WOW! I am very sorry for not updating this past…well it seems like a year but it wasn't quite that long. I've been very busy because I just started my Freshman year at high school (doesn't sound like much) and I was also occupied on trying to get a hockey scholarship to a private high school. So if I have any old readers still waiting I would like to apologize again and to new readers, please review and I'm warning you now to just try to be patient. Anyways, on with the story.

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"Derek hunny. I need you to listen to me. We have to leave, we can't stay here. I'm taking the girls first. When we go shopping today we won't be coming back. You're not going to be able to come today but you're going to be coming really soon. Trust me, Okay?"

"I love you mom."

"I love you too hun. Soo much"

"Derek….I, wanted to tell you this for a while but I just haven't been able to work up the courage until now. I'm not even sure that I have it right now but I'm just going to tell you."

Now or never Derek. Put it out there before she crushes you. Just let her no how you feel. Don't be a pussy, you got this.

"Remember Sophomore year? That trip for the Outdoor Pursuits class?"

He stepped a little bit closer. Not that it was a good idea for his resolve or anything but how can you resist that perfect face. She just lured him in and now she was going for the kill.

He remembered oh yeah that wasn't something he would ever forget.

"Derek. I really like you…"

"Oh God Mere! Don't start with that crap. You know I don't like you. I'm with Addison and I wouldn't like you even if I weren't. You're a whore."

She ran away crying and the next day it was like it never happened. She started going out with Mark, and he sat by the sidelines trying to at least win her friendship back.

He regretted that moment more than anything. The truth was, she wasn't a whore, not even close. The entire school made fun of her and spread rumors about it all the time but he knew otherwise. He really liked her too but it was his reputation on the line. Back then he was the kind of kid who cared about that kind of thing.

Now she's going to tell you that she never should've let you back into her life. God you're an idiot. Better do it now before she cuts the ties, maybe it will hurt less if she knows how you feel.

He stepped even closer so that his body was pressed against hers. She looked surprised but not angry like he thought she might be. He locked onto her enthralling eyes and grabbed the small of her back very gently. Hesitation. Damnit! It's not like he wasn't experienced, but this was Mere!

She started pulling away a little bit so he placed his other hand behind her neck and pushed his lips to hers. She was startled but it's not like she couldn't have seen it coming.

She timidly kissed him back and slowly let go of her restraints. The heat between them was irresistible. She tasted sweet and the smell was killing him. If he didn't stop, the fact that it was Mere wouldn't be able to stop him from going too far.

He pulled away and they both stared at each other while they tried to catch their breath.

"Derek…"

"I should go sorry about that. I'm glad we could be friends for as long as it lasted anyways, and I understand why you don't want to be friends with me anymore. I'll get…."

"Derek, what are you talking about? That's not where I'm going with this at all. I still feel the same way I did two years ago."

He smirked and cocked his head.

"So you've been pining for me?"

"No, I have not!" Indignation was obvious, "I just still have feelings for you."

That was it. No more resolve. He pushed her against the nearest tree. She pulled off his hat and pressed her face to his.

This was what it was supposed to be like. Life was supposed to be happy and fun, you were supposed to admit your feelings to the girl next door. This was what it was all about.

She put her hand against his chest and his ribs screamed in pain, definately more than one broken rib, and he winced suddenly. The kiss broke and she looked into his eyes apologetically.

"I'm sorry. What's wrong?"

"It's nothing. I just remembered that I have a huge test tomorrow that I really need to do good on. I'll drive you home?"

To bad that's what life was really like. A greedy asshole father and a lot of broken promised that filled the cracks in a broken home.

"Sure, I'd like that."

He grabbed her hand and they started back down the path to his car.

"So are we and item now?" he asked with the trademark smirk.

"I'm appalled, not even a date and already you want to have a label?"

"Then what about a date? Tomorrow, seven o'clock. Nothing fancy, jeans and a t-shirt okay."

He pulled into her driveway and she leaned in to kiss him. He back off harshly.

"Not even a first date and your trying to kiss me? I'm a second date kinda guy."

He pulled out of her driveway without a response. Now for the hard part. He was sure HE was home by now, probably already drunk too. Why he hadn't grabbed all of his things and thrown them in his car this morning he didn't know but now he was going to pay for that.

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Hope it was up to standard. I hope people are still interested. Comment if you are.