Chapter 18: The K

Krissy's Point of View

I woke up in an amazing mood. I was sure it had to do with Blake and our amazing date last night. I had so much fun with him. I let myself actually feel and loved every single second of it. I guess Blake liked it so much, we were going out today again. I still hadn't told Morgan, but i'm sure she was going to be happy about it.

I slid out of bed and made my way to my bathroom. I turned the faucet on and reached for my toothbrush. I put some toothpaste on it and began to brush my teeth.

It was still very surreal to me that I am going on my third date with Blake. This means he actually likes me, which only scares me more. I'm afraid of what he will do once I tell him the truth. I'm even more terrified if he finds out the truth and it's not from me. Blake deserves my honesty, yet I can't find it in me to tell him everything. I don't want him to forget about me. I especially don't want him to hate me for it.

"Honey?" I heard someone say while knocking on my door. I rinsed my mouth and reached for my glasses on my night stand. I slid them on and began to walk towards my door. "Some guy named Blake is here. Is he the one that stood you up in class?"

I stopped walking, hearing my mom say those words through the door. What was he doing here? I haven't heard or seen from him, as Krissy, since he stood me up at our presentation. I heard my mom knock once more. I took a few deep breaths before going over to my door. I swung it open and saw my mom standing there. She had a huge grin on her face. It was slightly creepy.

"Honey, this handsome boy is downstairs. Your father has invited him to eat breakfast, so hurry up and get ready." She said before walking down the hall towards the stairs. I nodded, feeling my eyes widen at the fact that he was actually here.

I'm still confused as to why he was here. My friendship with him as Krissy was over. We were only friends for class, if you can even call us that. I never expected him to come back here. Actually, why did he come back here?

I closed my bedroom door and walked over to my bathroom. I quickly washed my face and put my glasses back on. I then walked out and went towards my dresser. I chose a pair of dark wash skinny jeans and a navy sweater. I pulled on my black converse and went down stairs. I didn't bother to do anything to my hair since it was naturally wavy.

I walked down the stairs and heard laughter coming from the kitchen. I took a deep breath before pushing my glasses up and walking into the room.

"Hi." I said getting Blake's attention. My parents also turned to look at me. My mom had this gleam in her eye.

"Good morning princess." My dad said with a smile. Blake smiled at me too.

"Hi, Krissy. How are you?" Blake asked. His smile was still very present, making my insides turn to goo. I quickly ignored that feeling.

"Good." I said cautiously. I was still weary to him being here. I sat down at the kitchen counter where they were. I saw pancakes on a plate and bacon on another.

"Here honey." My mom said handing me a plate with both breakfast items. She also placed a glass of milk in front of me.

"So um, why are you here?" I asked softly. My mom's eyes widened and then narrowed, glaring at me. I constrained myself from eye rolling.

I'm going to be blunt. He left and ignored me, not explaining his disappearance. He let me fail, well our teacher let me redo our whole presentation and I aced it. He still hasn't explained to me why he was here or why he left. He just stopped talking to me as I never even existed.

"Can we talk, after breakfast?" Blake asked. I sighed and got up from my seat. I signaled for him to follow me. I went straight towards the front door and sat down on the porch steps.

Birds were chirping as the sun shined. The floor was covered in a thin layer of freshly, white snow. It was cold out, but the sun warmed the air up. It was only around nine in the morning and it seemed as if everyone had been up for hours, seeing a few of my neighbors' driveways plowed.

"I'm sorry." Blake said sitting down next to me. I didn't look at him, but continued to look out into the front yard. My car was also covered in a thin layer of snow. "I shouldn't have stood you up."

"Well you did." I whispered softly. I didn't turn to look at him but I felt his eyes on me. I heard him sigh. He then shifted his body closer to me. I felt my heart rate pick up speed as his body heat radiated onto me. I was actually glad for it considering we were sitting out in the cold. I should have grabbed a jacket.

"I can explain. I know what I did was very wrong, but I have a perfectly good excuse." Blake said. I wanted to laugh, yet I knew I shouldn't. He's trying to say sorry but did I really want to hear it? Did he deserved my forgiveness? "I know it was wrong to leave you hanging, but I had to. My mom came home."

"Okay?" I asked in confusion. I knew that his mom had come home. I just didn't know how much that would affect him. He gave me the jist of why he hated his mom, but didn't go in depth. Meeting her the other night only gave me insight on what his life must have been before his parents divorced. She seemed nice, only contradicting him.

"My mom is a control freak. Has been since I could remember. She married my dad when they were young and wanted to run his life as soon as they were official. She married my dad for his money. She had to control everything. So when she had Sophie and I, she took charge of us, sort of leaving my dad alone. Once Sophie and I were old enough to somewhat take care of ourselves, my mom began to spend our fortune, forgetting us. She would shop until she couldn't find anything else expensive to buy. She even bought a yacht.

"She then met her husband. She cheated on my dad with him and then left us for him. He has a kid and I guess they live a very happy life now. I haven't seen her for three years. She came back to spend the holidays with us, saying she missed me. I think she just wanted to show my dad how happier and rich she is. Sophie is the only one okay with my mom and her choices." Blake told me. He stared out towards a passing car. I shifted my gaze down to my hands.

"I'm sorry." I said softly. Hearing this story again made me feel even sorrier for him. I bet this was the reason that Blake slept around. His mom taught him at a very young age to use people.

"Anyway, what are you doing this winter?" Blake asked, changing the subject. I was caught off guard. I hadn't thought much about it. I knew that i'd have to go to my grandparents' for a couple of days, but besides that, I had no clue. I was just gonna binge watch Grey's Anatomy on Netflix.

"I'm going to my grandparents for a couple of days with my parents." I said to him. His expression saddened. "Why?"

"I was wondering if you could help me out. My sister has been hanging around Asher too much so she can't help." Blake said. I nodded. So he needs girl help. Must be for Kate.

"Sure." I said. Even though I swore off Blake, as Krissy, he was asking for my help. My stupid crush was causing me to say yes to hanging out with him.

"Come on." Blake said standing up. He reached his hand out and I took it, feeling a spark as we touched. Blake chuckled as I tripped over the white snow, being caught off guard with the spark. His hands quickly caught my waist. I stopped moving.

His deep blue eyes were staring into mine. I couldn't look away, being mesmerized. Blake stopped chuckling. Our stare growing intense. I felt this pull urging me to close the gap between us. I felt his arms tighten around my waist. His gaze only caused me to shift closer. Feeling his warm breath fan my face, I closed my eyes. I parted my lips in hopes that they would meet his. They never did.

"Kids!" My mom came shouting. I widened my eyes and separated from him. He did the same, coughing awkwardly. My mom opened the front door and eyed us suspiciously. I was sure my cheeks were red. I just hoped my mom assumed it was because of the cold.

"Don't pick up the food yet. We're done talking." I said to my mom walking inside. Blake was right on my tail. My mom watched me. I walked back into the kitchen where my dad was still drinking his morning coffee.

"Everything okay princess?" My dad asked. I nodded quickly and focused on the pancakes in front of me. For the second time in less than twenty four hours, I was going to kiss Blake. Except this time, it was as Krissy. What has my life become?

"Kris, your dad and I are going Christmas shopping for your grandparents. We'll be back in a couple of hours." My mom said walking back into the kitchen. My dad stood up and put his dirty dishes in the sink. He folded his newspaper and tucked it in between his arm.

"Alright mom." I said taking a bite of my pancake. They were now cold.

"Be careful honey." My mom said coming over to kiss my cheek. She turned to look at Blake. He had this weird emotion in his eyes. "It was nice meeting you."

Blake whipped his head towards my mom and focused on the words she just said. He gave her a small smile before talking to her. "Thank you for allowing me to join."

"Anytime son." My dad said. I watched as both my parents left the kitchen, hearing the front door slam. I sighed and stared at my now cold pancakes.

My mom mentioning my grandparents only made me hate Christmas more. They became so controlling once I turned 15. They expect us to be with them for every holiday. The only reason we even show up, is because deep down in my grandparents' cold hearts, they love us. My mom just can't stay away. They are her parents.

"So, your grandparents?" Blake asked. I nodded, getting up from my seat. I placed my dirty plate in the sink and rinsed my cup of milk. I turned to look at Blake. He still had this weird look in his eye but I decided to brush it off.

"Yeah. We're going to theirs for Christmas. You know, big party full of ignorant rich people." I said with an eye roll. Blake chuckled. "Come on. What did you wanna do today?"

I turned around and walked out of the kitchen. Blake was right behind me. I walked up the steps to my room. If we were going out, I needed a bigger jacket. I wasn't about to die of hypothermia.

"We are going shopping." Blake said following me into my room. I walked into my closet and chose a big black coat. I pulled it on, followed by a gray beanie. I tucked my hair underneath.

"Shopping for what?" I asked. I fixed my hair and grabbed my purse. I stuffed my phone in and walked out of my room. I skipped down the stairs, hearing Blake's laughter. It made me smile.

"Christmas. I need to go Christmas shopping. Sophie's present isn't going to be chosen by me. She'd get mad at whatever i'd get her." Blake told me. I nodded in understanding. I watched Blake take his car keys out of his coat pocket. "Come on. We have a long day ahead of us."

-

I sank in my seat, feeling all of my energy drain. My legs hurt and my feet were numb. I was definitely tired from shopping. I have never liked shopping. Blake had us walk through every single store, saying he needed to make sure he had the correct present for everyone in his life.

Sophie's present was the easiest. He got her a couple of shirts from Victoria's Secret Pink and a pair of white Nike running shoes with glitter on the logo. I thought they were cute. They made me want to almost workout.

For Asher, he got him a pair of Nike running shoes to match with Sophie, except his didn't have glitter. He also got him a couple of band shirts. He got his dad a few ties for work and some button ups. He said he doesn't see his dad wear anything else.

He even bought his mom and her family things. He said he didn't like his mom very much, but she still was his mom. She deserved sometime of present this Christmas. He got her a pair of red heels, with my help, and diamond earrings. He got Adam and his dad tickets to some NFL game in California. He bought them shirts at the mall for them too.

"I'm done." I said reaching for my smoothie. We were currently in the food court. Blake paid for my drink, saying it was a thank you for coming with him today. That made my heart skip a beat. He was being really sweet and not his usual flirty self.

"We need one more present." Blake said. I groaned, leaning my head back. I wanted to go home and sleep. I still needed to pack for my horrible vacation. I so wasn't looking forward to my grandma and her awful complaining. "Come on Krissy. I just need to buy Kate something."

I stopped moving. Whenever he mentions Kate, I feel as if he knows she's me. It scares me to think that one day he'll know the truth. I just hope he takes it well. He means too much to me. Even if we only stay friends, I can't lose him.

"Who is Kate?" I asked. I played dumb. I knew exactly who she was. He just didn't know that. As far as he knew, I have never heard this name mentioned nor met her. I mean I am the school's nerd.

"This girl i'm dating." Blake said reaching for his phone. I watched as he unlocked it. I felt my heart beat faster. My phone was on the table. If he texted Kate, he'd be texting me. He didn't have my number. He's never asked for Krissy's number and I have never planned on giving it to him. I don't know what i'd do if he asked for it.

"Let's go then." I said springing out of my chair. I picked up all the bags and waited for him to do the same. I watched as he stuffed his phone in his pocket before picking up the rest of the bags. "So where to?"

"I don't know. What do you think she'll like?" Blake asked. Frustration was very evident in his face. It made me want to awe at his reaction, but I knew better than to do that. Especially since he knows Krissy has a crush on him.

I wonder if that's also a reason he stood me up. I was surprised with myself that i'm facing him. I hadn't seen him since I told him I was crazy for him. Well, I didn't tell him but he heard me say it to Sophie. I bet he doesn't even remember anymore. He's too busy to focus on my itty bitty crush. Kate is way more important.

Is it crazy that I feel jealous of Kate? I know that i'm Kate but still. Everything she has, I want. She has the looks and the boy. All I have is my smarts and even that doesn't attract Blake. I just wished there was a way I could have it all. But, I know that's not possible.

"What is she like?" I asked Blake. His fate lit up. My heart swelled up, but it quickly shrank. I have to remember that he's talking about Kate, not me. I'm Krissy.

"She's amazing. She loves school, which I find weird." Blake said causing me to roll my eyes. He ignores me and continues to describe her. "She's funny. She's beautiful. Her sassiness is annoying yet one of her best characteristics. She's also sweet and knows what to say."

"She sounds great." I said. The butterflies in my stomach began to flutter. His gaze was causing a turmoil of emotions. Blake was crazy for Kate, only making this situation much more difficult to solve.

"So what should I get her?" Blake asked. I shrugged. I wasn't even sure what I wanted. My parents have been asking me what I wanted for Christmas for a while now and I kept telling them I didn't know. The only thing I want right now is to get into Harvard and to get through my senior year. I guess the only other thing would be for Blake to like the real me, but that only happens in dreams.

"What do you think you should get her?" I asked him. I watched his facial expressions change, telling me he was thinking. His eyes then began to slowly light up. I guess he knows.

"I have the perfect gift. Come on." Blake said turning towards the stores. I gripped the bags and followed behind. We weaved in between crowds and carts until we were faced with a jewelry store. It looked very expensive.

"What are we doing here?" I asked. He can't get Kate anything remotely expensive. I'll feel bad for having it. I am not going to accept it.

"I want to get Kate a necklace." Blake said looking over everything. My eyes skimmed the diamond rings. They were beautiful. Hopefully one day i'll be receiving one of those.

"Which one?" I asked. I wasn't going to input my opinion. If Blake wanted to get this for Kate, then so be it. I can't show any signs of me being Kate. He can't know the truth.

"This one. It's a rose gold necklace with the letter K in crystals." Blake said pointing to it through the glass. I focused in on it, seeing its beauty. It sparkled in the light, contrasting with the beautiful color. "She'll love it. I know she will." Blake said still looking at the piece of jewelry.

"How can I help you?" An older looking man with white hair asked us. He seemed sophisticated and obnoxious. He seemed liked my grandma.

"I would like to purchase this one." Blake said pointing to it. The man looked down before narrowing his eyes. He looked uninterested.

"This cost $500 sir." He told Blake. Blake only rolled his eyes. Right, Blake is rich thanks to the Tyler fortune.

"I'm buying it. Come on Krissy." Blake said walking over to the register. The man nodded and began to take it out of the display case. I watched as he delicately placed it in its box before wrapping the box in white tissue paper. He then placed it in a small black gift bag.

"That'll be $543. Check, cash or card?" The man asked. Blake took out his wallet and slid his platinum card. The man smirked, as if waiting for it to decline. He watched as Blake effortlessly inputted his number before waiting for his receipt to print. "Have a good night Mr. Tyler."

Blake nodded before walking away from the douche. I quickly ran after him, not wanting to be alone with that guy. He reminded me too much of my grandma. I did not like it one bit. It only reminded me of the next few days. I was dreading this trip.

We continued to walk through the mall, making my legs feel like jello. I bet Blake could hear my heart rate. I'm sure he could hear my panting. This only helped me figure out that I need to get in shape. But, it's not like i'm going to start going to the gym. I'm the nerd for gosh sakes.

"Come on Krissy. Let's go eat. I'm starving." Blake said walking out of the mall. We were instantly hit with a blast of icy air. I used my most free hand, considering all the bags I was holding, tried to fix my coat. I was sort of sweating in the stores but now I was sure that my sweat was turned to ice. Why does Connecticut have to be so cold?

"Where are we going?" I asked Blake when we reached his car. We set all the bags in his trunk and got into the warmth of his car. He turned it on and blasted the heat. I soon began to thaw.

"We're going to somewhere great. Now put your seatbelt on so we can go. I'm hungry." Blake said pulling out of his snowy parking spot. The white dust on his car began to fly off as we drove through the streets of New Haven.

I watched as the sky began to twinkle with the white little droplets. It was beginning to snow. I admired my surroundings. Everything seemed perfect and peaceful. I didn't want it to end.

-

Blake's Point of View

I dropped the numerous bags on the floor. I was tired from today. Who knew shopping would be that fun. I guess Krissy just makes everything better. How did I go weeks without seeing her? Avoiding her for the crush she had on me was stupid. She seems over it now as if that morning never happened.

I still haven't gotten a chance to ask her about it. I want to know if she really does have feelings for me. For some reason, it was killing me not knowing. I don't know why but it does. I just need to know.

"Blake!" I heard Sophie shout. I watched her stomp into my room. She had a huge grin, making her look kind of creepy.

"What Soph?" I asked. I was now laying on my bed, my head hanging off the side. I watched as she walked over to me.

"So, how was your date with Kate tonight?" She asked. I widened my eyes in realization.

"Oh my god. I stood her up!" I shouted. I was with Krissy all day, I had forgotten I was supposed to go out with her tonight. I took my phone out of my pocket, sitting up. I quickly dialed her number. I waited for her to pick up.

"Hello?" I heard her say. She sounded tired. Did she fall asleep waiting for me?

"I'm sorry babe. I got busy and forgot." I explained. I couldn't tell her that I was with another girl. She didn't seem like the jealous type, but I wasn't about to risk it.

"Forgot what?" She asked. She then yawned into the phone. I wondered if I did wake her up. I feel even worse now.

"We were supposed to go out tonight." I told her. I heard her gasp.

"I forgot too Blake! Don't feel bad. I went shopping and had to pack. Going to my grandparents soon." She told me. I chuckled. I felt better knowing that I didn't leave her hanging. But, I did have to make up for it soon. I needed to see her again.

"As long as you aren't mad at me." I told her. She laughed. I loved hearing it.

"We're good Blake. They'll be plenty of other times to go out again." She said. I smiled at that.

"So, you're saying you wanna keep dating?" I asked her. I felt Sophie's gaze on me. I glanced over at her. She was smirking. I rolled my eyes.

"Goodnight Blake." Kate giggled.

"Goodnight Kate." I said back to her. The line then went dead. I locked my phone and tossed it on the bed.

"I love you Kate. Muah muah muah." Sophie teased. I rolled my eyes, ignoring her comment. "So how did you forget about your date with her? I even remembered."

"I was Christmas shopping and lost track of time." I told her with a shrug. It was all true, but a certain person was the reason I lost it. I just didn't think i'd enjoy my day with her so much.

"With who? You never go shopping alone?" She said while studying me. Her narrowed eyes were waiting for my answer.

"With Krissy." I told her. Sophie's eyes widened.

"Awe, does little Blakey have feelings for Krissy too?" She said in a baby voice. I reached for my pillow and whacked her with it. She glared at me before smiling. "It's alright if you do big brother."

"I'm with Kate." I said defending myself. It was true. I was dating Kate and for the first time, I might actually have a girlfriend. So no, I can't have feelings for Krissy. I can't. It's just not going to happen. Not now and not ever. I am never going to be with Krissy Reagan.