Clouds broke apart above me, and the rain fell. The drops created a spectrum across the sidewalk, and I grinned.

"Haley, are you psycho?" Jessie laughed from the porch. She'd just run outside to pick up the towel she'd been sunbathing on earlier.

"Why do you say that?" I giggled.

"You're standing out here letting acid rain pelt your forehead, and you seem very enthusiastic about it." My teeth chattered despite the blinding hot sun. My shorts were almost drenched, and my blue t-shirt snuggly fit my body. Rainstorms make me laugh. It's something they've always done. Thunder and lightning are a completely different story, but when it's just rain, well, I can laugh.

"Come out here, Jessica. Come try it." She tossed her towel on the swing, and ran down the steps. She apprehensively held out her arms, and spinned once, twice, three times. She let go, and started to let the rain touch her face.

"Acid rain isn't so bad, Haley. Maybe you're right."

"Nothing's wrong with a little acid here and there." She looked at me, taking the meaning the way she should've.

"Nope. I guess not." I kicked my flops off, and ran across the cement. It was slippery, but my feet kept me stable.

"Sometimes the rain washes you away. Whenever you think it might, just go ahead and let it." God only knows why I said it.

"You sound like a Hallmark card, Haley." I stuck out my tongue to catch a few drops.

"Tastes like liquid snow."

"Well that's what it is," she smiled.

"Try it."

"No way."

"I dare you, Jessica. I mean, just stick out your tongue; it won't kill you." She rolled her eyes, and licked the air. Managing to catch a small drop, she closed her lips and her eyes. "What's it taste like, Jess?"

"Liquid snow," she dared to open an eye.

"That's what I thought."

"Jessica, what do you do for fun?" Inside, I listened to the rain patter on the roof.

"I hang out," she said, almost defensively.

"With friends?"

"Yeah, I mean who else?"

"Well, me, for instance."

"You're my friend, Haley."

"Sure about that, Jess?"

"I guess. I mean, Tay seems to like you, and if you're good enough for Tay, Lord knows you're good enough for me."

"Let's have a party."

"What?"

"A sleepover."

"Haley, um . . ."

"No excuses. Invite all of your friends. No boys, though."

"I wasn't planning on it," she smiled.

"I haven't had a sleepover in years. I mean, why not? A bunch of girls eating potato chips and ice cream. We could maybe prank call a few people. Play a little truth or dare." I've always moved with the whim, but I just had to convince Jessica to try it, too.

"Well, okay. Let me just ask Mom."

"Sure."

"Okay, I'll be back." Lying back on the couch, I cupped my hands under my head. I closed my eyes to rest. I heard the sounds of quiet breathing, and felt lips above mine. Fluttering my eyes open, I broke apart the kiss from smiling.

"Hey Taylor."

"I haven't seen you all day. I wanted to maybe go somewhere."

"I've been with Jessica."

"Jessie?" His confused eyes gave me a sort of power over him. I really loved that feeling.

"Yes, Jessie. She's quite fun, actually. We're going to have a slumber party."

"What are you talking about?"

"A slumber party. Jess and I can get to know each other better. Not to mention, the fun I'd . . . she'd have."

"Who's idea was this?"

"Mine."

"Could've guessed, Wild One." He'd called me that twice since last night. Unfortunately, last night only included line dancing. Taylor may have looked good in boots, but his boots were under his own bed when we got home.

"Should've guessed, Cowboy," I corrected.

"Don't call me that."

"Don't call me Wild One. I don't like it, no Sir."

"Don't call me Sir."

"Fine, maybe I won't talk at all."

"That's better." Taylor knelt down and enveloped my lips again. It was a pained kiss, difficult to keep my lips from stretching into a smile.

"Ahem." We parted, and turned in the direction of the call.

"Jessica, hi." My cheeks heated cherry.

"Am I interrupting something?"

"No, not at all." I sat up amidst Taylor's protest.

"Mom says fine, but I can't invite over ten."

"Ten sounds good to me."

"Keri, Lisa, Alyssa, Elizabeth . . ." I snuck a peak at Tay, while she rattled off names.

"Good luck," he mouthed.

"I don't need luck. We're going to have the time of our lives," I whispered.

"Good luck," he mouthed again.

"Sandra, pass me the chips," I said over my pillow. This party was actually pretty fun. I really missed being thirteen, like Jessie and the rest of the girls. Our sleeping bags were stretched beside each other, and we had sporadic giggling fits over Rocky Road. Sandra chucked the Pringles at me, and I popped a stack in my mouth.

"God Haley, don't hog 'em all!" Alexis snorted.

"I only had a few." My defenses were truly shot.

"Okay, guys," Jessie preceded, "it's time for truth or dare!"

"Oooh," they squealed.

"Me first," Jessica shouted. She was host, therefore she had special privileges. "Alexis, truth or dare."

"Um . . . truth." She was shy.

"Do you or do you not like David?" I used to have the most fun at these things. Now, it seemed that my expectations were greater than the truth.

"You can't pass," I joined the conversation. I had no idea of who the hell David was, but if he was anything to blush over, he must be decent.

"Well . . . okay, I do. But you guys can't tell! Please don't; it would destroy me," she pleaded. I smiled at her innocence.

"Okay, that's fine. We won't tell; now you go," Keri smiled.

"Um . . . Haley, truth or dare." Uhoh. I hadn't planned on getting dared by anyone except Jess.

"Truth."

"Have you had sex?" Woah. What a truth. She caught not only my attention, but everyone else's in the room. Subconversations came to a halt, and the dead silence crept in.

"I don't know if I should . . ."

"No. You said yourself that you can't pass," Alexis was quick to return my words.

"Well, then, yes I have."

"Elaborate." Bold Alexis listened intently.

"That wasn't part of the original dare, so I'm sorry, it's my turn." She shrugged, and I got my way.

"Jessie, truth or dare." She knew it was coming. I could tell by the way she nervously tapped her foot on the carpet.

"Truth."

"Do you know any incredibly embarrassing things about Taylor? And if you do, you must cite examples." She was surprised, but I'd planned the question precisely, since we thought up the idea to throw a party.

"Um, yeah, I know one."

"What?" I leaned in, to hear well.

"When he was twelve, we went swimming at this pond. Mom and Dad used to go there a lot, and I think that's where they got engaged at. Well, for their anniversary, they decided to take us swimming, so our whole family was there. Taylor forgot to bring his trunks to swim in, and just stripped once he got in the water." I blushed. I shouldn't have, but I did. "We swam, for a while, and then I got a brilliant idea. Avie and I pretended to have to use the bathroom, so when we left, we grabbed his clothes from the hill. Mom and Dad didn't even see us. We hung them up on a tree, at the side of the road, and came back swimming."

"Oh my God. He had to go get them naked."

"That's not the bad part, Haley. He was going to tell Mom and Dad, but he couldn't, because I threatened to tell exactly who it was that broke Mom's favorite vase." I clasped my hands together, and started laughing. "Then, we went out to the road, and you'd never guess who drove by."

"Who?"

"Melissa Bradford and Karen Ashby."

"Who are they?"

"These two girls who lived near us then. They used to be in love with all my older brothers when they performed around town."

"I bet they enjoyed the site."

"Karen did. Melissa immediately gave up her obsession."

"Why?"

"Something about not coming up to standards," she faked an innocent smile. It was uncontrollable then. I laid down on my bag, and laughed until my stomach hurt.

"You're turn, Jessie. That just about topped 'em all."

"Actually, I don't want to play anymore. Let's do some prank calls."

"Me first!" I squealed. I've always loved prank calling innocent people, especially at night. "I've got a good one."

"Hello, Star Lanes Bowling, may I help you?"

"Yes, I have a question about your services."

"Sure."

"I was wondering . . . you see, I bowl professionally, and I need to make sure Star Lanes fits my needs to practice. Now, I plan on bowling each Wednesday, and I never use my own ball in practice. Do you have ten pound balls?"

"Yes, I do, Mam."

"Then how do you walk?" I yelled, before slamming down the phone. I let my stomach ache some more with laughter, along with the rest of the girls. I felt so crazy. My friends at school would've never believed the sight.

"Listen guys, as much as I'd like to stay here for more calls, I have to go to Taylor's room, and say goodnight."

"Ooooh," Alexis smiled. "Are you sure you're coming back?"

"Yes, I am sure. I'll be back soon, but I bet you'll be asleep."

"Bye Haley," Jess smiled, and turned back to her friends. "I'm next. I think I'll call David, and tell him he has an admirer."

"Yeah right," Alexis snatched the phone from Jess. I shook my head, and left the room.

"I was wondering when you'd finally show up," Taylor said quietly from under his covers. I stepped across the room, and he lifted his sheets for me. Inside them, I felt warm and comfortable. Of course, that wasn't due to the sheets, but from Taylor's soft, warm body.

"I wasn't going to come, but for some reason, I missed you."

"How could you not miss me?"

"I just want to stay here with you beside me."

"Good." His soft lips gently brushed against mine. I snuggled closer, even though it was hardly possible. I felt his breath on my neck.

"That tickles," I whispered. He lightly blew on my neck more.

"I like your pajamas," he teased. I was wearing light blue, flannel pajamas with tiny cows on them.

"Moo," I smiled and rested my head on his chest. I felt his fingers lightly stroke my hair. "That feels good." He touched my locks more confidently.

"I like playing with your hair."

"I got another call from Mike today," I changed the subject.

"What did he have to say?"

"He wants me to go back home. He wants me to visit."

"Do you want to go?" he asked apprehensively.

"No, not yet. But if I did, it would only be for a few days. I couldn't stay for longer," I reassured.

"Don't go. Please don't leave me." Tay soft voice blew across my ear.

"I told you I didn't want to, Tay."

"No, I mean tonight. Stay with me tonight."

"What would your parents say?"

"They wouldn't care. We're both adults. I want you to spend the night with me, Haley."

"Okay. I won't leave." I gently ran my fingers along his chest, and closed my eyes.

"Goodnight."

"Sleep tight, Tay." The rain continued rhythmically falling on the roof, and I drifted off to a place that I didn't ever have to leave from. That I could just stay in forever."

Sometimes, I liked to watch Taylor. Beside me in the bed, I watched his chest rise and fall. I couldn't hear the rain anymore, but the rhythms were now replaced with Taylor's breathing. Careless and quiet. I touched his face, and he woke up.

"Mmmm. Good morning."

"Sleep well?" I confidently asked.

"Very well."

"I don't want to get up."

"Let's just spend the day in bed."

"I wish."

"Then why not?"

"We've got places to go, people to see." Taylor moaned and wrapped his arms around me, making no effort to get up.

"Room service." We were surprised by the new voice at the door. I smiled, recognizing the voice as belonging to Jessica.

"Come in," I smiled. Taylor yawned as our room suddenly expanded with six or seven girls.

"Did you rest well?" Alexis asked properly. "Very well," Tay answered suggestively. I nudged him in the shoulder.

"We have two breakfasts in bed, here. Compliments of Ms. Jessica Hanson," Keri smiled.

"Well, tell Ms. Hanson we are very grateful." They handed us two trays, and left the room, excitedly. I lifted the top of my dinner tray to find Fruit Loops.

"Fruit Loops, part of this complete breakfast," Taylor sighed.

"Cheers," I tapped my glass of orange juice next to his, and partook in the wonderfully made breakfast.

"It's beautiful here, Taylor."

"I knew you'd love it." I looked around at the new place. There was a beautiful little pond, with a small bridge across it. After supper, Taylor had driven us here, and it had taken us quite a while to reach our destination.

"Wait a minute. Isn't this where Walker proposed?"

"Indeed it is. I see you've heard the story, too."

"Of course. How romantic. Thank you for taking me here."

"Dad said it would make you happy. Said it would make you putty in my hands."

"Well, consider me Play-doh." I smiled, and smoothed out the sundress I was wearing.

"Come with me," he took my hand, and led me across the bridge. The view from the center was breathtaking. Sunset wasn't even upon us, but the clouds were still amazing.

"I love it."

"Wanna' come swimming?" Tay's ulterior motive.

"I have nothing to swim in," I sighed, remembering the story Jessie had told me the previous night.

"That's fine; I don't either," he said a little too anxiously.

"I think I'll swim in my underwear."

"You don't want to do that. Ruin perfectly good clothes."

"You're suggesting I wear nothing?"

"Well, yeah. I mean, that's what I'm going to do."

"Okay, but you can't look."

"I won't look if you don't."

"Of course I won't." I turned around, and quickly undressed to get in the water. I've probably never moved any quicker. I looked up to see Taylor taking his time on the bridge. He tossed his clothes on the hill, but I closed my eyes, so I could keep my end of the bargain. I heard a splash, and opened my eyes. Taylor paddled over to me, and grinned.

"Why are you smiling like that, Taylor?"

"I don't know. You're naked right in front of me, and so am I. We're in a dark pond, and there's no one around for miles. Why shouldn't I be happy?"

"I hope you're a good swimmer, Tay."

"Why?" I dunked my body completely underwater, and sailed off to the other side of the pond. He swam after me, and I took off again. I dove upward to breathe, and looked around. Taylor was nowhere to be seen. It almost scared me. The thought of Taylor lurking around underwater or the thought of me being alone in the pond.

"Ahhhh!" His neck shot up out of the water, splashing every which way.

"God, you scared me to death. Don't ever do that again," I scolded.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you." He chose that moment to let his hands creep up my arms and down my sides. They rested at my waist, and I felt incredibly open. I was so very trusting upon Taylor right then. I didn't know what he was going to do. I settled my hands on the back of his neck, and lightly traced the sides of it up to his ears and back.

"It's okay. I'm a big girl," I pouted my lips teasingly.

"If you keep doing that, I'm going to have this incredible urge to never stop kissing you."

"We could try it, maybe."

"What would we do when it got dark?"

"Absolutely nothing at all," I whispered.

"I like the sound of that." He drew me closer, and we stood on the shallow floor of the pond. Our lips found each other, and we kissed. Just simply kissed. His tongue pressured my lips open, and I accepted it willingly. I could feel him completely pressed up against my body. His hands traveled to the small of my back, and held me up to him. I wrapped my legs around his waist to where I was most comfortable.

"I really love you," I found a slight breath to say it, not more than a few millimeters from his mouth.

"I love you, too." My hands had moved from his neck, to his waist ages ago, so I decided to be more daring. I left one hand on his hip, and lightly moved one down to the spot I wanted to feel inside me most. I touched him unsure at first, and then more aggressively. He was hard, and his dense moans echoed in my ears. His kisses moved to my neck, as I moved my hands back and forth, quickly. "Oh my God, Haley." He forced the words out, and it pained him to speak.

It encouraged me to touch him more. Just the fact that I made him feel good, made me want to do this forever. He collapsed onto my body with one final moan, and he hugged me tightly. I smiled as he cupped his hand over my breast, and leaned in to taste it. He seemed so content, and he felt so wonderful. I touched his hair, and held him up in my arms. I lifted his chin, and he opened his eyes.

"What?"

"I just want you to hold me." He wrapped his arms around my back again, and kept me close.

"Taylor, I need to get something from the car. I'll be back in a second." I swam to the edge of the pond, and lifted myself up. I no longer cared if Taylor was watching me or not. Besides, the stars were out, and the air was black. I grabbed a towel to warm myself up. Even though the air outside was hot, it didn't compare to the warmth of the water. Dried off, I went ahead and dressed. I snuck a peak at Taylor, floating eyes shut across the water. Then, I had an amazing idea. Picking up the clothes Taylor had proudly tossed on the hill, I carried them to the car, and shut the door. I found the keys in his pocket, and started the car. Driving slowly passed the pond, I braked, and rolled down my window.

"Oh Taylor!" He opened his eyes, and looked at me, mortified from the water.

"Where are my clothes? Haley, I'm not kidding! Where are my clothes?" He obviously didn't get the joke.

"Oh, I've got them. I was thinking that we needed to get home. Don't you agree?" Taylor bolted upright, and took off out of the pond. Laughing, I pushed the accelerator just fast him.

"Haley Morgan, this isn't funny! Stop the car, right now!" I stuck an arm out the window, and kept on. I looked back at Tay, running quickly in purest form, and had pity on him. Five minutes of nude sprinting was enough. Stopping the car, I waited for him to get in. Then, I scooted over to the passenger's seat. Taylor was angry at me.

"You can take a joke, Tay." I stopped laughing. "That's why I did it. You don't have to be angry about it." Taylor grabbed his clothes, and put them on, soaking wet. "Taylor," I cooed. "Don't be like this. I kind of liked seeing you run naked. It just did something for me." I watched closely as his pale cheeks blushed, and he smiled the slightest grin.

"It's okay." He rolled his eyes, and I grabbed a towel from the back. I dabbed it across his lap, legs, and body, so he wouldn't be completely drenched. Then, I picked up his hair with it, to get it dry. He ran a few fingers through it, and started the engine again. "You know, you're not the only one to do that to me."

"I know. Jessie said she did it."

"Remind me to kill her."

"Taylor, do you remember Melissa Bradford?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"Well, you know what? She was incredibly wrong."