-CHAPTER 13-

I drove up to the gas station and got out. I grabbed my money and headed for the counter. A large woman glared at me.

"How much?" she asked.

I smiled uncertainly. "About $25."

She nodded and took my money. I walked back out and began to pump the gas. As it was finishing up, I caught a heavy dose of fumes.

I nearly fell over. The nausea was overwhelming. I replaced the nozzle, recapped my tank and fell into the driver's seat. I rested my head against the steering wheel, regaining control. I retched and began to cry.

Why did I feel so awful? Why? I wiped my eyes and ignored the impatient honking of the car behind me waiting to get in.

I turned the key and put the car into gear with difficulty. I drove to the recording studio. I sat in the parking lot and stared at the building.

"Might as well get it over with." I mumbled to myself and got out, pulling my glasses down. I felt physically sick as I drew near the building. I gulped some water at the fountain and steeled myself for what I knew would be coming.

I pushed open the door and saw Isaac and Zac sitting, drinking soft drinks.

"Did they catch you with the beer?" I joked healf heartedly.

Zac glared at me.

"What?" I asked and sat down.

Isaac cleared his throat. "Now, you should know."

I shook my head bewildered.

"Taylor called in sick." Zac said offhandedly, but was watching me intently.

Isaac sat back and examined his Dr Pepper can. "He was very healthy when he left to take you to dinner last night."

"Very healthy." Zac emphasised.

"And now, he's too sick to even talk to us." Isaac went on.

I felt sick again. They knew.

Zac leaned over. "He didn't come home last night, either."

I sniffed and looked away.

Isaac coughed. "What happened?"

"That's none of your business." I snapped.

Zac flared. "It is our damn business! He's our brother, Kristen! What did you do to him?"

I stood up and glared down at them. "What did I do to him? What about what he did to me?!"

Zac stood as well, looking down at me. "You better not have hurt him or I'll-"

I tightened my mouth. "Don't try me, Zachary Hanson."

Isaac threw his arm between us. "Stop it! Both of you!"

Zac backed off, glaring.

I pulled my hands out of fists with an effort.

Ike sighed. "Look. Maybe it wasn't Kris' fault, Zac."

Zac protested. "She sure as hell did something to him. He-"

Isaac threw his arms up. "And he must have done something to her."

I couldn't take it. They were all blaming me. I grabbed my purse and walked out. I rushed down the halls and nearly ran into someone.

They caught me as I nearly fell over.

"Kris..." they said.

I jerked away. "Leave me alone, Taylor!" I shrieked and ran the rest of the way.