Hello again! Sorry for the long wait, but I have been uber busy this month. And to make it up to all of you, I have made this chapter super long. Please don't forget to give feed back and review, I would love to hear all your opinions.

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"More chicken soup, dear?"

"No thank you, Trudy."

"Are you sure, dear?"

"Yes." Mara croaked, pulling her covers above her nose. "I think I have no strength to swallow another bowl of chicken soup. My throat is killing me."

Trudy sighed. "Well, that's what you get for standing out in the rain, Mara. A nasty cold. But don't worry, you'll be in tip top shape after you get some rest."

Mara sniffled a nod.

"Well then, I better let you rest. Ring that bell if you need anything." Trudy said, referring to the tiny silver bell that sat promptly on her night stand.

Mara gave another slight nod, and snuggled deeply under her covers; waiting for Trudy to leave. As soon as she heard the door shut, Mara threw the covers off her head and sighed a heart-wrenching sigh.

She was an idiot.

A stupid, living-in-the-moment, talking-without-thinking, idiot. Why, oh why, had she told Jerome that she was with Brandon? What on earth had possessed her to sprout such nonsense? And how would she even live up to her words? Sure Brandon liked her, as a friend for sure. But as a girlfriend? Dating? Those thoughts hadn't even crossed her mind till now.

"Stupid Mara," she mumbled, throwing an arm over her eyes "stupid, stupid Mara. How the hell am I going to get myself out of this mess?"

'You know what to do,' A tiny voice spoke up in her head ' you know how to get out of this mess. Date Brandon.'

"What?" Mara's eyes snapped open "That's preposterous! I will not date Brandon. He doesn't even like me in that way!"

'Oh? Doesn't he?' The voice whispered again 'Wasn't he very curious of the relationship between you and Jerome? Didn't he double check?'

"Yes.." Mara answered hesitantly.

'Then he likes you.' The tiny voice urged in her head 'He likes you, Mara. And you should date him. Only then will you get out of this mess. Or else...'

"Or else what?" She asked, knowing perfectly well that she was talking to a voice in her head. What was becoming of her?

'Or else, you'll be known as a liar. And a liar does not get to be a school Representative. Your whole reputation will be ruined. All that hard work gone!'

"No it won't."

'Yes it will.' The voice sounded distant, a fading echo 'Yes it will. You know what you have to do...'

"I know what I have to do." Mara mumbled, her eyelids suddenly feeling very heavy "I have to date Brandon..."

The next time Mara opened her eyes, she came face to face with a pair of green eyes. She blinked once. Than twice. Then a third time before reaching out and poking the face that the eyes were attached to.

"Mara," the face with the green eyes asked "what are you doing?"

"Oh," She answered, retreating her hand back under her covers "I just wanted to make sure I wasn't hallucinating."

Brandon gave her a quizzical look. "And why would you think you're hallucinating?"

"Because it's surprising to see you sitting in my room, watching me sleep." She replied, sitting up a bit "Which leads me to my next question. Brandon, why are you sitting in my room watching me sleep?"

"I wasn't watching you sleep, Mara." Brandon said matter-of-factly "I actually just came in here a few moments ago to see if you were feeling better, since you've missed class for two days now."

That jolted her awake. "Two days?" Mara asked, panic slowly creeping into her voice "What day it is?"

"It's Wednesday afternoon."

"WHAT?" She screamed, making Brandon cringe "I've been sleeping for two days? And the physics test is tomorrow! How am I going to study in time to pass it?"

"Mara, calm down." Brandon soothed "You just woke up, and judging from that scream you just let out, I'd say you're feeling a lot better."

Mara opened her mouth to reply, but froze when she realized Brandon was right. Her throat did feel a lot better and her headache was also gone. She sniffed. And yes, she could breathe again. Guess sleeping like a rock for two days straight did help the body heal...

"Yes, you are right, Brandon," She said meekly " I am feeling a lot better."

Brandon gave her a warm smile. "Great. And maybe you can talk to Mr. Jillian about letting you take the test on Friday. So you can have an extra day to study, since you've been sick and all."

Mara nodded. "That sound's like a good plan. But what if doesn't agree?"

Brandon rolled his eyes. "Please, Mara. He adores you after you explain the String theory to him. I'm pretty sure he will comply."

"Yes, but what if he doesn't?" Mara pressed "then what?"

"Then I guess you study like you've never studied before and take the test tomorrow." He answered bluntly.

"Well, that's just peachy." Mara grumbled, crossing her arms "I will fail. All because of a stupid thunder storm. Just peachy."

Brandon laughed. "You look cute when you're upset, you know that Mara?"

She blushed at his comment. "No I do not."

"Well you do," Brandon said softly "Especially when you get all flustered. It's very adorable."

"Um, thank you." She answered, fiddling with her fingers "um, Brandon, may I ask you something?"

"Sure. Ask away."

Mara swallowed. It was now or never. "Brandon, do you...do you like me?"

"Of course I do. Why do you even ask?"

She tugged at her covers, playing with a loose string. "No, I mean, I mean, do you like me as in do you fancy me?"

Brandon was quiet for a moment. "Why do you ask, Mara."

She dare not look up. "Just wondering, I guess." She pulled at the loose string.

There was another silence. "And what if I say yes?" Brandon asked quietly "What then?"

Mara shrugged, still refusing to look up; the plucked string dancing between her finger tips.

"I asked you a question, Mara" He said again "Look at me." He tilted her chin up so that she would meet his eyes. "What happens then?"

Mara blinked. "I don't know what happens. What do you want to happen?"

"I want, " Brandon said, leaning in a bit "for the girl I like to go out with me. What do you think?"

"I think..." Mara said, getting lost in his green eyes "I think you should too."

"Really?" He whispered, leaning in a bit closer "You sure?"

"Mmmhmm." she nodded, leaning in closer.

"Good," He whispered "Let's seal the deal with a kiss."

Their lips met in the middle.

And that was how they started dating. Just like that. With one simple kiss. Of course the whole school was a buzz with the news that the rumored golden couple, were actually a real couple. And as if Mara didn't already have enough on her plate (with the tests and missed homework assignments) her new found popularity was not sitting well with some people. Especially Amber.

"Why didn't you tell me that you and Brandon Conroy were going out?" She had asked Mara the very next day "I thought you promised to tell me everything!"

To which Mara had sighed and replied "I'm sorry Amber. I had no clue that we were dating either until yesterday afternoon."

"Ooo you mean when he came to visit you?" And the rest was history.

And even today, a day after most of the craziness had ended, Mara was still getting surprises. First of which was hate mail she had found in her locker that morning. Piles of it.

"Wow," Patrica had said, when she saw the bundle of envelopes "someone doesn't like your new found happiness."

The second was the unexpected call from Aisling, wishing Brandon and he a happy and well life, and how she was happy that her "idiotic brother had found someone worth keeping." How Aisling knew her number, Mara did not know. All she knew was that Aisling still scared her a little, and did not want the hyper Uni girl on her tail.

The third and final surprise that she had gotten today, which she was still not quiet over, was what Brandon had said. Well, rather asked actually. He had invited her to a party! A party that was happening this Friday night! Of course she had said yes (although it did take a bit of convincing from Brandon) which was why she was stuck in this predicament.

Standing in front of her bedroom mirror, with half her closet spilled all over her bed, and still having no clue what to wear. And what was worse? She had less than two hours until Brandon came to pick her up. Mara sighed. This was not going well.

"Knock, knock! Did you find something to wear yet, Mara?" Amber asked, poking her her blonde head through the door and eyeing her bed "I hope you did. You have only a bit of time to get ready!"

"No, Amber," Mara said, holding up another dress to herself in the mirror "I did not." She tossed the dress in the growing pile of 'not applicable' clothes on the bed and pulled out another from the closet "Are you sure you can't come with me to the party?"

"I can't." Amber answered, walking into the room and picking up a pink sweater from the bed pile "I'm having dinner with Alfie's parents today. Why do you own this Jumper, Mara? It's hideous!"

Mara tossed the camisole dress on the bed and pulled out a white tank. "Well, at least you will have fun. And that was a gift to me from my great aunt Matilda."

"So? Not all gifts are worth keeping, you know. Why don't you ask Patricia or Nina to go with you?"

"I can't. They all have plans to go see some show down town. Do you think this is appropriate?"

"Absolutely not!" Amber exclaimed "White is a big no for parties. Try black. Do you have any black dresses?"

"Well...I have one." Mara said reluctantly "But I don't like it."

Amber rolled her eyes. "As you know, our fashion choices are very different. Let me see the dress and I'll decide."

"I don't know..." Mara hesitated.

"Mara." Amber said, giving her a hard look "if you want to look nice at the party, show me the dress."

Mara sighed. It was a lost cause fighting with Amber about dresses. Slowly, she reached in the back of her closet and pulled out the dress. "Here, this is it. What do you think?"

Amber let out an ear piercing shriek when she saw the dress, startling Mara and making her nearly drop it "OMG, Mara. Are you kidding me?" Amber cried, bouncing up and touching the dress "It's absolutely gorgeous! You have to try it on!"

"W-what?" Mara stammered "I-I can't. It's too short-"

"It is not! It will make you look sexy. Go try it on. Now!" Amber urged, pushing Mara out of the bedroom and into the bathroom "And you can not come out of there until you try that dress on." With that Amber promptly shut the door.

Mara sighed and stared at the dress in her arms. Sure it was pretty, but it was so short! Surely it was very inappropriate to wear it to the party. But...Amber did know best when it came to fashion. And it was her very first real party...Mara sighed again and began to change.

As soon as she slipped on the dress, she felt exposed. It was a strapless black mini sweater tube dress, that wrapped around her like silk ribbons. It was form hugging, showing every curve of her body; every imperfection.

Mara swallowed, and opened the bathroom door. "There, happy now?"

Amber's eyes widened and another shriek of joy escaped her lips. "Oh my god, Mara! You look soooo pretty! Brandon won't be able to take his eyes off you!"

Mara tugged the dress lower. "Are you sure?" She asked awkwardly "Isn't it a bit too...short?"

"No way! It makes your legs look longer and shows off your curves! Plus it goes perfectly with your sink tone and exposes your collar bone. Wow!"

"Really?" Mara asked shyly "You really think so?"

"Whoa. Look at you! Who are you and what have you done with Mara?" Patricia's voice made Mara jump "You look hot!"

"See." Amber looked smug "I told you so Mara."

"Wow," Nina commented, coming to stand besides Amber and Patricia "You look amazing."

Mara blushed and tucked a stand of her hair behind her ear. "Thank you."

"Good! Now we need to decide what you will accessorize. Nina you got shoe duty, Patricia you got Makeup, and I will do the hair and jewelry." Amber commended "Chop chop people, we only have an hour left until Brandon comes! Let's move it!"

"Wait, what?" Mara managed to squeak out, before she was whisked away by her three dorm mates.

"There, finished!" Amber exclaimed, stepping back and examining her master piece "I'd say we all did a pretty good job."

Mara blinked, and turned to look at herself in the mirror. What she saw, surely made her gasp. The girl staring back at her was not the Mara she knew. No way.

Dark smokey eyes, cascading long dark hair, tainted pink lips, flawless skin, curve worthy body, long legs; no, this was definitely not the Mara Jaffray she knew.

"Do you like it?" Amber asked.

"I-I love it!" Mara sputtered, tugging at a stand of her hair "I love how you pinned back my hair, and the make up, and and the jewelry, and the heels!" She turned and gave all three of the girls a big hug "I absolutely love it! Thank you! All of you!"

Patricia laughed. "No problem. But you might wanna let go. You will ruin your hair."

Mara nodded and stepped back. "Do you think Brandon will like it?"

"He'll be crazy not to." Nina assured "Now all you need is your bag and you are ready to go."

Mara nodded and picked up her bag just as the door bell rang. She froze, a thousand butterflies suddenly erupting in the pit of her stomach.

Brandon was here! He was here, and all she wanted to do was to go hide.

"Ooo, your date is here, Mara." Amber squealed "Better go down stairs and wow him!"

"I-I can't." Mara whispered out "What if he doesn't-"

"Oh, be quiet and get your arse downstairs, Mara." Patricia interrupted "You look hot. And I bet you anything that his eyes will pop when he sees you. So go on, get down stairs."

Mara clutched her bag and slowly went down the stairs, making sure not to accidentally slip and fall in her three inch heels. 'Just keep breathing' She told her self, as she got closer to her destination 'Keep breathing and don't fall down.'

She spotted Brandon standing by the front door talking to Trudy. He looked good, in his faded jeans and a casual black dress shirt. As soon as he heard her come down the stairs, his head snapped up and his eyes widened. He blinked once, than twice, and then gave her a once over. Mara felt herself turn pink.

"Oh my," Trudy gasped "Mara darling, you look beautiful."

Mara smiled, stepping down off the final step and turned to her. "Thank you, Trudy."

She looked over at Brandon, "Hello."

Brandon snapped out of his trance and smiled. "Hello. You look stunning, Mara, absolutely stunning."

"You don't look half bad yourself." Mara teased back, feeling giddy with happiness. He liked her! He really liked her outfit! The girls were right.

"Well then, shall we be off, my dear?" Brandon asked, extending his hand towards her.

She took it. "Of course."

The drive to the party was very short and was filled with laughter. Brandon had later explained that the party was at one of his mates house while his parents were away on a weekend trip. The thought of throwing an illegal party didn't quiet sit right with Mara, but she kept it to herself. Would there be alcohol? Would it get out of hand? She was getting very nervous just thinking about it.

"Here we are." Brandon said, parking the car and breaking her out of her thought's "Eddie's place."

Mara peered at the decent sized house. Music blasted from the inside and couples could be seen snogging out by the front porch. She swallowed, the nervous feeling getting stronger.

"Well, come on then." Brandon said, getting out of the car and coming over to her side "are you nervous?" He asked, opening the door and helping her out.

"Just a little." Mara admitted "I don't know if I will fit in, that's all."

"Don't worry. You look hot. You will fit in just fine. Just stay close to me, alright?"

Mara nodded and Brandon wrapped an arm around her waist. Then went in.

As soon as they entered, Mara's ears almost burst with the sound of loud music. It was deafening. Bodies were mingled on top of each other and the lights were dimmed. She held on to Brandon more tightly. The place was jam packed. There wasn't even enough room to walk around freely.

"Hey, Brandon!" Someone yelled over the music, and waved in their direction "Get your ass over here, mate!"

Brandon tugged Mara along. "Come on, this way."

Mara nodded and pushed through people. Someone whistled at her, but she didn't dare look. She only wanted to be out of there. Finally, after what seemed like ages, both of them reached their destination.

It was a blonde boy, someone who Mara vaguely recognized seeing in the hallways at school. He smirked when he saw her and gave her a twice over. "Looking very fine, Miss School Representative. Who knew you could clean up so well?"

"Shove off, Eddie," Brandon growled, pulling Mara closer to him "don't mess with her."

Eddie pushed his hands in front of him. "Hey, hey, hey. No need to be testy, dude. I won't bother your girl anymore. Still can't believe your dating a goody two shoe."

Mara stiffened at his words and Brandon shot another dark look at Eddie. "Shut up, man."

"Ok, ok. Drink?" Eddie asked, passing Brandon a red cup, which he took willingly. "And one for you, miss hot school rep?"

Mara shook her head. "No thank you, I don't drink."

Eddie barked a laugh. "Of course you don't. See what I told you, Brandon? Goody two shoes." He turned to Mara "Come on, miss Rep, live a little. Or are you scared?" He dangled the cup in front of her tauntingly.

"Didn't I tell you too-" Brandon stared, but Mara cut him off.

"Ok," She hissed, taking the cup from Eddie "I'll 'live a little.'" She took a sip. It tasted horrible. A bitter after taste almost made her spit it back out, but seeing the look in Eddie's eyes, Mara closed her eyes shut and chugged down the whole cup.

"There," She said handing Eddie the now empty cup back "is this what you wanted?"

He whistled. "Not bad, Miss Rep, not bad at all." He refilled the cup "Now can you take on round two?"

Round two was way harder and not only did it have more drinking, but shots. Jello shots. And lots of them. Buy the time she was done, Mara was feeling very light headed. A hazy happy feeling washed over her and the world seemed to be in a far off distance. She stumbled, falling on top of random strangers and giggled. She was free! She wanted to fly! She flapped her arms.

"What are you doing, Miss Rep?" A voice asked from behind her.

"Eddie!" Mara giggled and launched herself at him. "Look, look, I am flying!"

Eddie laughed."No you are not flying. Where's your boyfriend?"

"My boyfriend?" Mara cocked her head "Oh, OH! Brandon!" She looked around "I don't know. He was hear a minute ago."

"Really, now?" Eddie pulled her closer "Do you wanna dance, Mara? I don't think Brandon would mind us just dancing."

Mara nodded. "Ok! Let's dance!"

"Excellent." Eddie whispered, pulling her closer. Their bodies moved to the music, pressed up against one another. Eddies hands trailed down her body and she in turn, tangled her hands in his hair.

They moved faster. Music and lights and people all blurred into one. Then suddenly Mara felt his lips on her neck. Cold wet lips. She giggled.

"What are you doing?" She laughed "That feels cold!"

"Nothing." Eddie mused "I like the way you smell. You smell nice."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Do you wanna dance some more?"

Mara shook her head. "Nope! I think I should go find Brandon! He's my boyfriend!" She broke away, but Eddie pulled her back.

"Are you sure? We could do other things too?"

Mara tried to pull away. "Yes! I'm sure. Let go!"

"But I want to know you a little better, Mara." Eddie said "I want to know why Brandon likes you. Are you good in Bed?"

"Let go!" Mara screeched, trying to break free of him. She stepped on his foot and dug her heels in. Eddie let out a yelp and let loose of his grip on her arm. Mara tumbled back into the crowd.

Someone grabbed at her thigh. She jumped and smack the hand away. She needed to find Brandon, she wanted to go home. Stumbling and tumbling she tried to find him, but Brandon was no where to be seen. She panicked and tried to get out of the front door.

Hands grabbed her again as she pushed past the crowd. Finally she reached the front door and then she was outside. The cool night air felt nice on her flushed skin, and the party music drowned into the background.

She started to walk, her eyes felt blurry and she was lost, but she needed to get away from the house. As soon as she was at least a block away she opened her purse and pulled out her cell phone.

Trying to dial the number was hard. She almost dropped the phone two times. Finally she dialed the number and pressed talk. The phone rang. And it rang again. And again.

"Come on," Mara whined "Pick up. Pick up!"

She stumbled on a rock. "Stupid rock! Pick up the phone!"

On the sixth ring the person picked up. "Hello?"

"Hello? Hi, Jerome! It's me, Mara!"

"I know who you are, Mara, it's called caller I.D. Why are you calling me?"

Mara sat down on the pavement. "I dunno. I felt like calling you. Are you sleeping? Because I'm not sleeping."

Jerome was quiet for a moment. "Mara, are you ok? You sound weird. Where are you?"

"I am perfectly fine!" She giggled, laying down on the pavement "I'm under the sky! It's sooo pretty, Jerome. The stars twinkle!"

"You are definitely not alright. Ok, where were you before you were under the sky?"

She counted the stars. "At Eddie's house."

"Who is Eddie?"

"Brandon's friend. He's my boyfriend, you know. Brandon."

"Yes, yes," Jerome sounded annoyed "but why were you at Eddie's house?"

"Because of a party!"

Jerome swore. "Are you drunk, Mara?"

She giggled. "Noooo."

"Yes, you are. Jesus, where are you? Can you look around and tell me?"

Mara sat up. "I see trees. Lots of trees. And a statue. Oh! I think I'm on the other side of the park, Jerome!"

"Ok, that's good. Did you leave the party, Mara? Are you alone?"

Mara nodded. "Uh huh. I left because Eddie was trying to hug me. He kissed my neck, and wouldn't let go!"

"What?" Now Jerome sounded angry "And what did you do? Where was Brandon?"

"Umm, I stepped on his foot real hard and he let go. Brandon wasn't there. And I fell."

"You fell?" There were some shuffling sounds from his end "And what happened then."

"I think I'm going to cross the road, Jerome. In to the park!" Mara exclaimed, trying to stand up.

"No!" Jerome exclaimed "Stay right there, Mara. Don't move."

"But, but but, whyyyy?" Mara whined "I like the park. It's very green."

"Do what I say, Mara. I'll be right there to pick you up."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Now just stand there and don't move."

Mara stared up at the sky. "Can I sit down and not move, Jerome? My feet hurt."

Jerome sighed. "Yes, you can sit down and not move."

"Yay!"

"I'm almost there Mara, tell me more about the party. You fell?"

She watched a car go buy. "Yes. I fell. And then people tried to grab me."

"They did?"

"Yes! And so I-I kicked and moved and tried to get free and look for Brandon."

"And did you find him?"

"No, silly!" She giggled "Brandon went bye bye. And so I went out the door and I walked and I called you!"

"Really? That's all?"

"Yes. Oh and I stepped on a rock! Stupid rock! He tried to make me fall down!"

"The rock?"

"Yes, the rock! It's evil!" She giggled "Are you almost here, Jerome? I'm getting lonely."

"Yes, I'm almost there. Look, I see you now. Turn around Mara."

Mara turned, and sure enough, there was Jerome, walking towards her. She sprung up and waved. "Hello Jerome!"

Jerome sighed and clicked his phone shut. "Mara, you're pissed."

Mara pouted. "Am not! I only drank a little."

"Oh really, then tell me again why you are calling rocks evil?" He asked, walking towards her. He gave her a once over "At least you nice."

"I do?" Mara twirled "Why, thank you! It wasn't me but everyone insist I try it on-AHH!" She screamed as she tripped over her on foot and fell, but luckily for her Jerome caught her just before she could crack her skull open.

She stared up at him, who looked down at her annoyed. "Really, Mara? First you drink and then you try to kill yourself. Come on, get up. We're going home."

Mara nodded and stood back up, latching on to Jerome's Arm. "Did I wake you when I called?"

"It's only nine twenty. I wasn't sleeping." Jerome answered curtly, wrapping an arm around her waist for support.

She leaned her head on his shoulder. "Then you must have been with Mick in the house."

"No, Mick wasn't there."

She looked up at him. "Really? Is he hiding?"

Jerome gave her a sidelong look. "No Mara, he isn't hiding. He had to go somewhere."

"Oh." She put her head back on his shoulder "Do you know where he went?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because."

"Because?"

"Because where Mick goes doesn't concern me."

"Oh."

There was a short silence, which she broke. "Then you must have been lonely."

"What?"

Mara looked up at him. "Lonely. Because there was no one home."

"No, I wasn't lonely. I don't get lonely."

She scrunched up her face. "No, everyone get's lonely, Jerome. Even when you have people around you."

"Oh, like you?" He shot back.

Mara shut up. "Why do you have to be mean?"

Jerome smirked. "Because I'm not a nice person. Here we are. Let's go in and be quiet. I don't want Victor or Trudy finding you drunk."

She nodded and they slowly crept up the stairs. Suddenly, a wave of nausea hit her and a familiar feeling started to build up in her chest.

"Jerome," Mara coughed "I think I'm going to vomit."

"Oh, bloody hell." Jerome growled, dragging her to the bathroom "here, go vomit in the toilet."

And so Mara did. On her knees, clutching the sides of the rim, she emptied her stomach out. And when she was done she slowly stumbled up and flushed.

"All done?" Jerome asked from the outside "Or do you need more time?"

"More, time." Mara said, staggering over to the sink "I need to brush my teeth."

"Brush your..Mara you have to be kidding me. What if you fall down and knock yourself out?" Jerome hissed from outside.

"No!" Mara said stubbornly, turning on the water and rinsing her mouth. "My mouth feels yucky." She slowly reached for her toothbrush and toothpaste. She tried to squeeze out the toothpaste. But it refused to come out. She tried again.

Suddenly, the tube was snatched from her hand and someone put the paste on her brush. "There," Jerome said, sounding irritated " hurry up and brush your bloody teeth."

Mara nodded and happily brushed her teeth. She snuck a peek at Jerome, who was leaning on the door frame, looking very grumpy. She giggled and finished brushing her teeth. "Ok!" She cried, once she rinsed her mouth "I'm done! Now what?"

"Now, you go into your room and change and sleep." Jerome said taking her by the hand and leading her to her room "Because you will have a very bad headache in the morning."

"But but but, I don't wanna go to my room, Jerome!" Mara cried "I wanna stay with you!"

Jerome gave her a stern look. "No, Mara. Go to your room and sleep."

Mara whimpered. "But-"

"Now!" Jerome yelled, casing her to flinch. Reluctantly she walk back to her room, closing the door behind her as she did so. Once there, Mara ripped off her jewelry, took off her heels, and tore of the pins that were holding her hair back. Throwing them all on the dresser, she fell back onto her bed. She sniffled. Jerome was being mean again. And, and who was he anyways, giving her orders? She could do anything she wanted! And right now she wanted to be with Jerome.

Feeling rather light headed, Mara tumbled back up and opened her bedroom door. Quickly, she wandered across the hall and knocked on Jerome's door. He opened on the third knock.

"Mara, what are you doing here? Didn't I tell you to go to be-"

She kissed him, taking him by surprise and cutting him off mid sentence. "I don't wanna go to bed, Jerome." She whispered, standing on her tippy toes and kissing him again "I wanna be with you."

"Really," Jerome whispered back "You should leave."

"Why?" She asked, slightly pushing him inside his room and kicking the door shut behind her "Don't you wanna stay with me too?"

"No, I-"

"Shhh," She said, pushing him down and making him sit on the bed "Don't talk. Just kiss."

"Really, Mara?" Jerome said, reaching out and running his fingers through her hair. "Do you really think that's such a good idea?"

"Mmhmm," She nodded falling into his touch "I think it's a good idea."

"Well, I don't." He answered, much to her dismay and pulled his hand back "Go back to your room, Mara. You're drunk."

Mara glared. "No."

He raised an eyebrow. "No? Are you refusing to leave my room?"

"Yes," she hissed, climbing on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck "I am refusing to leave your room." She dipped down and kissed his cheek. "And," then she kissed his forehead "you," then his jaw "can't" then his neck "make" then the corner of his mouth "me." and finally his lips.

She could feel his heart beat against and could feel his hands slowly trailing up her body. He kissed back, his hands coming to rest at her waist. She sighed, loving the way their bodies molded together.

"Mara, " he whispered, once they broke apart "Why are you doing this to me?"

She propped her chin on his head, feeling his lips slowly trail across her bare shoulders. "I don't know." She said, reaching down and tilting his head up, "but I like it."

She rubbed her thumb gently across his lips, before leaning down and capturing them with her own. She pushed him down, straddling him and deepened the kiss. A low moan vibrated through him and she smiled.

"Shhh," Mara whispered, trailing kisses down his neck and throat "Don't say a word." She kissed his collar bone, tugging his shirt open as she did so.

"Mara," Jerome let out a warning growl "Stop it."

"No." She said, running a finger down his chest. " I won't." She kissed him again, gently nipping at his bottom lip, while her hands continued to explore his body.

Suddenly, she was flipped over and he was on top. Jerome's eyes glittered dangerously. "Stop it, Mara." He hissed "You're acting like a whore."

"What?" She asked, shocked by his words.

He got off her. "You heard me, Mara. You are acting like a drunken whore. Coming to a man's room at night, kissing him, saying you want to be with him, when clearly you have a boyfriend." He crossed his arms "I wonder what the definition of that would be."

Mara gave him a startled look, hurt slowly gnawing at her chest. Her head started to throb, and tears came to her eyes. "Why do you have to be so mean to me?" She cried, tears slowly leaking out of her eyes. "Why Jerome? What have I ever done to you?"

"What?" He said in a bored voice "I am not a nice person. I though you knew."

"Liar!" She screamed, crashing her hands on the bed "Liar! You are a nice person. Why else would you bring me home?"

"Be quiet, Mara." Jerome said, glancing at the door "I don't want Trudy or Victor to get up here."

"No! I won't." She cried, rubbing her eyes. "You always try to hurt me. In here." She clutched her hand over her heart "you try to help me then you hurt me. You don't even know how much you hurt me!"

"Shh, Mara," He said coming over the bed to calm her down "look you are just drunk, ok? And if we get caught, we will be in serious trouble."

"You kiss me and tell me that you want me and then you hurt me. You tell me you love me but then say it was a lie." Mara hiccuped "but you tell me to face my problems and to stop being a brat. So I don't know what to think."

"Shh," Jerome whispered "it's ok. Just go to bed."

Her head started to pound. "I don't know what to think anymore! I don't know if I hate you or if I like you!"

He froze. "What?"

She looked at him. "I don't know if I hate you or if I like you, Jerome."

"You...like me?" He asked her, surprised.

Mara shook her head and sniffled. "I don't know! I can't get you out of my mind. I like it when you kiss me, I like it when you hold me. I like it when you're nice to me, when you help me. I hear your voice in my head, telling me what to do. And I think...I think that I might like you, but then, but then you do things and say things to hurt me." She looked up at him, tears slipping out "Do you like hurting me? Is it fun giving me pain? Am I just your toy?"

"Mara, hey, Mara look at me." Jerome urged, grabbing her head in both hands and making her face him "Mara, I said look at me."

"No!" She fussed, pulling away from him. The pain in her skull heightened. "Every time I think you've changed, that you might actually like me, that you might care for me, you do things to change my opinion. So tell me Jerome, what am I suppose to think? Should I like you or should I hate you?"

The pain intensified, splitting her head into two. Mara swayed, the world slowly dimming around her. She looked up once, catching a blurry face with blurry eyes. "What should I do?" she softly murmured before the world turned completely black.

Hope you like it. Please review and I will post more chapters up. Thank You!

And don't forget about the contest! I can't wait to see what you all come up with! =^-^=