Never Think - Chapter 8

Chapter 8:


The following morning Rob and I liked to have never gotten out of bed. The non-stop ringing of my phone finally forced me out of the comfort that was Rob and my sheets. My mom had called, insisting I come over for the rest of the day and night until Cameron was home tomorrow. My parents were going out of town and she didn’t want to board the dogs for just one night, she wanted me to come stay with them. I reluctantly agreed. I was carrying my overnight bag to the door and noticed Rob’s eyes following my every move.

“What?” I asked, as I looked at him leaning against the bar.

“When will I see you again?”

I sighed, walking over to him, pulling on his shirt. “Come with me,” I begged.

“To your parents’ house? I don’t think that’s appropriate; what if someone sees us?”

I thought for a moment. “Well, mom’s coming to pick me up. You could wear a hoodie or hat and just get in the car with her and she can take you to the house. You’ll go in through the garage. Nobody will be following you or even think about it. I’ll just catch a cab a little while after you guys leave. So, it will just look like I’m going home, alone.”

“That’s putting me in a bit of an awkward situation with your mum, don’t you think?” Rob asked.

“What do you mean? My mom loves you.”

“Yes, but does she know...we’re...you know...”

“She knows I’m crazy about you,” I said, smiling and leaning up to kiss him. I could feel him smiling against my lips. “It will be fine; I promise.”



My mother arrived a few minutes later and I filled her in on the plan. She was thrilled with the idea of some alone time with Rob.

As soon as they left, it suddenly dawned on me that I was slightly concerned about what Rob may ask my mom about me, or me and Michael. I had no idea what my mom would say.

I rang Jerry and asked him to arrange a cab for me and to also overnight Mike’s phone to him. I had nearly forgotten.

***


“So what brought you to L. A. Rob?”

“Your daughter,” Rob laughed.

Jules laughed too. “I figured as much. I haven’t gotten the scoop from her yet, what happened? Last I knew she was mad at Mike about something, and then the next thing I know, you’re here.”

Rob sighed. “Yea, I don’t know how it happened really. It all sort of happened so fast,” Rob hesitated. “Does she talk to you about me?”

“Sometimes. She’s terribly confused Rob. You have to keep in mind, she’s still young. She doesn’t have the experience with these things that you do.”

“I don’t have any experience with loving two women,” Rob joked.

“You really think you love her?” She said seriously.

“I’m sure I do. I’ve known well before now, what isn’t to love? She is incredible. I can’t blame Mike, I mean, we’re both fighting for the same girl, I just hope to God I win,” Rob said, staring out the window.

Jules reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “I do know she’s crazy about you, I think she is just confused when it comes to Mike. They’re best friends, he is all she has ever known. He’s always been there for her. It’s scary to her, to throw that away, for some older british guy who could have any girl in the world.”

Rob sighed. “I’ve told her a million times that she is all I want, she’s all I’ll ever want. I’ve tried to move on, I’ve tried to date other girls, and she seems to get jealous. Only then did she proclaim her true feelings for me, when I started showing interest in other girls.”

Jules shook her head in agreement. “I think she thought you’d always be around, vying for her, and when you didn’t, it scared her.”

“I think after last night, it will be different between us. I think we’re on the same page now. But it’s like every time she talks to him, or sees him, she goes right back to being his girl. I don’t know Ms. Stewart, I’m honestly scared to death. I can’t go back to being her friend, watching her with him. I can’t.”

“What happened last night?”

“Well, we just sort of came clean to each other, she stopped lying to me finally and told me everything...”

“Well, you must be doing something right, after all, she’s asked me to sneak you into my house.”

Rob laughed. “That is true.” Rob looked up, noting they were arriving at the Stewart residence.

“Ms. Stewart, if she brings it up again, would you tell her how I feel about her? I mean, I tell her all the time, but I thought maybe if she heard it from you...”

Jules smiled. “Of course Rob, I’m definitely on Team Rob, you’re exactly what she needs. I like Mike and all, but she just absolutely glows around you, I love seeing her so happy.”

“But what if it fades; wasn’t she glowing initially with Mike?”

“Their relationship progressed slowly, she was happy with him, but I’ve never seen her as happy as she is with you.”

Rob smiled, knowing he was never as happy as he was when he was with Kristen.

They stepped out of the car in the garage of the house and headed inside. Rob stopped Jules right outside the door. “Thank you for the talk Ms. Stewart, I really appreciate you being so open with me about Kristen.”

Jules pulled Rob in for a hug. “Anytime Rob.”

***

I sat in the back of the cab in my parents’ drive way, twisted around in my seat waiting for the black car to pass. I saw the same familiar face in the window of the black vehicle as it passed by me. A chill went through my body. I handed the driver some cash and quickly went inside.

My parents and Rob were standing around the bar in the kitchen. Rob had a beer in hand. I smiled momentarily at the thoughtfulness of my parents to offer him a beer. The smile faded when I glanced out the window and saw the black car driving past the house again, leaving the neighborhood this time.

“Kristen, you okay hun?” My dad asked, noting my uneasiness.

I ran my fingers through my hair. “Yea, its...its just that guy, the same one, following me again.”

“What guy?” Rob asked.

“Just this weird guy that has been following me when I’m in L. A. It has just been the last few months. He must tip of the paparazzi when I’m in town. He never has a camera. He just appears out of nowhere, just creeps me out.”

“Well I’m glad Rob’s staying with you tonight, you’ll be fine, don’t freak yourself out over nothing. Keep the doors locked, we’ve got to get going,” my mom said. She kissed me on the forehead and my dad followed suit. “I guess you’ll already be gone back to Vancouver when we get back?”

“Yea, Dad.” I hugged him, and he kissed my hair. “You be good kiddo, I love you, we’ll see you soon hopefully.”

I smiled. “Love you too; you guys be careful.”

My parents disappeared through the door leading to the garage.

I walked up to Rob and put my arms around him. “So, what do you want to do?” I asked.

He took another sip of his beer and looked down at me. “Well, I should have gone by my hotel and showered and gotten a few things, but if the paps are around, its probably not a good idea.”

“Oh, right. I’m sorry, I wasn’t even thinking about that when I schemed a way to get you in here.

Rob laughed. “Well, I don’t plan on being clothed very long.” He grinned.

“Is that right?” I teased.

“It is.” His lips gently brushed mine. I laughed when I heard the loud growling of his stomach. I pulled away from him. “I’m so sorry!” I looked at the time on the microwave in the kitchen. It was after 4:00 p.m. “I haven’t fed you all day!”

Rob laughed again. “I know! God Kristen, what kind of girlfriend are you!” He joked.

I gave him a playful punch in the arm and walked around the bar into the kitchen to see what I could come up with.



We spent most of the night eating pizza and drinking entirely too much beer while watching funny movies. I let the dogs out and cleaned up a bit before heading upstairs for the night with Rob.

I tripped half way up the stairs nearly taking Rob out behind me. We both just sat on the stairs laughing uncontrollably. “I told you I had too much to drink!”

“You can never have too much!” Rob proclaimed.

We finally made it up to my room and I began changing into a comfy t-shirt to sleep in while Rob walked around my room, inspecting everything. It was his first time in this room. I had old pictures and random things that lined the walls, various music collections and books, all of which were holding his attention. After I changed clothes I sat on the bed and observed him. I watched as he came to the bulletin board above my desk that was littered with old goofy pictures of me and Michael.

“You looked happy,” he said quietly.

“That was a long time ago.”

He turned to look at me, but didn’t say anything.

“I’m happier now.” I finally said.

“Are you sure?” He asked, coming to sit beside me on the bed.

“Rob, I’m sure. I don’t want to talk about him. I just want to be with you.” I pulled him closer to me and kissed him forcefully, hoping he would forget about the pictures of me and Michael.

Rob did forget quickly, making quick work of removing my shirt. We made drunk love for hours. It was quite entertaining. I think his tongue had explored every inch of my body, and I think I left more than a few bite marks in various places along his chest and shoulders. We laid beside each other, breathless.

“I’m freezing!” I said, curling into him and pulling the covers over me.

Rob laughed. “How can you be cold after that?”

“It’s freaking cold in here. My parents keep the thermostat set like a meat locker!”

“You’re silly, Kristen!” He said, as he kissed my forehead.

“I’m going downstairs to get a drink and to turn the air down, do you want anything?” I asked, pulling away from him.

“No, I’m perfect. Thank you though.”

I smiled and crawled out of the bed, searching the floor for his stoli shirt. It was so comfortable, I understood why he wore it all the time. I threw it on quickly and headed downstairs.

I got a glass from the cabinet and filled it with ice from the fridge and got some water. All the beer had dehydrated me. I turned around to head into the living room, where the thermostat was, when I saw a man staring back at me.

It was him. The same guy from earlier, in the black car. He was dressed from head to toe in black. He had thinning salt and pepper hair and a bit darker mustache. He was just standing in my living room looking at me. I dropped the glass instantly and screamed as loud as I could, trying to run but stepping in glass along the way. He ran towards me and covered my mouth with a gloved hand.

“Shut up!!” He demanded. I could hear Rob running down the stairs and I heard him stop suddenly when myself and the stranger came into his view. The man had me in a choke hold and I was waiting for my neck to be snapped at any moment.

He suddenly threw me into the bar, and I raised my arm trying to catch myself, but instead, I slammed into the hard granite and I lost my balance, falling quickly to the floor.

“If you call the police I’ll make sure neither one of you see the light of day again.” The man disappeared quickly through the door that lead to the garage.

Rob ran past me, through the kitchen and towards the garage. I sat on the floor shaking, tears pouring down my cheeks from the pain of crashing into the bar and the little stabbing sensations on the bottom of my feet.

Rob returned a few minutes later and crouched down beside me. He pulled my hair back from my face. “Are you okay?”

I shook my head no. “That was him, the guy I told you about earlier.” I cried.

“Who is he?”

“I have no idea. How did he get in here??”

“He must have manually lifted the garage door, he rolled under it and disappeared down the street, I never heard a car start, he must have come on foot.”

“I don’t understand! What does he want??”

“I don’t know. We really should call the police, Kristen.” He picked up one of my feet, looking at the bottom, slowly plucking a few shards of glass from it. “I need a towel, you have a really nasty cut here.”

I pointed in the direction of the guest bathroom down the hallway and across the room. He returned quickly with two towels, a damp one and a dry one. He cleaned up my feet a bit and looked at me sternly.

“Kris, this one is really bad, you really should go to the emergency room, I think you may need stitches.”

“No! I’m not going!” I yelled at him. “There should be some gauze and band-aids in my parents’ linen closet, down the hall, last room on the left. We’ll wrap it up, it will be okay.”

Rob sighed and hesitated momentarily and then did as I said. He bandaged my left foot and wrapped it tightly in gauze. I had him help me up and I hobbled over to the couch in the living room, picking up the cordless phone on the end table, praying my mom would answer her phone.

She didn’t. I dropped my head in my hands and cried. Rob sat beside me and pulled me into him. “It’s okay.” He whispered against my hair.

“What do we do??”

“I think we really need to call the police.”

“We can’t. You heard what he said!”

“I know baby, but they need to at least make a report, have a record of a break-in, if not, he’ll just come back!”

“No, no. I don’t want the police involved. It will go public, and everyone will know you were here, I don’t want to deal with that!”

Rob sighed. “You are so stubborn.”

“I’m sorry.” I cried. I wrapped my arms around his neck. “Let’s get out of here. I don’t want to stay here. I’m completely freaking out.”

“Let me clean up your mess you made in the kitchen; we can go to my hotel.”

I sighed. “I can’t be seen going into your hotel at 3:00 in the morning.”

“Fuck being seen, Kristen! He could have killed you for God sakes!”

A chill went through my body. “I have an idea. Come with me.” I grabbed his hand and headed towards my parents bedroom and into their large walk-in closet. I pulled out a large rolling duffle bag.

“I don’t understand.” Rob said, looking at me, confused.

“I can fit in here.”

Rob laughed. “I am not wheeling you into my hotel room in a fucking suitcase!”

“Do you have any other ideas!” I screamed, seriously.

“Kristen, calm down.”

“No, I’m not calming down until I get out of this fucking house, if it is by way of a suitcase then so be it! I want out of here! I feel like he is watching me. I’m scared.” I cried.

“Okay, okay. We’ll figure something out. Go upstairs and put some clothes on and grab mine.”

“You have to come with me. I’m not going up there alone.”

“Okay.”

Rob followed me up the stairs and I put some clothes on, returning his shirt to him. We gathered our things quickly and cleaned up the mess in the kitchen before leaving. We took my dad’s truck, hoping to go unnoticed. We parked in the garage of Rob’s hotel and I got in the fetal position in the large rolling duffle bag. Rob pulled the bag off the seat and it hit the pavement hard.

“Ouch! Fuck, Rob! Be a little more careful, okay?”

Rob laughed momentarily. “I’m sorry, be quiet, there are people around.”

I heeded his warning and was silent until I heard a door close. “Are we here?” I whispered.

“Yes.” He unzipped the suitcase, letting me out.

“Whew, that was a rough ride.”

Rob laughed. “I can’t imagine.”

I hit him in the stomach playfully.

“Let’s get some sleep Kris, it’s nearly 5:00 a.m., the sun will be rising soon.”

“Okay.” I didn’t even bother changing. I pulled my jeans off and just crawled into bed with the shirt I had on. I was exhausted and my foot was still throbbing.

Although I was extremely tired, I found myself tossing non-stop, a million thoughts racing through my mind. I couldn’t sleep. I finally got up and sat in the chair next to the window, occasionally glancing out through the curtains, on to the street, to see if I saw his car.

My phone beeping on the nightstand startled me. I ran over to get it quickly before it woke Rob. I sat back down near the window and flipped open my phone.

Are you awake? - Mike

I sighed. I didn’t want to deal with him right now. He would freak out if I told him about what had happened hours earlier, not to mention the fact that I was with Rob.

Sort of, what’s up? I responded, pretending to be half asleep. As I waited for his response I still kept my eyes peeled on the window.

My phone beeped again and I cursed under my breath for not having put it on silent.

I had a bad dream about you. Are you okay? Where are you? - Mike

Hmm. That’s interesting, I thought. His timing was so convenient. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

I’m at home. I’m fine. How are you holding up? I responded.

I’m hanging in there I guess. The funeral is tomorrow morning. Mom is a mess, I can’t stand being around her like this. - Mike

I’m sorry baby. :( Although I had serious doubts about him lately, I really did feel terrible for him. He lost his uncle suddenly, his mom was a wreck, and I’m sure he knew he was losing me. The thought of having to end it with him soon made me sick to my stomach, so much so that I ran to the bathroom, just in case. I lingered momentarily over the commode before the wave of nausea passed. I stood up and remembered that I hadn’t taken my birth control pill at dinner, as I normally would. I grabbed my make up bag and pulled out the little purple plastic case. When I picked up the foil square package inside I noticed one of the pills lingered in the purple case instead of in it’s package. Strange. I thought. Must have fallen out while traveling. I grabbed the loose pill and popped it in to my mouth.

I resumed my post back by the window and sent Mike another quick message, telling him I was going back to sleep and that I would talk to him later.

“Have you slept at all?”

I gasped and looked up. Rob’s words startled me. “I thought you were asleep,” I said quickly, exhaling.

He was still in bed but was propped up by his elbow, staring at me. “I thought you were supposed to be sleeping,” he responded.

“I can’t.”

“Kristen, the sun is rising, you haven’t slept at all. Please come lay down.”

I pulled my knees to my chest and shook my head no, glancing up at him over my knee caps. “I want to go back to Vancouver.”

Rob rubbed his eyes in confusion. “What? We don’t have to be back for two more days.”

“I know, but he’s never there. I feel safer there.”

Rob sighed. “Okay, Kristen, please just come lay down and I’ll book us a flight as soon as we get up, okay?”

I shook my head and crawled in bed next to Rob. I still didn’t sleep though.


We got up a few hours later and got our stuff together. Rob stayed at the hotel and I took my dad’s truck back to my parents’ house. I decided I wasn’t going to tell them what happened, I didn’t want them to call the police. I was pretty sure whatever this guy wanted, had to do with me, not them. I took a cab to the airport and got on the next flight to Vancouver. So as not to be suspicious, Rob took a later flight.


***Author’s Note: I hope you all liked it. Thanks for the comments and thank you to those of you who follow me on Twitter! @AllOrNothingKR There may not be another chapter posted until the weekend. I’ve got a crazy busy week at work ahead and a Christmas party this weekend, so it will be touch and go! I’ve actually written this ahead quite a bit, but I can’t post it all at once! So, hopefully sometime this week or next weekend it will be updated again. Thanks!!

**CHAPTER 9 - CLICK HERE**

Never Think - Chapter 7

Chapter 7:

Once I dictated to Jerry everything I would need, I got in the shower. It was something I’d been dying to do since Michael left. I felt so much better afterward. I rarely got to be sexy for Rob and I wanted to play dress up for him tonight. I took extra care in moisturizing my body with a scented lotion that I loved. It smelt faintly of pomegranate. It was sweet, but not too strong and it made my skin feel like silk.

I searched my closet for something sexy and cute. I found a little red dress that would be perfect. It was once an option for an awards show, but something a little edgier beat it out at the time. I carefully stepped into it and shimmied it up my body. It was very low cut, and there was no use in wearing a bra. I tied the halter tightly around my neck, giving me just a tad bit of cleavage.

I spent over an hour trying to perfect my hair. The make-up and hair people on the movie sets always did amazing things with it, but I sucked at it. I wanted long, sexy, wavy curls. It sort of worked. I put my make-up on and lined my eyes heavily with dark eye liner. I completed the look with some clear lip gloss.

I heard the door bell ring. I knew it would be Jerry, it was still about 20 minutes until 7:00 p.m.

“Hey, come on in.” I said, holding the door for him. He was pushing a little cart with everything I had asked for.

“Oh, Ms. Stewart. You look stunning. Is there a red carpet event tonight?”

I blushed. “No Jerry, just wanted to...” I hesitated. “Heat things up a bit,” I said.

He started to set everything out on the table. “I know it’s none of my business, Ms. Stewart, but I do hope this is all for the british guy, I think he really has a thing for you.”

I laughed. “Yea, I kind of have a thing for him too,” I said, looking down.

Jerry smiled. “I can see. You don’t shine quite as bright around Michael.”

Is it that obvious? I thought, blushing.

We continued getting everything set up. I looked at my watch. I had to hurry. I walked Jerry to the door. “Thank you so much, seriously, you’re the best.”

“It was my pleasure. I hope you two have a fantastic evening,” he said, as he walked out the door.

I reached for his hand. “Jerry, take this. Please.” I stuffed some cash into his hand.

“Oh Ms. Stewart, you know I’m not allowed to accept this,” he said, as he tried to hand it back to me.

“Please, take it. You’ve been so helpful. Take your wife out tonight, on me.” I smiled. His wife was great. They lived three floors below me and she was always so sweet to me.

“Thank you, Ms. Stewart. I will do that.” He disappeared down the hallway toward the elevators.

I went back to the dining area and lit the two large candles that were on the table. The food smelled delicious. It was take out from a local steakhouse that was to die for. We had taken the food out of the to go containers and placed it nicely on my fine dinnerware that I had never used before. I went to the entertainment center and put on some soft music.

Two knocks and a pound.

He’s here! My heart started beating faster. I looked around to make sure everything was in place. My shoes! I ran to my bedroom and slipped on the black strappy dress sandals. I glanced in the mirror before heading to the door. The sandals made my already long legs look even longer.

I turned the lights down and opened the door. When he saw me, he stood there speechless.

“Wow,” he finally said. He looked me up and down. “You are ...” He fumbled, looking for words. “Breathtaking.”

I smiled. “Thank you. Come in.”

He came in and hugged me briefly.

“You smell delicious.” He said as he placed a kiss on my neck. “I feel underdressed, what’s the occasion?”

“No occasion, I just wanted to do something special, for you.” I took his hand and led him around to the dining room on the other side of the kitchen.

“Wow, I’m impressed,” he said, noting the dinner and candles. We sat down across from each other. “Who should I thank for helping you with this?” He grinned.

“Ugh!” I laughed. “You don’t think I’m capable of doing this on my own?”

“It isn’t likely.” He laughed. “Well, it isn’t likely that you had time to arrange this lovely dinner and also manage to look so incredible.”

I blushed. “Jerry helped me.”

“Jerry?” Rob asked.

“My concierge. I believe you met him this morning.”

“Ah, yes, he seems like a very nice man.”

“He is, he likes you.” I smiled. “He was here a few minutes ago and said he hoped I was doing all this for the british guy.”

Rob laughed. “Is that right?”

“Yea, he...” I hesitated. “He said I didn’t shine quite as bright around Michael.”

Rob smiled. “I already knew that, Kristen.”

I smiled and looked down, taking a bite of my of steak.

We finished dinner a while later and I stood to take our plates to the kitchen. I reached for Rob’s plate and he took my hand, stopping me. He stood. “Dance with me.”

I hadn’t even realized the music was still playing in the living room. He took my hand and led me closer to the living room. Sia’s "Breathe Me" was playing softly.

Be my friend
Hold me, wrap me up
Unfold me
I am small
I’m needy
Warm me up
And breathe me.

I melted into him. I laid my head against his chest and closed my eyes. Our fingers were intertwined, pulled closely to us. It was perfect.

“This feels so right,” I said softly.

“It is,” he whispered.

I looked up at him, appreciating the few extra inches my heels gave me, making my lips that much closer to his. Our lips met in a passionate kiss. I would never get enough of him. Ever.

Before I knew it we were in my bedroom, our lips never separated. He pulled me down with him on the bed, our feet dangling off the end. He rolled me off of himself and onto my back on the bed. When his lips finally pulled away from me I sighed. My lips instantly felt cold and alone with out his.

His lips quickly resurfaced near my ear lobe, leaving a trail of desire down my neck and collar bone. Everything inside me was yearning for him. He took my left hand and put it above my head, fingers intwined with mine. I lifted my head slightly so he could reach around and untie the halter of my dress. He fumbled momentarily before pulling on the correct piece of fabric. I laid my head back against the bed as his lips found mine again. A slight moan escaped me when our lips met. He pulled away, allowing his eyes to observe me. His hand left mine now and pulled the left side of my halter dress down, just far enough to realize there was nothing else separating me from him. His breath hitched slightly at the sudden sight of my breasts beneath him. His tongue and lips began exploring me there just as I heard my phone begin to ring in the other room. I ran my right hand through his hair, gently pushing downward, letting him know I didn’t want him to stop. He continued with this exploration and I sat up slightly, pulling at his shirt from his waist, wanting it to come off. He propped himself up a bit and allowed me to remove his shirt. His warm skin against mine felt so invigorating. I wanted him so badly. Another phone began ringing. It wasn’t Rob’s, his was in his pocket. I could feel it pressed into my thigh. It was Mike’s phone ringing. It was likely Mike who was calling my phone just moments ago.

Rob stopped and brought his face to mine. “That’s him, you should get it.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “No, I’m not answering it.” I pulled his face to mine and pressed my lips to his.

He instantly pulled back from me. “He needs you, Kristen.”

I nearly laughed. “Well maybe he shouldn’t have sold me out to the paparazzi.” I pulled his face to mine again, crushing my lips against his. I pulled away momentarily. “I need you.” I begged.

Rob obliged, kissing me harder while his fingers were tangled in my hair.

My cell phone rang again.

“Ugh.” I groaned into his mouth.

He pulled back. “Just get it, so it can be done with.” He kissed gently down my neck. “After I make love to you I want to fall asleep with you in my arms, not worrying about you getting out of bed to call your boyfriend.”

I pushed him off of me and began to get off the bed. “You’re really confusing sometimes you know it,” I said, as I held my dress over my bare chest, frustrated.

“What do you mean?” He asked sitting up, watching as I headed towards the door.

“You don’t want me to talk to him one minute and the next you do, and then you don’t want me to talk to him in front of you, and now your making me and I don’t want to! I don’t want to hurt you anymore!” I yelled, as I left the room and went to find my phone. I heard him sigh and fall back on the bed.

What I was hoping would have been a short conversation with Mike, turned into be a rather long one. He was pretty upset about his uncle and he liked to grieve alone, he didn’t like being around all of his family all the time. He was trying to help with the funeral arrangements and it wasn’t easy on him. I didn’t bring up what I had learned about him selling me out to the paparazzi, it just wasn’t the right time. He was too fragile. I agreed to overnight his phone to him tomorrow and we finally ended our conversation.

I sat on the couch and waited for Rob to come stomping up the hallway to leave, angry at things I said to Mike. I waited. And waited.

“I’m not leaving,” I finally heard him yell from my bedroom.

I laughed. He knew me all too well. I got up and headed back to my bedroom.

I entered the dark room quietly, stopping momentarily just past the door to bend down and remove my shoes. Rob was laying across the bed on his back, legs dangling carelessly off the edge, hands behind his head, patiently waiting. I let go of the top of my dress and quickly unzipped the zipper in the back, letting the dress fall to the floor in one fell swoop. The sound of the fabric skating down my body caught his attention and he sat up and looked at me quickly, inhaling sharply. I stood there only in my red panties that so perfectly matched my dress.

Rob began taking off his shoes, he stood at the foot of the bed once they were removed. “Get your hot little ass over here before I attack you like a fucking vampire.”

I grinned from ear to ear. I could see the lust in his eyes and I imagined it likely mirrored my own. I stepped out of the small pile of fabric on the floor and inched closer to him, teasing him, as he was still several feet away from me.

He sighed in frustration and was quickly in front of me, embracing me with strong arms, his lips smashing into mine. He had one arm wrapped tightly around my waist, pressing me into him, while the other was haphazardly stroking my hair. The heat between our bodies was immense. Before I knew it, I was crashing down on top of him on the bed, our lips still in a panicked frenzy. His right hand was cupping my face, but mostly in my hair. I felt him push me back gently. I pulled my lips apart from his and leaned back to look at him. He pulled my wild hair behind my right ear so he could see my face better. I could tell by the distant look in his eyes that he was deep in thought.

“What is it, Rob?” I barely whispered.

He sighed, gently stroking my cheek with his thumb. “Remember this Kristen, if you ever doubt me, or us, when you are with Michael, remember what this feels like, right now, this passion between us, you cannot deny it. Never think that what we have isn’t real.”

His words touched me. How could I ever forget this? I knew already that it was going to be better than any other time we were together, there was so much more emotion between us...and I loved him, now, I was certain. However, I wasn’t ready to tell him.

“Rob, I’ll never doubt you, or us, or this. It feels too right, too perfect, too incredible. I’ll always remember what this feels like, and I’ll always feel this way about you.” I pressed my lips quickly to his before he could say anything else.

The rest, as they say, was history. We spent hours making love to each other and exploring each other. I loved everything about him, even his imperfections. I was still awake long after he had fallen asleep. He breathed in perfect rhythm and he looked incredibly peaceful. We were laying on our sides, our arms wrapped loosely around one another. I couldn’t sleep for the need I felt to memorize his features, everything about him. My fingers gently traced his lips, his cheek, his jaw line. I wanted to remember his face as happy and as peaceful as it was right now, for it was a look I hadn’t seen often, but I hoped to see much more. After I was satisfied that I had etched his beautiful face into my memory, I very softly pressed my lips to his and snuggled into him and fell asleep.


***
Author’s Note: Thanks for reading! Things are going to get a little more dramatic in the coming chapters! Stay tuned!

Follow me on Twitter for news on updates, stories, etc. @AllOrNothingKR

**CHAPTER 8 - CLICK HERE**

Never Think - Chapter 6

Chapter 6:

After I collected myself, I called my agent. I apologized profusely and requested a few more days off. I couldn't go back to Vancouver yet. Considering the circumstances with Mike, Summit agreed to stop production of New Moon until Wednesday. They had done pretty much all they could without me. Everyone was getting a few days off.

Mike finally arrived a few hours later. I opened the door to let him in. "Hey, where have you been? I was starting to get worried."

"Traffic," was all he said as he walked past me. His eyes were red. His face flushed. I'd never seen him cry before. He stood silently in the middle of my living room with his head down, his fingers pinching the space between his eyes.

I walked up behind him and put my hand on his shoulder. "I'm really sorry Michael. I know how much he meant to you and your mom." He turned around then and embraced me, crying into my shoulder. I held him for a long time.

He finally started to pull away from me. "I'm sorry," he said, shaking his head and wiping his eyes.

"Don't apologize, it's perfectly normal," I said, pulling him back into me.

He pulled away. "I need a minute." He headed towards the bathroom and I didn't stop him.

We stayed in the rest of the night. We ordered a pizza and didn't talk much. We were watching a movie on the couch, and I could hardly keep my eyes open. I stood up to go to my room. "Mike, I'm exhausted. It's late, I'm going to bed."

"Okay." He stood too and began following me to my bedroom.

We changed clothes and we crawled into my bed without talking. This used to be so routine for us, but it just felt awkward to me now. I immediately rolled over on my side, facing away from Mike. I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep. I had told myself that after I had been with and chosen Rob, I wouldn't sleep with Michael again. I didn't want to go back and forth between them. I was terrified he would try to be intimate with me. Being intimate was usually part of our bedtime routine, and I knew he needed me now. As he advanced behind me, I felt his arms wrap around me and his hand squeeze my hip, I knew I couldn't deny him now. He needed me and I let him do what he wanted.

Every time he touched me, I saw Rob in my mind. I remembered what Rob's hands felt like, his long fingers grazing my skin. When Mike whispered that he loved me, I imagined how Rob might say it. My heart ached when I thought about what Rob must be going through.

As I snapped back to reality some time later, I realized that Mike had finished his business a long time ago and he had been feverishly working on satisfying me. It was never going to happen. In that moment all I wanted was Rob. I pulled Mike's face up from between my legs. "Baby, you can stop, it's not going to happen. I've got too much on my mind and I'm so tired."

His face changed. Apparently that hurt his ego. "I can make you forget whatever is on your mind," he insisted as he lowered his head and continued with even more fervor than before.

I sighed. He left me no choice but to fake it. It certainly wouldn't be the first time with him.

I was still awake long after Michael had fallen asleep. I snuck out of my bedroom and closed the door quietly behind me. I sat on my couch, head in my hands. In some crazy way I felt like I had betrayed Rob by sleeping with Michael, but it should be the other way around. There was no doubt in my mind that I loved and cared about Michael, but there was also no doubt that the chemistry between us was long gone. I wasn't even attracted to him anymore. Sleeping with him tonight was nearly repulsive, I just kept thinking about Rob. Tears stung my eyes when I thought about how mad Rob must be at me. I really needed to talk to him, but I knew he would want me to break up with Mike while I was here, in person. I couldn't do that to Mike, not right now; with everything else going on in his life, he'd feel like he had lost everything if I left him too.

I sighed and dialed Rob's number, expecting him not to even answer.

"Hello?"

"Rob?" I couldn't believe he actually picked up.

"Yes Kristen?" His voice was quiet and cold. I could still hear the pain in his voice.

"Can we talk? Please?"

"Not now; now isn't good for me."

I looked at the large decorative clock that hung on the wall between the two windows to my left. It was nearly 1:00 a.m. Why was now a bad time? I thought.

"Is someone there with you?" I asked hesitantly.

It took him a minute to answer. "What if there was? What if there was an incredibly attractive young lady here with me, lying next to me, her hands all over me..."

My heart started racing. My palms sweating.

"How would that make you feel Kristen?" He continued.

I felt slightly relieved, realizing no one was with him. He was trying to get me to understand how he felt. "I get it." I said to him angrily. "I get it Rob."

"But answer me Kristen, how would that make you feel? What if I sent you some pictures? Would that help? Would like to see the young attractive lady with her hands all over my body?"

My tears poured over then. "Rob, stop it. Please," I cried. he was making me feel horrible.

"I'll stop when you tell me how that would make you feel!" He was nearly yelling at me now. He paused for a moment. "Fine, don't tell me, I know it hurts you. Take that hurt you feel right now and multiply it times a million, and that's how I felt when someone showed me the pictures of you and him and I realized that you had lied to me, that you had gotten other people to lie to me, and there I was, a stupid bloke, worried about you all day, thinking you were ill and uncomfortable. I was thinking of ways I could help you, to make you feel better, and all the while you were off in another city, parading around town and fucking your other boyfriend."

I was speechless. He had never talked to me like that before. My face was hot with anger. Tears poured rapidly down my cheeks. I couldn't breathe. I was devastatingly embarrassed by my own behavior, at how I must have made him feel. My heart ached at the fact that I had done this to him. I feared I may have lost him for good. "Rob." I cried. "You don't understand, please just let me explain. I still choose you, it's just more complicated now."

He laughed. "I'm sure it is Kristen, but I don't want to hear anymore of your lies. My lady friend and I are going back to bed now, goodnight." He hung up.

I absolutely fell apart, sliding down on to the floor in front of my brown leather couch. I didn't even care if Michael heard my sobs, but he could normally sleep through anything.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

I picked my phone up. A new text from Taylor waited.

Kristen, he's drunk, don't listen to him. There is no lady friend. I'm sorry things got so ugly, I tried, I really did. - Tay

Whew. I thought. I found comfort in knowing he was drunk, because he certainly wasn't acting like my normal Rob. Taylor, please talk some sense into him! He doesn't understand, Mike's uncle was killed in an accident today, it's a complete mess, but I choose Rob! I've never been more sure of anything. Please tell him to call me tomorrow. I have to talk to him.

I went to the kitchen and made myself a drink. I really needed one. Being drunk sounded like a good idea. I paced back and forth across my living room floor a million times. I opened the floor to ceiling curtains, exposing a wall of windows that looked out over L.A. I only opened the curtains at night, for obvious reasons. The moon was bright out tonight. I could almost see a few stars in the distance. I imagined the view from Rob's room at the hotel in Vancouver was much more beautiful and star filled than mine. I sighed. Why isn't Taylor saying anything back to me? I finally gave up and called him. No answer. Ugh. I gave into my buzz shortly after 3:00 a.m. and passed out on the couch.

Sometime around 6:00 a.m. I had woken up, light filling the room. "Oh my God." I groaned. I forgot to close the curtains; the sun coming through was entirely too much for me to bear. I felt a headache looming. I closed the curtains and grabbed a blanket from the linen closet and went back to sleep on the couch. I checked my phone again. Nothing. Nobody.

I woke hours later to my doorbell. It startled me. I sat up quickly and glanced at the clock. It was a little after 11:00 a.m. I ran to the door, hoping they wouldn't ring it again and wake Michael.

I swung open the door. I almost couldn't see my building's concierge for the large bouquet of red roses in front of him. He moved the large vase to his side. "Good morning Ms. Stewart!" He said cheerfully with his Jamaican accent.

"Morning Jerry. Are those for me?" I asked, surprised. Jerry was the nicest man. He was my concierge. He was a short, black, older gentleman who had always helped me out immensely, especially when trying to doge the paparazzi.

"Yes, Ms. Stewart. They were just delivered for you." He leaned in closer to me now. "They're not from Michael Ms. Stewart."

"How do you know?" I asked.

"The gentleman delivered them himself, and this too," he said, handing me an envelope. It said "KJS" on the front. It was Rob's handwriting.

I thought for a moment. "Wait, he delivered these? When? How long ago?? Was he tall, with messy hair?"

"Yes, Ms. Stewart. He was just here; I brought them right up. He thought you may have visitors so he asked me to deliver them."

I ran across the room to the windows that faced the street. I just barely caught a glimpse of Rob's hair getting into a waiting cab. Rob!! Don't leave! I wanted to open the window and scream! Why was he here?? I heard the toilet flush from the bathroom in my bedroom, Mike was awake. "Shit." I ran back to the open door where I had left Jerry. I grabbed the large vase of flowers and the envelope.

"Thanks Jerry, you're the best. I have to go!"

"Yes, Ms. Stewart, I understand. Don't hesitate to call if you need something!" He bowed out gracefully and I closed the door.

I heard my bedroom door open and I ran quickly to the nearby laundry room. I set the flowers and envelope on the washing machine and closed the door as fast as possible. I was just in time to see Michael running up the hallway, nearly tripping trying to get into his pants. It almost made me laugh.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"No, shit Kristen. I have to go. Where's my wallet??"

"Um..." I glanced around the room. "On the bar." I pointed to it laying on the bar near his keys. "What's going on?" I asked as he grabbed his things and shoved them quickly into his pockets.

"I'm supposed to be on a flight to NYC in an hour; I forgot to set an alarm." His uncle lived in NYC, as did most of his family. I'm sure the funeral would be there too. "My mom's going to kill me." He pulled me quickly to him and kissed my lips in a hurry. "I love you babe. Seriously, thank you for just, letting me be last night and not badgering me. I really needed you, I still do."

He was looking me straight in the eye. I think that was as calm as I had seen him all morning. "No problem. I love you too." I started running my fingers through his hair. "Fix your hair!" I yelled as he headed for the door.

He turned and smiled at me. "I'll call you when I get there."

"Okay, be careful." He was gone. I had to take a minute to collect myself and realize what had just happened. My head was still spinning. I thought I was never going to be able to make him leave! I smiled at the thought of what was waiting for me on my washing machine, but then the image of Rob getting in the cab hit me. I can't let him leave L.A. I had no idea where he was going, but I didn't want him to go far. I grabbed my phone and sent him a text message.

Don't leave! I have to see you. Where are you?

I hadn't even read his letter. I was hoping it was something I'd be happy about, and I’d want to see him! I went to the laundry room and brought the roses and the letter out and set them on the coffee table. I opened the letter slowly. It smelt like him with a hint of cigarette smoke.

Kris,

I am so terribly sorry for the way I acted last night. I heard from Taylor that I was a real ass. I had drank entirely too much. I'm sorry to hear about Michael's uncle, that is terrible news. I would really like to sit down alone with you and talk things through. I know we have had a lot of miscommunication lately and I hate it. You used to tell me everything; I've never kept a secret from you. I've never lied to you. Seeing those pictures and putting everything together seriously broke my heart into pieces. Although the past few days have been challenging, I refuse to believe that you are anything less than the incredible person I believe you to be. I know you wouldn't do anything to intentionally hurt me. I know this entire charade is incredibly difficult for you. I'm going to make a conscientious effort to put my jealousy aside and help you through this - making your decision. Please just trust me and let me be there for you, no more lies. If you are happier with Michael, then so be it. I just want you to be happy, I miss your smile terribly. I hope to hear from you soon.

Rob

I was in tears by the time I finished reading it. He was seriously the most incredible person I'd ever met. I owed him the truth. All of it.

Beep! Beep! Beep! I quickly flipped open my phone.

I'm in a cab riding around aimlessly, hoping to hear from this girl I’m crazy about...

I smiled and dialed his number.

"Hi Kris." He answered.

"Hey, come back."

"To your place? Now?"

"Yes, now." I said.

"He's not there?" Rob asked, referring to Mike.

"He just left." I said honestly.

"Oh." Silence.

Maybe I shouldn't have mentioned that. "Please, just come on, okay?"

"I'm on my way."

I realized when I hung up that I looked a complete mess. I ran to my bathroom and pulled on one of my favorite pair of skinny jeans. I kept my dark green spaghetti strap tank top on that I had slept in. I washed my face and put some powder on. I really look like hell. I thought, looking at my swollen eyes. I started to put some mascara on, but decided it would probably come off again. I swiped some lip gloss across my lips and ran a brush through my hair. I sighed. This will have to do. I went back to the living room and cleaned up a bit. When I finished, I went to the windows that faced the street and looked out, in search of the paparazzi. None. Nobody looked suspicious, there were no cameras with giant lenses. Strange. I thought. Someone definitely tipped them off yesterday, but who??

My doorbell ringing broke my train of thought. I let a smile spread across my face as I walked to the door. I took a deep breath and opened it.

"Hi." I said shyly, looking down.

He smiled. "Hello, may I come in?"

I laughed at his politeness. "Of course."

I closed my door and we both just stood there for a moment. I looked up at him. "Can I have hug?" I asked. I just wanted to feel him, to squeeze him, and to really know that he was here.

He wrapped his arms around me and I heard him sigh heavily. I had my arms wrapped tightly around his waist and I squeezed him even harder. I was glad he was here. I pulled away first and looked up at him again. "Thank you for the roses, and the letter, they're beautiful."

"Your welcome."

I took his hand and led him to the couch. We both sat, and I took a deep breath. "Are you ready to talk things through?" I asked seriously.

He looked at me. I could sense the nervousness in his eyes. He shook his head yes and began running his fingers through his hair.

"Well, first I want to say that I am so sorry for what I've put you through..." A felt a lump forming in my throat. "...for every lie I've told you."

He didn't speak. He squeezed my hand, encouraging me to continue.

"I'm just going to start from the beginning, I'm going to be completely honest, I want you to know everything and you may not like it all, but it's all the truth."

He shook his head in understanding. I proceeded to tell him everything, how I had been struggling with my feelings for him and Mike and what was right and wrong. I told him I was never sick; I just wanted to see Mike. But when I was here, he was all I thought about. I told him I slept with Mike last night, I told him why. I could see the pain on his face and it killed me.

I reached out and put my hand on his knee, he wasn't looking at me. "Rob, it meant nothing to me. I just couldn't hurt him...he's so torn up, I couldn't."

He shook his head and looked at me. "You don't have to explain, I understand."

"Honestly though Rob, it made me see things much more clearly. There is no chemistry between Michael and I anymore. I was completely bored, and just kept dreaming about the way your hands and lips felt on my skin."

He was quiet.

I reached for his hand. "Rob, you're my man. I want you, but I do care about Michael, deeply. He is really hurting, and it will take some time. I just can't break up with him right now, it would kill him."

He finally looked up at me. "I know." He said. "So where does that leave us?"

I took a deep breath. "I don't know." I said honestly. "I want to be with you. I don't want to lie anymore, I don't want to hurt you. In a couple weeks, when Michael has had time to cope, I'll do it. I won't sleep with him anymore, I promise, hopefully I won't even have to see him until I break up with him."

"What do you mean?" Rob asked. "We're off work for the next three and a half days, you don't think he'd want to see you?"

I shook my head. "He went to New York this morning. His family is there..."

"Oh, that's right."

"Rob, I'm so so so sorry. I want to be that incredible person you think I am, but I have made mistakes, and I'll spend forever fixing them if you'll let me."

We leaned closer to each other. His hand raised to my cheek, softly caressing it. His thumb lulled gently over my bottom lip. "I've already forgiven you Kristen, you owe me nothing."

Tears stung my eyes. I didn't deserve to be let off so easily. "Rob, I promise, I'll never hurt you like that again."

We lingered there, our foreheads touching. I wanted to kiss him, but I wasn't sure if it was right.

A strange sound interrupted our moment. It sounded like sirens, but inside my condo. It was a phone. "Is that your phone?" I asked Rob.

"No." He felt his phone through his pocket. "I don't think so." He pulled it out. "No, not mine. Is it yours?"

We both looked at my phone on the coffee table, next to the roses. "No." I answered. I stood up. "Dammit, I bet Michael forgot his phone, he was in such a hurry this morning." I sighed as I went back to my bedroom. It was on the nightstand. I picked it up and walked back into the living room as I flipped it open. I stopped dead in my tracks, right in front of Rob as I read the text. I could feel my face go white. My heart stopped beating.

"What is it Kristen? Are you okay?" He stood up.

Tiny pools of warm liquid started to form in my eyes. "It was him."

"What was him?" Rob asked. "What are you talking about?"

I shook my head in disbelief. "I can't believe he would do this me." I tossed the phone to Rob.

He read the text message aloud. "Where is she today?" He looked up at me. "Who's number is this? What does it mean, I' don't understand."

"Someone had to have tipped off the paparazzi to let them know I was here. Nobody but my mom and Mike knew I was coming to L. A., nobody!"

"Oh. I see." Rob said, putting the pieces together. "Why would he do that to you? Why would he want to get you in trouble?"

"Rob, things have been strained with us for a while, he feels threatened by you. He didn't do it to get me in trouble. He did it so you would see the pictures, so you would get mad at me." I was fuming I was so mad. I couldn't believe him. I fucking trusted him and he could have seriously fucked up my career. "Give it to me." I demanded to Rob. I held my hand out for the phone. He quickly obliged.

I started typing a response. On her way back to Vancouver. I hit send.

Almost immediately the phone made that stupid siren sound again. It was a text from the same number. Oh ok, well thanks for the scoop yesterday man, appreciate it.

"Ugh!" I said, as the tears started to roll. "I don't even know him...how long has he been doing this?"

Rob came up to me and took the phone from me and set it down. He wrapped his arms around me. "Shhh." He pulled my head to his chest and ran his fingers through my hair, resting his chin on the top of my head. "I'm sorry," he said softly.

I wiped my eyes and looked up at him. It amazed me that he was sympathetic to me being visibly hurt by my other boyfriend. He should’ve been glad that Michael was pissing me off, but instead he was comforting me. "You're too good to me." I said.

He cupped his face with my hand and moved his lips dangerously close to my own. "I..." He hesitated for a moment. "Because I love you."

I felt my body relax in his arms. My eyes closed as I felt his lips press into mine. It was the sweetest taste. I never wanted our kiss to end. He tried to pull away from me but I followed him back, never relinquishing my tongue from his mouth. He finally pushed me away.

He laughed. “Feisty little thing.”

I smiled. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“So, um...thanks for the vacation.” He laughed.

I laughed too. “Yea, the only good thing to come from my monstrous fuck up.”

“What is your schedule like the next couple of days?” He asked.

I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t have one.” I smiled.

“Perfect.” He kissed me gently on the lips. “I’m going to check into my hotel and I’ll be back, okay?”

“Hotel?? Rob, you don’t need a hotel, you can stay here.” I looked at him like he was crazy.

He hesitated. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. I don’t want to get caught and mess things up with you and Michael. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I hate the guy, but I know what it’s like to catch your girlfriend spending the night with the enemy. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

“Rob...” Why did he have to continually bring that up?

“Kris, I didn’t say it to punish you, I’m just being honest.” He pulled me into him. “Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of time together.” His hand moved down my body, firmly squeezing my ass, as if his gesture was a promise of what was to come.

I grinned. “Okay.”

He said he’d come back over at 7:00. I had a few hours to get things together. Of course, I will be enlisting the help of Jerry...

**CHAPTER 7 - CLICK HERE**

The Intruders - Chapter 1

Chapter 1:

Bella POV

Of course I was up early and completely ready to go; I was just waiting on Edward to arrive. Today was the first day of school after the summer break. I fell back into the comfort of my plush bedding and waited for him.

The summer had been an incredible one. I don’t ever remember being this happy in life. Edward and I are always together, and my love for him grows more and more everyday. Things were much better between us since all the drama that had occurred with James. I was glad James was gone and was no longer a threat to us.

I had seen a lot of the Cullens over the summer, but I had to admit I was pretty excited to get back to school and see all my human friends. When I heard the front door open and close I sat up, startled.

“Edward? Is that you?” I called out, as I walked towards the stairs.

“Yes Bella, it’s me. I can’t believe your father doesn’t lock the door when he leaves. He is the police for god sakes.”

I grabbed my things and giggled down the stairs. Last night was the first night in a while that Edward didn’t watch me sleep; he had to hunt in preparation for school. It surprised me how much I could miss his mesmerizing voice in just a short time.

I missed the last step coming down the stairs and he caught me, as usual. He laughed at me. “Bella, please be more careful. I can’t always be around to catch you; one day you really are going to injure yourself.” He smiled at me as his right hand found its way through my hair.

I reached up and kissed him with more force than I normally would. Knowing he wasn’t hungry, I thought I could get away with it this morning. “I missed you,” I said, as I pulled away, still short of breath from our fiery kiss.

He was speechless for a moment.

“Sorry,” I said, thinking I hadn’t been careful enough. He always warned me about that. I stepped around him and headed towards the door.

“Don’t apologize Bella. That made for quite a good start to my morning, it just took me by surprise is all.” He flashed that crooked grin of his, which sent my heart soaring to some alternate galaxy.

We headed out the door and Edward made sure to lock it. “Can we take my truck? Please!” I begged enthusiastically as we headed down the sidewalk towards the driveway. It seemed like I had only driven my truck a few times over the entire summer. I was always with Edward and he always insisted on driving. He even took me to work and picked me up the two nights of the week I worked at the Newton’s store.

“Bella, we’re already late,” he replied, as he held his car door open for me. I sighed and fell into the Volvo. He was right. We were running late, and he would certainly get us there faster than I would. We were on our way in no time at all.

“Alice says there is going to be a new kid at school, so you won’t be the fresh meat anymore.”

I turned to look at Edward. “Really?? Is it a guy or girl?”

“A guy. She said he seems strange.”

“Hm.” I looked out the window at the blurs of green and brown sweeping past me from the forrest. “Where is he from?” I asked.

“She isn’t sure. All she saw was a strange boy sitting alone at lunch.”

“That’s sad Edward. We should be nice to him.”

Edward laughed. “You’re nice to everyone Bella. Maybe you would like him to be your lab partner in chemistry?”

I glared at him and hit him playfully on the arm. “Not funny,” I said. “I still can’t believe we managed to get almost all of our classes together.”

Edward glanced at me with his sad face, his bottom lip protruding out farther than the top. “Except the first one. I’ve already taken Algebra II, twice. They wouldn’t let me take it again.”

I laughed. “I know, it’s just one class though. At least we get it over with early!” I felt his cold hand cover mine. I smiled contently, glancing out the window and noting that we had arrived at school. He was holding my door open almost immediately. Kids were rushing into the school building all around us. I stopped momentarily to say hi to my friends and I lost Edward in the small crowd. He was cordial to my friends, but it was just easier for him not to be too close. They liked to ask him questions about his unusual family. If only they knew the truth. I kept scanning the parking lot for the new kid, but I never saw him.

When the tardy bell finally rang, we all ran into the building. My first class was Algebra II, and as I separated from my friends, I was a little disappointed that the only person in the small class I was really close with was Jessica. There were two seats left near the back and we sat next to each other. I glanced at the awkward boy beside me and then cast a look at Jessica. “Is that the new kid?” I whispered.

“Yes, so weird!” She mouthed back to me with wide eyes as the teacher started talking.

As Ms. Harding began her first day rant, I tuned her out and observed the strange person next me. He was definitely human. He had an amazing bronze tan and short golden blonde hair. It wasn’t that he dressed strange necessarily, or that he had some deformity, it was the lost and terrified look in his eyes that made him unnerving. It was like he had been scared by something and his face never returned to normal.

I learned during roll call that his name was Anthony Anderson. As Ms. Harding began assigning our books to us, the entire class erupted in chatter. This was my opportunity. “Hey, where you from?” I asked casually.

He didn’t turn his head to answer me, he just cut his eyes sharply in my direction. “Texas,” he replied.

“Wow, that’s cool. I’m from Arizona, moved here last year. It’s really different here. You’ll definitely lose that tan you have,” I laughed, trying to lighten his mood.

He didn’t even look at me. He stared at his desk and fidgeted with his pencil. “So, what brought you to Forks?” I asked.

He turned to look at me now, his eyes saddened me terribly. I don’t know why, but they looked like they were filled with terror and uncertainty. However, that didn’t stop me from noticing their beautiful and unique shade of dark blue.

“I...” He hesitated. His eyes darted around the room, as if he were searching for an answer. “My dad and brother died and my mom needed a change.”

He didn’t wait for my response, he turned his head away from me. I could tell he didn’t want to talk about it and our conversation was over. My heart ached for him and his mom. During Ms. Harding’s lecture I passed Jessica a note, letting her in on the news about the new kid. We nearly got in trouble for passing the note. I was so glad Ms. Harding didn’t take the folded piece of paper, only giving us a warning this time.

I wanted to know how his brother and father were killed. I wondered if he was even telling the truth, but based on the look in his eyes, he had to have been honest. I hoped Edward and I would have a class with him. I wanted Edward to read his mind and tell me what was going on in it. I couldn’t understand why I was so fascinated by this boy. I think it’s because I wanted to know how his mom felt, having lost a child. Charlie would lose me one day if I had my way, and I would also lose him. I wonder what that feels like.

The bell ringing shook me from my thoughts. I noticed Anthony was the last one to stand from his seat. He looked as if he hardly had the will to go on. That’s what I would look like without Edward. The thought surprised me. I shook it from my head quickly and walked out of the room. I headed to chemistry to find the beautiful vampire I so greatly desired to die for.

I entered the classroom, bouncing happily down the isle to the last lab table on the left side of the room where Edward eagerly waited for me. He slid his books from my side of the table back to his side. He was saving my seat. I laughed internally at the gesture. As if any other human would sit next to him.

I sat down on the wooden lab stool. Edward leaned over and placed a delicate kiss on my cheek. It was against school policy to “touch classmates inappropriately.” Edward and I learned of that policy the hard way last year when we got in trouble for sneaking a kiss outside my locker. We were told kissing on the lips was “inappropriate” at school. I smiled, glancing quickly around the room before I grabbed Edward’s face and kissed him on the lips. I sucked his cold and firm bottom lip between mine before letting him free of my grasp. As he pulled back from me our eyes met. Sometimes it felt like we were the only two people in the world.

“Bella! What are you doing? You are going to get us in trouble!” Edward whispered his reprimand. The scent of him filled me and I instantly wished we were alone, in my bed.

“The teacher’s not here yet,” I responded, grinning up at him and batting my eyelashes.

Edward laughed and shook his head. “Bella Swan, you’re becoming quite the rebel.”

I started to laugh, but nearly fell off my stool when I heard a loud thud in front of me. I quickly glanced up in the direction of the noise. It was him. Anthony. He had dropped his Algebra book loudly on the lab table in front of me and Edward. He eyes were fixed on Edward. If I didn’t know any better I’d say he recognized Edward. I had to do something to break their staring contest.

“Hey Anthony!” I tried to sound cheerful, ignoring whatever silent exchange was going on between him and Edward.

Anthony looked at me, his eyes heavy with confusion. “Why are you sitting with him?” He finally said, disgusted.

The question took me by surprise and I could feel Edward tense next to me. I reached for his hand on the lab table. “He’s my boyfriend,” I answered, with conviction. Anthony continued to stare back and forth between me and Edward. He finally turned his back to us, taking the seat directly in front of us. I immediately looked to Edward for answers.

He shook his head, a confused look on his face. “I don’t know,” he said.

The teacher entered the room and shushed us all. I sighed heavily and wished at that moment that Edward could hear my thoughts.

While the teacher was dredging on about pointless information, I tried to pass a note to an obviously distressed Edward. He didn’t even look at it before pushing it hastily back to my side of the table. He scoffed, annoyed with my attempt to interfere with his deep train of thought. His behavior caught me off guard and began to upset me. I felt heat rushing to my cheeks. Whenever he was mad or upset with me about something, it felt like someone stole all the oxygen from around me. I sank into myself and paid attention to the teacher instead of Edward, as his behavior would only continue to upset me.

The bell rang over an hour later. I was the first one out of my seat and out the door. It was lunch time. I was mad at Edward for shutting me out, but I knew I‘d still have to sit with him, Alice and Jasper at lunch. I paid close attention to the steps below me as I descended into the cafeteria. Alice was already at our table smiling brightly at me.

“Hey,” I said, as I sat down next to her.

“Hey Bella! How has class been so far? Where is Edward?”

I glanced towards the door to see if he had come in yet, but there was no sign of him. I looked down to avoid her gaze. “I don’t know.”

Alice immediately picked up on my solemn mood. I glanced up at her, seeing an all too familiar face. She was searching for Edward in her mind.

“He’s coming. He is not happy. What happened Bella?”

“I don’t know,” I responded.

“Bella!” Alice insisted.

I sighed. “I don’t know what his problem is. The new kid looked at him like he was crazy. Ever since then he has just completely shut me out.”

“Hm. I have a hard time reading that kid. His future is entirely boring consisting only of a sad existence,” said Alice.

“That’s horrible. He told me his father and brother were killed recently. He acted like he recognized Edward.”

“Oh?” Alice looked more concerned now.

I looked up to see Edward coming down the stairs into the cafeteria with a scowl on his face. “I’m going to get something to eat,” I said quietly. I did not want to participate in the awkward silence I was sure would follow when Edward joined us.

Edward startled me, coming up behind me while I was meandering along the salad bar. I inhaled sharply and he gently brushed my hair from my face, letting it fall behind my shoulder. I could feel the chill of his lips against my ear when he whispered, “I’m sorry Bella.” I shrugged him away. “We’ll talk about it later,” I said, continuing down the salad bar. He followed behind me. I turned to face him. “I think I’m going to sit with Jessica and Eric today.”

His face looked hurt, and while I never intended to hurt him, I wanted him to know what it felt like to be on the receiving end of a hurtful gesture. I knew we would stay up late talking about this later; we were not capable of staying mad at each other. I had a sinking feeling things were about to change and I wanted to maintain any sense of normalcy I could. I didn’t want to know what this new student meant to me. I didn’t want to know how he was connected to Edward. I had been through too much last year; I just wanted everything to stay exactly as it was.

I turned away from Edward and headed over to the crowded table I hadn’t sat at until I first came to Forks. Everyone was excited to have me, but of course the obvious question of why wasn’t I sitting with Edward came entirely too soon. I told them I wanted to catch up. I had been with Edward all summer. Fortunately they believed me. I was almost excited when Eric asked me if I could work for him tonight. He really wanted to take Jessica out, as they hadn’t seen each other in a week. Jessica and her family had been on vacation.

I occasionally glanced over to the diminished Cullen table. It wasn’t quite the same without Rosalie and Emmett. Edward sulked. Alice gave me an evil look. Jasper smiled. I loved that guy! I smiled back and returned to the conversations taking place at my table. I don’t know why Alice was so perturbed. Surely she could see everything would be fine.

The rest of the day was uneventful. Anthony was not in anymore of my classes. I sat next to Edward in both classes as it was the correct thing to do, but I shushed him when he tried to talk to me. “Not now,” I said. I didn’t want to talk about it when so many of my human friends were sitting nearby. It felt good to stand up to Edward, instead of giving in to him all the time. I absolutely hate when he shuts me out like he did earlier. I just wanted him to understand how it felt.

The final bell rang and I headed out to the parking lot with Jessica and Angela. Edward was a short distance ahead of us. I told them goodbye and ran towards Edward’s silver Volvo. He was standing next to it, holding the passenger door open for me. It was pouring rain in Forks today, which was nothing unusual, but I had forgotten my umbrella.

I stood momentarily under the cover of Edward’s umbrella. It was as close as I had been too him since chemistry. “Sorry I’m all wet.” I said, hesitating to get into his polished car.

He nearly laughed. “I don’t care Bella. Get in, before you freeze.”

I unintentionally cracked a smile and slid into the warmth of his car. I dreaded the upcoming conversation as he headed towards the exit of the parking lot. I agreed to work for Eric and the store was in the opposite direction of my house. “Um, actually, I’m working tonight,” I said as he got closer to the school’s exit.

He looked at me quickly. “You never work on Mondays.”

“I know, but Mike asked me to work for him, so he could spend time with Jessica. She just got back in town you know?”

Edward looked deflated and he silently made the turn in the direction of the store. We were there in just a few minutes and he parked his car in a vacant parking space. I knew this meant he wanted to talk, otherwise he would’ve dropped me off right at the door as usual.

“Why did you agree to this? I wanted to spend time with you.” He looked at me with a saddened look on his face and I instantly felt guilty for acting the way I had all day.

“Well, you didn’t seem to want anything to do with me in chemistry, so I told him I would.”

He sighed and reached for my hand. I’m never quite prepared for how cold his touch is and his skin on mine sent a shiver through my hand and up my arm. “Bella, I said I was sorry. I wanted to talk to you about it at lunch, but you didn’t want to sit with me,” he said defeated.

I took a deep breath and squeezed his hand in mine. “I’m sorry. I’m going to be late. Will you take me to the door?” He didn’t speak. He backed out of the parking space and drove up to the covered entrance of the store. I looked at him, noticing the pain on his face, and I couldn’t stand it. I suddenly wished I hadn’t agreed to work. I cupped his face in my hands and quickly brushed my lips to his. “We’ll talk about it tonight okay?” He shook his head, still in my hands. “Stop pouting Edward. I love you.”

He mustered a small grin and kissed the inside of my palm. “I’ll pick you up at 8:00.”

I smiled. “Okay, I’ll see you then.”



Work was uneventful as usual and a cloud of guilt hung over me all night for making Edward feel so bad. It was nearly 8:30 when I got home and my usual routine of running upstairs to bed didn’t go as planned. Charlie had lots of questions about how my first day as a Senior was. I finally got away from Charlie, saying I had homework to do before bed.

“Sorry I took so long.” I said to Edward, as I closed my bedroom door behind me.

Edward smiled as he sat on my bed, leaning up against the headboard. “I’ve got all the time in the world.”

I laughed momentarily while scurrying about the room, putting my pajamas on, until I realized, again, that I didn’t have all the time in the world.

I sighed and got in bed, getting under the covers and curling up next to him. I was more tired than I had anticipated. It had been a long day. If Edward hadn’t of started talking to me, I believe I would’ve been asleep in a matter of seconds.

“I’m really sorry about the way I acted earlier Bella. I was frustrated with that guy; I can’t hear him.”

I sat up quickly, looking at Edward. “You can’t hear his thoughts?”

Edward shook his head. “I mean, I can hear him, but I can’t understand him. His thoughts are like Alice’s mind when she doesn’t want me to hear her.”

“He was singing?” I asked.

“Singing, counting, reciting the alphabet and the periodic table over and over. But it wasn’t because he thought I could hear him, it was like he was trying to block out his own train of thought. It was as if he didn’t want to remember something. It was very strange. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Well he told me that his dad and brother passed away. That’s why him and his mom came here, to start over,” I said.

“I don’t know Bella. Something is not right about him. The way he looked at me...”

I finished his sentence. “...like he recognized you.”

“Yes, I don’t understand it. He is obviously human.” Edward hung his head in his hands, frustrated.

“Well maybe I can talk to him tomorrow during first period and see what I can find out.”

Edward glanced at me quickly. “No Bella, just stay away from him until I can figure out what his deal is.”

I yawned. “Okay. I’m tired; I need to sleep.” I didn’t want to start an argument. I reached up and gently brushed my lips against his, wishing he had the strength to allow it to turn into so much more. His hand gently cupped my face. “Goodnight Bella.”

I hated intentionally lying to Edward, but I wanted to know what was up with Anthony, and I would find out. I didn’t want to upset or worry him, so it was just best that I obliged him for right now.




The following day in Algebra class Anthony showed up late and sat across the room from me in the only available seat. I had no chance to try to talk to him. His demeanor hadn’t changed and it further fueled my obsession to find out more about him. I decided I’d go about it a little differently.

Edward walked me to my truck after our last class. I threw my bag across to the passenger seat and turned around to face Edward. “I guess I’ll see you at 8:30?” He asked.

I had to work, and I had driven my truck today. Edward was riding with Alice and Jasper for a change. “Um, how about 9:30?” I asked. “Charlie and I are supposed to do some father-daughter bonding.” I laughed. “I haven’t spent time with him in a while.”

Edward smiled. “Okay, 9:30 it is.” His lips gently brushed mine and lingered for a moment. “I love you Bella, be careful.”

“I’ll see you tonight.” I smiled, got in my truck and headed to work.




The night was slow and I got home a little before 8:30. Charlie was watching ESPN on the flat screen in the living room. “Hey dad!” I yelled from the kitchen.

“Hey Bells. How was work?”

“It was good. I’ll be right back, I’m going to take my bag up to my room.” I ran up the stairs and threw my bag on my bed. I wanted to make sure Edward wasn’t lurking in my bedroom. I didn’t want him to overhear my chat with Charlie.

I went back downstairs and sat on the opposite end of the couch from Charlie. “What’s going on dad?”

“Just watching the highlights. You still liking your classes?”

“Yea dad, they’re good. Have you eaten?”

“Yea, I made a hungry man meal.”

I laughed. “You can’t be eating that crap all the time. It’s not good for you.”

“Oh it’s fine. I only do it when you’re not here.”

I felt bad for not being around more than I was. “So dad, have you met the new people in town? The Anderson's?”

“Anderson's? I don’t think so. One of my deputies was talking about some new people moving into the house next to him a few days ago.”

“Just a boy and his mom?”

“I thought he said it was two women and a boy. Thought it was strange. He said he doesn’t see one of the women very much. Why do you ask? Do you go to school with the kid?”

“Yea, he’s kind of strange.”

“How so?”

“Well, he looks really sad, or scared or something. He keeps to himself. He told me his dad and brother were killed and they moved here for a change.”

“Hm. That sounds like it may be an interesting story. I’ll have to look into that.”

“Yea you should. Let me know what you find out okay?”

Charlie shook his head and went back to watching the TV. I sat with him for a while before heading upstairs to work on my homework before Edward arrived.

Never Think - Chapter 5

Chapter 5:

I was going to try to make it to L.A. this weekend without anyone knowing I ever left my hotel room.

I called Taylor's room. I would need his help.

"Hello?"

"Hey Taylor, it's Kristen."

"Hey girl, what's up?"

"Can you come down to my room for a few minutes? I need to talk."

"Yea, sure. I just got out of the shower, give me a few minutes okay?"

"Kay, thanks buddy." I hung up.

I heard him knock on the door 20 minutes later. I let him in and peaked out into the hallway to see if anyone had seen him.

"So what's going on?" Taylor asked as he plopped down on the couch in his gray sweat pants and white t-shirt.

I took a deep breath. "I need help with something."

I continued to tell him everything. I would need his help covering for me while I was gone, for him to tell people he had seen me, and that I wasn't well and I just needed to rest. He promised me he wouldn't say anything to Rob about my real whereabouts.

"Kristen this is crazy," he said. "But, I mean, I've got your back."

I leaned over and gave him a big hug. "Thank you Taylor, seriously. You're the only one I can trust."

He shook his head. "No problem, I hope this little excursion will help you figure out where your heart is."

I sighed. "Me too."

"Although, I think it should be with Mike."

"You do?" I asked.

"Yea, I mean, Rob's great and all, but everything is working against you both. I just don't see it working out for you guys long term. I mean, you would never have a real relationship, outside of the media."

"I know, I've been thinking about that too. But when I'm with him, none of that matters. It's so different with him, than it is with Mike."

"Well of course it is, he's the forbidden fruit, he's excitement, he's everything your mother warned you about."

I laughed and shook my head. "He's a good guy."

"I know he is, but he still represents danger, thrills and excitement, that you don't have with Mike. But let's say you break up with Mike, and you can be with Rob freely, do you lose that excitement for him? Is there enough there between you two to make it work?"

"Yes, I think so. Mike's my best friend though. We've practically grown up together, he made me into a woman, he's taught me everything I know, I just can't imagine him not being in my life."

Taylor shook his head. He squeezed my knee. "Tough situation Kris, I don't envy you, but I'll help in any way I can."

"Thanks Tay."



The next few days passed pretty quickly. I didn't see Rob except for when we were on set. We talked a little here and there, but we kept our distance. We agreed we didn't need to risk being caught by the paparazzi. I started to "get sick" on set on Thursday. It really worked out perfectly. It rained all day and it was cold, perfect weather to fake an illness. I coughed and sneezed all day. I called the director late Thursday night and told him there was no way I would make it Friday. I told him I was taking a few days off to rest and I'd be back on set on Sunday. He was frustrated, but understood and he would re-work the schedule and shoot scenes without me.



It was early Friday morning, I opened the box that arrived from my mom the day before. A pair of flare jeans, brown stiletto heel boots, a long wool brown sweater and a red wig. Kristen Stewart would never wear this stuff. Perfect. I got dressed in my disguise and put on a pair of sunglasses to finish it off. I got a big gucci hand bag and filled it up and packed a small rolling suitcase. I was definitely 5 inches taller with these boots, there was no way I'd be recognized. I called a cab and headed downstairs. The rest of the cast should have already been on set, so I didn't have to worry about running into anyone. I took a deep breath as the automated glass doors opened and I walked out into the covered drive where my cab waited. The paparazzi were everywhere, but they weren't looking at me, they were on their cell phones. Some of them glanced up at me and then quickly went back to what they were doing. I didn't hear a single camera click. Perfect!



The plane landed and I immediately turned my phone on to let Mike know I had arrived. I warned him of the red wig, he seriously wouldn't recognize me. After I shut my phone it beeped again. I flipped it open.

I heard you were sick, I'm sorry. :( Let me know if there is anything I can bring you. I miss you. - Rob

I sighed. Damn it. If I pulled this weekend off, it would be a miracle.

I met up with Michael just outside of baggage claim. He didn't even recognize me.

"Whoa." He said. "That's good Kris, I never would have recognized you!" He started to hug me.

"Not now." I whispered. "Let's get out of here."

We made it to Mike's car without anyone recognizing us. We headed to my condo. I owned a condo in L.A. and rarely stayed there unless I wanted to get away from my family. I unlocked the door and Mike followed behind me. I tried cleaning things up a bit. "God, it's a mess in here. I don't know when I was last here. I need to get a maid!" I laughed.

Mike came up behind me and stopped me. He wrapped his arms around me. "Take all this shit off." He said as he pulled at my red hair. "I want to see Kristen."

"What? You don't think this look is sexy?" I laughed. "You're only saying that because these heels make me taller than you!"

He laughed and started pushing me back towards my bedroom. I fell back on the bed and pulled my wig off and let my hair down. "Is this better?" I asked.

He came over to me, climbed on top of me, and his lips gently pressed against mine. His arms wrapped around me, and mine around him. "I missed you." He said.

"I've missed you too." I kissed him this time. I had missed him. I'd missed this. It was so comfortable with him in a way, in that way that old married couples are comfortable. It wasn't exciting like it was with Rob, but it was safe, and I was content. I felt his lips trailing down my neck. An image of Rob flashed in my mind. An image of him doing this to me, kissing down my neck, my hands in his messy hair, my hips arching, trying to find his excitement. I had arched my hips against Michael without thinking. There was no excitement there, not that I could feel anyway. Rob was a little...more endowed so to speak. He must have taken that as a sign as his hands hurriedly began undoing my belt.

I grabbed his hands, to stop him. "No, wait, not now. I...I'm starving. Let's get something to eat." I sat up, pushing him off of me.

He sat beside me, frustrated. "I thought you wanted it."

"I'm hungry baby, let's get something to eat first." I reached for his hand. I pulled him off the bed and headed towards the door. There were a few little cafes within walking distance that I thought we would be okay in. Nobody knew I was here anyway.



We had just finished lunch and Mike had gone to the restroom. I felt my phone vibrating and I pulled it out to look at it. Two texts from Taylor and two from Rob.

Going good so far, did you make it to L.A.? - Taylor

I'm getting a break from shooting soon, I want to come see you. How are you feeling? - Rob

Okay, this is getting tough. I'm losing track of my own lies. Rob is seriously too smart for this shit. Are you alive?? - Taylor

Kristen, I want to see you. I need to see you. I'll come by and bring you some soup, cough drops, tissues, do you need anything? - Rob

Oh my God. I thought to myself. This is insane. I texted them both back quickly before Mike returned to the table.

Taylor, you're doing good. I made it to L. A. I'll take care of Rob. Thank you again, I owe you.

Rob, I'm really not feeling well. I just want to sleep. I don't want you to get sick too. Stay as far away from me as you can, this is miserable.

Just as I put my phone back in my pocket Mike returned to the table. "You ready babe?" He threw some cash on the table and reached for my hand. I took it, standing to leave with him. As soon as we walked out onto the street I saw two men across the street with cameras waiting. Paparazzi. "Shit!" I turned my head to face Michael as I heard the cameras clicking. I instantly dropped Mike's hand. I picked up the pace and was inside the comforts of my condo's lobby in no time.

I sighed in relief as we headed up to my condo. We got in and I plopped down on the couch, Mike followed suit.

"So, I get that you snuck out of Vancouver..." He started. "But, why, when you saw the cameras, did you let go of my hand?"

Uh oh. Whoopsie. "I did?" I asked, trying to play dumb.

"Yea, you dropped it like you had just been caught doing something you weren't supposed to."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I asked. It was like he was insinuating something.

"I don't know, you tell me." He looked away from me then.

"I'm not dealing with this shit Michael. You're so insecure!" I yelled. "Help yourself out. I'm taking a nap." I walked back to my room and slammed the door. I listened quietly, waiting for the front door to close, and for him to be gone.

After I heard the front door close I went back to my living room. I looked out the window that faced the main street. Now there were five men with cameras, all taking pictures of Michael leaving my place. "Fuck me." I thought. I went back to my room and grabbed my laptop. I wanted to see the pictures first, to see how much explaining I was going to have to do.

I lingered around, cleaned up a bit and waited. In a way, it was nice, to be home alone, nobody knowing I was here.

My phone started ringing a couple of hours later. It was my agent. I didn't answer. "Let the fun begin!" I said to myself. I sat down again in front of my computer and searched for the pictures. I didn't have to search hard. "Ugh." It was so obvious. There were pictures of us going into the cafe and coming out, holding hands at first. I must not have been paying attention when I went in, but I swear I didn't see anybody. How did they know I was here?? Someone had to of tipped them off, but the only person who knew I was here was...Mike. He wouldn't do that.

I called my mom.

"Hey Kris." She answered.

"Hey mom. Have you seen the pictures?" I felt tears begin to sting my eyes.

"No baby, what happened? Your agent has called here several times looking for you.

I sighed. "Mike and I got caught having lunch, and then we got in a fight. He left, well I told him to leave. How did they know I was here?? Someone had to of tipped them off. Mike is the only one that knew!"

"I don't know Kristen. I mean, even your father doesn't know."

"Ugh, maybe Mike did do it. Maybe he wanted us to get caught, so it would get back to Rob. He doesn't trust me at all, I can tell."

"Should he trust you?" My mother asked sternly.

"Mom!" She didn't know Rob and I had slept together, but she did know I was crazy about him.

"I'm just saying Kristen, your toying with these boys hearts, they're bound to get crazy."

I heard a beep on the line. I pulled my phone back from my ear to see the caller id. It was Mike. I'm not answering.

"I am not toying with their hearts, they are toying with mine!"

My mom laughed at my attempt to not make it seem like such a big deal. "Kristen, they've both declared their love for you, nobody is toying with you. You just have to make up your mind, and soon, before you lose them both."

Lose them both? I hadn't really thought of that before. "Mom, I gotta go, I don't want to talk about it anymore."

"Okay Kris, I understand. Call your agent please, you've got some explaining to do."

"Ugh. Okay. Love you." I hung up. I went back to my room and laid across my bed on my stomach. I had no idea what I was going to do or say. My life was spiraling out of control. My phone rang again. It was Mike. I flipped open my phone and held the speaker to my mouth. "I DON'T WANT TO TALK TO YOU!" I hung up. I really didn't feel like dealing with his incessant apologies. I am pretty convinced he tipped the paps off to me being here. I threw my phone across the bed and laid my head down.

I didn't even realize I had fallen asleep until I heard the faint sounds of my phone ringing an hour later. I looked up. "Ugh." I groaned, searching for my phone. I found it under some covers. "Huh?" I looked at the screen. It was Mike's mom calling. "That's odd. He's using his mom to get to me now? That's unusual, he doesn't normally bring her into our problems, and she rarely calls me."

"Hello?"

"Um...Hi Kristen, it's Michael's mom."

She sounded nervous, or upset or something. "Yeah, hey Mrs. Angarano, how are you?"

She was quiet. "Uh, Kristen, he doesn't know I'm calling you..."

She sounded like she had been crying. I interrupted her. "What's going on?"

"I'm sorry to bother you, I know you two got into an argument earlier today, but he really needs you right now Kristen." She started crying harder.

What the hell? She was silent now, all I could hear were her muffled sniffles. "Mrs. Angarano? Are you okay?"

She sighed heavily. "Kristen, my brother, Mike's uncle, he was killed in a car accident this morning."

Oh. My. God. No! My heart sank, it broke for him. Mike was so close to his uncle and so was his mom. I mean, him and his uncle were more like brothers. I didn't know what to say. I stuttered. "Mrs. Angarano I...I'm so sorry. I will...I'll call Mike right now. I'm sorry, please let me know if I can do anything else."

"Thank you Kristen." I could hardly understand her. She hung up softly.

I feel like such a bitch! His mom was so great, here she is grieving the loss of her brother, and she is more concerned about Mike. I called him immediately. I could tell he had picked up the phone, but he didn't say anything. "Mike? I...I'm so sorry baby." I nearly started crying myself.

"Can I come over?" He asked. "I have to get out of here."

"Yes, of course you can." I answered quickly. It's strange how something so tragic makes you completely forget about the stupid things you were mad at him about hours earlier. They were so petty in the grand scheme of things.

"Thanks Kris, I'll see you in a bit." He hung up.

I took a deep breath and fought back tears. I don't think I can deal with anything else right now. As if on cue, my phone rang.

Rob.

The hot tears finally escaped the confines of my eyes. I’m sure he’d seen the pictures, or someone had told him about it by now. I couldn't lie to him anymore. He deserved better.

"Hello?"

"Kristen." He said my name softly, pleadingly. "What is going on? Where are you?"

The way he said it let me know that my gig was up. Hearing the hurt in his voice, it felt like someone was pulling my heart right out of my chest. "Rob." I cried. "I'm so sorry. I know we need to talk, but I can't go into right now. Something terrible has happened."

"Are you okay?" He asked.

"Yes, no, I don't know! I'm so confused and I'm going to be in big trouble with Summit." I paced back and forth across my living room. "I'm so stressed out, I can't deal with this anymore!"

I heard him take a deep breath. "Kristen...I don't know what is going on, I don't know why you are pushing me away, but please don't do this. Talk to me." He begged.

"I...I can't do this right now." I whispered.

"Kristen, please! Don't hang up."

He knew me too well. "Rob, please, just give me some time to sort things out in my head, okay?"

His voice was painful, full of emotion. "Are you changing your mind about choosing me?" He asked quietly.

"Rob, don't make me do this right now. Mike really needs me." I cried.

Click. He hung up. I broke down. I fell to my knees in the middle of my living room with my head in my hands. I was so confused.

**CHAPTER 6 - CLICK HERE**