Chapter 19: The Wine

Blake's Point of View

It has been a week. A week since i've seen Krissy or Kate. They both left to their grandparents around the same time. I have been bored out of my life without them. My sister hangs with my best friend, leaving me alone.

I don't even enjoy going to the mall anymore. Seeing all the girls barely wearing anything doesn't excite me, it concerns me. I mean it's snowing outside. What the hell are they doing in these itty bitty dresses. Don't get me wrong, they're hot, but aren't they freezing? They're going to get hypothermia.

I looked up at the screen, seeing some random Christmas movie play. I sighed. How do I not have anything better to do than just sit on the couch? What has my life come to?

"Blake?" I heard my mom say. I turned around on the couch. She was standing there dressed to impress. A dark red dress and black stilettos heels were her iconic look.

"What's up mom?" I asked. I wondered where she was going. She probably has some Christmas party to attend to. I mean it is the 23rd.

"Why do you keep moping around the house? I am not complaining that I have seen a string of girls around here, but you seem off son. What has you in this awful daze?" She asked. I sighed. Even my mother, who has not been in my life for the last 5 years, has noticed my change in attitude. I guess I never realized how much time I spent with Kate and Krissy.

"It's nothing really. My friends are all just out of town. It's freezing, so it makes it difficult to just go and hangout. Plus Asher and Sophie are together 24/7. I can't even hangout with my best friend." I said the last part a little annoyed. Don't get me wrong, I love that they have found love in each other. I just want some guy time with Asher or even some sibling bonding time with Soph. I just don't want to hang with them at the same time. I'll end up third wheeling.

"Get off that couch Blake." She said marching over to me. Her heels clicked on the floor, adding to her authoritative aroma. "You are coming with me."

"Where?" I asked. Usually I would have said no to going anywhere with my mom, but i'm bored out of my mind. Besides, she has actually been trying to connect with me and fix our relationship. She has apologized for just leaving us and only caring for Sophie. She explained that to me that she was in a rough position at the time and did unforgivable things, but has promised she's changed. For once in my life, I believe her. She seems happier. She seems like a mom, she's my mom.

"I'm going to a Christmas dinner. It'll be fun." She said with a chirpy tone. I gave her a look. Her idea of fun is sitting around drinking wine. Gossip is also the main thing she loves to do. "Well, it's my kind of fun. At least you'll have something to do. Now go put on a suit Blake Tyler."

I huffed before shutting the tv off. I guess i'll never know if she ends up with Santa. I got up from the now warm and cozy couch and made the trek up to my room. The house was strangely quiet but I didn't think much of it. I opened my bedroom door and shut it behind me. I quickly changed into a grey suit with a red tie and put on black dress shoes. Once my hair was fixed, I walked out of my room, bumping into Satan himself.

He is the one guy I have not been able to like. He's cockiness annoys me and his face doesn't help. He thinks he's the shit, but it all honestly he's just a jerk who likes to use girls. And based on how he's dressed, he was about to go and do his thing.

"Hi little bro." He said reaching for my hair. I narrowed my eyes at him. I'm fucking older.

"What do you want Adam?" I asked annoyed. For once, I wanted to go to this stupid party and get away from this dimwit.

"Where are you going dressed all dapper?" He joked. I glared, imagining a fire beginning to burn. "Is your little nerdy back into your life?"

"Do not talk about Krissy." I sneered. I felt my anger start to rise. He doesn't even know her, yet here he was judging her and bullying her. He put his hands up in defense, laughing. My eyes were now in slits.

"Chill Blakey. You can keep the nerd. I want Kat or was it Kate?" He asked taunting me. I growled, ready to pounce. How he was a part of the family baffled me. He was a troublemaker, one who didn't care about their consequences.

"Blake! I'm leaving. Are you coming with?" I heard my mom's voice carry throughout the house.

"Coming." I stated. I took one look at the bastard before marching down the stairs. I couldn't stand him. All he did was rile me up, getting me angrier and angrier. One day I won't restrain myself. I'm going to beat the living shit out of him. He won't see it coming.

"You look handsome." My mom said when I met her in the foyer. I smiled, not really meaning it. Any happy kind of mood I was in was now long gone thanks to him. "Come on, the Reynolds are waiting."

-

Krissy's Point of View

I stared at the ceiling. A mural of the starry night was plastered on it, making this room much more elegant. The light purple walls matched the dark violet bedding that framed the queen sized bed. A sparkling chandelier hung from the ceiling while white carpet covered the ground. A bright, white chair was next to the large window that over looked the grand garden. A white vanity sat across the room with a matching mirror on top.

This whole room screamed money. It was the one I always stayed in when we came. My grandparents would scold me for any mess I made. Even forgetting to place a sock in the hamper located in my walk-in closet got a yell from them. They needed to make sure everything was pristine and proper. I wonder what they would do if I were to spill on the white carpet. I am sure i'd be pronounced dead.

"Ms. Kristina." I heard the maid say outside my door. She gave a light knock before pushing the door ajar. I sat up, seeing her dark brown locks frame her pale and tired face. The purple bags under her eyes were evident to the hard work she has to do to please my grandmother.

"Yes Sandra?" I asked her. She gave me a soft chuckle. She finds it amusing that i'm nothing like my grandparents and that I actually call her by her first name. My grandma just says maid which annoys me. If you are going to have help, at least make an effort to know their names.

"The party will be beginning in a couple of hours. Mrs. Reynolds would like for you to get ready. I am here if you need any assistance." Sandra said. I nodded, letting out a small groan. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I just dread these holiday parties every year. What even is the point?" I asked. I made the small trek to my walk-in closet, where my grandmother had the pleasure of placing expensive clothes, and looked for something to wear tonight. "Rich and snobby people come and drink wine and champagne. They talk about how much better they are than those who don't have the same wealth as them. They then chuckle and begin to brag about the money they all have. I swear if I hear more than five people talk about donating to some charity, I am going to lose it. They only reason they donate is so that they can get it back after taxes."

I slid the clothes back to the beginning and stared at a red gown. It was simple. It had some red sequins plastered around, some forming into beautiful flowers. It was beautiful, yet I didn't know if it was appropriate for tonight. I knew I had to wear a fancy dress, but I wasn't sure how fancy. I assume if it's in my closet, my grandmother will approve of it.

"That's beautiful." Sandra said walking into the closet. I turned towards her as she eyed the dress on the hanger.

"Should I wear it tonight?" I asked her. She nodded enthusiastically. I grabbed it and placed it on the door. I began to look for shoes. My eyes landed on a neutral colored pump. They had red bottoms, signifying their worth. How my grandma affords this amazes me. I'll never have this amount of cash.

"Your hair in an elegant bun with a dark red lip will look great with this. You'll look great Kristina." Sandra said. I smile through it all before she finished it with my full name. I frowned.

"Sarah, call me Krissy." I told her. She nodded in understanding. "It makes me sound old and snobby. That's my grandma, not me."

"Alright Krissy." She said with a smile. I smiled back at her before stepping out of the closet. She followed behind. I walked into my room, going straight for my phone. I checked it for notifications, receiving none. It was weird. This last week had been the strangest yet.

I spent my free week with Blake. His personality continues to amaze me, making me fall more for him. He's carefree when he's with me, but as soon as i'm Kate, he turns on the charm. He flirts with her every moment, making butterflies in my belly. His overall being attracts me, making my double persona so much harder to hide. I need to tell him about me being Kate. I needed to do it before he finds out.

"Is everything okay Krissy?" Sandra asked. I shrugged. I wasn't sure whether it was. Blake would usually text Kate a good morning text but it stopped this week. I know I told him that i'd be with my grandparents as both, but he could at least send a message saying he misses me. I know I miss him.

"Yeah, just waiting for a text." I said locking my phone and setting it on the vanity. I looked in the mirror. Maybe if I stopped using my glasses as Krissy, he'll start to like me for me and not for Kate.

"What's his name?" Sandra asked. I turned around, seeing a smirk. I closed my eyes, contemplating on telling her. I see her once or twice a year. She's the only one in this house who will remotely understand me. She is only a couple of years older than me.

"Blake." I sighed. It felt weird saying his name. It's as if I never did. It was almost foreign to my lips. I used to say it at least once a day, either to him, Sophie, or Morgan. The girls would try to get me to tell him the truth while I would just enjoy every second I could when I was with him. He's just too good to be true.

Dang, I was crazy for him and I needed it to stop. My feelings for him need to disappear. I'm sure he assumes that my crush on him was gone. I was just really good at hiding it from him. It's not every day you hear the bad boy start to develop feelings for the nerd. The will only ever happen in a Wattpad book.

"How long have you guys been together?" Sandra asked. I quickly shook my head. "You aren't together? The way you check your phone is as if you are."

"We're just friends Sandra. He'll never date a nerd like me." I sighed. I sat down in front of the vanity, seeing my reflection. I was in sweats and a ponytail. My thick rimmed glasses covered my face. I wasn't the pretty girl that was Kate. I hated wearing the hundred pounds of makeup to be able to make me look even a little bit attractive. I definitely didn't wear the seductive outfits. I barely even wear shorts, well not now since it's freezing outside.

I just wished Blake would see me for me, give me a chance that he gives all those other girls. I want to prove that i'm not just the nerd, but i'm also the girl he's crazy about. I want to be the girl that Blake falls for, even if he doesn't know it.

-

Blake's Point of View

I walked into the large mansion, seeing a bunch of old people here. I searched for anyone younger than 20. No one caught my eye. I smiled as people greeted me, seeing surprised to see me. I mean I never attend these parties. My mom is usually the only one. Not even my dad will join her. Add that to the list of reasons my parents aren't together anymore.

"Blake, hun, will you get me a glass of red wine?" My mom asked. I nodded, glad I had something to do. I was tired of hearing all the old people drag on and on about their charity work. They only do it to look good in front of others. Being rich was just a competition. The more money you have, the better you are. It was annoying and selfish.

I walked near more annoying old hags, seeing the kitchen in my sights. I stepped in, seeing people getting their own glasses. I grabbed one, only stopping when a red gown caught my eye. A brunette was standing in the corner, looking away from me. Boredom bounced off of her. She looked to be my age, making me forget about the task at hand.

"Hello gorgeous." I said making my way over to her. She turned towards me, catching me off guard. It looked like Kate, yet it looked like Krissy. Their similarities were almost minuscule, yet I knew this was Krissy. She was moving from foot to foot in her heels. Kate would be standing just fine.

"Blake? What are you doing here?" She asked when she saw me. I walked over to her.

"My mom brought me to this lame ass Christmas party." I said. She nodded, surprised to see me here and with my mom.

"I see things are going good at home." She smiled. I nodded. Besides her devil step-son, we were great.

"So what are you doing here?" I asked her. I knew this wasn't her scene. She barely even went to our high school parties. I'm sure she wouldn't go to an elderly one.

"My grandparents are the ones throwing the party. I'm staying with them for the week." Krissy said. I nodded. She mentioned that she was coming to stay with them, except I didn't know they were the Reynolds. I guess I never put the faces to the name.

"How's it going so far?" I asked. I assumed it was boring. Aren't all old people?

"Boring. My parents don't come up until tomorrow. Said they had work to do and they'll see me on Christmas Eve." Krissy explained. I chuckled. I knew that line far too much.

"Now you have me." I said running a hand through my hair. Krissy chuckled, showing me her teeth. She almost never gave me a real laugh. It was nice when I had the chance to hear it.

"Can I take a picture of you two?" A photographer said coming up to us. I nodded. I needed proof that I was here. My dad will never believe me. I wrapped my arm around Krissy's waist, feeling a wave of emotions at the touch. I focused on the flash in front of me before receiving a pinch.

"Your hand is too low mister." Krissy said. I looked down into her brown eyes. She were outlined in black, making them pop out. Her lips were tinted red, making them look soft to the touch.

"You guys are a beautiful couple." The photographer said. He handed us the camera.

"Thanks." I said handing it back to him. Krissy's cheeks were tinted red. She was blushing. I smirked. "What's wrong babe? Don't like being a couple?"

I watched as she squirmed in my hold. I tightened it, not wanting to let it go. I could see my mom's eyes on me as I stood with Krissy. She look impressed. I wondered why.

"I'll be right back." Krissy said finally breaking free from my grasp. I watched as she reached for the bottom of her dress before walking off towards the kitchen. She looked nervous and uneasy. Did my comment make her uncomfortable?

"Who is that Blake?" My mom asked coming up to me. I noticed a glass in her hand. Shoot, I was supposed to take her wine. "I got it myself seeing as though you were quite busy."

"Sorry. I got distracted." I said. I glanced around the room. A majority of everyone's eyes were on me. I was used to that, but it was odd. No one ever pays attention to me at these things.

"So, who is that Blake? You were getting quite cosy with her. I thought you had a girlfriend?" My mom asked. I coughed. Not once during my time with Krissy have I thought of Kate. I know I'm technically dating Kate, but I don't know. Something about Krissy makes me focus all my attention on her. Maybe it's the fact that she's shy and nerdy, or that she tends to keep to herself but lets me in, showing me the real her.

"That's Krissy. We have spanish together. She's also friends with Sophie." I told her. She nodded, eyeing me weirdly. I shrugged it off. "I'm going to go look for her."

I left my mom in search of Krissy. I slid through small groups of people, earning annoyed looks from them. I even walked passed the kitchen again. I grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses, making sure not to be seen. I made sure no one was near me as I walked up the stairs. Everyone was in the dining room, getting ready for dinner.

I silently walked down the hall, looking for any sign that she was here. I glanced at the surroundings, seeing that the owners were much more wealthy than my family. Priceless artifacts covered the walls, seeing a Mona Lisa on my right. I ignored the artwork, focusing on the one room I had not checked. Noticing a light at the bottom of the door, I knocked softly. I heard a small squeak, giving away Krissy's hiding spot. I chuckled. I opened the door, seeing her heels near me as she looked out the window.

"Found you." I joked. I stepped inside, shutting the door behind me. "I brought wine."

"How did you find me?" She asked. Her face was still red from earlier. I made the small walk towards her and handed her a glasses. Uncorking the wine bottle, I let the red liquid pour into her glass before doing the same to mine. "We aren't supposed to drink Blake."

"Has that ever stopped us?" I joked. I watched her faint smile slip off her face. I just reminded her of the night I saved her from that jerk. It was the night before I heard her confess her feelings for me. I still wondered if she liked me. For some reason, I still needed to know. It was slowly killing me not knowing. That information was something that had not been brought up since that day I apologized on her porch. We made a silent pact to never bring it up, yet I almost did.

"Blake." I heard her whisper. I turned towards her, seeing her eyes darken. I drank the wine in my glass, feeling the bitterness slide down my throat. She did the same. "I need to tell you something."

The alcohol seemed to have given her a boost of confidence. She stepped closer, being careful to not drop the small amount the maintained in her hand. I set the bottle down, not bothering to cap it. I looked into her dark brown eyes. Some sort of energy was telling me to move closer, to get rid of any space between us. I wrapped my arm around her waist. Her breathing began to come out in pants. Looking down at her lips, I needed to place mine on hers. At this moment, I didn't care about Kate or anyone else. I needed to kiss Krissy. I needed to get rid of this undying need for her. I watched as her eyes fluttered close, making me dip my head down. I placed my lips on her, feeling the sparks shoot through me.

"What is going on here?" We heard someone shout. We both jumped back. I opened my eyes wide, seeing an older woman in the doorway as I saw Krissy's glass of wine slip from her hands. She screeched as the red liquid tampered the white ground, staining it maroon. The glares from the woman, made me almost forget the moment we just had, almost.