A/N: You officially have the right to want me dead! OMG, I don't even know how long I haven't updated for! :'( I am SUPER SORRY!

This update was a little (okay, a LOT) longer due to "revision", exams, sport and whatnot and the fact that I made myself sit down and write an actual plot for this story- and WOAH, there are so many twists and turns, I seriously hope that you guys don't get whiplash! ;)

And thank you SOOO MUCH for the reviews and follows and favourites for the last chapter! They meant the world and kept me motivated :D I've even started writing a new story for the Gallagher Girls fandom but I'll let you know more about it closer to the time :)

And thank you to my awesome Beta: Jommie Obsessed Zammie Lover! :D

Now on with the story...

Previously on The Real Me:

"Hello, I'm Jack. And who may you be?" He had a rich voice that lulled you in, it reminded me of silk.

"Hi, I'm Tessa," I smiled up at him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Tessa," as Jack said this, he wrapped his arms around me and for some bizarre reason, I instantly relaxed against him. Odd, seeing as I barely know him.

"Likewise Jack." We didn't talk much after that, we just danced. I took the opportunity to survey my surroundings for cameras, exits, guards etcetera.

As the song came to a near close, Jack leant down and whispered into my ear, "Goodbye Gallagher Girl."

He twirled me back to Dylan.

Chapter 13

My head swivelled frantically, my widened eyes searching for my target, my predator.

Goodbye Gallagher Girl.

Those words echoed around my head on repeat as those bright green eyes stared back at me mockingly in my mind. His words had shocked me more than I'd like to admit; it was like I was thrown off my route and totally clueless as to where I was going. I didn't like the feeling. I didn't even know how he saw right through me; I didn't think I'd made any fatal mistakes that sold my cover. Or did I? How on earth did he know it was me?

"Hey? Woah. What's up? You look as if you're lost at someone's funeral," Dylan's hazel eyes were mixed with concern and worry.

"Huh...Errr...Erm...Yeah. I think I'm, uh, just a bit, err, overwhelmed. I'm going to get a drink. See you in a second," I stuttered and fled away from him, keeping my eyes open for him.

But he was nowhere. He vanished. Just like that.

In my emotional turmoil of confusion and fear, I'd reached the bar and decided to order a simple diet coke.

As I sipped my drink, I got tapped on the shoulder. I quickly turned around expecting it to be him, but instead coming face to face with Bex, Liz and Macey. I honestly didn't know which scenario was worse.

"Can I just say that your dress is gorgeous," Macey said whilst pointing at my dress.

I was speechlessly surprised but I recovered quickly and replied with: "Oh thank you, that's very sweet. I've got to admit that I'm more than slightly jealous of your dress."

Macey wore a strapless red dress, which was tight around her waist and then the silky fabric flowed effortlessly to the floor. The dress had a slit up the thigh, showcasing one long, tanned leg. Some black silk was wound together with the red around the chest and waist, adding a very beautiful and elegant effect but managing to make the dress look urban and very "in" this season. The dress was mostly simple, but had the perfect mix of sophistication and rebellion that only Macey could pull off. She teamed the daring dress with shiny black 6" stilettos with a red sole, once again making her look rebellious and probably enticing for any boy or man, who managed to get a glimpse. That was most likely, Macey's aim.

Her makeup, much like her dress, was simply dramatic. Her smokey eye makeup made her normally icy eyes bigger and more alluring. Her mascara was layered on thickly but still professionally making her lashes and eyes seem bigger than normal; the perfect flick of the liquid eye liner gave the impression that she knew what she was doing, which she obviously did. Her model like, high cheekbones were even further accentuated with bronzer, seemingly changing the bone structure of her face. Her ebony hair fell pin-straight down to her waist, making her look very sleek. But what stood out most, were her lips; the perfect pout was highlighted with a heavy shade of bright red lipstick, which shone proudly like a warning signal for all the men.

Any boy that looked her way would be under her spell in a matter of seconds.

"By the way, I'm Macey, this is Bex and Liz," Macey in turn pointed to each of the girls.

I know.

But they don't know that so I beamed at them and said, "It's a pleasure to meet you guys."

"So what brings you to the bar?" Bex asked as she ordered a drink; a sprite.

She wore a golden, one sleeved dress that landed gracefully on the floor. The gorgeous dress was skin tight around the chest and from the waist to the floor, it was beautifully loose-fitting; whenever she moved, her dress would ripple like a sea of liquid gold. The dress was fairly simple but the stunning hand embroidery around the neckline, chest, waist and sleeve made it seem far more complicated and much more elegant. She teamed the dress up with black 5" stilettos and a simple Gucci, black clutch.

To match her dress, her make-up was much like Macey's- dramatic. She had smokey golden eye shadow, a thick layer of mascara and the liquid eye-liner had been applied in a very Egyptian style; overall making her eyes look bigger and bolder. Her cheeks had some faint bronzer on them to make her already perfectly structured cheekbones stand out a little bit more. A swipe of red lipstick finished off the look. To compliment her outfit and make-up, her hair was up in a complicated plaited bun. She, truly, looked like an Egyptian goddess.

"I'm new to the scene and it was all a bit overwhelming," I replied to her question.

"Sorry, but what's your name?" Liz asked shyly.

"Oh yeah! I'm Tessa but call me Tess," I really didn't want them knowing my name but there's nothing I can do now.

"That's a pretty name," said Liz sweetly. I smiled in return and took a drink from my coke.

"And that's a very pretty dress," my reply caused a bright smile to emerge on Liz's face.

Liz was dressed in a pale pink, sleeveless skater dress that ended an inch above her knees. Her dress was also very simple but once again, the pink embroidery added a very elegant touch to it. Whenever she made the slightest movement, her dress would swoosh like the calm wind. She teamed the outfit with 4" nude stilettos and a nude coloured Chanel clutch. Most people would think that by wearing such a simple and pastel coloured dress, surrounded by more vibrant dresses, Liz would fade into the background, but let me assure you that didn't happen. Liz's use of light shades made her stand out against the bolder and darker shades. By no means, had Liz faded into the background.

In fact, her beautifully applied make-up still drew attention to her. She had smoothly blended in pale foundation onto her face and had some pink blusher, which added a healthy, rosy flush to her cheeks. On her eyes were pale pink, almost silvery eye shadow that seemed to glimmer in the chandelier light and a small flick of eyeliner made her eyes seem even more beautiful. There was a thin coat of brown mascara, which only made her long blonde lashes darker and bolder. On her lips was a thin layer of pink lip-gloss. To finish off the very chic look, Liz had her golden locks tumbling down in soft ringlets.

Liz was the pixie, the fairy, of the group and she definitely would not go unnoticed. And true to her look, Liz's demeanour was that of a fairy's; calm, collected and very friendly, although sometimes in her own world. For example, after our quick exchange of compliments Liz was busy engaging in a conversation with Bex, yet I could see her looking around at the beautiful decorations of the ball, seemingly in her own world.

Having said that, I was very thankful of this as it meant both, Bex and Liz were oblivious to my real identity but Macey watched me, analysed me, through narrowed slits. So to avoid any more awkwardness (and possibly blowing this mission to smithereens), I quickly left them saying that I had to meet my boyfriend, which was very true.

However, I took a slight detour to the second floor balcony which I had noticed earlier whilst I was dancing with Goode. But Macey, Bex and Liz didn't need to know that.

But knowing Macey, she would be suspicious of my sudden departure therefore I used every counter surveillance technique known to man kind on my way to the balcony.

Out on the balcony, the beautiful City Of Los Angles shone back at me. The sunset was slowly making its way down, allowing the silky, black darkness of the night to envelope the city. And still, the city was not defied; noise was bursting all around, whether it was club music or the raging horns of the drivers rushing on their way home or even the chit chattering of young adults, looking for a good night.

Below the balcony, cars zoomed by whilst kids, teenagers and young adults lined the sidewalks, hoping to get into the most exclusive of clubs. Some joggers were running the lengths and laps of the park, surpassing dog owners who could be seen walking their dogs at a gradual and comfortable pace. The city's lights twinkled like stars against the velvet ink of the night; it was a truly beautiful view.

And above it all, I stood with my heart hammering at a very exclusive party, anyone would give an arm to be at, wishing to be down below and melt away into the pandemonium.

"I don't see your boyfriend anywhere."

I whipped around, heart hammering (again), to see Macey (again).

"He's probably just caught up in something," I dismissed the matter.

Macey took a few elegant steps to join me at the balcony and after a few seconds of blissful silence, she said: "Sometimes, the chaos of this city is so much more appealing than all of the glitz and glamour."

"Yeah, I guess," I replied flippantly.

"Sometimes, I just want to quit being a peacock and be a chameleon and melt into the mess of this world. Metaphorically speaking, of course."

My eyes widened at the use of our codenames.

Does she know?

I slowly turned around to be met with Macey's knowing eyes.

"Metaphorically," I whispered. Macey rolled her eyes.

"I know it's you," Macey was also talking in hushed tones.

"How?" I was curious.

"The way you just melted into the crowd after, may I say, quite rudely leaving us."

"How did you find me here?"

"Oh I wasn't supposed to. I just needed a break too, I guess we think alike," Macey winked.

I pulled Macey into a tight hug.

"You have no idea how glad I am that you're okay," I murmured.

"I'm glad that you're okay! You practically disappeared off the face of the Earth!"

"Well, that's what we chameleons do," it was my turn to wink.

"Don't we know it," Macey let out a chuckle, "So what brings you to these neck of the woods…scratch that, mansions."

"Only you, Mace. And I'm on a mission." Macey's eyes widened and she motioned for me to continue explaining.

"I don't think I'm supposed to tell you," I replied. Macey put her hand on her hips and demanded answers through her eyes; it was the bitch pose.

"You know you would make a good interrogator," I said trying to stall; Macey started to tap her foot.

"Fine! I've got to get intelligence on some dude," I relented.

"Ohmigod! I'm so happy for you!" Macey whisper-squealed.

"And I've got to be a celebrity girlfriend of this Blackthorne celebrity boy." As soon as I finished saying that, Macey practically burst my ear drums and yet she was still whisper-squealing. How on earth does that work?!

"No way! This is great! Is he a gentleman or a bad boy? Is he sweet or rude (but in a hot way)? Ohmigod! Is he hot?! Wait. What about Zach?" Macey pelted questions at me; it was now that I wished that they had made Macey Kevlar- "Protection against Macey Madness".

I should probably get Liz on that.

"Definitely not a gentleman or sweet and a bit hot-"

"Talking about me pumpkin?"

Oh for God's sake!

"No," I stated.

"Yes," Macey said at the same time.

Dylan just smirked. Then he got down on one knee, grabbed Macey's hand, kissed it and said: "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Macey McHenry."

"I thought you said he wasn't a gentleman?" Macey accused.

"Yeah well, looks can be deceiving," I muttered.

"What looks?" Dylan asked as he took a step forward.

"Your looks," I replied as I took a step back and my back hit the railing.

"Which are?" Ryan prompted as he took another step forward.

"Deceiving."

"Not the answer I was looking for." Another step forward.

"What answer were you looking for?" I asked confidently.

"Gentlemanly, handsome, sweet, prince charming, capable of many things." Another step forward.

"Like what?" He was standing right in front of me.

"Like this."

And he smashed his lips onto my own.

It was so unlike all of our previous kisses; they were soft, soothing and sweet. This kiss was all passion, hunger and power. And Dylan started with all of the power, but I was unwilling to let him dominate any further. I blocked everything from my mind, my inner clock lapsed for God knows how long, and I just kissed him back with everything I had. Which was a lot of fury for showing me up like that and even I had to admit, lots of passion and hunger. In response Dylan kissed me back even harder and his hand moved from around my face to one on my waist, crushing my body to his, and another on my lower back. Meanwhile, my hands tangled themselves in his smooth, sun kissed locks. I grabbed them and pulled them towards me, eliminating any slither of space between us.

There was a forced cough.

Like an elastic band, we snapped apart. Dylan looked at me and smirked; my face heated up.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath.

"Cammie! What about Zach?!" Macey practically yelled at me.

"Who's Zach?" Dylan asked.

"Shit," I said again, "Just some guy."

"Her boyfriend!" Macey exclaimed at the same time I answered Dylan.

"I'm Tessa's boyfriend," Dylan protested.

"What?! NO! Wait…yes…probably?" Macey seemed confused as hell. Dylan and Macey looked to me for guidance.

"Dylan's my boyfriend. Zach's just an ex-boyfrie-"

"Since when?! He's your boyfriend!" Macey exclaimed.

"Who is this Zeke guy?!" Dylan shouted.

"It's Zach," I corrected.

"Whatever. I don't care. Just who the hell is he?!"

"Her BOYFRIEND! DUMBASS!" Macey shouted.

"Shit." Can you guess who that was?

"NO! I'm her boyfriend! Tell her, Tess," Dylan said stubbornly.

"Your no-" Macey started.

"MACEY! Dylan is my boyfriend. Zach is my ex. End of discussion," I said tight lipped, teeth together and fists clenched.

Macey immediately saw the warning signs of my anger and decided to let the matter drop for now. Although her crossed arms, annoyed pout and angry huff said that she wasn't pleased.

"You know what? I think we should all go back to our place where we can 'catch-up' with each other," I suggested.

In response Macey snapped out her iPhone and shouted "DRIVER! NOW!" and stomped away.

"Diva," Dylan muttered and intertwined his hand with mine and started leading me out of the ball.

On the way out I saw Macey giving Bex and Liz an excuse as to why she was leaving, probably mentally preparing for their questions later.

All the while, Dylan was still dragging me through the throng of people, when I felt a tingle on my hand. I glanced at it and saw nothing so I decided to let it slide. I was honestly too tired to bother with anything else.

It was my first 'debut' into the celebrity world and I had already met the Winters, bumped into my friends, slipped up my cover, got into an argument and let's not forget the great appearance of Mr Zachary Goode. All in the space of a few hours.

I decided that I couldn't deal with any more stress tonight, so I blocked it all from my mind; sighing, I let Dylan pull me into the limo.

A/N: How was it? Goode? Bad? God awful?

Once again, I am sincerely sorry that I took eons to update this and I grant you guys the opportunity to lash out at me in the reviews! :)