Dedicated to Lredmon, because she votes for EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER, and comments when she can. When she doesn't comment, its cause she tells me what she thinks on chat! It's nice to have some feedback, so thank you very much!!!!

I'm going to work a bit on Magical for teh next two weeks, so go and read some Royal Pain in the Ass. I'm not saying I wont update this, because for some reason, writing this just comes easier, but my main focus will be Magical.

This one's a bit longer than I usually write, so enjoy it, lol. Please vote and comment! :D

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Chapter 15

I dragged Chad upstairs so that I could change. I didn’t want us to wait for our date. It was bad enough that I had made him wait this long. I pulled on a black Burberry dress that Christine had insisted on buying for me along with some black pumps and let my hair down. I walked back out of my room and met Chad just down the hallway.

“I love it when you dress up for me.” He smirked. We drove into the center of the city to a small pub with a band playing. It was a nice enough atmosphere and crowded enough that neither of us really were recognized.

Chad instantly found his group of friends and pulled me over to their table closer to the back. “This is Ari, Lisa, George, and Jake.” Chad pointed each of his friends out. Ari was dark haired with a pale complexion and dark eyes. Lisa was a red head, paired with the light blue eyes, and freckled beyond compare. Both George and Jake were twins, with long dark hair and bright hazel colored eyes. “Everyone, this is Lana.” Chad kissed me on the cheek and the guys smiled.

“So this is the Lana we hear so much about. How is it dealing with the royals?” Jake asked and I shrugged.

“It’s not as terrible as you think.” I admitted, taking a seat that Chad pulled out for me. Ari and Lisa were both giving me dirty looks, and I wasn’t sure how I warranted them.

“Yeah, but you always seem so busy. We’ve been asking Chad for a while now to introduce you to us and he says you’re always too busy.” George said, taking a swig from his tankard. I frowned and felt Chad stroke my hand reassuringly.

“It’s all right. I know she has a stressful job. I’m just glad to get the time I do.” I looked down guiltily. I was such a terrible person.

“You have to stop being so nice.” I mumbled. “It makes me feel even worse.” Chad chuckled and leaned over, kissing my cheek. The band started playing and all of a sudden Jake stood and grabbed my hand pulling me up to dance. Chad only laughed and watched as Jake suddenly started spinning me and dipped me, which resulted in us both falling onto the ground. I really hoped I hadn’t flashed anyone my underwear. When I looked back, Chad was engrossed in what looked like an important phone call. I accepted Jake’s outstretched hand to help me up and brushed myself off laughing.

“What is the famous Lana doing here? I thought she was too busy to have a life.” A slick voice sounded from by the bar and I winced as I turned in its direction.

Logan sat, watching me intensely. I unconsciously took a step back from him as he stood from the bar stool. “It seems you have more time than you’ve been letting on.”

“Unfortunately that’s untrue. I rarely get to go out on my own time.” I snipped back, going to turn back to Chad’s friends. “Now if you’ll excuse me…” I felt him grab my arm and his breath on my hair. I let out a shaky breath. “Let me go, Logan.”

“Why are you with that pretty boy? What does he have that I don’t?”

“A heart. Now let me go.” I growled, yanking my arm from his grasp. He let go, but the look he shot me was menacing.

“You’ll see Lana. Soon you’ll be begging me to take you back.” I watched him with an unbelievable expression before I felt an arm on my shoulder.

“Is everything all right here?” Chad asked me, taking my hand in his. I could tell what he was doing: claiming me in front of Logan.

“Everything’s fine. Logan was just leaving.” I muttered, shooting Logan a dirty look. He smirked in return.

“I’ll see you around, Lana.” Logan said as he left, and I suddenly realized I had been holding my breath.

“Are you all right?” Chad asked, worry apparent in his eyes. “Do you want to go?”

“No, no!” I shook my head. I didn’t want him to have to leave his friends because of stupid Logan. This was the first time in so long we had gone out together. I didn’t want someone as unimportant as Logan to ruin it. “He’s gone now, so everything’s okay. Let’s just enjoy the rest of tonight, okay?”

Chad nodded, but still looked hesitant. “Once you’re okay.” He put his arm over me and we returned to his friends. However, I could only think about what Logan had meant and why he was being so persistent.

I went back to sit with Lisa, as Ari had started to dance with Jake. “He’s quite eccentric, isn’t he?” I asked, watching their interesting dancing.

“He’s definitely something…” George commented.

“Look who’s talking!” Chad laughed, and turned to me. “If you think Jake looks like a fool dancing, you should see George.”

George made a face. “You’re no better than me.”

“He’s a far better dancer than you’ll ever hope to be George. At least he has rhythm.” Lisa laughed, giving George a shove.

“I’d like to see that.” I said, squeezing Chad’s hand. Without another word, Chad pulled me up from my chair and out to dance. I don’t think I’d laughed so much in so long. I looked up at Chad and couldn’t help but smile as he held me close. Maybe if I wasn’t in love with him now, it would happen soon.

Because maybe…just maybe…I was starting to feel it.

Back at the house, Chad was once again a gentleman and walked me back to my room. Before he could say goodnight, I lunged at him. I was done thinking about Ian, dreaming about Ian…I was done pushing Chad away. Why was I so stupid, pushing someone who actually liked me for someone I had no chance with? I pulled Chad into my room with me and pushed him against the door, closing it. He laughed and held me against him.

“Someone’s anxious.” He pressed his lips to mine gently and led me to the bed, positioning me back. He started down my neck and pulled at my dress. That’s when I began to panic. My heart started to race and thoughts rushed through my head: what if this was rushing it? What if I regretted it? What if…

It didn’t matter what the next thought was, because it should have been: what if someone walked in? Because that was precisely what happened. I really needed to work on locking my door…

“Oh my…I really didn’t mean to…I mean…oh god.” Christine stammered. “I just…oh god. I’m just going to…yeah.” She closed the door as she hastily left and I was actually happy that the moment had been ruined. I wasn’t ready to give it up quite yet, no matter how charming Chad was. I wasn’t in love with him, and I couldn’t just do it for the sake of it.

I sat up and Chad looked sheepish. “Right, wow…that just happened.” He murmured, scratching his head. I gave him a smile and he let out a sigh. “The timing just always seems wrong, doesn’t it?” He kissed me once more before curling his arms around me. “How about we just lay together for a little while?”

I nodded and let out a relieved sigh. “I’d like that.” The last thing I remember was him playing with my hair before I drifted off.

It was two days before the ball, and I was, in a word, stressed. First of all, I had received a last minute call from Juliet begging me to take her shopping for her ball gown. Secondly, Chad wasn’t speaking to me because I had beaten him up in my sleep and he was a bit bruised. Thirdly, I was positive I was getting a cold of some sort.

The call had caught me by surprise. When I looked down it was Xavier’s number calling me. I was suddenly worried something had gone wrong.

“Hello Xavier. Oh my god, what happened? Did she do something?” Imagine my shock when it was Juliet calling from his phone.

“It’s Juliet actually,”

“Oh sorry,” I answered, embarrassed.

“I haven’t done anything bad yet. Well…again.”

“That’s a good sign.” I chuckled. I was still upset with Juliet, but I couldn’t be angry at her forever. It took far too much effort.

“I want to start by apologizing. I really had no idea what I was doing or how it would affect everyone else. I don’t want that to happen again, and I’m really truly sorry. So, in order to prevent something bad from happening, I have a really unfair thing to ask of you.”

“What?” I didn’t mean to snap at her, but I had. She was really going to ask me for a favor?

“I have a favor to ask of you…I know it’s not fair, but I think you’re one of the few people I can trust with this.”

“Why’s that?” I asked, confused.

“Because you don’t like me.” I held back a snort and instead let out an irritated sigh.

“What is it?”

“Will you take me shopping?” I thought for a moment. Did she remember our last shopping trip?

“Why in the world would I do that? Do you remember what happened last time?”

Her next words came out in a rush. “I understand if you say no. The only reason I asked you is you seem to know what you’re doing. You know what to say, what to do, what to wear, and you’d be honest with me.” To my surprise, her flattery was going a long way with me. I suddenly felt myself softening. “I don’t want to make everyone’s lives harder, but I don’t want to lose myself either…forget I said it. It was a stupid idea.”

“I can’t believe I’m doing this…” I muttered under my breath before answering her. “Fine, but the second you do something ridiculous, I have permission to smack you.” I wasn’t actually serious, but I wasn’t sure I would be able to hold back if she really did something to aggravate me…

“I understand. I know you don’t like me, and…wait. What? Really?” She sounded amazed. “Lana, you’re amazing! Truly amazing!”

“Yeah, yeah…” I grumbled, amazed myself.

“Can you take me shopping tomorrow? Apparently there’s some ball in two days?” I was shocked that she was allowed out so soon, but I wasn’t going to argue. What I was really surprised at was that she had no dress for it yet.

“You don’t have a dress?” I repeated, more for myself than her.

“No, why would I have a dress? I didn’t even know about this thing until about ten minutes ago.”

“Oh god, I’ll be there first thing in the morning. Be presentable, please.” I added.

“Lana! You are the absolute bestest! I hope you know that! I owe you so much!”

“You have no idea…” I muttered.

“Here’s Xavier, thank you so much!” I heard a, “Thanks Xavier!” and a kissing sound before Xavier cleared his throat.

“Enjoying yourself so far?” I asked him and he chuckled.

“You could say that. She’s definitely interesting.” The way he said that worried me. I knew that tone. That was the tone I used when I spoke about Ian.

“Xavier…” I warned.

“What?”

“Are you…?”

“What? No!” He answered a little to quickly.

“Xavier.” I said more firmly.

“Listen, I’m her advisor. She’s the daughter of a duke…”

“You’re just stating facts.” I pointed out. “That doesn’t tell me anything.”

“I can’t…” He sounded like he couldn’t find the words. I suddenly felt guilty. I had put him in a very similar situation I was currently in. This was my entire fault, and I knew exactly how he felt. Confused, torn, unsure…

“Listen, it’s all right. I know you’ll make the right decision. Whatever that may be. I’ll see you both tomorrow, bright and early. I’ll call when I’m on my way.”

“All right,”

“And Xavier…”

“Yes?”

“She is very pretty.”

“I know.” He chuckled.

“Bye Xavier.”

The next morning I woke up early as promised. After giving a call to Xavier I got Christine and we were on our way. I was prepared to see Juliet and I had already forgiven her for what had happened. Dwelling on the past wouldn’t help at all. However, she pulled at my patience as her and Christine started to tease and laugh at my expense. I frowned at the two of them.

“I’m sorry Lana, but it is kind of funny.”

“I’m glad you both find this so amusing.” I grumbled.

“Oh, Lana.” Christine laughed.

“Stop having a go at Lana’s expense.” Xavier warned.

“Oh, all right. I’m sorry, Lana.” Juliet said.

“Let’s just get this over with…” I sighed.

Christine was ruthless in her dressing up of poor Juliet. Everything she picked out was some form of pink. Some part of me just knew that wasn’t Juliet’s style.

“Christine, stop that.” I hissed. “That dress is just cruel.” I fished through the racks and smiled when I found a silver, backless dress with a sweetheart top. “Try this one on.” I pushed it at her. When she came out she smiled.

“Lana, have I told you you’re amazing today?” She did a twirl and I gaped, covering my mouth as I stared at the artwork covering her shoulder.

“What is on your shoulder?” I asked and Juliet started laughing.

“Oh right. You didn’t know yet.”

“So these two did?” I looked at both Christine and Xavier accusingly.

“Yes.”

“As her advisor, it’s my job to know.” Xavier offered with a shrug.

Juliet gave me a worried look. “Do I have to put it back?”

“Don’t be silly.” I waved my hands at her worry. “We’ll just have to get that covered up before you go out.”

“I don’t want a cover up!” She exclaimed.

“You are going to have to get that airbrushed. It’s that simple.” I said firmly and Juliet let out a relieved sigh.

“Oh airbrushing! That’s okay then. I thought you meant permanently.” She said with a sigh.

“Juliet, you are something else.” I sighed. “Well, if that’s the one, Christine and I have some other errands to run.” I explained. We said out goodbyes and headed out, but not before Xavier whispered in my ear “You had to make her dress backless?” to which I giggled.

During our entire trip, I could tell my throat was starting to feel scratchy. Christine knew something was wrong as I continuously cleared my throat and rubbed my nose with a tissue.

“Are you all right?” she asked and I shrugged.

“I think I’m coming down with something.” I sniffled. Christine rubbed my back which felt oddly sore.

“You need sleep.” She commented.

“No, I need to finish my work. Then I can sleep.” I corrected her. “I don’t have the time to get sick. Maybe it’ll get better.”

After getting back from shopping I headed to my office, coughing and sneezing. It was clear I was far from getting better. “You okay?” Ian asked me, from down the hall. He must’ve gotten back from his date with Amelia early.

“Just a cold. I’m sure it’ll pass.” I groaned, pulling out a tissue and rubbing my nose. “How was your date?” Ian shrugged in response and walked up to me, feeling my forehead.

“Lana, you’re feeling warm. You should probably go lie down.” He suggested, looking worried. I shook my head and started into my office, Ian following me.

“I have too much left to do today. I can’t just go to sleep.” I sat at my desk and Ian sat at the edge of it. “Must you sit on my desk?”

“Yes.” He replied, simply. I rolled my eyes and pulled out my schedule book and my laptop. I had a few emails to send, and I wanted to create a checklist for myself for the day of the ball. It shouldn’t take long, and then I could relax. “Do you need any help?” I slumped back in my chair as he pulled one up next to me. “I could help this go along faster so you could sleep.”

“I don’t know…” I grumbled, pinching the bridge of my nose. It was hard to think when my head was stuffy like this. I felt a sinus headache coming on.

“Okay, let’s see what you’re doing here…” He murmured, pulling my laptop in front of him. “Emails? That’s easy.” He started replying to them for me and I slumped in my chair. I hated being sick. I was so unproductive and I hated that feeling. I had fallen asleep without realizing it and woke up when I felt myself being carried.

“Chad, why are you always carrying me everywhere…” I mumbled and a chuckle followed.

“Well, I don’t know about that, but I’m not Chad.” I opened my eyes in shock to see Ian’s amused face and a wide grin. He gracefully opened my door without putting my down and closed it behind him as well. “I finished your emails, and making your little checklist. I hope it’s to your liking.” I couldn’t help but smile as he rested me gently on my bed.

“You didn’t have to do that.”

“I know, but I’m glad you could get some sleep. You look terrible.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“No, I mean, you look tired.” He laughed. “I don’t want you sick and droopy during the ball. Dancing with you wouldn’t be as fun.”

“Who said I would dance with you?” I teased and he pinched my arm lightly.

“You can’t resist all this…” He gestured to himself and I rolled my eyes.

“You’re lucky you’re adorable. That ego of yours is going to get you in trouble.” I yawned and he yawned in turn too.

“Don’t do that, and I knew you thought I was adorable.” He pushed the hair from my face and watched me thoughtfully for a moment, his eyebrows furrowing together as if he were thinking hard about something.

“Don’t hurt yourself,” I joked and he snapped out of it.

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab you something to drink.” Without thinking, he leaned forward and gave me a soft kiss. We both stared at each other in shock for a moment.

“Drink…” I reminded and he shot up quickly.

“Right, I’ll…erm…be right back.” He left the room and I touched my lips, still in shock. I was so confused with what this was. Did he want me? Did he not want me? Was he just playing me? I didn’t know what to think, or not to think. I just wanted clarity, but it was apparent that wasn’t happening.

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As I wrote this chapter…I kept accidentally writing Ian instead of Chad’s name. I guess I’m turning into Lana, and wishing that Chad was Ian…lol.

ANYWAY, please vote and comment, and to see more of Juliet and some Xavier, go check out Royal Pain in the Ass by PunkRockPenguin (it's in my library).