A/N: Hey guys again! I managed to upload a new chapter before school starts for me -_-" Anyway, a fan asked me if I could put up a chapter of Taylor's POV because they wanted to know why Taylor is with Ashley. So sure, why not? I got sort of stuck writing this chapter, but I did my best to make you guys happy. Enjoy!
PS: The POV starts out from the break up to the camping part.
TAYLOR's POV;
I slowly made my way inside my house and shut the front door. I was too tired to walk and I didn't feel like doing anything in particular since I did just break up with my girlfriend. I sighed and I was about to make my way upstairs when my mom's voice stopped me.
"Taylor? Is that you?" My mom shouted from the kitchen. I didn't want to shout and respond, so I turned around and walked into the kitchen where I found my mom humming a tune and was chopping carrots on a cutting board. When she heard me approaching, she looked up at me and her eyes got wide.
"Honey, what's wrong? Why do you look so sad?" She asked as she went over to me. I ran my hand through my hair and said, "Because I just broke up with Marie."
My mom gasped and suddenly pulled me into a hug. "Why son? Tell me everything." I pulled away from the hug and explained from how we met up at our hilltop, how I was the one who broke it off, that I explained to Marie why I wanted to break up with her, and how I had to leave her crying all alone. Mom was there throughout the whole time I was talking and she really listened.
After I was finish talking, she placed her hand over my hand and said, "Taylor, did you really want to break up with Marie?"
"No, but it was for the best," I said.
"You keep saying for the best. Did you ever think that maybe you and Marie being together is for the best?" Mom asked as she looked at me.
I shrugged and said, "No, but it's already done." Mom sighed and said, "Well, whatever you do, I'll support you."
"Thanks mom. I'll just be in my room," I said as I got up from the dining room seat.
I turned around to walk out of the dining room when Mom said, "Taylor?" I turned around and said, "Yeah?"
"You'll always love her, won't you?"
"Everyday and every second of my life," I answered and with that, I turned around and headed upstairs to my room.
Throughout the night, I just stayed in my room, laid on my bed, and stared up at the ceiling. Thoughts were swirling through my mind, wondering if what I did was the right thing? I shook my head and said to myself I did the right thing. It was for the best, right? I groaned and closed my eyes, and slowly drifted off to sleep.
3 weeks and 3 days has past since the break up and I still thought about her a lot. The days went by slower without her, I miss her laugh, I miss her smile, I miss her kisses, I miss everything about her. I have to forget about her, I thought. I need a distraction so I can get over her. I sighed as I threw the rubber ball into the far away distance. Roxy, my dog, barked and happily ran after it. At least someone's happy.
I was sitting down on rusty, brown bench at a park nearby my house and decided to take out my dog to the park. I needed fresh air anyway. I could have gone out with Rob or Kellan, but they knew I needed my time alone. They all knew about the break up, since it was all over the internet and magazines. Word gets around fast, huh?
Roxy ran back to me with the rubber ball in her mouth. I grabbed the ball from her mouth and tossed it to a far away distance. She barked again and ran off to get the ball. A few minutes later, Roxy came back with the ball in her mouth and gently placed it near my feet. I told her stay next to me and she obeyed as she started rolling around on the grass. I leaned back on the bench and crossed my arms against my chest and closed my eyes. The sun was streaming down brightly on my face and I could see the light behind my closed eyes when suddenly it became all dark. Where'd the sun go?
I opened my eyes to see a girl about my age with blonde straight hair that fell below her shoulders and green eyes. She was wearing a blue denim shorts that were way too short and a red tank top. Why'd this girl look so familiar?
"Hi!" The girl exclaimed with her hands on her hips.
"Uh, hi," I said.
"It's nice to see you again!" She said. I raised an eyebrow and asked, "Do I know you?"
The girl laughed and plopped down next to me on the bench. "Of course you know me! It's me! Ashley Livell! I was in your math class last year." Math class, huh? Her name did sound familiar.
"Oh! That girl," I said as I slowly moved a little away from her. Now I remember her. It was that girl who was trying to hit on me last year when she tried to take me away from Marie. Ashley crossed her legs and moved closer to me.
"Yes, that girl. So, I heard you and Marie broke up. What happened?" Ashley questioned.
"Uh, well you already read what was in the magazines and stuff. The answers are in there," I answered her.
Ashley shrugged and frowned. A few seconds later, she then giggled and said, "So, since you're free now, want to go out tonight?" Was this girl serious?
I quickly got up from the bench and said, "Uh, why?"
She laughed and got up from the bench as well. She then stood next to me and grabbed onto my arm. "Well silly, I like you and I want to go out with you. Like that's not obvious." I was just about to reject her when I heard a familiar laugh from the playground area. I turned my head towards the playground area and my eyes grew wide when I realized Penny, Derek, and Marie was there. Penny and Derek were both trying to tickle each other near the swings, while Marie was talking to a guy? And she was smiling. I watched how they both were standing too closely together and then I watched how they both got out their cellphones and started exchanging numbers. What the hell is this? Wait, why should I care? I'm not jealous am I? I can't be, but I am.
I clenched my fist and was about to make my way over there when I forgot all about Ashley here. If I go over there, she might make a scene and probably do something to Marie. I won't let that happen. I turned back to Ashley who was now texting on her phone.
"Yes," I said through my clenched teeth. Ashley looked up from her phone and asked, "Huh?"
"Yes, I'll go out with you tonight," I said.
Ashley started squealing and exclaimed, "Yay!" This girl is really weird, I thought.
Once she finally calmed down, she asked, "So where are you going to take me?" I thought about it and said, "Movies."
"Movies? Why there?" She whined.
"Because Mar-because that's a good place for us to cuddle," I lied. She seemed to buy my lie because she happily agreed. I told her I'll pick her up at 6 tonight. She excitedly told me her address and I told her I'll see her then. I quickly bid her goodbye and called Roxy to walk to with me.
I know what you're thinking. Why would I go out with Ashley when I did just break up with my Marie about 3 weeks ago. And I did tell Marie I wanted her to live a simple life, well I think I made a big mistake. I want Marie back and I'll do whatever it takes to make her mine again. I guess I'll have to use Ashley to make Marie jealous. Let's just hope this works.
"Ew, why are we watching Takers? That's an action movie!" Ashley whined next to me as I fell into the Takers line. Just a few minutes ago, I saw Marie fall in line for Takers, so I decided to follow her. No, I'm not stalking her.
"Because I like action movies," I simple said.
"Hmph, fine." Ashley said as she crossed her arms across her chest. Once I paid and got the two tickets, we went inside and went to wait outside our movie theater number. I made sure Marie didn't see us, I'll surprise her later.
A few minutes later, while Ashley was clinging to my arm, I then spotted Marie with that guy she was with earlier. The guy was talking to her and I could she wasn't moving. We just stared into each others eyes until I made my way to down to them holding hands. A surge of jealous went through my veins once again. Good thing Ashley is clinging onto my arm, though she is really annoying. I watched as Marie and that guy made their way to the end of the line. Ashley and I both found four seats in the middle row that no one was sitting down at. I just hope that by luck or fate, Marie will decide to sit here.
"Taylor! I need to go to the restroom!" Ashley whined next to me, she was sitting on my left.
I rolled my eyes and said, "Then go." As it was obvious, she could just go to the restroom.
"Can't you come with me?" She asked, while pouting her lips.
I shook my head and said, "If I do then our seats will be taken."
Ashley frowned and then suddenly smiled, "Okay!" She then got up from her seat and proceeded down the steps, towards the exit of the theater. A few seconds later, I saw Marie and that guy coming into the theater and going up the steps, towards the middle row. I watched as she eyed the seats and I quickly turned my head away when she looked at my row. I didn't want her to see where I was sitting since if she did see me, she'd probably go sit up at the front where it was a horrible view. I then felt the seat to my right move and I instantly knew it was her since she was wearing my favorite perfume she always put on.
I then heard the guy she was with say, "Do you want some popcorn?" I didn't hear her respond, but I guess she nodded since the guy said, "Alright. I'll be right back."
I watched from the corner of my eye as the guy walked out of the theater. I guess this was my move to ask her who the guy is since he left and Ashley is at the restroom.
I turned to Marie and suddenly asked, "So, who's the guy?"
Marie turned to me and said, "A guy from school. Why do you care?"
I shrugged and said, "I was just wondering. Is it such a crime to ask who your date is?"
She rolled her eyes and said, ""No. But is it such a crime to break up with me 3 weeks ago because you wanted me to live a simple when now I see you're with Ashley Livell. And by the way, where is your date?" Ouch, that actually hurt.
"In the restroom. And I only wanted what was best for you," I answered. Here I go again with saying, what was best for her. I'm actually getting pretty tired of saying that.
"Oh really? Then why are you with her?" She asked. Somebody's jealous!
"Jealous now are we?" I smirked at her.
She knitted her eyebrows together and said, "No! Why? Are you jealous I'm with someone?"
I knitted my eyebrows together and said, "No! You know you'll always be mine anyway." Wait, did I just say that out loud? Oh well, too late for me to take it back.
"Whoa, what?" Marie asked, surprised.
I turned back to the movie screen that was playing ads on it and simply said, "You heard me." I didn't really have to time explain since I saw Ashley and "a guy from school" as Marie said his name was coming back to their seats.
"Hey baby," Ashley said as she sat down next to me. She quickly leaned in towards me and kissed me on the lips. I widen my eyes in shock and was about to pull away since I didn't want this, but decided to go with it since I knew Marie would be jealous. Or maybe mad. Kissing Ashley wasn't really pleasant. It was nothing compared to Marie's kisses.
Finally, the movie started and the lights dimmed. Throughout the movie, Marie and I would make subtle glances at each other. I wanted to hold her hand, but I knew she'd probably hate me more since I did just say earlier that she'll always be mine and then I kissed Ashley. I couldn't really concentrate on the movie not because it was bad, but because Ashley kept giggling. I mean, why the hell is she even giggling? I mean really, she is a weird girl.
After the movie ended and the lights were turned back on, Ashley suddenly pulled again in for a kiss. I was about to decline again, but kissed her anyway. I finally managed to pull back and looked around to see that the theater was empty. Even Marie and that guy from her school had already left too.
"Come on, let's go." I sighed and got up from my seat and went down the stairs to exit the theater. Ashley clung to my arm once again and we finally managed to get out of the crowd of people who thankfully didn't notice me since I kept my head down while walking out of the theater. We finally made it to my car and we both hopped in. I stuck my key in the ignition and the engine of the car roared to life. I packed out of my parking spot and drove onto the street.
About 10 minutes later of Ashley nonstop talking about herself and her friends, we finally arrived outside of her house.
"We're here," I announced.
Ashley smirked and quickly unclasped her seatbelt and was just about to go on me when I held her by the shoulders. Whoa whoa, I thought.
"Whoa Ashley! What are you doing?" I asked.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" She said, while still trying to go on me. I finally put her back in her seat and still held her by the shoulders in case she wanted to go on me again.
"Look, I got to go. My parents are probably wondering when I'm gonna get home," I lied. This was the only way I was getting her out of my car.
"Aw, fine! But call me okay?" Ashley exclaimed.
"Uh, sure," I said.
"Okay! Bye! I had a great time!" She cheerfully said as she got out of my car and walked to her door. I waited as she went inside and waved bye to me. I reluctantly waved bye back and drove off to my house. This was an interesting night, I thought.
A month has passed since that little encounter with Marie and the guy she was with at the movies. For the past month, I always rejected Ashley's calls since she constantly kept calling my phone every 10 minutes. She even tried showing up at my house, but luckily I told my mom to lie to her and say that I was out. That was pretty creepy since I never told her where I lived and yeah. That's just creepy. But one day, I was out walking Roxy and somehow she managed to creep on me and surprise me. After that, she always sneaked up on me out of nowhere and there was no way of getting rid of her now, so I had to be with her.
Right now, I was flipping through channels in my living room TV when the doorbell rang. I got up from the couch and opened the door to find Ashley looking pretty happy.
"Hey baby!" Ashley exclaimed.
"Hey. Uh, not to be rude or anything, but why are you here? Aren't you suppose to be in school since it's a Friday?" I asked.
"Oh! The seniors got out early today because we're getting a week off of school. We go back to school next Monday," She explained. So the means Marie and her friends are off school as well since they are seniors.
"That's cool," I said.
"Yep!" Ashley pushed her way past me and went inside the house to sit on the couch and was flipping through the channels. I rolled my eyes and closed the door and made my way to the couch. I sat down, but not too closely to Ashley.
"So, what are you going to be doing for the week then?" I asked her.
She shrugged and said, "I have no idea. You have any idea?" I actually had no idea. Hm, I wonder what Marie and her other friends are going to be doing for the week then. An idea suddenly popped into my head. I got out my cellphone and dialed Derek's cell number.
Ashley turned off the TV and turned to me. "Who are you calling?"
"Someone," I plainly answered.
After four rings, Derek finally picked up his phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey Derek!" I exclaimed. After the break up between Marie and I, I was still in good terms with Derek, but not so much of Penny since she was mad that I broke up with Marie. I think it's a girl thing.
"Oh hey! What's up? Hold up, I'm just move to the kitchen," Derek asked. I heard a few movements on the other line for awhile and then Derek told to go ahead and speak.
"Oh well I heard that you seniors get a week off of school for the week and I was just wondering what you guys are going to be doing?" I asked, hoping to get some answers.
"Well we just actually finish planning our camping trip that we'll be going on tomorrow," he answered.
"That's cool. Uhm, could I tag along if that's alright with you?" I skeptically asked.
After a few moments, Derek said, "Sure!"
I smiled and said, "Oh and could I bring Ashley?" I had to bring Ashley since she is in the same room as me and this camping trip was a way to get Marie back.
Derek gasped and asked, "Ashley Livell?"
"Yep!"
"I'm not sure..." Derek trailed off.
"Come on man! Please?" I begged.
"I don't know what Marie is gonna do though when she finds out," Derek said.
"Come on, she'll get over it. Please?" I begged again.
Derek huffed and said, "Fine."
"You're the man Derek. Thanks!" I exclaimed.
"Welcome. Just remember, we're leaving at 6 in the morning at Penny's house and we're going to be taking Mark's dad's van. Just bring your own sleeping bag, tent, and essentials you'll be needing for the camping trip," Derek said.
"Alright. Thanks."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
"See ya. Bye," I said.
"Bye." I clicked the end button and put my phone back in my pocket.
"Who was that?" Ashley asked. I got up from the couch and said, "Derek."
Ashley had a disgusted look on her face and said, "Ew, why were you talking to him?"
I rolled my eyes and said, "Because you and I are going camping tomorrow with them." As expected, Ashely started whining and complaining about being in the wilderness. She said her and nature just didn't go together and that she hated bugs. I explained to her that if she didn't want to go, she didn't have to. That I would even go without her, but once I said that she said she would have to go since she wants to keep an eye on me.
The next morning, Ashley and I made it to Penny's at exactly 5:15 in the morning. I could already see Derek and that guy Marie was with loading up some stuff into the back of the van. Terrence and Penny were both watching them and were talking. Ashley and I got out of the car and unloaded our stuff. Once we finally made it to the people, Penny looked pretty surprised to see me. I take it that she didn't know I was coming.
"Hey guys," I casually said as all the guys nodded. I handed Derek our stuff, who then put it in the back of the van.
There was awkward silence and a bit of tension in the air when Penny said, "What are you doing here?"
I looked up to see that she was glaring me. "I'm going on a camping trip with you guys," I said as it was obvious.
"Who invited you? And especially this girl?" Penny nodded her head towards Ashley who was glaring at Penny.
Derek answered, "I did! I said it was alright." Penny was about to say something, but Ashley beat her to it.
"Why? You don't want me here you loser?" Ashley sneered.
"Oh did not just call me a loser. Come here you bitch!" Penny shouted as she was about to punch Ashley's face, but good thing Terrence held her back. Ashley screamed and shouted, "Don't hurt me!"
"Whoa girls, calm down." The guy said as he stepped in between Ashley and Penny.
"Hah! Like I'll calm down! That bitch can't come with us. You know Marie doesn't like her Mark," Penny said, while Terrence was trying to calm her down. Oh, so Mark is his name.
"We can't do anything about it Penny. Let's just forget this happen and make sure Marie doesn't know about you almost fighting. You know Marie won't like that," Mark calmly explained to Penny.
Penny crossed her arms and said, "Fine. But! I will beat the crap out of her if she does anything stupid to Marie."
"Okay," was all Mark said.
"Ugh, where's the bathroom? I need to use the bathroom to retouch my makeup," Ashley suddenly said after a moment of silence.
"There's a bathroom downstairs. You can use that one," Penny said as she was hugging Terrence by the waist and was looking at the ground, probably trying to contain her anger.
"Whatever. Come with me Taylor? I might get lost," Ashley looked up at me. I didn't say anything as I just pulled her up the front porch steps and went inside the house. Once we made it inside, I could already hear Penny asking Derek why me and Ashley were here and how Derek could do this Marie. I looked up as I heard the some movement upstairs. That's probably Marie.
Ashley took forever in the bathroom. I mean how long did it take for this girl to retouch up on her makeup? I suddenly then heard faint footsteps on the stairs and realized it was Marie. I was to oh so badly go to her and hug her, but decided not to. I wanted to surprise her when she sees me with Ashley. Finally, after a few minutes later when Marie walked out of the house, Ashley walked out of the bathroom. As we were both making our way outside, Ashley was talking about how she could instantly knock out Penny by one hit. I really doubted that, I mean if you look between Penny and Ashley, you could easily see that Penny would knock out Ashley instead.
Ashley was still talking when we walked out of the house and I instantly made eye contact with Marie who quickly looked away. I watched as she tensed up and watched as Derek explained why I was invited to the camping trip. I couldn't really tell what they were saying, but I saw Marie pull Derek into a hug and say something I couldn't really catch up on. I then watched as Marie looked over Ashley who was by the way for some reason, giggling. I guess Ashley noticed Marie staring at her because she sneered, "What are you doing here?"
"Ashley," I warned her. I made eye contact again with Marie who quickly looked away.
"Oh nothing, I just wanted to wish you luck on your trip with us. Have fun," Marie innocently said as she walked away from us. She got into the passenger seat and the honk the horn, telling us to get in the car. The remaining of us quickly piled into the car. Penny sat behind Mark. Terrence sat behind Marie. While me, Ashley, and Derek all sat in the middle since it was a 3 seater.
Once we were all comfortable, Marie turned around and said, ""You guys ready?"
"Yeah!" We all said. She smiled and was about to turn around when we both made eye contact again. She quickly turned around and I sighed. Mark started the engine and we drove off to our destination. The radio suddenly turned on and the song A Year Without Rain came on. Just the song I needed, I thought. I then felt another surge of jealously when I saw Mark holding Marie's hand and he was smiling at her.
This was going to be a long week.
A/N: Like I said, it was pretty hard for me to write this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it though! Well, did you love it? Hate it? Review it?