A/N: Here's Chapter 22. Nothing new besides the fact that I've started a new story. All other stories will be updated other the holidays (Clash of the Secrets, Rockabye Chase etc.) so please be patient. Right now it's Hollywood Rivalries. You think Chelsea's bad now…she'll worse almost evil in upcoming chapters –evil grin-. I actually liked writing her, and I'm feeling very evil so more Chelsea is coming your way. All songs belong to Vanessa Anne Hudgens.

I don't own Breaking the Habit by Linkin Park either.

Chapter 22: No Turning Back

That was so much fun, even though there are feathers everywhere. The eight of us lay sprawled in our dorm room in a circular form. Kinda when you were young and you watched the clouds with your friends…like that. We all took turns asking Vanessa about her career. So far it's interesting. Chase and I were beside each other with intertwined fingers.

"So have you met Orlando Bloom yet? Because if you have…that's awesome. Don't you guys it's awesome. I think it's—"

"Nicole! Breathe…" I told my friend cutting her off with a laugh. It's funny how Nicole can get excited over the smallest things.

Vanessa laughed, "No…but I'm bound to someday."

"That's awesome," Stan said. "So…what do you plan to afterwards?"

"Well, I'm planning to put a CD out before senior year starts. I want to stop acting for a while, and focus on school. I've already starting writing some songs."

Chase sounded surprised, "You write?"

"Yep."

"I'd like to see what songs are out there. Probably about romantic mush," That came from Logan, obviously.

"Oh, don't worry. I wrote one just for you… it's called Never Underestimate A Girl," Vanessa said. I know she was just smirking. She and I slapped hands.

"Ouch… burned again…" That was from Chase.

"Psh, whatever. I still say it's about romantic mush…"

"Why are you hatin'?" Michael asked. Dana spoke.

"Mad because it's not about you?"

"Anyway, moving on," Stan said, stopping an argument. "What are some song titles?"

She counted them with her fingers, "Um, Come Back to Me…Let's Dance because I love dancing… Afraid, Psychic, Let Go, Say Ok, Drive, Make You Mine, and uh, Whatever Will Be. I'll be writing more tomorrow. Half of the album will fast, and half will be slow jams so it balances out. My favourite to write though was a tie between Come Back to Me, and Let's Dance. I already recorded my demo like over last weekend. They just have to call me to tell me I got the deal. There'll be a bonus track called Flirt. That was nice to write too."

"I'm so buying it when it comes out!" Nicole squealed loudly. "…but will you sign my copy?"

"How about I just sign all of your copies?" Vanessa suggested.

"That would rock!" I said, happily.

"Now when Zoe and I buy your album, I can say I actually know you…" laughed Chase.

We all got up from lying down, but we were in a circle, sitting. Vanessa has an interesting life. I wonder if we could get her to sing a little something for us. I'm dying to hear it.

"Hey Vanessa?"

"What's up?" she answered, as she played with Michael's fingers. Those two are made for each other. It's so cute. I'm not at mad at Logan anymore for what he did but I'm a bit miffed.

"I was wondering if you could sing something for us? Pleeease…" I begged, asking her with hopeful eyes. Please say yes. Please say yes. Please say yes.

"Ok, sure. This one's called Whatever Will Be…when it's done there will be some piano…which will be playing myself. I'm thinking soft drums too."

Vanessa opened her mouth to sing. Usually, I wouldn't care but I don't know…something hooked in. I've spent two weeks ever since she came here debating with myself about who I love more. Dana or Vanessa.

I sighed inwardly. I think I've made my choice. Yep, I know who I want to be with. It sounded soft…Vanessa's singing.

"Sometimes I feel like I'm a bird with broken wings
At times I dread my now and envy where I've been
But that's when quiet wisdom takes control
At least I've got a story no one's told

I finally learned to say
Whatever will be will be
I've learned to take
The good, the bad and breathe
'Cause although we like
To know what life's got planned
No one knows if shooting stars will land," Vanessa finished singing. I have only one word for that.

Amazing.

"So what do you guys think?"

"Vanessa… that was…" Great, Chase doesn't know how to describe it.

"That was so good, Vanessa!" Nicole screamed, and gave Vanessa a hug. Sometimes I wonder if she had a hidden supply of crack. Then everything would make sense. It amazes me how Stan can take her, because if it were me, I'd be trying to slit my wrists.

"That was pretty nice," Dana said. Yeah, I've definitely made my choice. After everything that's happened in two weeks…I'm pretty much set on who I wanna date now.

"Thanks, Day…" and she smiled. Just then a phone rang. It doesn't sound like mine.

"Does sound like mine," I said in a bored tone.

"It's not mine, either…" Chase said, with a confused look. Vanessa's eyes widened and she jumped up.

"It's mine!"

Okay, weird. Girls…

Oh my God. That could be the record company calling. I rushed over to the phone and flipped my green Motorola RAZR open.

"Hello?"

"Vanessa, darling. I'm glad I caught you…"

Zoey looked at me with hopeful eyes, and I held up a finger to tell her 'just a minute'. I'm nervous as hell. Seriously. I don't know what'll happen. I mean, the singing is just an experiment. If it doesn't work out I can always go back to act and modeling. I hope it does work out though.

"So, what's up, Richard?" I asked the producer. That's his name. Richard.

"You're demo was…outstanding. I'll definitely see to it that your album becomes a hit by the time summer vacation rolls around. That's when it'll be finished. I understand you wrote most of the songs, right?"

"Yes, I did…"

'What's going on… ?' Michael mouthed to me, and it's as if Nicole is hoping with me. She's biting her bottom lip in anticipation. I shrugged in response to Michael but I hope it's good news.

"Well, we at the studio…loved it…"

"Uh-huh…" I said, as I felt a grin grow on my face. I heard Richard sigh. "Come on, Richard. You're killin' me here…"

"Okay, okay," he responded with a laugh. "Congratulations Vanessa. You're our new label mate. You go to PCA, right?"

"Yeah…" I answered, slightly weirded out. I'm doing a dance on the inside now. After I hang up I'm letting loose. "Why?"

"Because…" Richard started. "We gave your contract to, um, what's his name, Logan Reese first, you know, as a surprise."

I looked at Logan. You've got to be shitting me right now. He knew? We get along better than we used but don't talk about us dating in the past, because it's a touchy area. I looked at Logan with an amused smile on my face. He smiled shrugging. What the hell!? You little stinker! You knew and didn't say anything. Note to Self: Kick Logan's ass.

I went back to the phone.

"Well, thanks Rich…if you don't mind me calling you that."

"No, not at all… Once again, I send my congratulations. There's a recording studio not far from your school, so it'll make your life easier. Send my love to Natalie and James."

He meant my mother and father.

"Will do," I reassured as a grin broke out on my face. I'm on the verge of crying tears of joy right now. My friends are all standing around me so they could hear. "Thanks again."

"No, thank you…" and a click was heard and I hung up. The phone slipped from my hands. Oh. My. God. I got the deal! I GOT THE DEAL!

"Vanessa?" Chase questioned. I pulled him over since he was the closest to me at the time. I whispered what Richard told me in his ear. He looked at me, and smiled widely. I pulled away and ran out of my room in sheer happiness. The lounge was empty. I danced around like a fool. They probably all think I'm crazy now. Screw it!

YES!

I broke out in the Running Man, pumping my fist in the air.

"YES! I GOT THE DEAL! HELL YES!" I screamed to no one. I could shout it from the rooftops.

Oh yeah. Vanessa Stevens is climbing up…

Vanessa whispered, "I got the deal" in my ear and she ran out of the room. Oh wow. The girl is just ecstatic, and I'm happy for her.

"Chase, why did she tell you?" Zoey asked.

"She got the deal. Her album's coming out in the summer," I announced, with a smile. We walked and the girls' case ran out to congratulate her. Vanessa was in the lounge dancing it out. Nicole and Zoey ran to her and soon we have three girls jumping around in the middle of their lounge. Vanessa walked over to Dana, hugging her best friend tight. Wow, Vanessa might be really happy but she hugged Logan and I know she'd never do that in a million years…and than Stan got a hug and then she hugged me, and I whispered in her ear. "Congrats."

"Thank you… oh my God," she ran into Michael's arms and he hugged her spinning her. I hope Logan makes the right choice. He told me what he was going to do…way different conversation from the one we had two weeks earlier.

"Dude, I've come to a realization," Logan told me suddenly. No, no, no. I'm not doing this again, but I listened anyway. Everyday, I wake up and ask myself this question: why am I such a pushover? I looked up from my history homework, but that doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about it. Michael and Logan are slowly starting to make up… it's not a lot but it's progress.

"What?" I asked, writing a couple more sentences.

"I know who I wanna be with. Not that both of them wouldn't want to…"

What? He's made his choice? It kind of made sense since it's been two weeks since Vanessa first arrived. That's a lot of thinking time… even for him. I'm slightly freaked but intrigued all at once.

'Well…"

"'Well' what?" he shot back at me. He's going jerk-like again.

"Well, tell her…whoever 'her' may be," I explained, using air quotes. Logan looked thoughtful.

"Well, maybe later…but now," he said with a smirk as he pulled the dreaded overhead projector. Oh crap. I know what that's going to be used for. Better think of something quick. "…It's Logan Time."

I stood up, "Oh well, look at the time. I'm off to Sushi Rox. You know… work-related, um, stuff."

I grabbed my cell phone and was gone. I basically ran for dear life not before tripping over my own feet. I didn't fall. Thank God.

"Your loss!" I heard him call out.

I saw Vanessa and the way up, and she stopped me.

"Okay, what have you been doing, Matthews?" she asked, as she raised a perfectly done eyebrow. It looks done to me anyway. She only called me by my last name if I was in trouble. I don't know what I did yet, though.

"Nothing…" I answered, slightly out of breath. "…but if you are looking for Michael…he's not at the dorm. Don't go in there. I'm warning you."

"What—Oh, is Logan Time again?"

"Yes!" I nodded. She placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Thanks for the heads-up" and Vanessa was gone. That's one more life I helped save besides my own. I don't think I can stomach sitting through 2.2 million pictures of Logan for the 5th time this week. I was this close to smashing the projector while he slept. Then it was going to be freedom for all!

I was walking through campus now. Just me and my thoughts. Two things bother me… why is Chelsea coming to PCA of all places, and I wonder who Logan picks.

Dana or Vanessa…

It's pretty much a toss-up for me. Anything's game.

"Ok, everyone out!" a voice screamed. This one was scary. Coco, the girls' DA. She turned to the girls. "Ok, ladies. Time to go to bed…now!" Then she turned to me, Logan, Mike and Stan. We didn't look her in the eyes. If you look hard enough she'll like turn you stone. To look Coco in the eyes was suicide. "Boys, out!"

We all said goodbye to the girls…and I got a goodnight kiss from Zoey, Michael from Vanessa…ok, not really a kiss, but a good night make-out. Man, can they ever kiss, and they're not even boyfriend/girlfriend. Not officially anyway. I looked at my watch. Still smooching. Watch again.

"Ok, people. Break it up!" we all shouted. They broke away laughing.

"Hey! We can't help it…" Vanessa defended smiling, and then stuck her tongue out at us. Michael agreed by interlacing their hands together.

"I'm giving you 5 more minutes. You all lucky Leno starts, so I gotta go," Coco said, turning to walk away. We all let out a breath of relief. Thank God, she's gone. Seriously. Dana, Nicole, Zoey were about to go to their dorm, not before she (Zoey, of course) blew me a kiss. I smiled, and waved goodbye. The girls (except Vanessa) were gone. Michael, Stan, and I were turning to leave.

"You coming Logan?" Stan questioned with raised question.

"Yeah. I'll catch up with you," he answered. We walked away outside. I'm dying to know what'll go on between Logan and Vanessa. Let's just hope this isn't the 'I Want You Back' speech.

If it is, then all hell will break loose.

So it was just me and her. So what if I knew about the contracts? Well, she got the deal, and that's all that matters. I guess I'm saying I'm happy for Vanessa. She crossed her arms, as her foot tapped impatiently. What? Why is she looking at me like that?

"Ok, what?"

She pinched my shoulder, "Why didn't you tell me?!"

"Well, you know. It would totally ruin the surprise concept anyway. You got your deal so, um, congratulations," I said, running a hand through my hair. Vanessa fiddled with her fingers, and the awkward silence was there. We hung out only because we thought we would without ever mentioning the past…but we're going to have to sooner or later. She sighed, looking at her feet then her pale green eyes traveled up to lock with my brown ones. Shit, this was going to tough.

"Logan, we need to talk," she said, sighing. She grabbed my hand, and I let her lead me to the couch. I knew this was coming. Not even my good looks could withstand this.

We sat down and it began.

She laughed and I looked at her.

"I tell you we need to talk and I don't even know where to start. Pretty lame, huh?"

"Yeah," I agreed, teasing my ex-girlfriend.

"Hey! You weren't supposed to agree!" she said, pretending to offended. Vanessa laughed and I found myself laughing with her. I stopped when I realized we were laughing together.

"Long time we've done that…"

"Yeah, I get what you mean," she said, smiling at me. Yes, she's not hitting me. "How about you just say what's in your heart and it'll make life easier for the both of us."

"Ok…" I couldn't say anything because I wanted to sleep, but until I fix this because this, those dreams of being in a hot tub sandwich between two Playboy Bunnies aren't going to be coming anytime soon. I took a deep breath. "Vanessa, when you came to PCA two weeks ago… I was scared, shocked…and a whole bunch of emotions, but originally I was going to say that I was an idiot and I wanted to fix it…" Those eyes were transfixed on me and I'm trying not to stare too hard or I'll forget everything I had planned to say. Yes, I actually prepared, ok? So shut up and let me pour my guts out. "…and I was also going to say that I wanted you back."

Vanessa's eyes got wide, "Logan, I-"

"…but I thought about it. You're happy with Michael. He's still mad at me for…you know. Forget him for a minute. I still care for you believe it or not. We tried the boyfriend/girlfriend thing and I screwed up, right?"

"Right…" I think I'm getting through to her but she wasn't supposed to agree about 'screwing up' part. "So, what exactly are you saying here, Logan?"

"I'm trying to say that I'm sorry. Really sorry. Oh, wow. I said my first apology," I mused.

"Logan, I can't believe I'm saying this…but I believe you. I seriously believe you're sorry or you wouldn't have wanted to talk to me this late. Michael's helping me heal from the pain you caused… Because of you, I had made up my mind to stop dating all together. I couldn't get hurt…a girl can only have her heart broken so many times…but I'm happy with Michael" I winced inwardly because it was true even though I didn't want to admit it. I mean, come on, hasn't my pride been bruised enough? I looked closer. Was she blushing? Yeah, she was…you know I'll hold this over her head now. Vanessa continued talking. "…Never in a million years did I think you would hurt me the way you did… I have a question."

"Shoot."

"All those times you said 'I love you' to me…did you mean it? Just answer. I won't be mad. Just answer truthfully."

"Yes…I did," I answered, with a sigh. "I meant it…which is rare but I meant it."

"Ok… what you did what you did will be a mystery because I don't want to dig up on this any longer," Vanessa said, standing up. Yes, that makes two of us. Aw crap, I think I lathered, and rinsed…but I didn't repeat. Shit. "…but I'm tired. Life is too short to be angry and bitter…I'm at the prime of my career right now. So how about we just start fresh?"

Starting fresh? So we can be friends. Friends just happen to rag on each other when convenient. Nice.

"That's fine with me," I said then laughed. "You know Hollywood expects us to hate each other, right?"

"Oh, puh-lease…since we do we care what anyone thinks. Honestly. Screw Hollywood. I bet our families hate each other over the dumbest things like my mom borrowing your mom's purse and not returning it. Some stupid shit like that," Vanessa said, shrugging. We stood a foot apart from each other. "You know. I forgive you so you can hug me now. I won't bite…"

"Or will you? Frankly, I don't believe you," I smirked as I wrapped my arms around Vanessa in a friendly hug. I felt her hug me back. "Congratulations. Seriously."

She pulled away from my hug, "Thanks. Now, don't you have dreams of a certain Danger Cruz to catch up on?"

"No…"

"Liar. You so like her!"

"No, I don't…"

"Uh-huh…and elephants aren't floating around right now with pink polka dots," she smirked with a dangerous glint in her eye. She turned to go to her dorm and when Vanessa was almost there, she turned to me with that smirk on. "I know you like the back of my hand. You're forgetting I also know Dana quite well…"

I won't let myself by shown up by a girl. No way.

"Am I supposed to be scared?" I asked, as my eyes challenged her.

"No…but you will be…Come on, I'm a triple threat. I think the fear will kick in by itself… You plus stubborn girl plus best friend intervention… figure it out… Goodnight, Reese."

And Vanessa walked into her dorm, and I left Brenner Hall.

Oh, crap.

Was she gonna trying to hook me and Danger Cruz up? Not that I care or anything. Even though Dana's a goddess and the way she glares at me like she wants to kill me. Her caramel curls…and her dark mysterious eyes…

Nah, I don't sound like I'm crushing on Dana at all. After all, I'm Logan Reese and Logan Reese doesn't do crushes.

Quinn's an interesting roommate.

Ha! Total understatement. I'm ready for bed, but honestly Quinn is driving me insane. I don't know much if this 'niceness' act can last any longer. Just focus on your objective. All I have to do is focus and everything will be smooth sailing from now on.

Once I crush everyone like bugs at this damn school. I was reading while Quinn was making…then again, I don't want to know.

"Where did you say you were from again? I'm from Seattle," Quinn asked me. Again with the questions?! God… I lay on my bed, and lowered my book.

"I'm from Boston…" I answered, as nicely as I could. She bought it. This will be easier than I thought.

"No way! My friends, uh Chase Matthews and Stan Crowe are from Boston," Quinn told me. Like I don't already know. I hate one and still love the other. How stupid do you think I am? Honestly.

"Really?"

"Yeah… you could meet them tomorrow. It'll be fun…"

I clutched my pillow tightly, my nails digging into the soft fabric…

I'm pissed off…beyond mad. I threw things around as I was blinded by anger. How could this have happened? So what if I made out with Alex MacPherson? Stan's usually a forgiving person but Stan dumped me! Me, of all people! I picked up a framed picture of Stan and I.

Chelsea Crowe…sounds nice, doesn't it?

Now that will never happen...all because of one person. My blue eyes shone with flames of rage.

"Payback's a bitch, Matthews, and you'll get yours," I vowed, quietly. The photo slipped through my fingers, and I was greeted by a shattering sound. A jagged crack ran between Stan and me. I picked it up, gently. I don't care if I cut myself with the glass. In fact that's what happened. A piece of glass sliced the palm of my hand, and blood dripped from the cut… I watched as the crimson drops turned into long trails traveling down my arm. I chuckled, "You can run…but you can't hide, Chase…"

He can't hide behind the walls of a California boarding school forever…and I'll make sure of that.

A ripping sound brought me back to reality.

"Chelsea, you've ripped your pillow," Quinn pointed out. I looked down and there was a really big rip in the pillow.

"Oh, I'm sorry Quinn," I said, apologizing. God, for someone that's supposed to be smart…this chick's incredibly stupid. Ha! I wanted to rip that pillow…

"It's really no problem," she answered with her back turned to me. "There it's done!"

What the…

Quinn turned to me with a beaker with dark red liquid on the inside. I have a feeling she going to get me to drink that. Oh, God. Oh, she's talking…more like babbling, but either way…I can't take it.

"Can you drink this and tell me if it freezes your taste buds?"

"No way!" I answered, starting to act like myself. Oh, crap. Quinn raised an eyebrow at me. "Uh, I mean…um… No thank you. I'm flattered you offered though…"

I smiled.

"Oh…ok. Maybe tomorrow then…"

"Uh…" I responded unsure. No way in hell am I drinking that. I forced another smile. "Maybe…"

I fell back onto my bed, and let out small irritated growl. The only thing keeping me from going crazy is the fact that I get to 'meet' Stan and Chase tomorrow.

The pain begins…

I woke up in a cold sweat.

I had the weirdest dream ever, and it terrifies me really.

Memories consume
Like opening the wound
I'm picking me apart again
You all assume
I'm safe here in my room
Unless I try to start again

Maybe it's a repressed memory. I wish it was. I really do. I could do all the calculations and research possible, but I can't kid myself. Just when Quinn and I are getting along great, my past decides to rear its ugly head. I've met Quinn's friends. Chase Matthews…well, he's cool because he's in both my physics and chemistry classes with Stan Crowe.

The shape of Chase's hair is intriguing though. How anyone can get it that bushy…is really beyond me.

Zoey is likeable. Nicole is also likeable but she talks at rapid speeds. Reminds me of a chipmunk. It sounds mean, but that's what comes to mind…a brunette-haired chipmunk. Then there's Dana Cruz and Logan Reese. I need to bring popcorn the next time they bicker. I find quite amusing. The chances of them spend a lifetime together…quite high. Michael Barrett. Very funny guy. This gives me an idea on whether I can find out whether comedic relief is just something a person is born with or is developed with age. Lastly, Vanessa Stevens.

I don't want to be the one
The battles always choose
'Cause inside I realize
That I'm the one confused

I've heard of her career and have followed up on it. Quite fascinating. I could never handle being famous…because it's so fast-paced for my lifestyle. I'm just the kid next door from Denver, Colorado…and I prefer it stay that way.

So Quinn's got a group of friends…for moral support and whatnot.

"Hey Quinn…"

"Hi Matthew…" she greeted me, her eyes sparkling but hidden behind glasses. When Quinn wears glasses, it makes her quite attractive. Everyone calls me 'Matt' but she calls me by my full name. It sounds like a melodious song, coming from her.

"I have a question for you…"

"Ok, just give me a minute," Quinn poured the beaker of sulphuric acid in her concoction. We watched as it changed colours. She picked it up, and smiled at me. "Success!"

"I'm glad…"

Quinn set down the beaker down and smiled at me with curious eyes, "So, what's up?"

It's now or never.

"Well," I started, running a hand through my hair. "I was wondering whether you wanted to go on a little outing with me…you know…"

"Uh, as a date?"

"Yeah, you can call it that," I clarified, starting to feel a little better. Quinn's face broke out into a grin. Does that mean?

"Sure…I've love to go with you," Quinn answered as she gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "Friday sound good?"

I nodded yes, still mesmerized by her.

"Ok…I've got to go…but we'll talk, yeah?"

"Feel free," I finally responded, finding my voice. "We can talk anytime…"

"Bye Matthew," Quinn said, with a delicate wave.

"Bye Quinn…"

I can't do this anymore. I have to tell her. Not doing this will eat me alive. I reached over, putting my glasses on and I stood up. I got my cell phone, and texted her. I know Quinn was sleeping but this important. The outcome may make or break the both of us. I can't wait until Friday.

I don't know what's worth fighting for
Or why I have to scream
I don't know why I instigate
And say what I don't mean
I don't know how I got this way
I know it's not alright
So I'm breaking the habit
I'm breaking the habit
Tonight

I typed a quick message.

Quinn, meet me at the beach. Very imperative. Besides, sleep is so overrated anyway lol.

-Matt

I grabbed my robe and some footwear and managed to sneak past my DA, Louie.

Once I had made sure to get past security…I ran for dear life, all the way to the beach.

This was it… and now there was no turning back.

A/N: So you all got to meet Chelsea a little bit more. Well, she's evil and somewhat psychotic. Watching yourself bleed and laughing afterwards…yeah, that's psycho. Anyway, review this. The story will be ending soon with only 8 chapters to go, and they'll be really long. I've adapted to that habit now. I hate short chapters (no offence). Vanessa and Logan made up…that's good. A good friendship moment.

Next: Michael and Logan have a heart-to-heart. Or Guy Talk. Stan and Chase get the shock of their lives. We hear from Matt. Wonder how he's doing…hmm? Something happens between Quinn and Matt.

Anyway, check out my newest creation Behind Green Eyes and review that as well. The first two chapters are up…

Off to night school…so REVIEW!

-Erika