author's note:I'm so happy that there are reviews that I'm posting a new chapter tonight :). So for some reason there was weird coding at the top of the last chapter, not really sure why, but hopefully that won't keep happened. Oh and I forgot a disclaimer, whoops.

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Private or any of the characters, The wonderful Keiran Scott, aka Kate Brian, does. This is just me trying to fill the void in my heart (haha) until the real Paradise Lost comes out.

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I awoke to someone banging on the door.

"Noelle! Wake up!" the person repeated several times. In my groggy state, I didn't recognize the voice.

As the banging continued, I rubbed my eyes, stretched, and looked at Noelle's alarm clock. What was so important at 9 am?

"Noelle," Amberly whined, "Get up, come on, I need to talk to you. Don't make me come wake you up." I had never been so annoyed to hear Amberly's voice in my life.

"Amberly go away. Whatever it is, I can assure you it's not more important than my beauty sleep," Noelle called from somewhere under a mass of blankets on the couch.

But of course, the door burst open and Amberly came in. This girl was ridiculous. Her pajamas were matchy-matchy just like everything else she wore. Just because your outfit matches doesn't mean it looks good.

"Someone is here to get Sabine's things. I just thought you'd want to know. And what the hell is she doing here?" She gave me a dirty look.

Noelle emerged from the blankets. "Seriously, Amberly? You woke me up for that? Go away. Let them take the Sabine's things, I don't care. Don't ever come in my room like that again. And be respectful to Reed or we're going to have big issues."

"But she's not even in Billings anymore!"

"Not officially. But we're holding a vote today. Now leave."

Amberly stood still for a second, like she was about to say something. Then she turned around, tail between legs, and left, slamming the door behind her. Noelle went right back to sleep. I knew I probably couldn't go back to sleep, so I took a shower. A very hot, very relaxing, very long shower. All the drama Sabine had caused went down the drain along with the water.

When I emerged from the bathroom an hour later, Noelle was sitting at her desk on the computer, already perfectly dressed with perfect makeup. How could she manage to look so perfect when we had gotten less than 5 hours of sleep?

"Hey. You totally can't wear last night's outfit today, so you can borrow something of mine. You can wear whatever, but I set aside a few things on the bed that would look really good on you." Translation: You can have your pick at my clothes, but if you better wear what I picked out.

On the bed was a pair of jeans, a red long sleeve shirt, and a simple pair of boots that looked very comfortable. I quickly got dressed and towel dried my hair.

"Those jeans are amazing on you! I figured you'd want to be comfortable. And even though I disapprove of your plain-jane wardrobe, we'll deal with that later."

"So what's on the schedule for today?"

"Well, first, get your stuff from Pemberly. Then I need your help with a little mission of mine, since you like detective work and all."

"What kind of mission?"

"A secret one."

"Noelle, I don't want to get involved in any more drama."

"Not so fast. I happen to know that this is something you definitely don't want to miss out on."

"What are you talking about?"

"I need your help getting rid of Amberly."

"Getting rid of her? Why?"

"Obviously I'm the only one who ever liked her, but no one wanted to disagree with me. But now Amberly is really getting on my nerves. We'll talk about it later, though. Lets go, Pemberly is waiting."

We walked downstairs, where the rest of the girls were hanging out in the parlor.

"Reed!" they all shouted at once.

"Are you back in Billings?" I heard someone ask.

"Girls, please. Let's spare the question and answer session. I've decided that I would like it if Reed was back in Billings, so we'll hold a vote and see if you all agree."

She pulled me into the entry way. "I was thinking we could just do the vote now and get it over with. So would you be okay with heading over to Pemberly now and I'll meet you there in fifteen minutes?"

"Um, sure. I'll just…be at Pemberly," I said, walking out the door.

Outside it was an unusually nice day. I didn't even need my jacket. I guess the weather gods were on my side. As I walked across the quad to Pemberly, whispers and stares surrounding me the whole way. I really didn't want to deal with drama right now, so I ignored everyone trying to talk to me and just went straight to my old room. Luckily I hadn't really ever unpacked, just thrown my bags in the closet, so I didn't have much to do. I packed up the stuff in my desk and took the sheets off my bed.

"Knock, knock."

I jumped, startled, and turned around. It was Ivy and she was holding a vase filled with coral roses.

"Aww Ivy, how thoughtful," I joked. "But I think you have the wrong idea about our relationship." We laughed.

"Actually, they were delivered early this morning. You weren't here so I signed for them," she said handing me the vase.

"Thanks," I said, opening the card.

Reed-

These are for being so brave last night.

-Anonymous

"So who are they from?"

"It's signed anonymous. How lame is that?"

Ivy laughed. "Well, just so you know, coral roses signify desire. Looks like someone is interested in you."

"Oh god. I really don't need a secret admirer right now."

"You never know. It could turn about to be someone worth dating."

Unless Josh was my secret admirer, that was impossible. "I don't think so."

Ivy turned her gaze to the suitcase on my bed. "Leaving so soon?"

"Um yeah, Noelle invited me back to Billings."

"You know, that's kind of disappointing. I was hoping you'd stay around. We could be the Billings version of the 'one that got away.' But I know how much Billings means to you, so congratulations are in order."

"Thanks, Ivy. That means a lot to me."

"So how was your night? I heard they took people down to the police station."

"Yeah, just for questioning. They wanted to know why Sabine had a gun pointed at me. How was your night?"

"Bo-ring. I just came back here and collapsed. I was exhausted. Then Josh woke me up early this morning via text message. He wanted to talk." She sighed.

I didn't really know what to say to that, so I stayed silent.

Ivy looked me right in the eye and said, "we broke up, Reed. Mutual decision." My jaw dropped.

"Oh…wow." I was speechless.

"He still really loves you, I hope you know that. And when you two finally get back together, if you ever break his heart, I will make it my mission to hurt you. You can trust me on that one."

I was so shocked that I had to sit down. Did Josh tell her he loves me, or was that just her assumption?

"Cat got your tongue?" Ivy said.

"I'm so sorry Ivy." Why didn't she seem upset?

"It's fine. We never would have lasted anyways." Oh, I guess that's why.

"Oh… okay."

"Anyways, awkward conversation over. Bye Reed, have fun back at Billings," she said, giving me her signature icy look. Was she mad at me now? What happened to being friendly?

"Yeah... Bye Ivy."

She walked to the door, turned the handle half way, and turned around.

"Don't be a stranger, Reed." I let out a breath that I didn't know I'd been keeping. Thank God she's not mad, I don't need to be on Ivy Slade's bad side ever again.

"I won't."

Flashing me a rare smile, she turned back around and left. I was still sitting on the bed when, about 20 seconds later, Noelle came in.

"Tell me I did not just see Ivy Slade leaving your room."

"Uh, yeah. It was her. We're sort of friends now."

"Didn't see that coming. Well anyways, you are officially back in Billings, Reed Brennan."

I smiled, jumped off the bed, and hugged her.

"Thanks, Noelle."

"Yeah, whatever. No thanks necessary. Who are the flowers from?"

"Anonymous."

"Aw, my little glass licker's got a secret admirer. What are we, sixth graders?"

"Yeah, its lame."

"But the person obviously has very good taste in flowers. Roses are a great, classic, choice. I like the color also."

"Yeah, roses are my favorites. And coral is one of my favorite colors."

"Looks like someone did some investigating before sending them. Interesting."

"Yes, very."

"So are you all packed?"

"Yeah, just about," I said, picking up my laptop and putting it in its case.

"Good. Trey should be here any minute."

"Trey?"

"Yeah, I asked him to help with your bags so we wouldn't have to carry them."

"Oh okay. Thanks."

"No problem. So let's hurry up and get back to Billings. I can't wait to show you your room!"

By 3 pm that afternoon, I was completely settled into my new room. Tiffany had been nice enough to give up her single room so I wouldn't have to sleep in the same exact bed Sabine used to occupy. Noelle had somehow found the time (or hired someone) to decorate the room with a new rug, comforter, lamps, and set of curtains, all in shades of coral, pink, and orange. It was something straight out of a PBTeen catalog and I actually liked the way it looked. What can I say, Noelle has some serious connections. Astrid started to organize my closet in color order while Constance unpacked everything for my desk and bookshelf. Kiki was playing an amazing playlist on her iPod dock and Tiffany was, of course, taking pictures. London, Vienna, and Noelle were lounging on my bed and I was lying on the fluffy rug feeling tired. The other girls were coming in and out to say hi and welcome me back. It was exactly the kind of girl bonding I had expected when I moved into Billings and I was having a good time.

"So, Reed, what are you wearing to Kiran's party?" came Astrid's voice from somewhere in the direction of my closet.

I had completely forgotten about the party. I'd actually been planning on taking a nap as soon as the little party in my room was over. I bit my lip.

"Don't worry, Reed. I've got you covered," said Noelle.

"Actually, I'm really tired. Do you think Kiran would kill me if I skipped out on this one?" I said, yawning for emphasis.

"Well…she wanted to catch up with you, but I think she'll understand. You were almost killed yesterday, you could use some rest," Noelle replied.

"Yeah, you've got some major dark circles under your eyes. I can loan you a great concealer if you want," Vienna offered.

"Reed are you sure? Maybe you just need to get out and have some fun," Constance suggested.

"No, I just really need some rest. I haven't gotten much sleep lately."

"Are you sure you're okay here, alone?" Astrid asked.

"Yeah. Sabine's gone now, I have nothing to be afraid of."

"Aw, we'll miss you!" Vienna said.

"Yeah, I can't believe your going to voluntarily miss one of the biggest parties of the year," London said.

"London don't. She doesn't want to go, and we're all okay with that, correct girls?"

I gave Noelle a 'thank you' look as the girls nodded.

"Okay, now that we have all that settled, everyone should probably start getting ready. Cars will be here at 5 to take us to the city."

Most of the girls scrambled out of the room to get ready. For them, two hours was barely enough time to make themselves presentable for the party.

"I wish you were coming so we could hang out, but you do need rest. I'll see you later."

"Thanks, Constance. Make sure Tiffany takes a ton of pictures so I don't miss a thing,"

"When does she ever not take a million pictures?"

I laughed. "Point taken."

"Are you sure you're okay, Reed?"

"Yeah, Noelle, I'm fine. Just tired, no sleep lately."

"Alright, but if you start to get all depressed and lazy on me with an "I'm just tired" excuse, I'll have no choice but to stage an intervention," Noelle joked.

"Dang you're onto my plan!"

"Yeah, sure. Well I have to go shower. Have fun sleeping, Reed."

That was exactly what I did. It was about 6:30 when I woke up from my nap. I had nothing to do, so I sat down on my window seat to see if anyone was on the quad. I laughed when I realized that, if Noelle were here, she would tease me for being a glass licker.

I wonder if they're having fun at the party. I wonder how over the top it is. I wonder how many people came to help Kiran celebrate. I knew all of Billings and a lot of the Ketlar boys were there, as well as all of Kiran's friends and acquaintances, so there must be a ton of people. I continued to daydream about the party until my phone buzzed on my bedside table.

From: Josh

i thought you'd be at kiran's party.

From: Reed

i decided I'd rather catch up on sleep. how do you know i'm not there?

From: Josh

i can see you in the window

It was then that I realized, if I looked directly across the quad at Ketlar, I could see Josh's room. I spotted him standing in the window, and he waved. Its official: I love this room!

From: Josh

wanna go for a walk?

From: Reed

sure. i'll meet you in front of ketlar in 5 mins

From: Josh

Okay :)

He put a smiley face! Now I was excited. I jumped up from the window seat and rushed over to my closet. Absentmindedly, I tore off my pajamas and pulled on the jeans that Noelle said I looked good in and a white sweater. Looking in the mirror, I realized Vienna was right about my eyes. I applied some concealer, a little mascara, and some lip gloss, ran a brush through my hair, and sprayed a little perfume in it. I wanted to look, and smell, good for Josh. Then I grabbed my jacket and ran down the stairs and out the door. Josh was sitting on a bench about half way across the quad. As I approached him, he stood, and when I got close enough, he pulled me into a hug.

I was surprised, but also happy that he was hugging me. I'd been waiting so long for him to touch me again. I inhaled the scent of him, it was exactly as I remembered it, and squeezed tighter.

"I'm so glad you're okay," Josh whispered into my hair. He gave me one more squeeze and let go. "Sabine really scared me last night," he said as we began walking down the path.

"I know. When the lights went out, for a split second, I thought I was dead."

"I know, I was scared. I heard the gunshot but I couldn't see who'd been shot. I'm glad your okay."

"You said that."

"Oh. Yeah, I did." Hmm, is that nervousness I detect in his voice? Interesting.

"I was hoping to get to see you at the police station."

"Yeah, I wasn't there for long, maybe 30 minutes."

"Seriously? That's so not fair. Noelle and I were there for a few hours, just sitting in separate interrogation rooms doing nothing."

He laughed. "That's because you're kind of the whole reason everything was happening."

"Yeah."

We walked in silence for a minute.

"I broke up with Ivy this morning."

"I know. She came by to talk to me earlier, while I was packing up my stuff at Pemberly. They let me back into Billings."

"Yeah, I figured that much. But since when do you and Ivy talk?"

I laughed. "We kind of teamed up last night to find out who our stalker was."

"I would have never expected that. You two make an interesting pair."

"I know." It was silent again for a minute.

"So…what did you want to talk to me about last night?" I asked curiously.

"Oh, I was just going to tell you that I really loved your gift. It brought back so many memories. And then I was going to tell you I was thinking about breaking up with Ivy. But then I heard Sabine talking about how she drugged you and I decided that I was definitely breaking up with Ivy."

"So…does that mean…?" I didn't know how to say it.

"That I want us to get back together?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know. I just don't know if I want that anymore, and I'm confused."

Ouch. Did he mean he didn't want me anymore?

"Sorry, that didn't come out right. I don't mean I don't want you anymore, I just don't know if it's right for me at the moment. Maybe I need a break from relationships for a little bit, you know. I've been really focused on that kind of stuff for a while now."

I didn't understand. "But Ivy told me you still loved me."

He sighed. "She always bugged me about that. She was always talking about how I couldn't pay enough attention to her because I was still in love with you."

"Then I don't understand why you need a break or whatever."

t I couldn't bring m

"It's just that…I just don't know if things will be the same. I can't ever get that picture of you with…him... out of my mind," he said, flinching.

"I would erase it if I could. I hate myself for hurting you like that."

"It wasn't your fault, Reed. It was Sabine."

"Regardless, you don't want to get back together because of the picture in your mind, and I hate myself for doing it because of that."

"Just give me a little time, Reed. I do want to get back together, and I do still love you. I just…need time to think things through."

"How much time?"

"A few weeks."

"That seems like an eternity," I said, turning back towards Billings.

Josh grabbed my hand and pulled me back towards him. He looked right into my eyes as he put his hand on my cheek and pulled me even closer. I stopped breathing as he kissed me. I was paralyzed for a second and lost my balance, but Josh put his hand on my hip to steady me. As soon as I could, I put my hands in his hair and kissed him back. I was confused and knew I shouldn't be kissing him after he'd just said he didn't want me back yet, but it felt so good that I couldn't bring myself to pull away. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me up against his body. After a minute or two of dizzying kisses, he pulled away, a huge smile stretching across his face.

"I've been wanting to do that for a while now."

"What happened to 'give me a few weeks'?"

"You were about to walk away and I didn't want you to go."

"Josh you can't contradict yourself like that. It confus…." I was silenced by Josh kissing me again. I immediately pulled away this time.

"Reed, come on. You know you're enjoying it. Can you just forget about the future and have fun?"

He was right. I was enjoying it, a lot. The boy I loved was kissing me again and we'd figure the rest out later. He pulled me in for another kiss as I pondered why I would even reject a kiss from Josh Hollis in the first place. He is an amazing kisser. God, I love this boy.

We stood there kissing for a few minutes, making up for lost time. He finally pulled away to get some air.

"Do you want to…um…come back to Ketlar with me? A lot of the guys are at Kiran's party and dorm our advisor is out for the night."

I smiled at him. "Yes."