Chapter 6: Derrick Saves the Day…Sort of.

"Don't wait for your Prince Charming. He's too lazy to leave the castle. Wait for your knight in shining armor, who will fight for you."

Kristen Gregory loved her Persian cat, Fluffy. She really did. But when he escaped every Saturday night that Kristen was homework-free, she wished that the cat would just die of old age already.

"Fluffy…come out wherever you are, you selfish old cat," Kristen spat, not even bothering to look around. That cat had already gotten lost several times and always ended up rummaging through her school's trash. So to school she was going.

This was not the way I planned to spend the night, Kristen thought bitterly, kicking a pebble on the dull street. No, that certainly wasn't the way it was supposed to turn out.

Kristen had fervently worked her butt off trying to finish her homework in time so she would have her weekend free. She had gone all out this Saturday –rented a bunch of movies, bought two boxes of mini Hershey's and a new, soft pillow. Too bad she couldn't enjoy any of those thanks to Fluffy.

Once Kristen spotted the dull, grey walls of her school's back, she glared. If looks could kill, the school would've already burned to ashes. A warning of what was coming for Fluffy. Wrapping her sweater tighter around her, she jogged toward one of the trashcans.

"Fluffy?" she asked, gingerly picking up the lid. After she didn't spot her cat's white fur, she closed it once again.

Crunch.

Kristen turned around quickly, inspecting the streets behind her. She could've sworn she heard someone stepping on a dry leaf. After a few seconds of looking, Kristen decided to turn around and resume her search.

When she spotted a tall shadow looming behind her.

Gulping, she swiftly swiveled around on one foot, frowning. "Okay…w-who's there?"

No answer.

"Seriously, who's there?"

Still, no answer.

Kristen turned back around, feeling slightly uneasy. Last night, she'd seen a marathon of Law and Order –something she was repenting of now.

"Come on, Fluff…you pretty kitty," Kristen urged, trying to keep her tone calm. "Mom made some chicken, and there are some leftovers. I'll give you all I can find if you come out right now."

Kristen could already feel the presence of someone behind her.

"Please, come out."

Suddenly, a large hand was placed in her shoulder. Gasping loudly, she jumped around just to stare into the cold grey eyes of a teenage boy. Holding back a shriek, Kristen took a step back.

"My, my, Kristen. Look at how you've grown," a tall red head said, inspecting her. Two other guys appeared behind him –one was short and chubby, the other one was holding Fluffy.

"Looking for this?" the short guy asked, motioning at the cat.

Suddenly, Kristen recognized two of the guys. The red head was Eli Jensen, and the one holding Fluffy was Griffin Hastings. Both had been sophomores when Kristen was a freshman –and both had been expelled for violent behavior.

"Give me that!" Kristen ordered, trying to snatch away Fluffy. She was surprised at how strong her voice had come out.

Griffin held the cat up higher.

"Hey, hey," Eli said, holding up his hands in a "calming" way. "We found it for you. Shouldn't we get paid?"

"What?" Kristen exclaimed. "Of course not!"

A shady smile appeared in Eli's face as the trio began to corner Kristen into a wall. Gulping, she took of her wallet.

"O-okay, how much do you want?" Kristen asked, shakily rummaging through her money.

Griffin laughed sarcastically. "That's not the type of payment we're talking about."

As Eli placed his hand on her shoulder, Kristen positioned herself in a fighting stance, ready to land a punch on his face. Before she could do anything, a voice interrupted her.

"Don't mess with other people's girlfriends."

To the trio's dismay –and Kristen's relief –it was Derrick, who had a threatening expression on his face.

Eli smirked. "You and Gregory? Seriously? Well, maybe I did see it coming-"

"Give her back the cat and leave," Derrick cut in, his menacing tone increasing.

Griffin scoffed and handed Fluffy back to Kristen, before stomping away.

"Go on…leave," Derrick repeated.

Eli took a step closer. "Remember why I was expelled?"

"Yes, I do. But I don't care," Derrick replied, his eyes narrowing.

The guys stared for a few more seconds, before Eli motioned to the other guy before they both left.

After Kristen made sure they were out of sight, she sighed with relief. Looking up at Derrick, she slightly curved her lip upward. "I…I…what are you doing here?"

Derrick frowned, chuckling. "What?"

"What are you doing here, in school, at this hour?" Kristen repeated, trying to sound annoyed.

Derrick rolled his eyes. "You know, I was expecting something along the lines of 'thanks'."

Instead of snapping a reply, Kristen remained silent. It was true, he did at least deserve a "thank-you". If it weren't for him…Kristen didn't even want to think of what could've happen.

So, trying to let go of her pride, she muttered. "Thanks."

A grin was already making its way to Derrick's lips. "What?"

Exhaling, she glared. "THANKS!"

"That's more like it," Derrick replied, chuckling. "Wow…Kristen Gregory is thanking me."

Raising an eyebrow, Kristen made her way past him. "See you tomorrow, Derrington."

"Whoa, Blockhead." Derrick stopped Kristen before she could leave. "After what happened, don't you think it'd be better if I took you home?"

Kristen stared blankly at him before snorting and walking away. Until she felt Derrick's hand intertwine with her free one. She stopped immediately, a blush forming in her cheeks.

"Come on," Derrick murmured, pulling her behind him.

After a while, Kristen stopped resisting and walked in pace next to him. For a while, they were silent. Until Kristen spoke up.

"Derrick?"

"M-hmm?"

Sighing, Kristen lifted a shoulder. "Really…thanks for saving me."

"You're welcome, Kristen."

"But I'm not your girlfriend."

Derrick just laughed. They didn't stop holding hands, though.

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"Where are you going?" Josh asked as he saw me run toward the door.

"Massie wants me to help her choose her dress, so goodbye," I replied in a hurry, ready to run out of the door. I had promised Massie to be at Rosenbloom's Boutique fifteen minutes ago –and Massie hated unpunctuality.

"Wait!"

Turning around, I tilted my head. "Whatever it is, please make it quick."

Josh nodded, and, after holding up his hand, disappeared into the study room. After a few seconds, he came back out, holding up a gift.

"This," he said. "It's for you."

I smiled, frowning. "Why are you giving this to me?"

Josh's eyes widened in disbelief. "Because it's Christmas, Kris!"

My smile grew as I took and inspected it. "Thanks…but Christmas isn't until a week."

"Just in case I'm not here because of, you know, the movie thing," Josh replied, stuffing his hands in his pockets. He seemed nervous about something, but I decided not to question it.

I was about to open it, when he stopped me.

"Not until Christmas," he answered quickly, seemingly getting even tenser.

I nodded, confused. "Okay."

"Promise me not to open it until it's Christmas?"

I chuckled. "I promise. What's wrong, Josh?"

Josh sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "This gift…it's really, really important."

"Your gifts are always important to me, Josh."

Josh gave me his signature smirk. "I know I'm the most important person in your life…you did profess your love for me last night."

Turning red, I chuckled as I punched his shoulder. "Shut up!"

"But this gift will probably be the most important I'll ever give to you," Josh explained, turning serious once again.

I nodded, placing the gift on a shelf behind me. "I'll make sure to take care of it."

We gazed at each other for a while, suddenly at loss of words. I guess last night might've changed a few things.

"I-"

"Well-"

Josh chuckled as I smiled.

"I gotta go," I told him, grabbing my coat.

"Yeah…we don't want Massie killing you."

"That's right."

"Yup…"

Grinning once more, I waved and quickly left the house.

Well…it wasn't that awkward.

I was still thinking about Josh's "gift mystery" when I spotted a green pick-up truck. Gasping, I lowered my head and stopped near a tree. For a normal person, it might've been any other automobile, driving around town. But for me, it's the car of doom. Kori Geddman and Danny Robins –paparazzi/my stalkers –drove that car.

After making sure that they were out of sight, I resumed my driving. Guess I'll have to be more careful from now on.

"Ugh, why?" I exhaled, shaking my head. Isn't Derrick enough already?

I finally arrived to the boutique, and I quickly ran inside. Mrs. Hotz and Claire were sitting on a table, chatting about who-knows-what.

"Sorry I'm late," I apologized, grimacing. After taking off my coat, I looked around. "Where's Mass?"

Claire flinched and Mrs. Hotz shook her head. "Just…follow us."

I quickly walked behind them, smiling at Claire, who took a step back to walk next to me.

"So…I heard you and Josh got together yesterday?" she whispered, smiling.

"What?" I shrieked.

Mrs. Hotz glanced at us suspiciously, a very Josh-y smile forming in her lips –as if she knew what we were talking about. Once she stopped looking, I turned to look at Claire.

"What?" I whisper-hissed.

"Massie and Derrick walked in on you last night. According to Massie, you two were cuddling together. Josh told them that you begged him to marry you," Claire continued, giggling.

"I did not beg him to marry me," I justified, shaking my head as I felt my cheeks warm up. "Josh's crazy…and, yes, we did 'cuddle' or…well, we didn't! We just…I…ugh. Nothing's going on between Josh and I, Claire."

Claire nodded knowingly, still giggling. I couldn't help but smile at her reaction. Claire and I had gotten closer since the wedding rehearsals.

"Excuse me."

I turned around to find the shop's cashier holding up a pen and paper.

"I'm a huge fan of yours," she continued.

Smiling humbly, I signed the paper and thanked her.

"How does it feel to sign autographs?" Claire asked as we entered another room.

I tilted my head. "You get used to it."

Once I spotted where I was standing, my eyes widened. "Massie?"

My sister looked up at me, her amber eyes wide. She was sitting in the middle of the room, a large amount of wedding dresses surrounding her.

"They are all gorgeous!" she exclaimed, caressing the one in her lap.

I turned to look at Mrs. Hotz, who just chuckled. "She turned crazy when we began to show her the dresses."

I nodded. Massie was a perfectionist, this was expected. "Alrighty, then. Massie, how about you model each dress for us."

Massie's mouth dropped open. "Each dress? There are like one hundred in here!"

"We know, sweetie," Mrs. Hotz told her.

"Which is why you should start now," Claire said, sitting down on a chair.

And that's when the familiar feeling of guilt returned. Just standing there watching Massie try on wedding dresses, all cheerful and excited made me want to dig a hole and never come out of it.

This was truly all my fault. I should've stopped Derrick from kissing me, and I should've stopped those thoughts that were dominating my mind the last few days. How am I supposed to be the maid of honor when I'm kissing the groom?

Maybe I was better off wanting Derrick dead.

It's decided, then; as hard as it may be, the only way to stop feeling guilty is to tell Massie and apologize profusely. Hopefully…she'll understand.

"Thinking about Josh?"

Snapping out of my thoughts, I looked up. "Huh?"

Massie smiled. "You're obviously in love."

I glared at her when I realized that we were the only ones left in the room.

Now or never.

Massie was inspecting her choice –a beautiful embroidered dress that made her look like a stylish angel (/759dsuw).

"I'm glad you chose that one," I told her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"You recommended it, and you have great taste…so this beautiful dress it is," Massie replied, checking her reflection. "I can't believe I'm getting married!"

I smiled as she began to giggle. Would she ever laugh around me after I tell her everything?

"Mass…"

"Yes?"

"I've got to tell you something," I told her, playing with my fingers. I bit my lower lips, sighing. Well, here it goes. "I…I-"

"Hold it," Massie cut in, as she turned around to face me. "I just want to thank you."

"Uh.." I looked around, not knowing what to say. "You're welcome?"

Massie began giggling, so I awkwardly giggled along. This was not the way I planned it to go…

"Let me explain why I think you're the best sister in the world."

My smile faltered. Best sister? In the world?

"You made space in your busy schedule to attend my wedding, you helped me get one of the most famous wedding planners in the whole country to plan my wedding, you've helped me with so many decisions…and you've always been there for me. And I'm not only talking about right now, I'm talking about always. So…thanks, Kris. You truly are the best."

I remained silent for a while, pondering what I should do next. Should I tell her about Derrick, or should I leave it for later?

Well, this is supposed to be a heartfelt moment, so I should leave the bad news for later…

I smiled. "You're the best sister in the world too, Mass."

"Aww," Massie replied, her amber eyes brimming with tears. "Come here, give me a hug."

I managed to smile and embrace her tightly, but I felt as if I was stabbing her in the back.

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I wrapped my coat tighter around me as a gust of sharp wind swooshed past me. Instead of returning to my cozy and warm home, I decided to take a walk down town. I needed to think, and I felt as if someone would read my mind if I did it at home.

It was decided. I was going to tell Massie, it was the only way I could make my mistake less severe. The problem was, I didn't know how to tell her –especially after what she told me today. She'd probably kick me out of home, turn everybody against me and reveal this to the tabloids. If Massie was feeling nice, she'd just stop talking to me forever.

I was so concentrated on my thoughts, that I didn't see the green pick-up truck stop next to me.

I didn't see the group of paparazzi following me.

It wasn't until I saw the first flash of light that I knew I was doomed.

Snap!

"Kristen, tell us more about the Kronner breakup!"

Snap! Snap!

"Are you and Josh dating now?"

Snap! Snap!

"What's your sister's name?

Snap! Snap! Snap!

I tried to find a way out, but the photographers were everywhere. I began to take a step backwards as they cornered me to the wall, asking questions and snapping pictures.

Broom!

I looked to my right to see a motorcycle making its way through the paparazzi. Once it stopped right in front of me, I recognized the driver.

"Derrick?" I asked, squinting my eyes as I tried to shade my face from the flashing lights.

He held out a white helmet. "Put this on, I'll give you a ride!"

My mouth dropped wide open. "It's snowing, the roads are slippery!"

"Is he your new boyfriend?" Kori asked as Danny snapped a picture.

"Was he the reason you and Conner broke up?" Danny asked, a smirk forming in his face.

I quickly grabbed the helmet and hopped on the motorcycle, wrapping my arms around Derrick tightly. I did not want to die that night. At least not before coming clean to Massie.

Derrick started up the motorcycle, and I felt him zoom forward. Every turn he made felt as if I was being yanked off the darned motorcycle. I held tighter for my dear life, not doubting that my nails were probably digging in Derrick's skin. I did not care –I just didn't want to die.

Finally, it came to a stop. Trembling, I unwrapped my arms and handed the helmet to Derrick, dizzily walking on firm ground.

"Thank you, God," I muttered, once my feet felt the park's snowed floor.

Then I remembered that Derrick and I were no more than 60 cm. apart. Slowly, I turned around. He was adjusting something in his motorcycle. Swallowing my pride and fear, I walked over to him.

He looked up, slightly smiling.

"T-thanks," I said, mentally kicking myself for stammering.

He quickly looked away and answered quietly, "No problem."

We remained there in awkward silence, until I finally collected the courage to be the first to speak.

"We need to talk."

It wasn't until a few seconds later that I realized we had both said it.

"Oh," we continued in unison. We both chuckled, and then we said, "It's about the kiss issue."

I nodded, looking down. "What else is there to speak of?"

Derrick rubbed his neck uncomfortably.

"Well," I began, mustering up the courage. I had my speech for Massie planned, but I never really thought I'd ever speak to Derrick again. "I've been thinking about it…"

"Me too."

"And I think we should tell Massie about it-"

"I've come to the conclusion that I'm in love with you."

I immediately stopped after realizing what Derrick had told me.

"What?" I shrieked.

Derrick turned red, stress reflecting in his hazel eyes. "I…Uh…"

"You're supposed to be in love with Massie, not me!" I continued, feeling my cheeks heat up.

"But that's not the way it is-"

"But it is supposed to be that way," I interrupted him, getting closer. "You can't just make my sister fall in love with you and then sit up here, saying that you're in love with me! The wedding's in a week, and we can't afford-"

"Tell me you didn't enjoy the kiss."

I remained quiet, my mouth parted open. I should've lied and said 'no', but for some reason, my brain couldn't function.

Derrick nodded. "See? You can't deny it because you know it's true."

I glared. "You're an idiot…a jerk, how can you possibly-"

And then he kissed me.

A bad thing and a good thing happened that night: the good thing, I escaped the paparazzi without a scratch; the bad thing, I enjoyed the kiss and didn't pull away.

a/n: Hopefully, you guys remember me...LOL Sorry for the long update time! I haven't had enough time recently with the loads of homework my teachers just love assigning.

So, I know you might hate Kristen. I'm pretty sure that if this was real, I'd hate her too. Homewreckers aren't really my favorite people in the world...but don't jump to conclusions yet. There are still a few chapters left. But still, you can review telling me how much you hate her, or how much you hate Derrick...or you can also suggest a future event :)

Thanks for reading!