Love Story [COMPLETED]

Chapter Two ~ Tension

I woke up the next morning, feeling out of it. I heard the shower going and knew that Mindy was already up. I practically crawled out of bed and got dressed. I pulled on black leggings and an oversized dark red sweater. I brushed through my hair and then pulled it into a messy bun. "This is as good as it's gonna get!" I said, staring into the mirror.

I pulled on my booty slippers and went downstairs, most everyone was already up.

"Good morning, baby girl!" Toby said, when he saw me. He smiled and kissed me on the cheek.

"Yuck!" I teased, pushing him away. He grinned and went back to cooking pancakes. I saw Kris watching me, I gave him a friendly smile and then went over to 'taste' the bacon Michael was cooking.

"Hey!" He said, I grinned at him as I walked away.

"Good morning, Rae! You're looking hot, as usual!" I heard Tao say. I gave him a cheeky smile.

"And you're looking hung over, as usual!" I said, with a smirk.

He grinned at me, then whispered, "meet me behind the shed later, we can get better acquainted!"

"Keep dreaming, pretty boy!" I teased, and walked over to the table and sat down. I noticed out of the corner of my eye that Kris was glaring at him. I smiled to myself, he wasn't going to give up.

"Rae, you're looking nice and refreshed! Didn't you have any drinks last night?" Dex asked me.

"No, I thought this was supposed to be a ski trip!" I said, feeling disappointed and slightly annoyed.

"Yeah, so did I. But Blake brought the booze!" Dex said, rolling his eyes.

"I'll go up with you, Rae! I don't want to hang out with these losers anyways!" Tao said to me, with a charming smile.

"Sure, but I'm going to SKI." I replied, emphasizing on the word 'ski.'

"Ok, yeah, of course!" He said, winking at me. I just rolled my eyes.

"I'll go up with you too!" Kris said, shooting a glare in Tao's direction. Tao pretended to ignore him, but I saw a flash of sadness in his eyes. It was gone as soon as it came.

"If you have to!" I said to Kris, not meeting his eyes. He noticed because he smiled at me. He sat down across from me, gazing at me the whole time. I quickly looked away and listened to Dex's story about a giant mosquito he found once. It was pretty dull!

After breakfast, Tao, Kris, and I gathered our gear and got ready to board the gondola.

"So, what's the story with you and Kris?" I asked Tao, when Kris went to get his snowboard.

"It's nothing." He said, putting his skis in the gondola. I smiled and moved closer to him, making it clear that I wanted to hear the story. Tao smiled at this, then said, "ok fine. I can't say no to you!"

"So what happened?" I asked him.

"We used to be best friends, we grew up together and we were like brothers. Then, one day in school, Kris got blamed for something bad that I did. When the principal caught us, he told me to confess that it was me, not him. I was too scared, so I told the principal that Kris did it. Kris got detention and then when he was sent home his father punished him. I felt horrible! Afterwards I went to apologise to him and ask for forgiveness. He told me that the only way he could was if I told the principal that it was me, but I was still too scared, because I knew that my dad would beat the crap out of me. Kris felt betrayed and told me that he never wanted to see me again! After that our friendship fell through. He always ignored me and now we're like strangers who hate each other." He said, looking sad. I put my hand on his arm.

"You clearly don't hate him." I said softly, "why are you here, isn't it awkward for you?"

"Yes it is. But the only reason I'm here is because of you." He replied, looking me in the eyes. I stared at him, in shock. I had no idea he had feelings for me!

"Rae..." He said, grabbing my hand, but before he could say or do anything, Kris came back.

"This is exactly why I wanted to go with you. To keep that creep off you!" He said, glaring at Tao. "Stay away from him, Rae. He's trouble and he will hurt you!"

"You're just jealous because she let me get closer then you ever have!" He shot back, turning around and returning the glare. 

"You little punk..." Kris nearly growled, as he started towards him.

"Stop it!" I said, getting between them. "I came here to ski and have a good time with my friends, not listen to two little boys argue over something petty. Sorry Tao!" I added, glancing at him.

"It's ok." He said, looking at me with admiration. Kris' face darkened.

"Fine. Go with him then! Don't say I didn't warn you, and don't come crying to me if he hurts you! And don't think I care either!" He snapped, grabbing his board and walking away. I just glared at his retreating back, then turned to Tao.

"Let's go!" I said, going into the gondola. Tao smiled and followed me, after closing the door, he sat next to me.

"I'm sorry!" He said, I smiled at him.

"It's not your fault." I said, I was feeling a bit nervous. The gondola was high and basically a car on a metal wire. I gasped when it swayed slightly in the wind, and quickly grabbed on to Tao. He just smiled, clearly enjoying it.

"I'll protect you, forever!" He whispered, putting his arm around me. I held onto him like my life depended on it. I did have feelings for Kris, but now I started to have feelings for Tao that I didn't even know I had! And they were growing, ever since Tao and I had connected. I could tell that he sensed it, because he smiled at me and intertwined his fingers with mine. I blushed, but I leaned my head against his shoulder, feeling safe and secure.

So, here's chapter two! I really hope you guys like it and thanks for reading!! :D
Rachel :)