A/N: Chapter 25 is here. Enjoy. I just updated Behind Green Eyes, and Love's Power: Rediscovered. So, enjoy. There are actually surprises at the end. I don't own the cheers used here either. I've decided to increase this story, to about 35-40 chapters (give or take some some), and a sequel is being planned right as we speak.

BREAKING NEWS: I longer have writer's block! An idea just hit me for Clash of the Secrets, so I'm scribbling it down, and will be updated by Saturday.

Chapter 25: Surprises of the Worst Kind (Part I)

It's been three hours after the talent show. It's about 5 in the evening, and we're sitting in Brenner Lounge, sitting in a circle. There's three hours until Coco comes in here, and decided to yell at us, about Carl or curfew. It doesn't matter because both are annoying as hell. I'm all changed into lighter clothing…actually we all are. Once again, we're playing Truth and Dare and Spin the Bottle mixed up together.

Oh, Quinn's new roommate, Chelsea, is playing too. She seems nice. I rest my head against Michael's shoulder, and he wraps an arm around me.

Guess we're both tuckered out from dancing for six minutes straight.

Okay, so the rules are that we're sitting in an alternating order, and when you spin you have to kiss the boy/girl it lands at for thirty seconds. Yeah, yeah. We get it. Michael and I are seeing each other. Dana and Logan…Chase and Zoey…Nicole and Stan, and even Quinn and Matt, but it's more fun this way. We've all gone through that before the game started.

"Ok, I'll go next," I volunteered, as I spun the bottle and it landed it on…

Chase.

We leaned in, and our eyes fluttered closed, as I started to kiss him, and soon he was kissing me back, as a part of the game. Thirty seconds later, we pulled apart. I went back to my seat.

"Hey Zoey…this one's a keeper," I told her, nodding my head towards Chase. You could watch his face just go red quickly. It was hilarious and so freaking adorable all at once. She smiled, holding Chase's hand. Thankfully, Zoey doesn't hate me for kissing for boyfriend…neither does Michael. I turned attention on Chase. "Ok, Matthews…truth or dare?"

"Oh, you've just been put on the spot…" Stan said, with an amused grin on his face.

Chase sighed, "I'm aware of that… I pick truth."

Aw, man. I was kind of hoping he'd pick Dare, but whatever works.

"Ok, what's the grossest thing you've ever done in your entire life?" I asked, with a devious smirk on my face. Chase looked up to think.

"Well, when I was ten… I streaked my neighbourhood, and regret to this day because my brother still brings that up."

Stan burst out laughing, "Oh God…I remember that day so well…give Old Man Jenkins a heart attack!"

"Ok, although I'll most likely hear the rest of this tonight, let's move it along…"

That was Logan.

So thirty minutes later, and I think we've all kissed someone.

Me and Chase. Me and Logan. Me and Michael (until they had to pry us apart. It actually turned into a minute). Me and Stan. Me and Matt, even. He's not a bad kisser. Now we were just talking about our lives and crap…and for some reason, mine seemed the most interesting. Then there was Zoey and Chase (those two took longer than me and Michael), Zoey and Michael, Zoey and Stan… Zoey and Matt, and a bit of Zoey and Logan. Chelsea even got her smooch on, haha.

"So, when's the first season of Teenage Years coming out? My sister loves that show ever since she saw the preview," Chelsea asked me, tucking a piece of her strawberry-blonde hair behind her hair. I don't know what it was, but it felt like déjà vu. The same tension hung in the air the first time with me and Logan…and when that whole argument happened.

But why does it feel tense all of a sudden? I shook it off, and answered her question.

"Well, I'm glad your sister's a fan," I said, with a genuine smile on my face. Teenage Years was about six friends that lived in the same neighbourhood, and all are going to the same school. Ever watch Degrassi ?

Yeah, something like that. There's Angie, the leader and the one with all the ideas…then Marc, he's incredibly shy, but he makes friends easily…Eric, the bad boy, and he's extremely a royal pain, Claire…boy-crazy and kind of ditzy…Raymond, the brainiac…and then last but not least, my character Rayne. Rayne is tough, and rough around the edges because of her past. Her dad ran away when she was younger and her mother's an alcoholic.

"The show will most likely be out and premiere when we start Senior year…and we're filming in the summer, after I promote my album, but I just got another movie part. I'm playing a teen psychopath. I'm actually filming it on Saturday…as for the album; I'll start recording next week. I haven't finished writing all of the tracks yet."

"Ok. Can't wait," Chelsea said, finally. I turned to Michael, and smiled squeezing his hand reassuringly.

"But I promise I'll make time to come down to Atlanta to meet your parents, and chill with you, ok?"

"Kay," he replied, giving me a peck on the lips.

"I have the feeling, it's going to one of those scary movies," Nicole said, holding Stan's arms.

"Ooh, horror movie junkie in the house! I'm watching it when it comes out. If you literally scare me to the point of passing out, I'll pay you fifty bucks," Chase challenged me, as he shook my hand.

"Oh, you're on…" I said, smirking. "Prepare to pass out, my friend…"

"All right, 'Nessa's climbing up!" and Dana and I high-fived. I laughed, turning to Logan.

"Oh, guess what, Reese? The producer…you know, Rob told me not to say anything, as a surprise to you, right? But… you're starring!"

The look on his face was priceless.

"What?" he asked again. "Did you say I got a part?"

"No, I'm just psyching you out," I sarcastically said rolling my eyes. "Yes! You're starring as Eric, the bad ass…"

He smirked, "That part was made for me!"

We all groaned. Yep, Logan would play Eric easily.

Matt spoke up, and he slipped an arm around Quinn's shoulders. They're so cute together.

"So, have you done any other parts?"

"Yeah… lots. I've done everything except a romantic comedy. I'd like to try that sometime in the near future," I replied. "…but I've always played the morbid, twisted characters. I love it, because I get to explore…if I wasn't already acting, I'd most likely most a criminal investigator. Go into the mind of a psychopath, and sees what makes them tick…"

"That seems like an interesting experiment," Quinn said, with a smile on her face.

"Not without me, you don't!" Matt defended, and kissed her cheek. Again, I say…they're so cute. Nicole was reading my mind. "I love you, Quinn."

"Aww, you guys are so adorable…" Nicole squealed, and then made a confused face. "…in a sciency kinda way…"

"Oh, ok…" Chelsea said, confused, and stood up. "…I'm off to take a shower so later, and explore the campus…you know, get familiar."

"This late?" Zoey asked.

"Yeah," and the strawberry-blonde give a light shrug. "No, harm done."

"Bye, Chelsea. It was a pleasure, really…" I said, smiling. She smiled and nodded her head, walking off in the direction of her dorm shared with Quinn.

Anyone who could bunk with Quinn is a total trooper. I love Quinn, because she's an awesome friend. She's always funny when she wants to be. Not to mention, a great lab partner in biology class, but honestly…

God speed, Chelsea. God speed…

I'm having the sudden craving for California Rolls. I want California Rolls; therefore I'll go to Sushi Rox. Life is good when you're working at a Sushi Bar, an actress and have a cool boss like Kazu.

When he rants in Japanese, it's hilarious, but Chase doesn't get it, so I translate to him. Yes, because of what I do, I'm fluent in the following: Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, German, obviously English (duh!) and a bit of Welsh. When I'm really pissed off, I'll rant in all of the languages and mix them up.

I'll calm down when people give me weird looks.

"I'm getting a craving for California Rolls," I announced, standing up. "Anyone wanna hit Sushi Rox? It doesn't close till like, ten anyway, right?"

"Right…sure." Chase replied. He should know that already. He works there too. He turned to Matt and Quinn. "You two wanna come with us?"

Matt shook his head no, "Nah, but thanks. I have a load of AP Calculus homework to finish. I still don't get that thing with derivatives anyway…"

Quinn sighed, and pulled him along to her dorm.

"Come on. I'll explain it to you…" she offered, with a smile. The happy couple waved goodbye to us, and we won't see them until tomorrow.

"Well, anyone in the mood for sushi?" Stan asked us.

My boyfriend patted his stomach, "No… not really. But I hear the teriyaki chicken's good…"

"Hey, as long as I can eat it… I'm game," I replied. I have a huge appetite at the moment.

"My thoughts exactly," Dana said, as Logan's hand interlocked with hers.

"Guess we're heading to Sushi Rox," Zoey said to me, as we left the lounge. Nicole was with Dana. Logan walked with Michael, while Stan and Chase walked together. Lastly me and Zoey.

"California rolls…here I come," I said with a smile. Zoey laughed shaking her head. This made me laugh too, as we walked across campus. A soft breeze came in, and my flip flops tapped against the pavement.

"What?"

"You're so weird…"

I draped an arm around her laughing lightly, "Why, thank you."

"So, what are we going to do now?" I asked him, as we were walking. Why's he asking me this question? It was his psychotic ex, right? I wanted to say that, but I didn't. It was a tad harsh, and besides I'm in way too deep.

I shrugged stuffing my hands in my pockets, "I don't know, dude. I seriously don't. Chelsea's back, and she'll be staying until graduation. I don't think I can take a whole year of her. I'll snap!"

"But you gotta admit…the look of your face was priceless when you had to kiss her," Stan chortled. I shuddered at the thought.

"Worst thirty seconds of my life. I think I'm going to go scrape my tongue tonight…"

"Have fun…"

That awkward silence crept back in. I looked at Zoey and it terrifies me that I can't be honest with her and tell her this. If I tell me, she'll be mad at me for not telling her sooner…and if I do, she'll hate me for lying to her face.

It's a lose-lose situation, but I feel for Stan because with him it's worse. Way worse.

Then when you think about it, not really. The stakes are high for both of us, because I could lose Zoey, and Stan could lose Nicole.

"The stakes are high, man. Really high…"

He kept his gaze straight ahead as we walked. I've never seen so much determination on him in my life. Stan's laid back and cool…but now…I'm not sure how to organize things. When have I ever been able to organize things? I mean, really…

Never. Okay?

My organizational skills suck, and Nicole has the attention span of a goldfish, but that's beside the point. No, not really because they're both the truth.

Stan finally spoke, running a hand through his hair, "…I know."

And I end with three words: I hate this!

"…and the kangaroo says 'Get outta my pouch then!' Get it?"

What kind of joke was that? That was weak. No, correction. That sucked!

"Michael, I'm your friend, right?" Dana asked.

"Yeah…"

"…then as you're friends we're telling you that that joke was weak, seriously," I finished, giving him a blank stare. No, I'm not amused. He looked at Vanessa. "Vanessa, he's you're boyfriend, you can lie to cover up his feelings."

Vanessa rolled her eyes at me, and kissed him on the cheek.

"Sorry, babe. It was kind of weak," she said, trying to keep a straight face on. "…but I love you all the same."

"Right back at you…"

Ok, I'm bored and slightly hungry.

"Ok, ladies. Entertain me," I said, with a smirk. Dana's frown but I know that silent look the girls are giving each other. It's some kind of language. Kazu's trying not to laugh.

"Ok, Logan," my girlfriend said, standing up. Vanessa, Nicole, and Zoey smiled following her lead. "…you got it. I found out about this, after Zoey and Nicole told Vanessa and I. I cracked up laughing, seriously. You'll be familiar with this…"

"Ok, ready girls," Zoey said, taking the lead. Oh, God. NO. NO. NOOO!

They had the little moves going and everything. I still have nightmares about those cheers but Michael and Chase don't know. They'd never let me live it down.

Zoey: Suntan!

Vanessa/Nicole: Suntan!

Dana: Go get yourself a tan.

Zoey: Suntan!

Vanessa/Dana: Just the grab the lotion and start the motion!

Zoey/Nicole: Go get yourself a tan!

All: Go man!

"Ha. Ha. Very funny," I said, sarcastically. Vanessa laughed as she sat down.

"Well, you said you wanted to be entertained. A whole cheer for you? Come on…"

"Be careful what you wish for…" Stan added, taking a sip of his water. Well, thank you. If I need anymore fortunes told, I'll let you know. I rolled my eyes. Cheerleading isn't a sport anyway. Dana held my hand.

"Come here, ya big baby…" she teased, and she kissed me. I kissed her back, and let me tell you…it feels so good to do that. I pulled away, as we held hands under the table.

Logan Reese is my name, and looking hot is my game.

No seriously, it really is…

I can't get something out of my head. Something's up with Chase.

I'm not psychic or anything, but it's more like a hunch. Like a gut-feeling kind of thing. I smiled, and looked at Kazu.

"Hey Kazu, you think Chase and I could get more Blix from the kitchen?" I asked politely. Not really my thing but the Japanese are all about manners and I actually like Kazu so it works. Who knew he was actually lived in Birmingham, Alabama with his mom. My grandfather on my father's side lives there. His wife, and my father's mother is Cherokee (Native American). My mother's side is where I get my Irish roots from.

Chase looked confused. Doesn't matter. I have to get to this or it's going to pick at me.

"Hai," Kazu replied. He said yes, for those of you who don't know the language. I smiled, and bowed a traditional Japanese bow. If I wanted to shoot an action flick, I was in Japan, and sometimes New York.

"Arigoto…" I said, gratefully. That meant 'thanks'.

"You don't mind if I borrow him for a few minutes, do you?" I asked Zoey, referring to Chase.

"Hey, he's all yours," she replied. "Go all out…"

"Hey! Don't I get any say in this?" Chase asked, still confused.

"No, but it's work-related and you're going to help me, unless you want stay and watch Coach Keller yell at his food," I said, nodding toward our somewhat crazy coach. I squinted closer. "Is…is he talking to his Yellowtail?"

"Yeah… it's pretty entertaining, and embarrassing…." Stan said, as he, Logan, Dana, Zoey and Michael watched. I shook my head, and pulled him off to the kitchen. Guess we'll miss another show.

Ok, now we're in the kitchen. I looked outside, now no one in the doorway listening.

"Ok, what's going on, 'Nessa?"

"I need you to be honest with me. I won't betray your confidence and tell anyone but I need to know because back there when we were at the lounge, it felt kind of tense between you, Chelsea and Stan," I explained. "…no one may have booked it but I did. So please tell me, as I said, I won't betray your confidence."

A pained look came across his face. Yes! I knew it. I hit a nerve.

"So, are we going to talk or do we have to stay here all night?"

He looked away, and then back at me.

"Fine…I'll tell you."

I crossed my arms, a challenging look in my eye, "Everything?"

"Everything…"

It's not as fun, watching your coach yell at food when you have this big thing weighing on your conscience.

Way back when, I actually tried to kill my conscience by all means necessary, even eating ice cream the fast I could. Where did that get me?

All it got me was a massive brain freeze, and a sudden dislike for ice-cream. Frozen yoghurt is better. I need to vent, and with Vanessa I really don't have a choice. For the next twenty minutes, I compressed all of my unfortunate encounters with Chelsea.

I poured my guts out, and I couldn't stop it until I was actually done.

"You are so self-centred, you know," she said to me. Yeah, and she's a saint. Yeah, right.

"Yeah, and you're Mother Teresa," I shot back. "I heard what you said about Stan. I don't like you, but now I hate you, and believe me. I'm not the type of kid to hate. I'll make sure Stan breaks up with you. You're too damn clingy anyway."

She glared at me, "Just in case you haven't noticed Matthews, you're lonely."

That was it! It was on!

"Ok, Myers," I started with an angry tone. I spat out her last name like it was poison. "If all girls were like you, then I'd rather be lonely. You are evil, ok? I seriously hope Stan sees you for the psychopath you are."

"I hate you, Chase Matthews!" she screamed. See, told you. Psychopath. "Stan Crowe is MY boyfriend!"

"So, he's MY best friend, and I don't wanna see him get hurt…especially, by you."

She crossed her arms and smirked, "What he doesn't know won't hurt him…"

"You are a piece of work, honestly," I told the girl in front of me. "So you think it's ok, even though you cling on to Stan like saran wrap, which I think is pretty stupid…that you get make out with Alex McPherson. Oh, and look there's a hickey to prove it."

"You know nothing, Matthews. Nothing at all! You can't prove I made out with Alex."

"A-ha! You admitted it!" I said, with a triumphant smile. "You and Stan are so over, Chels."

"Don't call me that, Chase!" she growled. She's just mad because I booked her. I'm doing this for Stan. I don't even know why he's dating her. This is so messed up.

"Oh, gee. I think someone forgot their medication," I teased, with a smile. It's fun getting her worked up. We pretty much hate each other. Well, so what if I drenched her with water balloons…she deserved it. Brent helped too. "Oh, and for the record I hate you more."

"JERK!"

"PSYCHOPATH!"

"I'll get you," she threatened, as her eyes narrowed. I scoffed, and glared just as hard. Soon we were nose-to-nose.

"Not if I get you first…"

Flashback after flashback hit me as if I was watching a movie, but still talking to Vanessa/

"If I were you, I'd be careful…" she said as a smirk crossed her face. No doubt she's gotten prettier like Brent said, but I still think she's a toad. I thought this when I was eight and I still stand by this. I crossed my arms. "I'd hate for something to happen to sweet, innocent Zoey, unexpectedly…"

Oh no, she didn't. She DID NOT just go there.

"Leave Zoey out of this, Chelsea. I'm not playing around!"

"Neither am I," I know those hazel eyes anywhere. Look in the face of evil, people. "…I'm going to try to get Stan back. No, scratch that. I will get Stan back and if you try to stop me…"

I cut her off, "Nicole's my friend, so don't try hurting her. If I try to stop you, you'll what?"

She tossed her hair over her shoulder.

"As I said before, I wouldn't want anything to happen to Zoey, so back off!"

Why couldn't she be a guy? If Chelsea was a guy, I would've walloped her a long time ago. I don't hit girls, even if it is Chelsea.

"There…that's everything," I said, finally.

"Wait, I have a question… if Stan—" she started, but I think the idea hit her. "Oh my God, Chelsea was Stan's ex, and she still loves him, but she's here to cause you hell?"

Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner.

"Yeah, you've pretty much summed up everything," I told her finally. I was expecting her to yell at me and tell me what an idiot I've been, but she didn't do that. Vanessa placed her hand on my shoulder and smiled reassuringly.

"I won't tell a soul, but you do have to be honest with Zoey AND Nicole…"

I sighed, "I know, but thanks for listening."

"What are friends for if we can't vent to each other once in a while?" she replied laughing. "…I'll finish up in here, you get the Blix."

"Hey! Where's the Blix at?" we heard Logan yell.

"Logan's having another hissy fit…"

I laughed, and walked out with the Blix in my arms. Now I could sleep better. My eyes averted to Zoey, and she smiled at me. I smiled back.

Well, kinda.

And if all else fails, I'll count sheep.

"No, shopping is a sport when you look at it," Nicole countered. "…you think it's easy running to all those shops across from each other AND have the patience for a manicure and pedicure?"

"Fine, just get the clothes and go. Makes life easier," Logan shrugged, as he popped a California roll in his mouth.

"That's a stupid point, Nicole…" I retorted. We had been arguing about this for about half an hour, and frankly I'm tired of it. "…about shopping being considered a sport."

Shopping is not a sport!

End of discussion.

"Dana…" Zoey said, with a warning tone.

"No, no Zoey, I wanna see where Dana goes with this…" Michael stopped her. Thank you! I continued my argument.

"Well, it is! What do you really gain from shopping besides getting the satisfaction of being superficial and shallow, huh?" I asked, annoyed. "Please, enlighten me."

"Anything that makes you sweat is a sport!" screeched Nicole. Oh, God. Do we have to go through this again? Like seriously.

"Well, I think that if you shop once in a while that's fine! Compulsive shopping are what irks me, and if you do that, it's like you have something to prove and you really don't. I'd rather lick a bus pole then walk into Claire's," I defended. I crossed my arms. "…Looks like a freaking peppy bomb exploded in there."

Before Nicole could defend her "point" Chase walked up with Blix.

"About time, man…" Logan said, as Chase tossed him one. We all had bottles of Blix. Another ten minutes passed and no Vanessa.

"Hey, where's Vanessa?" Nicole asked.

"Oh, she decided to re-arrange the plates in the kitchen. She should be out in about five minutes…" Chase explained.

"Oh," was Michael's response. "…but it's not her work day, is it?"

"Nope… I guess it's just work ethic."

"Well, that's Vanessa for you," I said, relaxing into my chair and I drank some of my Blix. Black Cherry was my favourite flavour. I looked up at the TV, and my eyes widened. I think Kazu left to go get more fish for the sushi, and thank God Coach Keller left.

I blinked to make more I wasn't seeing things. Vanessa needed to be here now! I tapped Logan on the shoulder, and pointed up.

"Look…"

He looked too, because he had the same expression I did. Soon everyone was watching this, and we were floored. I was more shocked than everyone combined, because this story hit home for me.

It'll hit 'Nessa more.

"We have BREAKING NEWS at this moment, live directly from Paris. This is Tonya Powell reporting."

"Where's Vanessa?" I asked. "She seriously needs to be here."

"And the fact that my mother just came home from Paris too, doesn't help either," Logan added, his eyesplastered on the TV.

Sushi Rox was filled with a deathly silence. I don't let things get to me, but this…this was the last thing I was expecting.

"It seems that a severe car crash has claimed the life of fashion's finest. It was here that Natalie Stevens strutted her way into stardom at the age of 19, shortly after the marriage of big time director James Stevens.

Shortly after, the Stevens' family were blessed with two beautiful daughters we've all grown to love as America's sweethearts, Vanessa and Marissa Stevens. Shortly before this tragedy, Leighanne Reese and Natalie had sealed the rivalry between the two families that have spanned for more than 10 years. The two ladies were reported best friends since high school."

I saw Logan roll his eyes when they reported this part.

"Seriously, I'm happy that everyone's all buddy-buddy now, but how is this relevant?"

"I guess, we'll find out," Chase said. He looked at me. "Dana, you okay?"

I'm trying not to cry, because I knew Mrs. Stevens personally. Vanessa and I grew up together, so I know. It's killing me like hell.

"Yeah…I-I'm fine, Chase," I reassured, blinking my tears back. I silently sniffled. "…Don't worry about it."

I've never seen Logan so quiet, but I know this is tearing him up so badly. It's eating at him, and honestly I wouldn't blame him.

"The model was set to come home today to be welcomed by her children and estranged husband. They were speculation that the two would get together. The limo was driving past the D'Arc de Triumph was a gas truck collided head-on with the limo, causing it crash forcefully into a nearby bridge. We're sorry to announce that around 3:35 this afternoon…Natalie Stevens was pronounced dead. We'll have follow-ups to this story after these messages. "

"Oh my God…" Zoey gasped, putting a hand to her mouth. "Vanessa's gonna be so devastated."

I turned around, and there she stood. Her green eyes filled with tears as they fell like waterfalls, and you actually catch the moment her heart broke. I slowly walked up to her.

"I need some air," my boyfriend muttered with glazed over eyes, as he walked out. Soon he ran. Logan seriously ran…

"Logan! Wait up!" Michael called to go after him. He turned to me. "Take care of her, 'kay?"

I nodded, and watched as Michael and Chase went to go after Logan. Yup, he was devastated. Zoey and Nicole looked at me sadly before heading off with Stan. I think they knew I had to be alone with her.

"Nessa, I'm so sorry," I said, as my voice started breaking. Tears filled the brim of my eyes. "I'm so sorry."

"She's not dead, Dana. She's not," she screamed as she shook her head furiously. Sobs racked her body as we wrapped our arms around each other. A tear rolled down my cheek, then another. She murmured against my shoulder. "I just talked to her! Before the talent show started…I just talked to her…it's not fair, Dana! It's not…"

"I know…"

Forget being tough, and acting like I don't care for a minute. I'm feeling her pain right now, because to this day our moms are still friends.

"I'll be here for you…we all will. I swear it…as long as I have breath in my body, Vanessa. I'll be there," I vowed, the fresh tears flowing down my cheeks.

And there in the middle of Sushi Rox, we cried together…

A/N: Review. Off to do homework now and sorry for the long wait. I think this is the rising action of the story. The drama is just starting, so show me some love when you're done reading, and review Behind Green Eyes is if you haven't. Only need one more to make it to 70, please!

Part 2, we get Logan's thoughts. Review if you want the darkest chapter I'll probably ever write in any story. If you go to my profile, I still have two new story ideas listed, so I need you guys to vote.

Should I do "Free Falling" or "Not Acting"? You decide!

Thanks for reading

-Erika