Soooo....I know its been a little while but i DO have a valid excuse! I had my wisdoms removed and they had to remove part of the bone in my jaw because it had grown over my teeth :/ I've been sore with chipmunk cheeks for a little while now and in pain. In addition to that, I've had to settle some school issues and get stuff organized to move back to UNF in Jacksonville for the Fall semester next month. However, I am working twice as hard now to make sure I get Magical and PI updated, otays??

By the way, I got some wonderful comments and questions from Robin (roommate/editor/awesomeness) who believed there were more things I needed to clarify. I like to know these things because as the author I already know just about everything and I forget to explain certain things to you all. So remember questions and comments are accepted, nay ENCOURAGED!

This chapter is dedicated to my little sister Deedee, she's turning 12 next month and she's starting her own writing which I encourage wholeheartedly!

Okay enough explanation, on with the chapter. But guys..sometimes i say important things in these notes, so try and read them! Don't skip them!

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Chapter 18

Waking up in Ian’s arms is something I would never forget. Everything about it just seemed right. I opened my eyes to see Ian still snoozing, his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open as he snored. I snickered and kissed his cheek softly, which made his eyes fly open. His bright ocean blue eyes flitted down to me, looking a little surprised before his mind caught up. “Good morning.” He yawned as he nuzzled my nose and I stretched out like a cat, which in turn made him chuckle.

“Good morning to you too.” I replied as I stretched. Ian looked over to the window where it was still dark out. The sun was only just coming up.

“It’s still so early.” He groaned, falling back on the pillow and I took the opportunity to pin him down and kiss him. “Well…at least you’re worth waking up for.” He tacked on and I smiled. He brushed back my hair and pulled me in for another kiss. “What’s on the agenda for today?” He asked, putting his forehead against mine. I let out a long relieved sigh.

“Absolutely nothing!” I whispered, excitedly.

“That’s where you’re wrong,” Ian muttered with a frown. I looked at him questioningly. “We have to speak to Chad today.”

I let myself fall face-first onto the pillow and groaned. “Noooo…” I looked up at him and he was smiling down at me. I couldn’t help but just stare at his handsome face. “I want to speak to Christine first.” I added and he leaned closer to kiss my nose.

“Deal. And then you and I will spend the day together. Just the two of us.”

I furrowed my brows in confusion. “I thought you had to see Amelia tonight?”

“The only person I want to spend time with is you. I’ll speak with Amelia tomorrow.” I gave him a flat look.

“Ian, what on earth could the two of us do without getting caught? Don’t forget that I am due for disaster with Logan…” I groaned, putting my face in my hands. “Plus, I’m still sick.”

“Stop complaining. I bet your stuffy head is clouding your usual intelligence.”

“Is that an insult or a compliment?” He ignored me and continued.

“You’re my political advisor. It makes sense if we go out somewhere together. I know you’re sick, I’m getting sick too.” He flicked my nose at that statement and I giggled. “And thirdly, we’ll figure out what to do about Logan. Until then, we just have to deal with the situation as it comes.”

“Your answers are making too much sense for me. Let’s just sleep the whole day.” I grumbled and Ian laughed at me. “It’s not funny! I hate being sick!” I complained.

“Come on,” He pulled at my arms. “Let’s get some breakfast, and then we’ll get Christine and Chad.” I allowed him to drag me out of bed and I went into my room to change into some sweats. Then, I followed him down to breakfast. We were earlier than everyone else and sat beside each other at the table.

We were quiet at first as we ate, unsure what to say that was safe. Then, I felt him take my hand and kiss it quickly with a short squeeze before releasing it. I looked at him confused, and then heard a voice. “Good morning!” I let out a relieved sigh. It was Christine. “You two look cozy. What did I miss?” She asked, sitting across from me.

I looked at Ian who had suddenly filled his mouth with food. I narrowed my eyes at him and he smiled innocently back. I leaned forward and whispered to Christine, “Ian and I…are…” I didn’t even finish before Christine started clapping excitedly.

“Aww, you two are so adorable! I told Fiore it would happen. So did you talk to Chad and Amelia yet?” We both looked sheepish and Christine frowned. “Guys…come on.”

“We planned on it. Actually, I planned on speaking to Chad today. We were going to do it together. If he knew how we felt about each other, I’m sure he would understand.” I started and Christine snorted.

“That boy is in love with you Lana. Good luck.”

“Oh no…please don’t say that.” I let my face fall into my hands.

“Good morning, darling.” I felt a soft kiss on my cheek and jumped to see Chad. He put his hand to my forehead. “Your fever’s not as bad as yesterday. Are you feeling better?”

My breath was caught in my throat. I looked over at Ian whose lips were pressed in a thin line. I shifted my gaze to Christine who cleared her throat awkwardly. “On second thought, I’m not really that hungry.” She jumped up so fast I would’ve guessed she’d sat on a pin.

“What’s going on?” Chad asked slowly, looking between the two of us. Luckily for me, Ian started.

“We need to talk to you, mate.” Ian said, pulling out a chair. I felt my heart start to beat really fast and my face heat up. I was so ashamed of myself. I was such a terrible person to do this to someone so amazing. He deserved someone better.

“About?” Chad sat, looking at us suspiciously. Then realization showed in his eyes as he looked between us. “I knew it.” He growled.

“Chad, let us explain…” I begged and he closed his eyes, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I don’t know why I was so stupid. I actually believed you when you said it was just a silly crush…”

“Listen mate, we didn’t…” Ian started and Chad turned on him, his eyes angry.

“I’m not your mate, Ian. Mates don’t do things like this. They don’t betray each other.” Chad snapped and I sucked in a breath as he stood and stormed out of the room. Ian looked at me with a panicked expression and I gestured for him to stay. I followed Chad out back where he was pacing on the terrace.

“Chad, just let me explain. Please.” The look he gave me actually scared me, but I held my ground.

“Then start explaining, Lana. I don’t see what I could have possibly done to deserve this from you.”

“Nothing, absolutely nothing. I didn’t mean to do this to you. I promise.” I sat down on one of the chairs and he followed suit, cocking an eyebrow at me. “Ian and I didn’t mean for this to happen. I thought I could just treat it like a silly little crush because nothing could ever come from it. But I was lying to myself more than anything Chad, and unfortunately you had to get caught in the middle of it all.”

I paused and Chad waited for me to continue. “So, what happened then?” He finally asked.

“You were so wonderful Chad; I felt that if I stayed, if I hadn’t already fallen in love with you it would happen eventually.” I was looking up at him, but he refused to meet my eyes. He looked like he was contemplating something in his head.

“But…you’re in love with Ian.” He stated it more than asked, so I didn’t answer. Finally, he met my eyes and if I thought I felt guilty before, I felt a hundred times worse now. Chad looked so hurt and just…sad. I moved over to sit next to him and I put my arms around him in a hug.

“I never meant to hurt you. That’s the last thing I ever wanted to do, Chad.” I felt him push me away gently and meet my eyes again.

“I-…I wanted to believe you when you said you didn’t feel that strongly about him. Because I wanted to believe that you wanted me, I let it go…I guess I was just an idiot.”

“No! Don’t say that. Chad, I’m the stupid one in this whole thing. I was the one stringing you along and it was such a bitchy thing for me to do and I just hope that eventually you can forgive me.” I was rambling now and I felt him take both my hands in his and take a deep breath.

“I hope I can too. I won’t pretend like I’m okay about this all, Lana. Honestly, what I really want to do is go in there and punch Ian right in the jaw. But, he’s my best friend and I know him. I know he wouldn’t purposely do something like this to me.” He let out another long breath. “You really are a wonderful girl, Lana. And of all people, I can understand why Ian fell for you.” Chad gave me a soft kiss on my cheek. “Maybe I can forgive you both, I just need some time.”

I didn’t get another word from him. He just stood and went back inside. I was left outside with my thoughts. I jumped when I heard the door open and looked up to see Christine. She sat next to me and gave me a hug. “Don’t worry about me. I’m not the one who deserves a hug.” I mumbled.

“I’m going to go upstairs and see if he’s okay. But I wanted to see about you first.” She answered. I couldn’t help but smile. I didn’t know what I would’ve done without Christine. I thought she and her brothers were going to make my life a living hell, but it turns out they had become my family, and my friends. I was so glad to have been given this opportunity because I finally had everything I wanted. And then…I remembered about Logan.

“I have something I want to talk with you about later. After you see about Chad.” I said, before I didn’t have the guts to talk about it again. I knew after telling her that, she wouldn’t just let me brush it off later. Christine nodded and gave me a quick rub on the back before she disappeared into the house. I looked down to the ground and then decided I needed to get back inside. Sitting out here thinking wasn’t accomplishing anything.

I walked back inside to see Ian pacing and I went out and stopped him, making him look at me. “Stop freaking out, Ian. I spoke to Chad. I think he’ll be fine, he just needs some time.”

“Can you blame me? I…I guess I was just hoping he wouldn’t take it so hard. That maybe…maybe he didn’t feel for you as much as I did.” Ian said sheepishly, running his hand through his hair. I took his hand and held it in mine.

“Listen, I just want us to enjoy this day okay? You and me, right?” I asked. He smirked down at me.

“Right, just you and me.”

“When did you get charming, by the way? I don’t know how to handle you when you’re not being a smartass.” I said with a roll of my eyes and headed out to the garden and he followed me out, flicking me on the arm.

“There’s the sassy Lana I missed.”

“Don’t flick me.” I flicked him back and I was suddenly pinned against a tree. Ian brought his face close to mine, his blue eyes sparkling impishly.

“What are you going to do to stop me?” He whispered huskily. I wasn’t sure what to answer. It was easy teasing Ian, but the second he had me pinned like this, I couldn’t think straight. I jumped when I felt the vibrating in my pocket and reached down to answer it.

“Hello?” I said, without even looking at the caller ID. Ian was still watching me hungrily and it was difficult to focus.

“Darling? ‘ello?” came the familiar French accent.

“Mum?” I jumped to attention.

“Oh my darling, I was ‘oping I’d catch you. My flight just got een.” Her accent was thick at the moment, which showed me that she was irritated.

“Flight wasn’t as good as it should have been? And I thought you weren’t coming until next week?” I asked, ignoring Ian mouthing to me.

“I couldn’t wait to come visit you. And, the flight, well…you could say zat it wasn’t very enjoyable…” She snapped back. I rolled my eyes.

“So, where are you heading then?” I moved out of Ian’s clutches and started down the path, Ian trailing behind me.

“I suppose I will take a taxi to your aunt’s. I still ‘ave a spare key. Will I being seeing you sometime today? Per’aps?” She sounded hopeful for a moment and I inwardly groaned. Ian gave a curious gaze in response to my pained expression.

“I’ll have to see mum. I really can’t stay on the phone though, I’m with Prince Ian at the moment and…”

“Oh, right. Sometimes I forget I ‘ave a daughter with an important career.” She said quickly.

“You don’t have to sound so upset by that mum.” I mumbled flatly.

“Well, a daughter could visit ‘er mother every now and again Lana.”

“Well, a mother could come to a daughter’s gradu-…you know, I don’t want to fight right now. I’ll call you later mum.”

“Au revoir.” She said before I heard the phone click off. I was shaking as I took the phone down from my ear.

“I’m guessing everything isn’t all right?” Ian started, putting an arm around my shoulders.

“It’s my mother. She wants to try and reconnect. It’s just…” I was rambling in my frustration.

“You don’t like your mother?” He asked, looking confused.

“It’s not that. We used to be so close before she got remarried, and then all of a sudden it was all about him. I don’t blame her for wanting to remarry, but it was as if I suddenly didn’t exist anymore.”

“And now she’s trying to make up for it, Lana. Maybe you should just give her the chance. She wouldn’t be doing this if she wasn’t sorry.” I turned on him with narrowed eyes.

“What did I say about being charming and saying smart things?”

“Only do it for the press.” He recited seriously, and I laughed.

“Very good.” I let out a sigh and leaned into Ian as we continued our walk. “If it’s not one thing it’s another. As if I didn’t have enough on my plate as is.” I grumbled. “How could it get any worse?” I covered my mouth instantly. “Crap! I said it! Never ever say that!” I cursed myself because almost every time I asked that question, everything shortly “got worse”.

Almost instantly, as if on cue, my phone buzzed again. I looked down at it and wanted to cry. “Who is it?” Ian asked.

“It’s Logan.” I sobbed, falling into his chest.

“You don’t have to answer that. We can figure something out…”

“And chance him publishing those pictures? No. I can’t let that happen.” I answered and gulped, “Hello?”

“Well hello there Lana. I have something marvelous planned for tonight…”

I could only imagine in fear what exactly he found marvelous…

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Sorry if it wasn't as long as you guys wanted...its difficult to concentrate when you're drugged up on painkillers :/ (see authors note at beginning of chapter if ur confused by that...)

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