I stared at the water-stains that made obscure patterns in the ceiling. Tayla was asleep in my arms, breathing deep and rhythmically. She smelled of lavender, with a hint of sweat and alcohol.

My first time was not exactly as I had planned. It was supposed to be sensual, mind boggling, perfect. But it was time, and I didn’t want to wait forever for the right girl.

The right girl. I thought Natalia was it. I had never met someone like her. She was herself, sensual, mind boggling. I could never figure her out, but I loved the mystery. She was two different people in the same body. In public, she enjoyed being loud, sarcastically funny, outrageous. When it was just she and I, Natalia’s intensity was still there, but all her flagrant characteristics were minimized. She was quiet, unsure of herself, scared. Her fear made her come across as contemptible. And she was so fearful that someone would realize she was afraid. So she’d hide it with a rude remark bordering between insulting and mildly humorous. Natalia selfishly saved her pride at the expense of others.

I thought she loved me, with all her intensity powered behind it. I don’t know anymore.

Even with Tayla in my arms, I know I still love her.

NATALIA

Ugh, I shouldn’t be up this early. I haven’t gotten up at 6:30 AM since England. My eyes burned with exhaustion and I rubbed them.

Tal sat beside me. I had spent the night and now he was driving me home before everyone woke up. As we idly drove down the long passage to the house, I begged the gods not to let anyone be up yet. I knew Kate and Sara would, and Kate would never let me forget last night.

Last night was...certainly interesting. I still don’t know exactly.

As much as I...desire...Tal, there was a piece of me that wanted him to be Dave. But the stronger side didn’t. I realized no matter how much I loved Dave, it was over between us. And it never will be again.

But there was still that diminished part of me that still needed Dave. If I knew it was over, why did I still have that sinking hollow pain? Why did I still feel like shit? Why did I feel like I was deceiving Dave just being in Tal’s car? I rubbed my eyes again, hoping the pain would leave if I rubbed hard enough.

The car stopped and I jolted back to reality.

We walked to the door to the house, hand and hand. I sighed as I searched my bag for my keys. Tal’s hands rubbed my shoulders to show me his support when he noticed my apprehension about entering the house. I smiled at him as I quietly turned the key in the door and pushed softly. I heard the light drone of morning TV and the microwave beeping in the kitchen. Tal and I moved quietly towards the stairwell trying to go unnoticed.

“Long night?” I heard Kate’s voice from behind me. We both turned around and saw Kate, Sara and Bob standing in the doorway from the kitchen, their eyes wide with curiosity.

“Umm, yeah, I guess. Are Frank and Sheila up yet?” I asked, a bit worried.

“Nope, just us. They’ll probably sleep another hour. Liv, Clint and Scott won’t get up until at least noon and well Dave...” Bob told me.

“So you guys want some coffee?” Sara cut him off. What about Dave? What does he mean? I tried not to think about it.

I began to shake my head no, worrying that any moment Dave would come down the stairs and see us together, still wearing the same things as yesterday. Except now, I was wearing Tal’s shirt. But Tal nodded and grinned, innocent as ever. Sara smiled politely and gave me a look as Tal hugged me tightly from behind. He nestled his head on my shoulder.

Kate walked over to us, a sly grin on her face. I hoped she wouldn’t say anything to embarrass me. But this is Kate, of course she would.

“Are you sure you don’t want any coffee Nati? Maybe a cigarette?” She asked, putting the sugar and milk in front of us on the table. I glared at her for being so rude. Tal just sort of laughed and started playing with my jelly bracelets. I could feel how uncomfortable he felt, and so was I.

“Kate shut up,” I moaned, hiding my face in my hands. I really didn’t want her to say anything else.

Tal coughed. “I think I should get going. Gil and I have to do a meet and greet this afternoon and I need to get a little more...sleep,” He kissed my cheek. “Call me later?”

I made myself smile. “Course. Get some sleep. I’ll call you about something tonight.”

Tal nodded and waved goodbye to Kate and Sara. When I heard his car start, I knew it was ok to start screaming.

“What the fuck was that Kate? That was completely out of line. I can’t believe you did that,” I shouted, fuming mad. She had no right to do that.

“Kate, that was the funniest shit I ever heard in my life!” Bob laughed. Sara joined him, and I couldn’t believe my ears.

“You’re incredible. If you’re going to be a bitch, be a bitch without Tal around. That was inexcusable. Just because you’re not getting any is NO reason to be an asshole to Tal and I,” I felt so embarrassed. I was lucky Tal even asked me to call him again. Kate opened her mouth to defend herself, but I was already out of the room. I didn’t want to hear her shit, although I knew I was fighting a lost cause. I probably deserved everything she said to me, I just didn’t want Tal to hear it too.

OLIVIA

“Clint, why did you tell me this stuff is supposed to be good?” Kate whined, poking at her left over German sausage. Well, this had been an enjoyable lunch, Kate had whined, Nati sulked, Bob and Sara were being all lovey dovey, and all I could order was salad because the damn Nazis only eat meat.

“Nati, are you sure you aren’t hungry? You only had a soda,” Sara said a bit concerned. So what if Nati isn’t eating? That’s not our problem.

“I’m fine,” she said harshly. God, someone’s moody.

“Nati, I’m sorry jeez, you don’t have to be all pissy just because of one little comment I made. I’ll apologize to Tal if it will make you give this up,” Kate compromised. I think I missed something. Nati just got up and walked to the exit of the restaurant to wait. Clint and I walked up to the cash register to pay the bill.

“Liv, do you have any clue what’s going on?” Clint asked me. Damned if I should know a single thing going on in that house. Nobody tells me anything.

“You’re guess is as good as mine. I always miss everything,” I told him. The woman at the register gave us our change and we began the five-minute walk back to the house. Everyone kept quiet so the walk seemed a lot longer. Natalia kept her distance, watching every car closely for reasons I didn’t know. I walked over to Sara.

“Who is she looking for?” I asked, left in the dark as usual.

“Dave. He hasn’t come home yet,” Sara answered. It finally started coming together. I see the light.

“So what?” Clint began. “I mean its not like she wasn’t out all night with Tal. What gives her the right to be a bitch? They aren’t together; there was no cheating or anything. She’s just got to grow up if you ask me.” And that is why I love this kid, we have the same beautifully simplistic way of assessing a situation.

A taxi pulled away from the house as we rounded the corner. Natalia picked up her pace and we all followed. Everyone was silent as we entered, Clint and I were last to enter as usual. We saw the others make a mad dash up the stairs. Natalia just stood at the entrance to the living room, glaring as usual at Dave who sat comfortably on the sofa watching TV. Clint and I kept our distance, but silently agreed to stay and watch the show.

Dave just grinned at Natalia. She looked dumbfounded. “So, did you guys go out to lunch?” Dave asked.

Natalia just nodded, she was too upset to talk. She looked as if Dave had slapped in the face. I really don’t blame her.

“Did you have fun last night?” Dave asked with his innocent, but sly look. He shut off the TV to give her his full attention, a signal that this discussion was going to be intense.

“Not as much as you,” Natalia forced. Ouch, low blow for Dave.

“That’s for sure,” Dave said, his grin growing. Oh, slap him Nati. She walked confidently to the couch, but didn’t sit down. She didn’t want him to see her disturbance.

“So, Tayla’s in town, huh? Did you tell Scott? Did she ask about him?” Nati said, trying to hit him where it hurt. She knew best of all.

“Nah, there were other things escaping her mouth,” Dave shot back. Did he just say that? I glanced at Clint, who seemed as shocked as I. Natalia froze, the words gluing her feet to the ground for a moment. Instead of replying, she turned and walked away.

“I can’t believe he just said that,” I whispered to Clint. He nodded and we ducked into a doorway as Natalia ran past us to the staircase. “Don’t look at her, she’ll know we’ve been listening.”

SCOTT

I held back Kate’s hair as she threw up into the toilet. Something she had eaten made her sick and now she was replaying lunch.

“It’s ok, honey. Just breathe, try to calm down,” I said and dabbed her forehead with a cold towel. Kate’s face was ashen and sweat was dripping from her temples. She couldn’t talk, for fear of throwing up more.

Kate started to shake and I draped another towel around her shoulders. “Kate, honey stop shaking and calm down.” I said, trying not to laugh. She looked so helpless; it was good for once to see her dependent on me.

Kate opened her mouth to say something, but shut it quickly and threw her head over the bowl again. I was the only one who would stay with her in the bathroom, as she was sick. No one would get close enough. They had weak stomachs. I did too, but Kate needed someone and I wasn’t going to leave her alone.

Her heaving stopped for a moment, and she leaned against the bathroom wall. I got up for a second and called Clint to the bathroom. He gingerly walked over to us, afraid of what he would hear.

“Can you get Dad or Sheila, or maybe you can go…um go to the store and get pepto bismal, I don’t know, something to soothe her stomach. Please?” I begged, knowing Clint would rather sit on his ass and watch German Baywatch.

I looked back and saw Kate dry heaving into the toilet. Clint whined and pressed his hands over his ears. Damn him.

“Second thought, call a doctor and have him get over here. We can’t take a chance and take her to the emergency room. It’s too far away, and we don’t want press anyway,” I said, and shoved Clint down the hallway.

Kate rested again. I could imagine how she felt and it hurt me to know how much pain she was going through. I sat behind her and began to massage her back.

“I got sick once from German food. I felt like hell, but I never will eat kilbasa again,” I said, trying to make light of the situation. Kate cracked a smile.

“The others will probably go out again tonight. I will stay here with you until you feel better. Once the doctor comes to see you, we’ll get you to bed, ok?” I wiped her mouth and got up to wet another cold towel.

Kate shook her head. “I don’t want you to stay home. These things don’t last very long, and if I fall asleep, most likely I won’t wake up until tomorrow. You’ll be sitting around doing nothing for hours.”

No way was I going. Not unless she jumped up that moment and did a cartwheel. I shook my head no and draped the cold facecloth on her forehead again.

SARA

I ran a brush through my hair one last time. Bob had talked me into going out with him them tonight. I didn’t feel like staying home and taking care of Kate so I went with out much of a fight. The doctor had left a while ago and had given her medicine that will knock her out pretty quick, so I don’t feel that bad leaving. I walked out into the room Kate and I shared. Kate was sitting up looking pale and very tired.

“You should try to sleep,” I told her.

“I will. The medicine at least settled my stomach a little, so I’m not throwing up anymore. Listen Sara, you have to talk Scott into going tonight. I don’t want him sitting here bored all night. He should be able to have fun, so convince him to go out alright?” Kate pleaded.

“Wow, Kate. I’m proud. You’re becoming very trusting of Scott. This is a big step up for you,” I said in amazement.

“What are you nuts? I’m counting on you to watch him while I’m not there. I trust him enough not to be that stupid, I’m only worried about him drinking so please just don’t let him have that much alcohol. That’s all I ask,” Kate said, her true colors shining.

I laughed, “Alright, Kate.”

Scott walked through the door, a glass of water in his hands. “Hey, how are you feeling?” He asked, sitting on the edge of her bed.

“Better. I’m going to try sleeping. You really should go out tonight,” she told him, patting his leg. Scott just smiled, but didn’t answer her.

“I’m not going to be able to sleep if you are hovering over me. I just need peace and quiet. You’ll be coming into my room every five minutes if you stay. Please go out tonight. You’ll make me feel bad if you stay here,” Kate tried to convince Scott. He looked like he was wearing down.

“Oh Jesus, fine. I’ll go. But I’m not going to have any fun. I’ll be there, all bored and annoyed with the people trying to make me laugh,” he said. Yeah, right. The second we get there, he’ll be all ‘Kate? Kate who?’

“That’s my Scott,” Kate laughed wearily. They hugged and I finally shoved him out to the taxis outside.

“Do you really think she’ll be ok?” He asked me on the ride to the club. Jesus Christ, shut up already. I nodded as if I meant it.

The drive to the club seemed to fly by, but that was probably because Bob and I couldn’t keep our hands of each other. By they time we got into the club I was pulling him on to the dance floor. This wasn’t like me, but I didn’t care. I was sick of watching everything I did. Screw being all up tight in public. I threw my arms around Bob’s neck and pulled him close to me. I ran my fingers through his hair and kissed his neck. Bob seemed almost confused about what to do. We just danced there in each other’s arms. My eyes wandered for a brief moment, but then I quickly turned my attention back to Bob. I never bothered going to discos before, but now I knew what I was missing.

TAYLA

I look around for a familiar face. I didn’t need one to have fun, but I liked having someone around to shock. I saw Dave shuffling to the music at the edge of the crowd. He was obviously trying to find me, and I rolled my eyes in annoyance. He wasn’t even good in bed. But he was another scratch to add to the list of fucked over popstars.

Dave saw me staring at him and he waved stupidly. I straightened my miniskirt and walked over to him, a huge Vaseline smile plastered on my face. If I was going to get to any other of his other brothers, I needed to keep him interested.

“Hey, baby. Couldn’t live without you for one second,” he said, and pressed me close to him. I smelled the alcohol already on his breath and knew it wouldn’t take much to get him back in bed. But I was looking for a challenge.

I found it. Oh, yes I found it.

Scott sat, ALONE, at the bar, talking to the only adult in the place, the bartender. He was nursing a Coors, but not looking as if he was having the best time. I knew my mission, sent to me from the heavens above. All I had to do was lose Corky here.

“Dave I’m so thirsty, but I don’t want to get off the floor. Can you get us some drinks?” I asked, knowing Dave would go to the bar on the other side of the room. Well, hoping anyway. Dave nodded and kissed me before I left. He would actually be a decent kisser, maybe if he closed his mouth a bit and swallowed every once in a while. Disgusting.

Once Dave was out of sight, I glided over to Scott’s side. I wondered where Kate was, then convinced myself not to care. If she wasn’t here, all the more power to me.

I stood next to him, waiting until he noticed me. He didn’t and I sat down next to him and ordered a drink, hoping to catch his attention. He didn’t.

Actually, he seemed like he was deliberately ignoring me. I had to move on my own if I was going to get anywhere. I crossed my legs, and turned in the chair to see the crowd and make sure Dave was far away before pretending to realize I was sitting next to Scott.

“Hey Tayla,” he said, before I even opened my mouth. Well, at least he acknowledged my presence. It was a tiny baby step towards happiness.

“Scott! Oh wow, small world. It’s so great to see you again,” I gushed. He smiled shyly and took another swig of his beer.

“Yeah, good to see you too,” he muttered, but I heard it. I glanced around to make sure Kate really wasn’t at the club before continuing the conversation.

Then I asked him. “Where’s Kate? Dancing?” Scott shook his head and gulped his beer down faster. I tried not to laugh as the bartender placed another in front of Scott. He just stared at it, then picked it up and drank a tiny sip.

“She’s at home. Not feeling too well. I was going to stay with her, but she talked me into going out tonight,” he played with the label on the bottle. He wouldn’t look directly at me. I didn’t know what he was afraid of. He wasn’t going to turn to stone if he looked me in the eye.

I had two routes to take. One, I could be a total whore and slobber all over him. I’m used to that. Or two, I could convince him how wrong Kate was for him. But that might have backlash. Scott could try to start a relationship with me and that would ruin everything. I didn’t want to break his heart, I just wanted to break his cherry.

I decided to use a mixture. “Kate’s at home? She’s staying home sick while you’re out here having fun? Scott, that’s not right,” I said, trying to make him feel bad. He drank more of his beer and rubbed his eyes.

“That’s what I told her. But she wouldn’t calm down until I agreed to go with everyone else and have a good time,” he muttered through his hands. A ha. Pay dirt. He’s supposed to be having a good time. So let’s go have a good time.

“Well, at least do something. She’d want you to be out dancing with me instead of sitting at the bar drinking all night. Come on, just a little?” I begged. Scott stared into his drink, contemplating his answer.

Dave stood out in the crowd, holding our two drinks awkwardly. I don’t know if he saw me, but I really didn’t care. As long as Scott agreed to dance, Dave was no longer my problem.

“Sure, why the hell not,” he answered. I grinned sexily and latched onto his arm. Scott finished his beer and shoved a five mark bill at the bartender before letting me drag him to the floor. He wasn’t totally smashed yet, but that would take nothing. Three more beers and he’d be all mine.

NATALIA

I couldn’t let myself have fun. Well, actually I probably could if I really wanted to. But I was too distressed about the Dave conversation to let myself have fun with Tal. And he noticed it. He kept trying to make me laugh and get me to dance.

“Ok, what’s up? You’re looking miserable. And it couldn’t possibly be me. I’ve been racking my brain to try to think of something I did wrong, but I haven’t done anything wrong. So be truthful and tell me what’s bothering you,” he said. I really really couldn’t tell him. He didn’t need to know about Dave and all the details. But I had to tell him something, or he’d be hurt.

I took a deep breath and talked myself into letting him in on a little of my life. “I’m going through a rough time with some of the others. Um, Dave in particular. But it’s a long story. You probably don’t want to hear about it,” I told him, hoping it was enough to satisfy his curiosity for now.

Tal nodded slowly and glanced over at Dave. The first time that night I let myself look at him, and I reveled in the fact that he was alone. He was alone, drinks in hand on the dance floor. I smiled— no, grinned— to myself and then rested my head on Tal’s shoulder.

“Let’s get out of here. I’m getting sick of this place. But I don’t want to go home yet. Kate’s sick and I don’t want to disturb her. We can just drive around for a while,” I said, and finished the last of my drink. The last place I wanted to go to was the house. Kate was there. Dave would be there later. I didn’t have enough energy to deal with either of them.

Tal nodded, and smiled sweetly. “Alright,” he said softly. I kissed his cheek and we got up to leave. This time I didn’t have anyone to say goodbye to.

TAYLA

I had gotten Scott to leave the club and we were on our way back to his house. Scott’s hands roamed over my body and his lips kissed my neck and arms. He was undoing the buttons on the back of my shirt, as much as I was enjoying it I was worried about how I would get him into the house. He was so drunk. It was easier than I thought it would be. He has such little tolerance for vodka. Scott’s blue eyes barely ever met mine though. I could feel his touch all over me and his embrace was so strong and warm, but never once did he look me in the eyes and register that it was me, Tayla that he was kissing. I think in his mind he convinced himself that it was Kate all along.

Scott had almost succeeded in unbuttoning my shirt, but I took his hands and our fingers intertwined. He kissed me so deeply; I was quite impressed by his aggression. He would be one of my greatest victories.

The taxi pulled up in front of the house. Scott was too interested in getting his hand fully up my shirt. I took money from his wallet to pay the driver, and took his set of keys to get us into the house.

I was trying to get him to stop kissing me and to pay attention to showing me which room was his. I figured it out when we stumbled blindly into a darkened room. I threw off my jacket and let Scott unbutton the rest of my shirt. He was drunker that I thought, because I ended up ripping the shirt off my head he was taking so long. I threw him back on the bed. It was my turn to be aggressive.

KATE

I finally dozed off somewhere around midnight; the medicine must have been strong because I dreamt that I was in a long hallway. The hall seemed never-ending, and it frightened me with its darkness. I felt so alone. Try as I might I could never get to the end. No matter how fast I ran, every door looked the same and I knew I was going no where.

I could hear Scott calling for me in the distance. It sounded so real, like he was so close, but at the same time so far away. His voice was so alarming. It scared me, but running didn’t bring me closer to the source. As much as I raced to the end, I could never find him I just heard him calling. Then it stopped and I knew that I had lost him.

TAYLA

Scott lay, completely knocked out, in the bed next to me. Everything worked exactly as I hoped. All that was left was to get dressed and leave before he woke up.

I silently crept out of bed and threw on as much of my clothing as I could find. I hadn’t paid attention to where they were discarded. I was too busy removing Scott’s pants.

He turned over in the bed and I froze. Damn it, he’s up.

“Tayla?” He groaned, raising a weak hand to his head. It must be pounding with alcohol. I sighed and turned back to him.

“Yes love?”

He looked at his hands and tried to register last night. I knew he had realized our little escapade when his eyes widened in horror. I silently laughed to myself and decided to torment him.

“Scott, I have to tell you something,” I began, working up some tears for the full effect. “I can’t stand myself. I was such a slut last night. I can’t believe I got between Kate and your relationship.” I paused to let a tear run down my cheek. Scott sat up and put a hand on my shoulder. Yeah that’s comforting.

“I have to tell Kate. She has a right to know. I’d never be able to live with myself if I didn’t get her forgiveness.” I knew telling Kate would be the last thing Scott wanted. And I was right. He shook his head violently until his hangover caught up with him.

“No—no don’t tell her anything. Please. She can’t know,” he begged. Ohhh I love it when guys beg. I let more tears fall and rose from the bed.

“That would be dishonest. You’re her boyfriend. If you’re not going to tell her what we did, then I will,” I said and ran for the door.

Sara was walking past Scott’s room when I opened the door. “Thank god,” I muttered. I wouldn’t have to search the whole house for Kate now. “Sara, where is Kate? I need to talk to her.”

Sara just stared at me and pointed two doors down from Scott. I gasped in shock. She was fucking two doors down the whole night! She probably heard everything. I laughed to myself and opened Kate’s door.

She was sleeping still. What a wake up call she would get. I raced to the side of her bed and shook her awake.

“Kate, Kate, wake up,” I shouted urgently. She stumbled awake, and really woke up when she saw me. She shook me off her arm and sat up.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

I mustered up more tears for the grand finale. “Scott didn’t want me to tell you, but I have to. I’ll never get over it if I don’t.” Dramatic pause inserted here. “I went home with Scott last night. In more ways than one.”

Kate stared at me, I guess she was speechless.

“Get the fuck out of my room or I’ll kill you. You cunt,” she said in the calmest voice she’s ever spoken to me with. I backed away from the bed and let her run to Scott’s room.

SCOTT

I couldn’t hear what was going on in Kate’s room, and a part of me didn’t want to hear. I flopped back on the bed, secretly wishing Tayla had just left instead of really telling Kate. That’s what she probably did. She doesn’t have enough courage to do something like that.

I could hear something now. Kate stormed to my door and banged on it. I sighed. “Come in,” I groaned. Kate flung open the door and slammed it shut.

“Tell me the truth,” she demanded. So Tayla did have the courage. Super. Now I’m really fucked.

“Kate, listen I can explain. I was drunk and I brought Tayla back here. That’s all there is to it.” There wasn’t any excuse I could use to get myself out of this. An excuse would worsen the problem and I had been swimming in guilt since I woke up and remembered whom I had fucked last night.

Kate sat down at the desk and buried her face in her hands. “Are you getting me back for being sick? Why the hell did you do this Scott?”

I couldn’t find a reason. “I...don’t know.”

“Bullshit Scott, you don’t do things without a reason. You don’t ever intentionally hurt me without a purpose,” she rebutted. I stood up, the bedsheets gathered at my waist.

“This wasn’t meant to be intentional. It was an accident Kate!” That was at least truthful.

“Yeah sure, Scott. She just tripped, fell, and landed on your dick. I believe that one,” she responded. Touchee. Something hit me. She was way too calm. Either she had heard every sound we made last night, or there was something she wasn’t telling me. The Kate I knew screamed and threw things. She wasn’t even breaking a sweat.

Kate looked up at me and wiped a few stray tears from her eyes. She got up to leave but I grabbed her arm to stop her. “Wait a second Kate. You come in, demand the truth, I give it to you. Then you shed a tear and leave? There’s something you aren’t telling me and you aren’t leaving until I know it.”

She gritted her teeth and slapped me. “Don’t you dare turn this around on me.”

My face stung, but I didn’t let down. “Now I know something’s wrong here.”

“Nothing’s wrong! I’m in...shock. What do you want me to do? Kick your ass? I can do that you know!”

I had to laugh. “I know you can. It’s just the fact that you AREN’T already. Kate, I just fucked TAYLA of all people and you don’t have a goddamn thing to say about it?”

“What is your problem? Most guys would jump at the chance at being left off the hook. Forget it, ok? I forgive you; it’s done, gone. I can’t change what happened last night so lets just forget it happened and go on with our happy lives,” she argued.

“Because we can’t. You can’t. If you say to get on with our lives and forget what happened, I know something’s not right. Goddamnit just fucking tell me what I don’t know!” I screamed, sick of being kept from the truth.

Kate lost it too. “Jesus Christ! Fine you want to know so badly, I’ll tell you! I fucked Shane! You remember him, Scott. You know, the one that so closely resembles you, except as I remember, without your drinking problems.” She took a breath to continue. “I was drunk and I fucked him, and guess what, he wasn’t you. So there, you wanted to know. Aren’t you glad you asked.”

I fell back onto the bed. This was the secret? This is what I needed to know? I dragged my knees to my chest and hugged them for comfort. It hurt all over. It hurt from Tayla, it hurt from Kate. And the worst part was, I couldn’t be mad at her. I did the same thing she did and we couldn’t be mad at each other. I wiped the tears I didn’t know were falling.

“Scott?” Kate asked, afraid to approach me. I didn’t blame her.

“Get out.”

I scared her. “What?”

“Get out. Get out before we say anything else we’ll regret.” I forced the words to leave my lips. Kate complied. I could hear her crying softly. I didn’t care.

BOB

Sara and I stood outside Scott’s room listening to the end of Kate and Scott’s relationship. Tayla lingered around the door. I saw a smile creeping across her face. If she wasn’t a girl, so help me God.

Kate walked out of Scott’s room, calmly, but her eyes filled with tears and silently sobbing. I had never seen her like this. I looked to Sara. She shrugged her shoulders. I guess this was new for her too. Kate was walking so slowly, as if she was afraid to shatter into a million pieces like her world had just done.

Tayla walked closer to her, but kept distance from Kate’s fists. “If it makes you feel any better Kate, he was screaming your name,” Tayla grinned.

Kate just looked up at her as if she was realizing something and her tears just flowed faster and she held on to the wall so she wouldn’t collapse to the ground. I ran to hold her up, Sara followed. Tayla giggled a bit and turned to walk away. Sara faced her and punched Tayla hard in the jaw. The hit sent Tayla flying into the railing overlooking the second floor. Tayla would have fallen over to the floor below if Dave hadn’t grabbed her hand and pulled her up. Sara just stood there, fists ready to hit her again. Clint and Liv came over and helped Kate walk back to her room. I grabbed Sara's hand to keep her from hitting Tayla again. She was bloody and bruised; Dave kept his arm around her started walking her to the stairwell.

“Sara, calm down. Go back to your room and help Kate out. I’ll go make sure she leaves immediately,” I told her, and she walked away.

I followed Dave and Tayla to the front door. Natalia and Tal were just entering as Tayla and Dave were leaving. I wondered what Natalia was going to think.

“Hey...What the hell happened to her?” Natalia asked, pointing to Tayla. Dave just pointed to the broken railing. “Oh...fuck me,” Nati whispered in aggravation.

“Sorry we already played that game," Dave shot back. "You lost remember?”

OLIVIA

“Girls, soundcheck. Are you ready?” Sheila knocked on the door of our dressing room. We were still staring at the note when she opened the door to drag us on stage.

“What’s going on in here?” She asked. None of us said a word. Natalia handed her the note.

Going for a ride. Got a rental car. Be back later.

Kate