Stepbrother: Luke Hemmings |a.u.|

That's What Could Happen

"That's what could happen if she found out." I say as I look Luke straight in the eyes.

"C'mon, Taylor. You've created this whole big scenario that would never happen. You stealing the car? Taylor, come on!" Luke laughs right at me.

"It's not funny!" I pout. When the principal calls my mom, who knows what will happen? I sit back and buckle my seat belt. I hope he hasn't called her yet.

"Taylor," Luke says as he places a hand on my thigh.

"You're gonna be fine." Luke assures me. Maybe he's right. I only got in-school suspension. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Luke pulls out of the parking lot and takes us home.

*at home*

I get out of the car, grab my bag, and unlock the door. My mom is sitting in the biggest chair already. I can already tell my principal has called her. I slowly start to put my bag down.

"Mom,"

"Taylor Ashley Dawson, I'm just . . . in utter shock. What on earth were you thinking?!" She yells. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. I decide to stay calm.

"Taylor, I don't know what has been going on with you. First, you're swearing right in front of me, now you're failing exams and getting in-school suspension. This is so unlike you. I'm not even sure what to do with you. I am very disappointed in you." She continues.

"I . . . don't know. I'm really sorry. I've just been stressed out. Mom, I'm really sorry." I look at her with pleading eyes. She stands up and takes a deep breath.

"How do you think your father would feel about this?"

Ouch.

"Taylor, you're grounded for . . . 3 weeks."

"I understand." I say as I look at my feet.

"Give me your phone, your iPad is to be shut off, and I want you to only use your laptop for school. Do I make myself clear?" She sternly says.

"Mom,"

"Do I make myself clear? " She asks again.

"Yes, ma'am." I say as I hand my phone over and turn around to go to my room. I look up a little bit to see Luke giving me a small thumbs-up. I run up the stairs and lay on my bed.

This is boring.

I have nothing to do other than staring at the ceiling. How could I be so stupid? I shouldn't have let Cara get into my head like that.

Knock Knock

"Come in." I say as I take a long exhale. Luke slides in my room and shuts the door behind himself.

"See, that wasn't so bad." He says as he sits in my swivel chair. I sit up and push my hair back.

"It wasn't, but I know she's disappointed in me. I don't like that." I say with a little distress.

"Taylor, she'll get over it." Luke tries to assure me. It's not working.

"Luke, you know how I am." I say with a little bit of an attitude. He just doesn't understand what approval means to me. I know it's bad, but I seek approval from everyone about everything. That's just not gonna change.

"You're right. I do know how you are, but I also know you shouldn't rely on other people's approval for your own happiness. It's okay to mess up sometimes." He says as he sits on the end of my bed. Gosh, I hate when Luke is right. I try to brighten the mood and kind of change the subject.

"That was deep, Luke. 10/10" I say as I try laugh it off.

"Taylor, please don't let this bother you. It really isn't that big of a deal." He says as he starts to get up.

"Luke, I can't control this. I hate not being in control. I don't know if I can handle of this." I say.

"You don't know if you can handle the drama and stress or us? Because it sounds like you mean you can't handle us." Luke snaps.

"You know that's not what I mean." I try to tell him. By the look of Luke's face, he's not buying it.

"Are you sure?" He says with disbelief. I crawl to the end of the bed to sit with him and run my hand along the side of his face.

"Yes, I'm sure." I say as I cross my legs and rest my head in my hands. I start to get a tad bit upset.

"It's just bitches like Cara seem to enjoy putting their nose in shit that's none of their business." I say while still looking down.

"I'm sorry, it's just frustrating." I continue. Luke stays silent. I look up and it looks like he's enjoying my little tantrum.

"You're so cute." He chuckles as he grabs both sides of my face. I take it upon myself to give him a quick little kiss. It does make me feel a little better.

"Are you upset about what I said before?" I say softly. Luke lets go of my face and I sit back on my calves.

"No, I'm not upset with you, Taylor. You just sounded very indecisive." He says in a low voice. He doesn't even look at me. I take my hand and turn his head so he's looking me right in the eyes.

"I'm not indecisive. Not in the slightest." I say as I run my thumb along his cheeks.

"Okay, good." He says. I give him one more kiss.

"Okay, now shoo. We don't want her to really find out." I say as I push him to his feet and push him towards the door.

"Oh come on, Taylor. One more," I raise my eyebrow at him.

"Pretty please." He says as he puckers his lips. I give him one last kiss before I push him outside of the door and shut it.

Click

I walk back to my bed and plop down.

I'm all alone, once again.

Taylor, you have to buckle down. You've had your fun. It's time to get serious.

I tell myself this over and over again. I'm serious this time. No games. No failing. No slacking. Nothing. I am getting myself back together.

(READ AUTHOR'S NOTE)