Ok, this is officially my longest chapter. 9 pages on Microsoft Word. But I just couldn't stop writing once I started. There's just so much that happens in this chapter that I couldn't fit into two separate chapters. Sorry I haven't written in a while! Lots of stuff has been going on in my life and I just haven't had time. By the way, thank you all for the reviews! I'll shut up now and let you read. Enjoy =)

Chapter Six

Previously on WOC:

"Thanks. So…" I said slowly, "now that I've found you, I'll just…go."

He nodded.

But just as I was leaving, I noticed a small edge of red rectangle peeking out from his front pocket.

*****

Walking down the hall, I felt my heartbeat and breathing pick up at the same time. That corner of red in his pocket seemed so familiar…

…the only problem was, why did it seem so familiar?

I felt myself ransacking the edges of my brain, throwing every little bit of importance away for the moment until I could find the reason for that little red rectangle to be so necessary. I thought about everything red I owned...there was that red dress I wore to prom, but that was also yellow with dried, crusty mustard, and most likely couldn't fit in Chad's pocket, unless he was some sort of wizard. I had a red bedazzled iPhone carrying case, but I doubt Chad would take something that girly. I had a few tubes of red lipstick and lip gloss, but again, too girly.

I knew I was forgetting something, but it felt like there was a force field around that secluded part of my mind, refusing to let me know what it was.

But then I realized: I might be looking way too deep into this.

Maybe it was a handkerchief? It wouldn't be the first time he'd worn one, and it was about time he should get a new one—his old ones were starting to look beaten up. And I knew Chad Dylan Cooper didn't do anything other than brand new. Or maybe it could have been a pretty girl's phone number, written on those fancy red napkins in the main room. It could have been a countless number of everyday things.

I shook off my worry as I heard a familiar voice emerge from the loudspeakers.

" 'Mackenzie Falls' cast to the main room for a special announcement. That's all."

Marshall! Marshall's here! I'd almost forgotten about him with all the drama racing through my head!

Wait a minute—drama? Oh gosh, I think I'm becoming one of them already!

Hurrying into the main room, eager to see one familiar, bald-headed, gentle face, I ran into Chloe from behind. She turned around reflexively and offered a hand to pick me up.

"Oh, Sonny, are you alright? You don't seem yourself lately. Where'd you go when you suddenly took off a few minutes ago?" Her voice was filled with concern, a reflection of it in her eyes.

I stood up stiffly, brushing myself off. "Um, yeah, I'm fine. I just went to…take care of something." Which I failed miserably in doing, I might add, I thought to myself hotly.

"Oh. Well, okay." I could see she was hurt that secret-sharing time was over. "You want to sit up front with me?"

I felt like I was in preschool all over again, battling for who gets to sit closest to the teacher. "Uh, yeah, sure, that would be nice."

It wasn't a lie. It would give me a chance to see Marshall for the first time since we landed in our own personal prison, held captive by our rivals, the drama-snobs.

Glad to see we weren't sitting on the floor like preschoolers, at least, I plopped down in one of the front padded chairs set up in a half-circle around a wooden podium. Chloe sat on my right.

But obviously these chairs weren't made for plopping, because I gradually felt my body tipping backwards towards the ground. Chloe didn't notice at first, until I got halfway towards the ground. I braced myself for the hard, embarrassing thud…

…when suddenly I was upright again, a warm, gentle hand grasping my shoulders, pulling me up. Knowing already who it was, I lifted my head, only to be met with crystal blue eyes and a blonde head of hair. I melted.

"T-thanks," I stuttered. He still hadn't let go of me.

Chad didn't respond. Instead, he was looking at me carefully, as if studying every feature on my face. His eyes drifted from mine down to my lips, ever so briefly, before realizing their mistake and returning my gaze.

"Chad?" I whispered, slightly afraid. Our faces were only inches apart. It was as if the world had shrunk, and the only ones breathing were him and I. The air was so intense it aroused the butterflies in my stomach and made me dizzy.

Then, in a flash, he was sitting on my left side, smirking.

*****

Trying to conceal it, I smirked victoriously to myself. So, she was capable of falling for me. I knew having her on my show every day, having her in my sight every second of every day, would make her falling for me just too easy.

So if that's what I always wanted—just to toy with her, obviously. I don't like Sonny!—why was my stomach fluttering and why were my hands getting all clammy?

Sonny was just a regular, small-town girl, with absolutely no comprehension of Hollywood bad boys. Well, with the exception of me, of course. She'd probably be the easiest of all the girls I've "dated" to get to fall for me. Girls around here know too much about celebrity types—the bad boys, the hotties, the shy ones, the cute, flirty ones, as they categorize them—so it's slightly more of a challenge. But a week with me, my amazing looks, and a romantic date makes each and every one fall head over heels. Sonny shouldn't have been any different. Actually, she should have been head over heels for me the second she met me. I mean, where was she going to find anyone as famous as me in Wisconsin?

But she was different. Why? I ask myself every day. Why didn't she fall for me? Why is she such a challenge that I find myself compelled to overcome? Why do I bother dwelling upon her every day of my life?

And, most importantly, why do I have genuine feelings for her when every other girl I've ever known was just forgotten water under the bridge?

I looked down at the perky brunette with a feeling I could only identify as affection. It wasn't love. It couldn't be. We couldn't be. We were a modern-day Romeo and Juliet, doomed from the start. If that start were ever to come, that is.

Chloe, the newest 'Mackenzie' member other than Sonny, sent a glance towards me and started whispering to Sonny, who was leaning in intently. I saw her body tense as she slowly turned herself towards me, caution flaring in her eyes.

I realized I was still smirking. With only seconds to spare, I wiped it off and looked towards the podium, only allowing emotion to show in my eyes. I was glad they were covered by my bangs so she couldn't see.

But out of the corner of my eye, I saw her smile, blush, and look down. Her beautiful brown hair fell over her shoulders in a transparent curtain, but just thick enough I couldn't see her any longer.

*****

"Chad's staring at you!" Chloe whispered frantically, sending a flash of brown eyes to his face and back to mine.

I froze, not sure whether to be happy or terrified. Knowing Chloe was watching intently, I decided to let my expression drop in an "o" of disbelief while I battled against my conflicting feelings.

Normally I would have turned right toward him, a scowl plastered on my face for the whole room to see, and tell him off. But somehow, now I feel so…so…vulnerable. Not just because of the mysterious red corner peeking out from his front pocket, but because I was also in his territory, not my own, where Tawni, Grady, Nico, or Zora would defend me or back me up. Here, all I had was Chloe and Marshall against a significantly large cast and Chad Dylan Cooper. Chloe was a quick learner, but was still too new to me to be familiar with my relationship with Chad. Marshall wasn't near me enough to know what had been going on this entire day.

Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait—day? It felt like this had been weeks!

Just as Marshall approached the podium—the producer of 'Mackenzie Falls' was apparently out stocking up on goods for the cast—I remembered something. The red corner in Chad's pocket!

He was right next to me now, unable to move from my speculation without questioning eyes on him.

I eyed the red corner closely, narrowing my eyes as if I could zoom in on it if I did. That was definitely no pocket hanky. That was a book!

Self-consciously, I stroked the zippered pocket containing Chad's leather book. It was about the exact same size, I noted. As I looked closer, I saw the edges of each paper had a clumsy scrawl written in blue pen on the side, but I couldn't quite make out what it said from the distance.

Suddenly, that secluded part of my mind broke free of the force field, bringing forth a new, frightening realization:

Chad Dylan Cooper had my diary!

I felt anger flaring in my eyes, licking away at the chocolate, setting it to flames. Before I could whisper questions armed with daggers, Marshall started speaking. Chad didn't even seem to notice the vicious glare I held on him the entire speech.

"Alright, alright, settle down," Marshall started, trying to quiet the already buzzing room. "You all know the Tween Choice Awards are coming up…"

A soft cheer erupted from the cast, including Chad. He fist bumped his TV best friend, Trevor. I stayed silent, still glaring.

"…and I'm sure you're all very excited…"

Another cheer. Another dead quiet stare from me to Chad.

"…but I'm sure it's also no secret that 'Mackenzie Falls' has been nominated for 'TV Drama of the Year'!"

The cheers weren't as held back as before. Everyone stood up, cheering and hollering, celebrating their obvious victory. Castmates were tightly hugging; the guys were doing intricate handshakes in celebration. I saw Portlyn practically throw herself onto Chad in elation, and had a momentary flash of satisfaction when I saw a partially shocked and disgusted look paint his features as he peeled her off him. Chloe and I were the only ones seated, and Chad soon followed when the celebratory gestures didn't cease.

Chloe squeezed my wrist encouragingly, trying to get me excited, or to look at her, I assumed. But I refused to take my gaze off Chad. He deserved what was coming to him. But he was too wrapped up in congratulating his castmates to notice the daggers in my eyes.

Marshall arrived at the podium again, calling everyone to be seated.

"Alright, alright, I know you're all excited. As you're well aware, it's in only three days, so be prepared!"

Chad stood up, fixing his jacket and hair swiftly. I briefly rolled my eyes.

"Um, Marshall?" he asked, "what about new additions? That haven't been in an episode yet?" He gestured subtly towards me with his hand.

My furious expression softened. He was asking about me. Why was he asking about me? He doesn't care.

Although Marshall already knew who he was talking about before Chad's hand drifted towards me, he looked at me with a caring expression and smiled at me, throwing a wink my way. I smiled back as warmly as I could, still too angry at Chad to be genuinely happy.

Marshall looked back at Chad. "Of course they can be there. They're still cast, right?" He winked at me again.

Chad nodded, showing off his perfect smile, and sat back down next to me. I looked at him dubiously. He nudged my shoulder with his gently.

But within that small action, the book in his pocket shifted just slightly enough that I could read the writing on the side of the pages:

"Sonny Monroe's Diary"

*****

Instead of firing my mouth like a screaming banshee at Chad when Marshall dismissed us, I was the first one out the door. Chloe ran after me, shouting my name, but I was in my car and flying down the highway so fast she couldn't stop me.

No, no, no! I thought to myself, internally screaming and kicking myself for being so stupid! How could I have even thought to have gone along with Chloe's silly plan? I could've gone a day without my phone, regardless of the rules at 'Mackenzie Falls'! I mean, I went a day without heat in the middle of December when my mom's car broke down on the way home! Phones are nothing! I let Chad Dylan Cooper in my home and these are the consequences I have to suffer? Every one of my secrets are in that red velvet book! And there are some things nobody needs to know, especially Chad Dylan Cooper, in that red velvet book!

I took a momentary break from my internal rant to breathe, when I noticed I wasn't moving. I put more pressure on the gas pedal, expecting it to lurch forward or do something. Nothing. Nothing except the empty revving of a dead engine.

So worn out from today's heavy load of drama, I slumped against the wheel in defeat. This day couldn't possibly get any worse, could it?

"Well, well, well, looks like Sonny's not so sunny anymore."

My head snapped up at the familiar voice. What was Chad doing on the side of the highway with me? I looked up at him, making up for lost glare time when I thought he cared earlier.

"Go away, Chad," I growled, each word coated with venom, slipping through my teeth.

I should have known he'd hear it and interpret it as reverse psychology. Coming over to my side and opening my door, he looked at me with those taunting sapphire eyes.

"Come on, Sonny. Your car is dead. You need a ride home and you know it. You just don't want to ride with me."

That's not the only thing I need, Chad, I thought coldly.

"Well, well, well," I said in a sing-song voice, mocking him, "looks like Chad figured everything out! Yay! Good for you! Now go away. I'll call a cab."

"Aw, come on, Sonny. I'm right and you just don't want to accept it." He shoved a hand in my direction and swept his other towards his car. "Only happens once."

Knowing I was going to lose this fight anyway, I ignored his hand and strode towards the shiny black convertible. He shook his head, smiling, and walked over to his side.

I crossed my arms. "So, what made you pull over? You saw my car and figured you'd play hero? You hate me."

He shook his head fervently. "What makes you think I hate you?"

"Well, let's see. I hate you, your show, I'm a 'Random', and we fight 24 hours a day. Am I missing something?"

"I don't hate you. And for the record, you're one of us now, remember?" He scoffed as if it was obvious.

"It's not like I wanted to be," I whispered.

He looked over at me, hurt glossing over the perfect shine in his eyes. I almost felt sorry, but then I thought against it. This was my diary thief I was acknowledging, not a best friend who I was in a fight with. "What?" he said, voice mirroring his hurt.

I just shook my head. As I looked out the window, trying to distract myself from the awkward silence following, I was elated to see my apartment up ahead. I sighed gratefully.

As he pulled into a spot, I nearly jumped out of the convertible. And I would have succeeded, too, if it weren't for a warm hand grabbing my wrist.

I looked from his wrist to his face suspiciously, trying not to show emotion. But it felt like a match was lighted inside me. It warmed my entire body, the most powerful heat emanating from Chad's grip. The butterflies were released in my stomach once again.

"Look, Sonny, I—"

Using everything I had, I pulled away from his grasp. "Goodnight, Chad. Safe driving." I sprinted away, knowing I was late for dinner.

So glad to have Chad and today behind me at last, I turned the key in my door's lock and creaked it open cautiously.

"Hey, hunny, you're home!" All my troubles were washed away in my mom's warm, loving embrace. I hugged her back hard, never wanting to let go. I never wanted to see Condor Studios or Chad again. Sure, I'd feel bad about not seeing Chloe and Marshall, but there were too many memories in those two buildings that made my chest heavy with tears.

"What took you so long? I got worried."

I sighed, wishing I could skip the whole motherly-duty thing and go to my room. "Um, my car broke down, and I just…called for a cab."

She looked at me, not buying it in the least, but accepted it. "Well alright. As long as you're okay. Dinner's on the table."

Catching her arm before she walked away, I told her I wasn't hungry and that I wanted to turn into bed early. I was grateful she didn't ask questions about my odd behavior. She must have suspected I'd been through enough.

I was almost afraid to enter my bedroom, knowing I'd find something wrong in there. But I turned the knob, knowing any more weird behavior would throw my mom into a huge interrogation.

Evidence of Chad's presence was in here. Subtle, but evident. The scattered desk papers and pens, the dirt flakes from his boots on my carpet. But most importantly, the missing red, velvet, embroidered diary on my desk that my grandma made me when I was nine.

Then I realized something. I've got Chad's diary just like he's got mine! Practically ripping my jacket pocket open, I tore the small leather book out from my pocket and flipped to the front page.

"This book belongs to: Chad Dylan Cooper"

What a brief title page. At least mine had some character. I flipped to the next page. No date, just quickly scribbled down thoughts taking over the page.

"A new girl arrived at Condor Studios today. I was pretty excited until I found out she was going to become one of those annoying Randoms. We are so much better than them. That poor girl, doomed to that failure of a show. She's got brown hair and brown eyes, with fair skin. She's pretty cute. I just might grab her, even if she is a Random. I think her name is Sonny, or Sunday, or something like that."

Not sure what to make of the first entry other than the fact this diary was fairly new, I flipped to the next page. Still no date. I figured Chad doesn't really care about dating things since his computer does it on his blog for him.

"Ugh! That new girl Sonny is so annoying! One minute she's gawking over my amazing looks, completely star struck, the next minute, she's barging onto my set betting with me and making chicken noises to get me to agree. Not only did she beat me in Musical Chairs, a game for children between the ages of four and seven, but she faked injury to do it! Stupid me, falling for that. But I've got to give her props; she's not a bad actress. I may have to steal her for the Falls sometime."

Smirking at the irony of my being on the Falls now, I continued reading Chad's and my history, remembering each moment clearly. I couldn't even count how many times I smiled. But after the prom entry was written, things started to get extremely interesting.

"Apparently Sonny threw this 'secret prom' on set (which wasn't much of a secret when every kid had a flyer for it), and I have to admit, it wasn't that bad. Even though I wasn't invited, I made it a point to go. She tried to stop me, but of course, I won that fight. But then Sonny came into her prom just after it was torn down in the most hideous fish outfit, sighing and looking all sad. And for some reason, I just couldn't bear it. Seeing her sad made…it made me feel bad myself. I didn't like it. I came out from the shadows and fulfilled her dream of dancing with that special guy at prom. It felt good great to be her special guy. I wish I could feel that every day.

You know what, diary? Dare I say it, but I think I might just be in love with her."

I stared open-mouthed at the page, gawking, joy and shock bubbling up inside me as I clutched the diary closer.

*****

I decided to read Sonny's diary, after a battle of conflicting thoughts within myself. Do I read it? Do I leave it alone? Do I return it to her? What will she think?

I lost to my braver side, the side that told me to read it, no matter the consequences. I felt bad for the good side in me. He seemed to be losing a lot lately.

Flipping to the most recent entry, my eyes skipped over the date and the entire paragraph. Because the first thing that caught my eye was the last sentence on the page. And it had my mouth hanging open, unable to be closed:

"But even with everything that's happened with that three named doofus…

…I think I love him."