"Zach," Keeley whispered as she nudged his lifeless arm. "Zach!" she hissed. Her brother slept like the dead after he drank. Nothing short of a tornado could wake him up. She grabbed a bottle of water off his desk and poured a small stream over his face.

"Ahhhh!" he screamed. Zach bolted up and looked around wildly, trying to discover what happened. Water was dribbling down his face and his brown hair was pointed in all different directions, making him look like a rabid animal. He wiped his face and glared at his twin sister who was perched on the edge of his bed, smiling like a Cheshire cat. "What the hell, Keels?" he asked her angrily.

"We gotta get the car from Laura's house," she reminded him. Even though their parents were okay with Zach occasionally attending parties, they didn't approve of his excessive drinking. If they saw a car missing from the driveway, they would know that he had drank so much he couldn't drive. To avoid their parents' wrath, Zach and Keeley would sneak out early the next morning and drive the cars back before their parents woke up.

"Ugh," he groaned and slumped forward, head planting into his covers. "Can we not?"

"You're already in trouble with Mom and Dad as it is. Let's not push it." Keeley grabbed both his hands and started dragging him off the bed. "Come on," she grunted.

"Fine. Fine," Zach grumbled and got out of bed. His eyes glinted when he saw the open water bottle on his nightstand. Before Keeley could react, he grabbed the bottle and doused his twin with the rest of the contents. Laughing at her shocked expression, he shoved his twin out of the room and locked the door before she could retaliate. "Meet you at the car in five sis," he said over her cursing. He chuckled when he heard her stomp back to her room and hiss at Tucker, "Stop licking my face! You have a perfectly good water bowl in the kitchen!"

Five minutes later, they were in the car and driving to Laura's house.

"Hey, what was with you last night?" Zach asked her, while pulling out his phone.

Keeley took her eyes off the road for a second and gave him a puzzled glance. "What do you mean?" She had been her normal, perky, slightly sarcastic self.

"When I texted you last night, asking when you were going to pick me up, you said," Zach scrolled through his phone and read off the screen, "and I quote, 'Man up and get your own ride home. Or do you not have any balls because my feminist ways shriveled them up?'"

Keeley rolled her eyes. God, could Talon get any more annoying? "Ignore him. He's an ass," Keeley replied.

Zach's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Whose him?" he demanded.

"Just some jerk who has my phone," Keeley responded in an offhanded manner as she concentrated on driving. At those words, Zach's posture stiffened and his eyes went hard. Out of the corner of her eye, Keeley saw his demeanor shift toward big brother mode so she quickly added, "I accidently swapped cell phones with him at the fair. I should have it back by Saturday."

Zach crossed his arms over his chest. "Who is this guy? Do you know him?"

Keeley shook her head. "No. Never met him. He says his name is Talon." Keeley looked over at Zach to see if he recognized the name but Zach's face remained blank.

"Never heard of him," Zach said with a disapproving frown on his face.

Keeley thought it was odd since Talon played football. Zach knew almost every opponent's name and stats. It was what made him such a great QB and captain.Maybe Talon was on the junior varsity team. Zach had played varsity his whole high school career. In an effort to distract Zach from getting super protective, she commented, "I heard the football team is going to be great this year."

Zach's face lit up at his favorite topic of conversation. "We are going to crush Crosswell. The offensive team is on fire."

"That's awesome Zach," she replied. "Have you heard from any college scouts?" Zach had been dreaming of college ball since he started playing in Little League when they were twelve. In fact, the whole reason Keeley got hooked on reading was because of him. Both her parents had insisted she attend all of his games even though she protested. After about ten minutes of watching the game, she would grow bored and restless, so to help pass the time, she started bringing books.

Zach shrugged his shoulders. "I heard USC, Texas A&M, Georgia and Florida are interested in me."

Keeley jaw dropped. Those were some of the tops football colleges in the country. Why hadn't he mentioned this earlier? She felt a little offended he had kept this from her; she was his twin after all. "That's amazing! Do Mom and Dad know?" she asked, managing to keep the hurt out of her voice.

He shook his head. "No. I haven't told anyone yet."

Keeley frowned. "Why not?" she asked, confused at his behavior. "Playing for USC has been your dream since you've been little. I thought you'd be screaming it from the rooftops."

He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, a gesture he only did when he was uncomfortable or nervous. "I just don't want all these expectations on me and then not get in," he explained. "You know how the parentals are."

Keeley completely understood. Her parents placed a lot of pressure on both of them to succeed. For her, it was about the academics and for him it was about sports. She loved her parents dearly, but sometimes their expectations were too high. If Zach and Keeley ended up failing or not accomplishing their goals, their parents would lecture them about not putting in enough effort.

"Plus, I heard USC is also interested in JT," Zach added. His eyes flashed with irritation. JT was the star quarterback for Crosswell and Zach's main rival. They both were excellent quarterbacks and were constantly competing with each other for MVP awards and national recognition.

"Does it really matter? Can't both of you go to USC?" Keeley asked him.

Zach stared at her like she was grew an extra head. "Are you serious? Of course it matters," his tone stating his disbelief. "If we get on the same team, we would be competing to play for first string."

Keeley smirked, understanding why he was so angry. "Afraid he's better than you?"

Zach scoffed but ran his hand through his hair, giving him away. "No," he protested. "I'm a way better QB."

"Me thinks thou doth protest too much," Keeley kidded. She caught the look on his face and her grin faded. Wow. He really was nervous about JT being better than him. That was so unlike her twin. Usually he exuded confidence and self-assurance. Deciding it was best to change topics, she told him about her first day at the surf shop.

He barely responded to her, too caught up in his own thoughts about football and JT. Keeley dropped him off in front of their car and he jumped out without another word to her.

"Goodbye!" she yelled to her twin but he had already slammed the door shut. Keeley shook her head. Sometimes she wondered if her brother suffered from PMS. Maybe Talon was on to something about the whole not-having-balls thing. Exhausted, she drove home and fell into her bed with Tucker curled up next to her.

Several hours later, Keeley woke up with Tucker standing over her barking. She hit the top of his head like an alarm clock and mumbled, "Ten more minutes," before rolling onto her side and pulling the covers over her head. Sensing his owner's reluctance to wake up, Tucker barked again and leapt on top of her. Keeley groaned and pushed the covers off, glaring at the brown dog. "We need to work on your time management skills buster." Tucker licked her face before running to her closed door and scratching at it. Keeley opened the door for him and he rushed out, bound for the backyard.

Keeley yawned and pulled out Talon's cell phone from her purse. She opened several messages from his friends and forwarded them to him. They ranged from talking about girls to school to football. It wasn't too long before Talon sent her a text.

Why hello baby doll! How was being your brother's personal chauffer? Were you diligent in your duties and open the car door for him? -T

She rolled her eyes at his jab. She didn't know why he was so against her helping out her brother.

Your snarky comments are not appreciated. –Keeley

I'll take that as a no. Tsk. Tsk. Slacking on the job. And I expected so much more out of you. –T

Is there a reason you are texting me, besides wanting to get on my nerves? –Keeley

You know, I think all that pent up jealousy is really getting to you. Don't worry baby doll, no other girl can compare to what I have with you. -T

Oh God. Your head is so big it's a miracle planets don't orbit around it. –Keeley

Baby doll, I know I'm amazing, but you don't have to call me God. Talon or Oh Mighty One will work just fine ;) –T

I think Oh Mighty Asshole suites you better. –Keeley

That would have hurt my feelings, except I know it's how you flirt. Oh, by the way who's Brent? –T

Keeley's blood ran cold. Brent? Why was he asking about Brent? For that matter, how did he even know Brent? She wracked her brain trying to recall if she mentioned him, but she came up blank. Damn. She had a bad feeling about this.

Why do you ask? –Keeley

Oh no reason. We just had a nice little chat this afternoon. Interesting that he had the <3 symbol after his name. –T

Talon and Brent talked? This was bad. So very, very bad. Keeley knew Talon was pissed about the penis pump text. Who knows what lies that evil bastard told her long time crush. And she didn't even have Brent's phone number memorized so she could do damage control!

What the hell! Why were you talking to Brent? -Keeley

You really should keep that temper in check baby doll. It could get you in trouble ;) –T

Damn it Talon! What the hell did you say to him?! –Keeley

Wow. Will you look at the time? Back to football practice. Talk to ya later ;) –T

Keeley tried calling him but it went straight to voicemail.

Damn him!

Keeley paced her room in a blind panic. Should she email Brent and casually ask about his conversation with Talon? No. She couldn't do that. It would seem weird and slightly stalker-ish. Especially when she didn't know what they talked about. She could message Brent and mention that some crazy psycho stole her phone. No. That wouldn't work either. No doubt Talon talked about her like they were great friends.

Aggravated beyond belief, Keeley dialed Nicky's number not knowing what else to do. She grabbed a multi-colored stress ball off her desk and began squeezing.

"Hello? Who is this?" Nicky answered cautiously, not recognizing the number since it was Talons.

"Nicky? It's Keeley," her voice sounded tight and anxious.

"Keeley?" Nicky echoed in surprise. "Hey girl. What's up?"

"Everything! Nothing! I don't know!" Keeley huffed. She kicked her bed and winced when her big toe connected with the steel frame.

"Ohh-kay," Nicky dragged out, unsure as to what was going on. "I hate to break it to you, but I'm only human. You're going to have to give me a little more than that..." she trailed off, hoping her best friend would start making more sense.

"Talon. That's what's up." Even saying his name, made Keeley's pulse spike and not in a good way. She squeezed the ball harder, trying to control her anger.

"Talon?" Nicky questioned.

"Yes, an asshole named Talon who came into my life by some freak cosmic accident and is determined to give me an ulcer at the ripe age of seventeen!" Keeley ranted, her voice getting louder with each passing word.

"Right...." Nicky drawled, still confused by her friend's erratic behavior. "Are you reverting back to your imaginary friend phase? Because if you are, I'm letting you know right now, I am not giving up meat again," she said facetiously.

"Okay first off, Mr. Tibb wasn't just any imaginary friend. He was an imaginary friend with a cause," Keeley began.

"Yes, yes. I know," Nicky piped in. She had heard Keeley's spiel many times when they were younger. "He was a hard-working citizen of Cowville who farmed diary cattle and was against the butchering of innocent animals," Nicky repeated from memory.

Keeley had made up Mr. Tibb when she learned where steak and hamburgers really came from. Least to say, she was traumatized by the news and determined to help the animals. She pledged to become a vegetarian and forced Nicky to join the cause. Unfortunately, three months later, Thanksgiving rolled around and the smell of roast turkey was too much for either girls' willpower.

"Can we get back to Talon?" Nicky demanded.

At the mention of Talon's name, Keeley squeezed the stress ball with all her might. She proceeded to tell Nicky everything, from the time she picked up the phone at the fair, to the texts they just exchanged five minutes ago.

"Wow," Nicky said once Keeley finished. There was a moment of silence before Nicky inquired, "He really bought thirty dollars worth of condoms?"

"Seriously?" Keeley asked in disbelief. "Out of that whole speech, that's all you have to say?"

"Well, that and," Nicky paused, "do you know what size they were?"

"Nicky!" Keeley hissed. "That's not the point!"

"I'm just asking! Sheesh. Can't a girl wonder about the size of a guy's package?" she asked flippantly. "I mean he has to be pretty confident if he bought so many."

"Nicky," Keeley groaned. "Can we get back to the issue at hand?"

"And that would be what?" she asked. "Your apparent lack of imagination as a child? I mean really? Cowville?"

Keeley sighed. "Brent! And how to found out what he and Talon talked about," Keeley said impatiently. She started pacing again, being sure to keep clear of any bed frames.

"Listen, just email Brent and apologize for your crazy friend who stole your phone. Say he was getting back at you for a prank you pulled, and ask what they talked about. Easy!"

Keeley thought it over for a few moments. "You really think it would work?" she wondered.

"Only one way to find out," Nicky's voice teased.

"Thanks. You're the best," Keeley said with a sigh of relief.

"Just remember that the next time you befriend some imaginary chicken farmer. I love my KFC," Nicky responded cheekily.

Keeley chuckled. "Done. Talk to you later."

"Later," Nicky said and they hung up.

With the phone still in her hand, Keeley laid down on her bedroom floor and sprawled out. She looked up at the white ceiling and wondered why Brent called her. Maybe he was thinking about her and had the urge to hear her voice. Maybe he had some exciting news to tell her. Maybe if Talon wasn't such an ass, she would know right now.

Keeley groaned and threw an arm over her eyes. She really needed to stop thinking about Brent and Talon before she drove herself crazy.

Talon's phone started ringing but she didn't recognize the ringtone. Talon had assigned all his guy friends to Coolio's Rollin' with My Homies and all the girls to Sir-Mix-A-Lot's Baby Got Back. Curious as to who it could be, Keeley lifted her arm and glanced at the screen. As soon as she saw the Caller ID, her whole demeanor changed.

'Oh Talon, payback can be a bitch,' she thought to herself. With a wicked gleam in her eye, she pressed the green accept button.

"Talon's mom I presume?"

*****

A/N Hehe is it weird that I'm excited to write about Keeley and Talon's mom conversation? :) Anways, I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Please vote and comment!!