% CHAPTER 29 %

I gulp. Oh great what am I supposed to do? He thinks I'm Emily. That must mean he thinks he's Hayden. I don't know if I should play along. This path looks a bit dangerous. If I pretend to be Emily, what will we do? The possibilities are endless, both good or bad.

I sigh. I can try to explain. "Bret, you're not Hayden. This is the real world. You're supposed to be a jackass. Remember me now? I'm-" Bret wraps his arms around my waist and brings me onto the couch with him. Okay so I need to try harder, maybe not be so direct. "Look at your clothes. They're different. Your name is Bret, say it with me, Bret. B-R-E-T. And I'm Taylor..."

I shut up and chew on my lower lip. It doesn't seem to be working. His brain must be too jumbled up or something. Why does he think he's Hayden though? Is he in some sort of trance? What is triggering this? I've never seen this happen to an actor before, but I have heard about it. I can't try to consider the fact that it may be fake because this can actually happen. The actor could become so accustomed to their character, they forget themselves for the moment. The question is, why is this happening to Bret?

Bret's arms are reeling me in. I look at his face. His eyes are filled with the most compassion I've ever seen them hold. He actually thinks I'm his lover. Before I can register anything else though, Bret's lips meet mine.

My eyes close automatically while my mouth already gets used to the regular sensation I feel with him against me. Bret's fingers run down the length of my body until he brings them on my waist. I let my left hand cup his face while the right goes through his hair, teasing it a bit. I can feel the sparks coursing through me all over.

Suddenly, Bret's lips slide down to my neck. He trails small kisses down before nibbling softly on my ear. I let out a moan before I can stop myself. Where had that come from? What kind of fantasy does this child live in? I can feel my heartbeat accelerating when I feel Bret smile against my skin.

Something grabs a hold of me. It's an emotion I've never felt before, telling me I need this. I have no idea what it is, but something is driving me and I'm losing control. My eyes are still closed, but flashes of Bret's face are all over. My hands slide under his shirt. I'm starting to get alarmed, but there's nothing I can do. For some reason my body is going against my minds will. Until my fingers feel what's underneath that shirt. Hint: its heavenly. My brain immediately shuts down once I've touched those abs.

I guide Bret's lips back to mine and kiss him back fiercely, something I would have never done had my brain been observing the way this looked, but hey! Bret believes he's Hayden. No one's innocent.

Then wouldn't this be taking advantage? I ask myself. Internal-me shrugs. So what...

My body feels like its one fire. Bret grips tighter at my waist and his hand makes its way under my shirt through the back. I almost feel naked, but thankfully this fabric is clingy.

Before I know it, the straps of my bra are hanging off my shoulders and Bret's not wearing a shirt anymore. We're no longer on the couch anymore either. Bret has me pushed against the living room wall. He nibbles expertly at my lip and I can't suppress the moan from coming. His tongue slips into my mouth. I can feel his hands tangle into my hair.

I stop the kiss to say, "Damn," and we continue. Every time I move, I can feel those stupid sparks. This is definitely more intense than any Hayden and Emily make out moments. We both stop to catch our breath. That's when Bret opens his eyes for the first time.

"Taylor?" he asks stupidly. It's then I realize I hate this kid.

I hate this kid with such a passion, yet I kissed this kid with such a different passion. I mentally slap myself. Good going, Taylor. The emotion and lust that once fueled me is long gone, replaced with embarrassment and confusion. Why did I kiss this moron again? I mean seriously. I thought we were on strict business terms. Guess not, Internal-me says nonchalantly.

Bret is now looking at me with a wary expression. I feel as if he's accusing me of possibly starting all this! My face turns into that of a tomato. Great so he's Bret now. How am I supposed to explain all this? Oh gosh what if he's one of those people who have split personalities and its just starting to show now?! That would be so creepy! That means I kissed a guy with split personality disorder! Internal me shrugs yet again. Well Taylor then you can check that off your bucket list.

"Yeah?" The redness is not leaving my face.

I can't believe I just kissed this son of a gun. What...the heck! I went from trying to convince him I'm not Emily to letting him put his tongue down my throat in a matter of seconds! How does that even happen?!

Bret smirks, obviously having caught on that I'm a bit upset. "It's okay Taylor. If I get caught cheating, we'll just have to run away together." He then winks at me like its all a big joke.

My face is turning more crimson by the second. I'm pretty sure my ears are red as well. I can't think of a comeback. Why can't I think of a comeback? Come on brain, think! Think already! Haven't you ever heard of a thing called thinking?!

"Umm yeah, sure. Whatever," I mumble in defeat and bend down to slide under his arm so I can walk past.

Bret stops me. "Taylor," he says seriously while looking into my eyes with the most intense haze known to mankind. "You are the real deal."

I gulp, nod as if I understand, and head upstairs. After closing my bedroom door, I turn against it and let it support my weight as I slide down into a squatting position. I'm the real deal. What the heck is that supposed to mean? Does anyone have a dictionary on Bret; because I'm in desperate need of one. I just can't figure this guy out.

I decide getting on my computer and playing a few games will help clear my mind. I'm really into the game when Bret starts calling my name over and over. I ignore him for a little, before it just gets extremely irritating. If I'm not answering, then don't fucking keep yelling my name! I am playing a frickin game here and it is getting pretty intense!

"Umm Taylor?!" Bert calls from downstairs.

I finally take a look at the time on the computer. I've been on the internet for almost 2 hours! And that's when I die... Holy whackamole! That is way too long. I definitely need to get off.

"What?!" I yell back with the enthusiasm. Just kidding. I have no enthusiasm to give. I'm a freaking mad bull right now. Don't ever stop me and my computer game, even though I needed to stop. I also died sooo...

"Some people are here to see you! They claim they're important. Brought a little girl named Lorelei with them too!"

I spring out of the chair and rush down the steps. Lorelei and mom and dad are here?! Why didn't they text me?! Oh my gosh I'm so happy that they would drop by from Oregon! They are the best.

"Mom, dad! Lorelei!" I squeal in delight.

"Tay Tay! Lolli lolli lollipop!" Lorelei chants gleefully.

I grasp her firmly by her underarms and twirl her around. She laughs her cute little laugh and brings her arms out like an airplane.

"There's my little beauty! How are you doing?"

"Oh I see," my dad starts. "You don't really care about us. It's just Lorelei!" He gray eyes twinkle with amusement.

Tears flood my eyes as I smile. "Of course I've missed you! You really don't know how much!"

"Come here and give me a hug," mom says before opening her arms wide. I fall into her while the tears flow silently down my cheeks.

You never know how good it feels to see someone you care about after a long time. The emotion is just overwhelming. My chest is filled with a bubbly sensation, the kind you get when you are extremely happy.

Bret nods. "She babbles on and on about you guys."

I send him a small smile. Do I really? Well, they are family. They are the best family. No family can beat mine. Then again, everyone else always thinks that their family is the best. Well they can think what they want, but my family is truly the best. I laugh internally. My mental debates are always so weird.

"Lolli lolli lollipop!"

I laugh. Thank god I always keep lollipops in my purse. I've made a habit of it ever since Lorelei started her obsession. She is just the cutest. It just better stay lollipops and not drugs or something. Oh what am I saying? Lorelei is five years old. And here I go ranting again.

I reach into my purse. "Well look what I got!"

"Lollipop!" Lorelei squeals.

I hand her the mystery flavor and then get out one of my own lollipops. I've always liked Blowpops the best since they have gum in the middle.

I give Bret a smirk. "Want one?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "I'm good."

"So what have you two been doing?"

I smile. "Just hanging out with our friends. We made this whole big group and everything. It's super cool. School is amazing. I'm mostly in honor classes and stuff, you know the deal."

My dad's eyes widen. "You haven't met any guys have you?"

My eyebrows arch in confusion. "Of course I have!"

My mom smacks his arm. "Now Sweetie," she says, turning her attention to me. "He's just worried about you having sex."

My eyes nearly pop out of my head. Bret bursts out laughing.

"Mom!" Wait. Isn't this my dad's fault? "Dad!" I yell just in case. I then run over to cover Lorelei's ears."I am a good child! You two should be aware. I would never have sex at this age. That's insane! And you can't just waltz in here and say that word like that! Especially with Bret around." I mutter the last part.

Mom takes my hands off of Lory's ears before saying, "Oh yes I can. Sex! Sex! Sex!"

"Maria!" Dad scolds. Lorelei giggles at the word.

"Sex?" she asks.

I gasp. "Mom! Now look what you've done! You've started Lorelei on saying bad words." Lorelei just laughs and laughs while sucking on her lollipop. Mom just feigns innocence behind a sly smile.

Bret comes up behind me and whispers into my ear. "Your parents are very amusing."

"They're usually a lot more civil," I mumble while my cheeks get hot. This is not exactly how a teenage girl wants any guy to meet her parents. She would prefer the quiet and close-knit family type over this any time.

"I like them just the way they are."

I turn to glare at him. "Only you would say that."

"No I'm pretty sure all of the male species would agree with me."

"I was just worried!" my stepfather wails. He gathers me in a smothering embrace, the kind where you have a very hard time breathing. "We just heard about you moving into a house with this guy yesterday and I didn't want...things-"

"Sex!" my mom interrupts.

"Things! To happen to my poor baby. You're okay right? No secret parties or anything? Doing great in school? All A's?"

I sigh. "Yeah I'm perfectly fine. Bret would never do that. I trust him."

I glance over at him to show him I mean it. Bret may be a jerk at times and we may not exactly get along all that well, but I know he would never hurt me in any way. After all, he saved me from almost getting raped. Boys that seek sex don't save other people from having sex...something along those lines.

He sends me a genuine smile before looking down at his feet.

"Bret, right?" My dad starts out sincerely. Bret nods. "You're still a virgin, right?"

Bret's face pales. My insides are burning from me trying to hold in the laughter. Wow. His ego is probably having a major time answering. To say no would be a shame in the jerk world, but to say yes would not bring the best praises from my parents.

"Of course I am!" Bret says in a rush, but it doesn't look like he's lying. He looks more embarrassed than anything. I stifle my fit of giggles. This is getting good. Now my parents are going to be mashing Bret's ego to bits.

"Good good."

Bret's eyes stay wide. He takes a gulp. He comes over to me. "Taylor?" he asks, trying to get my attention.

I shake my head, thinking he wants me to help him out, but I would never do that. I'd rather get out the popcorn and enjoy the show.

"No, go figure this out on your own." I say.

His voice gets quieter. "No not that...do they know?" My eyebrows furrow in confusion. He gulps. "Do they know," his words drag on, "about the incident?"

My eyes become as big as saucers. "I don't know," I choke out. "Not unless Derek told them."

"What are you two whispering about?" My mom asks.

Bret and I freeze like we're little kids and got caught stealing cookies from the cookie jar.

"He's just embarrassed he had to submit his personal information to someone other than himself. Bret is very...umm proud of the image he portrays," I lie. I make sure to cover the wince right after. I hate lying to my parents.

Bret plays along and starts acting as if this was a role. He smacks my arms playfully.

"That is not true Taylor!" He turns to my stepdad. "Sir, she has got it all wrong. I'm proud to be a virgin, so proud in fact, I could make a song!"

"Then let's hear it," my dad says seriously.

Bret looks like an elephant just farted in his face. The surprised expression is priceless.

"Uh... Let's do a rap! I'm a vir-vir-virgin and nothing is urgin...me to get it on! With a girl that's just a pawn..."

I let Bret figure out the rap while I let my mind ponder on things. My parents don't seem to know that my teacher tried things. I won't tell them unless they bring it up then. Those kinds of things are better to be left in the past. I don't want them worrying about me too much, especially with the odd behavior my stepdad has become acquainted with. I mean seriously?! The sex talk?! I thought this would happen when I was 18 or something! Actually I was sort of hoping it wouldn't come at all. But that's besides the point. The thing is, my parents know me. Well they should, they raised me for the 16 years of my life...

"Of course Mrs. Bradwick," Bret says and walks into the kitchen for something.

"Oh please dear, call me Maria. And this is my husband Patrick."

"That's Mr. Bradwick to you!" Dad says, trying to make a point.

My mom rolls her eyes. "Drop the tough daddy act. It doesn't suit you well."

After she makes Dad and Bret play the Xbox together, she tells me to guide her and Lorelei to my room, so I do.

"Wow its lovely!" she says and looks at the nice bed all set up. Everything is clean and orderly. Everything has a place in my room. The three of us sit down on the bed together. "So remember Whitney? Your best friend, might I remind you!"

I screech like an excited four year old. "Of course I remember!"

Whitney was my best friend at my old school. She was actually looking into being a model. Her height and figure is perfect for the job. I have a feeling her and Victoria would get along great. I remember that summer when we made those silly nicknames for each other. Mine was Baylor Bear and hers was Whipped Cream. She definitely got the better one. Usually, I called her Whit though.

"Well she got a phone finally! Her parents finally bought her one again after the other one..."

I giggle. Whit breaks her phones a lot. I'm pretty sure its as natural as breathing to her now. That's how often she does it.

"Here's her number." My mom takes out a sheet of paper with some scrawled digits. "I think its about time you two kick it off like you used to. You girls were the best of friends. Her mom was actually thinking of letting her come to school with you so Whitney could start her modelling career over here! Wouldn't that be great?!"

I nod my head vigorously. "Definitely! She'd fit in well."

Mom nods her head while Lory plays around with her fingers. "Alright. I'll let you and Lorelei catch up. Don't kidnap her!" She jokes and walks into the hall wihlth a small wave.

"No promises!" I yell after her in the hallway.

She chuckles. "You seem to be getting along well with Bret. I thought you said he was a major jerk."

"He is," I growl. Then I shrug. "I don't know. Maybe I'm too forgiving or something."

"You're just fine sweetie." With that said, she's off.

"Tay!" Lory squeals.

I laugh and lift her up from the ground, spinning her a little. "How's my little Pumpkin doing?"

"Pum kin?" She asks hesitantly.

I ignore her failed attempt of saying the word right and smile at her.

"Let's play a game."

"Yeah a game!"

I look through the closet and pray to God Derek left some board games in the house. An Xbox doesn't feed everyone's entertainment.

I finally find what I'm looking for and lay the box on the floor. "Sorry!" It reads. I love this game.

So does Lorelei. We always let her cheat and don't use the cards that tell her to move back some steps. Lory really is a whiner when she doesn't win. I'm sure every little child is.

I try to remember back to when I was 5. It's kind of difficult, but in the end, manage to think of Whit and I playing in the sandbox. We were in kindergarten after all.

I laugh and get the game all ready.