Chapter Two

Note: DX Guys! I've gotten countless emails about you guys saying this is a Favorite Story and doing Story Alerts and stuff, and that's great and all, but do me a favor and review next time, mkay? I have 2 reviews. T_T But I'm putting up the next chapter because I love writing this. I don't mean to rant, you guys are awesome, but I love reviews like a fat kid loves chocolate ;P

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The next day, Tawni and I started packing in our dressing room. "Pink tankini or blue?" She asked, holding up two identical bathing suits in different colors.

"They're both cute," I replied honestly, placing my red one piece in my duffel, along with red and white swim shorts.

"There, done," I smiled in satisfaction, zipping up my bright blue bag. We were leaving tomorrow, and I was really excited! True, Cara would be there. But perhaps I could just ignore her, and hang out with my friends.

Plus, there'd probably be some romantic places Chad and I could go.

"How are you done?" Tawni exclaimed, stuffing three sundresses in her bag. She already had two huge bags full!

"It's just a seven day cruise in the Caribbean," I said dreamily, flipping my hair over my shoulder and lounging on the couch.

Tawni laughed. "You've never been on a cruise, have you?"

I paused. "Well, no." I said carefully. "That's why I'm ecstatic!" I burst out.

Tawni rolled her eyes, but it didn't look that mean. Just then, Zora walked in. She was wearing a usual arrangement of colors and patterns, and had a quirky smile on her face.

"Marshall says dump your stuff in the prop room when you're done," She squeaked, joining me on the couch, but I jumped up.

"I'm done!" I said happily, grabbing my duffel and leaving Tawni and her snide remarks behind.

I was buzzing with joy as I waved to everyone, skipping merrily down the halls. The staff wasn't going, but they were all overjoyed with a week's break.

"Hey, Sonny," I heard as I opened the door to the prop room. There were Chad and Portlyn, dumping a load of gorgeous bags, no doubt Gucci or something expensive, on the ground. There were three piles, so I'm guessing the third was for Rita's Creek.

"Hi, Chad!" My face broke out into a wide smile. His blonde hair dangled over his crystal clear blue eyes, and he was dressed in jeans, a gray button down shirt, a blue sweater vest, and a black suit jacket on top. So, so handsome.

"And, hi Portlyn," I added hesitantly. She and I were on better terms, now that Chad and I were a couple, but I wasn't completely sure.

"Hey," She smiled in return. Phew.

Chad stared at Portlyn until she got the hint, said goodbye, and scurried off.

I laughed and stepped over to Chad so I could hug him. We'd been going out for about a week, but we hadn't kissed yet. We'd kissed once when we weren't going out, and twice during the party. But not once since we'd been official. But, whatever. I'm fine with hugging.

"Excited for vacation?" Chad rose his eyebrows at me.

"Oh, definitely," I sighed dreamily.

Chad chuckled, and I was pleased. I hated to admit it, but I was nervous sometimes around him. Like the hate part of our relationship might slip back in. So far, it's been good.

Let's hope it stays that way.

"Hey, you guys!" Cara strode in with a rolling, frilly pink bag. She wore a short, strapless lavender dress that came to her thigh, and furry white boots. Was it supposed to look cool? Who knows. She looked cool though- she had straightened her hair, so it looked like a model's. She had a lavender beret over it, and smoky eye makeup, accenting her gorgeous blue eyes.

I felt so very plain next to her.

"Hey, Cara," Chad crossed his arms.

"See ya," I rolled my eyes and left. As I slammed the door behind me, I realized I had just left Chad and Cara alone. But girlfriends had to trust their boyfriends, right? I had to trust Chad. I DO trust Chad.

I think.

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The day progressed in a fast rush. Everyone was packing and making arrangements.

So, boy was I tired when Chad walked me out of the Studio that night.

"Well, I'll see you on the plane tomorrow," I grinned at him. We had made plans to sit together.

"Yup," He smiled in return. "Hey, do you need a ride home? You look exhausted."

I was, but I was more comfortable riding the bus then Chad's flashy car.

"Thanks, but I'll be fine." I said quickly. "Bye?" I made a cute face and he chuckled, and he leaned down and hugged me tightly.

"What do you mean, you can't-no, Mom, I can't hold, I have to leave!" Cara's aggravated voice came faintly from down the sidewalk.

Chad and I peered over at her, and she looked like she was about to crumble. "No, Mom, I can't walk! It's cold, and it'd be miles!" Her bottom lip quivered.

She put her iPhone over her skinny stomach and glanced around. Her eyes lit up when she saw Chad.

"Chad?" She called earnestly. "Do you think you could drop me off at my house? My mom's working all night and she can't pick me up," a tear rolled down her cheek.

"Sure," Chad shrugged. I gaped at him, but he didn't see me. "You could take the bus," I muttered, kicking a rock. But Chad had already said goodbye to me, so he hopped in his magnificent car and a tearful Cara slid in beside him.

"See ya!" Chad yelled as he pulled out of the driveway.

I wasn't happy about this, and was even angrier when I saw Cara tilt her head towards me, and her face twisted into an evil smirk.

The witch had been acting the whole time.

Tears filled my own eyes. Why did Cara have to try to steal my boyfriend every chance she got? I walked dejectedly to the bus stop and showed the bus driver, a stout woman with nutmeg colored skin and black hair in tiny curls, and asked "Can you take me to a place where girls don't try to steal your boyfriend?"

She looked at me for a moment, and said "Mhmm, girl, don't I wish there was a place," and she shut the door behind me.