Here it is…the last chapter of WOC. *sniffle sniffle* Thank you all so much, for EVERYTHING—the reviews, PM's, author alerts, story alerts, story favoriting, etc. And most of all, for just being fans. Thank you all! I apologize for how long this chapter is…16 pages on Microsoft Word (I know! Haha). But I just couldn't stop once I started. ;)
So, without further ado, I present to you: WOC, Chapter Ten. Enjoy =)
Chapter Ten
Previously on WOC:
So, Sonny's first award show was coming up. I was going to make sure it will definitely be one she won't forget.
*****
Still subconsciously distracted by my fight with my closest ex-castmembers, I walked into my bedroom sluggishly. My feet were dragging, and my head was hanging down. My eyes were dry, but only because my body didn't seem like it could take any more crying. I felt like I'd shed a whole river of tears before arriving home in—miraculously—one piece. My mom didn't even bother approaching me or asking questions, because I knew I looked like I was about to crack at any moment. I was utterly grateful for that distance, because it was probably true.
Over the course of three dreadfully long days, I'd managed to get sucked into the world of drama, discover secrets I probably never, ever should have, got my own diary kidnapped, fell for the kidnapper, gained new friends and enemies, and lost my closest, oldest friends because of it. What a great week this was, huh?
It felt like Sonny Monroe's personal 'sunshine' was gone. Even thinking about Chad didn't help. My life was a mess, and it had all happened in the short course of 72 hours. I saw no bright light at the end of my tunnel, no pot of gold at the end of my rainbow. My world had crashed down like glass.
Absentmindedly, I took out the dress Chloe picked out for me for tomorrow night's Tween Choice Awards. Chloe was like Tawni in that way—she was a total fashion queen. It was red, the same cherry red as my prom dress. But instead of a simple design like I personally like, this was a plain, smooth bodice at the top that clung to the curves of my body, down to my thighs, where it then frilled out in layers of intricate lace. It was completed with diamond earrings that dangled down like rain droplets caught in a web and a simple necklace imbedded with various rubies.
Rubies. I looked back to the empty space on my desk, remembering the missing, ruby-red velvet piece to the picture. I'd seen Chad so many times, known he'd had my diary so many times, but I'd never put my thoughts to action to accuse him of it. I just sat by, seeming helpless, when I could've ripped it out of his hands at any given second. Why hadn't I? Why had I just stood around while I witnessed him reading my deepest secrets?
I sighed in frustration. I really had not had the best few days so far. Some might say they've been the worst of my life.
I couldn't think of anything that could possibly bring the sunshine back to the not-so-sunny Sonny Monroe.
*****
I slammed the door to my apartment in aggravation, frustrated for failing in finding Sonny's diary. After Portlyn, who probably knew the studio better than any of us, reported its absence there, I knew I was in deep trouble.
It was stupid to think it was my most prized possession. Because it wasn't mine. It was Sonny's, her prized possession, not mine. Which made it all the more necessary that I should be sweating bullets, my mind completely blank on how to explain the situation to Sonny if she ever found out.
Chad Dylan Cooper didn't care. Chad was freaking out.
I'm wrinkling my tux for tomorrow, I thought hastily, removing the crisp, clean jacket. I'd tried it on to get a good look at my appearance for tomorrow night—not that I needed it, I mean, I already knew I looked amazing. I was CDC, for crying out loud. I always looked my best. But I tried it on just the same.
It wasn't anything special, just the old suit I wore to prom that I dug out from the back of my closet. I just added a little flare with a single red rose sticking out on the left. I also added my fanciest Italian shoes. It was just the Tween Choice Awards, but I wanted to look special.
Some annoying reason in the back of my mind kept poking at me that I was trying to look special for Sonny. And it was probably right.
This was the first time I was going to an award show with Sonny in my cast. This was Sonny's first award show that she was ever nominated in. 'So Random!' wasn't nominated in the 'Oh No You Di'int!' awards, they just showed up to support the other shows on the lot that were nominated. Including mine, I realized with weak satisfaction. Sonny was still just an ally then.
But now that I knew so much more about her, I felt myself fanning away sweat collecting on my forehead, and genuinely worrying about my presentation to everyone, specifically her. I was trying to impress her. Tomorrow night would change both of our lives—and our relationship—forever, in either a good or bad way, depending on her response.
Tomorrow night was the night I was going to ask Sonny Monroe to be my girlfriend.
*****
I woke up the next morning bright and early, something I didn't plan on. The sun was so bright today it shined through my window like a huge flashlight, directly on my face, pouring light through my eyelids. It only made my bad mood slightly worse with groggy irritation.
Tugging the sheets back over my coarse bed head, I knew even then it was useless. I was the kind of person who, once awake, was nearly impossible to put back into sleep until nightfall. And I certainly wasn't going to be back in bed any time soon come nightfall, because of the awards.
The Tween Choice Awards! My mind snapped back to reality, released from its dreamy state. Tonight was the Tween Choice Awards, which marks one really amazing thing and two really horrible things.
The good news: my first award show tonight! I couldn't be more thrilled!
The bad news: my first award show, and it wasn't even for the reason I'd hoped. I wasn't going onstage with my closest friends, laughing along with them at the memories leading to that accomplishment. None of them were even going to be there. Nico and Grady, maybe, if the 'Granico Show' got nominated, but not Tawni and Zora.
Another bad thing: it marked the 4th day of my diary still not in my hands.
I swung my body out of bed, rubbing my eyes like a tired child, and shuffled my way into the kitchen.
"Hey, hunny, glad to see you up early." My mom smiled reassuringly at me.
I nodded, an irritated smile painting my crusty mouth.
My mom ultimately decided to drop the easy approach and get down to business. "Okay, hunny, I've dealt with your attitude for long enough. Would you like to tell me what's wrong?" Her eyes locked on mine, but I couldn't meet hers back.
"N-not really…more like I…I really just…can't. It's a complicated, long story." I shrugged, looking down, not sure how to explain it to even myself.
She rested her chin in her hand. "Oh, believe me, hunny, we've got all day. Until the awards show, in fact. Start talking."
I sighed heavily, a little frustrated. "I don't even know where to start!"
She kept a steady gaze on me, and I knew she wasn't budging. I sighed again dramatically, my shoulders heaving. Recalling all the dramatic events in the past week, I babbled it out to her, crying, laughing, and going into dreamy trances, reliving every moment clearly. I didn't even know if it made sense or not, I was just spilling words after words, trying to describe everything in the best detail I could.
I continued for what felt like eternity, but mom didn't interrupt once. I saw her eyes well up sometimes, I heard her laugh a few times, and then smile at others.
But all in all, she understood, and I knew I should've told her long ago.
*****
This does not happen to Chad Dylan Cooper!
It just doesn't! It's like a criminal offense! If the person committing that crime weren't my own mother, I would have them arrested!
Not only was my hair completely not Chadtastic, like normal, but my mother spilled pasta sauce all over my suit for this evening. Sure, a few cans of hair spray could cure my hair issue, but that suit was special. It had seen Sonny's and my first dance. It had seen Sonny looking her best and her worst. It had been through a lot of significant things. And my mother ruined it.
She was ironing it for the awards while I was upstairs getting ready, and she was cooking dinner at the same time. I guess I should have been grateful for the cooking, because she rarely cooks, only on special occasions, like tonight, for example. But she was making the pasta sauce, when she elbowed it and accidentally tipped it over and onto my special tux.
And I just stood there, frozen at the base of the stairs, mouth hanging open into a perfectly formed "o" of disbelief. She apologized over and over and over, but I knew it made no difference. One of my most prized outfits was ruined permanently.
So now I had only my dad's tux, which was a size or two too big for me. The sleeves went out longer than my arms for about a foot. The jacket was swimming on me. But it was all I had.
Rolling up the sleeves like cuffs, I fixed that small flaw, at least. I'd just button the jacket all the way up to make it at least a little tighter.
I looked in the mirror. Not bad, for a last minute adjustment. The suit, I meant. Chad Dylan Cooper never looked bad, no matter the circumstances.
After spraying about a ton of hair product in my hair to make it look like its usual self, I checked my watch hastily. 7:18 p.m. A little less than an hour until the Tween Choice Awards start.
Chad Dylan Cooper was ready.
Chad was shaking like an angry animal, beyond nervous for the upcoming events for the night. But, in a strange way, he was ready as well.
Bring it on.
*****
I looked at the sun clock on my wall. 7:48 p.m. Less than 20 minutes to go until my big night.
After the reassurance from my mother, I knew telling her was something I should've done a while ago. She helped so much, and Sonny had most of her sunshine back.
The only people who had taken the rest of it, and a chunk of my heart as well, was the ex-'So Random!' cast. My heart ached at the memories.
But tonight wasn't about them. Tonight was my first award show, and my excitement was zipping through my veins, sending adrenaline to every part of my body. I felt like I could run a thousand miles and not get tired a bit.
Taking in the full effect of my ensemble for the night in my full-length mirror, I studied each aspect carefully. Chloe pointed out that red was definitely my best color. I knew I could trust her on that.
The frills of the dress came just at my ankles, revealing scarlet red stilettos beneath, shining glossily. The bodice hugged my curves, making me feel like a real superstar. The earrings fell like diamond rain from my ears, glittering even in dim light. My hair—which was usually done in various ways by hair stylists at 'So Random!'—fell in elegant, dramatic curls halfway down my fluffed-up 'do. The whole of it together was stunning—I barely believed I was still looking at myself. My chocolate eyes were brought out to its extremity by the bold red, and the Sonny inside me really was unrecognizable. I looked like a real celebrity, not just a funny girl new to Hollywood.
Checking my watch again anxiously, the clock now read 7:52 p.m. I should get moving, or I'll definitely be late. Ignoring my mom's impulsive desire to take pictures, I told her she could after the awards or I'd be really late.
Rushing out the door daintily, trying not to ruin everything Chloe strictly put together, I revved my truck's engine and drove as fast as I could.
Something big was going to happen tonight. My skin felt like it was electrically charged with the anticipation of it. The trees seemed to be swaying in a hyper way, the leaves dancing, twirling with excitement.
I just wish I could know what it was that everything around me, including myself, seemed to be expecting.
*****
I sat in my car for a few minutes. A few painfully long minutes, actually.
Because I was sitting in there, twiddling my thumbs like an idiot, rehearsing my line to Sonny after the awards.
I'd wait until our award was given out—okay, maybe I shouldn't say our award just yet. 'Mackenzie Falls' was just nominated. But it was kind of obvious we were going to win; 'Mackenzie Falls', just like me, never lost.
Anyway, I'd take her by the wrist, leading her sneakily out the back of the studio, in the parking lot, where we could be alone to talk. Not the most romantic place in the world, granted, but it was better than the bathroom, at least.
Then I'd take her by the hand, stare into those entrancing chocolate eyes, and spill everything from my heart that words were capable of.
I guess that's why I was having so much trouble right now. I wasn't talking to Sonny, or even near her, just saying blank, empty words into space. It would be different when I was with her, new emotions emerging, and that's when the truth would come out. Now I was just getting a synopsis of how my little speech would go.
I sighed, looking at my watch doubtfully. 8:14 p.m. Fashionably late, check. Great hair, check. Amazing car, check.
Dignity?...wavering.
I started my car and pulled out of the lot, speeding towards the Tween Choice Awards.
*****
Instead of pulling up to the front of the building like all the other celebrities do to step onto the red carpet, I pulled around back and parked where no one would notice. Then I kept my eyes peeled for the 'Mackenzie Falls' cast. Surprisingly, they decided against a limo to go together in. Apparently a few of the cast weren't very keen on spending the ride with me, the ex-Random. So we're all driving separately to the awards.
I didn't notice that a small red Focus had parked beside me until the occupant tapped my window lightly. It still made me jump.
"Chloe?" I said, excited that she had the same plan as me. We could go in together and show the world what true unity is about. The ex-Random and the new 'Mackenzie Falls' member walking arm in arm, proud to be friends, through that huge door lined with dozens of open-mouthed paparazzi and fans.
Somehow, word hadn't gotten out about my being on the 'Falls'. 'So Random!'s end was plastered all over the news like billboard signs, but nobody knew my new job yet. It seemed like nobody knew where any of our jobs were, with the exception of Nico and Grady. Nobody really thought anything of TawniToes, and no one had spilled about my being on the 'Falls'. So this would come as a major shock to anyone standing by to see our arrival.
"Hey, Sonny! You look amazing!" she replied.
I could say the same to her as well. She was in a dazzling, sparkly silver dress. It was strapless, and went down to her thighs in a simple design. She completed it with silver heels and a silver clutch. No jewelry, but that was for the better, I suppose. She looked stunning all the time. Her cinnamon eyes danced gleefully.
"Thanks so much, Chloe! You have quite the taste in fashion, lemme tell ya." I winked and got out slowly. The frills fluffed out, trying to breathe again from being still and sat on for so long.
We looked at each other nervously, and I realized that this was Chloe's first award show, too. Finding faith in each other, we said a quick "Shall we?" and slipped our arms through each other, walking confidently to the red carpet.
Cameras clicked with thunderous volume and flashed like lightning in our faces as soon as our feet touched the carpet. We smiled sweetly back, ignoring the random questions thrown our way and found our way, nearly blinded, towards the door.
Inside, it was beautiful—the room was so large it looked like two football stadiums smashed together. I counted several stars, some faces I knew from the studio, others from my own personal admiration. My heart sank a little, knowing Tawni and Zora weren't here, but I still searched for Nico and Grady. Surely they'd be here. Their show sounded extremely popular.
It wasn't long before I found them, unwillingly breaking free from Chloe's arm, leaving her into the sea chairs to find her way. Before turning back in the direction I was going, I saw to it that she found the rest of our cast safely. I made a mental note to go there when I was finished.
Several stars were surrounding them like a black abyss of tuxedos and formal wear. Pushing my way through the crowd, I half-heartedly apologized to some familiar faces and eager fans. I sighed a sigh of relief when I made it to the front and saw their smiling faces.
"Nico! Grady!" I shouted over the mess of questions, coming from various areas around them. I tried again, louder. "Nico! Grady!"
They turned in my direction this time. "Sonny?" they said simultaneously. I grinned inwardly, seeing how they hadn't changed much. They were still the oblivious, carefree boys I once knew.
"Hey, guys!" They stood up, reaching for me to capture me in a gentle embrace. I hugged them back, glad to see them. My heart swelled.
Though only trying to make conversation, Grady's next comment really got to me. "So, Sonny, what's it like being a regular girl again? Fun?"
My smile vanished, my temper growing hot. "A regular girl? So that's all I ever was to you both, just a regular girl?" I nearly screeched, hurt. "Obviously you're more oblivious to me than you thought. What, I get to be on 'So Random!' for a little while, but when it's goodbye to that dream, it's 'bye-bye' to little Sonny Monroe from Wisconsin too?"
Grady looked shocked, and Nico as well, but tried to correct Grady's words. "No, Sonny, that's not what he meant—"
"And what about Zora, huh?" I continued, my face growing red from anger, "She's the youngest out of all of us. And all she wanted to do was be on another show like 'So Random!', unable to cope with saying goodbye just yet. She wanted to work on the 'Granico Show' with you two, who she felt was family to her, and you just pushed her aside like trash. Now she's doing something she never dreamed she'd be doing, but she's only doing it so she can be with her Aunt Tawni. How does that make you feel? Like stars? Bigger than your nemesis Chad Dylan Cooper?"
Nico was still trying to make things better. "Sonny, it wasn't like that, our producers didn't have room for her—"
"Well have fun with that. Because not only have you lost your best friends, but you've also lost their respect. Have a good time playing big-shots, boys!" I finished, stomping to where I last saw Chloe go.
I realized I'd just made a really big, dramatic scene in front of all of those people, including ones who weren't even involved. I felt every eye in the room on me as I sat in my seat, seething.
Chloe touched my shoulder softly. "Sonny? Are you alright?" she whispered.
I sighed, her touch soothing my slightly. "Yeah, I guess. I guess just seeing them like that made me angry to know that they had changed."
Chloe's brows pulled together. "But Sonny, from what you've told me, they haven't. Didn't you see them trying to explain to you what really happened? Everyone could hear it, but you just kept raging at them." She looked like she was trying to make herself smaller, like it hurt her to say the words to me. Chloe's and my friendship was strong already, and she didn't want to say things like that to me. I admired her bravery.
"Thanks, Chloe," I said, and she straightened. "I knew I could trust you." Inside, though, there was still a dim ember of anger burning in my core.
I kept my eyes to the front as the other celebrities filed in, until someone plopped down in the seat next to me.
He smiled a pearly-white, dazzling smile. "Hey, Sonny." His eyes were dancing in a way I'd never seen them before, but they were an impossibly gorgeous blue that I couldn't tear away from.
My stomach flipped, releasing the butterflies from their imaginary cage, and I melted, smiling back hugely. "Hi, Chad," I sighed.
He kept on smiling, and so did I.
"So," he said lightly, "How's your first award show going?"
I shrugged nonchalantly. "Eh, could be better, I guess."
His smile was wiped clean off and worry painted his features. "Why? What happened to you? Are you okay?"
I giggled slightly and his tense posture eased. "I'm fine, Chad, really." I smiled reassuringly. "Just a rocky reunion with Nico and Grady."
He frowned. "Who?"
I laughed. He smiled victoriously again.
"Well, believe me, Sonny," he added, "this night will get much better." He winked at me.
I felt like a flirty schoolgirl on the outside, but inside I was pondering. Why was Chad being so unbelievably nice? Why did he appear the flirty school boy? Why was I enjoying it?
Oh, yeah, right. Because he loved me. My smile grew impossibly wider.
Suddenly, the intercom boomed, "Everyone please take your seats. The Tween Choice Awards are about to begin. Thank you." I shifted back to a normal posture, realizing my body was leaning towards Chad's instinctively. I saw from the corner of my eye that he did the same, seeming a little embarrassed, considering the fact that people were now behind us and probably getting the wrong idea.
The lights in the huge space dimmed and changed to a light blue, lighting up the room with its exciting glow. The host stepped on to the stage, an automatic explosion of clapping and hollering being signaled as he waves and smiles appreciatively.
Chad and I both tensed severely when we saw the host was Gilroy Smith, the talk show host who nearly ruined both of us in one evening.
He made his usual crack with Brad and Angelina not being on the show this evening, and while the audience cracked up, Chad and I stayed stone-still and morose, silently glaring. After a long speech of what to expect tonight, the awards finally began. I wasn't really paying attention to any of it, the minutes flying by. I heard glimpses of some familiar names from Condor Studios—the lead in 'Hoosier Girl' got an award for 'Best Actress in a TV Drama', and all of the 'Mackenzie Falls' cast held in a laugh as Portlyn sat, seething; someone else from 'Teen Gladiator Hunks' got an award for 'Best Supporting Male Role'; 'Meal or No Meal' was voted 'Best Game Show'.
Before I knew it, an hour and a half flew by and the awards were almost over. But there was still one more award to give out: 'TV Drama of the Year', the award 'Mackenzie Falls' was up for. The entire cast, including me, leaned forward intently, awaiting the results. Some crossed their fingers, some closed their eyes and held hands with other members in prayer, and others just stared anxiously.
"And the award goes to…"
A subtle gasp came from all of us in nervousness.
The host ripped open the envelope. "'Mackenzie Falls'!"
All of the 'Mackenzie Falls' cast stood up as we hugged and embraced each other, just like I'd seen millions of shows do on TV in my tiny bedroom in Wisconsin. I hugged Chloe tightly, and we rocked side to side in joy. I turned in the other direction but turned away, embarrassed, when I saw it was Chad I was about to hug.
We all filed out, Portlyn making it a point to be in front of everyone. She was about 5 feet ahead of all of us, practically already at the podium before we even got on stage.
Chad started to approach the microphone to thank everyone for voting, and gushing his dedication to 'his' fans, but Portlyn elbowed him out of the way. He slightly stumbled backwards, but caught himself and stepped back, pretending like nothing happened and he wanted Portlyn to talk for once. He looked at me questioningly, and I mirrored his expression to everyone around me.
"Firstly," Portlyn began in a sickly-sweet tone, "I would like to say thank you so much to every one of you who voted! We all work so hard here on 'Mackenzie Falls' to please our devoted fans.
"So," she seems to conclude, "on behalf of all of us here on 'Mackenzie Falls', thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The audience erupted in applause, but after a few seconds Portlyn held up a silencing finger. Now everyone in the cast is staring at her dubiously, becoming frightened of what she'll say next. They're all looking at her like she's crazy.
"Secondly," she continues, with a quick but menacing glance thrown back at me and Chad for some reason, "there's something I'd like to share with you, personally written by our newest cast member, Sonny Monroe."
Portlyn starts clapping, leading the audience to clap too, but all of them appear confused.
I turn to ice, fear freezing me where I am. I can't move. I can't think. I can't even breathe. I feel my legs nearly giving out under me, and Chad subtly holds me up with one arm in a way the press can't see. Chloe has my other side, pretending to casually slip her arm around my shoulders.
What can Portlyn be talking about? I didn't write anything, especially not anything to be read on national television!
But my dizzy questions are horrifyingly answered when Portlyn pulls a ruby red, velvet book from her clutch.
Well, at least I'm not almost fainting anymore. Instead, I'm statue still, unable to move even if I wanted to. My feet are glued to the floor. Despite the media and dozens of fans watching, I'm clutching Chad with all my might, scared sick to my stomach. Chad's face is filled with fury and shock, and Chloe's is beyond confused. I couldn't even feel what mine looked like, but it couldn't have been good.
Portlyn was quickly thumbing through the many pages of my life, seeming to look for one specifically. She smiled at the camera, satisfied, and began to read.
I did my best not to pass out.
*****
Every single person in the room was either confused or shocked at Portlyn, but none could take their eyes off her.
I dared to be different. I looked down at Sonny, horrified and unbearably sorry. She was clutching my arm, squeezing it so tightly her knuckles were turning white. She looked like a statue—unmoving, glossy eyes, frightened expression that was so devastating it couldn't be real. Her posture was tense and alert, but in the worst of ways. I resisted the urge to embrace her, or stroke her hair, knowing there were millions of people witnessing this terrible event.
Portlyn couldn't be doing this. Not Portlyn. I'd known her since the show started, and I knew she wasn't capable of this kind of evil. Not the innocent, kitten-like Portlyn that I knew.
And yet she was.
The only question in my mind, as it usually is, is why? Why is she doing this? Why does she feel obligated to read someone's diary to the world? Why did it have to be Sonny's? Why did she want to hurt Sonny so much from that look in her eyes?
Nobody who was actually capable of moving was doing anything. The cameras kept rolling, even though now the show was significantly past airtime. Everyone just sat, unmoving and transfixed, on Portlyn. And she was probably basking in the attention.
"'February 10th'," Portlyn began. "'I just met Chad Dylan Cooper! The Chad Dylan Cooper! He's so much cuter in person. My best friend Lucy would be freaking out if she were here right now!"
Portlyn read with animation, as if this was a script. Normally I would've been smiling at Sonny's response to us meeting, but right now all I could feel was pain and rage.
"'February 10th Continued. Okay, Chad Dylan Cooper is NOT all he's cracked up to be. He's shallow, rude, inconsiderate, and self-centered. He messes with people. And he hates every single thing about our show. I just don't get it. At least I showed him what a real actor is when I beat him at Musical Chairs. He seemed impressed, but I ignored him. 'So Random!' is my real home.'"
Sonny finally broke through her unrealistically still demeanor and started crying softly. Before I knew it, she was sprinting off stage and through the back door exit, sobbing.
I watched after her, my heart breaking. But I still couldn't move, either.
So, giving into my unbearable circumstances, I stood through all the secrets about me Sonny had that I never bothered to look at. I was more intrigued than I should have been.
But my heart was still breaking, nonetheless.
This was not how tonight was supposed to go.
*****
I ran out to my car, kicking off my shoes to run quicker. I didn't even care about driving away. I just locked myself in my car and cried.
It wasn't long before my last secret blasted through the speakers, which were—great enough for me—attached outside the building, too.
Portlyn's voice emanated from the speakers animatedly: "'But even with everything that's happened with that three named doofus…I think I love him." The audience sighed out a huge 'aww'.
Then a band I'd never heard of came out and played the closing song, and I saw everyone leaving the building, talking and chattering, most likely about what had just happened back there. I started crying again, not realizing I stopped to hear my last entry.
*****
Portlyn left the stage, throwing a quick wink my way. Gaining minimal strength back, the gears in my mind moving again, I resisted the urge to slap her.
But I still couldn't move, and I felt Chloe tugging at my sleeve, practically towing me out of there. She had tears streaming down her cheeks, feeling the same embarrassment as Sonny. I felt it too, but Chad Dylan Cooper didn't cry.
Chloe, seeing I could now walk, let go of my sleeve, nodded once to me, and ran out the same door Sonny did. I followed her after a little while, slipping out the door and leaning on the brick wall, arms and legs crossed casually.
Chloe had gotten in Sonny's car instead of hers, which was parked beside it. In the dim light from the streetlamps, I could see they were talking, Sonny's head on Chloe's shoulder as they cried. Eventually Chloe got out, causing Sonny to do so too, and hugged for countless minutes. I waited in the dark patiently as Chloe got in her car, smiling reassuringly at Sonny, and drove away.
Sonny was still standing in the nearly empty parking lot, facing the direction Chloe had disappeared from. I took it as a signal that it was time to come out.
Without saying a word, I took a step forward. Sonny whipped around, a little startled.
"Chad?" she whimpered. Her voice was weak. She dropped her head, blushing in the moonlight.
I sighed, warming at her saying my name. "Sonny." It was more of a delighted sigh than an accusation.
"What are you doing here, Chad?" she asked, sounding wary. "I thought you'd be the first to go."
I smiled, a familiar sense of déjà vu enveloping me. "Which is exactly why I had to be the last to go," I replied, hoping she'd remember our last encounter like this.
I knew she would. Sonny looked up with shiny eyes, and smiled faintly. Then she laughed harshly. "And you said that things would get better tonight." Those chocolate brown eyes dropped to her feet again, bare against the concrete.
Suddenly, my stomach knotted. What was this feeling called again—butterflies? Butterflies in my stomach? That sounded about right. I'd never experienced this before. Not directly, anyway. It was usually just slight warmth, and a gushy side of me came out, but nothing like this. I realized then how nervous I was, knowing this was the perfect opportunity to say everything I'd been practicing.
"Oh, Sonny," I said softly, stepping closer until we were only inches apart, "Trust me. It will get better tonight." I smiled hugely, flashing my teeth. I tried my best to conceal my fear of rejection, although I already knew how she felt.
Sonny's breath caught in her throat, as if she could sense what I was about to do. Her eyes were burning with questions.
I took a deep, wavering breath and opened up my heart.
"Sonny," I began, "From the day I met you, you've intrigued me. In ways both good…and bad. But mostly good."
I stopped momentarily when she giggled.
"The first few days I've known you, I thought you were just another annoying Random come to taunt us. You did annoy me for a while, but then I got to know you. I liked you. We fought constantly, which always got on my nerves, but at least it gave me a chance to see you."
I stopped and took another deep breath, Sonny's eyes never leaving my face.
"I got to know you better and better over time. I started taking the long way to work just to see you. I'd purposely bump into you in the halls, pretending they were accidents." I stifled a comment about my being such a great actor since she believed they were accidents. Chad Dylan Cooper just couldn't come out now—this was Chad's moment.
"And as time went by, I started developing feelings for you. We became friends, and I couldn't be more thrilled. But then I noticed that I was doing things for you, like being your fake date, for example." I winked at her. "But Sonny—I realized that the feud between our shows had nothing to do with us. And I also realized that my feelings for you became stronger than friendship. And everything I just heard in there confirms that you feel the same way."
I practically felt the blue in my eyes intensify, probing her with my eyes. She gulped, and I hated seeing her uneasy. I reached up and touched her cheek, caressing it and rubbing it with my thumb gently.
"Sonny Monroe, there's something I've been waiting to say to you for what feels like forever."
Her breath caught in her throat once again in anticipation, her eyes wide with an unnamable expression. I took a deep breath, looking up as if asking the stars for courage.
"Sonny Monroe, I love you."
*****
I stared at Chad dubiously, taking in what he'd just said. I was in actual shock for the third time in my life.
I wasn't sure what to say, but I knew the anxiety was eating away at his heart. His blue eyes were dancing with fear, exhilaration, and indescribable emotion.
I took a deep breath to steady myself. "Well, Chad…" I said, nearly a whisper, "…everything you heard in there was right."
I took another deep, steadying breath as I watched his eyes dance with hope. "I love you too."
He smiled his best smile yet. It shone with victory, and I realized he'd finally won the game he'd been playing for so many years. The game of his heart was finally won. He could stop pretending, stop being a heartbreaker, endlessly searching and getting rid of the wrong girls.
Chad Dylan Cooper had finally won a game that wasn't made out of gold or plated with an inscription. And I realized, with bursting joy, that he'd won me. And I'd won him.
*****
I pulled her diary out of my pocket slowly, cringing inside at the many responses I thought she'd have. All of the ones I'd thought were negative. I braced myself for the blow.
Sonny just stared at it, trying to find the right words. "I knew you had it all along, Chad." It was just barely a whisper.
I nodded, trying to contain my tears. Why was I crying? "I'm so sorry, Sonny. I never meant to have it. I guess I accidentally picked it up with your phone when I was instructed to get it."
She nodded, and turned slowly away, towards her car. I thought she was going to leave me there in the parking lot, regretting what I'd done forever. But she started rummaging around the backseat, appearing to look for something.
She pulled out her jacket, the one I'd seen her wear for the past four days. Unzipping the front pocket, she handed me something.
It was small, and appeared to be leather. A slow comprehension building in my mind, I turned the leather book to the side for confirmation.
Yup, there it was, in gold stitching. "Chad Dylan Cooper". Sonny had my diary as well.
I looked back up from it, my gaze speculative. "How?" I asked simply. I wasn't angry, or upset. Just merely curious. If anyone were to have my diary besides myself, I guess I'm glad it's her. The diary is all about her.
"Well…" she gulped, "my story isn't as innocent as yours. I was upset about losing my show, and felt adventurous. I stole your diary and…well…"
She shrugged. "The rest is history." She smiled meekly. I smiled back, assuring her I wasn't angry.
Now it was her turn to ask questions. "How'd you get my diary back? I would've thought Portlyn would keep it for future evil plans."
I shrugged, not really knowing. "I'm not exactly sure. I think Trevor must have gotten it back from her and slipped it in my pocket when I was either in shock or leaning against the wall back there." I nodded my head in the direction from where I emerged.
Sonny became quiet. "Are you angry at me?" She wasn't looking at me.
I pffted, as if it was obvious. "Oh, please, Sonny. Of all people, you should be mad at me." I smiled and stepped back, throwing my hands in the air. "So please, do what you must! I beg you!" I pretended to fall to the ground, dead.
I knew it would work. She started laughing, my favorite sound in the world. I listened to it, enchanted by the way she looked and sounded in the starlight.
She walked over to me and kneeled down next to me on the ground. "I'm not going to do anything to you, Cooper. If anything, I'm glad you found out that way. I'd be too scared to tell you myself. I guess I'm going to have to work on that, huh?" She smiled.
"Well," I said, the butterflies tickling my stomach. "We've still got a world of chances for that, Sonny."
I reached my left hand over to where one of her shoes was, and sat up into a kneel, down on one knee. I slipped Sonny's shoe back on, doing a perfect remake of Cinderella.
I smiled victoriously at her, and she smiled back. Then I brought her lips down to meet mine for the first time.
So, I guess this was how tonight was supposed to go, after all.
Thank you all so much for the reviews and the PM's telling me how much you loved this story! I loved this story too. I hate seeing it come to an end, but the world must keep turning. There will definitely be a sequel to this. But right now I'm going to be working on some more multi-chapter stories, and I hope you enjoy those as well. I've got the links for Sonny's and Chloe's outfits to the Tween Choice Awards at the bottom of this page, if you want to check those out. Thank you all SOOOO much again.
I love you all,
-CheckItOutGirl =)
The Outfits (Just remove the spaces)
Sonny's Dress: http: // www. svatebni-saty .com/pictures/g-pic-Samantha__Red_Evening_
Sonny's Earrings: http: // www. Jamesallen .com/_
Sonny's Necklace: http: // www. Blisstree .
Chloe's Dress: http: // www. Polyvore .com/cgi/img-thing?.out=jpg&size=l&tid=9860104