Stella's POV
"What happened last night?" I groaned as I woke up. The room was spinning. I don't know where I am again. Great! I looked around to get a feel of my surrounding. This place was oddly familiar. It was weird, because all I wanted to do was just stay in this comfortable bed all day. The sheets smelled masculine yet earthy in good way. I snuggled my face into the comforter. It was just so warm. I loved it. Eventually, I decided to get up. I looked all over the floor trying to find my clothes from last night, but it was nowhere to be found. Where did my clothes go? I look underneath the sheets to find myself wearing a guy's dress shirt. This is getting weird really fast. I usually wake up naked. My one nightstands never dress me after sleeping together. I jumped out of bed and walked around to find someone cooking in the kitchen. I was pissed.
"I honestly don't know what happened last night, but where the hell are my clothes? Also, who do you think you are changing me into something. That's just weird. One nightstands don't usually do this type of thing. AND, why are you cooking breakfast? I just hope you know I'm not staying for it. So if you would just kindly give me my clothes back, then we can go back to living our own lives!" I unleashed my anger. I hated clingy one nightstand! He started laughing.
"What's so funny?" I screamed at him. Who does this guy think he is. Does he know who I am?
"Nothing. You should just be grateful that I was kind enough to not let you sleep in your own throw up." He chuckled and turned around to face me.
"BRANDON?" I yelled. My heart dropped. Did I just sleep with Brandon?
"WHAT THE HELL? How did I end up here with you? Oh my god, did we sleep together?" I asked. I didn't know if I was angry or embarrassed. I didn't know how to feel really.
"We didn't sleep together. We would NEVER sleep together. Is that clear? I have a girlfriend!" Brandon said to me angrily. This was getting interesting. I took a seat at the kitchen table.
"Really? Where is your girlfriend?" I asked trying to further push his rage. It was hilarious.
"She is at her apartment." He said bitterly.
"Does she know that we're alone ... together right now?" I teased him. I swear I could see him sweating. He didn't answer.
"Fuck off, Stella." He snapped. I remained silent as he continued flipping pancakes. I think I remember this place. This was Brandon's personal apartment. I thought he got rid of it when we broke up. I honestly don't think he changed anything about it. It looks exactly the same.
"Here." He said placing down a plate of pancakes.
"Thanks." I said. What is going on? Am I dreaming? This would basically be the perfect morning if Brandon and I were still together. The pancakes were perfectly golden. Wow, I even had some orange slices on it. I wonder if he remembers that was like my favorite thing on pancakes. He took a seat across from me and started eating his breakfast.
"I thought you got rid of this place ..." I trailed off trying to start a conversation.
"I was going to sell it, but I decided that I liked it too much. Anyways, I'm not going to get rid of something I like just because of you. You're not worth it." He explained. Ouch, that hurts.
"If I'm not worth it, then why am I here right now?" I asked him. I hope he couldn't sense the amount of pain he just caused me.
"I hope you're not getting the wrong idea. I don't care about you, Stella. I just helped you last night, because whatever stunt you pulled could have ruined the publicity between our families. My dad would kill me if he knew I didn't try to stop you." He explained nonchalantly. How much more is he going to keep digging into my heart? I didn't know I could feel this much pain. I pretend to laugh it off.
"Thanks, I guess. Do you have anything to drink?" I asked. I barely touched any of my food.
"Yeah, what do you want?" He asked getting up to get me a cup.
"The strongest thing you have, but preferably Vodka." I answered him without even thinking. I do not want to be sober around him. He was hurting me like crazy without even trying.
"Ummmmm ... NO. Let me just remind you that last night you threw up more than three times. I thought I was going to have to take you to the hospital." He scolded me. If he doesn't care, then why should it matter if I drink or not?
"You should've of just let me die." I said bitterly as he handed me a glass of water and a painkiller pill. I saw a slight flicker in his eyes. Did I say something wrong? Before I could notice anything else, his eyes changed back to the emotionless look they usually were when he was around me. His eye use to light up all time around me before we broke up and I left to Solaria. To be honest, they didn't light up around Serena either.
"I'm not a monster like you." He jabbed again.
"You're a douche bag. I'm leaving." I said glaring as I stood up.
"Wait, you can't leave like that." He said panicking.
"Why not? I have left other places plenty of times wearing less than this!" I shouted. I wanted to get out of here ASAP.
"People might get the wrong idea. I don't want Serena worrying about me." He said. Clearly, he was only worried about his perfect girlfriend.
"You don't have to worry. I'm sure whatever I did last night will be more exciting than me leaving your place in pajamas. You won't even make it onto the newspaper." I seethed. I can't wait to get out of here. He was getting on my last nerve, but I couldn't get myself to hate him.
"Actually, I made sure last night that none of the stupid things you did will be on it. You'll probably have to buy me dinner for the next two months, because those paparazzi were not easy to bribe." He stated. I was actually speechless. My dad didn't even bribe the paparazzi for me.
"Thanks. I guess. Can you just please give me my clothes? I need to get to class." I nearly begged him.
"What's the rush? You don't go to class anyways." He stated bluntly. How did he know? Has he been checking up on me? This made me feel sort of special, but I knew I was just wishing.
"Your parents told me." He said walking to put his dishes away.
"Of course." I said bitterly.
"Your clothes are in the dryer. I washed them for you, because you threw up all over them." He said.
"Thanks." I said again. Why was he being so nice? Was it really because of our parents? My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of Brandon's phone ringing. He looked at me before answering it.
"Yes, she is still with me." He said into the phone. A curious look instantly appeared on my face. Was he talking about me?
"Alright, I'll see you soon." He continued talking before hanging up. He turned around to face me.
"I just talked to your father. He wants to see us for lunch." Brandon told me.
"How does my dad know that I'm with you? Did you sell me out?" I asked him. I really didn't want to get any more crap from my dad.
"I didn't sell you out and that's all you need to know." He answered. Ughhh, I hated when he acted all secretive.
"You need to go get ready. We can't show up to meet your dad with you looking like that." He commanded me.
"UGHHHHH. Why does everybody love telling me what to do?" I whined before stomping off.
"It's because you're immature. Anyways, they're clothes in the closet!" He yelled at me from the kitchen.
I walked back into the bedroom. I sat on the bed and look around. Everything did still look the same. I walked into the closet to see what he had that I could possibly wear. His girlfriend probably kept her clothes in there. She is sort of fashionable, so it won't be too bad wearing her stuff I thought.
"He didn't get rid of any of my stuff." I whispered to myself. I was so shocked. All my clothes, makeup, and shoes were still all in his closet. I can't believe this. I stumbled back only to accidentally bump into him. He caught me before I fell over, but he ended up losing his balance. We toppled onto the floor together. I was laying on the soft carpet with him right on top of me. I think I stopped breathing. I could feel his warm breath on me. He was panting slightly from shock. We stayed there in that position just starring at each other.
I couldn't believe how handsome he has gotten over the past four years. I wonder what he thinks about me. He's probably staring at my dark circles right now. I've gotten worse. Brandon was probably the best thing in my life. It sucks that nothing ever works out for me. I wish my dad never sent me away to Solaria. I broke the eye contact between us and looked down. Brandon shifted his weight to the side, but he didn't get off of me. Suddenly, he carefully moved a piece of hair out of my face. My heart started beating rapidly like it was going to explode. I looked up to meet his eyes. His eyes for soft and full of unknown emotions. He unknowingly started leaning towards me. Our lips were almost touching. Oh my god, was he going to kiss me?
He suddenly pulled away from me. He grabbed his phone out of his pocket and answered it. I was so confused. I was trying so hard to make sure my breaths were even, but I couldn't. My breaths were coming out harsh and uneven. I was in total shock. I stared at him as he answered his phone.
"Serena, hey ..." He answered the phone nervously. He was staring at me the entire time. It made me absolutely uncomfortable.
"Yeah ... I just ummm ... ate breakfast."
"Ummm ... I'm a little busy. Can I call you back?"
"I love you too. Talk to you later." He said into phone still staring at me. He was lying to his girlfriend. Oh my gosh, I'm not going to be the reason that Brandon cheats on her. I quickly ran off into the bathroom and slammed the door. He's too good for me, and I don't deserve him. I slipped out of my clothes and got into the steaming hot shower. I needed to clear my head, but I couldn't. I could only think about Brandon. We were about to kiss. I touched my lips with finger. The sad thing is that I'm not falling for him again, but I think I never even got over him the first time.
Brandon's POV
I watched as Stella hurried off into the bathroom. Damn it! I screwed up. I let myself get caught up in the moment. I love Serena not Stella. I needed to get this through my head. I felt horrible. I felt like I was cheating on Serena, but at the same time all I wanted to do was run after Stella. What is wrong with me? I'm not usually a fickle guy. I need to make sure nothing like this happens again. I need to make sure that there will be no chance of me falling for Stella again. It would makes thing even more complicated if I did. This is all business. I have to be professional. I looked inside the closet everything was untouched just like she had it before she left me. I let out a frustrated sigh and slammed my fist into the wall. Shit! It reopened my wound from last night. I sat back down on the floor and thought about how I ended up back here with Stella. Was it a mistake?
Flashback
I knew I was being a jerk towards Stella, but she really deserved it. She was leaving for Solaria and told me the day that she left that I wasn't good enough for her. Apparently, my social status wasn't high enough, and I wasn't swimming in money. It hurt like hell hearing those words from her. My parents were still working for Sky's dad at the time. We didn't start our own business yet. I knew Stella and her dad didn't have the greatest relationship, so the second I saw the opportunity I insulted her right away. It felt really good at first, but then I saw the look in her eyes and it killed me.
"Screw you, Brandon!" Stella screamed at me. She got up to the leave the table. I should just let her go. I tried so hard to remain seated, but something in me told me to get up and go after her. The second I got up, I sprinted towards here. The next thing I saw pissed me off like no other. Ben. Ben was freaking making out with another girl in the corner. Stella turned around and bumped into my chest. All I wanted to do was hug her.
"Let's go. I'll take you home." I said softly to Stella. Her face were tear stained. Did she like Ben that much? She quickly pushed me away and ran off. I called after her, but she just completely ignored me.
I didn't know what to do. That dick was still making out with that girl. He didn't even notice that Stella saw everything. What an asshole! I can't take take this cocky bastard anymore. My anger was boiling. I walked right up to him. I pulled him off the girl. He looked so confused.
"What the heck, man?" He asked me.
"This is for Stella." I said angrily as my fist met his cocky face. I hated this guy. I hated how he treated Stella. He stumbled back. It took him a good ten seconds to realize what was going on. Idiot. He eventually tried to swing at me. I dodged it and hit him again, but this time right in the eye. I was pretty good at hand to hand combat. I help my parents train our employees. We're the best in town for protection for a reason. Ben fell right onto the floor.
"Shields. I am going to sue the shit out of you." He threatened me. He was holding his eye like a baby.
"Go ahead. I can't wait to tell the Solarias what you did to their only daughter. I'm sure if I don't kill you, they'll kill you themselves!" I shouted back angry. I decided to turn around and try to find Stella.
I hurried my pace. Stella couldn't have gotten far. She probably came with Ben, so she shouldn't have her car with her. I looked down at my knuckles. They were bleeding, but I didn't care. I was worried about Stella. What if she did something stupid?
"Sorry." I said as I bumped into someone.
"Brandon, what happened to your knuckles?" Serena asked me grabbing my hands. I completely forgot that she was here right now. I felt so freaking guilty. She looked so confused.
"Nothing, but did you happened to see Stella?" I asked frantically.
"She went towards the front." She answered me concerned.
"Okay, here are my keys. Get yourself home safe. I need to go handle something." I told her. She looked surprised and confused. It was starting to annoy me.
"Brandon, where are you going?" She asked me.
"I don't know, but I promise I'll make up this date to you later." I promised her. I gave her a quick kiss on the forehead and ran off to the front of the restaurant. I turned back to look at her. She was just standing there completely confused, but mostly hurt. I'm sorry, Serena.
I caught a glimpse of Stella talking to the paparazzi, but she left in some random car before I could get to her. I quickly ran up to one of the paparazzi and grabbed them the collar.
"Where did she go?" I asked threateningly.
"They're taking her the nearest club. Miss. Solaria said that we could get her whole night on camera without censoring anything." He said. I put him down and caught a ride with the rest of them to the club where Stella was at. What are you doing, Stella? I asked myself. This was the reason why I took the deal with her father. I knew something was wrong, and the fact that he did absolutely nothing to help her made me feel like it was my responsibility even more.
We eventually arrived where Stella was supposed to be. The place was completely crowded. The line looped around the building a few times. How am I going to get in? How did Stella get in? Of course, she's probably VIP. I walked towards the back entrance, and I sneaked my way in. The music was blaring inside. The whole place was dark, but had millions of neon lights of all colors shinning down. I had to find Stella. Where is she?
I looked for her all over the first floor. I couldn't find her, so I decided to go upstairs. It was a more private and secluded area. I walked towards the bar. What I saw made my heart hurt for her. Stella was drunk. She was almost unconscious. She was making out with some random guy. How does he have the nerve to touch her? I furiously walked towards the two of them. I pulled him off of her.
"Wait your turn!" Stella slurred at me.
"We're leaving!" I yelled at Stella. She giggled and shook her head.
"The girl wants to stay. Let her stay!" The guy said. I ignored him as I tried to pick Stella up. He ran towards me and tried to punch me. I can't believe I'm getting into another fight together. I stepped out of the way, and he lost his balance. I grabbed him by the collar and punch him as hard as I could.
I called Sky and Riven to bring me my car. Serena should be home by now. My best friends pulled up towards the back of the club. I gently put Stella in the passenger seat. My knuckles weee still bleeding. It stung really bad.
"Brandon, what the hell are you doing here with Stella?" Sky asked me concerned.
"It's a long story. I'll explain later." I told him.
"So you and Blondie still have thing? What about the other Blondie?" Riven asked me. He was getting on my last nerve.
"I love Serena. I'm just helping Stella out. Stop asking me stupid questions." I snapped. He just laughed.
"Anyways, thanks for bringing my car. I'll see you guys tomorrow." I told them. Luckily, Sky drove me car, and Riven took his own car here.
"No problem!" Sky said. They both got into Riven's car and drove off, but I could hear them talking about me before pulling out of the parking lot.
"He's falling for her again."
I ignored the side comment, and I walked over to deal with the paparazzi. "Look, you are not going to use any pictures or videos from tonight. Do you understand?" I threatened.
"You have to no right. Miss. Solaria gave us permission to capture the entire night." One of them argue.
"How much do you want for all the footage from tonight?" I asked as the annoyance in my voice grew. The prices they asked for put a huge dent in my wallet. I don't even want to think about it ever again. My parents are going to kill me, but it was for her sake.
I pulled up into the driveway of my apartment. I haven't been here in forever. This was actually the first time I've been here in over 4 years. I had nowhere else to take her. It was so late at night and this was the closest place. I unlocked the door and carried her in. I put her down on the couch and grabbed a blanket for her. Her face was paler than normal.
"Stella?" I said trying to check if she was conscious.
"I'm going to throw up." She said weakly, but before I could grabbed the trash. She threw up all over her clothes. GREAT.
I carried her towards the bathroom and tried to clean her as much as I could. She needed to change. Should I change for her? She obviously wasn't conscious enough to do it herself. I carefully slipped her out of her clothes trying my hardest not to look at her bare milky skin. I need to be faithful to Serena. This means nothing if I don't feel anything for Stella. Eventually, I was able to take off all of her clothes. I found one of my dress shirts and slipped it on for her. I remember Stella loved wearing this particular one when she use to the spend the night here. My fingers traced the outlines of her lips, unknowingly.
"What am I doing?" I said jerking myself away from her. Being this close to her just brought back to many good memories. I carefully placed her on our ... I mean my bed. She was peacefully sleeping. I walked towards the kitchen and poured myself a glass of water. I cleaned up my wound, and sat there until morning. I couldn't stop thinking about her, Serena, and everything else. My mind was going to explode.
End Flashback
I can't be friendly towards her anymore. Stella and I can't be just friend after our history together. I need her to hate me. Maybe if she hated me more, then I'll hate her more too. I looked back down a my knuckles that were starting to bleed again. I can't believe I got into two fights last night just for her. The influence she had on me without even trying was crazy. I needed to focus on keeping her from the paparazzi without getting our personal lives involved with each other. I needed to stop caring. I needed to make it up to Serena for leaving her. There's so many thing I need to do, but none of them involved forgetting about Stella. Alright, I am going to promise to myself that from this moment on I will not give a fuck about Stella. She can do whatever the hell she wants. I have Serena. I will continued living my life as if she never even came back. I grabbed my phone. I'm going to call Serena. I'm going to take her out on a nice date. I'm going to make it up to her.
"Brandon, what happened to your knuckles?" I heard Stella's voice at the door just as I was about to dial Serena's number. I looked up to see her only wearing a towel. Her face was full of concerned. I gulped and put on most coldest face.
"None of your business." I said bluntly getting up to leave the room. She looked so confused. Little did she know, it was hell walking away from her.
Author's Note
Thank you for reading! I'm sorry for any mistakes! I hope everyone enjoyed it! I'm sorry I haven't been updating my other story. I just been so excited about this one. I would love to hear what everyone thinks! Thank you for reviewing. It means so much to me! :)