Hey guys! I'm so in the mood to write a chapter for you right now. Let me set the scene for you: It's pouring rain outside, I'm wrapped up in a blanket cuddled up on the couch with my laptop. Perfect day for me. Seriously, I might just post another tomorrow if it continues to rain like this. Anyways, on with the story!

Chapter 19:

"Stella! Are you ready yet?" Sammy screamed slamming on my door

"Calm down you baby, I'm coming out" I said, opening the door. I had on a long sleeved, dark blue gown. It went down to the floor when I wasn't wearing shoes. I curled my hair, putting up half of it with a silver pin.

Sammy stood before me in his suit, an annoyed look on his face

"Finally, if you don't get us there on time Dad's gonna kill me" He said

"Gee Stella, you look great. Thanks Sammy, that means a lot coming from you" I said sarcastically while putting my heels on.

"You're hilarious, now lets go" He said

I stood up straight, taking a good look at Sammy. I suddenly realized I wasn't looking at Sammy I was looking up at Sammy.

"Dude, are you taller than me?" I asked

He palmed his face.

"Stella, we don't have time for this. We have to get to the company dinner" He said pushing me out

"I'm serious. I'm in 5 inch heels and I'm looking up at you…how old are you again?" I asked

He gave me a look.

"I'm 13, now let's go" He said pushing me out the door.

"Sammy, you're 13? You're so grown up!" I gushed

" Holy crap….I'm 13, I've hit puberty, it's great, now let's go!" He cried

Tonight was Harry's annual company dinner. He wants to impress the president of the company so he asked all of us to attend. He wants to show off his, and I quote, "Elegant and intelligent family". Sammy and Brandon suggested I don't attend…

Even though my Dad and I aren't really family Harry asked us to go for support. I guess we sort of are like family. I mean, we've only been living with them for 2 years.

Harry's really nervous because if it goes wrong he could be replaced. Basically, the company is split off into 4 different units. The president is the owner but there is a head of each unit of the company. Harry is the head of a unit….that must be why he makes so much money…

Anyways, if Harry doesn't kiss up to the president he can kiss his job goodbye. Or at least that's what Sammy told me.

Sammy and I went outside, where Musa's car was parked.

"Lucky for us Musa let me take the car" I said as I got into the drivers seat, taking the keys out of my purse.

"Lucky? I'll be lucky if I live through this" He said getting in the passenger seat

"I'm a good driver!" I argued

"Yeah right. I'd like to see you drive in those heels" He said

I smirked.

"Your wish is my command" I said, then I slammed on the gas.

We started driving down our street. It was smooth and the cool night air made the drive even more enjoyable. I really was a good driver!

"Where's this at again?" I asked

"It's on Jackson in the big company building that Dad works at" He said

I nodded.

"I just hope they don't make too many speeches. I'm starving!" I said

"I told you to eat before we go!" He said

"I was doing my hair" I said

Sammy palmed his face

"Hey look a Mcdonalds! Think they'll care if I walk in with a double cheeseburger and fries?" I asked seriously

"Yes! God, Stella, you really are an idiot sometimes" Sammy said

"Ouch, but man, if I had a nickel for every time I've been told that-"

"I know, I know, you would be the richest girl in the world" He said

I smirked

"Stella, can you please try to act elegant tonight. This dinner is really important to my Dad" He said

"I know. I love your Dad like he was my Dad. I would never do anything to embarrass him. I'll lay low and only talk when talked too….or at least I'll try" I said

"Good….and use proper grammar too" He said

"Um excuse me, are you perhaps saying that I have bad grammar?" I asked

"No, no, not bad…more like….atrocious" He said

"For your information I've been getting straight A's in my English class" I said proudly

"You were also accepted to Princeton, nothing really makes sense anymore" He said

"You're mean" I said

"Who cares?"

"And I'm going to McDonalds!" I said, turning the car

"No! Stella!" He took hold of the wheel and turned us back

"Are you insane?" I asked, taking hold of the wheel

"No, you are. You cant eat McDonalds in a dress!"

"Why not?"

"You're such a man" He said shaking his head

"God, you sound like your brother" I said rolling my eyes

"And what's wrong with that?" He asked

"You two need to loosen up" I said ruffling his hair

"Keep your hands on the wheel" He screamed pushing me off

I rolled my eyes again, looking up front.

"Oh and speaking of your brother, is he coming tonight?" I asked

"He better, or Dad's going to murder him" Sammy said

I shrugged.

"Why didn't you ask him yourself?" He asked

"Brandon and I don't really talk much anymore" I said

"Anymore? When did you ever?" He said under his breath

I smacked him, then looked at the road. I looked down, swallowing hard. I guess he's right. After that night in his apartment things haven't been very well. We've kind of grown even more apart than we were before. I don't even have classes with him anymore. He transferred to the Medical Department of the college. They don't usually accept freshman but they were both so smart they couldn't turn them down. I literally haven't talked to him in weeks.

"Sorry." Sammy said

I looked at him, shocked.

"Did you just… apologize?" I asked

He smacked his face, turning slightly red.

"So what if I did?" He asked

"Sammy!" I said

"Oh stop it. God forbid I say sorry" He said looking out the window

I smiled.

"Thank you" I said

"It's just sorry" He said rolling his eyes

"I don't get many of those from your brother so it's actually very refreshing to hear you say that" I said

Sammy half smiled.

The car went silent then as we made our way through town.

"I only said sorry because I didn't really mean what I said" He said, looking out the window

"About Brandon and I?" I asked

"Yeah" He said

"Don't worry about it. Honestly, it was the truth." I said

"Stella-"

"I'm serious. I had a thing for him back in high school but that's all over"

"But Stella-"

"And besides, your brother and I are complete opposites. I hate people like him," I looked at Sammy, "No offense. He just doesn't care about anything but himself"

"That's not true" Sammy finally said

I looked at him.

"I know that Brandon doesn't like to show it very much but he actually does have feelings. He cares for his family, a lot. He also cares for his friends and believe it or not Stella, he cares a lot about you too" Sammy said

I narrowed my eyes, then smiled.

"Well, you're right about the first 2" I said

Sammy shook his head

"He cares about you more than you think" He said under his breath

"What?" I said

"Nevermind…..just watch where you're going idiot! You almost hit that fire hydrant!"

"It was in my way!"

We drove for another 10 minutes before reaching our destination. There were cars everywhere! There were about 15 cars waiting in line in front of a booth. The booth stood by a big gate which opened for those who were let in.

"Holy crap, it's a Saturday night and this is how people decide to spend it?" I asked

"How would you spend it if you weren't here?" Sammy asked

"Oh you know….something cool…..a party!" I said

"So your dorm?"

"Yeah…."

After 20 minutes we finally reached the front of the line. There was a big husky man in the booth with a jacket that said Security.

"Name?" He said

"Stella Solaria and Samuel Shields, we're here with Harry Shields" I said

He looked down the list, finally finding our names.

"Ah yes, go on in" He said

"Sir, I was just wondering, has Brandon Shields arrived?" Sammy asked

The man searched down the list again.

"Yes, just a few minutes before you" He said

I looked at Sammy and we both smiled.

"Thank you" I said as he opened the gate.

We went in, following the line of cars.

"Yes! Brandon is here, your Father wont murder him, and we're all good" I said

'and I can finally talk to him again' I thought inwardly. It was hard to keep a smile off my face after hearing that. I know, I know. I'm supposed to be over him and all but….I cant help but feel even a bit excited.

"What now?" I asked trying to look through the crowd of people

"Go up to the valet then we go in and look for my parents" Sammy said

Harry, Melanie, and my Dad went before us because I needed extra time to get ready. I'm not quite sure how Brandon got here though. Maybe he took Riven's car or something.

I gave my car to the valet guy then Sammy and I walked in.

"Holy shit this place is f'ing huge" I whispered

"Stella, you promised…"

"Right, from here to the end of the night I'm elegant. No swear words, no burping, no laughing hysterically and absolutely no being myself what so ever" I said reciting what we discussed in the car

"Good, now let's find my parents" He said

There were so many people here. Everyone was dressed up in fancy clothing. There weren't many children as far as I could tell. There was a whole orchestra playing elegant music. There were waiters walking around offering champagne. I was tempted…but Sammy stopped me.

"I don't understand, where do we eat dinner?" I asked

This was my first company dinner so I didn't really know what happens and stuff. Last year I was sick and couldn't go. Brandon and Sammy have been going to these things since they were born so they pretty much know what goes on.

"This is only the cocktail, those 2 doors open and there's a whole dining area. We're always seated at the front with the president because my Dad is the president's favorite" Sammy explained

"That's so cool" I said

"Eh not really. We're always forced to talk to his daughter. She's pretty but she really only talks to Brandon. I think she's always had a crush on him" Sammy said

"Really? Is she pretty?" I asked

"Gorgeous" He said

"Is it bad that I hoped you would say ugly?" I asked

"No, she's kind of got an ugly personality" He said

"Really?" I asked

He nodded.

"But she's smart so I guess it doesn't really matter" He said with a shrug

"Do you ever talk to the president?" I asked

"Not really. Like everybody else in the world he's more interested in Brandon" Sammy said

"Don't worry Sam, I like you better" I said

"You just made me feel 30% worse" He said

"Ouch"

"There they are" Sammy said motioning toward the front of the room.

I saw Harry and my Dad talking with a man. They were all in crisp black suits, looking really fancy. Melanie, beautiful as ever, joined them in her stunning red gown.

"Remember what I told you" Sammy whispered as we made our way there

"Why it's just your parents" I said

"But look at who they're talking to" Sammy said

"Some dude"

"That's the president"

"Oohhhhh" I said as we walked over

"Sammy, Stella, you've made it" Harry said in his business voice.

I smiled, looking at the President.

"Samuel, you've grown so much over the year" The president said shaking Sammy's hand. He turned to me and I got a good look at him. He was tall and had a nice face. He was a pretty good looking guy. He looked younger than Harry did but still mature. His hair was slightly graying.

"I don't believe I've met you before" He said

"This is the first time. I'm Stella Solaria, it's so nice to meet you" I said sweetly, shaking his head.

"Oh I see, you're Radius's daughter" He said

My father nodded, smiling.

"Yeah" I said

"Well it's very nice to meet you too" He said then gave me a smile

"Sammy- I mean Samuel said that you had a daughter. I'd love to meet her" I said

"She and Brandon have gone someplace but they'll be back for dinner. I think you two will have a lot in common" He said

I smiled, nodding.

"Stella, why don't you go get us some drinks?" My Dad said

"Yes, of course" I said, turning.

"I'll help her" Sammy said following behind me

Once we were far enough away I high fived Sammy quietly.

"Wasn't I good?" I asked excitedly

"That was one of the best performances I've ever seen. You were so….lady like. It was unbelievable" Sammy said
"Thank you. And what the hell, why does everyone call you Samuel? It's so weird" I said

"It's my name" He said grabbing 2 champagne glasses off a waiter's tray

"But you don't look like a Samuel, you look like a Sammy" I said

"Whatever, just take one" He said handing me a glass

We started walking back toward my Dad and Harry but then the 2 big doors Sammy told me about opened and people began moving into the dining room.

"You know what, forget about these. Let's just head in. They'll be more in there" Sammy said putting his down. I copied his movement following after him. It's so weird being led by a 13 year old when I'm 19. Although, Sammy does act more mature for his age. I see him growing up to look exactly like Brandon. The only different between him and Brandon is that I find lately that Sammy is a bit nicer and more sensitive. He'll definitely get all the girls in high school!

We went into the dining room which was just as elegant as the first room. There were round tables set up, with seats set for certain people. There were candles and fancy china and a delicious smell in the air. Sammy led us toward our table which was, as he said, right in the front. The President smiled at us as we approached the table. Harry was sitting next to him, with Melanie next, then my Dad. I saw that my name was next to my Dad so I sat down. Sammy sat across from me, with 2 empty seats next to him. Obviously those seats were for Brandon and the Presidents daughter. God I hope she isn't too flirtly. If she is she'll ruin the night for me.

"Why haven't the waiters brought drinks to the table?" The President said

"I could get you a drink" I said

"Thank you very much" He said

I saw Harry look at me and smile which was a good sign.

I got up out of my seat, turning to get the drink. Suddenly I stumbled over, tripping on my own heel. My heart stopped for a moment knowing my face was about to go red with embarrassment. No! Stella! You cant ruin this for Harry!

Suddenly I wasn't falling. I looked up and saw that Brandon had caught me. His hands were on my shoulders, pushing me back up. I looked into his eyes, feeling shivers go down my spines. These were the same hands that had touched me that night….the same hands that held me down. I swallowed hard.

Brandon blinked, quickly looking away.

"You okay?" He asked in a solid tone

I nodded.

"T..thank you" I said finally

He nodded.

"That was a good catch Brandon. You should really watch where you're going" I turned and saw the most horrible thing I could have ever imagined.

"Mackenzie?" I said, still feeling dizzy. Oh god, oh god, please tell me I'm dreaming. Please tell me I actually did fall down and hit my head so hard that I'm hallucinating.

"Yeah?" She asked innocently

"Wait….don't tell me…. President White?" I said

"Yes?" The president said

"Oh Shit!"

Sammy, Brandon, my Dad, Melanie, and most of all Harry looked at me shaking their heads violently.

I covered my mouth, shocked at what I'd just said.

"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean that. I'm just-surprised. Mackenzie I didn't know your Father was the president" I said

"Well what do you know, you learn something new every day" Mackenzie said with certain glint in her eye. She knows what I'm thinking, and she's enjoying it.

Mackenzie looked gorgeous as always. She wore a strapless red gown that was tight fitting on the top then went out into small ruffles. The red of her dress made the red in her hair look even more amazing. She had it up in a tight bun, showing off her model like face. She had on the perfect amount of make-up and bright red lipstick. How can I compete with her? How?

"Do you 2 know each other?" The president asked

"I suppose you can say that" Mackenzie said taking her seat beside her father. Brandon remained standing looking me up and down, which made me uncomfortable.

"I'll just go get you your drink" I said to her father turning to leave.

"Actually, do you mind getting me a drink as well?" Mackenzie asked

I breathed in, then shook my head.

"Of course not" I said, smiling. I looked at Harry who nodded at me. As long as he's happy it's fine….

I turned to get their drinks.

"I'll help" Brandon said, following after me.

My heart stopped as I continued walking. He's coming with me. Why am I so nervous all of a sudden? It's just Brandon. It's just Brandon. It's just Brandon.

This is also the Brandon who kissed me. This is also the Brandon who I haven't talked to in a month.

I guess I'm scared.

"Thanks, but it's fine. I've got it" I said once we were far away from the table

"We don't need you tripping and breaking some glasses" He said taking 2 glasses from a waiter.

I narrowed my eyes.

"It's just luck that you were there the minute I fell. Ask Sammy, I've been doing good all night" I said

"You're right. You're definitely acting the part….although I don't believe shouting oh shit was quite the look we were going for" He said

I smiled, then he gave me one of his rare smiles. Again I felt my heart stop.

I nodded, taking the 2 glasses from him. I turned to go back to the table.

"It's been a while hasn't it" He said

I turned around, nodding.

"Yeah, it has" I said

"It's good to see you- almost refreshing" He said

I smiled.

"Wow, you've never called me refreshing before. Annoying, but never refreshing. I think I'll wait a month to talk to you more often" I said

I smiled, then turned to go back to the table. Even though it was only a few lines that little encounter made my heart pound. Not a bad pound….a good pound.

I returned to the table handing the president and Mackenzie their drinks then returning to my seat. The waiter had brought out the main dishes. There was a huge steak before me and I couldn't help but feel my mouth begin to water. It looked amazing.

Shit….I cant eat stake. If you've ever seen me eat stake, it aint pretty. I looked around and saw that everyone had begun eating.

"Is something wrong with your meal?" the president asked

"Uh no!" I said startled

"It's just uh…I'm actually a uh…vegetarian" I said

I heard Sammy choke down a laugh. I slammed my foot on his from under the table so nobody saw.

"I can have them bring you a different meal-"

"But wait, Stella, I could've sworn I saw you carrying a bucket of fried chicken through campus a few days ago" Mackenzie said

"Oh that was for um….my room mates" I said. It actually wasn't a lie. They sent me on our weekly KFC run.

"Really? Because I saw you take one and eat it right there and then" Mackenzie said

"I don't think you did"

"No I'm sure" Mackenzie said

Crap! What do I say? What do I say?

"You know what? I know what you're talking about. I got some tofu chicken for myself….yum" I said

"Oh, that must be it" She said and I saw it in her eyes, she knew I was lying

The president asked a waiter to bring me a salad and I thanked him.

"So you attend the same college as my Mackenzie?" The president asked me

I nodded.

"Stella's our scholarship student" Harry said proudly

"Really?"

I nodded.

"It's an art scholarship. I'm studying to be an artist" I said

"That's wonderful. You must be great" The president said

"She's amazing. We've set aside a room for her in the house as an art studio and whenever she's home she spends hours in there" Harry said

I nodded.

"I didn't know you were on scholarship" Mackenzie said

I smirked inwardly.

"Yeah, they kind of just came to me. I never even applied" I said

Mackenzie's eyes widened.

"That really is wonderful that you're studying to be an artist" He said

"Thank you" I said

"What are you majoring in?" Melanie asked Mackenzie

"I'll be joining the Medical Department next year" She said
"Oh, just like Brandon" I said

Brandon's eyes widened, looking over at his Dad.

"What do you mean?" Harry asked me

"What? Brandon never told you?" I asked

"Told me what?" Harry asked

"He got accepted into the Medical Department. Isn't that great?" I said

Harry looked at Brandon.

"But I thought we discussed that you would be taking over for me" Harry said

"Dad, I think we should do this somewhere else-" Brandon said

"Brandon this is serious. We already talked this over with president White. You'll be taking over for me. What are you doing in the Medical Department?" Harry asked sternly

I looked at Brandon, shocked. Oh crap, what did I just do?

"Stella" Sammy whispered angrily

"I don't understand-?" I whispered to Sammy

"My parents weren't supposed to know. Brandon didn't want to tell them yet" Sammy said

"Crap!" I whispered

"Brandon, don't you want to take over for the company?" President White asked

"Of course sir but I do believe in broadening your horizons" Brandon said calmly

"You don't need to broaden any horizons. It's already set" Harry said

I've never seen Harry like this; so….so angry. He was getting very worked up.

We didn't go home that night until 1am. Brandon and I decided to sleep at home instead of going back. It was just easier. Tension was in the air when we went home. Harry was still angry about what happened.

I was in my room, getting into my bed. It was almost 1:30 in the morning when I first laid down. Just as my eyes were about to close my door was slammed open.

"Stella! Stella! Wake up!"

I opened my eyes. It was Sammy.

"What? What is it?" I asked

"I just saw Brandon go into my Dad's study" He said

I got up following Sammy into the hallway.

"What do you think they're saying?" I asked

"I don't know, let's go down to the bottom of the stairs. We'll be able to hear from there" Sammy said

I nodded as we crept down the hallway to the steps.

"Dad, the Medical Department is really amazing-"

"Brandon, I don't want to hear it!" Harry screamed

I looked at Sammy.

"We had everything planned" Harry said

"Why cant Sammy take over? He's very bright" Brandon said

"Don't start using your brother as an excuse! You're taking over and that's that!" Harry shouted

Melanie ran down the stairs, seeing us.

"What's going on?" She asked

"Harry and…and Brandon are…they're.." I tried, but I was trembling.

"Dad I don't want to do that and you cant force me into anything! I am an adult now and have the rights to make my own decisions! I'm becoming a doctor and that's that!" Brandon screamed, louder than I've ever heard him scream

"NO YOU ARE NOT-" Suddenly there was a loud thump and Melanie ran into the office. My Dad came running down the stairs to see what was going on.

Sammy and I ran into the office only to find Harry on the ground and Brandon beside him.

"HARRY!" Melanie screamed

"Harry!" My Dad and I screamed

"Dad!" Sammy screamed

"It's a heart attack, someone call an ambulance!" Brandon shouted

Uh-oh. Like I said, tension is rising. Will Harry make it? Will he die? Let's find out because I honestly haven't decided yet….lol. I kind of make it up as I go along, although it does make it easier that I have episodes to follow. But my chapter aren't really like the episodes that much. The main plot lines are but the details not so much. Anyways, thanks for reading. Leave a comment if you'd like. :)