A/N: Okay, I'm giving you another chapter of Hollywood Rivalries. I have an idea of what'll happen in this chapter. Anyway, here you go. All songs aren't mine.
Chapter 23: White Tulips and the Darkest Rose I Can Find
Zoey and Nicole are asleep. Finally. After hearing who was the cuter actor (it was a debate between Zac Efron and Cody Linely) for the past half hour…sleep was good now. I lay awake on my bottom bunk…my eyes plastered to the ceiling even it was dark. All these questions flooded my brain, although I thought it was stupid for me to let it happen. Well, that's happened when you are unwillingly sleep deprived. The sound of a door opening was heard and it closed with a silent click.
Just Vanessa.
She climbed on to the bunk bed, and I heard shuffling above me.
Damn, still can't sleep.
"Hey Dana? You awake?" Vanessa's voice called out. It was quiet enough so Nicole and Zoey could sleep but loud enough for the both of us to understand each other.
"Yeah?"
"I can't sleep…" she said, with a sigh.
"Ditto…"
"You know what you told me before in the bathroom…when the guys were coming over to play Truth or Dare…but it really never happened?" she asked me. Oh yeah, I remember…and it was two weeks ago.
"Dana, speak up," Vanessa said, a look of concern gracing her features. A tear ran down my cheek and I let out a jagged breath.
"I said, I love Logan…"I said, slightly louder. Then I added, "and I'm not supposed to."
"Yeah, I remember," I replied, flipping over on my side. I can't believe I'm saying this but I love Logan still. After all the crap he likes to pull, I can't bring myself to hate him. "So?"
"Good luck with Logan," Vanessa whispered, finally. Deep breathing had been heard, shortly after. Vanessa had fallen asleep. Mr. Bender told us about a talent show coming up last week…and for our big project we have to be in it. I was just jumping for joy…NOT! Oh, and to make things worse… Mr. Bender partnered us up. So, as it stands, this talent show has been a school-wide thing. And it's tomorrow. Yay.
Chase and Stan are the MC's for the whole thing.
Zoey and Nicole have decided to be in the evening wear fashion show. Our cosmetology teacher, Mrs. Gayle is really nice if you're not in her way. She doesn't bug me…I don't bug her.
Vanessa and her crew… get this. They're actually called the Young Outlawz and they will be dancing a whole series, and it's featuring Michael. No surprises there. I've seen them practice their routines and trust me, they're pretty good. I'm not a bad dancer, either. But that's irrelevant, isn't it?
Oh, and Logan and I are doing a piano duet, playing A Thousand Miles by Vanessa Carlton. The song kinda grew on me and…I don't know. Practices with Logan became less painful. We picked this song because it was short, simple and we both knew it. That way, we didn't have to kill each other out of frustration.
I haven't yet, although I've come very close to killing him.
The piano mixed in with people like Logan and I…you'd never guess that.
"Oh, great… what fun… Working with you," I said, sarcastically.
"Like, I'm jumping for joy, Cruz…"
"Look," I started with a glare directed at him, with a cross of my arms. "Let's just do this and get it over with. You don't want this anymore than I do…but no way in hell am I getting a shitty mark."
"Fine," Logan smirked, his eyes getting a playful glint in them. "Whatever floats your boat, sweetheart…"
I will not slap him. I will not slap him. Remember, you confessed your feelings so if you try to kill him, you're a hypocrite. The one thing I hate, besides wannabes.
"Move, Reese," I said, dangerously low and shoved by him, making my way out of the classroom. And yet, I still love him…
Why is that?
I sighed, and yawned. I looked over at the clock. In giant flashing red letters, as if they were set in stone, they flashed. 12:56 am. I snuggled over into bed, and slowly closed my eyes.
And finally, sleep came.
A vibrating sound awoke me. I was having the most amusing dream ever. Discussing relative theory with Einstein and having an engaging conversation with Isaac Newton on the evolution of calculus. I rubbed my eyes and put my glasses on. Chelsea's still asleep. Oh, and if you're wondering about my snoring, I got that cured, so no more sticking guppies up my nose.
I picked up my phone, flipping it open. Who would send me a text message at this hour?
Quinn-
Meet me at the beach. Very imperative. Besides, sleep is so overrated anyway lol.
-Matt
I wonder if Matt was okay. He said it was important, anyway. I sighed as I threw on my PCA sweatshirt. I knew this was going to come in handy someday. Besides, it could get cold at night at sometimes. I snuck out of my room, leaving with only flip-flops on. I got past Chelsea, and most importantly Coco.
If both manage to wake up and find out I've gone missing, then the built-in knock-out gas will care of everything.
Just a day,
Just an ordinary day.
Just trying to get by.
Just a boy,
Just an ordinary boy.
But he was looking to the sky
I ran in the direction of the beach…
Although, I'm smart and I know the answers to most questions and can answer them, I'm confused and I don't know what's going on, but I found myself drawing nearer to the beach when I saw him. I grinned, and broke out into a run.
"Matt!"
I heard a familiar voice call my name, and instantly I felt my throat about to clench, and my heartbeat sped up.
"Matt!"
And as he asked if I would come along
I started to realize
That everyday you find
Just what he's looking for,
Like a shooting star he shines.
She ran up to me, appearing slightly out of breath. God, she's beautiful when flushed.
"Forgive me for being so late," Quinn said, as she hugged me her back. I nodded understanding, and pulled away from her. A piece of her brown hair went in her face, and without thinking it I brushed it away. She looked absolutely radiant when the moonlight hit her. I'm aware of the high degree of cheesiness but it's the solid truth.
"You're beautiful…" I said, softly, and my cheeks flared up. She looked at me with wide eyes then sighed as they went down to the floor. I was surprised. What if I had scared her off? I gently placed my finger under her chin, making her looking at me. Her brown eyes were shiny with tears, and one finally rolled down her cheek. I wiped it away with my thumb. I asked softly, "What's wrong, Quinn?"
Her eyes bore into my hazel ones and she grabbed my hand. She has incredibly soft hands. I like that.
"It's just that… I haven't been told that too often," she explained, sadly. "Do you mean it, Matthew? Do you really think I'm beautiful?"
"Yes… I think you're beautiful and so much more…"
"Then prove it," Quinn said, with a smile. She stepped closer to me. I returned it with an identical smile and I stepped closer to her. There was minimal space between us now. I bet she can just feeling my heartbeat and breathing speed up. She asked me to prove it, so does that mean she… oh my God! I smiled, as the distance between us became minimal.
He said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don't you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand
"How about I prove you're beautiful?" I murmured, against her lips. I could feel her warm breath on me.
"I'd like that very much…" She closed the distance between as I captured her lips with mine. Quinn wrapped her arms around my neck, as we gradually were pulled down on the sand. We sat kissing, as I stroked her cheek gently with my hand. Her hands roamed my hair, and I teased her bottom lip, as she slipped her tongue in my mouth. I did likewise and soon it was a full-blown make out session.
And as he spoke, he spoke ordinary words
Although they did not feel
For I felt what I had not felt before
You'd swear those words could heal
I pulled away from her mouth only to find her neck. I kissed her neck, and Quinn tilted her head to the side giving me more room. I think I kissed her neck at the right spot because she let out a moan. Somehow our lips connected once again.
Ok, time to breathe now.
I pulled away, and Quinn was giggling.
"Ok, why are you giggling?" I asked, standing up. I couldn't help but laughed a little as well. I pulled her up too, and we were holding hands as we left the beach.
"It's just that…I've wanted this since the day I saw you at that club," she informed me, intertwining our fingers. "…and now it's happened. I love you, Matthew."
"Truth is," I started, kissing the back of her hand. We continued walking. "…is that I've wanted this too. You don't know how happy I am right now. I love you too, Quinn."
And as I looked up into those eyes
His vision borrows mine.
And I know he's no stranger,
For I feel I've held him for all of time.
I kissed her on the cheek. I'm too tired now to go into details, but we were at Brenner now.
"Goodnight…" and she kissed me on the cheek, and I hugged her slender frame tight. I never want Quinn to cry again. It's just not right… although tears make her look more attractive than she already is.
"Goodnight, Quinn," I said, pulling away. I was going to do a little magic trick for her. Besides, being smart… I also dabble in a bit of slight of hand. I pulled a white tulip from behind my back. I remember her telling me that the tulip was her favourite flower. I managed to remember to this day. "A flower for the lady…"
"Aww, Matthew," she breathed, sniffing the tulip and taking in its scent. "You remembered. Are you for real? How did you do that?"
I chuckled, "As real it gets… and a magician never shares his secrets."
"Not even for his girlfriend…"
I took her hand in mine, "Ah, anything for you… but maybe somebody."
"Promise…?"
"Is Newton the father of physics?" I questioned, playfully. She laughed, and slowly let go of my hand. We kissed one last time before she retreated to her dorm for the night. I sighed, contentedly and stuffed my hands in my pockets.
Things can't be more perfect than they already are. I walked back to Bradford with every spring in my step.
And he said take my hand,
Live while you can
Don't you see your dreams lie right in the palm of your hand.
In the palm of your hand.
And yes, I gave Quinn a hickey.
I walked back to my dorm… across from Room 101. Yes, I have the best boyfriend ever. Matthew's too good to be true. I can't comprehend it. I carefully opened the door to my room, and closed it behind me with a silent click. Chelsea, that's my new roommate, stirred but didn't move.
She's an interesting girl.
I still want to know if the new potion I made can freeze taste buds.
I smiled to myself and closed my eyes sniffing the beautiful white tulip. I still can't believe Matthew Keller is my boyfriend. He's helping me recover from the pain of Mark…and I will always be eternally grateful to him for that. I know now, that I love Matt with all of my heart.
The tulip smelled so beautiful. Almost like spring.
I put the tulip in a nice vase with water, and took off my flip-flops. My PCA sweater also came off. I was right. It was quite chilly out tonight.
I yawned quietly. Almost 2 am…and I have a chemistry test after the talent show. Don't worry me at all. I mean, I finished the exam in 10 minutes.
I fell into bed, and with a smile graced on my face. I fell asleep with the thoughts of Matthew filling my head.
Oh, and it was the best kiss of my life. I most likely, obtained a hickey from him, but I care.
Things are perfect…just the way they are.
I'm in my dorm. I woke up and Chase and Michael are no where to be found. What the hell? Oh God, it must be one of those twisted dreams. Like the one I had two weeks again. One thing bugs me though. Why do all my dreams start in the same place I fell asleep?
"You know…you really shouldn't question your dream setting…" a familiar voice said from behind. I whipped around and there was that look alike of me…only this one had a halo. Oh, I know where this is going.
"You again?" I asked in exasperation. "Wait…"
"What?"
"Aren't there two of you?" I asked, kinda confused. You know, the guy in all black?
"Yeah, but, um…he's a bit tied up at the moment… I suggest you don't dream of us after this. Ok, my brother will most likely hurt you," he explained, shortly. "Yes, I got my wings yesterday if you're going to be asking. You're wondering how I knew that. Well, say hello to the world of telepathy."
I looked around me, behind him. Aren't his wings supposed to be on his back?
"Where are they?"
"Oh, they're there. Just don't like using it…"
"Ok, so why am I here…and can I wake up now?" I questioned, crossing my arms. I need to wake up and looked hot as usual. Now, I can't do that if I die in my sleep, can I? I also have a piano duet to do with Danger Cruz for some stupid talent show. Don't ask.
"I'm here to tell you did the right the right thing with Vanessa. Now Michael can have her…and I know your heart truly belongs to Dana, as much as you don't want to admit it. Michael's already forgiven you, and you'll be good as always. As you say: Logan Reese always bounces back."
I smirked. Yeah, I always do say that because it's the truth… The fact that I'm incredibly sexy…that's true as well.
"That's true… so can I wake up now?" I asked my good side.
"Yeah, and thanks for listening to me for once, dude…"
"Yeah, whatever," I said, in my usual tone. I jumped up in bed awake with a start. I looked over and Chase was asleep in his bottom bunk. Michael was asleep in his top bunk, as his foot hung over the bed.
Typical roomies.
"Michael…move your foot…" I could hear Chase mumble in his sleep. "Gotta make sure Michael's foot…doesn't take over the…world."
What a dork…
I sighed, as I fell back into bed. I reached for my cell phone. I know this 24-hour flower place. It's actually on campus but not a part of PCA. It's pretty stupid that I would but I know what I'm doing as always. You know I'm right. I picked up my phone and dialled the all-too familiar number. I was careful not to wake my roommates. Well, Chase…I don't care, but Michael's very angry in the morning if he doesn't get enough sleep… I'm not scared of him, but he punches hard.
"Um, yeah. I'd like two dozen of the darkest roses you have. Have them sent to "Dana Cruz, Brenner Hall, Room 101… Credit card, please…thank you."
I hung up, and I think Quinn had something planted in here.
For once it doesn't matter because I fell asleep. Things were good… as they should be. Me, being a jerk and irritating the girls to no end. That's the life for me.
A future male model slash famous director slash secret agent's job is never done.
A/N: It's tad short, but I wanted to give Quinn and Matt some story time, so I'd like reviews for this please. There's Dana's POV with some Logan, Matt and Quinn thrown in. So I hope you enjoy. A little calm before storm (Chelsea, and yes…she's on the crazy side).
Next chapter will be Michael and Logan's talk. They all meet Chelsea…and the talent. Someone finds out about Chase and Stan's childhood with Chelsea. Who will it be?
Ooohh, the suspense.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: I've had bad writers block for the following stories… Clash of the Secrets and Rockabye Chase…so please read them and in your review I'd like to hear your input on these stories. I would like them to be finished. It won't feel right if I disappoint my readers. So in other words: HELP!
SECOND IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please check out my new story, Behind Green Eyes. I'd like to see more input and feedback on what you think. The first two chapters are out so please please give those a read. Thanks a lot.
THIRD NOTICE: I'm thinking of changing my pen-name. How does Falling From Grace sound? Tell me as you review.
If I'm not back updating by Monday, I'd like to just everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah…and Happy Kwanzaa (and any other holiday there is in December)
-Erika