Thank you all for your endless patience while I write this story. I wanted to update all my stories together and I am currently editing one that I will be continuing. (another Hollywood Heights story) That story was on another site and the writer said she wouldn't be continuing it so I will be. I don't have a title/summary for it yet, but I will after finishing it. I will be writing another Hollywood Heights story after I edit the other one and it will be called 'Hollywood Heights: Accident Gone Wrong'. I have already told a few of you about it and you were very interested in it. It won't be posted for awhile, but I'm glad you're enthusiastic over it. No summary yet, but I have the outline written out.

I wanted to respond to a few reviews I received regarding the last chapter or two. I'm glad you are all enthused on this story. I ask you to please continue to be patient while I write this story. I will NEVER stop writing it, but it takes time to write all my stories as well as the ones that I'm currently working on. I would love to update more often, but unfortunately, I can't. The next thing...Trent is mean because we all need a villain in our stories. lol. He wasn't exactly the nicest on the show. I'm glad you're still enjoying the story even though there is rape in it. To the 'guest' who commented that I write more for Max/Nora than 'Leddie', I know both couples were popular on the show and I loved both couples (of course I love 'Leddie' more) so I'm trying to give all couples the proper amount of story time. I know 'Leddie' is more popular, but I know Max/Nora are well liked as well. It is not my intention to give Max/Nora more room than our favorite couple as I'm trying to give both couples the same amount. How do you all feel about this? I am still not sure how liked Mel/Adam was on the show, but I'm hoping you will let me know what you think. As for Eddie's reaction on Loren's confession, it will continue in the next chapter. I ask that you PLEASE REVIEW so I know what you think. Every writer likes to hear how they are doing so please review. Thank you to those who have reviewed/followed/favorited so far. Here is the next update. Warning: there is some language in this chapter. I only own the story.

Chapter 28

(At the Sanders house, Adam and Melissa are in her room watching a movie. As much as they try not to, the obvious sexual tension is in the room and they can't help the glances they give the other. They turn bright red as they blush. When it's clear they are both nervous around each other, they both speak up)

Melissa: "Why do you keep looking at me like that?"

Adam: "You're not paying attention to the movie."

Melissa: (scoffs) "Well, it's hard to with the way you're staring at me."

Adam: (scoffs) "Me? It goes both ways, Sanders. Ever since we both admitted our feelings earlier at the cafe, there's been tension between us." (shrugs sadly) "Did I do something wrong?"

(She looks at him, shocked, before quickly shaking her head)

Melissa: "No, you did nothing wrong."

Adam: (shrugs in confusion) "Then why are you acting so distant?"

(Melissa sighs as she tried to sort out her feelings. Without meaning to, she knew she was hurting him. Aside from Loren, he was her next best friend. But, in the end, it turned into something more. To be honest, it caught her off guard and she wasn't completely sure what to do next. She never knew Adam felt this way, but she guessed that's what a person calls a crush. She couldn't believe that she didn't see what was right in front of her. Now, she had this amazing guy who cared about her and liked her for her. She was confused because she never had these types of feelings for someone and she never had had someone like her more than a friend. She was both excited about the endless possibilities that a relationship entails and scared about where to go from this point on. She didn't know if Adam had those same concerns, but she knew there was only one way to find out)

Melissa: (sighs in defeat) "I'm sorry. That wasn't my intention. The truth is, I've never had a guy care for me the way you do. I mean, the only guy who has is my dad and obviously he doesn't count. I just...I never imagined I'd be in the spot that I am."

Adam: (smiles sympathetically) "Well, if it's any consolation, I've never had this happen to me, either." (chuckles nervously) "You're the first girl I've felt this way for." (smiles) "I have no problems going slow so we can both get used to the relationship."

Melissa: (smiles briefly) "Me, too. Even though this is new for both of us, I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes."

Adam: (smiles) "Me, too."

(After they both realize it's getting late, Adam smiles at the girl he could finally call his girlfriend. He leans toward her, giving her a small kiss on the cheek. After pulling back, he smiles at her and chuckles when she blushes. They get off her bed and walk to the front door. They say their goodbyes before Adam leaves. Melissa shuts the door and leans back against it and smiles tenderly)

Melissa: "Maybe this boyfriend/girlfriend thing won't be so bad after all."

(Meanwhile, at the Tate house, Trent looks at his wife in shock. He was wondering if he heard her right. He was pretty sure he did, but needed to be 100% correct. He clears his throat and folds his arms against his chest)

Trent: "So, you have feelings for Max Duran, huh?"

(Nora sighs as she closes her eyes and looks down. As much as she loved him and didn't want to hurt him, she knew she was. In a way, she knew she shouldn't feel guilty because of how much he hurt her, yet despite everything, she loved him. She often wondered if it was worth it to try sparing his feelings as it was clear he sure as hell wasn't sparing hers when he accused her of being unfaithful. She always knew there were cracks in their marriage, but she was beginning to see there were more than just cracks, there were holes. Whether or not those holes could be fixed, that was another story)

(Nora didn't feel right about trying to deny her feelings for Max Duran. Trent didn't deserve it and neither did Max, especially being she just confessed them to Max earlier. She looked at Trent in the eyes and tried to be as honest as she could be)

Nora: (nods & whispers) "Yes, I do." (normal voice) "It was never planned, Trent. And to answer your next question, I'm sure..." (shakes her head) "...No, I don't intend on acting on them. I would never do that to you. I have never cheated on you before and I don't plan on starting now."

(Trent nods in response. With the way she was acting around Max at the club and how she just admitted her feelings for the guy, he didn't know where to go from there. If he were honest with himself, he knew she would never turn to Max even when they were having problems. But the selfish asshole in him felt even if she didn't do anything to start it, she didn't stop the feelings she shared for Max. That's what royally pissed him off. Nora was always too kindhearted to tell the person off or in Max's case, tell him her marriage came first. For all Trent knew, she did do that, but unfortunately that's not how it looked to him)

(He knew he was being selfish, but to be honest, he didn't fucking care. She may not have physically cheated on him, but to him, emotionally she did. He wasn't quite sure what he was going to do about it. One thing was for sure: he would not let Max Duran win)

Trent: "Even if Max puts the moves on you?"

(Nora looks at him weirdly before shaking her head)

Nora: "He has never put the moves on me. Yes, he admitted he has feelings for me, but he made it clear he would never do anything out of respect to our marriage."

Trent: (rolls his eyes) "Somehow I doubt that."

(Nora folds her arms against her chest and tilts her head)

Nora: "Why do you think that?"

Trent: (shrugs) "Because I've seen the way he looks at you." (seriously) "If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was falling for you."

(Nora looks at him like he's nuts and can't help but laugh. He looks at her weirdly)

Trent: "What's so funny about that?"

Nora: (sighs) "Trent, he barely knows me, at least not enough to be in love. You're jumping to conclusions."

Trent: "Have you ever heard of 'love at first sight'? Trust me, Nora, I know what I'm talking about. You just don't see it because you're too close to the situation."

(Nora shakes her head in frustration before raising her hands to her sides)

Nora: "Obviously I'm not going to change your mind. I don't feel like fighting anymore. I have work tomorrow and I want to try getting some rest." (seriously) "Do me a favor. Sleep in the spare bedroom or on the couch. I don't care. But I don't want you laying next to me tonight. I'm too pissed off at you right now."

(Nora walks to the master bedroom and shuts the door behind her. She remembers Loren and wonders how she is)

Nora: (hopefully sigh) "I know you said you needed time, that you wanted to be alone. Please sweetie, be smart and be okay. I just hope Eddie is with you."

(On the hill, Eddie looks at Loren with sadness in his eyes. He couldn't believe what he was just told. Tears once more fall down his already red face)

Eddie: "That...That..." (sighs sadly) "...That asshole started hurting you when you were five years old?"

(Loren is unable to look into his pain stricken eyes. She has always felt if she finally confessed to someone, they would end up pitying her. That was the last thing she has always wanted. She didn't want anyone to feel sorry for her. And now being Eddie knows, she was almost positive he would look at her differently. That was always her fear: to have the person she told would also look at her differently. She couldn't take it. She would rather die than go through that. Again, Trent put that fear into her. She knew Eddie was patiently waiting for an answer. But how much of the truth should she reveal? Does she stop now or do what she has always wanted since she met Eddie and fell in love? Her thoughts are interrupted when he approaches her in a worried embrace)

Eddie: "Loren, I hope you know you can tell me anything." (sighs) "I would never leave you. I'm in it for the long haul. Please tell me you know that."

(Loren at first resists his arms of comfort, but she ends up breaking down and falls into his waiting arms. He tightly holds her)

Eddie: "I love you, Loren. Always and forever. I want you to feel you can tell me anything."

Loren: (sniffles) "I'm afraid you'll think of me differently or look at me differently. I-I couldn't handle it if you did that."

(Eddie breaks free enough to cup her face in his soothing hands and looks at her with love in his eyes)

Eddie: "I want you to know something and please believe it when I say it. You want to know what I see when I look at you? I see a beautiful, caring, young woman who would do anything to help others. I see someone who would put herself in harm's way so others are safe." (smiles) "I'm the exact same way."

Loren: (sighs) "Don't you get it, Eddie? I want to tell you everything, but you know what Trent will do."

Eddie: (seriously) "And I've told you before, baby, that I can protect myself. I'm not scared of him." (angrily) "And it pisses me off that a father would do something like that to his own child...and continues it still. I'm about ready to confront him right now and kick his ass."

(Loren looks at him in a panic with her eyes wide open)

Loren: "No! You can't!"

(Eddie looks at her in confusion as he shakes his head)

Eddie: "Loren, I don't understand. Why are you protecting him?"

Loren: (shakes her head) "I'm not protecting him. I'm protecting you."

Eddie: (shakes his head, puzzled) "You said that before. I don't get it."

Loren: (sighs) "If you confront him, he will hurt you. I know you can take care of yourself, but I would never forgive myself if you got hurt because of me." (tearfully) "I love you too much."

(Eddie takes her in his arms and kisses her tenderly before facing her)

Eddie: "I love you, too, baby."

(Eddie lowers his head slightly, not breaking eye contact. He looks at her seriously, yet also with comfort)

Eddie: "Do you feel comfortable with telling me what happened? I mean, why your father decided to hurt you?" (shakes his head) "I won't pressure you, but I want you to know I'm not going anywhere."

Loren: (shakily sighs) "You may feel differently once you know the truth."

(Eddie knew as much as he wanted to, he couldn't convince her he won't leave or abandon her when she reveals more of her secret. So, he says the only thing he can think of to put her somewhat at peace so she feels more comfortable)

Eddie: "You let me worry about what I will and won't feel. I'm not going anywhere."

Loren: (chuckles sarcastically) "Are you sure? This may take all night."

Eddie: (shakes his head seriously) "I don't care. I'll wait here forever."

(Loren can tell he's serious so she knew the ball was now in her court. She takes a much needed deep breath, briefly closing her eyes, before facing him)

Loren: "Here goes."

Chapter 28 Done

Thank you for reading. Please review and let me know what you think of the update as well as the story. I wanted to give each storyline equal time, but I'm sure I won't please everyone with doing that. Please keep in mind (and I will say this in the next chapter as well) that I have never been raped, I don't know anyone personally who has been raped, so chances are I will make mistakes with his delicate storyline of Loren's. I only know what I see on TV or what I would picture in my head would happen. I am not a lawyer, expert or anything like that. This story is fiction so like I said, chances are I won't get all the facts right. With all my stories I currently have going, I don't have a lot of time to do research on this topic, so if you do see errors/wrong facts, please know I am only human. If you're looking for a story where the facts are always right, this isn't it. So please no rude comments on a fact if it is not right. I have no problem with you politely correcting me, but there's no need to be rude. I will write the next update when I can, but please know it may take me time. Thank you to those who are kind in being patient. I have no problems giving updates on where I'm at in the stories, but I can't guarantee I'll have them week by week as I'm writing other stories. Thank you for listening and for enjoying this story. Also, thank you for the reviews, follows, and favorites. Until next time!