Authors Note: - Okay, feel free to hate me, scream at me; throw random heavy objects at my rather large head. I'm really sorry that I haven't updated in like 5 months, shocker I know, It's that I've gone through a painful couple of months which resulted in the death of my boyfriend. This happened in February, and now it's May, so it's been 3 and half months. I kind of lost all faith in anything, let alone fan fiction, stuff like school and my family and all that. But, I've wised up, and I'm going to come back to my old story and hope you forgive me. Maybe even start up some new ones. So, hope I haven't lost anyone! (By the way, you might want to read the last chapter again to familiarise yourself!!)

Disclaimer: - Nope. *Sigh*

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The sunlight streamed through the window as Chad stirred in his bed. Lifting one hand to his forehead to shield his eyes he let out a low groan. His head was pounding from the results of last night's practice, and Coach had worked the Lakers so hard, Chad could feel the chaffing of his thighs when they rubbed. "Give me 5 more minutes," He grumbled to no-one in particular, turning his back to the window.

The opening jingle of Chris Brown's Take you down blared no-where in particular, and Chad cursed loudly. He pushed back the covers and sat up abruptly, running a hand through his mass of curls in an attempt to wake himself up. Leaning over, he began to search for his cell. Random shoes, books, and boxers were chucked around his room, until he found it shoved into the pocket of the Nike tracksuit he wore to practice. He grimaced as he saw Denise on the caller display.

"Hello?" He flipped open his cell.

"Alright lil bro?"

He could practically see her smirk through the phone, and rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. What's up Dee?"

There was a pause as he heard her munching something. His stomach rumbled in protest. Damn, he was hungry now. "Did I hear Taylor correctly? You came to mine yesterday?"

Chad got out of bed, padding towards the bathroom. "Yeaah..." He replied slowly, not sure whether the tone of Denise's voice was a good thing. "So what?" He ran the cold water tap and splashed the flannel unto his face, helping him feel more alert.

"So what? Well, daddy Chad, it must have been a lot to take in," Chad felt a flush of new-found pride grace his cheeks. "Did you take it ok? Tay said you did, but remember I'm your sister, I know how much you can hide your emotions,"

Chad rolled his eyes. Forever acting the caring older sibling. "Nah, Dee, it was all cool. I had an inkling she was mine anyway,"

"Did you now?" Denise scoffed, "An inkling? So, you are fine about this right? Not angry she didn't tell you all those years ago, like she told me and mom?"

Chad almost dropped the phone. He felt his jaw stiffen, and his eyes harden. "What was that Denise?"

Denise spluttered on the other end. "Oh, um, I said...Well, it doesn't matter. You're not angry?"

Chad shook his head, but was too tired to argue it out further. "No, Dee, I'm not. I'm just glad she told me when Jordynn was still young; I still have time to be a father figure. Speaking of JJ, is she up?"

"Yeah, Tay's giving her a bath at the mo, she got well messy after breakfast,"

Chad smiled, images of his gorgeous smiling daughter splashing about in a tub full of soapy water, bubbles flying everywhere, her infectious giggles piercing the air. "Is she staying in today?"

"I should think so. Why, you thinking of stopping by?"

Chad breathed slowly, thinking over his options for the day. Number one, play basketball with Troy for the day, or, number two, spend time with his daughter who he had 3 years to catch up on, and Taylor. His ex-girlfriend who looks more gorgeous than he could have ever imagined. His ex-girlfriend whom he almost kissed the day before.

It was a no brainer really.

"Chad? You still there?"

"Oh, yea, sorry Dee. I've gotta go, but I'll be over yours later, that ok?"

There was a pause as Chad heard a crash and a hint of Taylor's stern voice. "Um, yeah Chad, cools," Denise replied, sounding distant, "See you soon then?"

Chad smiled. "Yep, see you soon,"

... ... ... ... ... ...

Denise smiled as she put down her landline phone. Damn, her brother was a character! She hoped that the whole Taylor/JJ/Chad triangle would help her and Chad develop a strong brother-sister bond again. Although, before it had even started she had put a spanner in the works by mentioning that her mom and herself knew before he did, something Taylor had obviously not discussed with him the previous night. Hopefully, he'd believe he heard wrong, and it wouldn't be brought up in conversation between them again. But he did need to know, so she would need to talk to Taylor about that.

Dang, Taylor!

Denise raced up the stairs, anxious to see what the huge crash had been when she was on the phone to Chad. "Tay?" No answer. "Tay? Taylor? Helloo .. ?"

It took a few minutes, but Taylor opened the guest room door and stepped out, dressed in a lilac towelling robe, an amused yet curious smile on her face. "You called?"

"I was on the phone," Denise started, surveying the hallway for any damage, "When I heard a crash...Everything alright?"

Taylor rolled her eyes. " Your niece thought it would be funny to climb on the dressing table, and throw mommy's things across the room,"

Denise smiled. "Sounds like a certain boy when he was younger,"

Taylor giggled slightly, running a hand through her hair. "That's what I thought. I knew it had nothing to do with my side of the family,"

Denise chuckled. "Yeah, if her appearance didn't make it obvious to him, then her personality will surely ring bells with him,"

JJ ran up to the door, dressed in a white skirt and pink tee, with her hair plaited down her back. "Anty Dee," She gurgled, holding her arms outward. Denise obliged, bending down to pick the toddler up. "Hewwo,"

"Hello sweetie," Denise cooed, "You okay?"

"Hungry," Jordynn replied, scrunching up her eyes. Denise laughed while Taylor rolled her eyes.

"Definitely Chad's kid, Tay,"

Both adults laughed and began to walk downstairs, content on feeding the child between them. They strapped JJ into her high-chair, and walked into the kitchen. Denise flicked the kettle on while Taylor busied herself making a bottle for JJ, as she'd already had her breakfast.

"Coffee, Taylor?" Denise asked, as Taylor nodded, "Oh, and by the way, Chad's coming over later,"

Taylor did little to hide her huge grin at the mention of Chad's name. "Oh, is he now?"

"Yeah, It would seem he couldn't wait to come over," Denise raised an eyebrow.

"Well, we do have a young child, Dee," Taylor replied, fighting the urge to break out in a grin, "He just wants to get to know Jordynn,"

"Yeah, I'm sure he does," Denise muttered, stirring the two hot drinks, then louder for Taylor to hear, "So, you want me to go out today? So you two can talk?"

Taylor rolled her eyes. "Jheeze, Dee, you make it sound so sordid. And yes, if you wouldn't mind..."

"Nope, of course I don't," Denise replied earnestly, passing the mug of steaming coffee to Taylor, "There's a pair of shoes in H&M that have my name on them,"

Both girls giggled and sipped their drinks.

... ... ... ... ... ...

A couple of hours later, Chad climbed out of his car and walked towards his sister's front door. He clutched in his hands a small pink basketball, which he'd bought earlier. He remembered what Taylor had said previously, that JJ was a fan of basketball. He couldn't wait to see her little hands playing with the basketball, and when she's older, playing a game.

He knocked on the door, praying that Taylor was still in. His prayers were answered as the door swung open and Taylor stood there, with their daughter in her arms.

Chad smiled so much his cheeks hurt. Taylor looked good, in a casual, I don't care look. She was wearing ripped low-slung jeans, a tight white t-shirt and her hair was scraped back into a ponytail. The little scrap of make-up she had on made her look more alert, and JJ looked angelic next to her in a white skirt and pink Mickey Mouse tee. "Hello, Chad," Taylor smiled genuinely, stepping back to let him in.

"Hi Tay, Jordynn," Chad nodded, walking into the house and straight into the front room. "No Denise today?"

Taylor walked in, settling JJ onto the floor. "Nope. Serious shopping arrangements,"

Chad rolled his eyes, just as JJ came running towards him. "Dada! Dada!"

Taylor smiled and sat down on the sofa. "Seems she's really taken to you, Chad,"

Chad looked up. "Yeah," He picked Jordynn up and settled her on his lap, "And I've really taken to her too," He picked the ball off the floor, "Can I give her this?"

Taylor nodded. "Of course. JJ? Look what daddy's got for you,"

JJ looked at Chad, and then to the ball. She squealed, clapping her two hands together as she took it from Chad's open hands. She slid off his lap, and sat on the floor, bouncing the ball in between her legs. Chad beamed, then looked up towards Taylor, who was sitting next to him.

"She's not even 3 yet, and your corrupting her mind?" Taylor raised one perfectly arched eyebrow towards him, "Thanks, Chad,"

Chad held up his hands as if he was in trouble, "Hey, you're the one that told me she was into basketball!"

Taylor giggled. "Don't worry, she's already obsessed with it. I was kinda hoping she'd follow my path and become the next Scholastic captain," She shrugged, "But, no. She'd rather bounce a piece of inflated rubber then sit and study,"

Chad smiled. "That piece of inflated rubber can get you places Taylor, don't knock it,"

"Ah, yes. Mr LA Laker,"

Chad rolled his eyes. "So, I'm a celebrity. So what?"

"Oh don't be so stupid, you love it," Taylor replied, "You were always talking about being a famous player when you were older,"

"Not all the time,"

"Yes, all the time. I remember the time we went to the park for a "romantic" walk?" She emphasized the word romantic, using air quotes, "And all you talked about was how you wanted to be like the pro-ballers? All the money, cars, parties, women..."

"Hey, I did say I would drape you in ice," He countered, remembering the exact date. "Diamonds Taylor. Diamonds,"

Taylor sniggered. "Yes, Chad. Classy. Like the time you parked in the disabled spot at the diner and pretended you had one arm to avoid a parking ticket?"

Chad laughed. "Or the time we had that soap fight at the car wash? We got more then dirty there, Taylor..."

Taylor raised an eyebrow, and pointed at JJ. "That sex was momentous..."

Chad didn't focus. "All our sex was momentous, Taylor. I mean, remember when we locked ourselves in..." He trailed off when he noticed Taylor was pointing at JJ, "Huh? Tay, I don't understand,"

Taylor rolled her eyes. "We conceived...?"

Chad's mouth formed a perfect 'o' shape. "You mean...?"

Taylor nodded. "Indeedy,"

Chad looked at the toddler in front of him, running after the pink ball as it rolled into the hallway. "She really is beautiful, Tay,"

She smiled, crossing her legs. "Thank you. But, I should be thanking you too,"

Chad scrunched up his face. Now she knew where JJ got it from. "Why?"

She rolled her eyes again. "She doesn't exactly take after me in all areas, lunkhead. Have you seen her hair? Her eyes? They're yours,"

Chad shrugged. "I suppose. But she got the overall beauty from you. I mean, you are gorgeous..."

Taylor blushed slightly at his words. Why does he make me feel like a teenager again? She thought to herself, fidgeting with her sweaty hands. "Thanks," She merely spoke, mentally kicking herself for being flustered. "So are you..."

What the hell? Taylor? She cursed herself under her breath. Where did that come from? God, she was such a klutz. Even though It's true...

She heard Chad laugh. "You think so Tay?"

She merely nodded. Feeling flustered, she knew she was going to start going red. "Oh...How rude of me, You've been here, what? 5 minutes, and I'm yet to get you a drink! Soda, yeah?"

She got up and briskly walked to the kitchen. She was aware that Chad's eyes were following her every move, but willed herself to not turn around. It would be suicide, and they'd probably end up in the same predicament that they were in yesterday. Once in the kitchen, she flicked the switch of the kettle, got a mug out for herself, and rested herself on the counter-top, exhaling loudly. Coming back to Albuquerque wasn't meant to be this hard.

She felt a presence behind her, but still didn't dare turn around, for fear of acting stupid. Was it Chad? She didn't know, but truth be told, she didn't really want to find out.

"Taylor,"

God, it was him. And by the way his hot breath hit the back of her neck, he was closer than she originally thought. "Mmhmm?" She managed to mumble incoherently, the feel of his hands resting on her elbows constricting her movements.

"Why are we playing this game, Taylor?" He husked.

Taylor gasped. "What game Chad?"

He leaned forward, resting his forehead on the back of hers. The very touch made her tingle, and his words next caused her eyes to widen. "Pretending we don't still want each other,"

She turned around, her incredulous eyes meeting his sombre ones. "Chad, seriously, I...I don't want..."

Before she had time to finish her sentence, Chad slammed his hand down next to the awaiting mug. "Don't bullshit me Tay!" He breathed out heavily, his hand finding its way to Taylor's hair, tucking a strand behind her right ear. "Please. I just need to know if you still have something, anything there left for me,"

Her face softened, staring at him and his pleading expression. "Depends. Do you?"

It was his turn to look at her now. Her bottom lip was trapped between her tooth, her eyes hopeful. He almost smiled at her cuteness. "I never stopped," He breathed. She could hear the sincerity in his voice.

Without a seconds thought, Taylor reached up and placed her lips on his. The moment their lips connected, it set off a hungry spark that cascaded through both their bodies like a waterfall. Chad backed Taylor up against the counter, roughly pulling her tighter to his body. Her hands slid up his sculpted chest as the kiss became more fierce. Their tongues duelled with one another for dominance, hands finding their ways into hair and palms stroking cheeks.

As their lips disconnected, the high school sweethearts smiled softly at one another. "I want to take this slow, Chad," Taylor breathed, her palm rubbing soothing circles on Chad's biceps. He nodded.

"As slow as you like,"

... ... ... ... ... ....

Taylor rubbed her tired eyes as she walked down the stairs. She had just put JJ to bed, after the hyperactive toddler had said goodbye to her father. She smiled as she remembered the days events in terms of her and Chad. Together again.

After the kitchen incident, there had been a lot more cuddling, and random kisses afflicted here and there. They hadn't talked about the way they wanted the relationship to go as of yet, they were content in each other's company. Taylor loved Chad and that was all she cared about.

Walking into the living room, she heard a muffled sound, which in the distance she made out to be Take you down, by Chris Brown. Confused, she searched the sofa. No luck. The armchair. Nothing.

Sighing, she saw a crumpled black heap on the floor that looked like leather. Crap, Chad's jacket!

She ran over to it, searching the pockets and locating Chad's blackberry. Clicking a few buttons, she saw Chad had a miss call from someone labelled "Kavida". Before Taylor had time to question the name, the phone buzzed to life again.

Taylor contemplated answering the phone, but her curiosity got the better off her. She decided it would be better to answer and tell the person Chad wasn't here, rather than let it ring all evening. Pressing the green button, she placed it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Who the hell's this?" The voice on the other line sounded snobbish, angry even.

Taylor cleared her throat. "I'm Taylor. And you?"

"Oh, I'm Kavida," The other line replied in a harsh tone, "Chad's girlfriend,"

... ... ... ... ...

Authors Note: Again, I apologize. Only sincerely, but i hope it's enough. These updates could be scarce for the next 2 weeks, but it won't be as major a wait as it was this time. I'm going to go church now, so peace out. Review though ! (:

Emily 'x3