the tip of my nose. "You."

Pop!

There is was again. That swelled up thrill that sent fireworks into the air, causing my toes to tingle and my heart to hammer. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I knew I was blushing.

I took the rose from his hand, and stared into his dark blue eyes. Explosions went off in my head, and the urge to tackle him down came over. Fighting the desire, I couldn't help but notice the luminous candles reflect off of his face, showering a light over Brian that almost made me swoon. Was this....romance I was feeling?

Now I was about to hurl. I can't be falling for Brian, not now anyways! It's only been three weeks! That's nothing! How do I know I can trust him?

My nerves washing over, I grabbed a chicken leg and stuffed it in my mouth, creating a barrier between us. As I reached for the food, the rose slipped from my fingers, falling between our bodies. I quickly chewed on the meat, greasy oil lapped across my lips.

Noticing that I turned down the kiss, he awkwardly dropped his head, and sent me a stern gaze, like shit was about to go down. Some damn serious shit.

I grabbed the glass and chugged down the soda, the fizzy liquid bubbling past my throat.

"H-hey," Brian stammered, and rubbed his neck, "I have---"

Bbbuuuurrrrppppppppppp!

His eyes widened, taken aback by my rude interruption. Hell, it was very disrespectful, but it did the job. "That was......interesting," he blankly said.

"Sorry," I mumbled, chicken stuck between my teeth. I reached through my mouth, picking the annoying grub with my nails. Silently praying, I wished he would back away, finding it disgusting.

A sicken expression was written on his face, his eyes gawking at me. Yes!

Just when things were actually going my way, he suddenly shook off that reaction and sighed, the serious shit look back. "Oh Rivyn, I have something to tell you," Brian uneasily sighed.

God dammit. That obviously didn't work. Maybe I could punch his balls and run....

......Where the hell did that idea come from? Now I'm nervous! Gagh! Was he about to confess that he loved me? Now!? Okay, say something Rivyn! Anything!

I dug my fangs into the juicy chicken, and grabbed my glass. Chugging down the burning liquid, I opened my mouth, exposing the chewed substance. "Wait! I have something to tell you!" I exclaimed, pieces flying out of my mouth, hoping he'd move away.

Not bothered by my hurling saliva and slimy chicken clumps, he reached for my hand but I recoiled back, reaching for another wing instead.

"Rivyn! Stop! Let me say something first!" he sputtered, pleadingly.

I shook my head, and swallowed whatever was left in my mouth. "Ladies first!" I demanded.

"No-" I shoved a chicken wing in his mouth, rudely shutting him up.

Peeling off the skin with my teeth, I buried my face into the meat. "I love tdkjigret!"

Brian spit out the chicken, dropping it on a napkin. "What?!" It was like someone just slapped him in the face.

Hey, now there's an option.

I gulped down the food, and went for seconds. "I love gjhriohe!"

Frustrated, he tore the leg from my mouth and took my face into his hands. "Don't talk with your mouth full!" he angrily demanded, his sticky fingers glued to my cheeks. "What the fuck are you trying to say?!"

Weakly smiling, I faintly shrugged. "I said I love this chicken?"

-------------------------------------------------*-----------------------------------*----------------------------------------

"You missed the prom meeting!"

I jumped, startled as the locker door slammed shut. "You almost sliced my nose off!" I scowled, glaring at Klaire.

Her crystal blue eyes rolled, and she gave me a sassy look, curls flipping to the side. "Where did Brian take you?"

Gathering my books, I headed for science, Klaire lingering behind. She was like duck tape or something. Hm, and they say duck tape fixes everything. "It's none of your concern," I scoffed, hugging the hard-covers to my chest.

I cut a quick corner but she came right after, prying my every move. "I thought you weren't supposed to be with Brian. Wasn't the plan, 'you can't be with Brian or else that would mean you're giving him satisfaction?' And I thought you're not giving him anything?"

"Well, I guess things change," I flatly said, hiking to the next floor. Not a step away, Klaire kept up with an annoying scowl. "And how come you didn't complain for the past three weeks?" I asked.

"I thought you'd break up with him by now!" Klaire retorted, a little too loud. Heads turned, causing me to naturally duck. For the past few days, I've had the creepy feeling that I was being watched. Dodging any attention seemed to be consistent, and clearly, that record didn't last long.

"Keep it down, would ya?" I hissed, trying to lose her. That plan backfiring a second later, she threw me into a bathroom, shutting the door behind.

She stole a quick glance into the mirror, and then flicked her eyes back to me, a cold stare steaming from her direction. "I thought-"

"Thought!" I cried out, throwing one hand in the air. "You thought this, you thought that, why don't you just ASK ME! Stop assuming things and consider what I know and want! I want to be with Brian now, and I hope that's not a problem. Yeah, maybe a few weeks ago, I'd never be caught dead in Brian's hands, but now I am. Tell me if this is any concern instead of thinking all the time!"

Klaire crossed her arms, registering my words. Her eyes met mine, and I could tell she was holding back a long sigh. "I just don't want you to get hurt," she finally confessed, distress drawn to her voice.

Angry slithered up my back, slicing back any sympathy. "Why is everyone so concerned about me?! No one wants to see me get hurt! Everyone wants me to be safe, and everyone wants be to be the good girl! Well, where the fuck were you two years ago? My life was hell back then, and now, when I finally think I can relax, everyone gets paranoid and obsessed with my safety! No one's my mom-actually, screw that, my mom can't even be MY MOM! She's too busy stuck between bars, thinking what other drug shit she could try!"

"Oh Rivyn," Klaire breathed, and took me into a hug. Her embrace was warm and friendly, a touch that I hated right now. However, all that screaming drained any energy I had left, leaving me limp.

I wrapped my arms around her, tears slowly creeping out. Coughing back sour tastes, I sniffed, and dug my face into Klaire's sweater. "I-I-I," I stumbled, my words caught in a mess.

"Shhhh," she hushed, caressing my hair. Thank god Klaire's the same height as me, or else this would have been very uncomfortable. "It's okay, it's okay," she chanted, "I'm sorry for assuming your thoughts."

I pulled away and ran my sleeve across my soggy nose, and sniffed again. "No, it's my fault. I'm sorry for overreacting; it's just that my life is messed up. I'm sorry for dragging you into this."

Shaking her head, she let go and smiled. "You didn't drag me into anything, I'm now a part of this so I'm here to help. Think of me like a guardian angel, or some spiritual guiding thing."

A welcoming spread raining over, I laughed, something I thought I'd never hear in this kind of situation. "Spiritual guiding thing?" I chuckled.

She laughed too, and playfully shoved my shoulder. "You know what I mean," she grinned.

A toilet flush rang, freezing us in place. Our eyes snapped to the closed stall, not daring to make a noise.

'You know who's in there?' she mouthed.

I shrugged, and wiped away one last tear. I was about to look under the stall until the lock clicked open, sending me to shoot straight back up.

The door swung open and out stepped a boy.

Klaire and I screamed and threw my books at him, my science hard-cover hitting him in the face.

Taking the blows, the boy closed his eyes, not even bothered by two squealing girls. Seconds later, a few binders and pencil cases laid on the ground, the washroom suddenly falling silent.

"Awk-waaard," Klaire quietly sang, the three of us in a circle.

Throwing my hands in the air, I pointed to my stuff on the ground, heat climbing to my head. "Why the hell are you in here?!" I yelled. The boy let his shoulders sag, and he dumbly blinked twice. "You trying to freak'n scare us? Well news flash, you're picking up my stuff!"

"Psst, Rivyn," Klaire gritted through her teeth.

I shoved my hand in her face, "Not now Klaire, I'm busy at the moment."

"But-"

"He-llo? Am I talking to a wall?" I snapped, sticking my hip out. "This is the girl's bathroom, dumbo! Boys. Not. Allowed."

He opened his mouth to speak, but I rolled my eyes, "Respect, buddy. R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Hear it? This is no place for some boy like you to stick your tiny, so-called-manly di---"

"Rivyn!" Klaire harshly hissed, nudging me in the gut.

"What?!" I retorted, and spun to her direction.

Her eyes widened and her eyes flicked back and forth. "Ah-em!"

"What?!"

"AH-EM!" she practically coughed, tilting her head to the side.

Whirling around, three urinals hung from the wall, some spotted with yellow stains.

"Ooooohhhhh," I sighed, the gears turning. Klaire raised an eyebrow and motioned to the boy who still blankly stood in front of us. "My bad," I put my hand to my chest and gave an apologetic grin.

"We'll just be on our way now...." Like lighting, I grabbed my stuff and dashed out of the bathroom. Klaire followed a second later, her back slamming against the closed door.

Several people shared weird stares as we came out of the bathroom, many registering the male sign above our heads.

Looking at each other, Klaire and I erupted in laughter, howling as we crumbled to the ground. A tear slipped from her eye, as I started to hyperventilate, later onto hiccups.

"I-" Hic! "Can't-" Hic! "Believe-" Hic! "We-" Hic! "Just did that!" Hic!

Slapping her knees, she buried her head into her sleeve and shook her head. "Me neither!" she smiled, finally calming down.

Gathering together our cool, the bell rang, signalling third period to start in two minutes. We both helped each other up and dusted off.

"Next time, remind me to check and gender sign, before entering the bathroom," Klaire chuckled, her eyes a little poufy from the tears of joy. Her face was flushed red, mine probably the same.

I raised my hand into the air, and solemnly nodded. "Amen to that, brotha!"

----------------------------------*-----------------------------------------*-------------------------------------*-----------

Today I don't feel like doing anything! I just want to lay in my beeeeddd. Don't feel like pick'n up the phone, so leave a message at the tone. Today I don't feel like doing aaaanything! Nothing at all!

Ladies and gentlemen, that was Bruno Mars singing The Lazy Song. Please stayed tuned on your number one hit music station---

I shut down my car, the McDonalds McCafe strapped to my hand as I got out. Heading straight up the stairs, a cold feeling hung above me, already ruining my day.

I opened the door and almost jumped out of my own skin as I stared into my reflection. Wearing Aunt Darby's twenty-year old College hoodie, and an army jacket over top, I looked as if I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

Which was exactly what happened.

The stupid alarm clock broken, I had to tie up my knotty hair into a bun, while throwing on sweat pants at the same time. An hour after I'm supposed to wake up later, I'm running out the door with no make-up, cursing about everyone and why they didn't wake me up.

Reaching school, I quickly went to the office, and hustled to my locker, Gucci glasses on to shield my groggy eyes. I took a big gulp of the caffeine, and ditched my keys somewhere on the shelf.

A perky voice started to get louder around the corner, and I smirked. "And if you turn here, this is where we study...." Why must the secretary have such a squeaky voice?

Without even greeting a good morning, I walked into my English class, and flashed Mr. Gillian my late slip.

"Looks like someone woke up late," Chris snickered, sitting beside two empty chairs.

I casted a fake smile and gave him the middle finger, sliding across my seat. I dropped the hobo bag in Brian's chair, knowing he'd come at his usual time.

Getting back my test, the usual A+ was written at the top. Peeking over Chris's shoulder, a B- was drawn in the corner. Hm, guess Chris wasn't as stupid as I thought.

Words, lectures, and information shortly after, I dropped my Gucci glasses to the desk, and rubbed my tired eyes. Stupid addicting reality shows. Why do they have to always be so captivating?

I slumped, and fell into my arms, head tucked between my elbows, and snuggled within the soft cotton. Sentences from Mr. Gillian's mouth started to morph to mumbles, and I knew I was falling asleep.

"And she was like, oh no you didn't! And I was like, oh yes I did! And then she was like-"

I heard Mr. Gillian clear his throat and I could tell he had a pissed look on. "Might I ask who you are?"

Wonderful. A new student. Another person being thrown into this crammed classroom. Why are all the rooms so small anyways? What did the education board think we were? Mice?

"Miss DeLor!"

"What, sir?!" I snapped, my eye-sight blurry. I took another gulp from my coffee cup, and blinked twice to get back proper vision. "What is it? Fire?"

The class chuckled, and I mustered a weak grin before I slammed my head back onto the desk.

My teacher rolled his eyes, and I took a quick look at my watch. 10'o clock, Brian should be here by now.

"Mr. Gillian, this is Charlotte," said a well-known voice. There he is!

I cradled back into my arms, all my worry for Brian that I had earlier---Actually, scratch that. I wasn't even worried about him in the first place. That ass didn't wake me up this morning! I was about to fly back to Dream Land until something caught my attention.

Charlotte........where did I hear that name?

"And if you turn here, this is where we study...."

.............Wow, my brain is really screwed this morning.

"Hi there! Ya, my name's Charlotte, I'm new!" the girl giggled, her voice familiar.

Duh, Rivyn! There's a new student named Charlotte! With a very plastic voice. Guess this makes two bitch's in this class.

Gagh! Damn, I can't even think. Maybe I shouldn't have come to school today....

Looking up, my eyes widened and I was immediately wide awake.

That Cougar Captian from the soccer game! It was her who's moving here?! WHAT?!

She flipped her black hair, and flashed perfect white teeth. "If it weren't for this sexy hero, I would have been lost." And in one swift move, she ran her hand down Brian's chest, and wrapped her arm around his waist, giving a long smootch to the cheek.

On second thought, I'm damn-right glad I came to school today.

***********************************

Yup. Some, as Rivyn says it, serious shit is about to get down.

Fun Fact: Im naming my child Rebel.

Legit.

Like, freakn poker face legit.

-_-

So serious.