Talia's phone rang incessantly. Her head was still pounding. She'd taken aspirin and drank close to a gallon of water. Nothing worked. She could bet 100 bucks she knew who was calling. It was definitely not a call she wanted to take.

The phone quieted. Blissful silence only lasted a few moments. Her cell pinged notifying her of a text message.

Runt: Pick up your fucking phone, Tally

Talia: I'm sorry, sir, but I think you have the wrong number.

Runt: Pick it up!

Talia: No habla Englais

Runt: NOW TALLY!

Talia: Please deposit 25 cents to complete your call

Runt: That's it! I'm telling Mom about your walk of shame. Expect a visit as soon as a flight from Georgia can be arranged.

Talia: You wouldn't

Runt: TRY ME!

Talia: Fine

Talia's phone rang. She took a deep breath hoping to ease the throbbing in her head.

"Runt." Talia's voice came out a lot groggier than she'd hoped.

"What in the hell is going on?" Her twin brother, Rex shouted into the phone.

"Stop shouting. My head is killing me."

"Tell me Tally!"

"I don't fully remember, but I'm pretty sure it isn't what it looked like."

"It looked like you got fucked but my best friend. Who last I checked you hated with every fiber of your being."

"Don't worry I still hate him."

Rex scoffed into the phone. "So, what happened?"

"Why don't you ask your best friend?"

"I did. He said I needed to talk to you."

"What? Fucking idiot." I mumbled.

"Come on, Tally." Rex was getting impatient. He never had patience to begin with so running out of what little he had meant he was going to be hitting a punching bag soon.

"Honestly, Rex. I don't remember. We had an argument. As is the norm when we get within five feet of one another. He said some really douchey things. I went to the bar and next thing I remember is waking up in a strange bed in a strange house."

"Do you think someone roofied you?"

"Not unless his name was Smirnoff."

"Tally, this is bad. You know, that right?"

"Once the truth comes out it will be fine." I reassured my brother.

"You know how truth is, Sis. Hell, it's your whole business. People don't care about truth. This is some of the most salacious gossip they have seen lately."

"That's just stupid. It's not like people haven't done the walk of shame before. It will pass."

Rex was quiet. "I hope for your sake that's true."

"Believe me, baby brother. This too will pass. Probably by tomorrow. Now, don't stress about me."

"I don't worry about you, Tally. You are strong, but I hate seeing the things they are saying about you."

"It was only one article, Rex."

"Maybe you should look online. Let me know if you need anything, Sis. Even if it's kicking my best friend's ass."

I smiled. "Thanks, Rex."

"Love you."

"Love you too."

After hanging up with Rex, Talia opened her laptop again. Searching her name with Zee Jones came up with three pages of links. Each of the articles had the picture she'd already seen but a few of them had pictures of their argument at the party. But, it didn't look like they were arguing. It looked like they were about to do a lot more than kill each other.

Rex was right. Things did not look good. With that thought, Talia ran to the bathroom.

***

When Talia finished in the bathroom, Jeremiah was waiting for her with juice. She took the juice then leaned into him for a hug.

"How you doing, sweetie?"

"Remind me Smirnoff is not my friend next time?" Talia sipped the juice.

Jeremiah sat on the couch next to Talia's open laptop.

"Ouch."

She glanced over at what he looked at. It was a particularly unfavorable picture and description of her.

"Yeah. This will probably all blow over."

Jeremiah slid his gaze to her. Before he could comment, Talia's phone rang again.

"I have to get this. It's Catherine."

"Good luck." Jeremiah stood and walked toward his room.

"Good morning, Catherine."

"What the fuck, Talia?"

"How can I help you today?"

"Don't be a smartass. How could you have been holding out on me?"

"What do you mean?"

"Zee Jaxon"

"Oh well, I've known Zee forever. He's best friends with my brother."

"That is not what I am fucking talking about. How long have you two been together?"

"Zee and I have never been together. The whole picture thing is just a misunderstanding."

"That's not what he is saying."

"What do you mean?"

"Maybe you should turn on the television."

Talia held the phone between her shoulder and neck. Grabbing the remote then turned on the television. A morning news show was on. Zee sat across from a pretty anchor.

"So, Zee it looks like you made some headlines this morning."

"Oh really? Which headlines are you talking about?" He winked.

The anchor giggled. "How about the one with you and a certain gossip queen?"

He smirked and looked into the camera. A mischievous look flashed over his features.

OH SHIT! Talia knew that look.

"Well, it's complicated."

"Is it complicated because she is the one who broke the story about Gwyn and Gina?"

He licked his lips and grinned. "Not quite. I'm not sure if I should share our secret with you."

"Oh, come on, Zee. It's just you, me...and the morning audience." She giggled again.

Talia rolled her eyes at the idiot.

"Well alright if you promise to keep our secret I will tell you."

She nodded her head so hard she looked like a bobble head.

"Lil Lia and I have had a thing for quite a while. What can I say she can't keep her hands off me?" He winked at the camera.

The phone clattered to the floor.

"Are you saying it's serious?"

"Oh, it's very serious. You saw the pictures. Lia is a very satisfied woman."

"I bet." The anchor cleared her throat. "Are you saying possible wedding bells?"

He stared into the camera. "I can't tell you that, but you may want to keep an eye on some jewelry."

"Oh, we will."

Talia shut the tv off. A buzzing noise floated to her ears. She looked down to the phone on the floor. Catherine was still talking.

"I will have to call you back." Talia hung up the phone.

Her glass of juice sat on the coffee table in front of her. She picked it up and threw it at the wall.

Stampeding feet echoed down the hall. "What happened?" Jeremiah asked.

Two people followed him. A pretty brunette wearing just a t-shirt and a guy with a swimmer's body wearing only boxers. She recognized them as the two Jeremiah had been dancing with at the party.

"I'm going to kill him."

"Who?"

"Zeke!" She picked up one of the throw pillows, covered her face and screamed until her voice was hoarse.