AGES! That's how long it's been since I've updated this story. If you want to be exact then it's been: 1 year, 5 months, and the days depend on what day you're reading this. This is the final chapter. Sorry guys!! But at least now I can say that I finished a story!

Taylor covered her mouth with her petite hand and almost dropped her carrier bags. She squeaked and pulled Mercedes towards what she was looking at. "This is for you!" She stated, staring up at the poster that was plastered on the wall. Mercedes scoffed and pointed to the poster. "I can't sing."

"Are you serious? I've heard you sing before, Mercedes. And you're good. I won't go as far as to say that you're better than me, but you're good." Mercedes looked as if she was considering it, so Taylor just pushed her a bit closer. "You want to prove to people that you ain't just a hoe, right?" she nodded slowly. "Then do it! Not only might you land a record deal, but people might respect you better. Not forgetting the $500 cash prize!" Mercedes laughed and sighed. A small smile appeared on her face and Taylor jumped up in excitement. They made their way to the area in which the competition was being held and they signed Mercedes up.

With the boys.

Chad and Chris had already started up on the project and they were nearly done. Chad leaned back in his chair threw his pencil on the ground. "We are done." Chris did the same, except he just leaned back and placed his arms behind his head. "So what you wanna do now?" Chris stood up.

"I heard that you have a court in your back yard." Chad nodded and stood, catching on to what Chris was saying. "First to 21?"

"You're on." They headed to Chad's back yard and Chad went to go get a basketball to play with. When Chad returned, they played.

Taylor and Mercedes

Mercedes was up first and she shyly walked up to the mic. Taylor stood and cheered for her proudly. Mercedes smiled softly and the music began, making Taylor sit back down and listen.

Take off my shirt. Loosen the buttons
and undo my skirt, Stare at myself in the mirror
Take me apart piece by piece, Sorrow decrease
Pressure release, I put in work
Did more than called upon, More than deserved
When it was over, Did I wind up hurt (Yes)
But it taught me before a decision ask this question first

Taylor sat there and analyzed the words. They kind of responded to her situation. With her and Chad and her trying to be what everyone wanted her to be.

Who am I living for?
Is this my limit, Can I endure somemore
Chances are given, Question Existing
Who am I living for?
Is this my limit, Can I endure somemore
Chances are given, Question Existing

Taylor's eyes were narrowed in thought. She went this far to make someone jealous. Well she thought that she was making him jealous but Taylor knew that she wanted him to be happy. And she thought that he dumped her for her looks, so why not change them to make him happy. All the taunts she would get drove her to the gym. That's why she was so strong. All the insults people threw her way before Chad broke up with her made her turn into what Chad didn't want.

Take off my cool, show them that
under here, I'm just like you
Do the mistakes, I may make me a fool
Or a human with flaws, admit that I'm loss
Round of applause, Take the abuse
Sometimes it feels like they want me to lose
It's entertainment is that an excuse? (No)
But the question that lingers whether win or lose

This verse, Taylor knew referred to Mercedes. Behind the entire make up and slutty clothes, she was a real person. With real feelings. And whenever people sneered at her she had to take the abuse. Because she couldn't rush out of there and make them taunt her more.

Who am I living for?
Is this my limit, Can I endure somemore
Chances are given, Question Existing
Who am I living for?
Is this my limit, Can I endure somemore
Chances are given, Question Existing

Dear Diary,
Its Mercedes
Entertaining is something I do for a living
It's not who I am, I'd like to think that I'm pretty normal,
I laugh, I get mad, I hurt, I think
I suck sometimes,
But when you're in the spotlight,
Everything seems good,
Sometimes I feel like i have it worse cause I have to always keep my guard up,
I don't know who to trust, I don't know who wants to date me for who I am,
Or who wants to be my friend for who I really am,

Who am I living for?
Is this my limit, Can I endure somemore
Chances are given, Question Existing
Who am I living for?
Is this my limit, Can I endure somemore
Chances are given, Question Existing

When the song finished, everyone stood up and clapped. The song had made her think. When she was with Chad, that wasn't really her. That's who she was trying to be so that she could hang onto him. She did still love him. She could never stop. He was her first love and if she changed almost everything about her looks for him, then he meant a lot to her. Mercedes smiled at Taylor and she mouthed 'Good Job!' as Mercedes hopped off the stage to make way for the next contestant.

The Boys.

Chris suddenly stopped dribbling the ball and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his shirt. "Why did you break up with Taylor anyway?" Chad hesitated for a minute before answering.

"I didn't like the fact that she was stronger than me." He mumbled, making Chris strain to hear him. When he understood what Chad said, he busted out laughing.

"Are you serious?" Chad kept his head down. "You let go of a beautiful girl just because she was stronger than you? You have some serious issues."

"I know. Now I regret the whole thing."

"So you still love her?" Chad stared at him for a while, thinking it over, before nodding his head.

"Yeah I do." His smile faded as he thought of something. "But I doubt she still loves me."

"Don't be so negative, man. If you want to make things work with her, you will find out whether she does or whether she doesn't." Chad nodded again, sighing at the same time. Then an idea hit him, he retrieved his phone and turned to Chris.

"I'll be back, hold on." Chris nodded in understanding and began practicing free throws.

Taylor and Mercedes

Taylor and Mercedes were sitting down, listening to other contestants. Taylor had made her mind up about Chad. She was still in love with him. But the main problem was that she didn't know whether the feeling was mutual. Little did she know, her answer would come in the form of a text.

'I loved you once; I love you still, always have and always will. I wanna get back together. I love you for you. So what do you say?

Chad x3'

Taylor placed a hand on her heart and punched in three letters that made her so happy. 'YES!' She smiled and shut her phone. There was her answer. And now Chad and Taylor had resumed their journey. Where was there destination? Love of course.

So crappy! I doubt it even makes sense lol.

R&R for tha last time please. Try Again is next.

I love you all the people who have followed this story over the last year. Thank you!!! And hopefully you are following my other stories.

xx