Thirty One Days

Chapter 9: A Tangled Web Weaved

Oh, I should have never laid eyes on you
Now I'm tangled up, what can I do?
Oh, I, I should have never laid eyes on you
And I'm tangled up, what can I do?
What can I do?

-x-

Okay so I know going out with two boys simultaneously (while having an on/off boyfriend back home) makes me seem like a ho. But I'm not! I swear! Before I came here I only even ever dated one guy (enter the asshole that is Michael) and we never went further than making out (well, we made it half way to third but his mom came in…embarrassing), which means yes I am a (gasp) virgin.

Not that Michael didn't try, poor boy, he really did. It just never really felt right. I think somewhere along the way (probably between tenth and eleventh grade) he got tired of waiting. At first it kinda hurt he cheated on me but then it didn't matter anymore. Why? Well I thought it was because I "loved" (pfft, as if) him. But now, I think it's because I never really cared about him. We just were, and that's all there was to it.

Here though…here I catch myself giving more and more thought to the big bad sex issue. Why? Probably because I'm in nonstop contact with two of the hottest guys I've ever seen in my entire life…duh. More than that, I'm always kissing them or like…I dunno (being a ho?) and it's all I can do to keep my freakin' thoughts out of the damn gutter. It's like, get a hold of yourself girl, this is so not you!

I mean, I'm no saint Mary (was she a saint?) or anything like that, but with Michael I never felt the need to rip my clothes off and… oh god I really am a ho.

It's worse than that though because it isn't just about sex (all though I'm thinking about it a whole lot lately) I wanna be with these guys. Both of them. And that is so not right. It's absolutely fucked up and completely unfair. But what's a girl to do? When you've got two amazing guys in one vacation. Ask yourself honestly, would you do anything differently than me? And if so, tell me what! Because I am so lost, it isn't funny.

Coz I've got two great guys, a whole lot of mixed feelings and way too much drama.

-x-

July 11th, 2007

Like every other morning, I begin it with a call to my girl.

"So hold up. In between road tripping with Tai and making out with Matt, you had time to call me." That's Sora for you, all drama and sarcasm.

I laugh anyway because it's so damn good to hear my best friend's voice. "I've been all over the place, S. I'm sorry." I apologize. "After I got back inside—

"From making out with Matt." She supplies.

I roll my eyes. "Fine, yes." Gosh…why do I sound like such a whore. "My mom took me out to dinner which was her way of trying to pry the juicy details out of me." I inform her.

"And how much did you tell her?" She asks cautiously.

My mom might be a helluva lot cooler now than she was before but it doesn't mean she'd be okay with me semi-dating two boys. "Not much. I think she might've seen us making out but she didn't say much." I explain.

Sora sighs in relief on the other end. "Coz I believe you about your mom becoming less anal and all but I dunno Meems, you might not wanna jump into a "best friends forever" relationship with her just yet." She's always been honest.

"Don't worry Sora, I won't be replacing you with my mother any time soon." I joke, I know that's not the bulk of her concerns.

"Good, I miss you and I won't take any substituting of any kind lightly." She says firmly.

"So come visit already, S." I'm practically begging, nothing would make me happier than seeing my redheaded best friend. Having her here would make things easier on me. I mean, she wouldn't make my decisions for me or anything but having her here would be the best kind of moral support a girl could have.

"It's about time, huh?" Sora misses me as much as I miss her, I'm positive.

"About damn time!" I concur. "Do I need to give Kei a piece of my mind?" I ask good naturedly, referring to her dad, Keisuke or as I like to call him "Kei". Growing up, he was around a lot more than mine and he practically raised Sora and me when Sora's mom died. He was basically the only parent I'd ever had in my life.

"Ha, no. I think if I ask him, he'll send me." I'm sure he will too, Kei knows how close me and Sora are, we're practically sisters for God sakes. And I'm sure Sora's sulking has reached a point where Kei is willing to send her just about anywhere to get her out of the house.

I smile at just the thought of my best friend coming to visit me. "Please ask Sora. I miss you like crazy." I admit.

"I'm on it, Meems." She says, reminding me of a secret agent. "But could you clear it with your mom too?" She requests.

"Believe me, she'll be okay with it." I say flippantly, of all the things I could be asking my mother for this is the most doable. "But I just hope you're okay with sharing a bed." I warn her.

She laughs. "Whatever, we practically lived in my room growing up. It's not going to be much different." She's right about that much. When I say me and Sora are practically sisters, I mean all that's missing is the blood.

Aside from the week Sora had measles in the fourth grade, this is the only time we've spent apart. "And once you're here, maybe I'll have less time to spend on boys." I hope.

She laughs again. "No chance. We are going to give both those boys a summer they're gonna remember forever." I can practically see her grinning.

"I'm willing to share." I concede, I'll give Sora my entire wardrobe to get her to come out here. "You gotta see them S, then you'll understand why I'm always whining." Just the thought of Matt and Tai gets my stomach fluttering and heart racing.

"You make 'em sound like a two for one special." She says.

Hm, I guess I do. "Not on purpose." I defend quickly. "And believe me, when you meet them, you'll see how completely different they are from each other." That's probably the biggest understatement of the century.

"Can't wait, Meems." Sora sighs.

"Me either, Elmo." I really hope she catches a flight out like today. Or comes on a bus. Or in a car. Or sprouts wings and flies here. I don't care, it doesn't matter how it just matters that it happens now. "And you can meet the hateful hag that is Zoe Ishida." Me and Sora together are a force to be reckoned with, I'd really like to see Barbie bitch take us on.

"Oh I can not even wait." Her voice is a light with excitement. "I've got a few things to say to Malibu whore." And this is why she's my best friend. She's got my back no matter what, as in she doesn't even have to know who I've got a problem with to step in.

I laugh. "Okay so go talk to Kei and let me know what happens." I prompt, the sooner she gets this sorted out, the sooner I can see my best friend.

"And you ask your mom if we can switch rooms with her so me and you don't have co-exist in a room the size of my closet." She's joking. Seriously, she's kidding.

"Yeah, and then we can both take a bus back to TH." I snort.

Sora gives a small laugh. "Even better." I'm sure Sora wants me back home ASAP.

I wanted to come home so badly before too, but suddenly, here is starting to feel like home. And with Sora coming, I dunno, it's going to be like my new life is complete or something cheesy like that.

"Hey Meems?" Her voice breaks through my thoughts. "Would you want me to ask Mike if he wants to tag along, I know he—

"No way, Sor!" I cut her off mid sentence. The last thing I need is my pseudo ex-boyfriend coming into town and stirring up even more drama. "Please, we broke up, remember?" I say, with a tone more neutral and less freaked out.

She gives a skeptical snort. "Heard that song before. It's been on repeat since the fourth grade." She's right, me and Michael have been stuck in the same rut for years.

But it's so totally different this time, I can't even explain it. I'm not gonna tell Sora that, though, because she won't get it. "Just you, S." I say simply.

She drops the subject. "But speaking of boyfriends. Does Tai still play soccer?" Okay, Tai is so not my boyfriend. Well, not yet anyway.

"Yeap. Why?" Sora used to play, she was amazing. Tai hadn't been exaggerating when he said she played better than any guy he knew. But she's been out of practice for almost two years now.

"I dunno, coming down there. It just seems right that me and him have a game." Sora answers. "Besides, I'm rusty. And I'd love to kick a soccer ball again." She says wistfully.

I smile. "See Sor, now there's one area where you and I will never see eye to eye." I tell her seriously. I mean, sue me if I don't see the appeal in getting all dirty and sweaty while chasing around a black and white ball in brand new shoes. I'm sorry, it's so not my scene.

"I know, sweetie." She says. "And you're not any good." She says with a laugh.

I roll my eyes. "Remind me why I'm friends with you again?"

"Because you love me." She says simply.

And damn it, she's right. "Fair enough." I shrug a shoulder. "Now go talk to Kei, I'm gonna talk to my mom." I need her to get here now.

"Okay, I'll let you know by tonight." She promises.

"Make sure you do, Sor." I'm sure it'll be a yes, I kind of made Kei swear he'd send Sora at least once during the summer to visit me. And he'd never break a promise to me, ever.

"I'll see you soon." She says brightly.

God, I hope so. "Give him a kiss for me and tell Yolie I miss her too." And I'm beginning to miss Kei as well, more than I miss my own dad at least.

"You got it." Sora assures me.

I sigh. "All right. Call me tonight, regardless." I instruct.

"You got it, babe." She agrees. "Okay, bye Meems."

"Bye." I say before clicking off the phone.

-x-

Kari's room is super cool. I dunno if I ever mentioned it before, but it so is. Coz like she's this tiny girl (totally pixie-like) and she's like so hardcore. I mean, she's way into the indie/punk scene, heavy on the eye liner and decked in black nail polish. Her room's the hottest shade of lime green (as in it's bright but doesn't hurt my eyes) and she's got posters of bands all over the walls. And instead of like a regular light and light bulb, she's got a freakin' disco ball on her ceiling with like totally cool florescent lighting that with a turn of a switch become psychedelic.

I mean how effin' awesome is that?

And her wardrobe? Dude, don't get me started. Chick can dress! And it's so original and true to herself.

All in all, I'm a fan.

"So, what's new? I mean aside from kissing Matt Ishida?" She says coyly.

But none too subtly, I nearly spit out my lemonade. "What?"

"Drop it. If you didn't want me to see, you shouldn't have been sucking face in front of the house." She says with a shrug.

I lightly push her arm. "Bitch…" I mutter.

She looks at me expectantly.

I sigh, dramatically. "Well, it was really nothing." Lie, gosh what a total lie. It was my first kiss with Matt freaking Ishida and yeah, it was a whole lot more than nothing. In fact it was the opposite of nothing, it was something.

She raises an eye brow. "You're shitting me, right?" She says blatantly.

I laugh. "Fine, it was pretty much amazing." Understatement, dude. He's a really, really good kisser. And at the risk of sounding ho-ish, I won't say how badly I wanna do it again. "But it just made things a whole lot more confusing." I really can't believe that me of all people am in this mess.

Kari nods. "I kinda get it." She says honestly. "I mean, I guess it's hard when there's two guys you care about, right?" She sounds guarded though.

And that's probably because I'm totally playing with her brother's heart. Which isn't fair, at all. "I know it makes me seem like I don't care." I concede. "But really, Kar. I'm trying so hard and I just can't decide." I make light of the situation sometimes but in truth, I just wish that I didn't have to choose.

She shakes her head. "I'm not judging you, M." Kari smiles and I know she isn't' just saying that to make me feel better. She's never been anything but real with me since day one and I don't think she knows how much I appreciate that. "And if there's anything I can say or do to help you out, I'd love to do it." She offers.

I lean over and hug her. "Thank you." And I really mean it, because I needed that just now. "I know I'm putting you in a tough position here, what with Tai and all—

"Look, I love being friends with you." She cuts me off firmly. "And Tai's a big boy, he's never needed me to step into his love life before, I'm not about to start testing my boundaries now." She gives a small laugh.

I laugh too. "I know, but it isn't fair is it?" I already know the answer to that one.

"Well, to who?" She questions right back. "Because it's not like you wanted to be in this position in the first place, right?" And yeah, she's totally right on that one.

I nod my head in agreement.

"So you're at as much fault as these guys are." She says simply. "Honestly, Meems, you shouldn't feel so guilty." She lays a hand on my arm. "Coz you aren't committed to either of them, so in the end, you aren't doing anything wrong."

I don't get how she can be so unbiased about the entire situation when her brother is involved, but god I love her for it. "No, you're right." And I know she is, I mean, beating myself up over the fact that I'm kind of almost dating two guys at once, isn't going to help anything.

Kari grins. "Yeah, I usually am." She says playfully. "But really, Meems. Just have fun, okay? You're on vacation." She reminds me.

I laugh at that too. "I keep forgetting that, I guess." I mumble. "It's just…I'm not doing this on purpose, Kar." I just hope she really believes that.

She smiles softly. "I know, okay?" She says in that non-judgmental tone that I love. "You and me are cool, always." She puts out a fist.

I bump hers with mine. "Always." I echo.

"Now, I need advice from you."

"Me?" I feign shock with my hand over my heart.

Kari rolls her eyes. "Yes, you." She says with a smirk. "Up for it?"

A duh! "Hell yes." I say, probably a little too enthusiastically. "So lay back and get comfortable, K. Because there is going to be some serious advising going on." I say determinedly.

She laughs. "Oh god, on second thought…" She trails off playfully.

I lightly pushing her backwards. "Okay, start at the top." I instruct.

She nods. "Okay, so I told you how I'm tutoring Tk or whatever, right?"

"Yes, yes you and the other Ishida have that hot teacher/student romance going on." I say quickly.

Kari gives me a dirty look before continuing. "Well, I had a session with him this morning." She informs.

"And…" I urge her.

She looks away shyly, how cute is that? "He, I dunno, he's just changed since I first met him. And like he's so willing to learn now and he honestly cares." Oh she is falling so hard. "He told me I had nice eyes." She says the last part so softly I barely catch it.

My face melts into a smile. "Awh. Kar…he's crushing. Homeboy is crushing." I gush.

She gives me a quizzical look before shaking her head. "Oh stop. He is not." She's totally in denial.

I waive my hand dismissively. "Okay, go on."

"Well, the entire time he kept looking at me when he thought I wasn't paying attention and at the end he—" She stops abruptly, a light coat of blush on her cheeks.

This must be juicy.

"Kar! What? What?" I ask impatiently, putting my hand over her bare knee and shaking her leg.

She sighs, closing her eyes. "He asked me if I wanted to hang out sometime." She finishes, letting out a deep breath.

I squeal. Yes, squeal. "Kari!" A very shrill squeal at that. "That's so cute! And you totally have to do it!" The words double date comes to mind, though I will never admit it to her.

She takes a pillow and places it over her face in embarrassment. "No, I don't even know what it means." Comes her muffled reply.

I lean over her and throw the pillow off. "Dude, it means he is feeling you and is a step away from asking you out!" I can't contain my excitement.

She sits up on her elbows, her eyes on the ceiling. "But what if he doesn't, M?" She finally looks at me and it's that second that I realize how much he means to her. She really likes this boy. "What if we're reading the signs all wrong?

I put my hand over her knee again, comfortingly this time. "Look, I may not be book smart like you." I start off honestly. "But I'm good at dating and boys for that matter. He does want to ask you out, K." I assure her.

Kari looks a little relieved, but still a little pale. "I dunno, Meems. All he said was that he'd text me…" She mumbles.

"Well, then just wait for his text." I say firmly. "How does he have your number anyway?" I question suspiciously.

"I am his tutor." She drawls.

True. "Right. Tutor." I wink.

She reaches up to shove my shoulder. "Enough already, we do not have teacher/student romance!" Kari says, trying unsuccessfully to hide her grin. "I mean who am I, Mary Kay Letourneau." She mutters.

I laugh. "God, I hope not." I throw my arms around the tiny girl and hug her. "I hope I helped, K." I say into her hair.

She rubs my back. "You did, in your own way." She says.

I release her from like our third hug today and sit back against her headboard. "Oh, but here's some not so dramatic but equally as good, good news—Sora's coming." I announce.

A confused look passes over her face.

"Redhead, soccer, my best friend." I detail.

She nods in recognition. "Oh." Comes her small response, I even see a hint of a frown.

Then it hit me, she's worried I'll just drop her. No effing way. "The three of us are going to have way too much fun." Emphasis on the three. "I can't wait for you to meet her, I know you'll love her." I smile and I'm positive Sora and Kari will get along.

She doesn't seem convinced.

"You and her have the same taste in music." I say in a sing song voice.

The way to Kari's heart is through various bands of the punk variety.

That did it. "Really? She doesn't have sucko taste in music like you?" Kari teases.

I stick my tongue out at her. "My taste in music is selective not sucko, thank you very much."

"Potayto, Patahto." She responds flippantly.

I narrow my eyes at her. "See if I ever offer insight to your romantic problems again."

"Pfft. Like you could resist." She nudges my ribs lightly with her elbow.

-x-

Have I ever mentioned that I hate surprises? I think I have but I'll say it again: I absolutely hate surprises. Especially when they come in date form. And what I mean by that is…I wish Matt would, for once, be less cryptic about where he's taking me. It would make deciding on an outfit so much easier.

After more than ten failed shirts and three wrong jeans, a pink half sleeve button down and a denim mini skirt is the best I can do. Not the most spectacular of looks nor is it original, but I feel as though it's a "can-work-for-any-occasion" outfit. I just hope he isn't taking me somewhere super fabulous, like a Hollywood movie premiere, because then I would be severely under-dressed.

A quick one-over in the mirror is all I need before stepping out of my room. I climb down the stairs leading into the kitchen, glancing over the post-it my mom had put on the fridge.

I know you have your date today, good luck! I'll be home around ten!

My mom has her reservations about Matt, to say that she's concerned would be an understatement. But I think, that once I get to know him a bit better, she can meet him. Maybe if she sees even half of what I see in him, she can sleep easier at night. But one thing I'm grateful for is my mother's effort at being "cool". Because while I know how she feels about Matt, at least she tries to give him the benefit of the doubt and that's all I ask for.

He honks the horn again and I realize he's already outside. I look up at the cow clock (yes, cow clock, the stomach tells time and the tail moves back and forth with every second-hand tick…and that's my mother for you.) and it reads eight ten. The boy is prompt.

I scribble a note of my own and tape it to the refrigerator before bolting out of the door.

His humble Accord is sitting in the driveway, he's behind the wheel with an impatient look on his face. It seems he's not too big on waiting. Oh freaking well.

I take my time walking down the driveway (I put heels on for the boy) and get into the passenger side of his car. Once again, I can't help but compare the two guys in my life. Because if it were Tai in this situation, he would've gotten out of the car and opened the door for me. Now, I'm no damsel in distress, I can open a door myself but the gesture makes me feel special. Matt, on the other hand, is probably just too cool.

"Hey." I smile.

He turns to me, blue eyes dark and mysterious. "Hey." He gives me a grin and I want to die. Gosh, every time I see him I just can't get over how incredibly gorgeous this guy is.

It almost makes me self-conscious. "Gonna tell me where we're going this time?" I ask, an eye brow raised.

Matt shakes his head as he backs out of the driveway. "Not a chance."

I sigh. "Well if you plan on abducting me, can you at least tell me if I'm dressed appropriately?" I never know with him. It could be gazing at the stars one day and the Opera the next.

A shirt and a mini-skirt just wouldn't do at the Opera. "You look beautiful." He assures me.

His compliment makes me feel warm inside. "Thanks." I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear and look away.

I hear him give a soft chuckle and I feel my ears get hot. It's going to be a long night.

-x-

"The boardwalk?" It's in the middle of town, by the movie theatre and the mall. I've only briefly been here one other time, when me and Kari decided to spy on Barbie&Ken.

He grins again. "I know it's kind of a let down after how amazing the last date was but…" He jokes.

I shake my head. "No, it's perfect." I slip my hand into his.

Matt nods, leading me towards the moonlit boardwalk. "I just want to get to know you, Mimi." He says, his eyes overlooking the small river below.

I smile up at him. "You can ask me anything you want." Well he can ask me almost anything. "Granted I get the same privilege." I wink.

He gives a small laugh. "All right. It's a deal, then." He says after a minute.

"You can go first, okay?" I offer.

"Sure." Matt squeezes my hand lightly. "Well, who's your closest friend?"

That's an easy one. "Sora Takenouchi." I say with out missing a beat. "Me and her have been friends since we were like three. She's pretty much the closest thing I have to a sister." I know I'm giving more details than he needs but that redhead is one of my favorite subjects.

Plus, I really do want to give him some insight into my life.

"You?" I ask.

Matt takes a second to respond. "Probably my brother Tk." He says resolutely. "Yeah, me and him are really close."

Ah, the other Ishida. Once again, double date moments flash in the back of my mind. Me, Kari, Tk and Matt all at the movies—having a really great time. Sigh.

I'm almost afraid to ask the next question, but I do anyway. "And your sister?" How close are they, exactly. And would Matt care if he ever found out that she hated my guts?

"Now that's a loaded question." He lets out a breath. "Well, of course I love her. She's my baby sister." He starts out.

With a shrug he continues. "But Zoe's a little hard to understand. She does a lot of things that I don't really get and she acts like she's entitled to. I mean it could be the way we were raised but Zoe really takes it a bit far." Matt acknowledges that his sister has flaws and I respect that. "She's obnoxious and frankly, a bitch. But once you see past all that, she's got a really good heart. I know she'd do anything for me and Tk, and she really is a good person. She's just a little lost, right now." I can tell this is where he's beginning to get uncomfortable.

So I just nod. "She just comes off as stuck up because she's insecure, Mimi." He finishes.

Is Matt more perceptive then I give him credit for? Does he see that his bitch of a sister really doesn't like me. "I know she said some things to you but it's only because she's trying to "protect" me." He sighs.

You lift my feet off the ground

"It's okay, Matt. I get it." I feel really bad that I ever accused him of anything. Especially when I had no proof whatsoever. I mean, the guy didn't do anything to deserve it and I basically decided to ignore him based of a couple of really heinous comments made by his sister.

Matt breathes out of his nose. "I just don't want you to think that she's a bad person. She really isn't." His voice is hard.

And I really want to believe him, believe that Zoe isn't the bitch that she comes off to be, but I just can't.

So instead of pushing the subject past it's limits, I just drop it. "Okay, so I think it's your turn." I point out.

"Okay. Do you like it here?" Matt asks.

It takes me a minute to realize he doesn't mean our current venue. "I didn't at first. At all." I admit. "But that was mostly because my mom, who I never see, decided to uproot me for my whole summer. Once I got here though…I don't know, everything changed." That's the truth, straight from the vault.

You spin me around,

Of course, I won't mention that part of the reason "everything changed" was because I met him. And Tai.

I shiver and he wraps an arm around my shoulders. "Good change?" He asks, lightly pulling me just a little closer.

I lay my head against his chest. "Definitely." I say softly. "It hasn't been too long, but I don't know, I just feel different." Something inside me shifted since I've been here. Everything I thought was important—cheerleading, money, friends— aren't anymore. It's hard to come to terms with and completely unnerving, but strangely exhilarating.

You make me crazier, crazier

"I didn't have to be "Mimi Tachikawa" the quarterback's girlfriend, here. I could be Mimi Tachikawa, the girl no one knows anything about." I explain quietly. "Like I could be whoever I wanted and no one would know. Kind of like a fresh start for a little while." I feel his hold tighten just a little. It makes me feel safe.

"A vacation from reality?"

I laugh. "Pretty much." But the problem with vacations? Eventually, you had to go back. And for once, I just wasn't looking forward to it.

Matt nuzzles his cheek against my hair. "I'm glad you came this summer." He murmurs, dropping a few kisses into my hair.

Feels like I'm falling and I

Butterflies erupt in my stomach and my heart skips a beat. I wonder if he knows what he does to me…

Of course he doesn't, how would he? That my breathing speeds up when he runs a hand through his hair, or I blush uncontrollably when he grins at me. How would he know that whenever he smiles (given it isn't frequent), I feel my knees go weak. And every time he touches me, he makes me want him. So bad.

"And besides, what I missed most about home was my best friend. And she might be coming soon, so it's kind of like…" I trail off.

"Everything's in its right place?" He supplies.

I look up at him. "Yeah…"

"Can I ask you another question?"

"You just did." Matt says, his blue eyes twinkling. "But go ahead, ask another." He urges.

I'm lost in your eyes

"How do you really feel about me?" It's a deep question, one that I might not want to hear the answer to. But it's about time I ask it.

Matt frowns just a little. "I'm not really sure, Mimi." He says and even though it breaks my heart just a little, I'm thankful for his honesty. I'd rather he tell me the truth, straight up, than lie straight to my face. "But you make me feel different than I have been. I don't know, I care about you…I never care about anything. And I want to make you happy, ya know? I never really wanted to make anyone else happy before. Not anyone that wasn't my family…"

His intensity stops me, literally roots me to my place. The way his dark eyes see right through me while he talks.

Matt gives a sheepish grin. "Too much?" I swear I see his cheeks tinge pink.

I shake my head before throwing my arms around his neck. "It was exactly what I needed to hear." I whisper, before pressing my lips against his.

You make me crazier, crazier

Like in the movies, Matt wraps his arms around my waist, squeezing my hard enough to lift me off the ground.

I curl my fingers into his hair and pull him just a little closer to me. He tastes like mint and salt and something that's just right. I feel his tongue against my bottom lips and I open my mouth just a little wider, taking this somewhere we'd never gone before.

Finally, Matt pulls away and lets me down. With my arms still around his neck, I gaze up at him, his blue eyes lighter now, more calm and a stupid grin on his face, to match mine. I feel my face flush and I know I must look like an idiot but I don't care, I'm just too damn happy. It's like the world could end now and I wouldn't notice because me and him, we're lost in this moment.

"Isn't this sweet?" Ugh, I know that voice.

Like nails on a chalk board with a witchlike cackle, it must be…

"What do you want, Zoe?" Matt asks, clearly exasperated and super annoyed.

I turn in his arms and see her standing there, all shiny blonde hair and perfect teeth. "Just taking a walk. What do you want, Mattie?" Did I mention I hate this girl? Like really, really hate her.

I've never hated anyone before, but Zoe Ishida? Her, I definitely hate.

"Okay, well if you're really just taking a walk then keep doing it." Matt pulls us to side, giving Zoe more than enough room to pass.

She rolls her eyes and points her stare at me. "I thought I gave you a heads up, Mimi." She grins toothily. "Leave my brother alone." She takes a step closer to me.

"Zoe." Matt growls. "You're either going to leave or I'm going to make Ichijoji's life, hell." Too bad Matt has no idea that the two of them broke up. "I've been lenient with his face for your sake."

Zoe laughs. "Go ahead, you'll be doing me a favor." She flips her hair over her shoulder. "And now, I'm going to do you a favor, big brother." The look in her eye makes my heart drop into my stomach.

She wouldn't…

"Go away, Zoe. I don't care what you have to say and neither does Mimi." Matt's voice is rough.

"Oh believe me, you'll wanna hear this." She sneers. " 'Specially since it has to do with Mimi and her soccer playing neighbor." My heart just went from my stomach to my throat in two seconds. I feel like throwing up.

I step out of Matt's hold. "Leave me out of this, bitch." I glare, my nose almost touching hers. "It's none of you business." I went from feeling elation to fear to anger.

Matt put a hand on my shoulder. "Ignore her, Mimi. Zoe likes to talk out of her ass." He says. "We'll go get ice-cream." Now there's an offer, I won't refuse.

With a last withering stare, I turn around. Matt puts his arm around my shoulders and we begin to walk away.

Yet, I know it just can't be this easy. Not if Zoe's involved. Since Barbie hates to lose.

"She's into Tai Kamiya!" She calls behind us, and Matt stops dead in his tracks.

The look he gives me afterward is enough to make me want to cry.

-x-

He's more than quiet in the car. More than usual. His eye brows knitted at his forehead, his lips pursed into a frown. He looks deep in thought and with the way he's frowning, those thoughts can not be good. I knew that this would come down to this sooner or later (though I was clearly in favor of later) but I hoped to God it would come from me. While after my talk with Kari, I know what I'm doing isn't technically wrong…it isn't right either. I'm playing with two guys' emotions, getting caught up in something I'm not ready for and then leaving.

"Matt." I finally find my voice and call his name.

He either didn't hear me or chooses to ignore me, because he says absolutely nothing back.

As he pulls into my driveway, I know this is the last chance I'll get to fix things. "Matt, please." I call softly, tentatively reaching a hand towards his face.

When he looks at me, my hand freezes in mid-air, then drops into my lap. "Say something?" I beg.

I see his jaw set, his shoulders tense. He's obviously holding back, he obviously wants to blow up at me. And with good reason, I'd be super pissed too if it were me. "Is it true?" His voice is rough, not the way it was with Zoe, but rough with emotion.

I can't bring myself to lie to him, I just won't do it. Instead, I look away, shutting my eyes to the pricking tears.

I know he takes my silence as the answer to his question.

"You've asked me, on more than one occasion, how I feel about you." His anger is mounting. "And I've been completely honest with you. All in, cards on the table." I flinch at his tone.

I swallow thickly and let him continue, keeping my gaze in my lap.

"So now I'm going to ask you and it's the only time I will." Matt takes my chin, tilting my gaze to meet his dark blue one. "How do you feel about me?" I'm looking into his eyes and he's looking into mine and I know if I tell anything but the truth, he'll know it.

"I…I like you, Matt. I really, really do." I plead for him to believe me.

He looks like he does. "And, what about—" His speech falters.

I know what he wants to ask and this time, I cup his cheek. "Tai?" I finish for him.

Matt averts his gaze.

"I…I have feelings for him, too." It wouldn't be fair to Matt or Tai if I denied that. Because I have this really strong connection with Tai and I won't lie to Matt about it. "I know I'm not playing fair—

I should have never laid eyes on you

"The funny thing is Mimi, I wasn't playing at all." Matt removes my hand from his cheek.

"Matt, please. Just try and understand I mean it's not like we were exclusive and I met him first. I can't—

"Forget it, Mimi." His voice is hard and cold. I've never heard it like that before. "You're right, you don't owe me anything, so why don't you just leave." He reaches over and unlocks my door.

"I can't choose." I squeeze back tears and try to look at him one last time. "Don't do this, please don't do this." I'm embarrassed that I'm pleading, but after tonight, I want to keep seeing Matt. I wanna see him every second I can, I want to be with him so bad it's intimidating.

Now I'm tangled up, what can I do?

Matt looks at me and for a second I think he might reconsider.

But then he shakes his head. "I'm giving you a way out. I'm making this easy for you." His voice is soft, vulnerable, and I feel something inside me break

And just like that, the discussion is closed. I know anything I say won't make a difference because Matt's mind is made up. He won't change it. I might've lost the best thing that ever happened to me tonight and there isn't a single thing I can do about it.

With wet eyes and an aching heart, I look at him, his profile almost ethereal in the dark. With a bold kiss to his cheek, I step out of his car.

"Bye, Mimi." I hear him say and I'm glad my back is turned.

Because I can't hold back my tears anymore. By the time I get to my porch, I'm sobbing like an idiot and I know that my mom is going to assume the worse. Nonetheless, I ring the doorbell.

The person that opens the door is the last person I expected to see. Yet she's exactly who I need tonight.

"Sora!"

-x-

A/N: After a very long hiatus (possibly the longest yet), we've given you an action packed chapter with a lot of things happening at once. Plus, it was a bit longer than the other chapters…coz you guys are worth it. Between Zoe's back stabbing, the Mimato fall out and an appearance from our most favorite redhead, this story is really heating up. Don't you want to know what happens next! Only one way to find out…read and review!

Next up…Davis' Birthday Bash, where you can believe there will be more drama. Stay tuned kids!

The Soundtrack—
Tangled Up: New Found Glory (ft Hayley Williams)
Crazier: Taylor Swift

Soundtrack was once again perfected by the musically inclined Christina Masen (MimixIshida).
Remember…Reviews Equal Love. So show us some love and drop a review. And for the love of God, don't favorite unless you mean it.

Mucho Hearts;
-Chris&Liya