She surveyed the muscled boy, his skin tanned and his arm moving furiously as he scrambled to take notes on everything she was saying. Somehow this made her feel strangely powerful. The girl attempted to hand him a guide of seduction – a step by step handbook to win Taylor's love. She had already given him many tips, including always make sure your hair looks good. Although Taylor wasn't mainly interested in looks, the most important part of a person was their hair. It explained quite a bit about why she dated Joe Jonas, as his hair was always flawless. Selena cleared her throat, ready to make another proclamation to the eager young boy.
"Have you listened to her music before?" Selena asked.
"Yes. I love her music. She's really talented." Taylor Lautner admitted. "That's part of the reason why I like her so much."
"Well, it's great that you like her music. She loves it when her friends support her. Do NOT gush about it. Make sure she knows you like it, but don't harp on it constantly, because she's more than her music. It makes her feel uncomfortable if you're talking about it nonstop." Selena suggested. She could think of several guys who had done this same thing and remembered her friend losing interest quickly thereafter.
"Okay. I guess that makes sense."
"In case you haven't noticed from her music, she's a romantic. Be sweet to her. Hold out chairs, open doors – but don't make her feel like she can't do anything herself." Selena told him carefully.
"I think I'm sweet." Taylor smiled. "So that shouldn't be too difficult. Anything else?"
"She's dated quite a few guys in bands. I'd say it's a thing for her, dating rock stars. Since you're not one, you're going to have to work a bit harder. Maybe she's looking for a change. But dating someone else who is a musician is good because you share something huge in common. Most of all, she wants someone she can be herself around. I think she prefers brunettes..." Selena trailed off. Most of the things she was describing reminded her of herself. Selena considered herself a musician now, albeit not a great one – just as her friend was slowly considering herself to be an actress.
"Thank you. That helps a lot." He settled onto the couch with ease, gesturing towards the black television screen. "We can watch TV or something if you want." At this, Selena shrugged, leading him to turn on the television. He jokingly switched the channel to Disney, on which Wizards of Waverly Place was on. Selena groaned.
"I hate watching myself! Aghhh!" She screamed, annoyed. She quieted when she saw a set of guitars and a microphone in the corner. "You have Rock Band?" Selena asked after a moment, her eyes wide in excitement.
"Yeah, but I broke the drum set the other day from drumming too hard. I just have the mic and the guitars..."
"I CALL VOCALS!"
Both Taylor and Selena knew this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
A few days later...
Taylor was gazing at herself in the full-length mirror, wearing a look of incredulity as she took notice of her own straightened blonde hair. She still couldn't believe she had agreed to Selena's ridiculous idea. Selena had told her earlier that morning how much a certain teenage boy admired her, and urged her to go on a date with him. Wanting to please her friend, Taylor agreed, which was so completely fucked up...Why would I go on a date with a guy because the girl I'm in love with told me to? Right, Taylor, act absolutely contrary to how you feel and that'll throw everyone off! She looked at herself, feeling quite pathetic.
"Taylor, honey." Her mother walked into the bathroom, smiling brightly. "Your young man is here." She giggled. "And he is looking quite nice, too – wearing a suit and everything."
"I'll be down in a minute." Taylor tried to sound enthusiastic and as her mother turned to go back down the hall, she took a seat on the counter. She couldn't help but imagine Selena wearing a suit and that sight would have been much more pleasant to her. It upset her more than she was willing to admit, the fact that Selena had coached Taylor into something she would like. The fact of the matter was that everything she wanted, she had in Selena. Sighing deeply, she left her place and decided to hurry downstairs. At least as soon as she started the date, it would be closer to being over.
He witnessed her walking down the stairs and everything seemed to move in slow motion, just as they did in romantic movies. His face lit up with happiness at the idea that she was really going on a date with him. As she approached him and came closer, he had to hold himself steady. He was unbelievably nervous. Trying to be charming, he bid her a good evening. It came out a bit more theatrically than he had intended, and Taylor half-giggled at him.
"I have to take a picture!" Taylor's mom announced happily, causing both Taylors to grimace. The younger Taylor knew he had to do so to appease the woman, while the older Taylor rolled her eyes, wishing she could rebel against the ridiculous tradition her mother had of taking pictures of every new boy she dated. She collected them like trading cards, a photo for every guy who broke Taylor's heart or vice versa. As his date's mother fiddled with the camera, Taylor put his arm around the blonde and smiled widely. She tried not to look too uncomfortable as she could smell the strong cologne he was wearing and put on her best smile.
"Are you ready?" Taylor asked her once the flash had gone off, and the older girl nodded before the two of them headed out the door. She walked outside and paused when she saw his white Audi R8. That car was not what she had been expecting. He gazed at her questioningly.
"Expensive?" She inquired.
"You could say that. It's the only big thing I bought after...well...you know." He shrugged, making his way to the passenger door and opening it for Taylor. She smiled a bit and got in, waiting for him to come around to the driver's side.
"It's not really what I expected, that's all." She said politely. "I drive a Lexus. I love it!"
"Oh yeah? I would have thought you'd drive a truck. A pink truck." He chuckled. "Besides, so many of your songs mention trucks..."
"Funny you should say that – I used to have a pink truck, but I gave it away." She laughed awkwardly. "So many of my songs mention trucks because I'm southern and quite a lot of guys I dated drove trucks. I do like them but it turns out I'm not so great at driving them."
"That stupid old pickup truck...he never let you drive." Taylor made another joke and she rolled her eyes in response. He was definitely breaking rule #2.
Meanwhile...
Demi tumultuously entered the room, the passion evident on her face as she threw the disk at her friend, Jac. The older girl looked at her in confusion. "Just a track I laid down today. I think it's going to go on the album." Demi exclaimed. Jac rapidly made her way to the CD player, putting the disk in and adjusting the volume before listening to the new song her friend was so proud of.
You speak to me
And in your words I hear a melody
But in the twilight it's so hard to see
What's wrong for me...
Jac listened to the song, staying silent throughout the entire thing. She actually enjoyed the music, because it seemed that Demi was going in a new direction musically, a new direction that was closer to her own musical taste. After the song had finished, she noticed Demi staring at her eagerly, wanting to hear a reaction.
"Did you like it?" She questioned.
"I did..." Jac paused, biting her lip and wondering if she should say anything. "It's pretty obvious what it's about though. Are you sure you want to do that to yourself?"
"I don't know what you're-"
"Yes you do. It is very obviously about Taylor Lautner." Jac sighed, not wanting to get into a fight with her friend. "You're jealous."
"I am not jealous!" Demi argued defensively. "I didn't even like Taylor that much."
"I didn't say that's what you were jealous about." Jac noted. Demi sat speechless. "Demi...I know how you feel about Selena. I completely understand. I used to have a crush on one of my female friends-" At Demi's surprised glance, she continued. "It was a one-time thing. I'm not into girls. But she was the exception. Audrey – she was...well, this isn't about me. But the point is, I let it get between us and now we're not even speaking anymore. I don't want that to happen to you and Selena."
"What do you mean?"
"I've seen the way you look at her and heard the way you speak about her. I can't even count how many songs on your record are probably about her. Why are you so afraid to admit it? You're running away, Demi, and that's not like you." Jac reasoned. Demi listened, realizing that Jac knew nothing that she herself knew – she didn't know that Selena felt that way about her.
"You're saying I'm in love with her?" Demi asked in a small voice.
"Yes." Jac told her gently. "It's okay." She smoothed back her hair and pulled her into a tight hug. Demi surrendered to the hug and pulled her arms around Jac, trying not to cry. In that moment, it had occurred to her how stupid she had been. She'd thrown everything away over this. Stifling her tears, she pulled away from her older friend.
"You're right. I'm in love with her."
"How does it feel to admit it?" Jac smiled.
"Weird. There's something else I have to tell you. Selena told me...well...she didn't tell me exactly but...I think she intended for me to know. She left a journal entry open about being in love with someone and she told me it was about me, and I kind of freaked out, but I think it's because I feel the same way, and I didn't want to admit it." Demi crossed her arms. "After all those guys I tried to date...I didn't want to admit that I'm-"
"Gay." Jac whispered, putting a hand on Demi's shaking shoulder in support. "Honey, it's not like it comes as a surprise." Demi moved away from her touch.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY THAT?" She screamed, half joking and halfway serious.
"I mean...you kinda dress like a dyke, babe. Don't be offended or anything, but all the plaid, the vests, the leather-" Jac laughed. "Plus you and Selena...'normal' friends aren't that touchy feely. They just aren't."
"How...you knew before I knew? That's not even fair!"
Chapter Six
Demetria Lovato felt the excitement at the upcoming party this evening – her late birthday party slash any other kind of excuse for a party she could come up with. Though many of her friends were coming, including Jac and Hayley, there was one person she really wanted to come. Demi didn't want the awkwardness between them to change things even though it was evident they already had. As far as she knew, none of the other Disney folks were even coming to the party. It seemed as if all of them had noticed the tension and chose a side—well, except for the Jonas brothers—who apparently already had plans that evening. Demi finally decided to reach out, and tweeted Selena for the world to see. It was her own way of apologizing:
"selenagomez I hope you can make it to my party this weekend :D"
Unfortunately within seconds of posting, fans and haters caught like wildfire. Some people accused her of being sarcastic, others said she was saying it deliberately because Selena had scheduled her Naturally video shoot for that evening (which Demi had no idea about) and the more supportive fans begged Selena to respond. Demi became frustrated when Selena didn't respond after a few hours. She decided to text message her before the party preparations began.
"Is there any way you could make it to my party tonight?"
"No. Video shoot."
"Maybe you could stop by after?"
"Sorry, plans w/ Tay."
"Can we talk?"
"Maybe later. Bye."
Demi closed her phone in annoyance and angrily threw it at the wall. Thankfully, it didn't break. She crossed her arms and cursed under her breath. This was just the perfect start to her evening. It had taken all of her courage to reach out to Selena and for her to respond that way, well, maybe she deserved it but it didn't hurt any less. She sighed, wishing she would have had her realization much sooner. Now how was she supposed to tell Selena she was sorry and she loved her and to please forgive her? Too little, too late. Demi decided that tonight she would wallow in self-pity while putting on a facade for everyone else. Maybe she could drink – she knew that Jac and Jeffree would probably bring alcohol, anyway.
When she had finally finished getting ready and charging her phone, Demi went upstairs to say goodbye to her parents. They had already celebrated her birthday long ago and this was more of a party for her friends, which they completely understood. Her mother gave her a hug and a kiss on the forehead. Demi knew her parents trusted her...but just this once she wanted to step outside the boundaries of what was expected of her and she planned to do just that. She hurried back downstairs as she noticed her chauffeur had arrived—at least she had enough sense not to drive if she planned on drinking. Grabbing her purse, she dashed out the door and into the limousine. As she settled into the seat, she thought about how infrequently she actually used a limo, and she told the driver to go pick up Jac. Slowly it seemed that Jac was becoming one of her best friends, at least in the place of Selena.
"Happy birthday!" Jac shouted when she got into the car.
"Wait," Demi told the driver. "Thanks, Jac. Are you bringing anything to drink?"
"Well..." Jac chuckled. "If you give me a minute, I can." Demi told the driver that her friend had forgot something, and the older girl returned with her arms full of 40s and a six pack of Grape Smirnoff. Demi grinned in response and the two of them were on their way to the Roosevelt Hotel to party the night away.
Since she was the guest of honor, Demi couldn't exactly be the first person to arrive, so once she had, there was already quite a crowd of people there. Fans were standing outside of the hotel while Jac struggled to hide the alcoholic beverages from them.
"Is Selena coming tonight?" One of the fans screamed from near the door.
"Um..." was Demi's lame response.
"She's busy tonight! Everyone, hope you have a great evening!" Jac announced, pulling Demi through the hotel's doors by the arm, trying to get her away from the fans. Tears were already stinging at Demi's brown eyes, causing Jac to put down the heavy bottles and pull her arms around Demi. "Don't break down already, Demz, the night hasn't even started." She whispered.
"I know, it's just really freaking hard with everyone asking me stuff and saying things on twitter and I can't even respond because I was an idiot and everyone's wondering what happened but no one knows the truth, it's just so stupid and I'M so stupid..."
"Honey." Jac pulled away from her for a moment. "Put on a smile, even if it's fake. You need to go into your party. Ignore your thoughts of Sel—you know who—and I promise I'll make tonight the night you'll never forget." She picked up the bottles and made her way to the kitchen, where she planned to put the alcohol in the fridge. Jac fixed a drink for herself and Demi, and by the time she made it out to the room, Demi was surrounded by friends. Jac noticed how miserable she looked and made it her mission to get Demi drunk. At least it would help for tonight.
It took four drinks before Demi was acting loopy. Most of the younger party goers were gone by this time. Demi was sitting at a table with Hayley, Jeffrey, Chloe, Jac and a few others. She leaned back into her chair and stared at everyone on the dance floor.
"Looks like everyone's having fun." She said quietly.
"They are. Are you?" Hayley asked from beside Demi. The younger girl turned to Hayley and laughed, leaning her head on her shoulder. She brought her mouth close to Hayley's ear.
"What do you think?"
"I think there's something on your mind." Hayley told her, patting her on the leg. It was unexpected when she and Demi had become friends. She had said a few things about her that she regretted, but it turned out they had friends in common and Demi was much cooler than she had ever imagined. Seeing her so obviously distressed was weird, since it seemed as if Demi was always so cheerful. "Do you want to talk about it?'
"Noooo...well..." Demi started. She lost her train of thought and giggled.
"I think I'm going to head out." Chloe said suddenly, standing and putting her arms around Demi from behind. "Goodnight, girl." She turned to the rest of the table. "Make sure she gets home alright, guys." Chloe and the others left until just the four – Demi, Jeffree, Jac and Hayley—remained at the table.
"Jac, let's dance." Jeffree pulled his friend from her chair, leaving the two girls alone at the table. Demi was struggling with her cell phone, attempting to send a message to Selena.
"sorryive been such an iidot. Pleas forgive mee selena" she typed. After five minutes, Selena had neglected to respond.
"im reactng now. Jac n I talked she told me that iwasinlove with u an" she accidentally sent the text before she finished, so she continued: "was rite. Im soooooooooo stupid sel just pls talk 2me"
"What is wrong with you?" Selena finally sent back in response.
"immm drulnkkk"
"Do you have a ride?"
"yes jac nd I rode limo imok r u mad at me" She was finishing her fifth drink and could barely type comprehensibly, her fingers fumbling over the keys like a five year old's.
"We can talk about it later."
"now pls"
"I am not talking to you when you're drunk."
"fine but im gon to"
"Going to what?"
Demi was interrupted by Hayley, who was reading everything she was typing. The redhead took the phone in her hand, attempting to save Demi the embarrassment of having to face this conversation in the morning. She gazed at Demi in concern. "It's Selena, isn't it?"
"Howwww could you telll?" Demi slurred pitifully.
"What happened?" Hayley ignored the question.
"I LOVE HER!" Demi screamed and Hayley put her hand over her friend's mouth. Demi quieted down and the other girl removed her hand. "Sorry I'm drunk...Jac told me I'm in love with her she's right. I want to kiss you." Demi grabbed the redhead suddenly and kissed her sloppily. Hayley pulled away from her and stood.
"I really think it's time for you to go home." Hayley laughed uncomfortably. "Jac! It's time for Demi to go to bed." She yelled across the room. Jac nodded understandingly.
"I don't think it is." Demi argued as Jac pulled her away from the chair and she and Hayley helped her to the car. She could barely walk and had never drank before. It was affecting her in quite a negative way. "I don't think it is," she repeated. "Not time for bed, Hayley, will you come with me?"
"I don't think that's a good idea." Hayley reasoned, feeling quite strange about the whole situation. She didn't get into the limo with the other two girls, since she hadn't been drinking, she decided to take Jeffree home. She waved goodbye to her friends and left.
Once in the limousineeee, Demi took to her phone again: "kissed hayley wishwas u ilove u s call me tmw nite"
"I really hope you're not twittering." Jac warned, taking her phone away from her and placing it in her pocket to keep it safe.
"Noooo, I'm drunk not stuuuupid."
"There's not a big difference." Jac admitted. She only had a drink or two, so she was only buzzed, but she never took a chance and drove. She didn't need a DUI on her record. Demi was leaning against her and her eyes were closing. Finally she was getting tired enough to pass out.
"Love you." Demi said before her eyes closed. Jac smiled and pushed her hair back, hoping against all hope that her friend wouldn't have a hangover in the morning.
Meanwhile...
When Selena had read Demi's last text message, she was surprised and quite confused. She read over it again: "kissed hayley wishwas u ilove u s call me tmw nite" Despite Demi's drunkenness she could interpret it as the fact that Demi kissed Hayley Williams – Selena wondered how she reacted – and that apparently Demi wished she had been kissing her instead. The admission of "I love you" was a bigger deal too. Selena was tempted to call her as soon as she read it, but she knew the other girl was drunk and she wanted to be sure she felt the same way in the morning. Instead she decided to call Taylor. As it rang she felt her nerves creep up on her.
"Selena? What's up?" Taylor hadn't been expecting Selena's call, as her friend was still supposed to be at the Naturally video shoot.
"Demi won't stop texting me." Selena told her desperately.
"Is she being mean?" Taylor asked, her protective nature taking over.
"It's the opposite."
"She's being sweet?"
"Drunk. But yes. What should I do?" Selena was at a loss. "By the way, we finished earlier than I thought we would. I'm getting ready to go home. So if you could come over early that would be amazing. I don't want to be alone right now."
"Okay, Selena. We'll talk about it when you get home." Taylor announced with a sense of finality in her voice. She was about to hang up when Selena spoke up again.
"I don't think I...I mean, I have feelings for someone else." Selena confessed. "But I don't know what to do about Demi, and it seems like she...I'm sorry to keep putting all this on you."
"Don't apologize. It's what I'm here for. How long until you're home?"
"About ten minutes."
"See you then. I have something for you." Taylor hung up the phone. Her mind was swimming with thoughts, some crazier than others. So it seemed that Demi had been drunk texting Selena all night and goodness knows what she said. What if Selena decided to date her? Taylor had to be there for her friend no matter what she decided, even if seeing her with someone else would kill her. There was a song she wanted to play for Selena, a song that told how she felt and that she had written about her awhile ago. Selena never knew it was about her, and Taylor felt it was time. It was unfortunate that it fell on the same time that Demi decided to finally talk to her.
Taylor grabbed her jacket and her guitar, going out to her car and starting it. She sat there for a moment, gripping the steering wheel and breathing deeply. You can do this, she told herself. With another few deep breaths she pulled out of her driveway to make her way to Selena's house.
Selena was on the porch when Taylor parked. She looked over at the blonde, who was walking towards her with her guitar in her hands. Selena gazed at her questioningly. Taylor smiled then.
"I want to play something for you. It's a song I wrote a long time ago. I'm pretty sure you've heard it already, but pretend like this is the first time. Selena, it explains everything." She began strumming slowly and allowed herself to sing.
I like the way you sound in the morning I like the way I can't keep my focus
We're on the phone and without a warning
I realize your laugh is the best sound
I have ever heard
I watch you talk, you didn't notice
I hear the words but all I can think is
We should be together
Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you
"Taylor..."
"Shh."
Whoa oh, I'm feeling you baby I like the way your hair falls in your face I had time to think it oh, over
Don't be afraid to
Jump then fall
Jump then fall into me
Be there, never gonna leave you
Say that you wanna be with me too
So I'm a stay through it all
So jump then fall
You got the keys to me
I love each freckle on your face, oh
I've never been so wrapped up, honey
I like the way you're everything I ever wanted
And all I can say is come closer
Take a deep breath then jump then fall into me
Cause Every time you smile, I smile
And every time you shine, I'll shine for you
"Does this mean..."
"You're not going to let me finish, are you?" Taylor laughed. She put down the guitar and walked towards Selena. "Yes, that's what it means. I love you, Selena. I just had to tell you before I saw you go to Demi. Even if you don't feel the same way, I didn't feel right lying to you."
"I'm really glad because I do feel the same way." Selena told her. She took Taylor's hands and pulled her closer. Taylor opened her mouth to speak but Selena cut her off with a kiss. Taylor smiled into the kiss and climbed onto Selena's lap, kissing her back fiercely. "I love you too. I don't know why I never saw what was right in front of me."
"Now you do." Taylor kissed her friend's cheek. "And that's all that matters." She paused, putting her arms around the other girl. "Does this mean I win?"
"Yes, it does." Selena answered as she felt her phone vibrating madly in her pocket. She didn't have to pick it up to know it was Demi. She seized Taylor's hand in hers, dragging her inside. Selena had made her choice. As much as she had loved Demi, it had not been meant to be. She knew that now and she didn't regret it one bit. She and Taylor made sense. They had more in common than Selena had ever felt with anyone else, including Demi. Demi had always been more immature than she was, and she felt that Taylor was much more like her. "Can I ask you something?"
"Sure." Taylor replied in a vulnerable position, with Selena pinning her to the bed.
"Are you a lesbian?"
"No. It's...it's just you, Selena. I've never felt this way about a girl before, about anyone before. It doesn't matter to me that you're a girl because I can't see something like this ever happening again." Taylor confessed. Selena smiled, leaning down to kiss the older girl. "Wait." Taylor said. "I know what you're about to do and I don't want to-"
Selena moved into an upright position, a funny grin on her face. "You're so..." She shook her head in amusement. "You see this ring?" She held up her promise ring. "Do you read what it says? True love waits. You are my true love. I've waited long enough. Taylor, if I were to wait until we could get married..." she trailed off. "I can't. I never meant that I'd wait until marriage. I meant I'd wait until I found my one true love. And that's you."
Taylor's smile was bigger than it had ever been as she pulled Selena back on top of her.