16

And Then He Caught Me Dancing in My Knickers

- - -

And then I ran. Of course, I bothered to put my shirts back on first, and then I dashed out of the room. As I left, I heard Liam calling after me. I think I heard him say he was just kidding, but at this point I didn’t really care. Even the thought of the notion that I might have had sex with Liam Ryker was enough to make me run.

My hair was sticking up at all odd angles and I knew my makeup was smudged all down my cheeks. My shirt smelled like stale rum and I was positive I should be scared shitless about what my mom was going to do to me when I got home for staying out all night.

I flew down the stairs, only pausing to find that my appearance was indeed as disheveled as I had thought. Then I saw Liam, standing shirtless at the top of the stairs, and I bolted, yelling “Happy birthday” as I ran out the door.

I knew there was no way in hell I could go home, especially because my mom would hang me, and also because I had no money and no way to get home. The bright sun killed my eyes and my head throbbed just behind my left eye. I decided that I had to go to Amy’s, A: because she actually lived around here, and B: because I was way too young to die.

My mind was still reeling at the fact that I had woken up in Liam Ryker’s bed with only a bra and jeans on, next to an equally shirtless Liam. How drunk had I been to possibly have ever done something as stupid as that? Pretty damn drunk. And I was sure that the hangover today would be punishment enough, let alone what my mom was going to do to me.

I wasn’t sure how early or how late it was, but I was absolutely freezing in the morning air and the long trudge to Amy’s house was not pleasant at all. What I wanted to know was how and why on earth my friends would leave me there, with Liam. Were they out of their minds?

Luckily, I didn’t encounter anyone I knew on the way from one McMansion to another, because I felt like crap and was at the ready to bite anyone’s head off if necessary.

When I finally arrived at Amy’s gate after what felt like an eternity of walking and my legs now felt like jell-O, I practically punched the buzzer in my agony. The angry maid clearly didn’t like my incessant buzzing, because she screeched, “What?!” in her heavy accent.

“I’m here for Amy!” I yelled back, so not in the mood to deal with her. The gate opened and I trudged up the hill, dying, and nearly passed out at the top. But I restrained myself.

I headed directly to Amy’s room, and saw that she had all the curtains drawn and the lights off. I did, however, see a telltale lump under her blankets, silky pink sheets and duvet pulled up to her eyes, that was obviously her. Shutting the door behind me, I crawled into Amy’s huge bed next to her, slipping off my shoes, and proceeded to pass out again for another few hours, curled up like a baby.

- - -

Later on, I awoke unpleasantly to find myself kneeling over a toilet in Amy’s bathroom, puking up my stomach. Amy was there too in her PJ’s, holding my hair for me with a bottle of water standing by.

“Ugh…” I groaned. This was so not the way I had planned to spend my Saturday. I wiped my mouth with Kleenex and then proceeded to flop over onto my back on the cold bathroom tiles, which felt nice against my skin.

Amy pressed the water bottle into my hand. “Fun night, huh?” She asked sarcastically, sitting cross-legged next to my immobile body.

“Don’t even get me started.” I groaned. I glanced at Amy’s phone and saw that it was already three o-clock in the afternoon. “Whoa, why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked, my headache showing no signs of ceasing.

“Oh, because you looked so peaceful.” She replied cutely. “By the way, you have a huge hickey on your neck.” She grinned, pointing. My eyes widened and I sat straight up, obviously way too fast, because I immediately blacked out again.

- - -

Closer to five o-clock that day, Amy and I were sitting on her bed, eating cookie dough ice cream and listening to Panic! At the Disco. We were talking about the previous night.

“I am a complete and total idiot.” I groaned. “I made out with Liam Ryker. Again. That’s actually all that I can remember about last night at all, and that I woke up in his bed this morning.” I muttered, shoveling a spoonful of cookie dough goodness into my mouth.

Amy’s eyes widened as she stuffed her own face with ice cream. “What? Did you guys… y’know…?” She gasped with her mouth full.

I shook my head wildly. “No. At least I don’t think so. I mean, Liam said we did… but you know Liam. He likes to mess with my head. And anyway, I think I would remember having sex, wouldn’t I? Considering that I’ve never done it before.” I said, stretching my legs out in front of me and folding my ankles on top of each other.

“Oh, okay.” Amy sighed in relief, brushing her blonde curls out of her eyes. “But I have a question, Bree.” She said, looking all serious. “Let’s pretend, theoretically, that Liam wasn’t a total jerk-“ I snorted with laughter at this, “-anyway, that he wasn’t a jerk, and didn’t have a girlfriend, and you weren’t drunk… do you think you would ever have sex with him?” She put another spoonful into her mouth and peered at me quizzically.

Staring at her in disbelief, I laughed. “Hmm… let me think about that for a second. Hell no! What, just so he can add me to his long list of lays? I don’t think so.” Amy raised her eyebrows at me, opening her mouth to say something. “Yeah, yeah, I know I keep doing this weird thing where I kiss him, but really I think every time that happens I’m really just having a total brain fart.”

- - -

Around dinner time, I finally checked my phone. I had about a dozen missed calls, around ten of them from my mom (eek!) and two, oddly enough, from Liam. I checked the two from Liam first.

“Brenna, it’s Liam. I was just kidding, we didn’t have sex. You would remember that anyway.” I could just hear the cockiness in his voice. Ugh. Then the next one, “And I’m sorry for making out with you, I know it wasn’t your idea. And for taking advantage of you when you were crying and drunk. Bye.” I laughed at that one, despite everything. Wait, why did he say I was crying? When was I crying? And why?

And that was followed by about twelve billion messages from my mom, asking where I am and saying she would basically brutally murder me if I didn’t come home soon. Yikes. I dreaded the idea of going home almost as much as I dreaded going to school on Monday.

Amy, who had finally gotten dressed as well, shut off her computer after checking her emails and joined me on the floor in front of the TV. She looked rather grim. “So, I’ve got some bad news.” She whispered. “I know what else you did last night that you can’t remember.” She said, frowning.

I put down my phone and turned to her. Oh god…

“So Davis sent me an email.” She started. “He said, blah blah, he’s really hung over, did I have fun last night, blah blah. Then he said something pretty interesting…” I dreaded whatever it was she was about to say, hanging on to her every word. “He told me that he finally told you that he was in love with you, and that he kissed you. And he also said that you slapped him and pushed him away, and basically told him that you would never date him and you pretty much never wanted to see him again.” She finished, her eyes looking worried.

“Oh no…” I whispered, my mouth falling open.

“Oh, there’s more. He’s really hurt, B. And he kind of hates you for it right now. He said he really loves you, and you just shot him down like that.” She said sadly.

“Oh my god… I can’t believe I did that. There’s no way I did that. Did I really do that?!” I cried out. Tears came to my eyes and stung, and my heart sank into my stomach.

“Yeah, you really did that.” Amy said sullenly. I was officially doomed.

- - -

Surprise, surprise… huge, dark storm clouds had rolled in on the horizon, signaling my further impending doom. Amy had driven me home once she was significantly less impaired than she had been yesterday (she had left her car in front of Liam’s house and taken a cab home). I waved goodbye to her sadly and stepped out into the rain.

In the few steps from her car to my front door I was pretty well soaked through to the skin and chilled to the bone. I was wearing my own clothes this time, the outfit I had been wearing during the day on Friday.

I felt the danger the minute I stepped through the front door. It slammed behind me, announcing my presence immediately. My mom stormed toward me from out of nowhere, oven mitt covered hands brandishing in the air. I was dead.

“Where the bloody hell have you been, Brenna Michelle Channing?!” She demanded, hands on her hips.

I had been caught mid-sneaking, and probably looked rather conspicuous. “Um… I slept over at Amy’s house.” I lied quickly. It was half true; I had been there, at least. And I had slept there, just not overnight. My mom glared at me.

“Oh, really?” She said, amused. “Is that why her mom said you weren’t there when I called last night?” She snapped. Oh, shit.

“Um, that’s because-“ I started, attempting to save my sorry ass.

”Is that why when I asked if she knew where you were, she said you were at Liam Ryker’s party?!” My mom hissed, cutting me off. I swore I could see steam coming out of her ears. “Is that why she said that you didn’t come back there until the next morning?!” She seethed, narrowing her dark eyes at me. I, obviously, had my dad’s blue eyes.

“Um, well -” I tried again, cowering next to the door. My mom may be short but let me tell you, she can be frightening as hell.

“Were you drinking?” She demanded, cornering me. “Smoking? Having sex? Why didn’t you call me? What on earth makes you think you can stay out all night at some strange boy’s house like that?!” The questions barreled out of her mouth faster than a bullet, and they kind of felt like one too.

“Mom, no! Well,” I said, deciding that at this point things could only get worse, so honesty was probably my best bet, “there was some drinking. But no to the other two. And mom, he’s not a strange boy, you’ve known him since before he was even born.” I explained, amazed that I had finally gotten a word in and praying she wouldn’t kill me. “And also,” I added, “It would be great if you didn’t hit me.” I said, cringing.

Her face softened slightly, but only for about a fraction of a second. “Oh, that’s true.” And then she resembled dragon lady once again. “But don’t think that means you aren’t grounded. You are too young to drink, young lady. Now go to your room.” She huffed. Wow, I’d been told. I obeyed immediately, thankful for the escape.

Slumping against my closed door, I tossed my cell phone down on my desk and slipped off my shoes. I flopped into the chair in front of my computer and decided to check my email, frightened of what I might find there. I had three new emails, one from Amy, one from Liam, and unfortunately one from Davis. Likely declaring his hate for me. I decided to check the one from Amy first, dreading too much what Davis’s would say.

I hope you’re feeling better. Get some more sleep hon. And I hope you didn’t get in too much trouble with your mom – my mom’s such a dork for telling her you were at a party. I’m sorry babe, this is pretty much my fault – I laughed at that. No, Ames, I think the booze did most of the talking last night – I can’t believe the Davis thing though, I hope he forgives you, I mean he sounded really sad in his email. I think you really hurt his feelings, B. I hope you guys can sort everything out, your friendship is too important to die over this. Call me later so I know your mom didn’t shoot you.

Love, Amy xoxo

Next, I checked the email from Liam. As if he didn’t get his point across in the two phone messages he left me? Geeze, Ryker.

Hey Brenna…

I’m sorry again about last night. And for saying that we had sex. Because we didn’t, and I know that that’s not funny, so I’m sorry for messing with you. But, just out of curiosity what exactly were you crying about when you kind of crashed into me last night? It’s probably none of my business – Damn straight, I thought – but it’s been bugging me. If anyone hurt you, I’ll kick their ass for you if you want. P.S: don’t tell Ronnie, but you are definitely a way better kisser than her. ; )

-Liam xo

That last comment simultaneously pissed me off and made me blush. I feared what I would find in Davis’s email, especially after what Amy had told me. Sighing and gritting my teeth, I opened it anyway.

Hi – Ouch, I thought, right from the first word it was already cold – So you probably don’t remember last night, but I might have slightly been an idiot, something to do with the fact that I was drunk, but whatever. I meant every word I said. Oh, wait, except you probably don’t remember. Right, well, I told you that I love you, Bree, and I do – I think I always will. I told you you’re amazing and beautiful, because you are, and you don’t even realize it. But you really hurt me, B, you basically killed me… you broke my heart. And I can’t forgive you for that.

-Davis

A tear slid down my cheek as I read this, and with my eyes blurry I could no longer see the computer screen. My heart felt like it had been pierced by an arrow, and my breathing became shallow. What had I done?

“Brenna, you’re grounded, no computer!” My mom yelled from downstairs. Sniffling, I turned off my computer screen and flipped off my light switch, flopping down on my bed and hugging my pillow close to me. My tears pooled on my pillow and I sobbed for all I was worth, crying until I thought I had no tears left. And then I fell asleep again, exhausted both physically and emotionally.

- - -

I did virtually nothing the rest of the weekend (obviously, seeing as I was grounded), except mope around the house, sleeping, listening to music, texting Amy and crying some more. I didn’t bother getting dressed, I mean what was the point, I was basically on house arrest for the rest of my life anyway.

I barely slept at all, tossing and turning and I did not want to wake up the next morning. I couldn’t show my face at school anymore. I had lost my best friend. And woke up in Liam Ryker’s bed. I would have to move out of the country, go into the witness protection program…

Beep, beep, beep… Ugh.

“Brenna, get your arse out of bed, you’re going to school whether you like it or not!” My mom hollered from the kitchen.

I smelled coffee a-brewing, and the smell alone was enough to drag me out of bed. Groaning, I hopped across the hall and into the shower, bleary-eyed and still half asleep. As soon as I washed my face with ice cold water, however, I was significantly more bright-eyed and bushy tailed.

After I blow-dried my hair into its usual wavy state, I stumbled back to my room to get dressed. I hated when it was still dark in the morning when I got up. It made me feel like I should still be sleeping. It was just sick and wrong.

I struggled into a pair of lightly washed out jeans with a few rips in them, a long white tank top with lace along the bottom and a light blue and white striped shirt with a scoop neck and longish sleeves that didn’t quite reach my elbows.

I didn’t bother with makeup; I rarely did anyway, so I just shrugged on a navy blue zip-up hoody from American Eagle, grabbed my bag and dashed downstairs. Some idiotic part of me forgot temporarily that Davis hated me and when I didn’t see him grinning at me from the kitchen table my heart sank.

Sitting on the edge of the couch, I pulled on my Converse and lazily tied the laces. My mom was nowhere to be seen, but there was still some coffee in the pot which I dashed for immediately. I hastily made myself some scrambled eggs and toast, shoveled it down and stepped outside.

So, no Davis, I thought as I glanced sadly at his house on the corner, but just then Amy, the angel that she was, pulled up in her car. I slid into the front seat of the gorgeous vehicle, sighing and rubbing my tired eyes.

“Morning, sunshine.” Amy said cheerfully, far too cheerfully for this early in the morning, as far as I was concerned.

“He hates me.” I muttered, pouting at Amy. She was sipping green tea out of a thermos and fiddling with the CD player. “Um, save a hand for the steering wheel, there, cow girl.” I laughed.

Swallowing a sip of her tea, Amy giggled. “Sorry. You do it, then.” She said, nodding at the stereo. I pressed the power button and cranked up the volume, and The Spill Canvas filled my ears. Ah, this music was very befitting of my current mood: depressing.

“Oh, did he talk to you?” Ames asked, taking another swig of her herbal tea. I almost needed another five cups of coffee to just to make it through this day.

- - -

I dragged myself through my first few classes with much effort, nearly falling asleep in all of them. In Com Tech, I snuck out my phone and texted Amy, not wanting to eat lunch alone today.

Amy, skip third for me? I don’t feel like being all alone today… I am sad. – B

I waited nearly half the period for her reply. Amy didn’t skip class and she didn’t skip school – she was a do-gooder. Finally, I felt something vibrate against my leg, startling me.

Normally I would say no way, but considering your situation, it’s a date, babe. – Love A

Eventually, as my head slipped ever closer to the keyboard, the bell rang for lunch. My stomach, gurgling, likely did a little happy dance. I heaved my bag over my shoulder and strode out of the room, crashing directly into Liam Ryker. Why did that happen so often?

“Hey,” he said, sounding surprisingly nice. He had to put his hands on my arms to steady me. My cheeks instantly felt warm at his touch, so I quickly pulled away from him.

I just glared at him and tried to walk around him, but he put out his arm to stop me and I walked into it. He frowned at me, raising an eyebrow. Liam leaned down closer to me and whispered, “Are you okay?” sounding genuinely worried.

“No.” I muttered, avoiding his magnetic eyes. “My life is over.” I bit back tears and walked away, leaving him standing there, staring after me with a concerned look on his face.

I turned the corner to find Amy leaning against my locker in Davis’s place, looking perfect in a long brown peasant skirt, pale pink ballet flats and a pink Abercrombie polo. Her long hair was tossed up in a messy bun that still somehow looked awesome. She was hurriedly writing away in a notebook, glancing back and forth from a textbook to the notebook.

“Did someone not do her homework for once in her life?” I gasped, shocked, as I nudged her out of my way to open my locker and toss my books in.

Amy mumbled, “Mm… no, I want to do it before tonight so I don’t have any homework.”

I pulled out my wallet and stuffed it in my bag, kicking my locker shut. Amy and I made our way through the crowded halls to the cafeteria, bobbing and weaving through a sea of bodies. I hadn’t seen Davis yet today, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to; it would just hurt too much.

Just as I thought this, he appeared in the queue in front of us. He looked good, his bed head hair messy in just the right way, his jeans snug and low on his waist and his adorable eyes looking sad and cold. He briefly glanced back at me, but quickly turned his eyes away, giving me a cold stare. I almost died.

Amy and I headed outside with our food, me insisting that it was still warm enough to sit outside and Amy objecting, complaining that she was wearing a skirt. We flopped down in front of my usual tree, just across from the football field where Liam’s gym class was currently playing lacrosse – so basically beating each other over the heads with sticks.

I was halfway through my bowl of pasta; mouth full, when it happened. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Veronica striding purposefully towards the field where Liam was, storming like the wicked witch of the west. I could almost see steam escaping from her ears.

“Uh oh…” I mumbled through a mouthful of noodles, pointing towards Veronica. Amy followed my hand and her mouth fell open.

“Oh man... do you think she knows?!” She gasped, sipping her chocolate milk through a bendy straw.

“Ya think?” I said sarcastically. “She did kind of see us going up to his room, if I remember correctly.” I whispered, as if I was afraid Veronica would hear me.

We both stared in horror as she approached where Liam stood in the net, with his lacrosse stick in the air. She stalked up right beside the net, her hands on her hips, looking furious. We strained to hear the show from here.

“Liam Ryker, you are a liar, a player, and a huge jerk!” She screamed, balling up her little fists and brandishing them at him. “I hate you!”

Liam, caught off guard, turned to her, surprised. He lifted his helmet off of his face, and then held it in his hand. He shrugged, holding his hands up in the air in defense. He said something I couldn’t quite make out, looking puzzled. While he was distracted, the ball whizzed into the net just past his head and his team booed at him.

Veronica walked around and stood in the net with him, waving her arms in the air. I saw her turn around and actually gesture at me, and I froze. “Oh god, Ames, she just pointed at me!” I whispered, horrified, my mouth hanging open.

The guys on Liam’s team were jeering and shouting at him to shut up and play, but he was a little too preoccupied with an angry girlfriend who was screaming at him and pointing at me, and I could only imagine what she was saying. It could be nothing good.

Liam was trying to get a word in but Veronica was far too busy yelling at him to let him talk. Me and Amy looked on in silence, watching the horrible scene unfold before us. The two of them were both gesturing frantically, Liam attempting to apologize and Veronica still bitching and screaming. And then I heard those fateful words.

“Forget you! It’s over, Liam! I never want to see you again.” Veronica yelled. This was immediately followed by a slap in the face, the sound of which echoed across the schoolyard.

And as I watched her storm away with her head held high I actually saw her eyes fill with tears as they streamed down her tanned cheeks. She glared daggers at me as she walked past. I saw Liam standing stock-still in the middle of the net, his mouth hanging open, still staring after her. All the guys were jeering and laughing at him, but his expression was nothing but serious.

Oh god, I am a home wrecker.

- - -

The rest of the week passed quickly. No, that’s a lie; it went by as slowly as a snail in molasses. It was mostly due to the whole being grounded-induced boredom that caused it to go by so slowly. I was fairly certain that this was how the rest of my life was going to go, considering that’s how long I’d been grounded for. My Friday night was super exciting: I sat in my room and did nothing. Fun times.

I fell asleep rather early that night, feeling like a prisoner in my own room. Death Cab for Cutie played softly in the background in my dark room. A soft blue light streamed in through my window from the moonlight, and every now and then the wind howled and I heard the branches scrape against the glass.

I slept poorly again that night, as I had done all week, tossing, turning and fitful with nightmares. I had stopped crying myself to sleep over Davis a few days ago, seeing no point in it anymore.

I awoke extremely early Saturday morning, having hardly slept at all, and saw no point in going back to sleep because I probably wouldn’t be able to anyway. It was just around sunrise now; the streets were lined with early morning mist. I rubbed my tired eyes as I rolled out of bed and a quick glance in the mirror revealed telltale dark circles under my eyes that gave away my insomnia.

Groaning, I traded in my blue plaid pajama pants for a pair of grey track pants that read Hollister across the bum, and pulled a white ribbed tank top over my head. Glancing in the mirror, I tossed my hair up into a messy ponytail, leaving my bangs down. Shrugging on a black zip up hoody, I stuffed my cell phone in my pocket, grabbed my house keys and mp3 player and tiptoed down the stairs. I quietly shut my bedroom door behind me – I knew no one in this house would be awake at this hour, so I was safe for now.

I had also noticed in the mirror the gigantic hickey on my neck, which I was now using cover up to disguise. Thanks a lot, Ryker. I looked like I had been attacked by a vampire – well, I guess technically I had. I clumsily put on my black and white Pumas and slipped out the front door before anyone could see me leave.

Jogging was an awesome way to relieve tension and stress – I often went jogging when something was bugging me just to clear my head and think. Plus, I also had to stay fit for soccer. And what better time than seven in the morning? No one else would be around at this time on a Saturday, so it was perfect because I wanted to be alone.

As I walked past Davis’s house on the corner I tried really hard to avoid looking at it, but I couldn’t help it. As I glanced at it, so many memories that he and I had together came rushing back, forcing me to bite my tongue so that I wouldn’t start crying right then and there. I quickened my pace, looking away from his house.

I usually went jogging on our school’s circular track, the one that ran around the football field and was lined by bleachers. It was better than just jogging on the street because I had less of a chance of bumping into anyone that way. When I finally arrived at the track, I flopped down on the bleachers first to make sure my shoes were tied tightly enough.

Once that was done I switched on my mp3 player, popping the earphone into my ear and the player into my pocket. My ears were filled with music by The Shins as I began running my laps around the track. Jogging always made me feel so much better; it made me feel light and free, like I could do anything, and it made me feel good about myself. And like I mentioned before, it helped me to get rid of stress – and currently I had a lot of that on my hands. I had lost a best friend, nearly slept with Liam Ryker and ruined his relationship - apparently not for the first time either.

The sky was getting brighter and the morning mist was beginning to dissipate, save for the droplets of dew beading on the grass. It was still cool, but that was a good thing as far as I was concerned because I was likely going to work up a good sweat anyway, doing this.

My shoes kicked up orange stones as I ran, gathering dust clouds in my wake. I was sort of absorbed in myself as I ran, blocking out the rest of the world as I drowned in my thoughts. I had run around five laps already, and moisture was beading on my brow and my back. My breathing was getting heavier and I was already growing tired, but not planning on stopping anytime soon.

So absorbed was I that at first I didn’t hear anyone calling my name, or any other footsteps on the track, and I didn’t see it coming. And then one of my earphones slipped out of my ear and all the sounds in the world came back to me.

I heard someone calling my name, so I turned over my shoulder as I ran only to see Liam standing near the bleachers, shouting at me. I glared at him, turned around and continued running, ignoring him.

“Brenna! Stop!” He yelled, and then I heard footsteps behind me. I groaned.

“Leave me alone!” I shouted back at him, not stopping. “Everything will just be better if you just leave me alone!”

“No!” He yelled, still running after me. “No! Wait, just listen to me!”

“No!” I cried out. “I don’t want to hear what you have to say, I don’t care.” I began to pick up my pace, panting now.

“Brenna! Just wait!” He shouted again. “Please? I really need to talk to you, okay?!” I glanced behind me to see him speed up as well, so I whirled around again, head down, and ran faster. I began to realize that it was rather amusing that we were running in circles, chasing each other. Well, he was chasing me. But I was getting tired, and he had only just begun.

“No, Liam!” I yelled, running as fast as I could manage at the moment. “Go away!”

“No! I need you to listen to me!” Liam called out. “Stop, please?! Brenna, stop!” I could hear the frustration in his voice.

I was getting tired now, and my footsteps were getting slower; my body aching and my legs shaking. I couldn’t outrun him much longer, and when I looked behind me I saw that he was quickly catching up to me. This was really quite absurd. We would probably both laugh about it someday. But not right now.

All of a sudden, he had gained on me, and was now running right beside me, panting. “Brenna! Yo, stop! I need to… talk… to… you!” He gasped between breaths.

I shook my head at him and attempted to run faster, no longer able to muster words.

“Fine!” Liam huffed. I assumed that meant he was going to give up, but the next thing I knew he had launched himself at me, tackling me, and we both fell to the grass beside the track with a thump with him on top of me. I groaned in pain.

“Are you insane?!” I snarled at him, his face only inches away from mine. “Oh, wait, that’s a stupid question. Of course you’re crazy.” I wheezed, his body on top of mine squeezing the breath out of me.

Liam groaned too. “Yeah, yeah, maybe I am, okay?” He said hurriedly, still not moving from his position on top of me. “I’d clearly have to be, to be… to be crazy about you.” He admitted softly, avoiding my piercing gaze.

My eyes widened. I felt my heart pound faster against my ribcage, and butterflies swarming in my gut, making me feel sick. What? What?! “What?!” I choked out aloud finally. I was certain he could feel the heat radiating from my cheeks from here, they were so hot. “What the hell are you talking about, Ryker?” I demanded, unable to comprehend what he had just said to me. My legs had turned to jell-O – blubbering, useless jell-O.

“You heard me.” He said quietly, attempting to look me in the eyes as he spoke. “Don’t humiliate me by making me say it again.” He muttered, and for once in my life I actually saw Liam Ryker blush.

He began to slowly stand up, dusting himself off as he got up, leaving me lying in the grass, stunned and wide-eyed. Then he held out his hand for me, nervously ruffling the back of his hair.

I slowly thawed out my immobile body and took his hand, shivering and yet feeling his warmth course through my hand at the same time when my skin touched his. I looked up at him, my mouth hanging open – probably looking like an idiot – confused.

“Listen,” He said, staring at his feet. “I mean, two of my relationships ended because of you -”, I scowled at this, “now I’m not exactly proud of that, but yeah. Do you think it was really just a coincidence, me running into you all the time? Why do you think I didn’t say no to that dare on the camping trip? Why do you think, while I was dating the most popular girls in school, I still kept coming back to you?” He explained.

My heart was racing as he spoke, towering over me with those amazing eyes of his with the power to make any girl swoon, gazing down at me seriously. Was he just pulling my leg again? You could never tell with this guy. He sounded like he really meant what he was saying. I stared back up at him shyly, my eyes still wide.

Liam moved closer to me, placing his hands on my wrists and then taking my hands in his. I shivered again at his touch, his fingers laced through mine tightly. He squeezed my hands reassuringly. I gazed up at him, my eyes locked on his and I was unable to look anywhere else, his eyes piercing right through me. He pulled me closer, embracing me in a warm hug, pressing my face into his chest. Surprised, it took a moment before I gathered myself enough to wrap my arms around his waist. One of his hands came to rest on my lower back, and the other cradled the back of my head.

He whispered softly into my hair, “I can’t help it, Brenna.” He sighed. “I can’t even really try to deny it anymore. You just… you just do something to me and I can’t explain it.”

My eyes shot wide open as he said this, my cheek pressed against his chest felt warm again. We stayed there in each other’s arms for a long time, saying nothing, the wind whistling through the trees the only sound besides our breathing. And then it hit me. I couldn’t do this: it could never work. I pulled away from him abruptly, distancing myself from his entrancing gaze. I couldn’t allow myself to be sucked in by it again.

“What’s wrong?” He asked, concern appearing on his face.

“I can’t do this,” I said quietly, my eyes directed at the ground.

“Do what?” He queried, raising an eyebrow and shrugging.

“This.” I repeated. “You. I can’t date you, Liam. I just can’t.”

Liam stared at me, looking slightly hurt. “Why not?” He asked quietly after a moment, folding his arms over his chest.

“I mean, come on. Look at you. People like you and me aren’t supposed to be together, it just doesn’t make sense. And come on, do you really think it would work? Just look at your past two relationships. How many times did you cheat on them? How could I possibly trust you after that? How would I know that you wouldn’t do the same thing to me?” I said, chancing a look in his eyes.

They looked sad, and were getting colder with every word I said. “You’re… you’re different, that’s why. I wouldn’t do that to you, Brenna. Please, just give me a chance.” He pleaded, his eyes never moving from mine.

I sighed, shaking my head and hugging myself with my arms, suddenly feeling the chill air seep into my skin. “I want to believe that, Liam, I really do. But I can’t, I’m sorry…” I whispered to my feet. I couldn’t look at him, it would kill me. I took a few unsteady steps backwards, and then started to turn. “I have to go.” I said quickly.

And then I ran.

- - -

Finally I got home, exhausted and panting and glistening with sweat – gross. I tried to sneak in through the front door and just disappear to my room, but with my mother that was next to impossible.

She swooped in on me like a hawk, peering at me curiously. “Where have you been?” She demanded.

“I went jogging,” I replied nonchalantly, shrugging and trying to get past her. She blocked my way.

“You know you’re not supposed to go out.” She said darkly, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Uh, yeah, but you don’t seriously expect me to stay in the house all day, do you?”
I gawked, beginning to get irritated. “It’s not like I was with anyone. Besides, I need to get my exercise – you’ve seen how much I eat, mom.” I attempted a bit of humour, but I don’t think it worked as I wasn’t exactly in a humourous mood myself.

“Right.” My mom muttered. “Go upstairs and do your homework.” She ordered, pointing.

“Sure.” I obeyed meekly, not in any position to argue with her.

I was bored for the entire day, so bored apparently that I actually did as I was told and did my homework. All of it. But apparently today I just had nothing better to do. I had noticed that my room had been getting a little out of hand as of late, so I even went so far as to tidy it, blasting my All Time Low CD that Amy had burned for me. Yeah, yeah, I know, shame on me for listening to music I hadn’t paid for. Whatever, man.

I snuck on the computer quickly while my mom was out grocery shopping. No new emails. Tres tres sad and disappointing. Whoa, apparently boredom caused me to speak French. Well, anyways, it was to be expected. I was short one best friend and I had just rejected two guys within the course of one week, so I couldn’t really be terribly surprised, now could I?

Later that evening, I was folding my laundry that my mom had done for me – yes, she still did my laundry – thankfully I had no terribly lacy undergarments to be too embarrassed about.

I was still shut away in my room on house arrest – not literally, of course. My mom kept yelling at me every now and then to turn my music down, so when the yelling ceased I assumed that she had gone out. Just to make sure, I peeked out onto the driveway through my curtains, and sure enough, her van was not there. I sighed with relief: home alone, at last.

I flew downstairs and fixed myself a snack: a huge glass of chocolate milk and a stack of cookies, and headed back to my room, shutting the door behind me. Now that my mom was gone, I was free to do whatever I wanted without getting yelled at, so I cranked up the volume on my CD player – I was now listening to Rooney. More specifically, I was listening to “I’m Shakin’”. This song always had the amazing ability to make me want to dance, and this was amazing because I did not dance. Ever.

I was waiting for the dryer to stop still, because most… actually, all of my pants were in there. I was currently wearing a white T-shirt that said “The Beatles” on it, a pair of bright red Elmo underwear and a pair of lime green slippers, all of which probably looked ridiculous, but whatever man – I had no pants.

So there I was, alone in my house, dancing around in my Elmo underwear to Rooney and currently holding a pair of underwear that I was about to put away. And that’s precisely the moment when he came in.

I whirled around, mid-dancing, a pair of underwear in my hand and me, standing there in my underwear like an idiot, to see Liam Ryker standing in my doorway, staring at me. I watched his eyes widen as they took in my half-nakedness, and they ran up and down my body. His mouth curled into a smirk as he continued to stare at me.

Oh god… “You!” I choked out, freezing where I was. “You’re in my room! Why are you in my room?” I wondered, dazed.

Liam grinned at me, staring mostly at my lower half. “Well… I came to apologize…” he started, raising his eyes to my face with a smug look in them, “but clearly you were already waiting for me.” He winked at me, shutting my door behind him. He walked towards me slowly.

I scowled at him. Typical, I thought. I folded my arms over my chest, still clutching the underwear in my hand. “If you have something that’s actually important to say, then say it.” I spat out, glaring daggers at him. “Otherwise stop wasting my time.”

Liam, still grinning at me, closed in on the space between us, standing very close to me – barely inches away. “I do have something to say, actually -” he started.

“As always…” I cut in, rolling my eyes.

He ignored me and continued. “I wanted to say I’m sorry I jumped you while you were trying to go jogging, and I’m sorry for knocking you over.” He apologized sincerely, although I did catch him smirking slightly. “But I’m not sorry for what I said, and I don’t take it back. Any of it.” He added, smiling at me mischievously.

I frowned at him. “Ookay… so what does that mean, then?” I asked, slightly lost. I stared up at him, flipping my ponytail over my shoulder with my free hand.

“It means I’m not giving up just yet.” He whispered mysteriously. Then he caught me off guard by moving his body up against mine, grabbing my face in his hands and kissing me abruptly. I almost melted against his smooth lips, and I was so shocked I dropped the underwear I had been holding and they fell to the ground at our feet.

So there I was, no longer alone in my house, listening to Rooney and utterly pants less save for my Elmo underwear, kissing Liam Ryker. Again. What was wrong with me?

---

A/N: Heyy! So the funny thing is, I actually was finished this chapter like a day after I finished 15, but it's so bloody long that it took forever to type up. Haha, sorry! Left you guys hangin there. And in case it wasn't made clear enough in this chapter: Brenna and Liam did NOT have sex. Kay?

Until next week! Love,

LemonySnickerz