Chapter Eighteen

Chad picked me up for work the next day. He called me an hour beforehand, so I had time to get ready, so we got to work early. We went straight to my dressing room, but we just sat and talked. He knew I that I didn't want to make out, and he respected that. I was thinking about the reporters' questions last night. One question in particular.

"Chad, can I ask you something?"

"You just did."

"No, seriously."

"Sure, Sonshine."

"What did that reporter mean last night? You know, when he asked 'are you planning to add Miss Munroe to your long list of conquests in the dating department?"

"Oh, you caught that?"

"Sure did."

"Well, did you not read the magazines before you came to the Falls?"

"Sometimes, but I never really cared about Celebrity gossip. I only read the Mackenzie Falls articles, nothing about you or the cast members."

"Oh. Well, if you had, you'd know. Before you came, I used to be a right player. I dated a different girl every week. I guess it was my way of making up for everything that happened with my brother. I wanted someone to love me, but I couldn't bring myself to love them back, in case they did what Zac and my parents did."

"Oh. I'm sorry. Look, I don't want to hurt you, but I need to ask you something else."

"No, Sonny."

"What? I haven't asked you yet."

"It's kind of obvious what you were going to ask. And no, you're not one of those girls. I tried not to love you, but I couldn't help it. And I know you're not going to hurt me. You're not a week-long thing for me, Sonny."

"Oh, I know that."

"Huh? Then what were you going to ask me?"

"I was going to ask if your brother is the reason you hate Zac Efron. You know, same name and everything."

"Oh. That. Well, no, not really. I don't really hate him. I've never met the guy."

"Then what's with all the rumours?"

"I think it was when I was doing an interview, and a reporter asked me how I felt about High School Musical, it had just come out, and I said it was okay, a little childish, and then something about Zac that must have been taken the wrong way."

"Oh. And you never set them right?"

"It helps my reputation. Zac is a good guy, through and through. If everyone thinks I hate him, it only adds to the 'bad boy bravado' I put across."

"Well, I guess that makes sense, but what happens if you meet him, and he's a great guy, but he doesn't like you because of all the rumours?"

"Well, I guess I never really thought about that. But, I mean, come on. He's a huge star, everyone knows him, what are the chances that a small-time soap star like me will ever meet him? Even if I am the greatest actor of our generation?"

Wow. I'd never heard Chad talk about himself like that. Well, other than the last part, obviously.

"Wow! I can't believe you said that!"

"There's more to me than meets the eye, Sonshine."

"Oh, trust me, I know that."

"So, you know all about my screwed up life, how come you've never talked about yours?"

"Well, there's not much to talk about. I was born in Wisconsin, but I don't remember because after my dad died when I was one my mother moved here with me. I've grown up with just my mom, until a couple years ago when she met Gary, her boyfriend. He's alright, I suppose, but he tries too hard, you know what I mean?"

"I think so. I'm sorry about your dad. I never realised, I just assumed your parents were divorced or something."

"Oh, don't be sorry. I don't even remember him. Sure, I wish he was alive, but if he was I never would have moved here, and my life would be completely different, so I can't really bring myself to regret it."

"Oh. So, you don't remember him at all?"

"No. I mean, my mom's told me stories, and I have pictures, but that's all."

"You have pictures? Does he look like you? Well, I guess he must, because you don't really look much like your mom. No offence, obviously."

"None taken, everyone says that. Why the sudden interest in my life?"

"Well, you know about mine, and I want to know as much about you as possible. Isn't that what boyfriends do?"

"Well, yeah I suppose. I have the pictures in my photo album. You wanna see?"

"Sure."

I got up to get the album, but it wasn't where it usually was. Weird. I found it on the opposite side of my desk. I figured I must have moved it when I was looking for something.

Opening the album, I was surprised when a load of little pictures fell out. I knew they weren't mine, but it was definitely my album. Picking them up off the floor, I looked at them. And my horror grew with every one.

Chad and Marta kissing. Chad and Marta on the beach, half-naked. Chad and Marta at a restaurant. Chad and Marta on a couch, half-naked. Chad and Marta making out. Chad on top of Marta. Marta on top of Chad. I couldn't bring myself to look at any more. I dropped them on my dresser and sank to the floor.

"Sonny? Are you okay?" Chad asked, sounding panicked. It was probably fake. This was all probably fake. The pictures were obviously recent. He was probably just trying to get into my pants, to prove that he could get any girl. He was probably planning to seduce me, and then go crawling back to Marta when he was finished with me.

"You said it was fake. You lied." I whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.

"What?" he asked, confused.

"Just get out."

"Sonny, what-"

"JUST GET OUT!" I roared, finally letting my anger and hatred consume me.

"Sonny!"

"YOU LIED! YOU WERE USING ME! YOU WERE JUST GOING TO GO BACK TO HER! I HATE YOU! LEAVE ME ALONE!"

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Sonshine!"

"Don't call me that." I whispered, my anger ebbing away, leaving behind confusion and sadness and hatred.

"Fine. I'll go. But I'll be back, Sonny. When you've calmed down, I'll come back. I don't know what I've done, but I'm sorry. I love y-"

"Don't, Chad. Just…don't. Please leave." I said, shaking with suppressed tears.

"Okay. Bye Sonny. See you later." He sounded confused and hurt. So, so hurt. But I knew it had to be an act. Why would he be hurt? It was all a lie, and at least now he could run back to Marta. As soon as I heard the door shut, I let the tears flow. And flow they did. I sat there for what felt like hours, just letting the tears stream down my face. I thought he loved me. He told me he loved me. I fell in love with him. And somehow, despite what I knew now, I was still in love with him. I knew I would never stop loving him. And that's what hurt the most.