Anna's Note-
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for all the reviews! Well, I wrote this beforehand so I don't exactly know if I got much reviews but...I'm hoping the future me did. :D
This one is a time change, okay?! It's not in 2006 anymore. Mind that.
Oh and I hope you guys found the links to the photos. More links will be up on there.
Special thanks to my awesome beta Mona for pre-reading this for me! You rock! You're amaze-balls and I love ya. XD Oh and speaking of betas, I'm available to beta anyone else's story if they'd like that. Just PM me :)
Disclaimer: I don't, and probably never will, own Total Drama. Got that? Understood? Good, so don't sue.
Chapter 2- Not That Girl Anymore
The hardest thing about growing up is letting go of what you were once and moving onto something you're not. –Anna
Chapter 2
Date: Saturday 7TH August 2013
Time: 11:59pm
POV: Gwen Hastings
Place: Gwen's Bedroom in Her Apartment
I lay in my bed on my laptop, writing up an assignment for my boss Hatchet. His real name is...actually, I don't know what his real name is. Everyone around the office just calls him Chef.
It's been 7 years since I moved here in LA. 7 years since I graduated high school. 6 years since I've seen my dad in person. 5 years since I've talked to Duncan.
Duncan and I did talk alot when I first got here. We talked every day. But soon enough, we both became busy. He had his work as an architect cut out for him and I had my career as an artist. One call every day turned to a call a week. A call a week turned to a Skype a month. A Skype a month turned to a text a year. And a text a year, turned to no contact at all.
It's been 2 years since I've graduated from The Arts Institute of California-Los Angeles with a full degree. I'm a full time artist now.
I've sold many of my original paintings and drawings in my personal gallery here in LA. While doing this, I got a part time job as a food critic with Chef Hatchet's company (best Food Critic Corporation in the whole of California).
So I got to do the 3 things I love as a career; painting, eating and judging.
And because of all the money I was earning, I got my own little mini apartment in Beverly Hills.
Okay, so that's not entirely true. It's not exactly little...or mini... It's gigantic. It has designer furniture, wallpaper, carpet and even curtains. I live at the very top so the view is amazing. I even hung a few of my very own paintings.
Now, now...before you think that I'm some rich snob, I'm actually not. I don't have that kind of money to afford an apartment like this by myself. That's why I thank god everyday that I have my amazing roommate.
Speaking of roommates...
"Knock! Knock!" he said in a sing-song voice as he poked his head through my slightly ajar door.
"Oh hey," I greeted him with a smile. "What's up?"
"What's up...? Its 12am!" he squealed and fully entered the room, revealing a beautiful cupcake with a candle sticking from the middle.
"You didn't!" I gasped as I eyed the cupcake with amazement and licked my somewhat chapped lips.
"Yep, I totally did," he winked. "Happy Birthday, Gwenny." He grinned from ear to ear as he took a seat in front of me on my purple comforter. (Yeah, that was his idea. He practically decorated my room, his room and the whole apartment himself)
"Thanks, Noah!" I threw my laptop to the side, and hugged him tight, making sure not to harm the precious cupcake.
Ahh, yes, Noah.
He's my best friend I have at the moment. He's also an artist; well, sort of. He still hasn't graduated because he wants a full scholarship. I remember the day we first met.
XoXoXoXoX
Date: 7th September 2006
Time: 10:00am
POV: Gwen Hastings
Age: 18
Place: The Arts Institute of California-Los Angeles
I walked into my art class for the very first time, feeling like a nervous wreck. Looks like everyone was already there, however the class hadn't started yet. They were all looking for their already prepared seating plans and getting equipment set.
I looked to the seating plan and went to the back to take my seat. I threw my duffle bag down under the table and bent down to get my pencils and colours out. When I got back up again, I ran smack dab into someone's chest, making them spill their coffee all over me.
"My shirt!" I squealed in surprise.
"My coffee!" He guy squealed back.
I looked up and glared at the guy. He was about the same height as me with tan skin, skinny body and brown hair. I found him quite attractive at the time; but I was too pissed.
"Your coffee? What about my shirt?! You practically ruined it!" I narrowed my eyes at him as I rubbed my shirt, trying to get the stain off.
"You know that's just gonna make it worse, right?" he had the audacity to point it out as-a-matter-of-factly. This made me glare at him more.
"Well thanks, Einstein. And what do you presume I do about that?" I sarcastically asked, pointing at my now damaged shirt.
"Use cold water to soak it. Then you gently rub in some Tide. Rinse with cold water. With a Q-Tip, dab vinegar and let stand for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water. With a Q-Tip, dab with hydrogen peroxide and let stand for a few minutes. Rinse with cold water. Repeat until the stain is gone. DO NOT use bleach or the fabric will be ruined." He pointed out again.
"Thanks, smartass. You owe me a new shirt." I scowled at him which made his roll his eyes.
"Personally, you should thank me for ruining that. It looked pretty wrecked in the first place," he grimaced and wrinkled his nose like heather used to. My mouth hung open and I gaped at him.
"Excuse me?" I scoffed.
"Yes, well, it's obviously not designer or anything. Otherwise the coffee wouldn't have dissolved through the material so quickly."
"Come again?"I asked and tilted my head to one side, raising one eyebrow up at him.
"Honey, you clearly have no idea what I'm talking about. Can't say I'm surprised, have you seen the shoes you're wearing?" he raising his own eyebrows at me.
I looked to my feet and looked back at him with furrowed eyebrows.
"What's wrong with my shoes?"I questioned.
"They're sneakers; need I say more?"
"And what's so wrong with sneakers? They're my signature thing, you know," I huffed.
He looked at me with an amused smile.
"I'm getting the vibe that you're not from LA. Where are you from?" he asked like he could see right through me.
"Ohio," I mumbled.
"Ahh, I thought so," he nodded his head. "Now that you're in Beverly Hills, you need to fit in. And fitting in means changing alot of things about you," he explained, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
"Changing things...like what?" I frowned.
"Your clothes, your styles, your makeup, your attitude and especially your hair," he grimaced as he flicked my short teal hair like it was dirt. "And I'm offering to help you out with that."
I threw his arms off of me and faced him. "Why on earth would I want to change everything about myself?" I glared.
"Well...don't you want to fit in? Or do you prefer to be one of those lonely people in the corner with no friends?" he asked as I bit the inside of my cheek.
He has a point.
"Okay," I sighed.
"Okay?" his face lit up with a smile.
"Okay," I repeated.
"That's the spirit!" he threw his arm around my shoulder again. "I'm Noah, by the way. Noah Stevens."
"I'm Gwen Hastings," I introduced.
"Well, Gwen Hastings, you've just met your new best friend."
XoXoXoXoX
I remember I had a teensy weensy crush on Noah back then. Then one day, I caught him making out with a guy bartender in the night club. I asked him what the hell was going on and he told me; 'Oh, you didn't realise? I'm gay.'
I felt like the biggest idiot ever.
But that confession brought us even more close together, to be honest. I didn't have to be nervous around him or have any awkwardness sharing about my sex life because he would see it from a girl's point of view. And after I told him about my crush, he just laughed his ass off. He still teases me about it to this day.
Having a gay best friend rocks!
"Now get to bed, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow," Noah instructed, snapping me out of my thoughts as I wolfed down my birthday cupcake.
"We do?" I asked with my mouth full of creamy goodness.
"Mmhhmm. We're going shopping. Then I'm taking you to this night club. And then we're going to get you a massive cake," he listed but I cut him off short.
"No! No! No! No! No! None of that," I shook my head vigorously.
"What?" he gaped at me, "Why not?!"
"Because..." I looked down at my lap and fiddled with my thumb, "I don't really like to celebrate my birthday..."
"But...it's your birthday! We have to do something," he rolled his eyes.
"Can't we just stay at home? I have to go to the office tomorrow anyways to hand my assignment in to Chef," I groaned.
"You have to go to the office?" he asked as I nodded. "On your birthday?" I nodded again, "How about afterwards? We could grab lunch?" he asked.
"Oh I can't do lunch, I have to attend a gallery opening." I frowned at his sad expression.
"Damn. You're not doing anything for dinner, are you?" he asked hopefully.
I shook my head.
His face lit up like the 4th of July. "PERFECT! Be home by 8!" he said and dashed out of my room.
"DON'T PLAN ANYTHING CRAZY!" I yelled after him but I know it was helpless.
XoXoXoXoX
Date: 8th August 2005
Time: 7:00am
POV: Gwen Hastings
Age: 17
Place: Gwen's Bedroom in Ohio
I was so comfortable in bed; having the best dream of my life.
I was dreaming that I was oddly in a blue ball down, dancing with a handsome man who wore a black mask to cover his identity. He was tall and muscular with black hair, wearing a dashing suit. Seemed like quite the gentleman.
"What's your name?" I whispered.
He shook his head, not answering.
"Where do you come from?"
He shook his head again.
"Do I know you from somewhere?"
He won't answer a damn question. I got so frustrated that I tripped over my own heel and slipped backwards. Luckily, the anonymous stranger wrapped his arm around me and caught me just in time.
"Thank you," I whispered with a gasp.
"You're welcome," was the only thing he said that night, in a husky whisper. I immediately knew I recognised that voice from somewhere. I just couldn't put my finger on it.
The stranger leaned in closer, our lips almost touching.
"WAKE UP GWENNNNN!" a sudden yelling woke me up from my peaceful slumber.
I gasped and sat up to find Duncan at the edge of my bed with a huge grin. I got my pillow and threw it at his face.
"DUNCAN! WHAT THE FUCK?!" I screamed as he laughed.
"Whaaat? You looked so serene. I couldn't resist," he shrugged with a smirk.
"You're an asshole." I glared at him.
"Tell me something I don't know," he winked. "Nice PJs by the way. I see you're not wearing a bra," he looked at me with fake lust; or atleast I think it was fake.
I sheltered my tank top covered breasts with my duvet.
"Pervert," I huffed. "What are you doing here so early anyways? We don't have school today, asshole." I rubbed my eyes with the heel of my palms and yawned.
"What, you forgot? It's your birthday, babycakes." He jumped under the covers and snuggled up next to me.
"Ugghh! Don't remind me of you and your stupid birthday ritual." I said and wrapped my arm around his torso and hugged him.
"Hey, it's not stupid. And it's a tradition, not a ritual." He tangled our legs together.
"Same thing; And Sneaking into my bedroom at 7am in the morning to say 'Happy Birthday' and cuddle is totally not stupid," I rolled my eyes to emphasise the sarcasm in my tone.
"You know you love it," he buried his face in my teal hair.
"Yeah," I sighed, "Yeah, I do,"
"Happy Birthday," he spoke.
"Thanks," I mumbled and closed my eyes.
"You're welcome," he whispered.
Just like the man in my dream.
XoXoXoXoX
Date: Sunday 8th August 2013
Time: 8:00pm
POV: Gwen Hastings
Place: Outside her apartment in Beverly Hills
Today has been a hell of a tough day. Not to mention the worst birthday ever.
All I've done is work, work and work. I handed the papers to Chef this morning but apparently, it wasn't good enough; so I had to redo it. And Noah banned me from the apartment because he had something important to do. God knows what that is.
Therefore, I spent my entire birthday in a coffee shop, doing my damn assignment. And what's more weird, none of my friends will answer their phones or reply to my texts. I feel like the loneliest person ever.
It's moments like this where I wish I was back at home in Ohio. I didn't get a massive birthday party but at least there were people there who were always there for me.
I remember dad always used to make me special birthday pancakes with my favourite syrup. And then LeShawna and I would go to the mall so she can buy me a birthday slushy. Grace and Michael would invite me for dinner and Grace would make me a mini birthday cake.
And then there was Duncan's birthday morning visits. I think those were the highlights of my days.
Stop it, Gwen! You're not home anymore. You have to get used to this.
I sighed as I put my key in the hole of my apartment door. The door clicked and slowly creaked open. It was pitch black inside so couldn't see a damn thing.
"Hello...? Noah...?" I anxiously called out as I walked inside and shut the door behind me. I reached for the lights and turned it on to reveal...
"SURPRISE!" a whole bunch of my colleagues and friends jumped out, scaring the living shit out of me.
"What the-?" my eyes widened when I saw our apartment covered in decorations and balloons. And in the middle of all of it, was Noah, wearing a self-righteous grin.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY GWEN!" everyone yelled at once.
"Guys...thank...thank you so much..." I was literally speechless.
I ran over to Noah and hugged him so tight that he probably couldn't breathe.
"THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!" I gripped his tighter, if that was even possible.
"You're welcome...Gwen...gah! You're killing me!" he squeezed out.
"Oh shit, sorry." I giggled and let go of him.
"No prob. Now come, let's go meet everyone and see your presents!" he clapped.
"Noah, didn't I mention that I didn't want presents?" I groaned.
"Yeah, and you also mentioned that you didn't want a party or a cake. But—"
"You got me a cake?" my eyes widened.
"Of course I did, silly girl." He smiled.
"You are officially the best gay friend in the whole entire world," I squealed uncharacteristically.
"Yes, yes, I know," he winked as we walked through the crowd of people.
"Happy birthday, Gwen!" Owen, my friend, sang and hugged me.
"Yeah, it really is a happy birthday." I smiled.
Date: Sunday 8th August 2013
Time: 11:13pm
POV: Gwen Hastings
Place: Gwen's Bedroom in Her Apartment
After a tiresome, and literally the best surprise birthday party ever, I flopped down on my bed which felt like the most comfy thing in the world right now. I pulled the comforter over me and turned my bedside lamp off, hoping to get a goodnight sleep.
It wasn't long before my phone blinked with a message on my desk. I ignored it the first time; and the 2nd and 3rd. But when it blinked and buzzed for the 4th time that night, I'd had enough.
I grabbed my phone from my desk and slid it open; squinting my eyes to adjust the brightness. It was all notifications from Facebook. Literally, there were like more than 100 notifs. I know it's ridiculous but I tend to get really excited when I get Facebook notifications; must be because it's my birthday.
I turned my lamp on and sat up in bed, grabbing my laptop from the desk and turning it on. I opened the Facebook window and saw all the notices.
57 people posted on your wall
12 people tagged you in a status
20 people like your album 25th Birthday Party
7 people commented on your album 25th Birthday Party
3 people messaged you
1 friend request
Whoa; I turn 25 and suddenly I'm Facebook famous? Jesus Christ.
I go through each and every one of them, starting from the top.
Your Wall Posts
Happy Birthday Gwen! –Sadie Samuels
Happy Birthday Gwen! –Katie Samuels
HBD! –Beth Jones
Happy Birthday Sis! Can't believe you're 25 and I'm 18! Be back home soon! Xoxo –Bridgette Carter
Whoaa! Look at our Gwenny all grown up! Come home babe, we all miss ya! ;) HBD! –Geoff Martin
The last two messages from Bridgette and Geoff made my heart swell. Even though I really like it here in LA with Noah and the others, I really do wish that I was home sometimes.
I sighed and carried on reading to the tagged statuses.
Tagged Statuses
LeShawna Jacdonmi- Happy fucking birthday to my home girl Gwen! Hun, I wish you were here so I could squeeze you to death! But nope, you're in LA! Call me, girl! Haven't talked to ya in ages! Miss ya, love ya! With—Gwen Hastings
I immediately smile at LeShawna's status and comment on it.
Gwen Hastings- Thank you, babe! Work's tight but I'll hopefully be home soon. I miss and love you too :')
Next one!
Chef Hatchet- Happy birthday to Gwen. You still gotta hand in my assignment fully complete tomorrow but uh yeh. WHY DIDN'T I GET AN INVITE TO YOUR LIL PARTY?! With—Gwen Hastings
Shit, okay, won't bother replying to that one. I'll just like it instead. Yeah.
Gwen Hastings likes this status.
The rest of the statuses were either happy birthdays or happy comments about my birthday party.
Moving on, the comments on my album of the latest photos I updated of the party tonight.
Your album 25th Birthday Party
Noah Stevens: Yeah, that's right guys. I threw the party for her. You're welcome Gwenny ;)
Heather Chang: Well, well, well. Looks like the Goth chick has finally changed her look
LeShawna Jacdonmi: Girl, screw Heather. You look Fiiine!
Heather Chang: Gee, thanks LeShawna. -.-
LeShawna Jacdonmi: You're welcome :)
Katie Samuels: Omg Gwen! You've, like, totally changed!
Sadie Samuels: Like, totally! Btw, where'd you get that top from?! X
Noah Stevens: I got it for her. It's Louis Vuitton (:
Geoff Martin: God damn, Gwen! You look hot!
Devon Joseph: Yeah, I gotta agree with Geoffrey there, Gee. You look smokin'
I laugh at the comments and move onto the messages.
Your Inbox
Sadie Samuels- Heya Gwen. I was just asking, how much did that shirt cost you? xo
I rolled my eyes at the message; typical Sadie.
Gwen Hastings- I don't know. Noah bought it for me.
Next!
LeShawna Jacdonmi- Girl, did you change your phone number? Can't call ya:/
Gwen Hastings- Oh shit, yeah, I did change it. I'll text you on your old number
LeShawna Jacdonmi- Yeah, alright
I quickly sent a brief text message to LeShawna before carrying on to my next message.
Stefan Hastings- Happy birthday, kiddo. Couldn't reach your phone, you change your number?
Oh daddy!
Gwen Hastings- Thank you dad! I'm so sorry; yes I did change my number. I'll call you in a minute. I haven't talked to you in ages! I miss you!
There wasn't a reply. He's probably asleep by now.
And now, last but not least, moving on to the 1 friend request.
Friend Requests
Duncan Carter wants to be your friend.
My heart literally stopped.
It fucking stopped.
Since when did Duncan have a Facebook account?
I click accept and, almost instantaneously, my inbox hits a new message.
Duncan Carter: Happy Birthday, Gee!
I smiled and wrote a reply.
Gwen Hastings: Since when did you start going on Facebook?
Duncan Carter: Well, it's nice to talk to you too ;)
Gwen Hastings: Sorry, sorry, Dee. And thank you, by the way.
Duncan Carter: You're welcome. God... seems ages since we last talked.
Gwen Hastings: Yep, exactly 5 years. :(
Duncan Carter: I know! How've you been, Hastings?
Gwen Hastings: Oh nothing new. Anything interesting in your life?
Duncan Carter: Actually, yes. I've been meaning to talk to you about that.
Gwen Hastings: Well, shoot.
Duncan Carter: Can't do it over Facebook inbox. I'll call ya?
Gwen Hastings: No, no, my number's changed. I'll call you.
Duncan Carter: Alright, babe.
That single word made my stomach clench.
5 year—5 FREAKING YEARS—since I last spoke to Duncan Carter and he suddenly appears and tells me that he has something important to tell me?
And on my 25th birthday?
Wait a minute...
FLASHBACK
"Let's make a pact." Duncan suggested, breaking the silence.
"A pact? What pact?" I asked with a perplexed look.
"If, by the time we're 25, we're both single, then we get married to each other." He smiled.
"Ahahah! Good one!" I laughed but then stopped mid laugh when I saw the significance in his eyes. "What, you're not joking?"
"Nope, I'm dead serious."
"Us? Getting married?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
He shrugged.
"Sure, why not. You like me, I like you. We've been best friends since we were 6 and we make each other happy. Plus, it's better than ending up alone." He winked.
"Okay, you've got yourself a deal." I smiled wider at him.
FLASHBACK
Oh my god! Duncan wants to marry me!
No! No! No! No! No!
NO!
No way is this happening!
I quickly dialled his phone number and pressed call; it rung about 2 times before he picked it up.
"Hello?" his smooth voice said over the line.
"Hi...Duncan...It's me Gwen," I said, nervously as I got up and sat at the edge of my bed.
I heard him laugh at the end of the line.
"Of course it is, I'd recognise your voice any day," he said lazily; but it was enough to make my heart race 10 times faster.
"Soo...what was it that you wanted to tell me?" I asked nervously.
He sighed momentarily.
"Listen Gwen...I—" he started apprehensively but I cut him off short.
"Look Duncan, I know what you're gonna say."
There was a slight silence on the other line before he spoke again.
"You do?"
"Uh huh... Look...that was like a long time ago. And this is a bit too fast. I mean, you don't talk to me for 5 whole years and then you come out and say this? I don't know, okay? I mean, I need some time to at least to think this over its kinda sudden and I—"
"Gwen, I'm engaged."
"WHAT?!" I screeched and leaped up so quickly that I twisted my ankle and fell face down on my carpet. "OWW!" I screeched again, but in physical pain.
"Gwen? Hello? Are you okay? What was that?" Duncan questioned over the other line.
I quickly stood up and sat down on my bed, clenching my injured ankle in my hand and massaging it soothingly.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. It was nothing. Sorry, I think I misheard you. I thought you said you're engaged..." I giggled nervously.
"It's true, Gwen. I'm actually engaged."
And that's when my heart was tore into two pieces.
"W-What...?" I stuttered.
"Gwen, are you okay? You sound fretful." He noted in a concerning tone.
"Huh? Oh yeah, I'm fine. I'm just...just surprised. Engaged?" I asked as I furrowed my eyebrows.
"Yep, we're getting married in about 2 weeks," he added, strangely cheerfully.
"2 WEEKS?! ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!" I yelled over the phone.
"Yeah, I know, I know. It's a bit soon. But I don't want to waste any more time, I love her. I want to be with her forever, Gwen."
And that's when my heart was tore into 4 pieces.
"Forever...that...that's a long time..." I noted lamely.
"I know, but it still doesn't seem enough. God, Gee, I can't wait until you meet her! You're gonna love her!" he gloated in a sick lovey dovey voice.
I let out a nervous giggle.
"Haha, I'm sure I will," I bit my lip, already hating the bitch.
"So, are you coming home or what, Hastings?" he added teasingly.
"I...I don't know. I'd have to check with my boss, but I'm sure I can make it." I massaged my ankle rougher.
"Oh okay, that's fine. Just let me know," he spoke.
"Okay, great, well I gotta go, so, bye." I said hesitantly.
"Oh, alright, bye. It was nice talking to you, Gee." He sighed.
"It was...nice...talking to you too, Dee." I sighed in return.
"Oh and Gwen?" he added, just before I hung up, "Happy Birthday."
I smiled. "Thank you," I couldn't bare it anymore. I hung up and help the phone to my chest in shock.
Duncan—my best friend Duncan—was getting married.
I should be happy. I should be excited for him.
And yet, here I am, feeling like shit; feeling like the most jealous person on earth.
Duncan doesn't belong to that home wrecking bitch! He's mine! I don't even know the girl and yet I know that she's a fucking slut. Ugh! What is wrong with me?!
I need to stop this. Duncan is making a mistake; and I need to stop it before he actually gets married to the hoe. Duncan needs me to do this! The bitch is probably forcing him to get married. He probably doesn't even like her.
I need to fix this.
"NOAH!" I screamed at the top on my lunges as I stood up.
Fuck my stupid aching ankle, this is serious shit.
"WHAT?! WHAT HAPPENED?!" screamed a horrified Noah as he entered my room in a flash.
"Book me an airplane ticket." I ordered.
"What? Why?" he furrowed his eyebrows together in confusion.
"I'm going home."
Let me know what pictures you want from this chapter and I'll put it up. More links are up on my profile again. Scroll to the bottom of my bio and you'll find it. :)
Reviews are better than birthday cupcakes from Noah.