Played.

25: "Because You Love Me."

Two weeks later, and the sound of someone ringing the front door bell echoed through the house. I lowered my music, flopping off the bed and ambling down the hallway. As I got halfway, I stopped, hearing that my brother, Jake, who was only a year younger than me, had beat me to the door.

"Hey, dude, what's up?" He greeted the guest, who, by the sounds of it, he bro hugged and allowed in.

"How are you, little bro?"

I smiled to myself, recognizing that familiar voice.

"I'm great, thanks." Jake replied, as they bounded up the steps and through the foyer. "Did you watch the game last night?"

"Of course. We totally destroyed them."

"As always."  Laughter resonated through the air.

"Hey, I've got something for your mom, would you mind giving it to her?"

"Sure, no problem."

There was rustling, followed by a slight pause.

"You're such a kiss-ass." My brother chuckled, hitting him playfully. "Mom will love them. Maddie's upstairs, by the way."

"Thanks, bro."

His footsteps sounded, as he made his way up the marble stairs. Flying around the corner of the hallway, I hid, getting ready to scare him. Marcus turned the corner, completely oblivious to me. Noiselessly, I jumped out behind him and grabbed his waist, pulling him backward into me, and hugged him.

"Maddie! Don't do that to me, you bitch." He gasped, his hands placed on his heart.

"I'm sorry, I had to." I giggled, shuffling us forward toward my room.

"You're so annoying."

With one hand, I shut the door behind us, while the other remained around him. He spun so he was facing me.

"Hi."

"Hey." I felt his lips being planted softly on mine.

He fiddled with something in his bag, lifting it out. "Here you go, beautiful."

"Oh my God, baby, you're so cute!" I smiled, accepting the bouquet of white roses in his hands and hugging him.

"You're welcome, sweetie."

I delicately put them in an empty vase, walking into the bathroom to fill it up. On my way back into the room, I heard the music volume increase. As I re-entered and put the vase down, Marcus grabbed hold of my hand and twirled me around, linking our fingers together, and holding me so my back was against his chest.

"Dance with me?" He whispered against my shoulder, kissing it gently.

I un-twirled myself, staring at my boyfriend in front of me as the song ended, and was replaced by a new, slower one.

"Did you do that on purpose?"

"Do what, babe?" He smirked, slipping a hand around my waist, keeping the other one tangled with mine.

"You did, didn't you?" I followed as he stepped back, sliding a hand up to his chest.

"I don't know what you're talking about, honey." He lifted his arm, twirling me again, and continuing to dance around the room.

"You're a liar." I tiptoed back.

"Am I really?" He closed the gap. "Say it again."

"You are a -."

I yepled as Marcus scooped me up, running across the room.

"Want to repeat that?" His lips trailed against my neck, as he threw me on the bed.

"You're an ass!" I shouted, hitting him as he climbed on top of me.

Grabbing my hands, he tried to hold me still, but failed. I pushed him over, causing him to drop down next to me. With one last shove to his side, he fell off the bed, smacking the floor with a thud. The room filled with laughter.

"Ouch." Marcus laughed heavily, as he rolled and clambered to his feet.

"Aw, boo." I cooed, trying not to laugh, as I stood on the bed, reaching out to hug him.

"No, don't try that." He put up a hand, turning to walk toward the door. "I'm done with this abusive relationship, done." I could see the little smile on his face.

Bouncing across the bed, I sprung up and jumped onto his back, wrapping my arms and legs around him.

"Don't leave me!"

"Why should I stay?"

"Because you love me."

"Why would I love you? You have germs, ewie." He tugged my legs, twisting me around his body, and holding me up by the backs of my knees. I had a full view of his beautiful, grinning face.

"Looks like you will too." I leaned in to kiss him.

Just as our lips met, there was a knock at the door.

"Ugh." I groaned, jumping down from him and answering it.

"What's wrong, princess?" I crouched down, getting on the same level as my three year old sister, Brooke.

"Can you wead me a bedtime stowy? Mommy and daddy awe busy."

"Of course." I carried her to my bed, tucking her in. "What one do you want, cutie?" I took the book she was holding out, opening it.

"That one!"

"I love that one!" I smiled, sliding into the bed, sandwiching her in between Marcus and I.

"Maddie, you be the queen, and Mawcus, you be the king." She instructed.

"Whatever you wish, princess." Marcus pulled the covers up to just under her chin, then looked at me smiling.

"Once upon a time..."