% CHAPTER 28 %

"Wow you guys! That is really good!" Vic exclaims.

Jake nods. "I would have never thought of something so original." He looks over at his girlfriend before saying, "this girl's a genius. I'm glad she's mine."

Taylor smiles. "Well Bret and I worked hard on it. He fixed it up some so it was to my liking. I'm glad you guys like it."

Aaron nods and so does the rest of the group.

"This is one of the best anniversary gifts I've ever seen," Connie says. "I am totally stealing this idea from you guys for my folks' day. They're going to be so proud!"

Isaac laughs. "Wow Connie way to be subtle."

She furrows her eyebrows in confusion. "I'm not trying to be subtle!"

He rolls his eyes. "It was a joke. Gosh Connie liven up some."

I chuckle. I didn't expect this well of a reaction from everyone. I knew the Power Point was good, but to have everyone else say it was good just boosted my ego.

I look back at Taylor. She's wearing make up today. I don't get why. She doesn't need make up. Her face is beautiful. It looks fine without all the eyeliner and mascara. What else do girls use? Eye shadow? Foundation? Taylor looks good without all that.

Wait a minute. Doesn't she wear make up every day? That's right. She does pretty much wear make up every day except when she doesn't have time.

I shake my head. Why would I even think these things? I see Taylor with make up on all the time while we're acting as well. Hell, I even wear make up on the set.

"Aw having little lovey dovey thoughts about Taylor?" Aaron teases.

I growl, even though its true. "I have a girlfriend dude." Okay I am dumping Amanda in two days. So? I need an excuse. Well...she is supposed to be my cousin. Isn't that enough?

Vic laughs. "Let's get to lunch."

When we walk in, I can feel everyone turn their chairs to look at us. It's like we're the good populars, if those exist.

I smirk and we sit at our table together. Amanda is already there. Wow she was waiting all this time? She must have made a fool of herself, sitting here alone. I wrap my arm around her waist and sit down.

"Hey babe. You okay?"

Amanda leans into my chest. "Now that you're here. I was beginning to get worried."

I chuckle to hide my nervousness. This girl is too clingy. I'm wondering if I should just break up with her now. I shove the idea aside. I can't have her running behind me, trying to woo me back this week. That would be horrifying. I'd never be able to regain my big ego again, and that is something a male should be concerned about.

Besides, tomorrow is Thursday, which signifies the last day with her already. Then on Friday I won't come to school so she has three days together over me. It sounds like a perfect plan to me, if nothing fails.

"Well I'm back now so don't worry."

She snuggles into my chest some more before saying, "Go get some lunch. I don't want you to starve."

"What about you?"

"I'll be fine. I always do this." She gives me a reassuring smile and I get up and walk away.

I almost shudder when I know she's not looking. That's not good for her health. She could get bulimia or something. I don't really like the girl, but no one deserves to get an eating disorder like that.

I head to the lunch line and grab some food. When I come back, Amanda snatches my food gently and puts it on the table.

"I need to talk to you Bret."

I nod slowly, trying to swallow the lump forming in my throat. I gulp it down. "Okay sure."

We walk outside, hand in hand, like a couple. What is wrong with this girl? When we make it to the hallway, Amanda turns sharply on her heel. "I know what you're up to Bret Mendoza."

I shake my head quizzically. Maybe breaking up with her should happen now.

"I don't get what you're trying to say."

She points her finger in my face. "Don't act like you don't know, because we both know you have a knack for lying in people's faces, or acting as you probably call it."

I narrow my eyes at her. "Umm I don't copy."

She gives out a big huff. Before she can explain anything though, a teacher sneaks up from behind.

"Excuse me children. Get where you're supposed to be, right now."

We nod slowly. "Yes ma'am," I say a bit too quickly for Amanda's liking.

We get back in the cafeteria and eat our lunch, practically avoiding each other. Amanda could have just moved right back to her old table for today because sitting next to me was pretty much useless now.

$_$_$_$

We didn't make out at school today. Maybe that was progress. She's starting to accept the fact that I'm not her guy. I can't wait until tomorrow. Just one more day and then she'll be off of my back, which is a good thing.

I get more comfortable and blow the hair out of my face. Speaking of which, my hair is getting long. I should get it cut. I have nothing else to do.

My phone gives off a little jingle. I immediately answer when I see the caller ID.

"Hey Derek."

"Hey kid. So I want to come to terms about only getting one week off. Is Taylor sure she wants that?"

"Yeah. She hasn't spoken to me about a change of choice."

"Okay then. Your career as an actor starts on Friday again. I'm looking forward to seeing you two. Your comments are the life of the party."

I chuckle. "Very funny Derek. Say, is it okay if I get a haircut?"

"That would ruin the whole movie Bret!" the poor director whines.

"It'll grow back!"

"...well you do need to get a slight trim because your hair grew over the break, but you'll handle that when I'm around."

I sigh. "Fine. I'll wait until Friday or something."

"Good. Okay I've got to go kid. I'll speak with you later."

"Same to you. Bye." I close the phone and sigh. "Why?" I say with a fake sob.

I lean back into the couch. Taylor is out with her friends again, this time not with the guys. I don't feel like talking to the guys. I'm ignoring contact with Amanda until tomorrow. Luca and Glenda are probably not in town. Besides, they came over on Monday. My dad is out of the option. So is my mom since she's all the way in New York.

I run my finger along the small scar I got when I was a kid, the one Taylor saw in the limo. Not many people have noticed it after it started fading. It'll be gone in a few years probably. The wound wasn't that deep. I still can't believe she saw that. I'm surprised. That was when she hated me too. She risked her health to show me how much she didn't like me.

I shake my head. I couldn't let Taylor get to me anymore. I've already kissed her out of the movie about once, and about a million times in my head.

I think I may like her. In fact, now that I think about it, I've always thought of Taylor constantly. Maybe I hadn't wanted to admit it then, but Taylor was constantly on my mind. Well now I have to do whatever it takes to get her off of it.

I rest my head on the firm leather and fall into a deep sleep.

$_$_$_$_

She's standing there in all her glory, not a single bump or scratch on her porcelain skin. Her blond hair cascades down onto her shoulders while her blue eyes stare at me with such intensity, I can't help but cringe.

She walks up to me and puts her hand on my chest, which is suddenly bare. My heart rate accelerates and I look into her eyes. She's so beautiful.

"Hayden," she says.

Everything comes crashing down. Of course. That's why she's even this close willingly; because we're acting out a scene.

By instinct, I reach for her. "Emily."

The scene changes and I almost freak when I see who is sys ding in front of me. It's myself, in clothes from back in time, around the time Emily and Hayden were supposed to be living in.

"Do you see me Bret?" he calls to the real me. "My name is Hayden. You may know me."

I look at myself. I'm in my regular clothing, the kind I usually wear. This is all too creepy. Hayden is gaining his own thought and mind.

All of a sudden Taylor appears right next to him. I check her clothing, hoping its Emily, but its not. Then Emily appears right next to her. Oh great so he gets both girls!

"Bret, do you know why girls will fawn over you when this film shows? Because of me, not you." He sighs. "I hate being the bad cop, but you leave me no choice. The girl you desire is not within your grasp." I scoff. This is definitely Hayden because I would never say something this retarded.

"Bret, do you know why women are more interested in me? I show compassion. I reveal who I am. I open up."

I look at Hayden and Taylor. Maybe he's right, but I don't want to like Taylor. I just want to forget. There's too much going on. We're starring in a movie, we're going to school as cousins, I have family problems, she has trust issues... All the cards are stacked against me.

"Hayden you don't understand-"

I immediately stop talking when I see him wrap his arm around both Taylor's and Emily's waist. I clench my teeth.

"Do you notice your reaction? You are jealous, of me, your character, someone who doesn't even exist in the real world."

Everything fades and I feel someone shaking me awake.

"Bret! Why don't you sleep in your room like a normal person?!" Taylor shouts.

I can't help but smile when I see her beautiful figure hovering over me.

A plan forms in my head. I've just woken up. My mind could be disoriented still. I can just pretend I think I'm Hayden and she's Emily.

"Emily," I say before I can stop myself. The plan is now in action.

***