Date

"So anyway, we were walking down the hall together and we were talking and then all his jock friends came around teasing him and whatever, so he does the sweetest thing ever," Tiffany Matthews, one of my best friends since fifth grade, rambled on and on about Scott Smith, her dream since they met in first grade when he stole her peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

I had trailed off the conversation when I spotted him.

Kyle Handler

He was the school's idol. All the girls wanted him, and all the guys wanted to be him. Smart, funny, talented at everything you could possibly name, but he was shy and didn't take popularity too well.

"I hate it that everyone likes me, ya know? I'm like a walking trophy, except when I'm with you," he once said that to me when we were sitting outside on a bench in the peaceful serenity of the park one summer. I lied about going to the library for a summer project to be with him.

"You're the only one that I know is my friend for all the right reasons. I'm glad that I have you Alonsha." he said as I looked down at my feet. I looked up and smiled at him.

"I will always be there for you. I wouldn't want you getting a big head with all these girls surrounding you. I got to keep you grounded." I joked as he smiled.

"Thanks, I need that. I need you."

"Lonnie? Hello?" Tiffany said annoyed as she flashed her hands furiously in front of my face, "Were you listening?" Tiffany asked with a huff before realizing who I was staring at.

"Oh, Kyle..." said Allison, my 'besttest' friend in the world, "The Handler Man .... he can handle me anytime." she teased as my face grew hot. It was moments like these that my brown skin came in handy.

"Shut up!" I said joking with a smile.

"Aren't you guys dating?" Tiffany asked me with a smirk. I rolled my eyes playfully and turned away from his direction.

"Anyway, Scott did what sweet thing?" I asked trying to change the subject. Tiffany began to ramble on and on again and before I knew it Kyle was sitting next to me and Scott was sitting next to Tiffy.

"Hey sweetheart." he said kissing her softly. Allison's face crumpled slightly.

"I miss Jared." she complained. Jared was her boyfriend. They so-called "fell in love before they met."

He was at a high school in the opposite direction. A senior that was a 'musician'. He played the guitar and sang to Allison every night.

What a romantic.

"That's what happens when you date someone in a different school. You should've been smart like me and Alonsha and snagged yourself a guy here." Tiffany said. I, for the millionth time that day, blushed at the comment.

I was surprised when I suddenly felt the warmth of Kyle's arms around me.

"Yeah you should've but Alonsha and Tiff already got the best guys here." Kyle said jokingly while giving me a squeeze before releasing me.

I felt strangely cold without his arms around me, but also relieved. My heart had been beating so fast and so loud that I thought Kyle could hear it. Everyone at the table shared brief laughter before the bell rung for the end of lunch and the beginning of fourth period.

Great geometry. I thought bitterly as I gathered my books. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned to face the owner.

It was Kyle.

His bright blue eyes and black hair seemed to shine as the sunlight seeping through the cafeteria windows danced across his flawless face.

How could someone be so perfect?

"Uh. . . Alonsha there's this thing, party. . . thing and it's Friday and all and I was just wondering if you'd like to go. . . with me. . . like on a um. . . date?" Kyle stuttered as he looked everywhere at everyone but me.

Had he just asked me out on a date? Alonsha Daniels going out on a date with Kyle Handler? How could I possibly say no? Well then again there was one reason: Daddy.

"I'd love to!" I said a little more enthusiastically then I intended, but quickly tried to cover it up, "I mean. . . sure." I said coolly as Kyle smiled at me, his hands deep inside his pockets.

Daddy who?

"Cool, so I guess I'll pick you up at your. . ." Kyle began before I cut him off.

"Tiffany's, you can pick me up at Tiffany's." I said knowing that Tiffany would do anything to get me on this date.

"Okay then it's a date, " Kyle said smiling warmly, "I'll see you later." he said shaking his hair out of his face before leaning in and softly kissing me on the cheek. I just smiled in disbelief. I was going on a date with Kyle Handler!

When the coast was clear I did a happy dance.

"YES! YES! YES!" I cheered happily before calming down. I mouthed the worlds Thank You to God before heading to class.

Party

"Mom, I'm fine." Justin Timberlake spoke softly into the phone trying not to wake his sleeping bandmates. It was 2 am and they had been driving for a few hours now, headed to New York. He was on the phone with his mother back home in Middleton, Tennessee. They had been talking about everything for almost three hours now and she was worried about him being on his first tour with 'Nsync, not to mention his first break up with Felicia, his ex- girlfriend. She had cheated on him a week ago.

"I'm just saying sweetheart, you're only 15 and there are plenty of girls out there for you so don't feel bad about it because. . ." Justin abrutly cut off his mom, Lynn, hearing the line so many times before.

"'It's her lost, not mine.'"Justin said smiling to himself, he loved his mom, despite her constant worrying, " I know mom and I told you I'm fine." Justin lied.

He wasn't okay. He wanted to be home in his mom's arms crying. His heart hurt and swelled up in a pit at the bottom of his stomach at the thought of Felicia. He didn't understand why she cheated on him, and he just wish she had talked to him instead of doing what she did. If that wasn't bad enough he couldn't understand why everything was so tiring. The dancing, the singing, the long bus rides, he just wanted to be Justin, the young, energetic, normal Tennessee boy he once was.

"Okay, it's late so I gonna let you get some sleep. You need all the energy you can get." she said in a worry tone that made Justin miss her even more.

"Alright, I love you ma." Justin said sweetly into the phone as a tear slide quietly down his cheek.

"I love you too, sweetie. Be careful and wear clean underwear." his mom said making Justin laugh quietly.

"Okay I will." he promised, still smiling.

"Alright then, bye." Lynn said sadly.

"Bye." Justin replied before hearing a click on the other end. He hung up his cell phone, placing it under his pillow. He tried to find a comfortable position and shut his eyes. Before he knew it sleep had overcome his body.

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Tiffany paced around her room as she tried to think of some way to get me on my date. There was no way she could cancel on Kyle. This was too big of an opportunity.

"Okay I got it!" Tiffany shouted suddenly causing me to drop my Teen Magazine. I had been so into the 'Nsync article I had been reading that it threw her off guard.

I was admiring Justin Timberlake and his popstar life at the age of 15! It astonished me that his parents let him travel the world and here I was, devising a master plan, to go to some party.

"What!?! What!?!" I asked excitedly. I had been waiting for this moment for nearly an hour. My dad was working late again so I went over to Tiff's for a visit.

"Okay, here's the plan: I get my mom to make up this whole story about some huge event for sophomores to attend that's mandatory. I'll make up some permission slip and bam! The night belongs to you." she said excitedly.

You may wonder to yourself, what parent in there right mind would do such a thing? But Ms. Matthews wasn't in her right mind. She was what many called an "extreme feminist."

She'd do anything to get on a man's bad side.

"Well I hope it works because if it doesn't and my dad finds out, he'd kill me." I said. Any other teenager would have taken that jokingly, but when I said it, I meant literally.

"Don't worry Lonnie because I promise to make it work, one way or another. . ."

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Loud, crowded, hot, and overwhelming. That's how I felt about the party but none of it matter because I was with Kyle.

He was leaning on the wall and I was standing in front of him and leaning back so that our bodies touched. My back was turned to him as my hips swayed to the music that played. Kyle hand one hand over my stomach, the other on my hip.

I had never danced like this before and watched the other girls dance with the guys. I couldn't bring myself to do half the things they were doing but Kyle didn't seem to mind.

He was being a complete gentlemen, and I was thankful. I thought he'd get the wrong idea because of my outfit: a black mini skirt, a white halter top, and white low top Nikes.

I even shaved.

After make up and accessories, I looked like she was Ms. Popularity. But in reality, I was a shy outcast who was lucky enough to be asked to a party by Mr. Perfect.

Everything seemed to be suffocating her but I had to worry about not looking too dorky in front of Kyle.

"Alonsha, do you mind if we get outta here?" Kyle whispered into my ear, surprising my with the warmth of his breath on my neck and ear.

"Sure, let's go." I said before Kyle took my hand in his and guided me through the crowd.

We left the party and were walking outside quietly down the sidewalk. It was 10:30pm and we both nervously looked down at their feet. It was warm out and Tiffany's house was five blocks down.

"I'm sorry our date sucked." Kyle said out of the blue. I turned and faced him with a smile across my face.

"Well I had a great time because of you." I said genuinely.

"All I did was take you to a crappy party." Kyle said smirking and raising an eyebrow.

"But you didn't make me feel out of place. Not to mention the fact that you treated me with respect." I stated a-matter-of-factly.

Even in the dark, I could tell he was blushing. Kyle laughed nervously and took my hand, stopping me from walking any further.

We were facing each other and the moonlight glistened against his perfect face. My heart was pounding as he leaned his lips in to meet mine. I almost had a heart attack, but when his lips met mine everything seemed to flow naturally.

The kiss lasted for what seemed to be all eternity before slowly breaking apart. My lips tingled and Kyle leaned in once more and kissed me softly before we pulled apart and held hands the rest of the way.

We reached Tiffany's door and lights were off except the light in one of the bedrooms upstairs. An akward tension fell over us and we both laughed nervously.

"Did me kissing you before the third date make me less of a gentlemen?" Kyle asked jokingly. I smiled and leaned in kissing him with more intensity than our first kiss.

"Did that make me less of a lady?" I asked him before he shook his head no. We laughed again before I opened the door quietly.

"Goodnight Kyle I had a good time." I said shyly.

"Night," Kyle said softly as I turned to enter the house, "Um Alonsha?" Kyle called sweetly before I turned to face him.

"Yeah?" I asked cautiously.

"I was wondering if we could do this again? No crappy parties I promise." he said putting his hand over his heart with a smile over his face.

"Sure, how about next Friday?" I suggested without thinking.

"Yeah we can grab a pizza and talk?" Kyle added raising an eyebrow questionably.

"Sounds perfect." I practically sang the words.

"Great, Friday then." Kyle said.

"Friday." I confirmed. We shared another soft kiss before separating and saying our goodbyes.

I walked through the door and shut it behind me.

I was in love and I didn't even know what love was. But whatever it was it was the greatest feeling, no wonder everyone wanted to have it.

  Okay


It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and Alonsha had just arrived home from Tiffany's house. She happily hung her jacket up in the dining room closet. A smile was placed on her face and she hummed old love songs. Her dad had said it would be alright if Alonsha stayed over, then they had breakfast. Alonsha had spent the whole night talking to Tiff about Kyle and the kiss. She had never been so happy in her life. Nothing could burst her bubble, she had too much to be happy for.

"Stop with the damn humming!" Alonsha's father shouted from the kitchen. His voice had startled her and she jumped, putting her hand over her chest. POP!!! There goes her bubble.

"Sorry dad. I didn't know I was that loud." Alonsha apologized.

"It's not the fact that it was loud, it was annoying because you can't do it right. You can't do anything right." Her father said this as he exited the kitchen and sat down lazily on the gray recliner in the living room. He loved that chair more than he did Alonsha.

"I know, I'm sorry." Alonsha apologized again. Just when she was feeling good about herself, her father comes along and shoots her down. But then again he's right, she can't do anything right.

"Damn right your sorry. Your the sorriest thing I've ever seen." her dad continued on before burping obnoxiously and laughing.

'Yeah well you obviously haven't looked in the mirror!' Alonsha thought before sighing and heading upstairs to change her clothes and shower.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

!!Ring, Ring!! The phone rang annoyingly as Alonsha reached for it rolling her eyes. She was in the kitchen making dinner. She was also in a very crappy mood because she hasn't heard anything but redicule from her father all Saturday and just stopped when she started to prepare their Sunday dinner. But it was better than a beating.

"Hello?" Alonsha asked into a sweet tone holding the phone to her ear.

"Hey Alonsha it's Kyle." Alonsha heard a shy voice say into the phone as she breathed in deeply.

"H. . . hey Kyle." Alonsha practically whispered into the phone, "How'd you get my number?" she asked confused and terrified.

"Scott got from Tiffany and gave it to me. And why are you whispering?" Kyle asked into the phone as Alonsha peeked out the kitchen door. Her father was watching t.v. as usual.

"My dad. . .he's taking a nap and I don't want to wake him." she lied. What was she suppose to say? 'If my dad finds out you called me he'd beat the shit out of me?'

"Oh okay." Kyle said. Alonsha sighed thankful that he had fallen for it.

"So Kyle, whats up?. . ."

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dinner had been served and eaten in silence, another common thing in to Daniels' household. Alonsha had just finished cleaning the dishes and was heading up to her room.

"So who was that on the phone earlier?" Alonsha's dad voice startled her again on her way up the steps. Alonsha froze and her heart began to beat loudly in her chest.

"It was Tiffany." Alonsha lied as she turned to face him from her spot on the stairs. Her dad motioned for her to come to him and Alonsha obeyed. She stood a few feet from where he sat. Silence crept over the house and Alonsha began to tremble lightly.

Suddenly a hard, cold hand smacked her across her face and every muscle in her body tightened. Tears sprang from her dark eyes and she gasped from the burning pain on her cheek.

"How stupid do you think I fucking am!" her father shouted maliciously before grabbing her, lifting her small frame with ease before shaking her violently.

"Do you think I don't know who you were talking to!?! Huh!?! Huh!?!" he shouted accusingly at her, "Who the fuck was he!?!"

"Kyle!" Alonsha shouted back scared to death.

"Kyle? Kyle? Who fuck is that? You been doing things I don't know about?" he said throwing her against the couch.

"No! He's just a boy from school, I swear." Alonsha said trying hold back tears, but they kept on falling.

"Yeah right! Is that where you really were on Saturday? Fucking around with some 'boy from school'?" he asked her in a mock tone. She sat there quietly, trying to figure out her options.

She could lie and say she was at the sophomore meeting and get hit for lying or she can tell the truth and get hit, either way she loses.

"Answer me!!" her father yelled completely enraged by her silence. He punched her, square in the face and she heard a loud crack. She felt a wave of unbelievable pain shoot through her face as she howled and covered her faced. She had blacked out from the pain.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Alonsha had woken up in the hospital where a doctor informed her that her father had filled them in about a fight she had apparently been in and lost.

"It's okay, it happens more often then most people think. Don't be embarrassed because from what your father told us, you put up a heck of a fight against that Kyle boy." he said to her as her eyes widened from the horrible lie. He had blamed Kyle for what he did to her! But what could she do but nod in agreement and plaster fake smile on her face, reassuring the doctor that she was okay.

When she had gotten into the car her father had apologized, another piece of bull again. If he were really sorry he'd stop hitting her. But she forgave him because he did something that she had never seen him do, cried. It was sort of pathetic though. She was the one with the broken nose and he was blubbering like a baby, but his tears seemed genuine, so she had to say it was okay. Even if it really wasn't. . .

  Gone

Okay folks I sped this up a bit. And all things BOLD is Alonsha's POV. Just to clear that up!
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Alonsha was a senior now and her relationship with Kyle couldn't get any better. Her life at home still wasn't great but she was in love and would be graduating in less than a month. She already had her college picked, Dominican. She was going to major in pyschology or counseling.

She was working at the Gap again, it was the best job in the world! Tiffany and Allison worked there too and Kyle worked in the same mall at FootLocker.

"I'm saving for our wedding." Kyle would joke, but Alonsha would sometimes think about her life with Kyle in a few years, and marriage looked very tempting.

"Oh my God!" Tiffany nearly shrieked when she saw who had just walked into the store. Alonsha looked over where Tiffany gaze was focused on. It was JC Chasez from *Nsync. Alonsha raised an eyebrow but didn't overreact as she continued to put clothes on their proper places.

"Excuse me but do you have these in larger sizes?" she heard a soft voice ask from behind her. She turned to face a guy around her age. He wore a baseball cap and she could see curly hair sticking out of the sides and it didn't take her long to realize it was Justin Timberlake. He was more gorgeous in person. Not to mention more intimidating. She tried to keep professional and not act like some teeny popper, and scream because Justin Timberlake was standing less than two feet from her. He was just like everyone else, and she was pretty sure that he didn't want to be pestered by crazy fans, so she acted like she didn't even know who he was.

"Yeah, you can follow me." she told him in her sweet helper voice. He followed her and she led him back to the male hoodies. "What size do ya need?" she asked casually when she turned to face him. He stood there and stared at her for a minute before looking down shyly and smiling.

"Oh yeah an extra large if ya'll got it." he said in his southern accent. She smiled and turned to search for his hoodie but with no luck.

"Um we don't have any out here but let me see what's in the back." she said as she brushed past him and headed towards the storage area.

"Damn man why don't you just take a picture of her ass, it'll last longer." JC joked as he elbowed his bandmate playfully.

"I would if I had a camera." Justin said before they both laughed, "But man she's really hot." he said casually when he really was thinking gorgeous. There was something about her.

"Well don't look now, but your girlfriend's coming back." JC teased before walking to the exit.

"This is the only color we have." she said handing him a black hoodie. He smiled and took the hoodie graciously.

"I wanted a black one anyway." he said smiling as he followed her to the register. He did want a black hoodie, but she could have given him a rainbow one for all he cared. She rang up his stuff and he payed for it using a credit card.

"Hey um you want to go grab some lunch?" Justin asked her smiling his million dollar smile. Alonsha couldn't help but laugh.

"I can't," she said checking his signature, and the one on the back of the credit card (like she really needed to! But policy is policy), "cause as you can see, I'm stuck at work." she said smiling and handing him his credit card and receipt.

"Oh come on!," Justin encouraged, "I'll talk to your manager." he said persuasively.

"But I have a boyfriend too." she informed him with a smirk. Justin looked around the store and took her hands in his.

"I don't see any boyfriend, and there is definitely no ring on this pretty little hand of yours." he said kissing her hand softly, "So what do you say, pizza or what?" he said looking up at her with his gorgeous eyes.

"He works at the mall too." she said. She wanted to go, but Kyle was her everything, not even Justin Timberlake could change that.

"Okay than how about some ice cream and good clean fun." he said wiggling his eyebrows. Alonsha laughed and looked at him smiling, he was too much.

"Well okay, but this is strictly a friend thing. You have to promise that." she said looking at him with bright eyes. How could he say no?

"Okay, okay. . . I promise it's strictly a friend thing," he said as Alonsha raised another eyebrow suspiously, Justin laughed at her humorous expression, "Scout's honor." he said placing a hand over his heart with a childish grin.

"Alright then, but you have to speak with Mike because my break isn't for another half hour." she said as Justin pouted.

"How about this, I'll come back in 30 minutes to get you, so we can save the manager the trouble." Alonsha agreed and Justin left with a grin the size of Tennessee.
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Lunch was so much fun! Tiffany, Allison, JC, and Kyle joined Justin and Alonsha at lunch and everyone was having such a wonderful time. Justin was hilarious, and him & Kyle seemed to get along well.

The day was long and seemed to drag on when Justin left. He gave Alonsha his number and a kiss on the cheek. Alonsha couldn't help but smile when he whispered "call me" softly in her ear before leaving. But who was Alonsha to call Justin Timberlake? Beside it was probably a fake so why waste her energy for? Justin Timberlake doesn't just give his phone number out to anybody.

Alonsha had just arrived home at 8pm. She hung up her jacket on the hook in the dining room closet and took off her shoes, placing them neatly in the closet. She had finished her homework at school today so she was free to shower and sleep. Alonsha was also free to eat. That lunch was over four hours ago so she wanted a snack.

When she walked into the kitchen her father was in the fridge pulling out a beer. He turned to face Alonsha in his white T-shirt and boxers. He had a beer belly and rarely shaved.

"Hi daddy." Alonsha said sweetly, smiling at her father, regardless on his stoned face.

"What the hell are you smiling about?" he practically sneered at her.

"I just had a good day, that's all." she said quietly. He snorted and pushed passed her headed towards the living room. Alonsha continued on her mission to get a snack. She found her bag of Doritos and poured herself a small bowl before walking out of the kitchen and plopping in on the couch.

"What are you eating?" he father asked as soon as she sat.

"Some Doritos." she said continuing to snack.

"You keep eating like that you're gonna be fat, just your mom. I mean don't get me wrong, I loved the ass, but the hips were. . ." he strenched his hands out wide and Alonsha narrowed her eyes slightly.

"Mom wasn't fat." Alonsha said defensively. She had seen pictures of her mother and some of her mom’s friends told her about her, so Alonsha knew her father was just putting her down again. Her father stood up and walked over to where she sat. His large frame hanging over her ominously as anger flashed through his eyes.

"Don't you ever speak to me like that!" he yelled before he smacked her mouth, knocking the bowl out her hands, "Now you see what you did!" he was completely furious as he hit her again and again and again.

Alonsha tried to protect herself, but the blows came so fast. All she felt was pain and a burning sensation all over her body as tears ran down her cheeks. . .
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Alonsha sat in her room crying for hours now. It's was almost 12am and her father had fallen asleep hours ago. She tried to look at her reflection in the mirror but she couldn't stand to look at the person staring back at her.

That's when she realized why she couldn't stand to stare back at the person, because she couldn't see the beauty that Kyle or anyone saw especially since her face was swollen from her beating. But the main reason was that she was afraid that one day she wouldn't be around to see her reflection.

That's it. She was done. Her body ached and tears stung her eyes as she stood up from her spot on her bed. No more, no more, no more was what ran through her mind as she threw all her clothes into a duffle bag. She ran down the stairs, putting on her shoes and grabbing her jacket. She walked to the front door but stopped as doubt ran over her.

What was she doing? Where would she go? What if her father came after her? What was she going to do with her life? She sighed and sat on the sofa and placed her face in her hands. Who was she kidding? She was Alonsha Daniels, goodie two shoes of the year honory. She lifted her head up and stared at a picture her teacher hand taken of her when she was in her school play, a play her father didn't even go to, so Allison's mom took her.

She remembered that same night her father had broken her arm when she didn't finish her dinner, saying she was stupid and didn't appreciate anything. She was only 5 years old, and was full from the cake after the show. Tears filled Alonsha's eyes when she pictured the horrible beating in her head and heard her painful cries for forgiveness. She begged him to stop and promised to eat all her food, even extra, if he'd just stopped hitting her, but he didn't because he didn't care to. He did not love her and never would.

Alonsha wiped the tears from her eyes and stood up, grabbing her duffle bag. Now she remembered why she was leaving, and had more determination now then ever to prove everyone wrong. She'd get by because she was smart enough to do so. Sighing, she walked out into the quiet streets of Englewood. She started to run to Tiffany's house and never looked back.

Alonsha ran into the darkness of the early morning hours, and she was gone. . .

  Secrets Revealed

Alonsha was sitting in her's and Tiffany's room and couldn't help but smile because she was here in a house, no a home, where she felt so loved. She would've stayed at Allison's but she already had 3 sisters and a brother to deal with and Tiffany only had an annoying sister named Tylicia.

Tylicia was four years younger than them and too flirtatious and overdeveloped for her own good. With her big mouth and big boobs, she caused a lot of damage rumor wise. She was so "popular" that she caused breakups in the next city. Despite her rep, Tylicia still denies even kissing a boy.

"She's such a damn slut, I mean I hate to say it but I can't lie." Tiffany said as she plopped on her bed, next to Alonsha, frustrated and in disbelief after by a bunch of football players asked if her sister was available, " I mean damn she's only 14!" she said astonished.

"Are you jealous that she's already getting some and you didn't get any until your junior year?" Alonsha asked jokingly.

"Ha ha ha," Tiffany said sarcastically, "Number 1, it was my choice to wait and two, at least I got some, Mrs. Virginity!" Tiffany shot back as Alonsha looked down embarrassed.

"Well, that might change soon." Alonsha said lying down on her back with a mischievous grin.

"What you talkin' bout Lonnie?" Tiffany said in her best Gary Coleman impersonation.

"I've just been thinking that after three years in a relationship and more than 10 years of knowing him all together, it might be time to take that extra step." Alonsha said flipping on her stomach and Tiffany did the same.

"Well are you sure, that your sure, that your sure?" Tiffany asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, I guess. . . I mean he's just been so patient with me and every time we fool around we go a little bit further into it and I just think I'm ready." Alonsha explained.

"Well to be completely honest, the first time isn't all it's cracked up to be. Don't get me wrong, it's still as nerve wrecking, and I don't know, beautiful so to say, but it hurts like really bad. In fact it doesn't start to feel good until the third or fourth time. Maybe it was just me, but that's the way it was when I did it for the first time." Tiffany said.

"I don't care how much it hurts, I just want to know what it feels like to be with Kyle, and to love him that way." Alonsha said as Tiffany got up and walked over to her dresser. She opened the first drawer and pulled out a couple of foil packages.

"If you decide to do anything, use these." She said handing the condoms to Alonsha. Alonsha took them and placed them in her purse. Her and Tiffany talked some more before Alonsha left to go over to Kyle's. . .
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"I don't get it man. . . Any girl would've have called me back by now. I gave her my number myself. I thought she liked me." Justin said feeling a little hurt that Alonsha hadn't called him. He was at in his hotel suite watching t.v. with J.C., well J.C. was watching t.v. anyway. Justin was confused and upset. Maybe he read her wrong, maybe that smile she got everytime he brushed against her or made her laugh was his imagination.

"Was it just me, or did this Alonsha girl have a. . .what is it called? Oh yeah a boyfriend?" J.C. said sarcastically while squinting his eyes as if he were in deep thought.

"A boyfriend, not a husband." Justin said a-matter-of-factly. J.C. just shook his head.

"Maybe she really cares about the guy she's with and doesn't feel comfortable calling you." J.C. explained. Justin just shrugged.

"Well, why did she smile at me with a 'Yeah baby, I'll be calling you tonight' look?" Justin said sitting up from his slouching position.

"Oh yeah. . .that look." J.C. said laughing as Justin shoved him playfully, "Seriously though man maybe the fact that any girl would've called you is the problem. She probably thought you were giving her a fake number. I mean dude, have you forgotten who you are? How would you feel if Janet Jackson came out of nowhere and gave you her number?"

"I'd feel pretty damn good!" Justin joked, "But I see what you're getting at." Justin picked up the remote and flipped the channels, "I think that I should give the mall a visit again when we get back home from New York next week." A huge grin formed on his face as he looked over at J.C.

"You are one desperate man." J.C. said as they both laughed.

"No, I'm just not blind. Did you see her ass!?!" Justin said getting wide eyed as they laughed even harder.
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Alonsha and Kyle had been talking in Kyle's room sprawled across his bed for almost an hour now. Alonsha was into the conversations they shared, but tonight all Alonsha could think about was how damn hot Kyle was. His black hair hung around his perfect face, and his big blue eyes that were staring into her brown ones. Everytime he spoke Alonsha's body would quiver slightly at his deep voice, and the movement of his soft lips were driving her insane. Teasing her, she felt like screaming kiss me.

Alonsha played with his hands, desperately trying not to think about "it". But once again her mind drifted off. She never realized how soft his hands were, and right then and there she wanted those soft hands all over her, touching, holding, caressing. . .

"Alonsha? Are you with me!?!" Kyle shouted joking, knocking Alonsha out of her trance. Alonsha looked down embarrassed. She hadn't realized that she was just staring at him.

"Sorry, I just. . ." Alonsha struggled to explain herself, "I was just thinking about. . . stuff, you know?" she said hoping Kyle wouldn't want to get into detail.

"Were you thinking about 'him'" Kyle said making air quotations. "Him" was what Alonsha called her father. It just hurt too much to say his name. She had told Kyle about her father when she first moved in with Tiffany because she had no choice. It was the most painful moment of her life. She was so ashamed, as if she had done something wrong.

She looked away from Kyle's eyes looked down at their hands together, remembering that painful day. . .

It's been a week since Alonsha had ran away from home. She hadn't been in school since because of the bruises that still covered her body, and she was extremely sore. She was just sick of lying and making up excuses, so she just asked Tiff's mom if she could stay home until the bruises faded, and the swelling went down. Alonsha hadn't seen Kyle since they left the mall after going home from work, and having lunch with Justin Timberlake, and J.C. Chasez.

He, of course, called and asked what was happening, and if she were okay. She just told him that she had come down with something and was going to be out for awhile. He'd sigh with disappointment and said that he'd come over and bring her soup, or something to read. Alonsha quickly rejected the idea saying that this "illness" was contagious, and the last thing she wanted was for him to get sick, which wasn't all a lie.

She didn't want him to get sick, of her that is. She was afraid of what his reaction to her bruises and scars might do. She already had no idea why he was with her, and for him to see her like that would just give him more reasons to leave her, and that would just tear her apart.

He was the only guy in that school who never looked at her as though she was only second best, or teased her for being so smart, and being a goodie two shoes. He liked her for all that she was even though her hair was never done, and she never had the right clothes or perfect body to fit in them. He had this image of her being this unique, strong, individual that didn't need to be Ms. Popular to be happy, but this secret of hers would tarnish that image for the rest of her life.

That's why it hurt so much to see the look on his face when he saw her that fateful Friday afternoon.

Alonsha had been flipping through the channels on Tiffany's t.v. Her breakfast from this morning was still on the night stand next to her, she didn't feel hungry. It just hurt to move, to swallow, to breathe. Not only physically, but emotionally. She still couldn't believe that after an entire week, her father never once called to see if she were safe, it's like he was glad she was gone, not that it was a surprise or anything, since he hated every fiber of her being.

Tiffany went to school, as did her sister, and Tiffany's mom was at work, so Alonsha was alone, a feeling she had become accustomed to. As Alonsha layed there she thought about her life from then on and wondered how long Ms. Matthews would allow her to stay, she wouldn't be surprised if she were kicked out tomorrow. But if Ms. Matthew did let her stay, she'd have to change her address information for school, and remember to go to Tiffany's and not her own hell hole called home, which was something she could definitely get used to, but what about Kyle? How would she explain her situation to him without telling him the truth? What lie could she cook up that would justify her running away?

"I hate my life." Alonsha groaned to herself while turning off the t.v. Alonsha rolled over in the bed and moaned in pain and frustration. Damn it hurt like hell to move, but she had take the tray of food downstairs before it started to grow more hair than she had on her own head. Besides, she had to pee, to be blunt. After about ten minutes Alonsha managed to get out of bed.

Once Alonsha got downstairs and cleaned her dishes, she headed to the living room to watch t.v. That's when she heard the door knob turning, that's when she started to panic. Nobody with a key would be home for an hour, and there were only three other people besides Tiffany's mom, Tiffany, and Alonsha herself that knew where the spare was hidden. Allison was in school, Jared was in the other town, and Kyle was supposed to be at work.

No wait, scratch that last part. It was the Friday he had off, the same Friday that he swore up and down that he wouldn't come see her on, but when he opened the door and saw Alonsha, her bruises as noticeable as a piece of steak in a Lion's den in her short nightie, that Friday turned into the day that her secret was revealed to the person that held her heart in his hands.

Alonsha watched as his eyes traveled up and down her body with a shocked expression permanently glued to his face. He breathed in a sharp breath as he tried to speak but no words came out. Alonsha didn't know what to feel at that moment. Her heart was racing as she waited for him to say she was hideous and didn't want anything to do with her, but instead his ocean blue eyes darkened with a mixture of concern and anger, as if he were saying "What happened?" and "I'll kill whoever did this to you!" at the same time. That's when Alonsha noticed the tears on her face, she hadn't known she had been crying.

Kyle shut the door behind him and placed the package he had been carrying on the table. He walked up to her and she looked down at the ground. She was so embarrassed, and just so humiliated. She wanted to kill her father, after all this was his fault. If he hadn't done this she wouldn't be living with one of best friends, standing in her friend's living room, waiting for her boyfriend to break up with her for being such a mess. But that all went down the drain when he touched her face gently with his soft hand wiping away her tears. She closed her eyes as his cool touch sent shivers down her body, and in that moment alone she gathered every piece of courage she could find to look him in the eyes.

"I have to tell you something. . ." she whispered as he nodded. They sat on the sofa. She told him everything and he held her everytime she cried. It was the most liberating, yet painful thing she had ever had to say in her entire life, but Kyle listened to every word and never once looked down on her. He even told her something she never knew: his dad used to hit on his mom too and that's the real reason why his parents were separated, not because of a job offer his father had in New York like he had told her before. It was a moment they were both happy they shared and they've been ten times closer ever since. . .

"No I wasn't think about 'him'," Alonsha said moving closer to him, "I was thinking about kissing some hot guy from school." she said with a smile. Kyle smiled to as Alonsha layed flat on her back as he placed of his arms on either side of her to balance himself.

"Would his name happen to be Kyle?" he joked as he leaned in and kissed he softly.

"Actually I was talking about Tim, but you'll have to do." Alonsha said to teased. Tim was the next hottie on the basketball team and since Kyle was taken, all the girls were swooning over him.

"What's he got that I ain't got?" he asked raising an eyebrow. Alonsha just laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Kyle I'm trying to make out with you here, so make things a whole lot better and take the bait will ya?" Alonsha said as Kyle smiled and kissed her. His tongue slipped into her mouth and her legs spread apart as he slid inbetween them. Kyle pulled from the kiss, slightly out of breath.

"Better?" he asked. Alonsha could feel his weight on her. His chest was moving up and down on top of her. He felt so good that close to her.

"Yeah." she answered kissing him with a passion she didn't know she had in her. . .

  Painfully Beautiful

Alonsha and Kyle had been making out for about 20 minutes now and Alonsha wanted him more than anything, but she was so nervous. She didn't want to do something stupid, or say something to make him uncomfortable. She knew Kyle was no virgin, Kyle knew she was. It was kind of weird to know that she was totally new at this, and Kyle would have to teach her. A million questions were running through her mind.

What if he doesn't like what he sees when I'm naked? What if I cry because it hurts so much? What if he says he doesn't want to be my first time because it's too much pressure? What if the condom breaks? Are my boobs too small? Did I wear granny panties? What if he laughs if I try to do something sexy and fall flat on my face? What if. . .

Alonsha had to shake these thought out of her head. She was determined to make love to her boyfriend, and take that extra step that Kyle had so patiently waited for. She was eighteen for God's sake. She had to grow up.

Alonsha suddenly felt Kyle's hand on top of her breast. His hand was moving around to the back, but what she failed to mention was that this bra unhooked from the front. She was praying that he'd figure it out and her prays were halfway answered as his hands moved to the bottom of her shirt. Alonsha had sat up slightly and helped him remove her shirt. He laid her down and got up on his knees inbetween her legs and took off his own shirt.

Alonsha's eyes roamed his body. Basketball sure did pay off. He wasn't sporting a supermodel six-pack, but the muscles in his arms, and his abs were hard and visible. His chest was strong and intimidating above her, and she was beginning to become self-concious again. Here Kyle was with this incredible physique and all she had to offer was a soft belly that was not bikini worthy. That's when her hands began to cover her body when she realized that he was just staring at her. She looked away feeling like a complete and utter geek.

"Don't do that." Kyle said moving her hands away so she wouldn't hide her body.

"But you keep staring and your making me worry that something's wrong." Alonsha said covering herself up again. Kyle smiled and moved her hands again. He leaned down over her and kissed her right cheek, then her left. He kissed her forehead then her nose, and lightly pecked her lips before leaning down to her ear.

"I think that you are absolutely beautiful." he whispered before kissing her earlobe and jaw line. Alonsha shivered, not only because of his touch, but his words. How did she end up so lucky? Maybe after her time in the hell hole she had to call home, God was finally trying to make up for it with Kyle, and God sure knows how to make up for things because Alonsha couldn't feel more blessed and loved than in that very moment.

Kyle's lips had continued a journey down Alonsha's supple body. He had felt her tremble when he said she was beautiful and his heart fluttered because he knew that he meant it with all his heart and Alonsha felt it. He loved her more than he could've ever imagined, that's why he wanted this to be good for her. He knew that it would hurt once he was inside of her, once again Kyle was no virgin, so he wanted to make her feel good before,after, and during the pain.

His lips were on her neck and he kissed her here and there, his tongue darting out every once in a while to taste her sweet skin. As his lips went lower, he had finally realized that the bra unhooked in the front. He had been dreaming about the moment that his lips would touch the softness of her breasts, and he couldn't wait to see her. Kyle sat up slightly and his hands fumbled lightly as he try to undo her bra. It finally came undone and he threw the bra aside as he looked her over. They were carmel with dark circles around her chocolate nipples, and even more gorgeous than he had thought.

He leaned back down and kissed her supple right breast, his tongue trailing over the soft mound of flesh, her nipple instantly hardened. Alonsha moaned when she felt his warm mouth on her breast. Shivers ran through her body as he moved to her left breast, tweaking her nipple and sucking on it lightly. She moaned again and felt herself getting wetter with each passing moment. Kyle on the other hand was getting harder with her every moan. He wanted to feel inside of her, but he had to take his time and make this a memorable moment for the both of them.

Kyled moved from her breast and kissed down her stomach. He started to undo her jeans and pull them down. He stood up and Alonsha kicked off her jeans as she watched as Kyle undid his belt, desperately trying to remove his trousers. Once his pants were down he was only in boxer briefs and Alonsha was in her underwear, which, thank God, were not granny panties. But at that very moment Alonsha had her eye on the bulge in front of Kyle's boxer briefs. The bulge that was going to be in her. That very BIG bulge.

Kyle caught her staring at him, he didn't know if he should be flattered or worried because of the look on her face. He climbed back on the bed and kissed her as she laid back down. She was very tense, which wasn't good. Kyle got up off the bed and told Alonsha to get up also. Then he sat back down on the bed and she sat between his legs. He started to rub her shoulders and her back. She started to ease up a bit.

"Lonnie, you don't have to if you don't want to." Kyle said sincerely and Alonsha turned to face him. God he loved her, but he knew that his body would've been highly disappointed if she told him she didn't want this.

"Kyle I want to, but I'm just nervous. I mean you're not actually new to this, and I just don't want to disappoint you or something." Alonsha said looking at Kyle who brushed her cheek light.

"I'm nervous too ya know. I never actually done this with someone I love. I want to make this good for you, I don't want you to regret anything." Kyle said as his big blue eyes shrone with a genuine love for Alonsha.

"I could never regret anything that happens between us." Alonsha said as she smiled slightly and Kyle did the same before kissing her. Their kiss ended and Kyle placed his lips on her shoulders. Alonsha leaned back, her head resting on Kyle's shoulder. She placed her hands on either side of Kyle's legs to balance herself as Kyle's hands roamed to her breast.

At first Alonsha tensed up a bit again because no one had ever touched her like that before. His hands were warm against her sensitive skin as he meaded her breasts. One of his hands left her breast and went down her stomach to rest inbetween her legs. His hands began to rub her softly as his hands slipped into her panties. He could feel the small patch of hair on her warm center and his fingers moved down the lips of her pussy. He felt her wetness and grew harder when he heard her moan softly. She was almost ready for him.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alonsha's nervousness had disappeared for the most part. Kyle had just ran out to the bathroom to put on the condom. Alonsha was laying there completely silent, waiting for Kyle to walk through the door and ravish her, like they did in the books she read.

Note to Alonsha: those books are bull.

Kyle walked through his bedroom door completely naked. Alonsha looked him up and down, she couldn't believe her eyes. She never imagined that one day she'd be here, naked and scared and with a very attractive naked guy walking towards her. It didn't seem real, but it was. She couldn't help but stare at his package. It was big, well to her anyway, taking the fact that she has never seen a naked man before, but it was going to be inside of her, taking away something she could never get back.

Kyle reached the bed and climbed on top of it, putting himself inbetween Alonsha's legs. His arms went on either side of her and Alonsha could feel the tip of his penis rub lightly against her lips.

"No regrets?" Kyle asked nervously. Alonsha smiled, loving the fact that he wanted her to be 100% sure so this would be something good for her. She loved him so much.

"No regrets." Alonsha said reassurringly. Kyle slipped into Alonsha and she winced before she whimpered because of the pain. Her eyes shut tightly, and she gripped onto Kyle's waist digging her nails into him slightly. Kyle stopped once he was in her, letting her adjust to his size. Alonsha told him to keep going and he rocked slowly into her. A searing pain ran through her in the pit of her stomach with every push. She tightened her legs around him and the pain seemed to ease up a bit.

After about 15 minutes Alonsha's body began to heat up. She felt a fire in her belly and she began to tremble with weakness. She was about to have an orgasm and Kyle began pumping faster in her as he groaned in pleasure. Alonsha moaned too as the sensation got stronger, she was in pure extasy.

"Kyle. . ." she whimpered out before she came. He still moved in her and came a few minutes later. He fell over next to her, rolled the condom off of himself and threw it in the waste basket beside his bed. They layed there looking at the ceiling silently for a moment before Kyle turned to face Alonsha. He was laying on his side, proping himself up on his elbow, his head resting on his hand.

"You alright?" he asked softly while looking down at Alonsha. She nodded.

"I'm just kinda sore." she said as he smiled evasively.

"I think I can make you feel better." he said kissing her deeply. He pulled away from the kiss and stood at the foot of the bed. He asked Alonsha to pass him his pillows and she looked at him weirdly.

"What are you doing?" she asked him as he took the pillows and placed them beneath her butt. Kyle just climbed back on the bed and put his face between her legs. Alonsha tensed up again as he began to kiss her inner thighs lightly. First the right then the left. Alonsha watched as his lips kissed down the trail of hair on her wet center. She could feel his warm breath on her and she sighed in contently.

His tongue ran down the slit of pussy from the top to the bottom and back again. She jerked slightly at the intial contact. His hands came up and held her lips opened as his tongue moved about in her pussy.

She could hear the slosh of her wetness as his tongue moved around. Her hands started to pull on the sheets as his tongue moved deeper into her pussy. She could feel that warm sensation again, and she wished that the feeling would last.

She ended up spending the whole night at Kyle's house, and she didn't go home until that afternoon because of work. Tiffany was right, it does better and better everytime you do it.

  The Timberlake Charm

It had been 3 monthes since Alonsha and Kyle shared their first night together. It had become somewhat addicting to Alonsha and Kyle. They were always fondling one another, and working in the same mall wasn't helping either.

They didn't even eat lunch anymore. Every break was a time for them to be together and they took every opportunity they could get. Everyone was sick of their groping habits. They've threatened many times by all their friends but always brushed them off. Even Tiffany claimed they were too lovey dovey. Alonsha smiled at the thought before she felt someone nudge her.

She looked up and spotted Tiffany cheesing at her.

"What?" Alonsha questioned as Tiffany pointed towards a shelf of Gap tee shirts.

"Your boyfriend's back." Tiffany said teasingly as Alonsha spotted a curly blond fro. At first she was skeptical but when he turned around and smiled at her she was shocked. He actually came back.

Justin started to walk towards her register. He waited as she rung up another customer and smiled when she began to ring up his things.

"So what ya been up to beautiful?" he asked her playfully. Alonsha smiled and Justin gave her his lopsided grin.

"Not much, you?" she asked.

"I actually just came back from New York." he answered.

"Really? I've never been. What's it like?" she asked him curiously.

"Oh it's crazy. Lots of clubs, hot girls, all that good stuff." he said nonchanlantly, "I wouldn't mind taking you sometime, if you'd like." he offered as Alonsha raised an eyebrow.

"As long as my boyfriend can go, he's never been either." Alonsha said with a smirk as Justin hissed jokingly and put his hand over his chest.

"You just had to bring up the boyfriend thing didn't you?" he asked her smiling as Alonsha nodded, "So, is this boyfriend of yours is the reason for you not calling me isn't it?" he asked her.

"It was your real number?" she asked surprised.

"Yeah, I gave it to you didn't I?" Justin questioned her, "I am shocked and appalled that you actually believe that I would give you a fake number." Justin said as if he was insulted.

"Well it's not like Justin Timberlake hands his number out to anybody." Alonsha said in a duh tone.

"True, but you're not just anybody. Plus I gave it to you personally." he stated a matter-of-factly.

"True, but you could've just given it to me to be nice." she said back.

"Or maybe I actually wanted you to call me." he argued back, "But I guess I can't always get what I want." he finished as she charged his credit card.

"I would've called you if I knew it was really your number." she said to him as she folded up his jeans and tee shirts before placing them in a bag.

"Well now you know it is my real number so," Justin said taking the bag from her," I should be getting a call from you very soon." he said.

"Sure, sometime soon." she said as he smiled at her and she returned his kind gesture.

"Cool," he said turning to leave. Justin reached the exit and turned back to look at Alonsha, "Don't keep me waiting beautiful." he said winking at her with a smile before exiting out.

Alonsha smiled to herself as she turned to face a cheesing Tiffany once again.

"Why are you smiling at me like that?" she questioned her as Tiffany shrugged and smiled.

"Mr. Timberlake doesn't want to be your friend, sweet pea." she informed. Alonsha rolled her eyes annoyed.

"I don't care what he wants, a friend is all he's getting." Alonsha said firmly.

"Really? So you're immuned to the Timberlake charm?" Tiffany asked her smiling.

"Timberlake charm? Tiff where do you come up with this stuff?" Alonsha asked her rolling her eyes.

"Look, all I'm saying is that they don't call him Thrustin' Justin for nothing. And with your recent horniess, I think that if he made a move you might just slip up." Tiffany said.

"What? Are you kidding me? There isn't man out there that can make me cheat on Kyle. Not even Mr. Thrustin' Justin himself." Alonsha said as she walked from the register and towards the back.

"Whatever you say. All I'm saying that you would have to be dumb, deaf, and blind not to find that man irrestitable." Tiffany said as Alonsha rolled her eyes at the obserd comment.

The Timberlake Charm? Oh please! Alonsha thought to herself before doing the inventory check.

  Thrustin' Justin

Nine monthes have passed since Alonsha's second encounter with Thrustin' Justin himself. She did in fact call him really soon, just a day after their friendly conversation at the Gap register.

They laughed a lot. Alonsha thought Justin was hilarious, and Justin loved Alonsha's quick, and witty comments. One phone conversation turned into 2, then 3, and before they knew it, they could barely go a day without speaking to one another.

Alonsha thought that Justin was so cool and down-to-earth. Something that she hadn't expected from a celebrity. She thought he'd be all caviar-eating and club happy. Okay, so maybe he was a bit club happy, but he was a steak and potatoes kind of guy, just one of the things she liked about him.

He was also very flirtatious, but it was all in good fun. He respected her relationship with Kyle and she, in turn, respected his new relationship with a popstar diva: Ms. Britney Spears to be exact. Speaking of which. . .

"So you're really feeling this girl?" Alonsha asked as her and Justin walked up Rodeo Drive. They were shopping for gifts for Justin's family and friends, and a very special one for Britney, it was their 6th month anniversary.

"Yeah I am. I've never really felt this way about someone since I was with Felicia. . .and that was three years ago." Justin explained as he held the door open for Alonsha, letting her walk through first.

They were at Tiffany's. Of course Justin wanted to get Britney something iced up and sparkley. What guy didn't give jewelry to his girl?

"Wow she must really be something." Alonsha said, "It would be nice to meet her for myself sometime."

Justin smiled at her attempt to be casual. He knew he was driving her crazy by talking about Britney all the time and never actually giving her the opportunity to meet her for herself. She was especially curious because everybody else met Britney when Justin was 11, she felt left out.

"Oh hold your horses woman, you'll meet her soon enough." Justin said evasively as he peered through the glass cases in search of something eye catching.

"How soon is soon enough?" Alonsha asked before her eyes spotted a crystal music box on a display case. Alonsha eyes widened and sparkled when she saw it.

The music box was lined with gold and a crystal couple stood on a platform, holding each other. They were lovingly gazing into each other's eyes as they danced.

It was beautiful.

Alonsha was so engrossed by the crystal sculpture's beauty that she hadn't even noticed Justin was now standing next to her.

"Lonnie?" he asked furrowing his eyebrows. Alonsha blinked and turned to face Justin again.

"Sorry, I was just thinking about something." she said quietly.

"Did you want something?" Justin asked as Alonsha shook her head.

"No Justin it's fine. I was just looking." she said turning away and walking back to the glass cases. Justin followed her without argument. Alonsha never took anything from anybody. Something Justin didn't understand. She didn't even let him pay for lunch without a huge fiasco.

"How about that one?" Alonsha said as Justin looked down at the locket she had been pointing at, "It can be engraved too." she added.

Justin thought Britney would love it. She always brought personalized stuff, and it would make the gift more personal if he engraved it.

"Sure, I like it." Justin said before calling over the store keep. The man said that it would be an hour before it was done so Justin and Alonsha decided to go to another store in search of a gift for his mother.

****************************************************************************

It was Saturday. Alonsha had off from work and was taking in all the sleep she could get. She was alone in the house. Tiffany, and her mother had already left for work and Tylicia had slept over at a friend's house.

Alonsha was all bundled up in her sheets. Her face was snuggled deep into her pillow and she was in heaven. No noise. No managers. No annoying costumers. Just herself. She hadn't liked being alone much before, but with her busy days now, she craves it. Needs it. And she most definitely wants it.

Then the phone rung. She sighed and mumbled sleepily into her pillow.

I guess you can't always get what you want. Alonsha thought as the phone rung a second time.

Alonsha instantly groaned at the sound. She glanced at the clock that read 9:15am. Who the hell was it? Even Kyle knew better than to call before eleven.

"Somebody better be dying." Alonsha threatened before picking up the phone, "What?" she said into the receiver. The person on the other end laughed.

"Is that anyway to answer the phone?" he said jokingly. Alonsha smiled at the voice.

"Hi Justin." she said tiredly.

"Hey beautiful," Justin said refering to the name Alonsha had now become accustom to, "Did I wake you?" Justin asked with a tone of amusement.

"No, I've just been resting my eyes for the past eight hours," Alonsha said in a duh tone. She could her Justin laughing as she rolled over on her back, her hands rubbed over her face as she did so, "And what are you so happy about?" Alonsha asked stretching and yawning.

"Well a guy is always happy when he satisfies his woman." Justin said in a smug tone.

"You and Britney had sex?" Alonsha asked in a mock tone.

"Well no, but I did satisfy her with a nice dinner and that lovely locket you picked out." Justin explained, "And why is the very idea of Britney and I having sex a surprise to you?" Justin asked curiously.

"Well isn't she into the whole 'stay a virgin until I get married' routine?" Alonsha asked fully awake now as she sat up in bed.

"So what? You don't think I can change her mind?" Justin asked again.

"Of course you can!" Alonsha said sarcastically, "They don't call you Thrustin' Justin for nothin'" Alonsha teased as Justin groaned.

"Can you please never say that again? I hate that stupid nickname." he said in an embarrassed tone.

"You're the one who goes on stage and thrusts his crotch at every girl in the audience." Alonsha argued as she walked out of her room and down the hall into the bathroom.

"I only do it because it makes them scream." Justin said smoothly, "Just like it does to the lucky lady that gets to be with me." he added cockly as Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Well I hope you enjoyed that last lady because it looks like you won't be thrustin' with Britney anytime soon." Alonsha said as Justin laughed.

"How do you always find a way to bruise my ego?" Justin asked her. Alonsha laughed lightly.

"I don't know. I would've thought that an ego as big as yours would be a whole lot tougher." she answered.

"Oh damn woman, you're just on a roll aren't you?" Justin said as Alonsha laughed again.

"I guess so. . .speaking of rolling, where are you?" Alonsha asked.

"I'm actually not that far from your house." Justin said.

"Oh yeah? How close are you?" Alonsha asked him.

"I'm actually about to turn the corner now. So I suggest you get dressed." Justin said.

"What?" Alonsha questioned.

"Get dressed? You know, that's when you put clothes on. Not that I would mind if you answered the door naked." Justin said as Alonsha laughed.

"Justin please, the day you see me naked is the day is the day you shave that curly hair of yours." Alonsha said as Justin rubbed his hand through his hair.

"I was actually thinking about shaving my hair anyway," Justin said as they shared a laugh, "But I am seriously at your front door so um speed it up a bit before I get mobbed." Justin said before Alonsha and him hung up.

Alonsha quietly brushed and rinsed before heading downstairs. She checked her sleepwear: A tank and shorts, before opening the door.

"Sorry, had to brush." Alonsha explained quickly before Justin leaned down to hug her and kiss her cheek as he pulled away.

"No problem, I like the minty you better anyway." he said as he walked inside. Alonsha shut the door behind him. She turned to see Justin in a white tee, hoodie and jeans with a black plastic bag in his hand.

He had removed his hoodie and placed it on the arm rest of the beige sofa as he quicky dug through his bag before standing to face Alonsha. His hands were behind his back and he wore his million dollar smile.

"Justin that better not be anything stupid behind your back." Alonsha threatened.

"What? Me? With something stupid?" Justin questioned as Alonsha gave him the eye, "Okay, close your eyes." Justin said as Alonsha raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah right Justin, so that whatever's behind your back can attack me?" she said as Justin rolled his eyes.

"Just shut your eyes, I promise you'll like it." Justin said sincerely. Alonsha eyed him quickly and closed her eyes.

"Okay, open them." Justin said as he held out his surprise. Alonsha squealed happily when she saw what was in his hands.

"Oh my God, Justin!" she screamed taking the crystal music box out of his hands and opening the top. The couple danced to the melody of tweaks and beeps. It was even more beautiful than what Alonsha remembered.

"I thought you might like it." Justin said smiling. He was happy to see her so happy.

"Oh, I love it, but. . ." Alonsha started before being interrupted.

"Here comes the big but." said Justin dramatically.

"I can't take it Justin. It's way too expensive and I don't want you wasting your money on me." Alonsha said handing it back to Justin. He walked over to the coffee table and placed it gently in the center of the table.

"You can take it and you will take Alonsha." Justin stated firmly, "And I can afford it because not gonna go broke buying it. Plus, it's not a waste of money. It's a gift and I thought it was the least I could do after you helped me shop all Thrusday morning and afternoon." Justin argued.

"But. . ." Alonsha began to protest when Justin raised his hand to silence her.

"I don't want to hear it Alonsha. You're going keep it and that's final." Justin said as Alonsha gave up. Arguing with Justin after he has made up his mind was as pointless as talking to a piece of concrete.

"Fine," Alonsha said with an exasperated tone, "Thank You." She said with a huge smile as she stood on he tippy-toes to kiss Justin softly on the cheek.

"You're very welcome." he said as he smiled even wider.

"I'm gonna put this in my room." Alonsha said happily picking up the crystal music box. She was halfway up the stairs before Justin called her.

"You might wanna change while you're up there beautiful." Justin said plopping down on the sofa.

"And why would I change? I'm in my house, so what's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Alonsha asked as she looked down at herself.

"You're right, it's fine for the house, but I feel like taking you out for breakfast." Justin said as Alonsha rolled her eyes and made her way up the stairs.

20 minutes later Alonsha was down the stairs in a baby tee, a denium skirt, and flip flops. Her hair was in a high ponytail and she wore hoop earrings. She was cute, but simple.

"Okay, I'm ready." Alonsha announced as she grabbed her keys off the coffee table.

"Damn, who are you trying to impress?" Justin asked looking at her up and down.

"Justin, you know I always look this good." Alonsha joked as Justin laughed.

"Hey, whatever makes you feel better about yourself." Justin said as he put on his hoodie and walked out the door, Alonsha following right behind him. He waited on the front porch as she locked the door with her keys.

He watched her struggle with the key for a moment and laughed at her. Alonsha turned and gave him an angry look. Justin choked on his laugh and Alonsha finally got the door to lock.

"Shut up." Alonsha warned while pushing Justin playfully as she saw his boyish grin spread across his face.

"It's not my fault it takes you ten years to lock a damn door." Justin teased as he opened the passenger side door of his BMW for her.

"Remind me why we're friends again?" Alonsha said coolly as Justin put on his seat belt and started the car. Justin stopped and placed his hand under his chin, as if in deep thought.

"We're friends because you fell for the Timberlake Charm." Justin answered smuggly.

"Ah yes, I fell for the charm of a Thrustin' Justin." Alonsha said as Justin put the car in drive.

"I told you I hated that nickname." Justin whined.

"I'm sorry, I won't say thrustin' Justin again. I promise, no more thrustin' Justin. I will not let the name thrustin' Justin excape my lips again. Thrustin' Justin is out of my vocabulary. No more thrustin' Justin ever again. Justin will thrust no more. . ." Alonsha said dramatically, trying to annoy him.

"Ha ha ha, you're hilarious" Justin said dryly as they pulled off, a smile spread across his face.

Sorry

Two years have passed. Justin and Alonsha are still great friends. Twenty year old Alonsha and Kyle, her 21 year old husband-to-be, are happily engaged. Alonsha had grown up to be an intelligent and independent woman. She had started a teen recreational center in her new home of LA. Something that she started with the support, both emotional and financial, of her friends.

She once again is living with Tiffany in a two bedroom apartment, along with their pet dog Bosco, a small white/black boston terrier, that was very protective of the two. He was a gift to Alonsha from Justin after she spotted him while Justin adopted his Bichon named Bella.

Jared and Allison had their own place in San Fransico. They had gotten married a year ago and were happier than ever. Tiffany and Scott were still together, Scott living only 15 minutes away from their LA apartment. They weren't married and chose to stay that way because they didn't exactly believe in the whole "marriage thing".

Kyle was a business man working to earn his respect at a top trading company. He was a very persuasive and productive employee regardless of the endless teasing he received from the older businessmen at his company for being so young. He always traveled around to close deals and make new ones, but Alonsha never complained. It was part of his job and she supported all that he did.

Alonsha was in New York getting last minute details finished up for her wedding. Kyle suggested she'd go because they had excellent designers and lots of places for her to shop. She had wanted to stay in LA to save money and time but he insisted because he was busy with his groom things and they already done the "partner" decisions like the location and invitations. She agreed and with less than 2 days before her wedding, arguing was just a waste of time.

Alonsha was at a beauty boutique with Tiffany, Allison, their sisters, and their mothers trying on their dresses and making sure everything was perfect. Alonsha twirled slightly in front of the mirror admiring her beautiful white dress.

"I can't believe I'm actually getting married." she said sighing. Everyone smiled.

"I can picture it now. You'll be walking up the aisle, Kyle smiling at you completely engrossed by your undeniable, and unbelievable beauty," Allison said in a dramatic tone as she stood behind Alonsha. Her hands placed on her shoulders, cheesing happily, "Then you'll reach him and then you'll be thinking 'Oh my God I can't believe this is happening to me!', " her face suddenly dropped with an exasperated sigh, "Then you'll realize how long those vows are while your thinking 'Hurry up and get to the I dos already!'" Allison joked as they all shared a laugh. She was character.

Alonsha sighed and glanced at her reflection one last time.

"I never thought I could feel so many things at once. I'm anxious, excited, and I'm so scared even though I feel ready," Alonsha said as she struggled to express all that she was feeling, "The only thing I'm sure of is that Kyle means everything to me and the thought of spending the rest of my life with him is just so incredible." Alonsha said in a loss of words. Her heart trembled slightly at the thought of him. She could never love someone as much as she loved
Kyle.


** The next day: 10:45am**


Alonsha was outside the door of Kyle's apartment. She used her key to open the door and smiled at the sound of loud music, something that everyone had become accostom to when they came over to Kyle's. You would've sworn the boy was deaf.

Alonsha held a packaged gift in her hand as she walked through the door. She placed her suitcase of clothes on his plush sofa and headed to his bedroom. Alonsha was a day early on her arrival because she wanted to surprise him. Her smile grew as she neared his bedroom door, so did the loud music.

Alonsha opened the door and her smile quickly faded as she stood there frozen by the scene unfolding before her.

Kyle Patrick Handler, the love of her life, was lying down on his bed, his being cushioned by a pillow. His sighs of pleasure exscaped his lips as his firmly gripped the waist of another woman as she straddled his waist.

Alonsha couldn't breathe in the that moment. Everything seemed to stand still as her heart tried to grasped what was going on. Her first response was denial. This wasn't happening, she was in New York in her hotel suite having a nightmare. She'd wake up and everything would be alright again. But the moans of the other woman brought her back to reality.

"What the hell is going on here!" Alonsha said, her voice slightly raised, but almost calm. Kyle and his "companion" fell apart as he jumped up at the initial shock of Alonsha's voice. He tried to cover up and explain himself.

"Alonsha. . .I was . . ."

"Fucking her!" Alonsha said turning her attention to the red head that was dressing quickly by Kyle's bed.

"I'm so sorry, I. . ." the mystery girl said unsure. Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"I suggest you just shut up and leave before I do something you'll regret." Alonsha threatened. The woman wasted no time, she grabbed what she could of her clothing and ran out of the apartment.

"Alonsha I didn't mean for you to find out this way. I wanted to tell you. . ." Kyle said lamely.

"Oh really Kyle and when were you planning to tell me? Huh? At the alter? On our honeymoon?" Alonsha said turning back to him. He just stared at her, his eyes full of confusion.

"Well Kyle it doesn't matter anymore, now does it?" Alonsha said quietly, staring back at him with pain and hurt. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes again, so she turned to leave. She refused to give him the satisfaction.

She heard him calling after her as she grabbed her suitcase and walked out the door. She took the stairs and knew he was right behind her.

She stomped off toward her car and he grabbed her arm, pulling her back towards him.

"Alonsha please. . ." Kyle pleaded.

"What Kyle? What do you want me to say to you? What do you want me to do?" Alonsha questioned, the sound of hurt was evident in her tone.

"I'm sorry." he said simply. His eyes glazed over and Alonsha could feel the sting of her own tears once again.

"You're sorry? About what Kyle, you cheating, or me catching you?" Alonsha spat at him angrily. Kyle looked away, down at his feet and then her.

"For hurting you." he said simply, letting his tear fall freely from his bright blue eyes. Alonsha let go of a breath she hadn't known she'd been holding in. He had some nerve shedding any tears. He's the one who cheated, not her. It was so pathetic that she felt her stomach churn.

"You should've thought about me before you fucked that bitch." Alonsha sneered before pulling herself away from his grip and getting into her car. She threw her suitcase in her backseat along with her packaged gift and drove off. She glanced back in her rearview mirror and saw the love of her life fade away as she drove off.

  Never Again


It has been three days since the "incident" and Alonsha was in her room in the apartment she shared with Tiffany. You'd think she'd be wollowing in her sorrows and inhaling ice cream by the gallon, but she wasn't. She kept herself busy by canceling all her wedding, reception, and honeymoon plans.

She was even handwriting notes to everyone invited to her wedding, apologizing for the abrupt cancelation. It was all she could do not to cry and to keep her mind off the pain that filled her heart everytime someone asked how she was coping with the sudden breakup.

"I'm fine, really." was what she said, a smile permenately plastered on her face. She never answered the phone anymore, she had stopped all visitors from coming over by saying she was ill. She'd turn up the music in her radio while putting on headphones and let the phone ring until the machine picked it up, and let Tiffany answer the door for her. But at night, when silence filled the apartment and all her pain could not be suppressed by her busy day, she cried and whimpered in the dark as that painful moment replayed in her mind.

Questions left unanswered ran through her head: Why? What didn't I do right? How could he do this to me? When did this all start? How many times has it happened? Was Natalie the only woman he was with?

She would've been surprised if Natalie was the only one he cheated on her with. Kyle was attractive, charming, funny, and was in a good financial situation, so what woman would deny him? But Alonsha never thought about stuff like that because he was her one and only and vice versa, well at least she thought that was the way things were. But she apparently missed something.

Alonsha sighed to herself once she finished her last note and all the cancelations had been made. She was left with nothing to do. Tiffany had handled everything for the rec and sleep wasn't even an option. Alonsha refused to shed another tear for a man who didn't love her enough to keep his pants up. Besides it was only 4:18pm.

Alonsha slid off her bed. Her toes sunk into the soft carpet and she strenched, groaning loudly. She walked out to the kitchen where she was greeted by a friendly bark from Bosco who was following her toward the fridge.

"You hungry Bos? Huh baby, Huh?" Alonsha cooed at her dog. Besides Jared, Justin and Scott, Bosco was the only male she could stand to even look at, every other guy was a reminder of Kyle.

Alonsha opened a can of wet dog food for Bosco. She poured it into his bowl and he ate it graciously. Desposing of the can and washing her hands, Alonsha went into the fridge and grabbed a yogurt.

She noticed the machine flashing a "3" and she played the massages while looking for a spoon.

"HELLO BEAUTIFUL!" Alonsha heard as she jumped slightly from his burst of enthusiasm, "You know who this is girl. I don't know why you didn't pick up the phone, you just too damn lazy," Justin accused as Alonsha rolled her eyes, "Anyways, I was just calling to say hi and see what's up. I'll call you later my chocolate little Milk Dud." Alonsha had to laugh at that one.

"My chocolate little Milk Dud?" Alonsha questioned to herself while raising an eyebrow, "Wow, just wow." Then came the second message. . .

"Lonnie, it's Tiff. You need to start answering the phone girl, what if I were dying? I would've been dead and buried by the time you got this message." Tiffany sighed in exaggerated fustration and Alonsha was pretty sure she was rolling her eyes while doing so, "Anyway, I'm at Scott's, but I will be bringing dinner home. Chinese sound good? Great! Oh and mama's coming by sometime during the day with some groceries so if your not picking up the phone, at least open the damn door girl. Love ya, bye." There was a beep and Alonsha smiled to herself, then came message number three.

"Alonsha. . .this is Kyle. I really need to talk to you, there are some things that I need to explain but not on the machine. Call me. Please Alonsha, call me." Alonsha rolled her eyes. Her call Kyle? Yeah right, like that's going to happen!

"Jackass." Alonsha grumbled as she plopped on the sofa and flipped through the channels of the t.v. A knock came at the door and Alonsha looked over at Bosco who was now lying at her feet looking back at her.

"Why do people always come when I'm just getting comfortable?" she asked him shaking her head. Bosco barked in response, "I don't know either." Alonsha said getting up to open the door. She looked through the key hole and neverly fell over. She swung open the door.

"You have some nerve coming to my home Kyle!" Alonsha shouted as Kyle sighed and just stared at her before speaking.

"Alonsha we need to talk." He said holding his ground.

"No, we don't need to do anything Kyle. You, " she said poking his chest, "need to leave and not come back because as far as I'm concerned I want nothing to do with you." she said angrily.

"Lonnie," Kyle started before being interrupted.

"Alonsha."

"Alonsha. . ." Kyle said sighing as his heart tightened in his chest, coming here was starting to seem like a bad idea, "I just think that there are a lot of unanswered questions that you might have and I know that you deserve an explanation as to why this all happened." Kyle said calmly.

They stood silent for some time as Alonsha thought it over. She did have questions that needed answering, but she wasn't sure if she really wanted to know the truth. It might be worse than what she thought. But those questions did keep her up at night. . .

"Fine." Alonsha said as she moved out of the way so that Kyle could walk in. He sat on the sofa Alonsha had been sitting on and pet Bosco softly on the head. Alonsha sat on the far end of the sofa and folded her arms across her chest. Kyle realized how far she sat and felt a pang of hurt in his chest as he thought back to the times she'd jump on his lap and kiss him. He missed that.

"Alonsha I'm sorry about this. I never met for things to get so out of hand. I never met to hurt you." he said as he paused, Alonsha didn't respond she just stared into space.

"I still love you Alonsha and I understand if you hate me, I'd hate me too if I were you." Kyle said looking down, Alonsha didn't deserve this.

"I don't hate you Kyle I just. . .I can't even phathom why you would do something like this. Was it me? Did I not make you happy or something?" Alonsha questioned. Kyle's head lifted up quickly once he heard her say this.

"Alonsha no! It's not you at all. I couldn't have been happier in my life. I guess that maybe that was the problem. I didn't know how long I could keep you happy. Alonsha I was afraid." Kyle said looking at the floor.

"Of what?" Alonsha asked quietly.

"Of turning into my father." He said simply as Alonsha finally looked up at her. Kyle never spoke about his father. Not to anybody. Not once did he ever voice his fear.

"You never said anything to me Kyle. If you felt that way you should've talked to me. Besides, how does this justify you cheating?" Alonsha didn't want to seem so cold but she was still hurting and his excuses were just not good enough.

"Alonsha I just feel like I'm supposed to be like him, it's like the jackass gene runs down in my family. Every male gets it no matter how hard they try to break the chain." Alonsha stared at him confused, but at the same time she understood what he was talking about.

"How many were there?" Alonsha asked out of the blue.

"What?"

"Women." Alonsha asked as Kyle sighed as he chewed on his thumb nail. Not a good sign.

"There was always Natalie, and Victoria. And there was one other girl, but I never got her name." Kyle said as he saw Alonsha rubbed her hands down her face and hold back her tears.

"Is that all?" Alonsha asked unsure. Kyle nodded. An akward silence fell between the two. Alonsha felt so. . .dirty. She made love to him. He had touched her all those nights even though he had been with someone else. Her stomach churned.

"It was on and off Alonsha. I cut things off with Victoria monthes ago, but then I met Natalie and I just. . . I couldn't just say no to her. No matter how many times I'd end things, I always let her come back." Kyle said.

"Did she know about me?"

"No. . . None of them did." Another akward silence.

"Okay Kyle, I'm done." Alonsha said getting up from the couch, "You can go."

"But Alonsha, I need to tell you everything. . ." Kyle said standing up with her.

"What else is there to say?" Alonsha asked completely flustered.

"I cut everything off and told Natalie about you. I told her how much I love you and I want to get help Alonsha. I'll go through counseling, therapy, whatever it takes to get you to love me again." Kyle said with all sincerity.

"Kyle. . ."

"Alonsha please don't just push me away, please give me a chance."

"I just can't forgive and forget Kyle!" Alonsha yelled.

"I know, I know. . ." Kyle said moving closer to Alonsha, "I'm not saying that it'll just happen overnight. I'm ready and willing to do whatever it takes to get you to forgive me and to get your trust back." Kyle said standing directly in front of her.

"I don't know if I can." Alonsha said feeling herself slowly buckle as the smell of his cologne washed over her and she stared into his crystal blue eyes. Kyle cupped her face.

"If you can honestly say you don't want this then I'll leave and I will never bother you again, I promise." Kyle said as Alonsha's eyes glanced at his lips. His soft. . . warm lips. That's when his mouth came crashing down on hers. Alonsha wanted to pull away but slowly let herself slip.

She was about to let him slip his tongue into her mouth when a vision of Natalie's body straddling his waist flashed through her mind. Her moans and his sighs boomed in her ears and she pulled away.

"No." Alonsha said backing away and staring at the ground, "I can't and I won't Kyle." she stated firmly.

"Alonsha. . ."

"Please leave." Alonsha choked out as hot streams of tears rolled down her cheeks. Kyle looked at her and backed away slowly towards the door.

"I'm so sorry." he said turning to leave, closing the door behind him. Alonsha collapsed on the couch. She was crying into her hands. Her whole body trembled, and she could hear Bosco whimpering, even he knew when she was upset.

When Kyle kissed her, she was ready to take him back. Telling him to leave was one of the hardest things she ever had to do. In that moment she promised herself that she would never let a man have that much control over her heart again.

  Guilty


It's been a little over a month since the whole turn of events. Alonsha had not seen Justin for 3 monthes now. He was in Florida, spending time with Trace and writing songs for his solo album.

Alonsha missed him a lot. She hadn't spoken to him in a week. She was disappointed, but she understood that he worked really hard, and was probably tired when he got home.

Alonsha was at home, on the sofa. It was Sunday and the Rec. was closed because it was being repainted. Alonsha sat with Bosco, watching whatever paid advertising program was on, something about an ab cruncher, before the phone rang.

"Hey Lonnie," Justin said as soon as she said hello, "How's my girl?" he asked her in a fatherly tone.

"I don't know about Britney, but I'm okay." Alonsha joked with a smile. She could tell he was smiling too.

"Okay?" he questioned, "You should be fantastic!"

"Should be. . ." Alonsha trailed off as she felt a lump in her thoart.

"What's the matter sweetheart? Was the wedding okay? It didn't rain did it? 'Cause that would suck." he said as he leaned back into his lush sofa.

"What wedding?" Alonsha said as she wiped away a stray tear. Justin was about to joke about how old she was getting if she couldn't remember her own wedding, but he heard the hurt in her tone.

"What happened?" he asked as he brought his arm to rest above his head.

"Kyle and I. . .He. . ." Alonsha was trying to get the words out before she started to cry. She began to sob. Justin was so caught off guard by her sudden eruption of emotion that he didn't know what to do.

"What did he do?" was the only thing he could think of saying to her.

"Don't you mean who?" Alonsha asked as she angrily wiped away her tears. She never got this emotional before. Not in front of Justin. He was the only friend that never saw her cry, or heard for that matter.

Justin's brows furrowed briefly in an attempt to grasp what she meant, then it hit him. Was Kyle really that stupid? How could he cheat? On Alonsha of all people. She loved him more than anything.

"When did this happen?" Justin asked after he heard her sobs quiet down.

"The day before the wedding, I came home early. . . And I wanted to surprise him. I walked into his room and he was with some fuckin' red head." Alonsha spat out angrily while wiping away the fresh tears that ran down her cheeks.

"Well the hell with him. He is definitely not worth your tears. He's a damn dick for doing what he did, and you deserve better than him away." Justin said angrily as Alonsha smiled. He was going into his big brother tirade. He always sided with Alonsha and always came to her defense relentlessly until she got her way.

"I know, I'm trying." Alonsha said as she sighed, "But it's hard not to cry when the love of your life takes your heart and stomps all over it."

"Believe me, I know, but you'll get over him eventually." he said encouragingly.

"Eventually. . ." Alonsha said in a not-so-convincing tone.

"Hey, has thrustin' Justin ever steered you wrong?" Justin asked with his boyish grin plastered on his face. Alonsha giggled at his comment.

"I thought you hated that nickname." she said with a smile.

"I do. But I got a laugh out of you didn't I?" Justin explained.

"Yeah." Alonsha said still smiling, "Thank you, I feel better." Alonsha said as Justin nodded even though she could not see him.

"I got some good news that will make you feel a lot better." Justin said sitting up.

"What's that?"

"I'm coming home tomorrow." Justin said as Alonsha smiled to herself.

"Good, I miss you." she said genuinely. Justin smiled as he ran his free hand over his thigh before moving his fingers along the stitching on his pants.

"How could you not miss me?" Justin questioned jokingly. Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"You are so full of yourself Justin." Alonsha said as she petted Bosco softly as he rested his head on her lap.

"I'm just stating the facts," Justin said confidently, "But I have to admit it, I've missed you too."

"Boy please, of course you missed me." Alonsha said before they both laughed.

"And who's full of herself now?" Justin mocked. They laughed again before they both quieted. Alonsha laughed, rolling her eyes.

"So when do you come in?" Alonsha asked excitedly. She really wanted to see him.

"I'm on the plane by 6am. . .I'd probably land around. . .I don't know. . .9ish, then I'll probably take a nap, so I'll swing by at twelve or one." Justin explained as Alonsha quietly listened to his every word.

"Okay, sounds good." Alonsha said coolly.

"Do you have plans for the day?" Justin asked as he adjusted in his sofa so that Trace could sit.

"No, me and Bos were just gonna chill today." Alonsha said looking at Bosco.

"Where's Tiff and Scott?" Justin asked.

"Somewhere, doing God knows what to each other." Alonsha said as Justin laughed.

"Speaking of which, me and Brit," Alonsha rolled her eyes in disgust, "are planning on going shopping tomorrow, you should come." He suggested with a smile.

"Justin, I'd rather not. I wouldn't want to be a third wheel." Alonsha explained.

"You won't be a third wheel, I'll bring Trace." Justin said as Alonsha sighed.

"Justin. . ." Alonsha began to protest.

"Don't Justin me, you're going to have fun. I'll buy you shoes or something." Justin said taking the Pepsi that Trace offered him.

"But. . ."

"The only but want is yours on Robertson's tomorrow, shopping happily." Justin stated sternly.

"You can't tell me what to do." Alonsha said with a fake attitude.

"You weren't complaining the other night." Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Why do you always find a way to change an innocent conversation into something sexual?" she asked. Justin laughed heartily. It was loud and obnoxious, but it was one of the things she missed.

"It makes the conversation more interesting." he said as Trace shook his head, a smile at the corner of his lips, as he listened to Justin's side of the conversation.

"I didn't know I was boring you." Alonsha said in a hurt tone.

"Aww. . .Alonsha." Justin said sympathically, "I wish I cared."

"Oh, Jay, that was cold." Alonsha whined as Justin laughed again.

"You know I was joking." Justin said as his door bell rung. Trace went to answer it.

"Sure. You know you meant it." Alonsha said with a smile on her face.

"Seriously, I didn't mean it." Justin said sincerely. He looked up and saw Pharrell and Chad coming into the living room. He did the handshake thing with both of them, before they all started to Justin's studio.

"Whatever, I don't care anyway." she said as Justin smiled, he could picture her pouting in that moment.

"I'll make it up to you tomorrow, I promise." he said as Alonsha rolled her eyes again, something that she does a lot around Justin, "But I have to go into the studio, so I have to say goodbye." Justin said as all the guys shot him impatient looks.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Whatever Timberlake, you can go to hell for all I care." Alonsha said with a grin on her face.

"Save me a seat?" Justin asked.

"You know it." Alonsha said. They both laughed.

"Okay, tell everybody I said hey." he said.

"Alright. Bye."

"Bye." Justin hung up. He went back to the kitchen to place the phone on the charger before he returned to the studio.

"Was that Britney?" Chad asked as he tuned all of the equipment.

"Naw, that was Alonsha." Justin answer as he searched for his song book. Pharrell and Chad glanced at one another suspciously.

"Sounded like you were talkin' to ya girl." Pharrell said as Justin turned to face him. His eyebrows raised, book in hand.

"Man, please. Lonnie is my friend. Brit is my girl. Unlike you, Mr. Williams, I am a one woman man." Justin said defensely.

"Okay, okay." Pharrell said putting his hands up in surrender, "But you're gettin' kind of testy. Is that guilt?" he asked with a small smile.

"No. . . Guilt for what?"

"I don't know man, there was a lot of giggling going on." Trace said as Justin rolled his eyes.

"So what? She makes me laugh. We crack up all the time." Justin's hands gestered toward between his three friends as he tried to sound as rational as possible.

"Well we're not petite pieces of milk chocolate, just waiting for a real man to swoop us up in his pimped out Escalade." Pharrell said as they laughed.

"She had a man. . ." Justin said trailing off as he glanced over the lyrics of one of his songs.

"Had? Wasn't she marrying that Kyle dude?" Trace asked from his spot on the couch.

"Yeah, but that plan fell through. The prick cheated on her." Justin said shutting his book.

"What?" Trace asked surprised.

"That's what I said. She was crying and everything." Justin informed sadly.

"That's the stupidest thing I ever heard. If you love a girl enough to want to marry her ass, you need to control ya hormones." Pharrell said as Justin shrugged.

"It doesn't matter anyway. . . Alonsha deserves and will have better." Justin said with a determined tone.

"I don't doubt that." Pharrell said as they nodded in agreement, "With her brains, and that ass, she's a packaged deal." Pharrell said causes an eruption of 'yeahs' from the guys.

"Alright, enough of the bullshit, " Justin said seriously, "Let's get some of this shit done so I can get my ass some sleep, 'cause I'll be damn if I'm gonna wake up at 5 in the morning." Everyone nodded understandingly and got to work.

  Boyfriend?


So, Justin was right. Alonsha was on Robertson, having a good time, and definitely not feeling like a third wheel. Trace was being really sweet, even though him and Justin paired up against her and Britney at moments, teasing them about the things they where buying, the sizes to be exact.

"Brit, honey, are you sure that it's not. . .too. . .small?" Justin question, raising his eyebrows comically as he lifted the shirt Britney had picked out, examining it throughly.

"Shut up Justin!" Britney whined, snatching the shirt from his hands, "You're horrible." she said pouting and moving closer to Alonsha.

"Honestly, I don't see why you're with him." Alonsha said rolling her eyes in Justin direction, "Trace would've been a much better choice." she said smiling as Britney nodded in agreement.

"Hey!" Justin whined.

"Hold up man, they might be onto something." Trace joked as Justin glared at him.

"Please man, you are half the man I am. . . literally" Justin said eying him up and down, refering to his height.

"Justin," Britney said hitting him playfully on the arm, "That was wrong." Justin just laughed.

"Aw, come here." Alonsha cooed to a pouting Trace. He excepted her pity hug, "It's okay. Justin's just jealous because he wishes he was as cute as you." Alonsha said as Justin scrunched up his nose.

"Don't lie to him!" Justin said with his boyish grin.

"Shut up," Trace said with a bit of humor in his tone, "What I lack in height, I make up in other places. Unlike some people." Everyone started cracking up.

"How do you know what I'm packing?" Justin asked.

"Well he can always ask Britney." Alonsha said as Britney shoved her playfully.

"Don't even go there." she said as Justin began to blush.

"Okay, I'm getting a little uncomfortable with this conversation." Justin complained.

"Little being the key word." Alonsha joked as they walked up to the register.

"OOHHHHH!!!" Britney and Trace said in unison, trying to spur Justin on.

The woman at the register told Justin the total and he handed her his credit card. After everything was paid for, they began to walk out. Justin was ahead of the group, feeling isolated by the constant giggles behind his back.

"What's the matter Timberlake?" Alonsha taunted as she walked next to him towards the exit, "No quick comebacks?" she asked with a playful smile.

"I'm not even gonna go there." he explained, opening the door for her. Trace held the door for Britney.

As soon as they hit outside, they heard the cameras go off. Justin mumbled some curse words underneath his breath. His car was parked in the front, right where they were all calling for him and Britney.

"Come on, and remember to ignore them." Justin said to Alonsha as he walked over to the car.

Talk about belligerent.

They were shouting and shoving the cameras in their faces. Justin was getting more pissed the closer the cameras got. They were really crowding around Alonsha. They were asking who she was and why she was with them. She looked so uncomfortable. Justin would've laughed if he wasn't so angry.

"Could you please let her get in the car?" Justin asked they began to move in so close that Alonsha would hit about three guys if she opened the door, not that he would've cared.

They obliged to his request and moved out of her way as Alonsha slipped into the backseat of Justin's escalade, Trace coming in after her.

Britney and Justin settled in the front seat before asking if her and Trace were fine.

"Damn, those guys are such pricks." Justin said as he gripped the steering wheel, "I'm sorry that they bombared you like that." Justin said glancing in his rearview mirror at Alonsha.

"It's cool, it's not the first time they've done that." Alonsha said as she remembered back when there was a huge scandal about Justin and her reportedly dating. She rolled her eyes at the thought. It was all because of a photograph of them hugging. They just hugged and all of a sudden Justin and her are planning a secret wedding and she's having triplets.

Absolutely ridiculous.

"Well, at least we got our stuff uninterrupted." Britney said with a smile. She always tried to make the best of situations.

"True," Justin agreed, "But now it's me and Trace's turn." Justin said as both of the girls groaned.

"More sneakers?" Alonsha questioned as Justin and Trace nodded, smiling.

"I will never understand your obsession Justin." Britney said with a smile as Justin stopped at a red light.

"My passion for sneakers is like. . .like. . .your obsession for heels." he explained as Britney nodded.

"Oh, but sneakers aren't as cute." Britney argued.

"What?" Justin questioned in disbelief, "Sneakers are cute, comfortable, and versitile." Justin explained.

"Heels are cute, comfortable, and versitile." Britney informed.

"No they aren't! Can you go jogging in heels?" Justin asked accussingly.

"Well of course not, but. . ."

"Then they aren't versitile." Justin interrupted before the light turned green and he continued to drive.

"But you can't wear sneakers to bed." Britney said causing Justin to furrow his brows.

"Since when do you wear heels to bed?" Justin asked as Britney raised her eyebrow suggestively.

"Ohhhh. . ." Justin said giving her a knowing smile. Alonsha rolled her eyes for the 20th time that day.

"I'm gonna be sick." Trace complained as Britney and Justin giggled.

"I'm with you on that one, " Alonsha said, "Could you two keep fetishes to yourselves?" she asked.

"Please do." Trace agreed.

"Okay, we're sorry." Justin apologized before winking at Britney.

***********************************************************

They had walked into the Victoria Secret store to browse while Justin drooled over limited edition Nike's. The sales woman hurriedly came to their aid. Britney asked her for something that would cause a man to go insane. The sales lady smiled and told them to follow her to the back.

Alonsha held back a giggle once they walked in the back. She spotted an. . .outfit that consisted of two pieces of strings and three fur balls. Alonsha didn't understand why anyone would waste their money on something like that. But hey, as long as it wasn't her, she wasn't complaining.

"Okay, now this has been a favorite of our male customers." the saleswoman informed. It was some lacy number that was silky and transparent. Alonsha rolled her eyes. She was beginning to feel out of place. Why was she in a lingerie store if she had nobody to wear lingerie for?

"What do you think?" Britney questioned her as she held the garment against her body, "You think Stinky will have a heart attack if I wore this?"

Alonsha stared at her for a moment. She wanted to scream. What couldn't Britney wear? She could've been in sweats and a tee and still given Justin a heart attack.

"I think that Stinky will definitely have a heart attack. He'd be gay if he didn't." Alonsha said as her gaze fell onto a satin chemise. It was an ivory color and was embroidered. It was lacy and it was imported.

She wanted it. Why? She couldn't tell you. But it caught her eye.

"That is one of the most comfortable pieces of lingerie. It's sexy, yet elegant. It's a favorite among men and women alike." the sales woman informed Alonsha as she walked over to the chemise. She picked one up and carried it over to Alonsha.

Alonsha took it out of her hands and felt the silky-smoothness of the material. It was heavenly.

"It is really soft." she commented as the sales woman nodded.

"Heaven against the skin. I'm sure your boyfriend would agree." she said innocently. Alonsha looked down at the chemise. Her smile was gone and she felt the pit of her stomache tie into a knot.

Boyfriend? What boyfriend? Alonsha thought as she frowned. Britney took notice to her friend's behavior and her disappointment. She hurriedly came to her aid.

"Um. . . We'll take both!" she said ethusiastically as the sales woman nodded happily.

"Okay, I'll take care of you in the front. Just follow me." they did so and were quickly rung up. Once they were outside of the store Britney rubbed her back lightly, trying to comfort her.

"I'm sorry sugar, you know how these sales people. Always assumin' shit right out of their asses." she said angrily.

"It's okay Brit. I mean I was looking a chemise. You don't exactly wear something like that for yourself." Alonsha said a-matter-of-factly.

"Don't you fret honey," Britney's southern accent became more evident, "You're gonna find yourself a good man and he's gonna treat you like the queen you are."

Alonsha smiled. Britney was something else.

"Thank you Britney. I appreciate it." Alonsha said sincerely as they continued through the mall in search of Justin and Trace.

  New Revelation

It was Monday and Alonsha was at work in her "office". It was more like a closed of section of the rec where she spoke to the kids who came to her for advice. . .and some other reasons.

"Wassup Ms. D?" Alonsha heard a masculine voice say. She already knew who it was and what he wanted.

"Hi Tom." she said not bothering to look up from her laptop. She heard the squeaking and scratching of a chair and looked up from her screen. Tom was sitting in front of her desk, smiling as if he won the lottery. She knew that smile all too well.

"So, I heard about that Kyle dude." he informed her, his Puerto Rican accent faintly evident, "I'm sorry it didn't work out."

"Well, I appreciate your concern Tom. But I'm fine." Alonsha said, plastering a smile on her face. Tom shot her look, knowing that she was lying.

"Why you frontin' Ms. D?" he asked accusingly. Alonsha laughed.

"How do you know I'm frontin'?" Alonsha asked in a mock tone. Tom laughed at her lame attempt to impersonate his voice.

"Whatever, it don't matter." Tom said licking his lips suggestively, "Now we can hook up, ma."

"What?" Alonsha said raising in eyebrow, "I don't think so."

"Why not? I'm available, you're available. . ."

"First off, who said I'm available?" Alonsha questioned, "Second of all Tom, we've been through this a million times, you're only seventeen."

"Come on now, age ain't nothin' but a number, Ms. D." Tom whined as he tried to convince her.

"No, age is a one-way ticket to prison," Alonsha explained, "And if age wasn't an issue, than why do you call me Ms. D?" Alonsha asked accusingly. Tom smiled at her.

"Okay, excuse me for being respectful," Tom joked as he stood to leave, "It's okay ma, when I'm eighteen and all the ladies want me, you'll be outta luck."

"Sure Tom," Alonsha said returning her gaze back to her computer screen, "Pull the door shut on your way out." she said right before she heard the door close. She sighed once the silence washed over her. She was stressed as hell. Her sleepless nights were becoming more and more difficult to handle. Breathing was becoming more difficult to handle.

That first month had been easier with Justin around, but for the last two weeks, it's been nothing but Britney time. She was happy he was happy but damn, when did she get some space in his schedule? Alonsha sighed at how childish she was being. Justin was dating someone and she wasn't. She'd have to get used to having less of his time.

Alonsha was so engrossed in her thoughts that she nearly fell out her chair when her cell phone rang. She laughed at her own stupidity before answering her phone, she smiled when she saw his name on the screen.

"Wassup Jay?" she said as she leaned back into her office chair.

"Hey." he said flatly into the phone. Alonsha was confused by his tone.

"Is something wrong sweetpea?" she said soothingly. Justin sighed and he felt his muscle relax slightly. Her voice was a comfort to him, especially now.

"I need to talk to you." he choked out as he swallowed hard, trying to surpress his tears. His heart tightened in his chest at the thought of her, and what she did to him.

"Okay, what's the matter?" Alonsha asked.

"No, not on the phone. . .in person." Justin explained.

"Alright, when and where?" Alonsha asked.

"I'll come to your place tonight." Justin informed, "Will you be home by nine?"

"Yeah, sure. I'll be home."

"Okay, I have to go, so I'll see you tonight." Justin said as he wiped away a stray tear from his cheek.

"Alright, bye."

"Bye." Alonsha heard the click of the other end and she hung up as well. Whatever was bothering him was huge, he never sounded like that before. It scared her.

Alonsha felt her eyes drooping as she stared blankly at the the black screen in front of her. She moved the mouse around, causing the picture to reappear. She glanced at the time in the corner of the screen.

It was 4:36pm. She had a feeling that the time would seem to go by agonizingly slow from that point on. Alonsha blinked and continued her task, hoping that things weren't as disasterous as she thought. . .
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alonsha was on her sofa, waiting patiently for Justin. She scanned the channels on her television before glancing down at her wrist watch. 9:36pm. Where the hell was he?

Alonsha would never understand him. He was the one that set up the damn thing. She rolled her eyes to herself at the thought of him. Did that make any sense? You tell someone to be home to "talk" and you're late?

Only Justin.

Alonsha picked the phone up, ready to call him, when a buzz came up to her apartment. She walked over by the door and pressed the talk button.

"You're late Jay." she said before she even let him talk.

"I know, I'm sorry." he apologized. His tone was so pitiful that Alonsha buzzed him in desperately. She wanted to know what was wrong with her friend. He was never like this. Within a few minutes, Justin was knocking on her apartment door. She swung it open and he slid in silently. Alonsha quietly shut the door behind him.

She turned to face him, "So what's. . ."

Before she got a chance to finish her sentence, he hugged her tightly. His arms embraced her desperately as he cried into her neck. She definitely wasn't expecting that. Alonsha just hugged him back, stuggling to support his 6'1 frame with her 5'3 one.

"Shhh. . .it's okay honey." Alonsha cooed as she rubbed his back. She felt him nod his head and he sniffle. It was so childlike and innocent. Alonsha felt her heart melt and she had the sudden urge to take his pain away. Whatever that pain was.

Alonsha felt him let her go, and slowly back away from her, giving her back her space. Her shoulder was soaked by his tears, her grey tee shirt stuck to her shoulder uncomfortably. But she didn't mind. The look on his face was so precious. His eyes were puffy and bloodshot from his tears. His cheeks were bright red and she watched him wipe his tears away with the sleeve of his hooded sweatshirt.

"I'm sorry," he apologized as a small grin graced his face, "You must think I'm some pathetic bitch or something. . ."

"You're not a pathetic bitch," Alonsha said, "You're my bitch." Justin laughed at that one as he sniffled again.

"I'll remember that." Justin informed her with a faint smile. Alonsha gestured toward the sofa and Justin took a seat, Alonsha sitting right next to him.

"You gonna tell me what this talk is about?" Alonsha asked.

"Damn, you don't beat around the bush do you?" Justin joked as Alonsha raised an eyebrow impatiently. Justin sighed and looked down at his hands. He was confused, angry, hurt, and embarrassed. He was beginning to regret his pit stop here. He should've went straight to Memphis like he had plan.

"Justin?" Alonsha placed her cool palm against his warm cheek. Justin's eyes found hers and placed his hand on top of hers. She instantly made him comfortable in that simple gesture.

"It's Britney." Justin said quietly. His expression saddened once again. He looked so depressed.

"What about Britney? Is she ok?" Alonsha asked concerned. Justin scoffed angrily. He removed Alonsha's hand from his face and sat up.

"Britney's fine. . .to fuckin' fine. So fine that she went out and cheated on me." Justin finished as he felt his anger turn into hurt all over again. He felt like his emotions were on a rollcoaster.

"She. . .she did what!?!" Alonsha asked astonished by this new revelation. This was not happening.

"Yep, she slept with Wade of all people." Justin said shaking his head sadly, "Wade." Justin said in disbelief.

"So Marty was right?" Alonsha questioned. She was refering to Justin's choreographer that informed Justin of Britney and Wade's super "friendly" get together at Red Light, a club in Miami, where Britney was working on her video.

Justin shrugged as he stared into space, "I guess so." There was an awkward silence between the two before Alonsha finally spoke.

"How did you find out?" she asked curiously.

"I found out from him." he answered, "The little fucker asked me to meet him for lunch and when I got there he told me everything. . .He was lucky we were in public, or I would've ripped his thoart out."

Alonsha cringed at the thought, but knew that Justin had every right to be that angry.

"So what then? You told Brit to go screw herself?" Alonsha asked as Justin smiled slightly.

"I asked her if it were true. She said yes. I said that I couldn't be with someone I couldn't trust. She agreed and that was that." Justin explained as Alonsha made a face.

"Don't bullshit me Timberlake. Spill it." she said as Justin slouched into the couch.

"Fine, you asked for it." Justin warned. He took a deep breath and started from the beginning. . .

  Unexpected Visitor


It was a very BORING day in LA. There was nothing to do. I just walked around the Rec. observing the teens as they mingled. Everything was fine. No arguments. No issues. No. . .nothing. Just an eerie calm. What was with everybody today? I was beginning to plot something risque. Just to start something, but that was too immature for my liking.

I guess I should be happy that I have a stress free day, but I'm not. I'm completely bored out of my wits. Nobody has called in awhile. Justin was in Virginia Beach, writing and recording with Pharell. Trace was, of course, at his side. Tiffany was booked all week working on new designs for her clothing line. I failed to mention that was her profession: A clothing designer. She was in New York, showing all of her wonderful designs. Scott was working too. He's a teacher. First grade teacher to be exact. He loves kids. Ally and Jared were in San Diego, enjoying the married life. Whatever that was.

And I, Alonsha freakin' Daniels was stuck doing nothing in a teen recreational center.

I finally gave up on looking for something interesting and headed upstairs to my so-called office. I shut the door behind, wishing it would fall off it's hinges so that I could have something to deal with. But of course it shut right into place with absolutely no trouble. I made my shameful walk to my desk, where I plopped down tiredly and leaned back into the softness.

I swiveled in my chair aimlessly. Now I was really bored. I wanted to talk to someone. Anyone. Even Tom. At least his pitiful flirting skills were something to keep me temporarily entertained. My eyes began to roam the room as I spun back and forth in my chair. I wasn't looking for anything in particular, just something to catch my attention.

I should put some pictures up, maybe some paint? Hmm. . . I wonder if blue would look good in here? No! The Honey Dew color I saw in Cosco's. . . I smile to myself as the picture of my perfect office comes to mind before a pounding at my door startles me.

What the fuck!?! I raise up from my chair and walk hurriedly towards the door. I swing it open and prepare to unleash a tongue lashing to the son of a bitch that practically gave me a heartattack, but I quickly bite my tongue when I see who it is.

"Ally?" I question dumbly as my best friend stood in front of me, a small smile dancing on the corner of her mouth.

"Wassup, baby?" she asked, extending her arms out to me expectly. I leaned in her arms, embracing her warmly. Her flowery scent washed over me and I realized just how much I missed her. I walked her inside of my office. She sat down in the chair in front of my desk, I returned to my seat.

"How are you?" I asked her as I leaned my elbows on my desk, she did the same.

"I'm good," she answered quickly, "What about you?"

"I had better days. . ." I said flatly as I began to fidget with a paper clip laying on my desk. I suddenly felt the warmth of her hand on mine. She smiled at me sympathetically.

"The pain will go away, honey." she gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I know. . ." I say, not really comfortable with the topic, "So how's Jared?"

Allison's face suddenly dropped. She removed her hand from mine and sat up straight in her chair, placing her hands in her lap.

"We're not on the best terms right now." she explains. I nod understandingly.

"Care to explain?" I pry as she shrugs.

"We had an agrument." I look at her for a moment, waiting for a futher explaination. When nothing came, I pushed futher.

"About. . .?"

"I don't even know." she answered tiredly, "One minute we're in the kitchen cooking dinner and the next. . .he's slamming doors and I'm headed to LA." she explained as I raised an eyebrow.

"You guys bicker all the time. . .I give you guys a day before things are back to normal." I say, dismissing the subject at hand.

"He thinks I'm keeping something from him." Ally mumbles. She's bitting her nails, a nervous habit of hers.

"Are you?" I ask as I see her tense up. She's definitely hiding something, "Spill it." She looks at me completely confused by my demand before she bites even deeper into her nail. After a few seconds she finally removes her hand from her mouth.

"I think I'm pregnant." she offers as my eyes widen in shock.

"You're pregnant!?!" I question in disbelief.

"Shush. . ." she glares at me, "Jared doesn't even know, I don't need you telling all of LA."

"I can't believe you're pregnant." I comment again, I can feel a smile come across my face.

"I said that I think I'm pregnant. There's no guarantees." I can see a smile threathening to destroy her serious demeanor.

"You and Jared love kids. This is something you wanted." I say smiling at her. Allison fiddles with her fingers as she stares blankly at them.

"I know but still . . . It's kinda," she sighed, "It's just so unplanned." She laughs at herself.

"Well nothing can really be planned." I say, "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get."

"You are such a dork." she jokes smiling at me.

"Yeah well, at least I'm not a pregnant one." I say raising an eyebrow. She laughs as her eyes widen in shock because of my words.

"You bitch!" she calls me as she chucks a paper clip at me. We both laugh as I chucked the paper clip back at her.

"I try."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So. . .what does it say?" Allison whined impatiently as she hovered over my shoulder.

"I don't know, it's pink." I say looking at the pregnancy test in my hand. I look up in the mirror above my sink to see Ally's reflection. She's now neverously sitting on the edge of the tub, biting her nails, while her leg bounces up and down.

"So. . .that means?"

"Pink means. . ." I mumbled as my eyes scanned the back of the Pregnancy test box. The anticipation was building and I could feel my heart beating faster. And it wasn't even my test.

"What does pink mean?" Allison questions impatiently.

Okay, SOMEBODY has an attitude.

"It means that you're not pregnant." I stated sadly as Allison's face dropped. There was nothing but silence for awhile and I was beginning to break underneath the tension in the room, "OKAY. . . Damn it, you're pregnant." She started screaming happily. I know that she would've smacked me if she wasn't so happy.

"OH MY GOD!" Ally was now hugging me so tight I could hardly breathe, "I'm going to have a baby?"

"Yep, you're gonna be a mama!" I said excitedly. Another breath taking hug, literally.

"I'm gonna be a mama!" She was now crying tears of joy, "I have to call Jared!" she announced as she ran out of the bathroom. I followed closely behind her. I watched as she scurried into the kitchen, grabbing the cordless off it's charger.

She typed the familiar numbers and waited patiently for an answer, "Hel. . ." before she got her words out, she was interrupted by yelling. I couldn't hear what was being said but Jared sounded angry.

"Will you shut up!?!" Allison shouted into the phone, surprising the hell out of me, "Damn Jared. . . I'm sorry that I left, but I have to tell you something important. . .Well, I'm pregnant," There was a long pause. Allison's face went from excited to worried, "Jared? Hello? Jare are you okay?" Allison looked at me with a smile.

"Is everything alright?" I asked concerned.

"I think he fainted." she answered in disbelief before cracking up, "He fainted." I had to laugh at that one. She gave a final hello before hanging up.

"Come on Ally, I'll take you home." I said seriously as we made our way out the kitchen. I grabbed my keys off the coffee table.

"Let's hurry, we can't just leave him laying there." she explained as we both looked at each other. I cracked a smile before we both laughed as we walked out the door.

  The First Stage


"Damn it man. . .I can't think of a title." Justin whined as he sighed. Trace was was sitting on the white sofa to the left of Justin's recliner.

"What is it about?" Trace asked as he rubbed the back of his head.

"A girl." Justin said evasively. Trace shot him a dirty look and Justin smiled.

"Well duh, genius." he said rolling his eyes, "Read the lyrics, smartass."

"Well the chorus goes: There's nothing else that I have seen, There's no getting around it, or in between, You're out of this world, Except you're not green. . ."

"You're not green?" Trace laughed.

"Shut up, it's all I could come up with." Justin explained with a smirk.

"You're not green. . ." Trace mumbled as he laughed again.

"Anyway!" Justin said loudly as he grew impatient, "What should the title be?"

"Nothin' Else" Trace answered as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Ok. . .I like it." Justin nodded and quickly scribbled down the name in his song book.

"So, is this song about anyone I know?" Trace asked nonchanantly. Justin looked up at him and rolled his eyes.

"Don't even start."

"What?" Trace asked innocently.

"Don't bullshit me," Justin closed his book as he placed it on his coffee table, "Did mom put you up to this?"

"Up to what, man? I was just asking a question. . ."

"You were trying to ask me if this song is about Alonsha." Justin countered.

"Hey man, if you see it that way, then so be it." Trace layed down on the sofa, stretching his petite frame across it, "Is it?" Justin rolled his eyes again as he reached for the remote on that was resting on the edge of the glass coffee table.

"No." Trace made a face.

"Come on man, I'm your best friend. You can tell me."

"There's nothing to tell," Justin argued, "Me and Alonsha are just friends."

"Then why do you call her beautiful?"

"Because man, it's the first thing I called her when we first met." Justin explained.

"That sounded like something a husband would say about his wife."

"No it doesn't." Justin said as he replayed the words in his mind. Maybe it does.

"Whatever, man. All I'm saying is that you and Alonsha would be a nice couple." Trace said sincerely.

"Why's that?"

"Because, you guys already act like a couple. You argue and make up. You guys know everything about each other. I like her, mama likes her. I mean, dude. Come on!" Trace complained as Justin shook his head.

"It's just not like that, Trace." Justin said as he flipped through the channels, "We aren't each other's types."

"You mean that Alonsha doesn't want your ugly ass, right?" Trace joked as Justin rolled his eyes.

"Fuck you, man." he said smiling, "It's not about physical attraction. It's who we are personality-wise. We clash."

"Well it works wonders for ya'lls friendship," Trace continued, "I know the real reason why you won't date her."

"Fine Trace, what's the real reason why I won't date her. And don't Britney me either."

"'Cause man, you think that you are too good for little ol' Alonsha. . ."

"What!?!" Justin said in disbelief.

"Just because you had Ms. Spears, you don't want Alonsha 'cause she doesn't fit into your mold of women."

"My what? Dude, you must be on some serious drugs if you believe I have a 'mold of women'" Justin said making air quotations.

"Whatever man, you know I'm right. Excuse Alonsha for being bigger than a size 2." Trace was arguing passionately, "And excuse her being a normal girl and not some overprocessed blonde."

"Says the guy who's dating Elisha Cuthbert." Justin scoffed.

"Oh please man, Elisha is as real as you can get in Hollywood and you know it."

"Britney was real too." Justin argued as he slouched into the couch.

"Yeah, real phony." Trace mumbled.

"Shut up, Trace. If you think Alonsha's so great then why don't you date her?" Justin questioned.

"Eh. . .she's not my type."

"What? I said that and you said it was bullshit." Justin said surprised.

"'Cause it is." Trace explained, "I don't like Alonsha like that. You do. There's a difference."

"Whatever."

"See, you didn't even try to fight it." Trace stated proudly.

"What's the point? You'll claim I'm lying anyway."

"True." he agreed, "Only because you would be." Justin glared at his friend.

"And why are we friends again?"

"For two reasons," Trace said, "One: I'm completely irrestible, and Two: Our mothers forced us." Justin laughed as he flipped through the stations of the television.

"I'll go with the latter."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Lonnie, have you seen my cell?" I heard Tiffany shout from the kitchen.

"You left it on your charger!" I yelled in response as I focused my attention to my reflection in my bedroom mirror as I placed my hair into a ponytail.

"No I didn't!" I hear her protest. I roll my eyes.

"Yeah, you. . ."

"Oh! I got it." I hear her say. She peeked her head through my bedroom door, "Thanks."

"Uh huh." I mumble distractedly as I put in my silver hoop earrings.

"So, you planning on going somewhere after you drop me off?" Tiffany asked amused. I look at her and see a smile across her face.

"Why?" I asked curiously as I turn back to my mirror, checking to make sure everything's in place.

"Well, you're all pampered up, and dare I say it: girly." I smile at her dramatic tone.

"I'm going out."

"With?" she pried.

"Somebody."

"Somebody got a name?"

"Yep." Tiffany sighed as she waited impatiently for me to continue, "Justin, you nosy bastard." I admit reluctantly.

"It's about time you guys went out on a date."

"It's not a date," I explain, "We're gonna pick Lynn up at the airport, and then we're going out to lunch ."

"Why couldn't he pick Lynn up on his own?" she questioned as she sat on the edge of my bed.

"I don't know," I answer honestly, "He just asked if I'd join him. I said sure. I mean, I haven't seen Lynn in forever."

"Bullshit," Tiffany says bluntly as she raises from my bed and strolls over to my mirror, "He invited you because he wants to spend time with you." I roll my eyes.

"Tiffany, please. For the love of God!" I whine making my way out the room, Tiffany was right on my heels.

"Lonnie, come on! It's so obvious. If he wanted company he could've brung Trace."

"Trace is home in Florida. He couldn't have gone to the airport with Justin." I explain as I clip my cell to my belt loop.

"Whatever! Justin has like a million friends. Why you?"

"Oh! Well thanks Tiff."

"I'm just saying it's a little off if you ask me." she says shrugging as she placed her cell in her purse.

"Justin and I are just friends. So, just let it go."

"You know what? It's okay." Tiffany explained, "You're in the first stage." I furrow my brows in confusion.

"The first stage?"

"Yeah," she says passing me my keys, "Denial." I snatched the keys from her hands and rolled my eyes.

"Where do you even get this stuff?" I questioned as I made my way down the stairs leading to the parking lot, not bothering with the elevator.

"What stuff?" Tiffany says with a smile, "The truth?" I open up the doors and hop into the driver's seat. Tiffany opens the passenger side and tosses her bag in the back before getting inside.

"Fuck you." I grumble as I start the car.

"No, fuck Justin." Even I had to smile at that one.

"You are such an ass!" I exclaimed with a huge smile as I reverse out of my parking spot.

"I'm just speaking the truth," she said as she began to play around with the radio, "You'll see what I'm talking about when stage two comes around. . ."

"Stage two? Tiff come on with all the bullshit. . ."

"It's not bullshit, it's honesty," Tiffany explains as she gives up on the radio and switches to a cd, "There are three stages."

"Uh huh. . ."

"First is denial; we've already discussed that," I roll my eyes, "Next is the revelation stage."

"Oh! A revelation stage!" I said sarcastically. Tiffany smacks my arm.

"Don't mock me ho!" she yells angrily, but she can't help but smile.

"Sorry, what's this 'Revelation' about anyway?" I ask. I'm not really interested, but she seems so excited.

"Well, it's when you begin to see what every sane woman sees in Justin."

"What? His paycheck?" I ask raising a brow.

"No dickweed," she rolls her eyes impatiently, "His good looks." I let my eyes leave the road for a moment to glare at her.

"Damn Tiffany, I'm not blind for pete's sake." I complain as I slow down because of traffic, "I can see that he's good looking."

"No Alonsha, you're not getting it. Justin isn't good looking, he's a divine piece of grade A meat." I laughed at that one.

"Wow Tiff, just wow." I gasp between giggles.

"I'm serious. You're too nonchalant about his looks."

"Well what do you want me to say?" I ask earnestly, "That I'll fuck the guy if he asked me?"

"Would you?"

"Hell no!" I say in disbelief.

"See, you're gay." I neverly fell over because of that remark.

"I'm gay?" she nodded, "Because I won't spread legs to the first guy that asked me to?"

"No, because you wouldn't sleep with Justin," she said as a smile crossed her lips, "Haven't you ever wondered what he was like in bed?"

"No" I answer quickly.

"Oh come on! Liar! You know you do. . ." Tiffany teased as she poked my sides.

"Quit it." I demand before turning up the AC, "Okay, so maybe it crossed my mind. . .once."

"HA! I knew it!" Tiffany said victoriously. We laughed before being rudely interrupted by the asswipe behind me.

"Alright, alright." I mumbled as I moved up, "Sheesh. . ."

  Stage Two, Unfortunately

Okay, this can't be happening. I'm not seriously doing this. I'm going insane. Yeah, that's it! I've lost my mind. Huh. . .I wish. But there has to be some kind of logical explaination as to why I'm sitting on Justin's sofa, staring at him, completely engulfed by his raw masculinity.

What the fuck is wrong with me?

This is Justin I'm talking about here. Justin Randall Timberlake. One of my closest friends. But I'm checking him out like the millions of hormone-crazed teenagers out in the world. Is that normal? I know that Tiffany would be absolutely estatic about this, but this is a HUGE no, no in my book. You don't go fantasizing about your friends. . .

Oh shit! He just caught me staring! Damn it. No, he has that damn smile. That once cute smile has turned into something sexy. Sexy? Did I just say that something was sexy about Justin? Oh God, I've officially lost my mind.

"Is there something I can help you with?" I hear Justin's voice and nearly jump out of my skin.

"Um. . .what? I mean. . .Why? Why do you ask?" Okay, now that was pathetic. Justin laughs. At me of course. It's not the first time, but for some odd ass reason, I feel slightly embarrassed.

"Since when do you have a speech impediment?" My eyes have found there way to his and I swallow hard. I can't think of anything witty to say. What the hell! That's my thing. I always I have something to say.

Think. . .think. . .

"Shut up." Wow, just wow.

"Shut up?" Yeah Jay, I know, "Okay dude, whatever you say." I watch as his tall and slender frame rises from his couch. He's headed for the kitchen. I take a deep breath, expelling it slowly once he's out of earshot. I've got to get out of here. But I can't, I promised Jay some exclusive friend time. I have to find some excuse. . .

AHA! I got it. Tiffany owes me one. It's her fault my brain has shut down and my hormones are in overdrive.

I crane my neck, looking to see if Justin's still in the kitchen. He is, thank God, completely preoccupied with some type of quick-fix meal. That should give me five minutes tops. I quickly make a grab for my purse that's sitting on the floor by my side of the sofa. I get my cell out and dial the familiar numbers quickly.

"Tiff here."

"Tiffany, call me back in like two seconds." I whisper hurriedly, while checking to see if Justin was coming back.

"Whoa, why are you whispering?"

"'Cause I don't want Justin to hear." Damn asswipe. I opted to keep that to myself.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't, just call back in two seconds Tiffany." I'm pleading with her now as I hear Justin clearing things off the counter and throwing stuff into the sink.

"You're being weird. Are you. . ." I didn't give her a chance to finish. I hung up as soon as I heard Justin's footsteps. I drop my cell back into my bag and placed it back on the table quickly. Within in seconds, Justin's strolling towards me.

"Grab these?" I hear him ask as his figure hovered above me. He gestures towards the two bottles of sodas tucked beneath his arm. I grabbed them and placed them on the coffee table before excepting the plate he offered me. A sandwich layed on top of it.

"What kind?" I ask him as I settle comfortably into the couch cushion.

"Turkey Ham."

"Cheese?" He nodds before biting into his sandwich.

"And mayo." he mumbles through the sandwich in his mouth. I nod and bite into the sandwich. It's good, which is surprising considering Justin made it.

"Give me a soda." Justin demands. I turn and look at him, my brow raised comically.

"What's the magic word?" I ask picking up the soda and teasingly waving it around.

"Now?" He said it with this 'duh' look on his face.

"Nope, try again." I say as I pull the soda closer to me. He roll his eyes and smiles at me. Damn that smile.

"Give me a soda," he pouts, "Please?" His face and tone are priceless. I smile at him and hand him the soda reluntantly.

"Bastard." I grumble and before I know it, he's kissing me. My cheek that is. It's a sloppy kiss. He did that purposely in order to disgust me as I felt the grainy particles of bread crumbs against my cheek.

"Thank you!" He sounds like a five year old and he's grinning like he won the lottery.

"You are so fuckin' nasty!" I say, but can't help but smile as I wipe my cheek off.

"That's the way you like it." He's smiling cockily at me and I roll my eyes, even though my stomach knots up slightly and I'm smiling like a twelve year old school girl.

"Shut up!" I say as I turn my attention back to the television. What were we watching again?

"Is that the only pharse in your vocabulary now?" I nod stupidly. What is up with me? And where's Tiffany with my damn phone call?

"Would you do that?" I ask him as I gestured towards the television. It was "Fear Factor: Couples." They were passing some type of animal organ to their mate with their teeth. One word: Puke-a-licious.

"HELL NO!"

"Why not?" I question as I try to stifle my laugh. His facial expression was hilarious.

"First off: it's gross," He raises one finger before raising another, "Second of all: it's the couple's addition, and I don't have a girl." His tone was sad, not depressed, but not as excited as it was before.

"I'd go on there with you." Did I just say that!?!

"You would, huh?" he stops to think with a grin, "I guess we could pass through." Did he just say that?

"Well according to Tiffany, we could too." Okay, where's my phone call?

"She's been harassing you too?" Justin asked astonished, "Trace AND my mom have on back about you and me." My eyes involuntarily widen.

"Are you for real?" I ask, just as shocked as him, "What is up with that?" Yeah, like I wasn't falling into it.

"I don't know, but they need to get through their heads that we are not like that." I nod in agreement, but can't help but wonder why he's so appalled by the thought of us dating.

"I know right? I mean come on! Me? go out with you? Never in a million years." Okay, so maybe I was a little exaggerated in my tone of voice, but hey, if he can be appalled, so can I.

"What do you mean by, 'Me? go out with you?'" Justin questions.

"I meant what I said." He furrows his brows.

"You think that you're too good for me?" Whoa, where did that come from?

"No, I was just agreeing with you!" Damn it Tiffany! I'd love to get that call now!

"I didn't say it like that." Is he actually angry?

"Justin you can't seriously be mad over this."

"I'm not mad." he hisses. Somebody has something up his ass.

"Sure, and OJ didn't do it."

"Well, I see he's a free man." There isn't a bit of humor in his tone, I can feel him turning cold.

"Whatever, Justin. Can we just drop this?" I turn towards the t.v. again. If Tiffany would've called like I asked I wouldn't be sitting here right now. Getting the silent treatment from Justin. After about twenty minutes of dead silence I feel a poke in sides and I smile automatically, I'm ticklish as hell.

"Sorry." Justin mumbled it so quickly that I barely caught it.

"It's cool," I smile at him, "homeslice." He laughed.

"Homeslice?" I nodded, "Okay."

"Don't laugh at my word," I whine, "I don't laugh when you say murder."

"'Cause man, murder has some type of meaning. . .What the hell is a 'homeslice'?"

"Fuck you Justin. You are officially kicked out of the Homeslice Association." He laughed even harder at that.

"The Homeslice Association?" He's practically in tears, "Wow. Alonsha do me a favor and never but me in any of your associations again." He points at me when you he says 'your' and I smack his hand down playfully.

"Like I said Timberlake: Fuck you."

"No Alonsha, fuck you" His voice was suggestive and I shoved him.

"Go to hell." I whined.

"Save me a seat?"

"You know it."

~*~*~

Now it's been about, I don't know, two. . . maybe three weeks since my early traces of physical attraction have occured and to be honest with you, things have progressively gotten worse. Now I can't help but notice every last thing about him. Okay, so maybe I did that before, but now my senses are hightened ten times more whenever I'm around him. I can even predict his impending sneezes.

I know, it's gross. Too much mush for any human being to endure, but how do you think I feel?

As you probably guessed, I never got that call from Tiffany and don't worry, I kicked her sorry ass. Not literally, but it was definitely a war of words. She claims that she didn't call because it wouldn't have been good for me and Justin's "relationship." I wanted to smack the smile off her face when she said that, but the more I thought about it, I was kind of happy that she never called.

That night was fantastic. Me and Justin watched movies, talked about every topic known to man, and we even woke up in each other's arms. Well, not exactly. His head was on my shoulder and it prevented me from getting a comfortable position, which led to a Charlie horse in the morning, but it was worth being that close to him. Hearing him breathe. Smelling his cologne. . .

God, I sound like a stalker.

But anyways, I haven't seen Justin in three days. He's flying back home from New York after doing his photo shoot for his album cover. He's not done with recording and picking out songs, but he wanted to get it over and done with. So here I am. At the airport's "Celebrity" exit. Waiting patiently in the backseat of his Escalade. Mike, one of his bodyguards, is sitting in the front seat. Through the tinted windows, I can see a group of hopeful paparazzi practically drooling at the thought of getting an exclusive shot of Justin. But how is it exclusive when there are forty other guys standing with you, waiting for the same money shot?

It doesn't matter anyway because as soon as I here the cameras going off and questions being screamed, I know that Justin's on his way.

The door finally swings open and the screams get louder and the flashes get brighter, but it only last a second before Lonnie, bodyguard number two, slams the door shut after Justin.

"Hey!" Justin greets me with a kiss on the cheek, making a "muah" sound in the process.

"How was the shoot?" I ask him as he settles into his seat.

"It was okay," he said absent-mindedly as he put on his seatbelt, "I felt kinda dumb. . .twirling around and shit while some dude calls me 'beautiful'." He's smiling now, his eyes are bright with amusement.

"Did he tell you to give him sexy?" I'm cheesing like hell as I see the blush creeping into his face. He scratched his cheek nervously.

"Come to think of it, I might have been violated on that set." he says jokingly, causing everybody to laugh, "But what about you, Beautiful? You miss me?"

Like you wouldn't believe. "Boy please, I celebrate everytime you leave." Justin pouts, crosses his arms across his chest, and huffs like a six year old.

"Geez, Alonsha! You could've lied for the sake of my feelings." I rolled my eyes with a smile.

"Aww, Jay," I touched his arm, but he swatted my hand away, "You know I love you." He turns to me and smiles. His arm snakes around my neck and he pulls me towards him, purposely suffocating me in his armpit.

"I love you too, girl!"

"I can't breathe, Justin!" I mumble into his underarm.

"What's that?" Justin asks as if he's deaf.

"I CAN'T BREATHE!!" I shout as best as I can without using all that's left of my air supply.

"OH! You can't breathe!" He releases me from my armpitty prison, "Why didn't you say that the first time?" I glare at him and punch his arm. He lets out an exaggerated 'ow' and turns to face his bodyguards, that are laughing at our childish antics.

"Aren't you guys suppose to protect me from people like her?" He questions them increduously.

"People like me?"

"Yeah, crazy people!" His tone is playful, luckily for him.

"I resent that."

"Resent it all you want," He rest comfortably against the chair and he rolls his head to face me, "But you're still crazy."

"Am not."

"Are to."

"Am not."

"Are to."

"Am not."

"Are to."

"White people are crazy." He's ready to respond but I cut in, "I wouldn't say that if I were you, Justin. There's three of us and one of you." He face flatters and he pouts again.

"And why are we friends again?" He's smiling again.

"Because I'm, " I break out into a song, "Beautiful, I just want you to know, I'm your favorite girl." I hear him groan at my horrible singing and I laugh along with everyone else in the car.

  A Party, A Bet, and A Rebound Solution

Everyone was gathered at Justin's house. They weren't celebrating anything in particular, but somehow it changed into a celebration of Justin and JC going solo. It was kind of a going away party. This was probably going to be the last time, in a long time, that all five of the Nsync guys will be together.

Justin was in the kitchen, talking with JC and Trace. Trace sat on the counter in the center of the kitchen, JC was sitting on a stool, while Justin leaned against the counter by the fridge. They were just voicing their fears about going solo when Alonsha walked into the kitchen. Justin looked up and smiled at her. He had just read her tongue-in-cheek shirt. It read "Made You Look" across it in bold pink letters. The letters matched perfectly with her pink flip flops and the belt that held up her low riders.

"Is there anymore Alize?" she questioned to nobody in particular.

"Fridge." everyone answered in unison. Alonsha nodded in response before heading into the fridge.

"So anyways," Justin said as he tried to continue his story from before. But when he looked back at his friends, he realized that they were no longer playing attention to him. They were checking out Alonsha's ass as she bent over to grab the bottle of Alize. Justin laughed at his friends' knowing smiles.

"You look nice, Lonnie." Trace commented as Alonsha smiled his way.

"Thanks." she said happily as she grabbed three glasses out of the cabinet.

"Are those all for you?" Justin questioned with a smile.

"No asswipe." JC and Trace snickered as Alonsha smiled at him in a condescending fashion, "It's for Tiff and your mother too."

"Damn, it was just a question." Justin explained as Alonsha flipped him the bird as she walked out of the kitchen. He laughed before sipping the drink in his hand. When he looked at his two friend they were smiling at him.

"What?"

"Trying to call Alonsha an alcoholic is no way to get her." JC informed. Justin rolled his eyes.

"I'm not trying to get her, Josh."

"And we all know why that is." Trace huffed as Justin glared at him.

"What's the reason? Joshua knows nothing." JC said innocently.

"Justin here thinks that Alonsha's not good enough for him."

"What?" JC said in disbelief.

"Trace, stop being a dick," Justin put his drink on the counter behind him, "I don't feel that way, and you know it."

"Then why don't you like her?" JC countered.

"Because. . . I dunno, it's just not like that between us."

"Alonsha doesn't want him." Trace inquired as JC laughed. Little did Trace know.

"I could have Alonsha if I wanted to," Justin said cockily, "I choose not to."

"Is that so?" Trace challenged as Justin nodded in response, "Well, how about we put some money where your mouth is?" JC cut in.

"Let's not." He said dismissively, "Dude, bets always come back to bite you in the ass."

"Yeah, 'cause he always loses them." Trace badgered on.

"You know what man? Give me the terms and I'm in." Justin stated confidently. JC shook his head in shame.

"You guys, this is so immature."

"No, if Trace thinks I can't do something for once, I want to prove him wrong." Justin whined.

"Fine, but don't say I didn't warn you."

"Anyways," Trace said impatiently, "Nothing is out of bounds. You just got to get her to like you."

"Simple enough. What happens when I win?" Justin questioned.

"If you win," Trace corrected, "I'll have to. . . do whatever it is you tell me to do, for two months."

"You do that now." Justin and JC said in unison before laughing.

"Shut up, I mean embarrassing stuff like flashing an old lady or something."

"I don't know man, you might enjoy that." Justin commented as they laughed.

"But," Trace continued, "If you lose, you have to pose nude for a tabloid."

"What? Hell no, I'm not agreeing to that." Justin said defensively before Trace began to cluck like a chicken.

"What's the matter Timbo? Afraid that Ms. Daniels will be too much woman for you to handle?" Trace taunted as Justin fummed.

"No, but I think that my punishment is a little extreme."

"Fine, what do you think he should do JC?" Trace asked as JC put his hands up in surrender.

"JC nothing," he spoke with all seriousness, "I don't want anything to do with this, a-matter-of-fact, I'm leaving." He grabbed his Corona and walked out of the kitchen.

"Fine, screw him." Trace grumbled.

"No way, I'm definitely not doing that."

"Shut up man," Trace laughed, "I didn't mean that."

"Good, 'cause I was about say that you must've bumped your head."

"I got to think about your punishment." Trace said devilishly, "I want it to be good." Justin rolled his eyes at his friend's dramatic behavior.

"So, it's a bet?" Justin said unsure.

"Why, certainly" Trace said extending his hand. Justin shook it and it was done.

-*-*-*-

I don't know what happened after I exited the kitchen, but whatever it was, I don't like it.

I've been getting this weird vibe from Justin. He's been staring at me, and asking me to slow dance. He even held my hand for almost ten minutes, dragging me around like I was. . . Anyways, I wasn't really complaining, but it was weird. Now I'm sitting on the sofa next to him, my head resting on his shoulder. His arm is snaked around my waist and his hand is resting on my thigh. We've sat this close before, but for some reason it felt different.

I smiled at something, I wasn't really paying attention to the conversation everyone was having, but when I felt Justin shake from laughter I knew it was smile time.

"Well don't you two look cozy." Lynn commented as she smiled brightly at us. Justin's grip around my waist tightened.

"Feels cozy too." he said with a smile. I rolled my eyes and Lynn gave me a motherly grin.

"So, how's the center going for ya, honey?" she questioned, her voiced was laced with her southern accent.

"It's doing great," I answer, "The kids are nice to have around." She smiles, dismissing our conversation. I go to sit up and Justin holds me down.

"Where you going?" he questions.

"I'm gonna get something to drink."

"Oh no, I'll get it for you," he offers as he stands up from the chair, "What do you want?"

"Ice tea." He nods and heads towards the kitchen. Did I mention this was weird?

"What's the matter?" I hear Lynn ask.

"It's just. . . I don't know. Does Justin seem. . .off to you?" She raises a brow, her bottom lip pretruding in thought.

"No," Lynn says dismissively, "He's always a gentlemen, especially when he's with a girl he likes." Whoa. Hold up. Rewind. Does Lynn remember who she's talking to here?

"Oh." I croaked out as I got up from my seat, "I have to find Tiffany, I'll be right back." Lynn gives me the go ahead and I make my way across the house to the back where the pool is.

"Wassup girl? Where have you been?" I turn around to see Joey with a martini in his hand.

"I've been around, Joe." I answer with a smile as he hugs me briefly, "How's everybody?" He shrugs and smiles.

"I'm good, Kelly's good, Bri's good. It's all good." We laugh before he speaks again, "What about you? I heard the whole marriage thing didn't go over too well." I inhale deeply before exhaling.

"I'm good actually."

"Well, that's great. I just. . ."

"HEY JOEY!" I hear Justin shout as he walks towards his friend. They embrace one another briefly before Justin moves to my side, drink in hand.

"You abandoned me," he pouts, "Mom said you were out here."

I accept my ice tea and smile, "Sorry about that, I was looking for Tiff, when I ran into Joey." I gesture toward his figure, that was now chasing Chris up and down Justin's unpaved driveway. Me and Justin laugh and I sip my cold drink.

"Well I was just talking to Scott and Tiffany wasn't too far away, I can show you where she is." Before I can even respond, my hand is in his and he's guiding me to Tiffany's location. Despite the fact that I should be fighting this, I can't help but hold his hand tighter, loving the way it felt with mine. Justin turned and smiled at me briefly before a camera goes off right in our faces, blinding me temporarily.

"You guys are so cute together!" I hear Tiffany squeal with delight at her photographic accomplishment.

"We are not together." I protest as she raises a brow.

"And you're holding hands because?" I quickly yank my hand away from his. Justin looks at me confused and slightly hurt by my abrupt behavior.

"I need to talk to you." I turn to look at Justin who's looking at his empty hand, "I'll be back." I hand him my drink and scurry off with Tiffany upstairs. I pull her into one of the guest rooms and lock the door behind me.

"I thought you and Justin were just friends." she smiles as she plops on the bed.

"We are, " I say taking a seat next to her, "But he's been acting kinda weird."

"Justin's always weird."

"No, I mean like. . ." I sighed, "Him holding my hand!"

"You were holding back."

"Automatic reaction." I lied. Tiffany rolled her eyes.

"Look Alonsha, I know you too well for you to feed me that bullshit," Damn, she's always right, "You like him."

"I do not."

"Yeah, ya do."

"No I don't."

"Yes you do, and you know you do, so stop lying to yourself."

"I'm not lying to myself, it's just a ridiculous." I folded my arms across my chest.

"No it's not. You guys weren't meant to be friends."

"Why's that?"

"The first thing he did was ask you out Alonsha." I rolled my eyes.

"He was eighteen, I was seventeen. That was different."

"Look, all I'm saying is that Justin is trying to show you he likes you in his own way. Yes it was a different time back then, but the only reason why you didn't except his relationship offer was because you were with Kyle. Now there's no Kyle and there's no Britney. So, tell me Lonnie: What's holding you back now?"

"Lots of things! Like our friendship and the fact that we both just got out of relationships that ended horribly."

"You are so dramatic." She should talk.

"All I'm saying is that me and Justin were perfectly content with ourselves before you and Trace and Lynn started to pressure us to like one another."

"We didn't do jack butt nothin'"

"Oh yes you did," I stood up, "You and your 'Justin's so gorgeous, look at his eyes, his smile, his body.'" She burst into a fit of laughter. This bitch was not laughing at me.

"You like him so badly." she said inbetween her laughter.

"Shut up Tiffany." I whined, "I'm not suppose to feel this way." She stopped laughing and was wiping the tears from her eyes.

"You can feel any way that you want to, honey. There's no book that puts regulations on your heart."

"My heart?" I make a face, "I don't love him."

"Yet," she smiles, "You don't love him, yet."

"So, what am I suppose to do while I don't love him?"

"Get some." My eyes widen.

"What?"

"Rebound. You know? Get your cake and eat it too." I roll my eyes.

"I am not rebounding, especially with Justin."

"Oh come on!"

"No."

"Prude." I huff, completely insulted.

"I am not a prude!"

"Well you have to be a prude if you don't want to do the nasty with Mr. Timberlake." she states knowingly.

"What makes you think that he wants to have sex?"

"He's a guy? Duh."

"Justin doesn't rebound." she rolls her eyes.

"Everybody rebounds. It's natural, and it can't be helped."

"I don't want to be a rebound." I fall over onto the bed.

"Then make sure you make him never forget."

"How do you suppose I do that?"

"Do him, and make me proud." she laughs and I can't help but laugh along with her.

"Freak."

"Exactly." she concludes as she tosses a pillow at me.

  Double Date


"We hold hands!" Justin whined as Trace rolled his eyes.

"So?" He was completely unimpressed.

"What do you mean so?" Justin questioned, "It's a huge deal."

"You hold your mom's hand don't you?"

"But it's different between me and Alonsha."

"Dude, holding hands?" Trace sat up in his seat, "You've got to give me more than that."

"You know I can't do that." Justin sighed, "I'm dating Alyssa." He was refering to Alyssa Milano, his current fling. They started to date a month ago, when he meant her at a club two weeks after the bet was made.

"Well nobody asked you to go out and date anyone," Trace responded, "You were suppose to be concentrating on Alonsha."

"I know, but Alyssa's hot."

"Alonsha's cute too."

"Yeah, well I know how Alyssa feels about me," Justin complained, "I don't know if Alonsha's holding my hand just to be nice or whatever."

"Why don't you ask?"

"What am I suppose to say, Trace?" Justin's hands were gesturing wildly, "'Hey Alonsha, are you holding my hand because you like me or what?'"

"Do what you got to do."

"I can't do what I got to do because I've got a girl."

"You're just dating her, nothing's official."

"That's not what Alyssa thinks."

"The hell with Alyssa, concentrate on Alonsha."

"What do you want me to do? Drop Alyssa?"

"Hell no, man. She's hot!"

"Exactly." They were both silent for a moment before Trace spoke.

"I got it dude," Justin turned to his friend, "Make Alonsha jealous."

"What?"

"Let her meet Alyssa, if she gets mad than she's yours."

"What if they like each other?"

"Then that's your problem."

"Thanks, Trace." Justin said sarcastically.

"Don't sweat it."

"How do you suggest I go about this whole jealousy thing?" Justin asked as Trace sat back in thought.

"Double date."

"And that means?"

"Set Alonsha up with one of our friends, right. Then, take everyone out to dinner, you and Alyssa, Alonsha and whoever, okay? Then you act all lovey dovey with Alyssa and get Alonsha all worked up. . ."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Alonsha's not going to go on some blind date, Trace."

"Don't knock it until you try it, bro."

"Fuck that plan man, it's not gonna happen."

"You're just scared that Alonsha's gonna like her date, aren't you?"

"No, I'm. . ."

"A punk ass that's afraid of a little competition."

"Am not."

"Prove it."

"Fine, Trace. You want a double date, you'll get a double date."


`*`*`*`*`*`


"No."

"Aw, come on!" Justin begged as Alonsha brushed him off.

"I don't do blind dates, Jay."

"It's really not a blind date, so to say. I know the guy." Justin rationed.

"Good for you Justin," Alonsha huffed, "And why are you setting me up with someone anyway?"

"I want you to meet someone I've been seeing." Alonsha's chest tightened.

"Seeing who?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Stop the bullshit, spill it." She placed her hands on her hips and looked at him expectantly.

"Well, her name is Alyssa." Alonsha raised a brow confused.

"Alyssa? What is she Cher?" Alonsha huffed.

"Milano, smartass." Justin answered smiling, "Alyssa Milano." Alonsha was trying to place her name when it hit her.

"The chick from 'Charmed'?" Justin rolled his eyes while nodding, "Ew, she's like forty, Justin."

"No she isn't," Justin defended, "She's only thirty." Alonsha made a face.

"That's gross."

"I'm not asking you to date her Alonsha," Justin informed, "I'm just asking that you meet her and get to know her before you judge her." Alonsha stared at him for a moment, he stared right back. She was a little pissed that he was dating someone behind her back for a month. Especially with all the hand holding business. But then again, he never really said anything about liking her. Maybe she just read him wrong.

"FINE!" Alonsha groaned in defeat. Justin smiled. He hugged her and Alonsha hugged back.

"Thanks for doing this, " he pulled away, "I think that you're really gonna like Trevor."

"Trevor?" Justin informed her that he was her date, "Is he gay?"

"No! What the hell?"

"Excuse me, but his name is Trevor." Alonsha stated in a duh tone.

"Trevor is a gay name?" Justin rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, so is Justin." Alonsha smiled and Justin glared at her.

"You've got ten seconds to run before I kick your ass." Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Boy, please."

"1. . .2. . ." Alonsha slowly backed away, "3. . .10!" Alonsha screamed and ran as Justin chased her, laughing their asses off in the process.


*-*-*-*-*


I am so pissed right now, I want to just scream.

Here I am, sitting next to this Trevor guy, Justin across from me, Alyssa sitting to his left. Everybody's laughing at something Trevor said. I offer a weak smile as I pick at my pasta and meatballs.

"So Alonsha, Justin tells me that you're a counselor at a rec center." Her voice booms through my ears and I lift my head up. Everyone's staring at me, waiting for my response. Suddenly my mouth is dry.

"Yeah, I am." Okay, that was lame, "I'm an adolescent counselor." Justin smiles at me approvingly and I smile at Alyssa, who seems utterly impressed by my occupation.

"So, you know everything that's running through their heads, huh?" I'm a counselor, not Miss. Cleo.

"Unfortunately." That gets me some laughs. I smile politely and sip my champagne. They go into another conversation before I hear Alyssa's voice again.

"I have to go freshen up, I'll be right back." She gets up for the table and heads towards the restroom.

"Ahem." I look up and see Justin staring at me.

"What?" He gives me an impatient look.

"Why don't you go freshen up with Lyssa?" I glare at him. Not wanting to cause a scene, I excuse myself and head for the restroom. When I push open the door, I see that the bathroom is decorated with cream colored walls and paintings of flowers and nature. There are sofas and large mirrors surrounded by lights.

My living room doesn't even look this good.

I hear a toilet flush and the stall door opens to reveal Alyssa. She smiles at me before joining me at mirror. We stand in silence as I reapply my lip gloss and she washes her hands.

"So, you and Justin seem close. He talks about you all the time." She informs me.

Funny, he never once mentioned you. "Yeah, we are." I confirm with a smile as I twist the cap back onto to my gloss.

"How long have you guys been friends?"

"Um, we met when I was seventeen and he was eighteen, so about four, five years now." she nods her head before powdering her nose. There's another long silence.

"So you guys have just been friends?" I'm taken back by her question, but I smile.

"Yep," I answer as I dab on some foundation, "Frankly, I don't know what you see in him." Besides everything. She catches my joke and laughs. I laugh with her.

"He's really sweet. I just asked you that because he just talks so highly of you," she informs me, "But being around you tonight, I can see why he does." Damn her. Damn her. Damn her! Why did she have to go on and say that?

"Thank you Alyssa." I smile, "I appreciate that." She nods.

"Well, we should probably head back to the table, the guys might think we climbed out the window or something." I agree with a smile and we make our way towards the table. The guys are beaming at us as we take our seats.

"We were getting a little worried, we thought you guys climbed out of the bathroom window or something." Justin says smiling. Me and Alyssa laughed together.

"I knew we should've done it." I say with fake disappoint. Everybody laughs.

"So what were you ladies talking about?" Trevor questions.

"Nothing." Me and Alyssa say in unison before bursting into a laughing fit again. The guys look at us skeptically.

"Come to think of it, I don't even want to know." Justin says as we laugh again as we continue with dinner.


*-*-*-*-*


"So, did you have a good time or what?" Justin questioned me as we drove, headed to my apartment.

"Yeah, I did." I answered honestly, "Alyssa was funny and Trevor was really sweet."

"So, you liked Trevor?" Justin asked unsure. I rolled my head over to look at him.

"What's it to you?" I ask. He shrugs and his eyes briefly leave the road to look at me.

"Nothing, just asking." I smiled at his suddenly shy reaction.

"I'm just kidding, Jay," I tap his thigh, which causes him to look at me, "He was nice, and cute, but I don't think he's my type." Was that a smile forming on his face?

"Okay, so what is your type?"

"The opposite of you." I say jokingly. He smiles at me and nods.

"So you want some old, ugly, boring guy?" I laugh at him.

"Way to be modest." I joke as he pulls into my apartment's parking lot.

"I'm just telling the truth, Beautiful." I love that nickname.

"Sure, well nighty night, Justin." He leans down, offering me his cheek. I kiss him softly and exit the car. As I walk up to the door, I put some extra sway into it, knowing that he's watching. He has this ass fetish that I could never figure out.

I get to the building's entrance and hear him honk his horn. I turn and wave and he sticks his hand out the window waving back. I smile before heading inside, ready to free my aching feet from their heel prison.

I wave at Mrs. Dubose as I make my way to the elevator. She was the old woman down the hall with that damn cat, Gilbert. I hated that thing. All it did was start with Bosco and run home screeching when it couldn't finish the fight. But Mrs. Dubose was cool. She was the one that taught me how to make my infamous peach cobbler.

The ding of the elevator gets my attention and I step inside when the doors slide open. It's empty, thank God. Don't you just hate it when you're in an elevator with a complete stranger? It gets so akward because you don't know if you should say something to them. Tiffany says I'm the only one who feels that way because I'm "Socially Impaired", but what does she know?

Anyways, I get off at my stop and I can't help but notice that the pain in my foot is now throbbing. Why did I even wear these damn shoes? I'm a sneaker and flip flop kinda girl. Not pumps and stilletos. But Tiffany insisted that I'd look sexy as fuck so that Justin and Trevor would drool. Neither of them did though. Sure I got complimented, but what guy in his right mind would tell a girl she looks hideous knowing that she spent hours getting ready?

I take my keys out of my purse, thanking God that my feet would be freed. I make my way inside, locking the door behind me.

"Tiffany!" I shout, "I'm home!" She's not here. I should've known. She practically lives with Scott. I kick my shoes off with a relieved sigh, and make my way towards the kitchen. I hadn't really eaten much at dinner. I was more worried about the way Alyssa was feeding Justin off her plate like she was his mother. Even though she was probably old enough to be.

Damn, there I go again. Insulting the woman because she did the one thing I couldn't: Get Justin. I felt some type of way about everything. It wasn't right. I had Justin all to myself for a few months, and here she comes with her beauty and brains, and steals him right from under me.

But she did make him smile.

Fuck! Why do I do this to myself? Maybe I was in rebound mode. Maybe all these feelings for Justin were temporary. Maybe I only want him because he's there and fuckable. Maybe. . .

"AH!" I screamed when the phone rang, breaking the silence in the room. I rolled my eyes before picking up the phone.

"Yeah?" I ask into the phone while placing my bagel slices into the toaster.

"How was your date?" Tiffany, should have known.

"Fine, I guess." I answered absentmindedly.

"You guess?" she said disappointedly, "Was Trevor really gay?" I laugh before answering.

"No."

"Ugly?"

"Nope, he was pretty damn cute."

"He smelled like a day old onion?" I laughed even harder.

"Smelled like soap and water to me."

"He was snobby and mean."

"Sorry, he was humble and sweet."

"Okay, he was gay." She was hilarious.

"No, he was straighter than Justin." She sighed impatiently.

"Then what the hell? Are you guys going out again?" I place the phone between my head and shoulder.

"I don't think so." I attempt to spread cream cheese over my bagel slices.

"Why not?" Damn, what's with the third degree?

"Because. . ."

"Because is not an answer."

"Because he's just not. . ." I struggled to find the right word, "My type." I finally answer. I could practically hear her eyes roll.

"You mean he's not Justin's clone." I suck the cream cheese off of my fingers.

"Not what I meant." I protest as I clean up my mess.

"Then what is your type?" Not this again.

"The opposite of you."

"So you want some ugly, old, and bald man?" I'm done.

"G'night, Tiff."

"But. . .wait! I. . ."

*click*

I didn't want to hear it. I know I was gonna get it for hanging up on her, but at least I would have a night of peace. Looking over in the corner by the t.v., I can see Bosco's knocked out cold. I turned on the television and flipped through the channels. I finally settled for music videos.

Finishing my bagel a few minutes later, I struggled to keep my eyes open. Fuck it. It was a losing battle. I yawn and stretch as I stood from the sofa. I made a detour in the kitchen, tossing my plate in the sink as I made a mental note to clean it in the morning.

I reached my bedroom and stripped down to my bra and panties. I strolled over to the dresser and pulled open a drawer in search of a night gown. I found one and slipped it over my head. Turning to face my bed, I felt completely overjoyed. My day was over and I would finally get some rest.

Jumping into the bed, I sunk happily into the cushion of the mattress and the coolness of my pillow. I flipped the lamp off and sighed in content once the sleep took over my body.

  Weird

Justin stared at her intently. Trying to figure her out. Her body language. Her style. The way she moved. Something. . .something to make him know what she was thinking, but he got nothing. She was completely unreadable. He sighed, stretching and neverly falling off of the stool he was sitting on.

Good thing she didn't see that, he thought as he laughed to himself.

"What?" She turned away from the stove she was cooking over and smiled at him, her chubby cheeks narrowing her eyes. He shrugged in response before inhaling deeply.

"Whatever you're cooking smells good as hell." Justin commented, completely dismissing her question. Alonsha just rolled her eyes, stirring the sauce in the pot front of her.

"Whatever I'm cooking, is not for you." Justin raised a brow in confusion.

"I thought I was a dinner guest?" She covered the pot and put down the heat.

"No, you're just a freeloader," Justin laughed, "You're always here. Can't you hire someone to cook for you?" Justin stood, walking up the stove in search of something he could pick at.

"Why would I pay someone to cook for me, if you do it for free?" His hand made a dive for the fried chicken, Alonsha slapped it away.

"Well maybe I shouldn't cook anymore."

"And waste all this good talent? That's criminal." He successfully grabbed a piece of chicken and was munching away happily.

"You are so greedy."

"You think I'm greedy in the kitchen, you should see me in the bedroom." He winked and Alonsha shoved him.

"Get out of my kitchen you freak." Right then, Tiffany walked in with a smile.

"Did you say something dirty, Jay?" Tiffany asked accusingly. Justin came up behind her, snaking his arm around her waist and placing his chin on her shoulder.

"No," he pouted, "Alonsha's just being mean to me again." Alonsha huffed and placed her hands on her hips.

"You are a damn liar, and you know it."

"Now Alonsha, what did I say about being mean to Justin?" Tiffany scolded.

"You believe him?"

"Of course she does, she loves me." Justin taunted and Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Both of you bitches can get out of my kitchen."

"Your kitchen? The last time I checked, I paid rent too." Tiffany argued.

"Well the last time I checked, you couldn't cook." Alonsha countered.

"I'm not leaving." Tiffany huffed.

"Me neither." Justin smiled.

"Fine, both of you won't eat." With that being said, Tiffany and Justin scurried out of the kitchen as Alonsha laughed to herself.


-*-*-*-


"Ugh. . .I can't believe I ate that much. . ." Elisha groaned as she placed her head on Trace's shoulder.

"I know," Trace agreed, "But Alonsha's food is like drugs, man. Once you start, you can't stop." Everyone laughed lightly, too stuffed to make any real laughter.

"I think that if I keep eating like this, my baby's gonna be addicted to greens and fried chicken." Allison commented as her hand ran over her slightly round tummy.

"You know what really got me?" Justin asked to no one in particular, "That damn cobbler." Everyone groaned as they laughed, understanding exactly where he was coming from.

"I still don't understand where you learned to cook like that." Jared said as Alonsha shrugged.

"Well, where ever it came from, thank God, 'cause the last time I ate this good was when Nanna made Christmas dinner." Scott said as everyone nodded.

"I'm glad you guys liked it." Alonsha said sitting up, "Especially you Jay, your bony ass needs some meat on your bones." Everybody laughed.

"Yo, remote please." Tiffany requested. Trace and Justin went for it at the same time. After a brief struggle, Justin won out, passing the remote to Tiffany.

"You're always trying to beat me at something." Trace whined.

"Maybe if you won something every once in a while." Justin shot back. Everyone began to laugh.

"Shut up. Biotch!" Trace said causing an eruption of laughter.

"Hey, Justin is not a bitch," Alonsha defended, "He's my bitch, so get it right." That caused everybody to laugh even harder.

"Damn man, you're pussywiped! Whssh!" Jared made a whipping hand motion. Everybody 'Oh'ed and laughed.

"Damn straight." Justin agreed, winking at Alonsha who was practically in tears.

"Anyway. . ." Alonsha said in a desperate attempt to change the subject. It only caused everyone to laugh even harder.


-*-*-*-*-


Everyone decided to stay and watch movies. Trace, Elisha, Scott, Jared, and Allison went to get movies and snacks. Justin and Tiffany cleaned up, and Alonsha was allowed to shower and relax.

"I can't believe Jared said you were pussywiped." Tiffany laughed as she and Justin washed the dishes.

"I know," Justin agreed as he dried off a plate before placing it in the rack, "He should know better than to put a man's business all out." Tiffany snorted.

"Justin please! What business?"

"Me and Alonsha's" Justin answered as he smiled.

"You and Alonsha have no business," Tiffany countered, "If ya'll did, she would've told me."

This time Justin snorted, "She doesn't have to tell you everything."

"No she doesn't," Tiffany passed him the last plate before turning off the faucet, "'Cause she's a horrible liar, and I can read her like a book." Justin couldn't argue, when Alonsha lied a blind man could see it.

"So what? Doesn't mean anything."

"It means everything."

"Fine, since you know her so well, how does she feel?"

"About?"

"About. . .whatever." Justin said sheepishly as they sat down at the kitchen table.

"Whatever being you, right?" Justin shrugged.

"It could be anybody."

"Well, in that case, " Tiffany paused dramatically.

"What?" Justin said impatiently.

"Well, it doesn't matter," Tiffany teased, "Since it's not you you're worried about." Justin rolled his eyes.

"Fine, it's me," he admitted reluntantly, "How does she feel about me?"

"Eh. . .I don't know."

"What do you mean I don't know?"

"I meant what I said."

"What about the whole open book thing you were preaching about?" Tiffany shrugged while standing up.

"I don't know, Justin," she said earnestly, "Why don't you ask her yourself?" Justin narrowed his eyes at her, completely pissed.

"Remind me not to talk to your ass again." Tiffany laughed.

"Justin?"

"What?"

"You just talked to me." Justin smiled sheepishly before laughing.

"You're funny, really funny." he commented before wrapping his arm around her neck and placing her head in his armpit. She mumbled hopelessly into his underarm and Justin laughed.

"What are you doing?" Justin turned his head towards the voice and he smirked despite himself. Alonsha had just gotten out of the shower, it was evident because of her wet hair and the dampness of her skin glimmering in the kitchen's light.

"Nothing." Justin answered innocently as he released Tiffany, who gasped for air.

"Jackass!" she laughed as she punched him in the arm.

"Ow! What the fuck?" Justin grabbed his arm in pain as Tiffany stuck her tongue out at him. With a huff, she retreated from the kitchen and Alonsha laughed as Justin continued to rub his arm.

"Did that hurt?" she asked mockingly. Justin made a face before releasing his arm.

"No." he lied. He wouldn't be surprised if he got a bruise.

"Right." Alonsha said sarcastically as she walked over to the fridge. Justin watched as she bent over and grabbed a Snapple Iced Tea. His eyes instantly fell to her ass. Justin was a butt man and he would never deny his eyes a free show. He'd be lying if he said that Alonsha didn't give J Lo a run for her money, but he would never admit this outloud.

"Juicy, huh?" Justin asked as Alonsha looked at him confused, "That's what your shorts say." Alonsha smiled.

"You checking out my ass Timberlake?" Justin eyes widened from the panic he began to feel.

"Uh. . .no?" Alonsha rolled her eyes and placed the rest of her tea in the fridge.

"You're gonna have to do better than that Justin." Justin laughed.

"Yeah, I'll work on it."

"Don't worry, I check your ass out too." Alonsha laughed and Justin gasped as if he were offended.

"I am very sensitive about my butt Alonsha," Justin pretended to cry into his hands, "It's not my fault I took those No-Ass-At-All pills." Alonsha went into hysterics and Justin laughed with her.

"Oh shit, man," Alonsha said as she tried to regain her composure, "You are funny."

"Yeah, I know." Justin said cockily. They heard everybody coming back into the apartment and Alonsha smiled.

"C'mon," Alonsha ordered, "We don't want them to start without us."

"Wait." Alonsha turned and faced him.

"What?"

"I umm. . ." Justin didn't really know why he called her back. He just didn't want to rush out of the kitchen, he was enjoying her company. Alone.

"You um what?" Alonsha smirked at his odd behavior.

"I um. . ." Justin sighed, "Can we just hang out?" Alonsha made a face.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Alonsha asked confused, "We are hanging out." Justin scratched the back of his head nervously. Was he trying to ask her out? He didn't know. The words just rolled off his tongue.

"No, not like this." He gestured toward the kitchen door, refering to the gathering in the living room, "I mean us. Me and you. Nobody else." Alonsha put her hand on her hip.

"We do that all the time." Justin rolled his eyes. Why wasn't she getting this?

"Look Alonsha. Me, Justin, wants to take you, Alonsha, out. . .somewhere. . .alone." Alonsha stared at him for a few minutes before laughing in his face.

". . .You know what?" she composed herself, "I thought you were serious for a minute there." Justin didn't look amused, and Alonsha quickly realized he wasn't playing. "Holy shit, you're serious?"

"Duh, since when do I ask you out?" Alonsha stared at him a few moments. His eyes never left hers and she was beginning to become self-conscious beneath his stare.

"Justin I don't think that we should."

"Why not?" Justin asked confused.

"Because. . ." Alonsha thought for a second, "It's just weird."

"No it's not."

"Yes it is."

"No it's not."

"Yes it is, Justin!" Alonsha said raising her voice a little, "No. Plain and simple."

"Fine." Justin put his hands up in surrender, "Fine." He was mad. Yes she had the option of no but she wasn't suppose to take it, duh!

"Justin. . ."

"No, it's okay Alonsha," Like hell it is, "I'm sorry I asked." With that he walked out the kitchen, leaving Alonsha completely confused.


=-=-=-=-=


What the hell happened in the kitchen? Shit, why did this happen? He won't even look at me.

"Justin?" I whisper but he acts like he's too occupied with the movie to hear a word I say. Fine, if he wants to be a big baby, then two can play that game.

"Aww shit, we're out of popcorn." Tiffany groaned as she walked out of the kitchen. Everybody looked at the couch. The same couch me and Justin happened to be sharing.

"What?" I hear him ask. Oh so now he can talk.

"You guys are on snack duty." Uh, since when?

"I don't want popcorn. Do you want popcorn?" Justin asked me. He wanted me to say no, but fuck what he wants.

"Actually, popcorn sounds good." He's glaring at me now. Oh well.

"Fine." He grumbles this as he stands, "But I pick the flavor." The bastard doesn't even wait up for me. By the time I get outside he's practically reversing out of the parking lot.

"Damn, Justin!" I say completely annoyed.

"Well you should've hurried. I don't want to miss the movie."

"Oh quit your bitchin'!" I groan, "Who do you think you're fooling?" He looks at me as if he has no clue what I'm talking about.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Classic line from the classic asswipe.

"Don't feed me that shit," Okay, I'm pissed, "You're just acting like this because of what happened in the kitchen." He's silent for a moment. He knows I'm right.

"I told you I'm fine with you saying no, okay?"

"Then act like it, okay?" I mock him angrily. Who does he think he is? Getting all pissy because I told him no.

"Whatever." I roll my eyes. We pull up to the Ralph Lauren Market. It's the only place Justin could show his face at without being mobbed. Sometimes I wish he wasn't famous. It was too much work.

After grabbing popcorn, candy, and other junk we head to the register. It was a quick process and everything was over as quickly as it began. We walk out to the car. Justin unlocks the doors with his remote and we jump inside after tossing the stuff in the backseat. The ride home was in silence, except for the Al Green music playing in the background.

Once we get to the apartment, everybody attacks us like savage beast. They take the candy, pop the popcorn and drink the beer. Me and Justin laugh at their behavior but stop as soon as we notice that we're angry at one another. I know it's stupid, but I'm not going to stop being angry until he apologizes.

We finally make our way to our previous seating arrangements and continue watching the movie in front of us. We apparently missed the rest of "Independence Day", which pissed Justin off, because "Pretty Woman" was on instead.

"Popcorn?" Elisha offered from her spot on the floor.

"Thanks." I say accepting the blow from her hands. I munch on it for a few moments before I feel eyes on me. I turn to look to my right, and Lord behold, it's Justin.

"You gonna eat all that?" I should punch him in the face.

"Maybe."

"Can I have some?" This bitch was playing, right?

"I don't know. Can you?" He rolls his eyes at me.

"I'm not begging your ass for some fucking popcorn."

"Then I guess you're not hungry." I pop another salty kernal into my mouth and exaggerately "yum" at the delicious favor.

"Popcorn whore." He's smiling and I can't help but smile too.

"At least I'm not a hungry whore." He flips me the bird and I bend his finger back until he says mercy. I laugh victoriously before his hand cups my cheek.

"You got something. . .right here." he explains as his finger rubs the corner of my mouth, "There you go." His finger lingers by my lips and I stare at him confused. He looks like. . .like. . .What was I saying?

"Yo! Love birds!" We snap out our trance and turn to face Jared, "There's enough mush in this movie, don't make it worst." Justin blushes and moves away from me. I'm practically shoved my head into the bowl. How weird was that?

  Tease


I feel like crying. No sobbing. Better yet, I feel like crying enough to fill the Hoover Dam. Why am I so unhappy? I'll tell you why, two words:

Justin Timberlake.

Yeah, I'll admit it, I miss him. A whole lot, but it's not my fault he won't talk to me. It's been a week and the most conversation we had was three days ago during an awkward phone call that began with hello and ended five seconds later with him claiming he was working in the studio. God, why is he so complicated? Since when does one of your closest friends come out of nowhere and ask you out?

I know what you're thinking: I'm completely insane for rejecting his date. But I have my reasons people. I mean, for one thing, what if we don't work out, huh? Yeah, you didn't think about that did you? We can fall apart instantly and what will that lead to? Tears, fights, and a perfectly good, no fantastic, friendship down the drain.

My second reason, we just got out of horrible relationships. Yeah I know, we could rebound and fuck each other's brains out from here to kingdom come, but what will that do? Ruin a perfectly fantastic friendship! Because when all is said and done, we won't be able to be around each other. How can you go back to being friends after sleeping with someone for "fun"?

See, I think about these things. You don't just jump into the water without dipping your toes in it first, now do you? And if you do, doesn't it always shock you when your perfectly warm, and content skin touches the icy, unknown waters? Ugh! I'll never go swimming again. . .

"What are you thinking?" I look up from my Cosmopolitan magazine to look at Tiffany.

"Huh?" She rolls her eyes and curls her feet beneath her body.

"Talk." Damn her. She's always in my head. How rude is that?

"There's nothing to talk about." Okay, I'm a horrible liar, we've already established that.

"Yeah right," See? I told you, "Come on. You've been acting funny ever since that dinner get together thing we had last week. Did something happen?"

"Justin asked me out." Her eyes widen with excitment.

"And you didn't tell me?" I shrugged in response, "So when's your date? We have to go shopping!"

"What date?"

"The date that you said yes to, right?" I make a face, playing dumb, "Tell me you didn't tell him 'no'?"

I swallow slowly and look down at my hands guiltily, "I didn't tell him 'no'?"

"Are you crazy!?!"

"Maybe?" She shoots me a dirty look and I cringe, waiting for her impending tirade.

"You must've lost your gosh darn mind, Alonsha! Justin's. . .JUSTIN! My God woman, are you dumb, deaf, or blind? What the hell? Do you have any idea how huge of a deal this is?" Okay, now she's getting dangerously close to bruising my confidence here.

"Look Tiffany, I don't need you preaching to me about how huge of a deal it is for Justin to have asked me out. I'm not a child, I made my choice for my own reasons, so leave it alone." Wow, I actually sounded like I knew what the hell I was talking about.

"What reasons?" Her voice was unconvinced.

"I don't want to ruin our friendship by trying something that isn't going to work out anyway." She rolled her eyes and sighed deeply.

"How do you know it's not going to work out?"

"How do you know it is?"

"Because, some things are just obvious, and this is one of them." I huff and get off the sofa. I didn't want to deal with this bullshit. I knew I should've kept my mouth shut.

"Tiff, you can live in your little fantasy world where love is everywhere and nothing bad can happen, but I live in the real world, where shit happens and I'm not trying to let anything hurt something that I care deeply about, especially me and Justin's friendship." By this time I made my way into the kitchen and was pouring myself a glass of juice and popping popcorn for the movie me and Tiffany were about to watch.

"I don't live in a fantasy world," Tiffany pouted as she sat at the kitchen table, "I just want to see you happy again." I closed the juice container while rolling my eyes.

"I am happy, Tiffany."

"No you're not," she argued, "Not like you were when Kyle was around." Why did she have to say that? I can feel the urge to cry coming on, but I push it back.

"The hell with Kyle, I don't need him." I was lying. I missed him sometimes, when I was alone, or when I saw Tiffany and Scott in a boo-loving affair.

"I agree, you don't need him," she stated as she sat up in her chair, "But you need somebody." Her words hit me hard.

"You know what, Tiffany?" I angrily slam the fridge door shut after tossing the juice inside, "Mind your own fucking business!" I'm only in the kitchen long enough to see her shocked expression before I walk out to my room. I slam my bedroom door shut and lock it securely. I flopped onto the bed and stared at the white ceiling.

"Damn it."



*-*-*-*-*-*



"For the millionth time, Trace, I'm fine." Justin whined as he tried to get the video game controller back from his friend.

"I don't believe you." Trace tucked the device behind his back, preventing Justin from reaching it.

"Give me the damn controller!" Justin snapped and Traced made a face.

"And you're not angry?"

"I'm angry because some jackass is trying to ruin my damn game." Traced rolled his eyes.

"You're angry because you got rejected." Justin stopped struggling for controller and stared at his friend.

"I didn't get rejected," Justin argued, "Rejection only happens when you give a shit about the person's response." Traced laughed.

"Do you have any idea how lame you are?"

"Gimme me the damn controller." Justin whined.

"Gimme got shot and he didn't recover." Justin put his hands up in surrender.

"Fine, keep the damn thing." He got up from his place on the sofa and made his way into the kitchen.

"Dude!," Trace called after him while tossing the controller on the couch, "Since when don't you talk to me?" He was now leaning on the kitchen doorframe, looking at Justin disappointedly.

"Trace. . ." Justin groaned fustratedly, "There's nothing to talk about." Trace looked at him for a moment.

"I'm telling mama that you're lying to me." He made a beeline for the phone and before Justin could respond, Trace was talking.

"Dude, stop it!" Trace didn't listen.

"Yeah. . .uh huh. . .Well actually, Justin has to talk to you about something. . .He's right here. . .Hold on a sec." Trace and Justin struggled for a moment, but Justin finally relented and placed the phone to his ear.

"Hey mama." He smiled, before flipping Trace the bird.

"Is everything okay, sweetie?" She was worried. Great.

"Well. . .yeah." He lied to his mother of all people. He winced.

"Right. Randall, what's going on?" He sighed as he sat on a kitchen stool.

"It's Alonsha, ma." he finally admitted as he absentmindedly played with a napkin.

"Is she okay?" There goes that worried tone again.

"Yeah. . .yeah she is." Justin struggled to explain, "I. . .um. . .well. . ." He looked at Trace, wanting to kick his ass for this.

"Well?" Lynn asked into the phone.

"I asked her out." Trace smiled. He was getting there.

"Well that's great, baby!" Lynn said excitedly. Justin laughed nervously.

"Yeah, great."

"So, when's the date?" Justin rolled his eyes.

"I said I asked her out, ma" he explained, "I didn't say she said yes." She was quiet for a moment. Justin knew she didn't expect that. Guess that made two of them.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, honey." Lynn cooed comfortingly, "Did she tell you why she said no?" Justin shook his head, even though she could not see him.

"Not really," Justin said running his hands along the edge of the cool marble counter top, "She said that it was weird."

"Weird?" Lynn was confused.

"Yep."

"Why would it be weird?" she asked curiously.

"I don't know, mama." Justin said sadly, "But she made her answer clear to me."

"You're just gonna give up?" Lynn asked surprised.

"What do you want me to do?" Justin asked confused, "I can't hold a gun to her head and make her say yes."

"Tell her that you really want to give it a try."

"I thought me asking her out in the first place was telling her that."

"Don't sass me, boy." Lynn scolded, "Since when do you stop going after something when you only gave it one try?"

"Mom. . ."

"Don't mom me." Lynn stated firmly, "Call her."

"I can't. . .it's weird."

"Well make it unweird."

"But. . ."

"No buts, Justin. Call." She hung up on him. Damn it. Now she was mad.

"Thanks, Trace." Justin said sarcastically. He stood and placed the phone on the receiver.

"What happened?"

"Mom's mad at me. Thanks to you."

"Not that," Trace said dismissively, "What did she tell you to do?"

Justin glared at him, "She said to kick your sorry ass."

"Ha ha ha. Seriously, man."

"She told me to call Alonsha and don't take no for an answer." Justin explained.

"Well?"

"Well, what?"

"You gonna call?" Justin rolled his eyes. He was nervous as fuck. What the hell was he gonna say to her anyway?

He sighed defeatedly, "Do I really have a choice?"



*-*-*-*-*-*



I wasn't really angry with Tiffany, but you know how something gets too close to home for your liking? Yeah, well this was one of those moments.

Now I'm laying on back, still staring at the ceiling. I wish I brung my juice with me, I'm so thristy. But I can't go out there, not after yelling at Tiffany. So I waited until I heard Tiffany leave. She's upset, I know. She was just trying to do what she thought was best for me, I knew that too. But still, I just wish she would let me figure things out on my own.

The red numbers on my alarm clock inform me that an hour has passed since my yelling incident. I roll off of my bed and open my bedroom door. Bosco is instantly at my feet, barking hungrily. I feed him and drink my juice. The apartment is dead quiet and I nearly scream when the phone rings.

"Hello?"

"Did you say no because of Alyssa?"

"Justin?"

"Answer me." His tone was desperate and it took me a moment to realize what he was talking about.

"Justin," I sighed, "It's not Alyssa."

"Well, I broke up with her just incase you're wondering."

"Why?" God I hope it wasn't for me.

"Well. . .because," Oh God, "She wanted to be too serious, and I'm not ready for that."

"Oh." There was silence. A long, akward silence.

"So why did you say no?" I'm quiet for a moment, trying to gather my thoughts together.

"Justin, dating you is a huge thing. . .I mean, you're my friend and I don't want to lose that." I hear him sigh, the same annoyed one Tiffany gave me earlier.

"You'll never lose me as a friend, Alonsha."

"If we date and we break up, what are the chances of us ever speaking to each other again?"

"Why are you so hell bent on us not working out?" I want to scream. Why can't anybody get what I'm trying to say?

"I'm not hell bent on anything, Jay. I'm just being realistic."

"No, you're pessemistic." he argues, "How do you expect us to work out if you're not even looking at it in a positive light?"

"What 'us', Justin?" That came out colder than I wanted it to.

"The us that will form once you give us a chance." I rub my hands down my face and groan. This man was killing me. I wanted to so badly but I just couldn't do this. I can't risk being hurt again, especially by Justin. It would kill me.

"I'm sorry but I can't." My voice trembles slightly and I can feel a lump in my thoart.

"Why not?"

"Where did all this come from anyway? Since when do you want to date me?" I know my question caught him off guard as I hear him breathing into the phone.

"I. . .don't know." he answers honestly, "I just do." He just did? Why did that seem to be enough? Before I get a chance to think, the words roll off my tongue.

"Okay, we can try this." I hear him laugh to himself.

"Good, great!" I can hear him smile, "How about tomorrow night?" My heart skips a beat. Why so soon?

"Damn, Jay." I complain, "Why tomorrow?"

"Why not?" he counters, "I miss you." Damn him and his sexy, angelic voice.

"Well, since you put it that way. . ." He laughs heartily into the phone and a smile creeps across my face.

"Oh, and fancy yourself up."

"Enough to kill?" I ask grinning my ass off.

"Nah, enough to murder."



=*=*=*=



So, it's almost twelve by the time me and Justin reach my apartment door. We're laughing as we talk about Justin giving the bird to a pesty photographer until we reach my door. For some reason, the air has gotten thicker and silence washed over us.

"Tonight was really nice, Justin. I had a great time." I comment and I stifle a laugh once I see the blush creeping into his creeks. He smiles and thanks me before we laugh nervously.

"So, I guess it's against the rules for you to let me in now that we're dating, huh?" Justin questions with a mischevious grin.

"Rules are meant to be broken, Jay." I open my door and Justin trails in behind me, locking the door.

"So, where's Tiffany?" I pull my black poncho over my head and turn to face Justin.

"She's at Scott's." I answer as I tossed the piece of clothing on the recliner, "You want something to drink?"

"Got any Gatorade?" I make a face of disgust.

"That crap is nasty, Jay." I complain as he smiles at my childish behavior.

"It's good!" he argues, "Besides, it keeps me energized." He winks at me and I roll my eyes.

"Is that all you think about?" He pretends to think for a moment as he pulled off he black blazer.

"Pretty much." I laugh and head into the kitchen. I open up the fridge and search for his drink. When I don't find it, I grab a Sprite instead.

"Sorry, Justin." I apologize as I walk into the living room, "All I have is Sprite." He makes a face before excepting the drink. I plop on the sofa next to him.

"Tonight wasn't so bad, now was it?" I hear him ask as I take off my shoes.

"Yeah, it was." I joke as Justin rolls his eyes. I begin to lay out on the sofa, placing my feet across Justin's lap.

"Do I look like an ottoman?" Justin questions with a smile.

"No, you look a divine piece of grade A meat." I joke as Justin laughs heartily.

"Grade A meat? I don't even want to know. . ."

"Hey, those are Tiffany's words, not mine."

"Sure. . .you know I'm hot shit, girl" Justin smiles cockily.

"Yeah, you're shit all right. . ." I mumble as Justin laughs.

"Nice, I like that one, Beautiful." He comments. The next thing I know he's playing with my toes.

"Yo, back off the merchandise." I warn as a playful grin comes across his face.

"What's the matter, Lonnie?" he says teasingly, "Ticklish?" The bastard gripped my ankle and mercilessly tickled the soles of my feet. I was laughing my ass off, begging him to stop. He wouldn't listen, so my foot acted for me: I kicked him, right in the mouth. He dropped my foot instantly and covered his mouth with his hands.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry." I felt bad, he looked like he was in pain.

"It's okay." he mumbled through his hands. Sitting up, I moved to his side. I removed his hands from his mouth so I could see. Nothing seemed wrong and I couldn't help but smile when he pretruded his bottom lip, asking if he it was bleeding.

"No, honey. There's no blood." I assured, "Are you sure you're okay?" He nodded.

"Can you make it feel better?" He sounds like one of his little brothers.

"How?" I asked curiously.

"Kiss the boo boo?" I should've known. It's Justin I'm talking to here.

"I should've kicked you harder." I say with a smirk and Justin laughs.

"Oh come on, Alonsha."

"No," I say firmly, "You take me on one date, and you expect a kiss?"

"I thought the rules were meant to be broken."

"Under certain circumstances." I explain.

"You know you want to. . ." he teased as I rolled my eyes.

"No I don't."

"One little peck is all I'm asking for." he begs. If only he knew how much I wanted to kiss him. . .lick him. . . taste him. But of course I'd never say that outloud.

"Justin. . ." I whine as he pulls the puppy dog eyes and pouts. God, I'm weak I tell you, WEAK! Aren't women suppose to play hard to get? If I kiss him, he wins. I'll be easy. But damn, being seen as easy has never looked so good.

"Please. . ." he whispers once he moves dangerously close to my face. His forehead is resting on mine and I can feel his nose brush against mine. He smells so good and he's so close. . .

"Nope." I tease pulling away. Justin groans and I grab the remote off the coffee table. I lay down in my previous position and flip through the channels of the television.

"You are just plain wrong." Justin complained as I laughed. He was burning a hole in the side of my face from staring at me for so long.

"Oh suck it up, you big baby."

"You're such a tease."

"Just the way you like." I smile at him, completely amused.

"I hate you." he grumbled, but couldn't help but smile.

"Aww," I say mockingly, "I love you too."

  What Would Happen?


Everything was moving in slow motion. Time was almost standing still as I watched him from across the table. He was rambling on about something. His hands were gesturing everywhere, and he was smiling at his story. I smiled too, out of politeness, even though I wasn't paying attention to a damn thing he said. His eyes were far too captivating for me to notice anything else.

He looked so handsome tonight. The baby blue of his sweater accented his eyes perfectly. The sleeves were pulled up to his elbows, exposing his muscular forearms. His silver watch was clearly visible and it glimmered in the dim lighting of Nobu's resturant. I've never seen a man so gorgeous in my life.


Electricity, eye to eye
Hey don't I know you
I can't speak


I hear him laugh and I smiled even harder, if that was possible. He sips some of his wine and I can't help but notice the way his lips curl over the edge of the glass. Those soft, pink lips. I involuntarily lick my own lips. Justin smiles at me and I look away as the butterflies swarm my stomach.


Stripped my senses
On the spot
I've never been defenseless


"So, what do you think?" he asked me suddenly and I blink completely caught off guard.

"What?" He laughs at me and shakes his head.

"Nevermind." he says through his laughter.


I can't even make sense of this
You speak and I don't hear a word


"I'm sorry, I kinda spaced out." He nods understandingly and smiles at me.

"It's cool, I tend to babble sometimes." He's embarrassed and his blush is too cute for words.

"No, it's not that," I assure, "I was just. . .thinking."


What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away, would you stay?


"About?" he asks curiously. I smile and feel the blood rushing up to my cheeks.

"About. . .stuff?" He nods again.

"Is there any 'stuff' you want to talk about?" I shake my head 'no' and he smiles at me. Damn that smile.


Or would I melt into you
Mouth to mouth, lust to lust
Spontaneously combust


"Would you like to try any of our desserts?" Me and Justin both turn our heads upward to see a waiter standing patiently.

"Well, do you still have those caramel custards with the chocolate wafers?" Justin asked as the waiter nodded.

"Yes sir, we do." Justin smiled happily.

"Okay, we'll take two of those." Justin said as the waiter excused himself.

"Caramel custards?" I question curiously. There goes that smile again.

"Yeah, they're so good." I nod, "They're in this bowl made of this waffle cone kinda basket and they put some custard in it and drizzle it was caramel and fudge." I laugh at his excitment before sipping my wine. Once I place my glass down, I see Justin looking at me. He licks his lips and I smile weakly as the butterflies come back.


The room is spinning out of control


"What?" I ask him nervously. He smiles at me and reaches across the table. He takes my hand in his and holds it warmly. I look from our hands to his eyes.


Act like you didn't notice
Brushed my hand


"You are so beautiful." I'm almost tempted to look behind me to make sure I'm the one he's looking at. My heart jumped and I swallowed hard. What do you say to that?

"Justin. . ." I begin.

"I mean it, Alonsha. You've always been beautiful." Damn his charm. His irresitable charm.

"Well, I try." I joke, trying to lighten the mood. He laughs softly but never lets go of my hand.

"I wish we did all this sooner." I look at him confused.

"Did what?"

"Go out." he answers.

"Me too." I say honestly as the waiter comes back. Our hands reluntantly fall apart as he places our desserts in front of us. We thank him before we nip at our food. After eating in silence for a few moments, I can feel the warmth of Justin's hand again.

"Thank you." he says. What the hell is he talking about?

"For what?" I asked completely confused. He squeezes my hand softly.

"For being you." I smile in response, completely speechless. Oh. My. God. My heart just quivered in my chest. Nobody has ever thanked me for being me before. Where had this man come from? Why had I been dumb enough to never go after him before? I could kick myself right now.

It's our fourth date. Yes I said fourth, and I still haven't gotten the balls to kiss him. On our third date, I had come close to it. But as soon as he leaned in, I turned my head and he kissed my cheek. I don't know why I'm scared to kiss him, but everytime he tries, I pull away. Now, I'm here in New York with him. Sitting in one their most famous sushi joints, eating this delictable dessert and all I can think about is his soft lips gracing mine.


What would happen if we kissed?
Would your tongue slip past my lips?
Would you run away, would you stay?



-*-*-*-



Dinner was great, and now me and Justin are in his Mercedes heading back to our hotel, where he claims there's another "surprise" for me. I'd be lying if I said that I wasn't excited, but I'm also nervous. What else could he have instore for me? The date itself was a surprise. He blind folded me and when he removed the thing, I was standing in front of his jet, hearing him say we were headed to New York.

"Don't be nervous, Beautiful" I turn from the car window to look at Justin, "You'll like it, I promise." He looks from the road briefly to give me a reassuring smile. I smile back and continue to look at him. Damn, he was one gorgeous man. I turn my attention back to my window. I watch as the scenery goes by in a blur. My heart raced slightly when I hear Justin sing to the Usher song playing on the radio.

"Play another slow jam. . .This time make it sweet. . .On a slow jam. . .For my baby and for me. . ." I could've sworn I heard him smile on that last part, but lets not jump to conclusions.

We finally pull up to the Four Seasons Hotel. It was a nice ass hotel, but Justin said that it was nothing compared to the penthouse suite he usually stays in at the Hilton. But anyways, we make our way inside, the valet takes Justin's car to the back. The woman at the front desk greets us. We each give a polite hello and take the elevator up. When I see the the elevator pass our floor, I look at Justin confused.

"Where are we going?" I ask. He smiles at me and takes my hand.

"You'll see." I smile back. I'm still a little skeptical but I don't say anything. We finally reach the last floor and Justin pulls me out of the elevator. We turn down a corridor and I see a stair way leading up to the roof.

"You're not gonna push me off the building are you?" I ask jokingly and Justin stops dead and his tracks.

"Who told you?" He looks so serious that I'm almost afraid. . .until he starts cracking up.

"You jackass!" I whine as I punch him playfully.

"You had to see your face. . ." he says through his laughter, "Priceless, man. Priceless." We walk up the stairs and Justin opens the door for me. I walk out before him and I'm instantly hit by a gentle breeze. The next thing I knew, Justin's large hands were over my eyes, blinding me completely.

"What are you doing?"

"Don't worry about it," he whispered softly in my ear, "I'll guide you to your surprise." The whole time we're walking, I can't help but relax against the warmth of his body. He's so close. So warm. So. . . gone?

"Justin?" I questioned once the warmth fell from my back.

"Keep your eyes closed." Justin said as I squeezed my eyes shut tightly. A few moments later I felt his hand gripping mine. He guided me a few steps before stopping. I could smell vanilla and hear soft music.

"Open them." My eyes slowly drifted open and I sucked in my breath once I saw the display in front of me. Justin had candles adourning the roof. A blanket was laying in the center of the candle display and music flowed from a radio that was perched on a small glass table. I also took notice to the bottles of champagne.

"Did you bring me up here to get me drunk?" I asked playfully as Justin grinned.

"You know me so well." We laughed briefly before he gestured toward the blanket. I sat down and watched as he walked over to the table, pouring some wine in each of the glasses.

"Thanks." I said as I accepted the drink from his hands. He plopped down besides me with a sigh and we sipped our drinks silently.

"You know what?" Justin said breaking the silence, "I thought that this was going to be. . . weird. You know what I mean?" Of course I knew what he meant.

"Yeah, I know exactly what you're talking about," I said with a nod, "The whole transition from friends to. . . this." He laughed at my hesitation.

"This. . . this is nice." I smiled at his choice of words and I watched as he scooted over closer to me.

"Dance with me." he whispered in my ear. I'd be lying if I said that his voice didn't send a shiver down my spine. The way his warm breath caressed my cold ear. I'd do anything to have him close to me, even if it meant dancing.



-*-*-*-*-



Justin offered her his hand as she stood from the blanket. She took it willingly and he smiled as she nervously leaned against him. He breathed in her scent and couldn't put his finger on what it was. All he knew was that nobody smelt like her. She had this honey smell to her. It was light and natural, not suffocating like most of the perfumes he was used to smelling.

He was beginning to feel guilty about his bet. He no longer wanted to be a part of it. Justin had realized that the bet had no real purpose any longer. He knew that she liked him, or there wouldn't have been a second date, let alone a fourth. But he never mentioned any of this to Trace. Hell, all Trace knew was that Justin was in New York. He hated keeping things from his best friend, but this was something and someone he wanted to keep to himself. Call him selfish if you want to, but he wouldn't care. If being selfish meant being with Alonsha, than so be it.


I've been crushed like paper
I've been washed like rain
I've been scared of sleeping
In case I wake up the same


Justin nuzzled his nose deeper into her hair, inhaling her scent. She smelt so good. She felt so good in his arms. . .so perfect. It scared the hell out of him.

He felt the same way about Britney and all that did was rip his heart out his chest. Justin knew for a fact that Alonsha was in no rush to have a serious relationship, but that didn't stop his heart from beating ten times faster the moment she walked into a room. Or stop the feeling of relaxation that overwhelmed his body the moment he'd hear her voice. It was too much, too soon.


I've been broken and battered
I've been lost in my home
I've been cryin' a river
I've been cold as a stone


His mind was telling him to pull away while he still had the power to. But his heart quivered in protest. All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms and never let her go. He felt. . .normal with her. Justin was no longer one of the most sought after popstars. In her eyes, he was Justin Randall. Mr. Tennessee white boy with a sprinkle of soul. He smiled as he remembered her words. She always came up with creative shit like that.


But falling into you
It carries me far enough away
And everything you do
It lightens up my darker side of day


Alonsha Daniels was one of his best friends. She was one of the few people that he would put his trust in. He knew in his heart that he loved her dearly as a friend. That was one thing that would never change. But his mind couldn't help but drift to the future. The future that showed that friendly love turning into something more. . .

He felt her shiver against him and he gripped her tighter. Another wind blew by and he enveloped her in his arms, as if he were afraid she'd blow away in the light breeze. Justin could feel her hold him tighter, as if she read his mind. His hands ran up and down her back, assuring her that he'd never let her go.


I just hope that the wind
Doesn't blow you away


Alonsha was so confused right now. Here she was, boo-loving on the rooftop of some glamorous hotel with Justin Timberlake of all people, and she felt so. . . out of place. She didn't belong here. She didn't deserve this. Justin didn't want her. He was only using her as a rebound. She knew that she was just a good time. A way for him to make Britney disappear until something better came along. But damn, she wished that he knew what he did to her.


Something 'bout the way you looked at me
Made me think for a moment,
That maybe we were meant to be


Her eyes drifted down to the wine bottle on the ground. She was sure that it cost more than her entire wardrobe. She squeezed her eyes tight. Maybe when she opened them she and Justin would be on a normal date. Being normal people. Laughing at some random joke as they sat in one of the Rosco's Chicken and Waffles back home.


Living our lives seperately
And it's strange that things change
But not me wanting you so desperately


Damn it, he was still holding her on the rooftop of the Four Seasons. She had still gotten there via his private jet. She was still dancing with one of the most desirable men on the planet. Nothing changed. Especially the beating in her heart.


Oh why can't I ignore it?
I keep giving it in but I should know better


"Alonsha?" Her thoughts were quickly shattered by the sound of his voice. She pulled away from him, just enough to see his face. The warmth of his hand caressed her cold cheek and she swore her heart was going to pop out her chest at any moment. She couldn't tear her gaze from his blue eyes. She hated his eyes. They were so. . .intense. That's why she could never lie to him. There was something about the way he looked at her that made it impossible to do so. The same something that made her want him even more.


'Cause there was something 'bout the way you looked at me
And it's strange that things change
But not me wanting you so desperately


Justin softly pressed his forehead against hers. His nose brushed against her own and their eyes closed briefly as they enjoyed the closeness they were sharing. "Can I kiss you?"

Her words caught him off guard, hell, they caught her off guard. Justin smiled at her and she smiled back. She felt like it was her first kiss all over again. The butterflies. The anxiousness that overwhelmed her completely. But then again, Justin would be the second guy she ever kissed in her entire life.

"You want to kiss me?" Justin taunted. Alonsha smiled. She had forgotten that his ego was so big. She had done the worse thing she could've possibly done; make it larger.

"Look, if you don't want to kiss me, Justin. . ."

"No. . . I do." Justin admitted softly but never moved in for the kiss. He was going drive her out her mind if he didn't do something. She was just standing there waiting. Watching as his smile grew the more her impatience grew. She finally had enough. She cupped his face in her petite hands the best she could and kissed him. At first it was more her than him, but once Justin got over her intial agressiveness, he slowly moved deeper inside of the kiss.

Justin could taste the cherry flavor of her lip gloss and felt the warmth of her mouth. His hands gently met her face and he tilted her head back slightly to kiss her deeper. Once his tongue slipped through her cherry lips, he realized that she tasted as sweet as she smelled. Her tongue found his and they playfully tagged one another.

Alonsha pulled her tongue back, teasing him. Justin pulled her head closer to his, desperately trying to find her tongue again. Alonsha smiled and pulled away from the kiss.

"Damn, girl." Justin whispered and Alonsha laughed lightly. She was happy, he enjoyed the way she kissed. Even girls get a little self-conscious about how they perform.

"Damn yourself." Alonsha commented as Justin blushed, "Aww, is Randall blushing?" Justin laughed nervously.

"Naw, it's the cold." He lied. Alonsha made a face before moving closer to him again.

"I think I can warm you up." Okay, so maybe it was a tad bit cheesy, but the way she said it turned him on. He smiled and leaned down until their lips met again. This was something they could both get used to. . .



Song Credits:

"What Would Happen."- Meredith Brooks

"Slow Jam"- Usher/Monica

"Falling Into You"- Kasey Chambers

"Desperately"- Michelle Branch

  Shame On Me


Justin had been sitting in the fitting room for almost half an hour, helping Alonsha pick out an outfit for tonight's clubbing affair at the Avalon. He sighed and checked his watch. Alonsha was taking all eternity to put on this last outfit.

"Hey, Beautiful? How about sometime today?" He heard her huff and he smiled, knowing she was rolling her eyes like always.

"I hate this outfit, Justin. I look. . . ridiculous." Justin rolled his eyes. Every outfit had been "ugly" or "too revealing." Sometimes he felt like he was shopping with his grandma.

"It's fine, Alonsha. Just let me see for myself."

"No," Alonsha whined like a five year old, "You'll laugh at me." Justin rolled his eyes and smiled over at Big L, who raised a brow comically.

"Either you come out, or I'll come in." Alonsha threatened to cut him if he tried, but that only made him want to do it even more. He stood from the chair and tugged softly at the curtain that blocked her from his view.

"Stop it!" Alonsha whispered harshly as Justin began to move the curtain over.

"Come out now, or suffer the consequences." Justin taunted as he fiddled with the curtain even more.

"Go to hell, I'm changing."

"So, if I happen to open this curtain, you'd be half nekkid?" He turned and wiggled his eyebrows at his bodyguard. They both laughed and Alonsha russled inside the curtain.

"First of all, it's 'naked'. And second of all, if you open this curtain, a fresh pair of Nikes will be rammed right up your ass." Her comment caused Justin to laugh heartily, she laughed also.

"Come on, Beautiful. I know you look good." Justin pleaded.

"Justin. . ." Alonsha groaned.

"I won't laugh, I swear." Justin promised, "I just want to see it. If you don't want it, then I won't buy it."

"Okay. . ." Alonsha agreed reluntantly. Justin smiled and backed up, giving her room to make her appearance. She stepped out timidly and looked down before finally meeting Justin's gaze.

"Damn. . ." he mumbled. She was wearing a stretch silk camisole that was gold. The color complimented her brown skin and the v-neck of the top made her clevage known. Her jeans hugged her curves and golden stitch of them matched her top perfectly. She was simply. . . well, beautiful.

"Stop making goo-goo eyes at me." Alonsha complained as she folded her arms over her chest.

"You look. . .hot!" Justin commented enthusiastically. A little too enthusiastically for Alonsha's liking.

"Whatever," she stated dismissively, "You're my boyfriend now, it's your job to lie to me."

"I'm not lying." Justin quickly argued, "You do look hot. You is on fire, girl!" His flamboyant tone caused her to laugh despite herself.

"You are such a dork." Her hands began to smooth down the silky material of the top and she looked down at herself, "Do these jeans make my butt look big?"

"Yes." Justin answered quickly with a smile. Alonsha gasped offendedly and pouted.

"You shouldn't have said that." Big L warned. Justin laughed before feeling Alonsha's fist connect with his upper arm. Justin yelped and began to rub the area.

"I can't believe you said that!" Alonsha said sadly. Justin continued to nurse his bruised arm.

"It's a good thing!" Justin argued while pouting, "Your ass is fine. You should show it off."

"Why didn't you just say that?" Alonsha asked as she placed her hands on her hips.

"Because you should already know I have an ass fetish." Justin stated in a 'duh' tone, "Beside. . . the look on your face was too good." He started cracking up and Alonsha smiled. He was such an asswipe.

"You can kiss my fine ass." Alonsha stated rolling her eyes.

"Getting a bit cocky, aren't we?" Justin questioned as Alonsha looked over herself in the mirror. She flipped him the bird before slumping her shoulders.

"I can't get this." Justin looked at her confused.

"Why not?"

"Because this shit cost damn near a hundread bucks! And these jeans. . ." She lifted the tag for a better look, "One-hundread and twelve! Oh hell no!" Alonsha said shaking her head and walking towards the fitting room.

"Alonsha. . ." Justin whined as she brushed past him and into her previous stall.

"Don't whine, Jay." Alonsha stated firmly, "You are not gonna pay for this. I refuse to let you."

"You are so dramatic, Alonsha." Justin huffed, "You're getting the outfit."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are," Justin stated hurriedly, "You are infinity plus one!" He laughed victoriously when Alonsha mumbled 'damn' before stepping out of the stall. She was back in her tee shirt, capris, and flip flops with her new outfit balanced on one hand.

"You suck. . ." she mumbled as they walked towards the cash register. Justin laughed and kissed her cheek.

"Aww, thank you!" he stated sarcastically, causing her to smile.


-*-*-*-*-*-


"Alonsha? You're not seriously gonna sit here all night are you?" Tiffany asked her friend for the millionth time. Alonsha made a face while her eyes roamed the crowded club.

"What else do you want me to do?" she questioned irritably, "I can't dance, and I'm for damn sure not doing that." Tiffany's eyes followed her pointing finger and they landed on some girl taking body shots off of some other female.

"You get paid if it's girl on girl. . ." Tiffany said as she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at Alonsha.

"Bitch please!" Alonsha huffed as Tiffany laughed at her facial expression.

"Who's a bitch?" Justin asked, startling Alonsha.

"Don't sneak up on me like that," she whined, "Especially in a club."

"Geez Louise, grandma! Loosen up." Justin joked as he smiled brightly at her.

"I am loose." Alonsha argued.

"Hopefully not too loose." Tiffany gave him a dap and they both began to laugh hysterically. Alonsha narrowed her eyes at them and sipped her drink.

"Both of you bitches can kiss my ass." Alonsha stated while sipping her drink again.

"Damn, somebody's a little grumpy." Justin mocked as Tiffany nodded in agreement.

"It's not her fault," Tiffany explained, "She hasn't gotten any in months." Alonsha's jaw dropped in disbelief.

"Tiffany!" she growled as Tiffany stiffled a laugh.

"So, it's true?" Justin questioned.

"Yes," Alonsha answered quickly before realizing what she just confessed to, "I mean no. . .I mean. . .mind your business!" Justin laughed at her. She couldn't have been more embarrassed than in this very moment.

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, I haven't either." Justin announced as Tiffany and Alonsha both shot him looks.

"Boy, stop lying." Alonsha quickly countered.

"You didn't sleep with Alyssa?" Tiffany asked bluntly.

"Nope." Justin answered coolly as he lounged in his seat.

"Come on, Blue. You don't have to lie to us." Justin's eyes met Alonsha's and he smiled suggestively.

"I'm serious. I'm waiting for the right woman to come along and make me beg for some." Justin stated, "Alyssa was too easy." Tiffany huffed and Alonsha turned her eyes to the glass in her hands.

"Since when did easy women become a problem?" Alonsha asked while raising a brow.

"The sex is always better the longer you wait. It builds anticipation." His breathy tone made her eyes meet his again and she saw the darkness of them. Something that only happened when he was excited or becoming passionate about something. She prayed that the passion he was feeling was all for her.

"Right. . ." Tiffany stated, breaking the exchange going on between the two, "So you like the challenge?"

"Hell yeah," Justin stated honestly, "The greater the challenge, the greater the victory." Tiffany smiled and turned leaned back in her chair.

"You want a challenge?" she asked as she and Justin faced one another, "Get Alonsha to dance." she whispered to him so that Alonsha wouldn't hear. Justin laughed causing Alonsha to become alert.

"Don't I always?" he stated confidently. Alonsha was confused. What were they talking about?

"Are you guys plotting something?" Alonsha asked suspiously. They both laughed and Justin stood from his seat.

"Dance with me." he asked suddenly. Alonsha looked over her shoulder than back at him.

"Who are you talking to?" Justin smirked and rolled his eyes.

"You, genius." He smiled, "Let's go boogie."

"Boogie?" Alonsha asked amused, "Right. . ." Justin sighed and leaned down towards her. She was almost certain he was gonna kiss her. But, fortunately, he didn't.

"Please?" His warm breath caressed her lips and she almost leaned in to kiss him, but there was one problem: Tiffany.

"No," she stated firmly while playfully shoving him so that he was no longer in her face, "You know I'm rhythm impaired." Justin laughed.

"Yes I do," he confirmed through his laughter, "But I'm willing to risk my well being to dance with you."

"Justin. . ."

"Alonsha. . ."

"Will you two stop it?" Tiffany interrupted, "Alonsha, honey, it's just dancing. Stop being a prude." She rose out of her seat and walked downstairs to the main dance floor, leaving Justin and Alonsha alone.

"You heard the lady." Justin stated with a shrug.

"I'm gonna embarrass myself." Justin rolled his eyes.

"You're not gonna embarrassed yourself," he stated a-matter-of-factly, "You'll embarrass the both of us." Alonsha narrowed her eyes at him and Justin laughed.

"You're horrible." Alonsha complained as Justin leaned down and kissed her. It was a short and sweet, but was a very public display of affection. When they pulled apart, she could've sworn there were five sets of eyes on them.

"Come on, baby. One dance." His voice was so soft and affectionate. Plus he called her baby. He had before, but now that they were together, there was a whole other tone to it.

"Okay, one dance. But I warned you fair and square."


-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-


Justin felt like such a pervert. No, he was a pervert.

He was trying so hard to pay attention to her words but he couldn't. His eyes would first find her eyes, then travel down her neck and land on her supple breasts. Her perfectly round breasts. . .

"Justin!" His eyes shot up and he blushed in his state of panic.

"Huh?" he asked innocently. Alonsha smiled and raised a brow.

"Are you even listening to me?"

No. "Yes." Alonsha made a face.

"Sure you were. . ."


I know you wanna talk
And tell me about your day
But I keep wandering off


"I was!" Justin lied. Alonsha stared at him for a few minutes.

"Were you checking out my boobs?" she asked bluntly. Justin eyes widened.

"I. . .uh. . .well. . ." She was laughing at him now. He laughed too, not knowing what to do. He felt like a fifteen year old again, being embarrassed because he had gotten caught looking in the girl's locker room.

"Do you want my body?" Alonsha mocked while cracking up.

"Ha ha ha," Justin said sarcastically, "No."


Oooh how your hair...
falls in front of your face
While you try to keep it up


"It's okay, you know." Alonsha assured, "It's natural for you to look at me. I'm sexy as hell." She jokingly ran her hands through her hair and pursed her lips at him. Justin made a face and nodded slowly.

"Sure. You keep telling yourself that." Alonsha shoved him playfully and placed her hair into a ponytail.

"Shut up, asswipe."


I've always paid attention to your point of view
But now i want to focus on the rest of you. . .


Her petite frame raised from her spot on the couch and she walked towards her kitchen. Justin tried to stop himself, but his body won out. His eyes fell to her ass. He watched as it moved to the beat of her walking pace. Even in baggy sweat pants her ass stood out. It was too much. He was horny as hell. . .


Shame on me wanting you
The way i fantasize about
What i'd give, what i'd do
I just want to work you out


"What do you want to eat?" she asked from the kitchen.

"You."

"Excuse me?" Alonsha asked from the kitchen.

Here comes the panic. Calm down, man. Maybe she didn't hear you. Justin thought. "You got anything good?" he asked quickly. Alonsha came walking out of the kitchen. This time he watched the way her chest bounced with her every step.

"Chinese. . .or something from a pizzeria." She held up two menus, one in each hand.

"I'm in the mood," Justin answered, "For chinese! I'm in the mood for chinese." he added on quickly. Alonsha shot him a weird look before nodding.

"Okay. . ." she said unsure, "What do you want?"

You. "General's chicken." Alonsha nodded and walked back into the kitchen to make the orders. Justin breathed a sigh of relief.


Times like this I'm so glad that you can't read my mind
Shame on me another time


The food had arrived a while ago, so Alonsha and Justin were munching happily on their chinese dishes. They were watching "The Family Man." It was a good movie. Funny too, but mostly romantic. They were on a scene where Nicolas Cage and Tea Leoni were rolling around on the bed and he told her she was beautiful. Alonsha awed and Justin rolled his eyes. Even though he thought it was a pretty romantic scene.

"He is so in love with her. . ." Alonsha commented. Damn her. Now that his eyes were on her, they refused to leave. How could she do this to him? She had no make up or fancy clothes on. She was all natural and it drove him out of his mind.

"Yeah. . .love." he said softly. Alonsha turned and looked at him.

"Are you high?" Justin laughed despite himself.

"No," he said in disbelief, "Why would you ask me something like that?"

She shrugged. "You're being weird, is all." Justin laughed again.

"Since when do you say, 'is all'?" he asked mockingly.

"I guess I been hanging with your country ass a little too much." she joked as she closed her container of food and placed it on the coffee table next to Justin's.

"What's wrong with being country?" he questioned as if he were offended.

"Well nothing," Alonsha explained, "Unless your ass is from LA." She smiled and Justin's eyes fell to her mouth. Her lips were just as soft and inviting as they were the first time he kissed her. The way electricity ran through his body the moment their lips met. He wanted to feel that again. . .


Please dont walk away
I'm only drifting 'cause you look so good tonight
Now that we're alone it's so hard to listen
You know you got me mesmerized


She punched him and Justin fell out of his trance.

"What?" he questioned irritably.

"Were you listening to a word I said?" she asked annoyed with him.

"Yeah, I was."

"Then what did I just say?" Justin paused for a moment before smiling.

"You said 'Then what did I just say'." he answered smartly, "See, I was paying attention."

"Justin, that's not funny." Alonsha sighed, "What's wrong?"


Shame on me wanting you
The way i fantasize about
What i'd give, what i'd do
I just want to work you out


"Why does something have to be wrong?" Justin asked curiously. Alonsha gave him an impatient glance.

"Stop pussyfooting around. . ." She had said something else, but Justin lost her the moment after she said 'pussyfooting.' She shouldn't have used the p-word.


Times like this I'm so glad that you can't read my mind
Shame on me another time


"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Justin asked innocently. Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Forget it, 'cause apparently, what I say has no importance." Damn, she's not suppose to be angry.

"I'm sorry. . .I just. . ." What was he gonna say? I just want to fuck you? He sighed.


I've always paid attention to your point of view
But now i want to focus on the rest of you


"You just what?" Alonsha asked. Justin looked at her and smiled.

"I can't concentrate, girl. You look so good and I. . ." He was cut off by her laughter. The next thing he knew, he was laughing with her.

"You think you're so smooth with your lines, don't you?" Justin shrugged in response.

"I'm just telling the truth." Justin argued. Alonsha laughed again and picked up her container of food.

"I look so good. . ." she mumbled as she laughed to herself. Justin smiled, relieved that he had gotten out of that. He didn't want to freak her out with his dirty thoughts. She was barely comfortable kissing him and holding his hand. He thought it was a miracle when she let him slip his hand beneath her shirt. He knew it sounded so high school, but like he said earlier, the longer the wait, the better the sex. And he was ready and willing to beg. . .


Shame on me wanting. . .



Song Credit:

"Shame On Me" - Ryan Cabrera

  Say Yes


Author's Note: Hey People! Just in case you guys want to know how the characters look and a small bio you can go here: Character Bios/Photos


In my head, you're always in my head
In my dreams, you're always in my head
In my pain, you're always in my head
In my peace, you're always in my head


I hummed to the melody as I finished up the dishes. I love India Arie. So does Justin. Yeah. . .Justin and I have a lot in common. He's so great. I miss him though. He's in Philadelphia recording, but he's coming home tomorrow. I can't wait. Just the thought of him makes me smile. And I think about him a lot. I guess that's why I love this song. It's exactly how I feel. . .He's always in my head. . .

"What the hell are you grinning about?" I snap out of my fantasy world when I hear Tiffany's voice. I didn't realize I had been grinning like a village idiot.

"Nothin'" Justin.

"Right. . .Are you getting some?" I nearly dropped the plate in my hands.

"Nooo!" I laughed and she made a face.

"Uh huh. . ."

"I'm not." Seriously, I'm not. It's only been a few months since me and Justin kissed. Months of kisses and playful caresses, but nothing serious.

"You whore! You've got to be getting something to be this happy." I roll my eyes.

"Why can't I just be happy?"

"Because. . .you're too damn happy for just happy." Wow, that made sense.

"Oh, shut up!" I whine.

"Does this have something to do with Justin?" she questioned teasingly.

"No." A lie. A bold face lie. You might be wondering why I'd say that. Well here's the deal. Tiffany doesn't know about me and Justin. Nobody does. We've opted to keep that vital information amongst ourselves. Not that we have a problem telling them, we just want to figure things out for ourselves. Have something private that we can enjoy alone without the rest of the world disecting every part of our relationship.

"Whatever," she said dismissively, "You're a damn liar. You know that you're excited about lover boy coming home tomorrow."

Damn straight. "Is it a crime to miss a friend?"

"No, but it is a crime when you turn down a fine ass friend when he asked you out." If only she knew.

"Yeah, okay" I say making my way out of the kitchen.

"You know you want his body!" Tiffany shouted from the kitchen. I began to laugh. If she only knew. . .


*-*-*-*-*



He was packing, singing, and dancing. Justin Timberlake: The Ultimate Multitasker.

"I. . . guess. . .you. . .say. . .what can make me feel this way. . .my girl. . ." Justin tossed the last piece of his clothing into his duffle bag. He spun on his heel and strolled over to the vanity mirror across from his bed. He looked over himself, satisfied with his appearance. Shaved head, Old Navy tee shirt, Diesal jeans, and a fresh pair of Air Jordans. Not to mention his diamond studs from Tiffany's and his iced out watch, courtesy of Jacob the Jeweler of course. Like Alonsha said, he was a divine piece of grade A meat.

Justin winked at his reflection and smoothed his hands over his clothes. He laughed to himself. That conceited gesture would've earned him a smack from Alonsha, that was for sure.

"Dude, what the hell are you doing?" Justin looked over his shoulder and smiled sheepishly at his friend.

"Nothin', man" he lied as Trace laughed.

"Right," he stated sarcastically, "So, what was the whole Temptations thing about?" Justin didn't respond. Instead he laughed and shrugged.

"Let's go, boy. We've got a flight to catch." Trace made a face, confused by Justin's happy mood.

"It's nine in the morning and we're gonna go to an extremely crowded, paparazzi filled airport. Why are you so excited?" Justin rolled his eyes and tossed his duffle bag over his shoulder before grabbing his suit case.

"I'm excited to go home, man." Justin explained, "I miss. . .home." Trace laughed.

"You miss Alonsha." Justin shrugged, "What's going on with you two? You hittin' that, Jay?"

"Nah, man. It's not like that."

"Mmm hmm. . ." Justin rolled his eyes, "Have your secrets, I'll find out sooner or later."

"Yeah, whatever." Justin said shooing him out of the hotel room, "Plane, now. Let's go."



-*-*-*-*-*-



My eyes were closed. I felt so warm and safe in his arms. He smelled so good. . . Do you know the sensation you get when it's cold as fuck and you finally find that warm comforting spot on your bed, hundled in a mess of cozy blankets? That's what it feels like. . .here. . .in his arms. So damn good. . .

"Hey, don't fall asleep on me." I smile when I hear his voice.

"I'm comfy, Jay." I whine. He laughed and mumbled 'comfy' as if it were the most ridiculous word known to man.

"I'm not a bed. . .but if you want to, we can head upstairs." I pull away from him so that I could see his face.

"Nice try, Justin." I smile, "But it ain't gonna happen." He pouts and I caress his cheek.

"Even if I begged?"

"Sorry, not gonna work." He smiles down at me.

"It's cool, I like this too." His arms embrace me tighter. We're dancing. I don't know what happened between us watching movies to now, but somehow, we ended up in his living room swaying to the smooth sounds of Brian McKnight.

"Jay," I say softly.

"Hmm?"

"Nevermind." I chickened out. You wouldn't believe what I was about to say to him. I was actually going to take that invite upstairs. Don't judge me people. I'm sexually deprived. I deserve a little nooky.

"You can tell me." he whispered softly. Damn him. He looks so good tonight. Okay, so maybe he looks good every night, but it's so different. . .It's sexy, and dark and oh so fuckable. . .

"It's not important." Damn, I'm such a punk. My body's screaming for some sexual healing and all I can do is shy away from it and pretend to be in control of my libido.

"Your thoughts are always important." His hand is on my cheek. It's so warm and manly. . .

"It's cool." I squeak out while pulling away from him, "I'm just a little tired. All this dancing is hurting my feet." Justin smiles at me. He probably knows I'm lying. He always knows.

"I'll give you a message." A foot message? Oh my God! Where did this man come from?

"Okay," I say softly, "But don't try anything." He laughs and rubs his jaw.

"Yeah, I'm still recovering from the last time." We laugh and sit on the couch. I lay out on my back and Justin sits indian style at my feet. His hands are already working on my feet. Damn I'm in heaven.

"You got some big ass feet, woman." he laughs. I make a face.

"You know my foot is dangerously close to your crotch, right?" Justin coughs nervously.

"Point taken." I laugh and sigh. I could get used to this.

"Oh, right there." I practically moaned the words, but his hands felt so good.

"Right here?"

"Mmm hmm. . ." His hands are drifting upward and I can feel them run up and down my calf. Talk about getting chills. His hands are on my thighs, working inward, when he pulls them back. I neverly cry out in protest, but opted not to.

"Give me your other foot." I lift my left foot and place it on his thigh. His hands start working their way upward again and stop at my thigh. Right when he goes to pull them back, my hand holds his in place. He looks at me with a mixture of confusion and excitment and I smile at him while raising a brow suggestively.

"I think I'm ready for bed." I whisper. My tone is sultry and deep. I scared myself. Since when do I talk like that? Justin looks surprised, but quickly recovers.


See I've been watching you for a while your smile and stuff
and I don't know if I can be with you for tonight alright,
is that alright baby, baby


"Shall we?" He offers me his hand and we head upstairs to his bedroom. My heart is racing a mile a minute and I can't seem to think. My mind is completely blurred and I can hardly breathe. I was getting some. With Justin.

God is good.

We barely stepped into the room before we were all over each other. So much was running through my mind, but nothing really mattered. He was kissing me. Everywhere. Touching me. Everywhere. It all felt good.


There is only one for me
You have made that a possibility
We could take that step to see, ohh
If this is really gonna be
All you gotta do is say yes


We were both topless now. His tongue was in my mouth, swirling around mine. His hands were under my skirt, grabbing my ass. It was probably one of the most erotic things you could see. I was almost tempted to look at our reflection in his bureau's mirror, but it seemed a little too freaky for my liking.

My hands ran down his abs and I shivered when he sucked on my tongue. He was sucking my tongue. Damn. Now I was more than determined to get his pants off. I fumbled with his belt for a moment before finally getting it undone. I unbuttoned his jeans and opened the fly. They fell off his slender frame into a pool at his feet.


All you gotta do is say yes
Don't deny what you feel let me undress you baby
Open up your mind and just rest
I'm about to let you know you make me so. . .


His mouth had unfortunately left mine. But it found my neck instead. I could feel the hot wetness of his tongue running over my skin. I could also feel myself tremble in the pit of my stomach. I was so hot now. I felt his hand on my ass again, but this time he unzipping my skirt. The silky material caressed my skin as it traveled to the floor, leaving me in my black panties.


All you gotta do is say yes
Don't deny what you feel let me undress you baby
Open up your mind and just rest
I'm about to let you know you make me so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so,
You make me so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so


My hands traveled down between us and ran over his hard dick. His breathing hitched and I continued to rub it as my other hand caressed his nipples. I began to walk forward causing Justin to walk backwards towards the bed. He fell onto it and I straddled his torso, careful not to put all of my weight on him. I slid down his body agonizingly slow until I felt the bulge of his boxer briefs through the thin cotton of my panties.

Damn, he felt so good. But I didn't want to rush.


Loving you has taken time, taken time
But I always knew you could be mine


My mouth founds his briefly before I began to kiss his jawline, down his neck, across his collar bones, and over his nipples. His hands grabbed at my ass again when I licked over his nipples. His aggressiveness turned me on and I kissed him deeply while grinding into his package. We moaned in each other's mouths when he flipped us over.

His mouth was running along my shoulders as his hands traveled down my body. I felt his his fingers latch onto the elastic of my panties, pulling them down my hips. I arched my back, causing our chests and stomaches to meet, so that he could get them off quicker. His warm skin felt so wonderful against mine.


I recognize the butterflies inside me
Sex is gonna be made tonight, tonight
All you gotta do is say yes


Once my underwear was removed, his kisses lingered lower and lower. His wet mouth caressed a scar on my stomach. I watched as he ran his finger over it. He didn't say anything, thank God. Now his tongue was running over and under my naval. He pushed my legs apart slightly and began to kiss my thighs. I felt the wetness of his tongue run over the spot where my hips and thighs meet. I could feel the anticipation build up inside me when I felt his warm breath on the wetness between my legs.


All you gotta do is say yes
Don't deny what you feel let me undress you baby
Open up your mind and just rest
I'm about to let you know you make me so. . .


Damn, do it. Please. . . I thought, but he didn't. Instead he came up and smiled at me. Bastard. He was teasing. I ready to tell him off, but then I felt his finger slip into me. I closed my eyes in pleasure when I felt him move it in and out. He added a second finger and I was moaning softly. I wanted him so badly. I wanted to feel him in me, bringing me to euphoria.

Right when I was ready to come my brains out, he pulls his fingers out of me. I'm slightly dazed when I feel the warmth of his breath on my ear.


All you gotta do is say yes
Don't deny what you feel let me undress you baby
Open up your mind and just rest
I'm about to let you know you make me so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so,
You make me so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so


"Don't go anywhere." Yeah, like I was gonna leave now. I feel the bed jerk when he climbs off. I watch as he disappears into the hall. Within seconds he's back into the room. He lifts the condom up with a smile, silently informing me of his purpose for leaving. He pulls down his boxer briefs and I smile as I look over his package. He's not unbelievably huge, but he's above average, I'm sure. He tears the condom open with his teeth before slipping it over himself.

His attention is back on me now and he walks over to the bed, settling between my legs. He leans down and kisses me again. I loved his kisses. They were so gentle and warm. Just like him.

Both of his hands are now on either side of my head and I can't help but notice the muscles in his arms. My eyes come up to meet his gaze and we stare at one another, completely dazed by our own raging hormones. He finally enters me and I moan when I feel him slip in through my tight canal.

Damn.


All you gotta do is say yes
Don't deny what you feel let me undress you baby
Open up your mind and just rest
I'm about to let you know you make me so. . .


I watched as his eyes closed. He thrusted into me slowly and I bit my bottom lip to hold back a scream. This was torture. His agonizingly slow pace was driving me out of my mind, but it felt so damn good. He started to move faster and I wrapped my legs around his waist, tightening my walls in the process. I heard him groan and I was glad he was enjoying this as much as I was.

His thrust were coming faster and harder and I could feel my orgasm building. The warm sensation in the pit of stomach grew stronger and I moaned even louder when I knew it was on it's way. Our breathing was fast and loud and so was the beating of my heart. My body was overcomed by warmth and I could feel the contractions of my inner walls.

"I'm gonna. . ." I couldn't even finish my sentence before I was practically screaming in pleasure. I came and fell limp underneath him.

"Fuck. . ." I heard Justin moan out. He came a few seconds later and slowly layed on top of me. He was so still that if it wasn't for his heavy breathing, I would've thought he was dead. I could feel him growing limp inside me, but he still felt wonderful.

"Damn girl." he mumbled. His face was buried into my chest. I laughed.

"So you are alive." I could feel him smile against my skin.

"Yeah, but I don't think I'll be able to move. I'm comfy." We both laughed and ran my hand over his shaved head.

"It's cool," I responded, "I don't think I want you to move."


All you gotta do is say yes
Don't deny what you feel let me undress you baby
Open up your mind and just rest
I'm about to let you know you make me so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so,
You make me so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so


*-*-*-*-*-*-*


It's around seven in the morning when I come strolling inside of my apartment. I can't remove the grin that was permanently glued to my face. Me and Justin had a lot a of "fun" last night. . .and this morning. I didn't know how badly I needed to relieve some tension before last night. God, it was the best damn thing I've ever experienced. It was so fun. . .and exhilarating.

"Where the hell were you?" I gasped and placed my hand over my heart. Where did she come from?

"Tiffany?" I questioned dumbly, "You scared the shit out of me!"

"I scared the shit out of you?" She's pissed, "I spent the whole night, worried out of my mind, because of you."

"Tiff-"

"You didn't call. . .you didn't say that you were leaving. . .you just ran off somewhere."

"If you'll let me-"

"I called everybody! Hell I called Tom!" Was I ever gonna get a word in?, "I called Ally and Jare, they don't have a clue where you are. I call the Rec, same shit. I knew that Scott and I had no idea where you were. Justin had no answer at his place. . .The bastard was probably running around LA with one of his dumb hoes. . ." Ouch, now I'm hurt.

"Tiffany, I was with Justin." I whispered.

"What?"

"I'm the dumb ho he was with." I'm smiling, but Tiffany doesn't seem amused.

"But I called." Yeah, but sex was more important.

"Justin refused to answer anything 'cause we were in the game room." We were playing games alright. . .

"All night?"

"We fell asleep while playing 'Halo'" She looked at me momentarily before sighing in defeat.

"Next time, can you call please?" I nod and hug her apologetically.

"Sorry, buddy. . ." She laughs and hugs me back.

"Whatever, ho." I shove her playfully before I see her check her watch, "I've got to get going, Karen has some designs she wants me to go over with her." I nod understandingly, "Do you mind if I take your car?"

"Here," I toss her the keys, "Don't scratch my baby." I warn. She makes a face while walking towards the door.

"It's a car, not Justin." She winks at me before shutting the door. I roll my eyes and smile. Sometimes I think she knows. Those comments about Justin are becoming more frequent. My cell rings, filling the silent room with a John Mayer ringtone.

"Yello?"

"Wassup, Beautiful?" Here it comes, the Cheshire Cat smile. . .

"Nothing, I just got in." I know he's nodding.

"Good, I just got to my radio interview."

"Ryan Seacrest?" I ask while walking into my bedroom.

"Yeah, he's about to come out any minute now." he groaned.

"Hey," I scold, "I like Ryan. He's sweet."

Justin snorted a laugh, "Yeah, he's sweet. . .in more ways than one."

"That's not nice, Justin."

"Oh please!" Justin whined, "You should talk about being nice." What was he trying to say?

"You tryin' to call me mean?"

"I wasn't tryin'."

"You know what?. . ."

"Nah, introduce me some time." We laugh at his stupid joke before he stops, "Aw, shit. I gotta go." I whimper and pout.

"Oh, okay." I say reluntantly.

"Don't do that." Justin whines.

"Sorry. . ." I apologize sarcastically. Justin laughs lightly.

"I'll call you later. . .promise." I smile broadly.

"Okay, bye."

"Bye, Beautiful." We hang up. Damn, I miss him already. . .


Song Credit:

"Always In My Head"- India Arie

"Say Yes"- Floetry

  My Stupid Mouth


"Dude, I'm done." Justin announced while walking into the living room. Trace looked at him confused.

"Done what?" he mumbled through the sandwich in his mouth. Justin handed him a beer.

"With the bet." Trace laughed and swallowed what was in his mouth.

"Alonsha didn't fall for your bullshit?" he asked before taking a swig of his beer.

"It's not that, man. . ." Justin struggled to explain without exposing him and Alonsha, "I just feel bad about the whole thing."

"So now you have a conscience?" Trace stated accusingly, "It's been almost five months now. Admit it, you lost 'cause Lonnie doesn't want your ass."

"Like I said man, I'm done."

"You can't be done." Trace whined.

"Why not?" Justin took a seat next to him.

"Because the guys are all into this now, and. . ."

"The guys? What guys?"

"You know. . .Mike, Big L, Marty, Chris. . ."

"You told all those guys?" Justin was pissed.

"I told Marty and JC told Chris. . .and L and Mike probably overheard us talking." Justin looked at him. He was so angry, but it wasn't only with Trace, it was with himself too.

"Well, you can tell them that there's no longer a bet." Justin stated firmly.

"But, Jay! There's a lot of money going into this. . ."

"I don't need any money." Justin reasoned, "You win, you get the money. You should be happy." Trace sighed deeply while rolling his eyes.

"I won't win because I told the guys you'd get her." Justin looked at him suspiciously.

"I thought you wanted me to lose."

"I didn't want you to lose, I wanted you to win. I wanted you to get Alonsha so you could be happy." Justin smiled. It was times like these that he appreciated having someone like Trace.

"I have a confession." Traced made a face.

"Confession?"

"You win."

"What the hell are you talkin' about?" Justin laughed. Trace was so slow sometimes.

"You win the bet, dumbass." Trace was confused.

"How?" Justin rolled his eyes.

"What do you mean, how?" Justin asked in a 'duh' tone.

"I thought you forfeited."

"No, I wanted to cut the bet off, man." Justin explained, "Alonsha's my. . .She's my girl." Trace looked him up and down.

"Are you sure?" Justin shoved him while laughing.

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure."

"How long, man?" Trace asked excitedly.

"A few months. . ."

"A few months?" Justin nodded, "Why am I just getting this info?" He shrugged in response.

"Me and Lonnie wanted to keep it between us for a while to see how things went."

"So that's why you've been so happy." Justin shrugged again, "So, you are hittin' that, aren't you?" Justin smiled and blushed.

"A gentlemen never tells. . ."

"That good?" Trace asked astonished.

"It happened once." Justin explained.

"Damn, Alonsha's a freak ain't she?" Justin shrugged again and raised a brow comically.

"I can't release those vital details."

"Give me the details!" Justin laughed.

"No."

"Did she. . .?" Trace made a face and Justin caught on quickly.

"NO!" Trace sucked his teeth disappointedly.

"Well what about. . ."

"No, Trace. No. No. No!" Justin laughed as Trace pouted.

"You're no fair, I gave you details. . ."

"Against my will." Justin protested. Trace was ready to speak when the doorbell rung. Trace went to get it while Justin retreated to the kitchen for more beers. He heard the 'hello's and 'wassup, dawg?'s from the kitchen and laughed when he heard Chris call Trace a 'bitch'. Sometimes he worried about him. . .

"You gonna stay in here all night or what?" Justin turned and saw Marty by the kitchen door.

"Why don't you do somethin' with yourself?" Justin said jokingly, "Grab some snacks and help me carry these." He gestured towards the six-packs he was placing on the counter.

"Don't try to boss me around, you got Trace for that." Justin laughed.

"He's my best friend, man."

"Right. . ."

"Don't right me," Justin laughed, "When we hang out, we're boys. Which makes you my new bitch." Marty laughed and grabbed the drinks and chips.

"Well, you can kiss my bitch ass." Justin made a disgusted face.

"Nah, man." he said with a small smile, "I think I'll pass."


*-*-*-*-*-*


It was Saturday. Justin had decided that he wanted to have a much needed "Guys Night Out." I didn't understand, he'd rather hang out with Trace than have sex with me? Not that I offered sex to him. In fact, I encouraged his night out. He looked so happy and excited with the thought of hanging with his boys that I couldn't tell him no. I'm a push over, so what? Sue me.

"Now what?" Tiffany looked at me confused. I forgot to mention that I was teaching the girl how to cook. Believe me, I had my work cut out for me.

"Take the chicken and place it in here," I explained as I pointed to the bowl of batter, "Make sure you cover it well before you place it on the baking pan." She looked at me like I had six heads.

"You expect me to touch this stuff?" She gestured between the raw chicken breast and the batter.

"Well it's not gonna batter itself." She made a face and huffed before poking at the chicken.

"It's cold and jiggly." she complained. I rolled my eyes. She was impossible.

"Quit ya bitchin'" I groaned while moving her out of the way. As usual, I'm taking over the entire situation. She smiles, satisfied with the job switch, she was now chopping veggies.

"You know what?" I look at her.

"What?"

"Something's missing. . ." I looked at her like she was insane. What the hell was she talking about? I looked at the counter, looking for a missing ingredient.

"All the stuff is here." I inform and she rolls her eyes.

"Not food," she whines, "Our freeloader. Where's Justin? Doesn't he know you cook on weekends?"

"He's having a guys' night." I say nonchalantly. I can feel her stare drilling a hole in the side of my head. I finally turn to face her. She's grinning.

"You know, I think that there's plenty of food to go around. . ."

"No." I say flatly, "Justin was quite clear on the fact that it was a guys' night. I don't think we should show up uninvited."

"Why not? He does it all the time." I place another piece of chicken on the baking pan.

"Do you really want to stook to his level?" I joke as she rolls her eyes.

"Come on, it'll be fun."

"Tiff-"

"We can win them over with your cooking. . .He loves your cobbler. . ." I wanted to hold back the smile, but I failed miserably.

"He did say my cobbler was almost as good as his granny's. . ."

"Uh huh. . .so?" She wanted me to say yes so badly.

"They might be watching porn." She rolled her eyes.

"So what? You've done half the things that's on those tapes anyway." I push her.

"I have not, you freak!" We laugh before Tiffany picks up the phone and dials.

"Wassup, Trace!" She did not just call his house, "Where's Justin?" I stand corrected.

"What are you doing?" I whisper angrily. She shushes me and she smiles.

"Yo, Blue. Lonnie wants to bring some food over. You up for it?" she asked giddily into the phone.

"Tiffany. . ." I try to interrupt, but I'm cut off by her laughter.

"I'm gonna tell her you said that." Said what? He was talking about me? What the hell was so funny?

"Said what?" She laughs again, completely ignoring me.

"Yeah, she's right here. Hold up." The next thing I know, the phone is pressed to my ear.

"H-hello?" Tiffany's grinning like a village idiot.

"You can't go one night without me, can you?" I smile at his cockiness and roll my eyes.

"Yes, Tiffany's the one who called. Not me."

"So, you don't want to see me?" he asked sadly. I can already picture his pouting face.

"No, I do want to see you, ba-," Oh shit, I can't call him baby, "Justin." I correct quickly. Tiffany makes a face and raises a brow.

"What the fuck is a Ba-Justin?" he laughs.

"Do you prefer bitch?" I ask smartly. He breathes in deeply.

"See, why'd you have to say that?" he asked, "You're always tryin' to bruise my ego."

"Good!" I hear, who I believe is Chris, shout in the backround.

"Hold on." Justin says. I wait and hear some shuffling around. A scream, and some 'oh's.

"Speed up the convo." Tiffany complains as I roll my eyes.

"Sorry about that," I finally hear Justin say, "I had to leave the room."

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"So we can talk dirty." he states in a 'duh' tone. I laugh and roll my eyes for the millionth time.

"Justin, please!" I huff. He groans.

"You're no fun." I'm tempted to tell him I was the other night, but Tiffany's less than three feet away from me.

"You say that now." He laughs.

"I don't what you're talking about." I could smack the grin I know he's wearing off his face.

"So now you have amnesia?" He laughs again.

"No. . .but how about you refresh my memory when you get here?" Oh, there goes that sexual tingle.

"And how do you suggest I go about doing that?"

"By doing me." This time it's my turn to laugh. My heart skipped a beat when he said that.

"Sorry, but it's guys' night. I'm not one of the boys. . ."

"Then I guess that guys' night has to end earlier than intended." He couldn't be serious.

"No, Justin. Enjoy your quality guy time. We can. . .hangout later." I explained as he laughed.

"'Hangout?'" he questioned completely amused by my choice of words.

"That's what I said." I state coolly. He laughs again.

"Tiffany's like two feet away from you, isn't she?"

"Yep."

"Well that explains it." he says more to himself than to me, "You should probably tell her about us." I'm caught off guard by his words.

"Why?" I asked curiously.

"Because-" Nothing. Dead silence.

"Hello? Justin?" No reply. Then there was nothing but a dial tone.

"What's wrong?" Tiffany asked worriedly.

"I don't know," I answered as I placed the phone back on the receiver, "He hung up on me."

"Don't worry about. Food's almost done, so lets wrap it up and head out." I nodded in agreement and pulled out the tubaware.


-*-*-*-*-*-


We pulled up to Justin's house and stepped out of the car. We grabbed the containers of food and headed for the door. I used the key Justin gave me for "emergencies" to get inside. Everytime I walk into this place I'm taken back by it's beauty. It had a spanish flare to it. Lots of ivory walls with oranges, reds, and yellows lighting up the entire mansion.

"Yo! Justin! Somebody!" I shouted throughout the house. The next thing I knew, there's an echo of 'FOOD!' and a total of six men running towards me and Tiffany. Before I blink, everything's gone except for the potato salad in my hands.

"Wassup, baby!" Justin greets me as he walks over to me, kissing my cheek and grabbing the potato salad in the process, "And my lil' mami." Justin squealed in a horrible spanish accent. He kissed Tiffany on the cheek also.

"You hung up on me." I complained and Justin mocked my pouting face.

"So not my fault." he stated innocently, "Marty thought it would be funny to cut off my conversation." I nod before I heard Chris and Marty arguing over a chicken wing.

"Your friends are so greedy." I commented as Justin opened the container, sniffing it with a gleeful smile.

"They're just hungry. We've been drinking beer and eating pizza all day." I rolled my eyes.

"Well maybe if you cooked something for yourselves. . ." Justin groaned loudly.

"You women and this cooking thing you want to enforce." he complained, "It's so gay to cook for your guys' night out."

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard," Justin makes a face, "Everything has to be gay. If you guys weren't so insecure about your sexuality, you wouldn't have a problem with cooking."

"I am very secure with my sexuality," He winked at me, "Some guys cook, others don't. It's as simple as that."

"Whatever." I huff walking into the living room. Tiffany is gone, probably in the kitchen and Justin is walking next to me to through the room.

"Did you make cobbler?" he asked excitedly.

"Yeppers, but I think Chris took it."

"Chris took what?" I heard Chris ask as we walked into the kitchen.

"The cobbler." I answer as I walk over to the fridge. Everybody's in here, sitting on counters and at the table.

"Oh yeah, I left you a piece in the fridge." Chris informed Justin.

"Whoa, that was Justin's?" Dan, one of Justin's back up dancers, asked worriedly.

"Dude!" Justin groaned as Dan looked at his now empty plate. Justin looked like he was ready to cry. It was too cute.

"Sike nah!" Dan said after a few moments of silence. Everybody laughed as Justin pretended to tackle Dan. Mean while, I rumaged through the fridge and spotted his defenseless cobbler. I picked it up and begin to nip at it.

"Justin, ya girl's eatin' ya cobbler." Marty announced. My eyes widened in shock. How dare he tell on me!

"Marty!" I whine. He smiles at me evilly and continues to nibble at his chicken. The next thing I know, Justin's tall frame is hovering over me.

"You eatin' my cobbler woman?" he asked with a smile. I raise a brow at him.

"No, I'm eating my cobbler." Everybody 'oh'ed while laughing. Justin's smile grew wider.

"Don't make me kick you out." he threatened jokingly. I just shrugged and acted unphased by his comment.

"Fine, but I'm taking my food with me."

"NO!" all the guys shouted in unison while grabbing their plates and bowls to their chests, securing them tightly.

"That's not fair." Justin whined.

"Life isn't fair." I take another nip at his cobbler. He glares at me and moves in towards me. I turn my back to him and cover the container with my body.

"Gimme it." He's grinning his ass off.

"Gimme got shot. . ."

". . .And he didn't recover." Trace finished proudly. Everybody laughed.

"Justin stop!" I laugh as he begins to poke my sides.

"Give me the cobbler and I will." Now he's tickling me, full force.

"OK!" I relent, "You can have the fucking cobbler." I toss the container at his chest and the cobbler flops all over his shirt. Some of it got on his face and neck. I cringed when he began to peel the sticky mess off of himself. Everybody has gone into hysterics.

"Damn, man. She got you good." Trace laughed.

"I'm so sorry, Justin." I apologized, but laughed.

"You've got ten seconds," More like three, ". . .to run." He's eeriely calm while saying this. That's usually when he's at his angriest.

"I'm sorry. . ."

"Ten seconds. . ."

"I love you?"

"Eight seconds." Everybody's laughing at the exchange going on between us. Once he says five seconds I begin to head out. I'm halfway up the stairs before I hear his pacing steps and threats of killing me. He's laughing through the whole thing and I'm cracking the hell up. He gets me when I run into his sixth bathroom. Yes I said sixth. Don't even ask. . .

"Justin, I'm sorry. You're not really mad are you?" We're both breathing hard as fuck from our little run. I just realized how old I'm getting.

"No," he admits, "But look where we ended up." I looked around the spacious area.

"A bathroom?" he laughs and cups my face.

"Alone." His lips are already on mine before I get a chance to respond. My tongue has made its way into his mouth and I'm enjoying our closeness, despite the fact that his cobbler shirt is sticking to my own.

"Aw shit, Justin." I whine while pulling away from the kiss, "My shirt." He looks at my shirt and laughs.

"Serves you right." I punch his arm.

"Bum! I need a shirt." He rolls his eyes and opens the bathroom door.

"Come on. . ." He takes my hand and guides me into his bedroom. He shuts the door behind us and makes his way to his walk-in closet.

"Here." he says while handing me a Mecca shirt. I tossed it onto the bed and began to remove my shirt, careful not to get anything on my hair. Once the shirt is off my body, I ball it up and place it in Justin's hamper. Speaking of Justin. . .

"What?" I asked once I noticed him staring at me. He shrugs and slaunters over to me.

"Nothing." he whispers, ready to kiss me.

"Whoa, shirt." I say pointing to the gooey mess on the front of his white tee. He smiles and pulls it over his head, revealing his sculpted chest. Damn.

"Better?" I nod and he smiles. This time I don't pull away. His mouth his so warm and his hand is on the small of my back, pressing me into him. I moan into his mouth as I reluntantly pull away.

"We can't," I explain, "Everybody's downstairs."

"So?" Was he insane?

"They could hear us." He shrugs.

"They already know about us." Huh? Since when?

"What? How do they know about us?" He better start explaining.

"I told Trace. He told them." He was already leaning in again.

"I thought we were going to keep it to ourselves?" He sighs and rolls his eyes.

"Trace kept bugging me about the bet. . ." Did he just say bet? He stopped talking and looked just as shocked as I was by his choice of words.


My stupid mouth
Has got me in trouble
I said too much again
To a date over dinner yesterday


"Bet? What bet?" He stared at me wide-eyed, "Hello?" I asked annoyed.

"Well. . .You see. . ." He laughed nervously, "You're gonna laugh when I tell you this. . ." What's with the bullshit?

"Spill it." I was not amused. I grabbed the Mecca shirt off of the bed and put it on. He took the hint and put on a new shirt.

"Remember when I had that little goodbye party?" I nodded, unsure of where this was going.

"Yeah. . ."

"Well, me and Trace had this conversation about you and me." I nod again, "And well he claimed that I liked you and all. . .but at the time I wasn't sure about how I felt, so of course I denied it. . ." I don't like where this is going, he's too nervous.


And I could see
She was offended
She said "well anyway..."
Just dying for a subject change


"So what happened?" I asked impatiently.

"Well, he said that the only reason why I couldn't admit I liked you was because you didn't want me."

"And then what?"

"He kinda challenged me."

"Challenged you?"

"Yeah," He scratches the back of his neck, "I accepted the challenged."


Oh, another social casualty
Score one more for me


"What was the challenge?"

"You." Okay, I'm confused.

"Justin, what the fuck are you talking about?" He sighed and dropped his hands to his sides.

"Trace set up a bet, okay? He said that he'd basically give me his dignity if I could get you to like me, like me. Like more than friends."


How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one soon


He didn't just say that. He's not standing in front of me, confessing that everything we've done together was for the sake of a bet. He lied when he called me beautiful. He lied when he thanked me for being me. He lied when he told me that he didn't want me to leave the morning after we had sex. I was just an object in some game. My only purpose was for Justin to prove he could have any girl he wanted. I felt so cheap. . . so used. . .

"How could you go along with something like that?" I wasn't even looking at him anymore. I couldn't. I was already struggling to hold back my tears.

"I'm sorry, Lonnie. I wasn't thinking. . ."

"So, everything that's happened to us was just some way for you to win a stupid bet?" My disappointment was slowly turning into anger. I could feel my heart beat faster and my breathing quickened.


And I could see clearly
An indelible line was drawn
Between what was good, what just
slipped out and what went wrong


"No. . .Well kinda." He has got to be kidding me, "It sorta started out that way, but I swear Alonsha by the end of our first date, I didn't want to be involved with the bet anymore." I stood there. Trying to comprehend the situation at hand.

"You really expect me to believe that?" He looked a little taken back by words, but quickly recovered.

"Alonsha. . ."

"Just. . .shut up." I stated as I raised my hand to silence him, "I need to get out of here."


Oh, the way she feels
about me has changed
Thanks for playing, try again.


"Alonsha, please." I heard Justin plea as I made my way out the door and down the hall. I ignored him and made my way down the stairs. Everybody was on the couch, laughing at some movie. I couldn't see it through the tears welling up in my eyes.

"Tiffany, I'm leaving." I announce, not even bothering to stop walking.

"Whoa, slow down Speedy Gonzalas!" Tiffany said as she followed closely behind me.

"Tiffany, I want to leave." I said as I wiped the tears from my eyes.

"What happened?" she asked concerned. I could feel myself choke up. I was ready to enter the ugly cry. The one with the hard breathing, and hiccupping.

"Can we talk about it in the car?" I squeaked out before sniffling and wiping away a new set of tears. Tiffany nodded.

"Guys! We're out!" she shouted before opening the door. I walked out and she followed, pulling the door shut behind her. As we made our way down the unpaved driveway, I tried to concentrate on the crackling sound of the rocks beneath my feet, rather than the pounding headache I could feel echoing through my head.

We finally reach the car, Tiffany offers to drive. I hop in the passanger side and Tiffany gets in the driver's seat. We both put on our seat belts and she puts the key in the ignition. The whole time she's pulling out of the driveway, down the hill, and pass the gates, I'm trying to formulate the right words to explain exactly what happened.

"So. . .what happened?" Tiffany asked timidly. I look out of the window and watch the scenery go by in a blur. My mind back tracked to New York. To the wonderful night I had with Justin. To the moment we kissed. To the feeling of content and pleasure that overwhelmed my body when he placed his lips on top of mine. . .

"It was all a lie." I whispered, more to myself than Tiffany.

"What was a lie?" I turned my head and faced her. She was gonna be angry. Well, more disappointed than angry, that I didn't tell her about me and Justin.

"Me and Justin. . .Justin's my. . ." She turned her head from the road briefly to look at me.

"He's your what?"

"Justin and I have been. . .seeing one another. . .for a few months now." She didn't say anything, she just nodded.

"Okay. . ." she mumbled, "So, what happened?" I felt my tears coming back.

"He only went out with me because of some stupid bet." I huffed, "It was just a set up." Being the dramatic being that she is, Tiffany gasped and 'Oh my God'ed.

"That bastard! How could he do something like that!?!" I wiped my tears away.

"Oh well, I should've known." I sniffled, "You don't go from fuckin' Britney Spears to settling for Alonsha Daniels."

"Don't you say that shit, Alonsha!" Tiffany snapped, "Don't you for one fuckin' second think badly about yourself. You are ten times better than Britney in every sense of the word. She's nothing compared to you." I went wide-eyed. I wasn't expecting all that from her. Tiffany and Britney weren't partically close, but I didn't know she despised her.

"Where did all that come from?" I asked with a small smirk.

"I've been holding that in since Justin started dating her ass." I smiled broadly. She smiled back at me.

"Since when do you bite your tongue?"

"Don't be a smartass." She laughed and I did too, "Did you sleep with Justin?" Whoa, so wasn't expecting that.

"Why?"

"Just answer me."

"It happened. . .once." I admitted. She nodded again.

"Was it any good?" I furrowed my brows.

"Yeah, why?" She sighed and mumbled 'damn'. She was quiet for a moment and I was beginning to worry.

"I got it!" she shouted out of nowhere, "We'll tell on him." What?

"Tell on him? Justin?"

"Yeah! We'll call up Lynn and. . ."

"No." Was she insane?

"Why not?"

"Because. . .it's between me and Justin, not his mother." Tiffany rolled her eyes.

"How else is he gonna pay for this?" I laughed. She was so evil.

"Look, I really don't care about making him pay. I just want to go home and stuff my face with some Edy's ice cream."

"And a Brad Pitt movie mania night?" Tiffany asked hopefully.

"Sure," I laughed, "Sure."


Song Credit:

"My Stupid Mouth"- John Mayer

  Forgive Me


He was sitting in the studio in front of the piano. His song book was open to a blank page on top of the black marble-like cover. The only noise that could be heard was the light tapping of his pencil against the piano's white keys. He sighed in fustration as his anger and fatigue began to rise for the millionth time that day.

His sapphire eyes were staring intently at the white page in front of him. It was teasing him. Mocking his creative genius. Telling him that the moment his pencil touched the page, his thoughts would be ruined. He'd never get the words out the way he wanted them to. And judging by the pile of balled up sheets of paper by his trash can, he couldn't argue with that.

Justin couldn't take it anymore. He finally gave up. His hands angrily flipped the book closed. He groaned and took a deep breath, telling himself to calm down. After standing up from the bench of the piano, he walked over to the plush leather sofa where his guitar was placed safely in its case. He sat down with a huff and brung out his guitar. He rested the wooden instrument on his knees and let his fingers gently strum it's sensitive strings.

He didn't even know what he was playing. It was just relaxing. He was no longer preparing for the release of an album that could make or break his career. He was no longer in front of MTV's camera's, letting them watch his recording process. He was just playing a song and singing along.

No cameras. No career decisions. No fustrating interviews or dates to do and meet. He was just. . . Justin.

"What song is that?" Justin's once closed eyes shot open and they landed on the small frame of his mother.

"Hey, mama." he greeted as he put the guitar down and scooted over, allowing her to sit.

"Hey yourself," Lynn joked cheerfully, "Is everything alright, sweetie?" Justin looked up at his mother and frowned.

"No." he whispered. Lynn ran her hand over his shaved head.

"She won't talk to you, huh?" Justin shook his head disappointedly. His mother had be brought into this because of a message on her answering machine. It was Tiffany exposing her son's stupid mistake. He almost cried when heard the message. Tiffany had put Alonsha on the line and the whole time she kept saying that it was okay, and Lynn didn't need to worry. Even though he had done her wrong, Alonsha wouldn't openly place the blame on him. Not once on that message did she say one negative thing about him.

She was cared too much. It made him feel even worse.

"I called her everyday this week, ma." Justin explained, "In the morning, during recording breaks, and before I go to bed." Lynn nodded sadly.

"Well. . . just give her some space to cool off." Justin nodded.

"I didn't want her to find out like that."

"I know, honey." Lynn ran her hand up and down his back, "But she did and you just have to deal with the outcome."

"I was so stupid. . ." Justin complained as he looked down at his hands. He missed her so much.

"Yeah, you were." Lynn agreed, causing Justin to look up and smile.

"You know, you didn't have to agree with me." Justin stated sarcastically.

"Well, it's true."

"I know. . . I just wish she knew how badly I want to just take it back." Justin sighed, "But then again, I don't really regret it." Lynn shot him a confused glance.

"What?"

"I mean, ma. . . Really think about it. If I didn't accept the challenge, I would've never asked her out. And that's the one thing I wouldn't take back." Lynn smiled at her son proudly.

"As much as I'm enjoying this conversation, I don't think I'm the one you should be having it with." Justin looked at his mom and smiled.

"Thanks, mama." Justin said as he embraced his mother. Lynn smiled and hugged him tighter.

"You're welcome, baby."


-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-


"You know what, Alonsha?" I looked up from the papers in front of me.

"What?" I asked Allison as she raised a brow at me.

"It's okay for you to be a little upset." I rolled my eyes. I had cried enough tears over Kyle, I wasn't about to do the same for Justin.

"There's nothing to be upset about." She shot me an annoyed look.

"Don't lie to a pregnant woman. It's bad for her baby." I sighed and smiled. She's been using her pregnancy as an excuse for everything lately.

"You've been saying that same line ever since you got knocked up." Tiffany said and we both laughed as Ally frowned.

"That's not nice." Allison pouted as Jare walked in.

"Wassup, Marky Mark?" Tiffany greeted as he leaned down and hugged her.

"Nothing. . ." he answered nonchalantly as he kissed my cheek.

"Did you get it?" Al asked excitedly. Jared nodded and handed her a plastic bag.

"It's French's too, Blondie." Jared informed her. Allison gasped as she lifted the bright yellow bottle of mustard out of the bag.

"It's beautiful. . ." she mumbled, completely infatuated with it.

"That's so weird," Tiffany sighed, "You hated mustard and now you put it on everything." Ally just shrugged.

"It's the baby." Allison informed as she opened the bottle and proceeded to drizzle its contents over her vanilla ice cream.

"Now that, I will never understand." Jared said as he pretended to barf. We laughed and Jared plopped down next to me.

"Did you send out the invitations?" I asked as he nodded. They were invites to Allison's upcoming baby shower.

"Yeah, but I kept this one." he said as he handed me a lonesome letter, "I didn't know if I should still invite him." I looked down at the pastel yellow envelope. Randy Harlass was written across it neatly. That was Justin's code name. As soon as I read it I could feel the frown forming on my face.

"Yeah. . . thanks." I said softly as Tiffany sat to the right of me.

"Don't you frown over him." she said as she kissed my temple, "We love you. So screw him. . ."

"Yeah. . .Screw him!" Allison shouted through a mouth full of ice cream. I laughed before a knock came from the door.

"I'll get it." I announced as I stood from the sofa. I made my way to the door and opened it.

"I actually found it!" Scott said excitedly as he began to trudge through the door with a supersized teddy bear. The thing was huge! Like the ones you win at amusement parks.

"Smith is the man!" Jared cheered as everyone laughed.

"Yeah, I know." Scott laughed as he placed the thing next to the couch.

"Scottie. . .How did you get this?" Allison asked in shock.

"It just so happens that one of the kids in my class had a uncle that worked at a place that manufactures stuff animals."

"Well I'll be damned," I said with a smile, "He just gave it to you?"

"Well. . .not exactly." he explained, "His wife convinced him."

"And that means?" Tiffany asked amused by his facial expression.

"I kinda flirted my way in." Scott explained as Tiffany laughed.

"That's my boy." she joked as she kissed him briefly. I felt my stomach tighten when he nuzzled into her ear and whispered something that made her laugh.

"Hey, stop boo-loving!" Jared said, interrupting the two. I was relieved. I didn't think I could've stomached much more of it.

I felt miserable. I felt used and dirty. I really was just an object to Justin. I know that in the beginning I was kind of okay with the idea of being a rebound, but when I told Justin he put up this whole act. He told me that he cared for and respected me enough to never do that to me.

But it was all crap. Every last word of it. I wasn't a rebound. I was a prize in some game he had to win. He didn't give two shits about me. It was all about feeding his ego by proving he could fuck any girl he wanted. And apparently he could. I had fallen into the Timberlake Charm hype. I let him sweep me off my feet with his sweet words and romantic gestures. I was so stupid. . . So blind by the fact someone like Justin could be the least bit interested in me in a manner that wasn't strictly platonic.

Could I have been more desperate?

"Stop it." I looked up to see Scott taking Tiffany's spot on the couch.

"What?" I asked innocently.

"He screwed everything over. Not you." I hate it when they read my mind.

"I know. I just. . ."

"You just need to stop beating yourself up over him." He leaned back into the sofa, "He's not worth it."

"I just don't understand how he could do that to you of all people." Jared stated, "You guys were like. . . attached to the hip. Did he even stop to think about the friendship you guys share?" I shrugged and pouted.

"It doesn't matter, Jare. What's done is done." I fell against the back of the sofa. Scott wrapped his arms around me protectively.

"Don't let him get you down." he said as he placed his cheek on the top of my head.

"I'm trying." I mumbled.

"Aww!" Al cooed from the kitchen, "I wanna give you some love." She walked over to me with open arms. Scott released me and I stood, accepting her "love".

"Thanks, Ally." I whispered. She squeezed me tighter.

"I love you more than mustard, girl." Everybody laughed and I couldn't help but giggle.

"I guess that's a good thing." I commented as the doorbell rung.


-*-*-*-*-*-*-


Justin's hand trembled slightly as he reached out and rung the familiar doorbell. He had heard laughter from outside of the apartment door and felt some type of reassure that things would be okay. They apparently were happy, which probably meant that anger was the last thing on their minds.

"Breathe, man. Breathe." Justin coached to himself as he inhaled deeply before exhaling. He felt better. More calm then what he felt on the drive over here.

Until the door swung open.

"Well, well, well." Tiffany said in disbelief. Justin smiled brightly, trying to cover up his anxiety.

"Hey, Tiff. Is Lonsha in?" he asked dumbly. Of course she was in. He had seen her car out back.

"So what if she is?" Okay, attitude. Something Justin was semi-prepared for.

"I really need to talk to her." His southern drawl was beginning to come out heavier than usual. It always happened when he was nervous.

"You didn't say enough on all those messages you left her?"

"Tiffany-" He was interrupted by her hand on his chest shoving him backward. He watched as she stepped out of the apartment, shutting the door behind her.

"What you did was beyond wrong, Justin. You hurt her. Betrayed her, even. She wasn't just your girlfriend, Justin. She was one of your best friends too, and vice versa. Yet, you still manage to pull the balls out of your pants to do this to her. I can't be believe that you, of all people, would do something like this to her."

He looked down ashamed. He knew what he did was beyond wrong, but talk about putting salt in somebody's wounds.

"I know that, Tiffany. You're right. Completely right." he stated sincerely. Tiffany stared at him for a moment before shoving him again.

"You are just a selfish, self-centered son-of-a-bitch, you know that?" He was taken back by her words. Nobody had ever said anything like that to him before. He was being belittled by her. He didn't like it.

"Look, Tiffany. I know you're upset. But it's not what you think. . ."

"So you didn't set up some bet with Trace to sleep with Alonsha and get some type of. . .prize for it?"

"It wasn't about sleeping with her. . ."

"Then why'd you do it?"

"Because I wanted to." That came out wrong. So wrong.

"Because you wanted to?" Tiffany asked in disbelief.

"No. . .Tiffany that came out. . ."

"The way that you intended it to."

"No. . ."

"Yes. You are a disgusting. . .pig." Tiffany said as she walked back into the apartment. Slamming the door in his face in the process.


-*-*-*-*-*-


When Tiffany came huffing and mumbling profanities, everybody looked up.

"Who was that?" Allison asked as she polished off her ice cream.

"Justin." Everybody grew quiet.

"What did he want?" Alonsha asked timidly.

"You." Then a knock came at the door. Tiffany rolled hers.

"Let me get it." Alonsha offered as she stood. Tiffany was ready to protest, but Scott held her back.

"Let her do it." he whispered as Alonsha made her way out of the kitchen. When she reached the door, her body froze when she heard his pleading voice.

"Alonsha, please open the door." He sounded so wounded. But how dare he act like the victim? It was her who got played, not him. She pulled the door open angrily and stepped out of the apartment while pulling the door shut.

"What?" she asked irritably. Justin eyes met hers and he smiled. She was so beautiful. He missed her, and he was glad to see her, even if she was pissed.

"Hi." It slipped right pass his lips. She looked at him, confused by his choice of words.

"Hi?" she asked annoyed, "You came down here to tell me 'hi'?" He stood there quietly, trying to formulate a sentence. But nothing came to mind.

"I. . .um. . ." Alonsha rolled her eyes and turned to leave. That's when he began to panic. He didn't want her to leave. He reached out and grabbed her arm, pulling her towards him.

She looked down at where his hand held her forearm, "Let go of me." she stated softly. Justin released her arm and took a step back, giving her some space.

"I'm sorry." Justin apologized sincerely.

"And?" Alonsha shot back coldly. Justin sighed. She was doing the 'your words don't phase me' routine.

"I didn't mean to hurt you, Alonsha. I never met for you to find out about the bet the way you did."


Can you forgive me again?
I don't know what I said
But I didn't mean to hurt you


"What way, Justin? Right from your mouth?" She crossed her arms over her chest, "Were you even gonna tell me about it anyway?"

"Yes I would've," he answered honestly, "I just meant that I wouldn't have told you so bluntly."


I heard the words come out
I felt that I would die
It hurt so much to hurt you


"Oh yeah right, Justin! Who do you think you're fooling?" Alonsha asked angrily.

"What the hell is that suppose to mean?" Justin asked.

"It means that everything you just said was bull. You wouldn't have told me and you know it." Alonsha accused.

"I would've told you." Justin said softly, "Honest."

"Honest?" Alonsha huffed, "Do you even know what that word means?"

"Yeah, I do."

"You have funny way of showing it."

"Look, I said I was sorry. . ."

"Yeah, well. . .I'm sorry too. I'm sorry that I believed anything that came out of your mouth over the last few months. I'm sorry that I believed for one moment that we actually had something." Her voice was barely above a whisper when she said those last words. He thought that she was going cry, and his heart broke.


Then you look at me
You're not shouting anymore
You're silently broken


"I just wish you knew how badly I feel about this. I. . . I want to go back and change things. . .but I can't."


I'd give anything now
to kill those words for you


Alonsha nodded and ran her hands over her face, "I know, Jay. I just. . . I can't. . .We can't. . . do this. . .us thing anymore." Justin swallowed hard. She was breaking up with him. He had never caused a break up before. It was a horrible feeling. . .

"Alonsha. . ."

"Justin," she interrupted, "I just think that we're better off as friends."

Better off? "Yeah. . .friends. Friends are cool." Justin smiled at her, assuring her he was fine with it.

"You sure?" she asked. He nodded. Of course he was okay with it. It's not like he had another choice. He was glad that she even offered him a friendship. Who was he to reject it?


Each time I say something I regret I cry "I don't want to lose you."
But somehow I know that you will never leave me, yeah.


"I'm glad that you don't hate me. I was a little worried." Justin said as he played with his fingers.

"I never hated you, Jay. I don't think I'm capable of hating you." He smiled. That was the reassurance he needed to hear.


'Cause you were made for me
Somehow I'll make you see
How happy you make me


"Good because I don't think I would've been able to handle that." He rocked nervously on his heels. Alonsha looked up at him and smiled, almost causing his heart to stop.

"Damn! You love me that much?" she joked as Justin laughed.

"I love you this much. . ." he said as he outstretched his arms as far as they could go. Alonsha laughed at his childish behavior.

"You are such a dork."


I can't live this life
Without you by my side
I need you to survive


Justin thanked her before walking up and embracing her warmly, "I'm really sorry." he whispered as his chin rested on the top of her head.

"I know," Alonsha said as she pulled back enough to look into his eyes, "I know."


So stay with me
You look in my eyes and I'm screaming inside that I'm sorry


He kissed her forehead and held her tighter. He had made a huge mistake and didn't plan on ever doing it again. His stupidity nearly cost him somebody that meant a lot to him. He had hurt one of the few people in his life that never did anything to cause him pain. He would never do it again. She meant too much to him to risk losing her. Way too much. . .


And you forgive me again
You're my one true friend
And I never meant to hurt you



Song Credit:

"Forgive Me"- Evanescene

  Mixed Up Emotions


I heard them. It was so loud that I almost turned around. But I felt Justin pulling my hand. I didn't look up though. Justin told that the moment I did, I'd be blinded my their cameras' vicious flashes and their deafening shouts about who I was and why I was with him.

It's not the first time I had to deal with paparazi, but it rarely happened at such a close rage. I could literally hear them breathing. I didn't understand it. This was Justin. . . he wasn't anything extraordinary. He shits, showers, and shaves like everybody else. He's not some immaculate being that deserves to be idolized.

"You alright?" I looked up to see Justin's blue eyes staring back at me.

"Yeah. . .I'm cool." He smiled and released my hand. I shoved it in my pocket, trying to get the warmth back.

"Yo L," Justin's bodyguard brushed past me and came to Justin's side, "We're gonna be over there." he stated as he pointed across the room. Lonnie nodded and Justin made his way to a table in the corner, I followed closely.

"Why do you even try to come here?" I asked curiously as I sat in the chair Justin pulled out for me, "Those guys are like a pack of hungry wolves." Justin laughed and sat down across from me.

"I know," he commented as he adjusted in his seat, "But they have really good sandwiches." I smiled and shook my head.

"It's always about food with you, I swear."

"Well it wouldn't be if a certain somebody cooked like she used to." I rolled my eyes at his sarcastic way of being subtle.

"I don't work for you." I complained as Justin made a face I knew all too well, "No."

"What? I don't know what you're talking about." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I'm not gonna work for you." He pouted and sighed.

"What's wrong with working for me?" I rolled my eyes.

"I would get paid for doing nothing."

"You're like the only person I know who would complain about that." he whined as a waitress came to our table.

"Welcome to The Ivy. I'm Lucy and I'll be taking your orders today." She smiled and Justin smiled at her politely.

"Well it's nice to meet you Lucy." he said cheerfully, causing her to blush.

"Thank you sir." I was so ready to laugh. She was acting like Justin told her that she was the sexiest thing alive.

"Well, you're very welcome." She giggled, "What's the special for today?" She stared at him blankly for a moment and since I know women as well as I do, she was definitely fantasizing.

"Oh. . .um. . ." Justin raised a brow and smiled, "We have. . .Oh yeah, we have the grilled chicken club sandwich. It's served on a kaiser roll with a tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and bacon." Justin nodded.

"Sounds good." She wrote down his order and turned to me.

"And you ma'am?" Oh, so now I exist?

"Well. . .um, I'll have the chef salad." She wrote on her notepad and excused herself. Justin turned to face me and smiled.

"She was cute wasn't she?" I raised a brow and rolled my eyes.

"She was putty in your hands if that's what you're asking." He laughed toyed with the napkin dispenser.

"I was just saying the girl was cute." He shrugged and everything got quiet. It's been like this a lot. The awkward silences. I used to be able to joke with him, but now I can't. I'm afraid that he'll slip into flirty mode and turn it into something sexual. Now that would be awkward, taking the fact that since we were together, I've been dreaming about him every night.

"So how's Trace?" I asked trying to spark some conversation. He shrugged again and sat up in his chair.

"He's cool, I guess."

"You guess?" He looked up at me and smirked.

"Ever since he went to see Elisha last week, calling me hasn't been much of a priority." I laughed when he began to pout.

"Aww, does Justin miss his Tracey-poo?" I mocked as he threw a small ball of napkin at me.

"Shut up." He smiled as I threw the paper back before being interrupted by the arrival of our food. I watched as Justin reached over and poured a puddle of ketchup on the side of his plate and dipped his fries in it, one by one, as he ate them.

"Why don't you just pour ketchup over the entire thing?" I asked as he looked up at me confused.

"Pour what on what now?"

"Your fries, man." He looked at his plate and swallowed what was in his mouth.

"Why would I do that for?" he asked, "It makes your hands all yucky when you're done."

"What?"

"If I were to pour the ketchup all over my fries, I wouldn't have a dry spot to hold it, so the ketchup would get on my fingers. . .and that's just nasty."

"Oh yeah, you don't like sticky stuff on your hands." He made a face. A face that told me something dirty ran through his mind. But he didn't say anything. He just looked down and blushed.

"Yeah. . .well. . ." It was getting awkward again. Horribly awkward.

"How about the album?" I asked happily. He stuffed some fries in his mouth.

"I'm almost done, but I wanted to ask you something."

"What?" I asked unsure.

"I want you to help me with a song." I looked at him confused.

"Why would you need my help?" He laughed.

"I want you to sing on one of the tracks." I laughed. I laughed so hard because he couldn't be serious.

"Sure, Justin. . ." I reached over and grabbed one of his fries.

"I'm serious," His eyes widened with excitement, "It'll be cool."

"Justin. . .I can't sing." He took a piece of cheese off of my salad.

"So what?" He stuffed the cheese in his mouth, "You don't really have to sing." Okay, now I'm lost.

"Then what the hell do you want me to do?" He smiled brightly.

"It's this song called 'Señorita', alright?"

"And that means?"

"Look, there's this part of the song where I get the audience involved. The guys say 'It feels like something's heating up, can I leave with you?' Then the ladies go, 'I don't know, but I'm thinking 'bout, really leaving with you.'" I need you to be a part of the ladies' group. Tiff and Ally can do it too."

"So, there's no singing?" He shrugged.

"It's more of a talking to the beat sort of thing." He smiled, "So, will you be a part of history in the making?" I laughed and nodded.

"Sure. . .why not?"


-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-


"I can't believe we just did that!" Allison said excitedly as we plopped down on the couch. We laughed lightly and slouched further into the softness of the sofa.

I sighed and my eyes roamed around the lounging area of the studio. Justin was inside the actual recording area going over the track again with Pharrell, "perfecting it" as Justin liked to call it.

"We can say we're featured on a CD with Justin Timberlake!" Tiffany said with fake enthusiasm, causing us to laugh again.

"Justin would be pissed if he heard you mocking him." I warned as Tiffany rolled her eyes.

"Pssh. . ." She made a face, "Blue can kiss my Chicana ass!" I laughed and Allison poked my thigh.

"Hey, speaking of lover boy, how's things going?" I shrugged and played with the hem of my skirt.

"Okay. . .minus the awkwardness." They both nodded.

"It's to be expected," Tiffany informed me, "You slept with him." I rolled my eyes.

"Damn Tiffany! Why don't you just tell the world?" She huffed and pushed me.

"Oh stop it. It's just us." Right when she said that, Trace walked inside with a broad smile, Justin was right on his heels.

"So, how does it feel to be singers?" Trace mocked. We all laughed.

"I think I did an exceptional job." Allison joked, "I think I earned myself a Grammy." We all laughed at her when she claimed that she was serious.

"How was the perfection process?" I asked as I turned to face Justin. Everybody else had entered another conversation.

"Perfect." I rolled my eyes as he moved my elbow off of the armrest and sat down.

"You know, my arm was there." He smiled at me.

"So? I needed a seat."

"And?"

"And I got one." I glared at him and he laughed. I reached out and pinched his thigh. He yelped and laughed.

"Don't be a smartass."

"Don't touch the merchandise." he shot back. I reached out to pinch him again and he grabbed my hands, holding them in his.

"Let go of me. You have cooties." I whined as he laughed.

"You're worse than Jon, you know that right?" I stuck my tongue out at him, "Correction, you're worse than Steve."

"How dare you tell me that I'm worse than a five year old." He laughed and let go of my hands.

"How dare you act like it." I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms.

"I'm not talking to you after I finish this sentence." Justin laughed and poked me.

"Aww. . . C'mon Beautiful. . . Talk to me!" I ignored his pleas successfully until he tickled my sides.

"Stop it, asswipe!" I whined while I laughed.

"No." He continued to tickle me to the point where I stood up.

"I'm not playing, Jay. You're being immature." He stood up in front of me and smiled.

"And?" He reached out and grabbed me. His hands began to tickle me mercilessly and I giggled myself to tears. Justin was laughing along with everybody else.

"You better stop, Justin." Tiffany warned, "The last time Lonnie laughed that hard, she puked." Justin paused for a minute and I tried to regain my normal breathing pattern.

"Ew. . . You puked?" he asked with a disgusted look on his face. I breathed in deeply before exhaling.

"So what if I did?" He made a gaging sound, "Hey! I was drunk!" I argued as he stopped laughing.

"You were drunk?" Trace asked as I nodded. Him and Justin gave each other disbelieving glances before laughing.

"You have to be the most responsible person I know," Justin said after his laughing fit, "You don't even cross the street unless the light is green and you're at the curb." Everybody laughed.

"I'm just being safe about things. Excuse me for not jumping in the middle of LA traffic." Tiffany snorted.

"Girl please!" she laughed, "You spend like ten minutes at a STOP sign."

"One time this old lady beeped at her because she was taking so long." Allison added on. They all laughed again and I stood there, feeling out of place. Why does everybody turn on me?

"You guys are evil. Screw all of you bitches." I complained as I walked out of the room. I heard their laughter as I made my way down the hall to this cafeteria-like area of the building. I was making my way over to the coffee machine when I heard a familiar giggle.

"Beautiful. . ." he called in a sing-song tone, "Don't be mad." I rolled my eyes and poured some sugar and cream into my cup.

"Go to hell, you bastard." I grumbled as I added the coffee to the mix. I heard him walking over to me as his sneakers squeaked against the tile floor.

"Save me a seat?", I didn't answer, "We were only joking."

"Don't you mean ganging up on me?" I questioned as I watched his hands rest on either side of me. I could feel his breath on the back of my neck and his chest moving pressing against my back.

"I'm sorry that you felt that way." he whispered.

That's when I began to feel them. The butterflies. They were all over the place. The moment his breath met my ear, I couldn't control them. He was so close. He hasn't been this close since we broke up. It was a comfortable awkwardness, but it was still something we shouldn't be doing.

"What are you doing?" I asked softly. I felt him twitch against my back while sucking in a breath.

"Sorry. . ." he apologized as he pulled away from me. I turned to face him and I watched his hands dig deep inside his pockets as he rocked on his heels. He was looking at the ground blushing and refusing to meet my gaze.

"Justin?" He bit his bottom lip and looked up cautiously. I smiled and he seemed to get redder.

"I'm sorry for being so. . . weird. I just. . . I don't know." he laughed nervously, "There's really no reason as to why I just did that."

"There's always a reason." His eyes left mine and rested on something behind me.

"I didn't exactly want to break up with you, Alonsha." I stared blankly at him for a moment, completely caught off guard by his words.

"You said you were fine with it." He laughed sarcastically.

"I didn't really have a choice." he explained, "If I were to tell you that I wanted to stay with you, what would have happened?" He tilted his head to the side and looked at me expectantly.

"We probably would've gotten into an argument that would've made matters worse." I smiled and he nodded.

"Exactly." Things got quiet and I fiddled with my fingers.

"So, what now?" I asked as he looked at me.

"What do you mean?"

"Well. . .now that I know you still wanna be with me, I don't know what we're suppose to do." I answered honestly. I looked at the ground and nervously waited for his response. He didn't say anything for a while, but then I saw his feet inching across the floor, closer to me.

"It depends. . ." I looked up at him, "How do you feel. . . about me?" I never seen him blush so much in my life. He was so nervous about my answer. Shit, I was nervous about my answer. How do I feel about him? It was plain as day how I felt. He meant a lot to me. He made me feel things that I never thought I'd feel again. The man's sexy as hell. . . but all of that doesn't matter. I don't know if I trust him.

To trust, or not to trust? A question I no longer had the answer to. Sure I trusted Justin. . . friendship-wise. But even now I was questioning that. He played the hell out of me. He used me to win a bet. Used. That's such a strong word. . .

"I. . . don't know, Jay." He sighed disappointedly, "I mean. . . Justin I know how I feel, but I don't know if I can. . . trust you. You know what I'm sayin'?" He nodded and smiled weakly.

"Yeah. . . I know." He bit his bottom lip, "I have my own trust issues." What? He didn't trust me?

"You don't trust me?" I asked calmly.

"No, I do. Just not in the romantic sense." he explained, "Britney's like the third girl that has found some way to break my heart into a million pieces. I don't know if I'm really willing to put myself in the position to get hurt again."

"You know I would never hurt you." I said earnestly. He smiled down at me.

"Yeah. . . Like you know I would never hurt you?" His question got me. I understood what he was getting at. It was the same thing I was questioning.

"Point taken." We laughed briefly.

"Alonsha. . . I just want you to understand that the bet was probably one of the worst decisions I could've ever made. I was thinking with my ass instead of my head and I apologize for the millionth time."

"I know. . . It's just. . . hard to get over the fact that you didn't stop to think it through." He nodded.

"I know, I'm an ass." There was another silence before Justin laughed. I looked at him confused.

"What?" I asked as his eyes found mine. His tongue ran over his pink lips slowly.

"I was thinking about kissing you for a moment, but then I realized you'd probably smack the hell out of me if I tried." He laughed again and I laughed too, out of nervousness. Why'd he have to say that?

"Well. . . that's an interesting thought." I commented before he laughed again.

"I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."

"So you tell me you want to kiss me?" He smiled.

"Sorry. . . But you know how blunt I can be."

"Don't I ever. . ." I mumbled as we laughed. He stepped closer to me.

"You know. . . I still got an urge to kiss you." I looked up at him with a playful grin.

"What if I smack you?" I smiled. He laughed and stepped closer.

"I think I'm willing to risk it. . ." he whispered. His lips laid on top of mine. They were so warm. . . so soft. . . so Justin. . .

But is was so wrong. Why was I standing here kissing him like there was nothing wrong with it? He wasn't my boyfriend. He was my friend. The same friend that used me to win a bet. The same man that is probably using me to get over the girl that broke his heart months ago. The same man that will find a way to hurt me again. . .

I pulled away from the kiss. For one, I needed air. And two, it wasn't right. He looked at me confused for a moment before the worst thing that could've happened did. . .

"Ahem." We both jumped and turned towards the voice. We were met by three pairs of eyes. Tiffany was the leader of the pack with a grin the size of Tennessee.

"Well, well, well. . ." Trace taunted. Justin cleared his throat and I bit my bottom lip nervously.

"Sorry for interrupting the awkward vibe running through the place, but I did come in here to eat." Ally said as she brushed past me and to the fridge.

"Well. . . I have to get going." I stated hurriedly. Trace looked at me completely amused by the situation.

"Since when?" he asked incredulously.

"I forgot that I promised Tom I'd help him with his job application." It wasn't a complete lie. It was just three days too early.

"Right. . ." I heard him say as I turned away from Justin.

"Come on Al." I said as I began to walk out of the room, "Tiff, you coming?" She raised a brow at me and smiled.

"Damn straight I'm coming." I rolled my eyes, knowing that I was going to be hit with a million questions once we got inside of the car.


-*-*-*-*-*-


After the girls left, Justin and Trace headed back into the studio. They were playing with their guitars and fiddling with the many buttons lining the recording station when Trace spoke, interrupting the silence.

"What the hell was that?" Trace asked jokingly as Justin grinned.

"I don't know what you're talking about." His fingers lightly strummed the strings of his guitar.

"Stop shittin' me, man!" Trace complained as Justin laughed, "You guys back together already?" He nudged him playfully.

"I don't know. . ." he answered with a shrug, "I just kissed her."

"But she let you." Trace argued. Justin shrugged again.

"You know how women are with their complicated theories about relationships," Justin placed the guitar in its case, "And you should know by now that Alonsha's in a class of her own." Trace laughed.

"Look man, all I'm saying is if I was to make the effort to kiss a girl, she better take it as a hint."

"Hint? Hint to what?" Trace shot him a look.

"A hint that I want to be with her." Trace explained, "You did kiss her to tell her that, right?"

"Says who?"

"You're gonna sit here and tell me that you kissed her just to kiss her?" Justin shrugged.

"I was in search of affection and she was there." Trace's eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

"Dude! Stop. Shittin'. Me." Justin stared blankly at him before cracking up.

"Your face was priceless! I swear!" Trace laughed and pushed him.

"I was about to kick you in the balls for that."

"What? Why?" Justin questioned as Trace shrugged.

"'Cause man, I feel bad about the whole bet thing. It would've been beyond fucked up if you screwed the girl over again." Justin nodded in agreement.

"I know. But I don't know what's going on. . . I mean I kissed her to show how much I'm feeling for her, but Alonsha just doesn't fall for shit that easily. I'm just hoping that she felt as much as I did in that kiss. . ."

  A Shower of Confusion


It was baby shower time. Everybody was gathered at Ally's & Jared's house. It was a small get together. Tiffany, Scott, Jare, and Ally all invited their families. The moms were gathered on the back porch. The dads were out back with the moms, but were talking about golf and all that other shit. The siblings were all doing their separate things. The girls were upstairs, probably gossiping, and the boys were in the den playing video games. It was pretty cozy and light hearted. Ally invited Bridget. Tiffany brought Karen and I invited Michelle, a fellow counselor at the center.

"Are you all comfortable?" I asked as I greeted all the parents out back. They all nodded and I made my way into the kitchen through the back door.

"Are you guys done talking about lady things?" Scottie asked as I smiled at him. All the boyfriends have successfully isolated themselves within the confines of the kitchen. They were all huddled at the table drinking beers and playing cards.

"Nah, just a few more minutes before the food's ready though." That earned me some cheers. I laughed and walked back out the kitchen to join the ladies in the living room.

"Are they okay?" Tiffany asked as I returned to my spot next to her on the sofa.

"Yeah, they're just waiting for food." She shakes her head and laughs. I look down at my watch and roll my eyes. It's been an hour into this thing and Justin's a no show. Part of me was rejoicing though, hoping that he would call and cancel. I know it's wrong but I'm not a confrontational person. How do you tell a guy that you didn't mean to kiss him?

"Sorry I'm late." It's him. His voice is coming from the kitchen. The guys must've let him in through the back door. Damn it, what do I do now?

My eyes landed on the kitchen door, waiting for his figure to appear at any moment. What if he's confused and thinks that we made up? What if he comes out here and kisses me in front of everybody? That would be terribly awkward.

"Hey ladies!" Justin busted into Allison's living room, bearing gifts.

"Jay, you made it." Ally said cheerfully as he walked over and kissed her cheek. All the women smiled and stared at him in awe.

"You know I wouldn't miss this." he stated sincerely. All of the women awed in unison as his hand ran over her round belly softly. I was just frozen in place. He didn't even look in my direction. Hopefully it would stay that way.

"So Blue, what did you bring?" Tiffany asked curiously. Damn her. He smiled at her and walked over towards us.

"Just a little something something for the little one." He placed the basket of goodies on the gift table before facing me, "Beautiful. . ." he said with a tiny nod and playful smile. The small playful smile that was spread across his face the night we. . .

"Hey Justin." I say nonchalantly. He smiles at me and raises a brow. I'm confused by his flirty demeanor, but I ignored it, "It's about time you showed up."

"I'm sorry, but I got caught up in an interview." he explained before Karen cut in.

"Oh, don't worry about," She smiled, "We all know how busy you can be." Talk about being an obvious flirt. She was practically drooling.

"Thank you for being so understanding." He smiled and she turned a shade of crimson. Karen has got to be kidding me.

"Um. . . Do you guys mind if we head into the den? We wanna teach the amateurs how to play some video games." Jared asked as he walked out of the kitchen, followed by the group of men. Allison rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, but we'll be calling for dinner in a few." she informed. They all nodded before heading out.

"Is there a place where I can put this?" Justin held up his jacket.

"Yeah, you can put it in that closet." Allison pointed it out and Justin thanked her before hanging up his jacket.

"So are you going to join us in our little discussion here, Justin?" Bridget asked sweetly.

"Well, it depends on the topic." Justin took at seat on the recliner next to my spot on the couch.

"We're talking about how lazy men are and how they always leave it up to the women to do all the baby things. Changing diapers, feeding. . ." Justin cut her off.

"I have to disagree." Everybody rolled their eyes.

"Of course you would." Tiffany said as we laughed. Justin smiled and nodded calmly.

"The problem with you women is that you always categorize men in two ways, the lazy and the lazier." We laughed, "But you don't see it through a man's preceptive."

"And what's that?" Allison asked, completely unimpressed.

"When a man sees a baby, he gets scared. It's not laziness that makes us put on the work on the women, it's fear."

"Come on, Justin!" Michelle cut in, "Fear of what?"

"Making a mistake. Men know that they're idiots when it comes to things like that."

"And what does that justify? Don't women have the fear of making a mistake with the child?" I inquired.

"This is true," Justin smiled, "But women have mother nature on their sides. They're born nurturers, so even though they're scared, they always have their instincts to fall back on." All the women nodded.

"But what about sex." Bridget cut in, "Guys basically have the control in the bedroom and always talk about how great they are. But as soon as it comes down to the actual performance, they don't have a clue about what they're doing. We have to teach them how it's done." I laughed along with everybody else on that note. Justin scratched his cheek nervously.

"Well, that's not always true. Some guys don't need any help. Does anyone agree? Alonsha?" As soon as he spoke my name my eyes widened. Was he really expecting me to say anything about sex in front of everybody?

"Alonsha what?" I asked timidly.

"Do you agree or disagree?" he asked with a smile the size of Tennessee. So he wants to put me on the spot? I'll teach him not to mess with Alonsha Daniels.

"Well, I'd have to agree with Bridget." I smiled at him, "The last guy I slept with had no idea what he was doing." His face was the color of a beet by the time I finished my sentence. Everybody laughed, but Ally and Tiffany stood out the most. They both shot me knowing glances.

"Okay, I'm done with the discussion." Justin announced as he stood up from his seat. We laughed as he headed inside of the kitchen.

"That wasn't nice." Tiffany laughed.

"So what? That's what he gets for trying to be cocky." I smiled before being interrupted.

"I don't know what you're cooking, but it seems to be burning." I looked up to see Justin's head sticking out of the kitchen door.

"What?" I asked dumbly as I stood from my seat. He pushed the door opened and allowed me to walk in. I made my way to the stove and oven, checking to make sure everything was in place. He lied. Nothing was burning.

But then I felt him. Pressed up against me. I froze when I felt his hands run over my shoulder and down my arm.

"I missed you these last few days." he whispered. I closed my eyes and allowed his voice to wash over me. I finally snapped out of my dream world and realized that the longer this continued, the more confusing things would be.

"Justin, we need to talk." I said as I turned to face him. Big. Huge. Enormous mistake.

His mouth was on mine before I could blink. But to make matters worse, I never fought him off. In fact, I frenched him. Damn him. This wasn't supposed to be this hard. . . Speaking of hard. . .

"Is there a place we can go?" Justin asked softly as our lips parted briefly. My body screamed 'Yes, anywhere.' But my mind wouldn't allow it.

"No, Jay. We have to talk." I said as he backed up, allowing me enough space to walk over towards the fridge. He stood in front of me, but left a two feet distance.

"What's the matter?" His face was so full of worry. He had taken my kiss seriously and thought we made up. I felt so bad.

"Justin, that was a mistake." I gestured toward our previous spot in front of the stove.

"The food?" he asked innocently. I almost laughed at the look on his face.

"No, Justin. . ." I turned my gaze to a spot on the floor, "The kiss."

"Oh." I looked back at him. He was playing with his watch. His Jake the Jeweler watch. The watch that probably cost more than my car.

"Justin, I know that I shouldn't have kissed. But I wasn't really thinking with my head because I was too busy thinking with other. . . things." He smiled.

"Other things, huh?" I rolled my eyes and smiled too.

"Don't even, Jay."

"Your words, not mine." he mumbled. Then things grew silent.

"I'm really sorry for confusing you. Hell, I confused my damn self." I laughed nervously and Justin nodded while pursing his lips.

"So, you don't want to be with me?" he asked suddenly. I stared at him for a moment and looked down.

What kind of question was that? Do I want to be with him? Yes. But can I be with him? No. I don't trust him. Plain and simple.

"It's not about what I want, Justin. It's about what I need."

"Then what do you need, Lonnie?" I shrugged and pouted.

"I can't be with someone I don't trust." Justin sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Trust is something that is built throughout a relationship, Beautiful. It's not something that happens all at once." Did he think I didn't know what trust was?

"Justin, I know what trust is. I don't trust you anymore because of what you did." He stepped forward.

"I thought you forgave me."

"I did."

"Then what the hell?" he asked frustratedly, "Why can't we do this?"

"Because how am I suppose to know that this time it's genuine?" He took my hand.

"I told that I was sorry, and that I'll never hurt you again. I meant that. I mean that."

"Like you meant it before?" He dropped my hand, "Justin, you said a lot of things that I just can't believe anymore. You lied to me for five months without flinching."

"I wasn't lying to you. I was with you because I wanted to be with you. It wasn't about the bet."

"If it wasn't about the bet, then why didn't you just tell me?" I questioned.

"Because. . . I was really happy. Truly happy. I didn't want to lose that."

"So you keep it away from me instead of being upfront about things?" I asked incredulously, "How would you feel if I did that to you?" He shrugged.

"I'd probably be upset too."

"Exactly." He sighed.

"So what now?" he asked, "Do you want to be friends?" I didn't want to be his damn friend. I wanted to take him right here and now, but my pride made me hold my ground.

"Yeah. . . friends." Justin stared at me.

"No." What?

"No?" I asked, confused by his reaction.

"I don't want to be your damn friend," he whined, "I want to kiss you, touch you, be with you, Beautiful."

Don't say those words, please don't. "Justin. . ."

"I don't believe it, for one second, when you say you want to be my friend and how you can't be anything more than that." He has me there.

"I don't care what you believe, Justin. I'm telling you. . ."

"A bunch of bull." he inserted, "You want me just as much as I want you." He was right again. So what? Doesn't mean shit.

"Whatever Justin." I said while brushing past him, "I don't want to discuss this anymore."

"Why?" he asked annoyed, "Because you know I'm right?"

Yes. "No, you're not right." I corrected, "You don't want me Justin. There's a difference."

"What do you mean I don't want you? If I didn't want you, would I be standing here opening myself up to hurt and disappointment by telling you how I feel?"

"So now I'm going to hurt and disappointment you?" I asked, "What kind of shit is that?"

"I don't know if you're going to hurt or disappointment me, Alonsha. I don't know if anybody's going to hurt me. But I think that you're worth the risk." Worth the risk? He thought I was worth the risk. I just wish I felt the same way.

"I'm sorry, I'm just not willing to put myself out there again." Justin sighed and licked his lips.

"Fine." he threw his hands up in surrender, "I'm leaving."

"You can't leave," I protested, "Allison wants you here." He shook his head with an unamused smile.

"Do you want me here?" What the hell is up with the damn questions?

"It's not my baby shower." I stated as I made my way over to the stove.

"Why can't you just answer the question?" he asked angrily.

"Why can't you stop asking them?" I shot back.

"You know what, Alonsha?" he sneered, "I won't ask you anymore questions."

"Good." I sneered back.

"A matter of fact," He puffed up with pride, "I won't talk to you at all!"

"Even better!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!" Then he stormed out of the kitchen. I was so upset that I didn't realize how hard I was breathing.

I took in a deep breath and calmed myself down with peaceful thoughts. After I regained my normal breathing pattern, I began to place the meals in their separate dishes.

"Is everything alright? Justin nearly knocked me over on my way in." It was Karen. I didn't bother to look at her.

"Everything's fine." I confirmed sternly.

"You sure, because. . ."

"Karen. . ." I cut in, "Please. Just drop it, okay?" She appeared at my side and handed me another dishes for the mash potatoes.

"Okay," she said softly, "I'll just help you move the food out into the dining room." I smiled at her and nodded.

"Thanks, Kay."


-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-


This has got to be the worse day of my life. Here I am, standing up and watching everybody sit in their assigned seat. Where was my seat? Right next to Justin. But I couldn't sit there. It was still very tense between us, and I was desperately looking for someone to switch seats with. But everybody was sitting next to their significant other. . .

Aha! Tylicia! She'll trade seats with me.

"Ty," I called as she was about to take her seat, "Can we switch seats?" She shot me a confused look.

"You don't want to sit next to Justin?" she asked in disbelief.

"I can't." I explained. Her eyes went across the table to Justin, who was placing the dinner rolls in the center of the table, before glancing back at me.

"You sure you don't want to sit next to Mr. Sexy?" She wiggled her eyebrows. I forgot that she was a. . . flirt.

"No I don't." I answered irritably. She shrugged and moved from her seat. I thanked her before sitting down. I watched as she made her way to Justin. He looked at her, confused as to why she was sitting next to him. She smiled and he smiled back weakly before meeting my gaze. He didn't look too happy.

"Here." I looked up at Michelle who was handing me a plate.

"Thanks." I mumbled softly, thankful that she broke the awkward tension of Justin's stare. After everybody was given their plates and eating utensils, we settled in our seats as we prepared for prayer. Jewel, Ally's mom, cleared her throat to get everybody's attention.

"Who would like to say grace?" she asked softly with a smile.

"Um. . ." Justin said timidly, "I'd like to say grace." Everybody smiled and joined hands. I closed my eyes and everybody else followed suit.

"You can go on, Justin." I heard Jewel inform before Justin cleared his throat and began.

"Dear Lord, we want to thank you for everything you have given us. We especially want to thank you for all the friends, and family that we have. We're grateful for the friendship and love that can be felt in this room, but we don't want to forget the glue that holds it all together: trust." That got my attention, "Something that takes a lot of time and effort to earn, but can be lost by a simple turn of events. We want to pray for those that have lost trust in someone, or has made someone lose trust in them. We ask that you help to heal those broken relationships and allow them to prosper. Amen."

"Amen." Everybody said in unison.

"Nice prayer, man." Jared congratulated as he smiled brightly. Justin blushed and shrugged it off.

"Thanks." he said shyly. I hadn't realized that I was staring at him until he was staring back at me. He smiled and I gave a weak one back. He was trying to reconcile. I know that. But his reconciliation meant trying out our relationship again, and I still couldn't do it.

"Could you pass me the chicken?" Dan, Scott's father, asked. I handed him the bowl of chicken, breaking eye contact with Justin, and he thanked me.

"You're welcome." I said politely as I turned my full attention to the table. There was a whole lot of people in here. The sounds of chatter, and the chimming of spoons & plates filled the entire room. Everybody was so happy.

Everybody but me.

  Why Must I Confuse Myself?

"Look Alonsha, if you're gonna mope and groan all day, then maybe you should just work things out with him." I looked at Tiffany like she was completely insane before rolling my eyes.

"I'll be damned if I get up and try to fix something that I didn't break." I argued as I furrowed my brows angrily. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Al, can you tell the girl that she's being ridiculous?" Allison licked the remaining ice cream off of her spoon before turning to me.

"You're being ridiculous." she informed with a small smile. I rolled my eyes.

"Can you tell Tiffany that she can kiss my ridiculous ass?" Allison laughed before turning to Tiffany.

"Lonnie says you can kiss her. . ."

"I heard her." Tiffany grumbled before pinching my side. I yelped and threw the couch pillow at her head.

"Bitch." She turned and flipped me off before sitting on the floor by my feet.

"So what are you going to do?" she asked softly. I just shrugged and pouted. What was I going to do? Ever since Ally's baby shower, I haven't seen or spoken to Justin. That was two weeks ago.

"Well you better figure something out soon," Allison warned, "He goes home in two days. Well one, since he leaves the day after tomorrow. . ."

"I know. . ." I groaned. It was Christmas time, but I wasn't in the holiday mood. Everything wasn't going as planned. For one thing, I was suppose to be married, and we see how that turned out. Second, Justin and I were suppose to go shopping in London today, but of course we aren't. Well, I'm not at least. Justin still went, as I found out earlier through Elisha.

"So, you're just gonna let him leave and never speak to him until New Year's?" Allison asked with a hint of annoyance in her voice.

"Pretty much." I stated sadly. She huffed and shoved me.

"Alonsha Claire Daniels!" She did not just use my full name.

"Oh no you didn't. . ." I said in complete shock.

"Yes I did." she shot back, "You are being ridiculous." I rolled my eyes.

"Am not." Tiffany laughed at my childish expression.

"See, you need Justin." I looked at her confused.

"Where the hell did you get that conclusion from?" I questioned. She gave me a look.

"Don't act like you don't miss the way you guys used to go on and on with the 'Am not, Are too,' business."

"I never said I didn't miss it." I looked down at my hands, "I do miss him you guys." I felt Allison rub her hand up and down my back and I heard Tiff 'aw', but it really didn't help.

I missed Justin. I missed my Randy Candy. I missed the way he would call me 'sweet thang' before informing me he was a pimp. I missed the way he would laugh at my jokes and make me smile when I felt my worst. I missed the way he kissed me. It was always soft and gentle. I missed the way he would hold my hand proudly as we walked to the local Coffee Bean. I missed my friend. I missed my man. . .

"If you miss him, go get him." Ally whispered. I looked up at her then at Tiffany. They wanted me to be with him. They wanted me to be happy. So did I. But I was scared. And stubborn. But mostly scared.

He could hurt me. Badly. Worst then Kyle even. It was because of our friendship. Something I hold so dear to me. If he hurt me in our relationship, he'd be hurting our friendship too. If I'm being completely honest here, the bet wasn't so much the problem. Justin was a bet maker and a prankster. It didn't really surprise me that he did what he did. . . But it was me. His friend. He didn't even stop to think about our friendship. It made me feel like I was too attached and that our relationship didn't mean as much to him as it did to me.

"Hey!" Tiffany yelled, "What were you thinking about?" I just shrugged again.

"Justin." I answered sheepishly.

"Oh, were you thinking, or were you thinking?" She raised a brow suggestively and I laughed despite myself.

"I was just thinking, you pervert." Her and Ally laughed and I rolled my eyes.

"So back to the serious stuff," Allison slouched into her seat, "Are you gonna go after him?"

"I still have tomorrow don't I?" Allison smiled and so did Tiffany. They gave each sideway glances and I knew what was coming.

"GROUP HUG!" they shouted in unison before pouncing on me. It was more Tiffany pouncing than Allison. She couldn't really move with the baby so she opted to snuggle into my shoulder, and hug me silly.

"Okay," I wheezed, "Can't breathe." They just laughed and squeezed me harder.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-

I was here. I finally gathered up my balls and drove to his house. At first I hesitated. I actually sat in my car for ten minutes contemplating on turning around. Wondering if this was all worth it. If he was worth it. If I could handle the pain of losing him in the future. But then I realized that if I didn't try to make this work, I'd lose him anyway.

So I got out of the car. I walked up to the large oak doors of his home and pressed the dimly lit doorbell. I could hear the bell resounding throughout his house. I had a key, but I didn't want to just bust inside of the house and announced that I was there. So I just waited patiently outside of his door. I looked down at my flowery skirt and flip flops before running my hands over my blouse. Yes, I might have put a little effort into my attire today, but if I was going to see Justin, I wanted to look good.

After a few moments, I rung the doorbell again. I was gonna kick his ass if he was asleep, or out. I couldn't tell if he was in or not because the guy had a million cars parked all over the place. It would be ashamed if he wasn't in. All my effort would be in vain.

"Lonsha?" I turned around and saw Justin walking towards me with Belle and Bella, his two dogs. He was smiling at me and it only added to his handsomeness. He was already looking good in his black basketball shorts and white tee that read "White Boy" in bold black letters.

"Hey Justin." I said timidly before I felt two wet tongues on my ankles. I bent down to pet Belle and Bella, "And hello to you too." I cooed as I heard Justin chuckle.

"They missed you." he informed me with a smile. I hope the dogs weren't the only ones who missed me.

"Well, I missed them too." I said as I stood from the ground. I dusted my hands off on the sides of my skirt.

"You look good." Justin commented suddenly. I looked up at him with a smile.

"Thanks," I bit my bottom lip nervously, "You do too."

"Well. . . you know. . . thanks." Justin stuttered as he looked at his sneakers and smiled.

"I wanted to talk to you about something important." I blurted out of nervousness again. Justin looked at me and nodded.

"Sure," he said as he walked up next to me, "Let's go inside." He took a few steps in front of me to open the door. He allowed me to walk in before him. We made our way into the kitchen. I sat on one of the stools in front of the counter.

"Where's Trace?" I asked as Justin looked over at me.

"He's home already." he informed as he made his way around the kitchen. I watched as he took two dog bowls outside and placed them on the ground. Bella and Belle eagerly followed. He was pouring water into each of the bowls and the dogs wasted no time drinking it. He walked back inside, pulling the sliding door shut behind him.

"They sure were thirsty." Justin smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, I took 'em for a walk." he said as he made his way to the sink to wash his hands.

"Well, that explains it." He laughed lightly as he dried up and threw the paper in the trash.

"Speaking of explaining," He pulled out a stool next to me and sat down, "What is it that you want to talk about?" It took me a moment to remember my purpose for being there because of his cologne. It wasn't strong, but when sat down, his scent washed over me. He always smelt so. . . manly.

"Well. . . um, I kind of wanted to talk about us." I looked at him and he stared back.

"What about us?" he asked nervously. I looked down.

"Do you still want there to be an 'us'?" I asked quietly.

"Well duh, Lonnie." He smiled, "I never wanted us to end in the first place."

"You're saying it like it's my fault we broke up." I told him with a little annoyance.

"I'm not," He put his hands up in surrender, "I was the one that screwed things over and I'm sorry."

"I still don't understand why you did it." I admitted.

"I really couldn't tell you if I wanted to." he stated honestly, "All I know is that I didn't mean to hurt you. I would never want to do that." Then his hand came up and rested on mine. I looked at him and then at our hands.

"Justin, I really want us to try. . . to work." A smiled formed across his face, "But I want to go really slow."

"Like granny slow?" he asked jokingly.

"More like a sloth." He hissed and nodded.

"Okay, I guess that means we start all over again?" I looked at him shrugged.

"I don't know, maybe we can be friends again, just for a little while. . ." His hand left mine and he rubbed it against his thigh.

"Okay, friends again." He nodded solemnly, "I've got a problem with that though."

"Problem?" I questioned cautiously.

"Yeah. . . I don't really want to be your friend." I looked at him with wide eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"Alonsha, if we're gonna do this, it can't start off with a lie. And if I sit here and tell you I'm fine with being your friend, then I'd be lying."

"Justin, why are you making this complicated?" I sighed defeated.

"I can't help how I feel." he argued, "It's your fault anyway." I quickly diverted my attention to him.

"My fault? What the hell are you talking about?"

"You're the one who came over here all dressed up and gorgeous. Then you tell me you want to be my friend?" he questioned incredulously, "Like I said, it's your fault."

"I did not get all dressed up. It's a skirt and flip flops, Justin." I lied.

"Oh yeah?" He raised a brow, "What's with all the make up?" I gasped dramatically.

"I do not have a lot of make up on!" He narrowed his eyes and examined my face closely.

"Foundation, eye shadow, mascara, and color lip gloss." he confirmed proudly. Damn he was good.

"How'd you. . ."

"I lived with Britney for almost two years, I picked up a few things along the way." I pouted and turned away from him.

"Okay, so maybe I did fancy up a little bit." I admitted guiltily, "But I wanted you to know what you were missing." Justin chuckled.

"You always tease." I laughed and almost brought up our night together, but bit my tongue.

"Whatever. It worked didn't it?" I asked accusingly.

"Yeah," he sighed, "But you don't need make up to make me realize what I'm missing." He sounded almost hurt.

"I didn't mean to upset you." He looked up and smiled.

"Wanna make me feel better?" he questioned. I looked at him suspiciously.

"How?" I asked timidly.

"Come." I nearly fell over, "Upstairs that is." Whoa, I'm hella confused now.

"What the hell are you suggesting?" He laughed.

"You're a dirty girl, Lonnie." He laughed again, "I want you to come upstairs with me and help me wrap some gifts."

"Oh. . ." I said dumbly. He laughed and stood. I followed suit and fixed my stool.

"If you want to do what you were thinking I'm totally up for it." I hit him in the stomach.

"Could you stop thinking about sex for just one second?" I asked as I made my way up the stairs.

"Could you stop being sexy for one second?" The butterflies were back. Full force.

"I am not sexy." I impugned as I reached the top of the stairs.

"What? You are dead sexy. That's why I don't want to be your friend." I stopped at the top of the stairs and turned to face him.

"Will you stop saying that?" He smiled up at me.

"Sure, but I'd still feel it." I rolled my eyes and turned away from him.

"You can feel all you want, I'm just your friend." I could hear him sigh and for a moment, I almost felt bad.

Almost.

We finally made it into his bedroom. I sat on the edge of his floral designed bed and kicked off my sandals. I turned my head to look at the beautiful view from the open balcony doors. I could see the city buildings and the hills from my spot on the bed. It was so beautiful, and Justin got to see this all the time. It made me slightly jealous.

"I only have a few gifts left because Elisha and Trace helped me." Justin stated from his closet.

"You mean they did it for you?" I corrected as I turned my attention back to him. He laughed as he made his way towards me with a huge sack.

"Pretty much." he admitted as he placed the bundle in the middle of the bed.

"You are wrapping retarded." I teased and Justin laughed.

"And you're rhythm impaired." I laughed.

"I accept my disability."

"As do I." Justin smiled, "So let's get this wrapping party started."

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Justin and I finished wrapping the gifts a few hours ago and were now sitting comfortably on his leather sofa while watching television. We weren't really watching the television because we talked through almost everything that was on. It felt nice for things to normal again. I forgot how good it felt to just have his company. To be able to talk about everything and never get tired of the same ole stories we heard a million times before.

The entire atmosphere was a comfort to me. I was so used to his hardwood floors and the clickety-clack of Belle's & Bella's claws against them. Justin's booming laugh and my "contagious cackle", as Justin so affectionately called my giggle. It was like I was a kid again. A time when all that mattered was your favorite doll and a good buddy to share it with.

"This is fun." I said suddenly. Justin lazily rolled his head over to meet my gaze.

"What?" he asked as he draped his arm over his head.

"Hangin' with you, homeslice." I said with a small smile. Justin laughed lightly and turned away from me.

"You seriously need to find a new word." He picked up the remote and changed the channel.

"Or maybe. . ." I grabbed the remote out of his hand and changed it back to the previous station, "You can just accept my word." With a smile on his face, he took the remote from my hands.

"Or maybe you'll hear yourself say it and realize how ridiculous it sounds." I pouted and pretended to be hurt by his statement.

"I'm not ridiculous." Justin laughed.

"I forgot how cute your pout is." I rolled my eyes and turned to face him.

"Cute? I thought I was dead sexy." He smiled and reached over to hold my hand. He was playing with my fingers idly.

"You are," He looked down at our hands, "But your pout is too childish to be sexy." I didn't really know what to say to that. Especially since I didn't know how to react to him touching my hand. This entire day had been weird in some way. Him staring at me for long periods of time. Me thinking about him in a not-so-platonic sense. And he has found every excuse to touch me. I was going to go crazy at any moment. It's hard for me to hold strong to this friendship rule when all I want to do is take him anyway I can.

"And in other news, pop star Justin Timberlake, has been spotted with an unidentified female. Could she be a new love interest in the heartthrob's life or is she a post- Britney rebound?" My eyes instantly shot towards the television. I had changed the channel to one of those entertainment shows. On the screen in front of me were pictures or me and Justin walking hand in hand or us driving down some random street. I was in shock. I was on television! Ew, they got me in sweat pants. . .

"I hate these damn shows." Justin spat out angrily before changing the channel. I sighed when I felt his hand leave mine.

"It's just a show Justin." I reasoned as I tucked my legs underneath me.

"It's a tabloid in motion." he corrected and I smiled.

"Lighten up," I groaned, "You're gonna get gray hairs over nothing."

"Easy for you to say. Your face isn't everywhere every five seconds." I looked away from him. He was right. I didn't understand that aspect of his life.

"Sorry. . ." I whined. Justin looked at me with a boyish grin.

"Don't be so sensitive." I shot him an angry look.

"I'm sensitive?" He nodded, "I'm not the one who cried during 'The Lion King'." He gasped dramatically.

"Hey, I only did it because Moufasa died." I started cracking up. Justin laughed too and hit me.

"Ow, don't hit me." I whined before pinching his arm. He yelped and rubbed the reddening area.

"That shit hurt!" he complained.

"Well duh, Jay. That's the whole point." Then I saw it. The playful glimmer in his eyes. I slowly began to rise from my spot on the couch.

"You're gonna pay for that." he growled as he rose from the couch also.

Then I made a run for it.

I ran so fast that I thought that I lost him, until I felt his fingers graze the back of my shirt. He mumbled a frustrated 'damn' and I screamed before cracking up.

"Justin stop!" I shouted. That only caused him to respond with a cynical laugh. I hated being chased. It was the worst feeling in the world. But I had to keep running. Not that I was scared of being caught, but it's all about that triumphant feeling you get when it's all over.

"You better pump those crazy legs woman!" Justin warned, "'Cause I'm about to get you!"

"Fuck you!" I screamed and sped up. Shit, I was tired. I knew I was gonna be sore in the morning. I needed to slow him down. I looked behind me and screamed when I saw him turning the corner, right on my heels.

"I almost. . ." He was reaching for my shirt. Oh no, it's not over yet. I turned the corner sharply and glanced over my shoulder in time to see Justin slide to a stop before continuing his pursuit after me. I laughed. He was getting as tired as I was.

"I think Randy's getting tired." I taunted.

"I'm not the old fart here, Lonnie." We were both breathing pretty hard by this time. His house was so big, damn it. But for a big house, it sure had a limited amount of places to hide. Then a light went off in my head. Upstairs was my salvation. So I made a daring u-turn. Justin was so surprised by my action that it took him a while to catch up. I turned the corner into the living room and then turned again towards the stairway.

"Cramp!" I shouted as a piercing pain shot through my side.

"I'm gonna get ya!" Justin said confidently. Ha, that's what he thought. I took the stairs two at a time and ran across the walkway at the top. I spotted an open door and ran inside, slamming it shut behind me. I locked it right before Justin's hands began to desperately twist and turn the knob.

"Oh! And what, sucka!?!" I shouted through the door.

"I'll show you what!" Justin shouted back before it got quiet. I flopped back on the bed and breathed in deeply. It seemed as though there wasn't enough oxygen in the room. I smiled to myself proudly. So this is how it feels to be cocky? No wonder Justin likes it so much. . .

Then I heard them. Keys. The chiming sound resounded in my ears and I felt my panic rise. He has keys to the rooms?

"No!" I shouted pathetically as I ran towards the door. But it was too late. The door swung open and Justin stood there, dangling the keys from his hands. I held my head down in shame.

"Who's the loser now? Sucka!" he mocked and I laughed.

"Damn it, that's cheating!" I argued. He mimicked my pouting face and walked over to me.

"I win fair and square." Justin corrected cockily, "Now, as for my prize. . ." I put my hand up to silence him.

"There was no agreement to a prize." I protested.

"Whenever you win something, there's always a prize. It's like an unwritten rule." I narrowed my eyes at him.

"I don't do unwritten rules. If it's not etched in stone, it doesn't count." He smiled and raised a brow.

"Really?" he asked.

"Damn straight. The world works on contracts and facts. So unless I see my signature on a piece of paper that promises you get a prize. It doesn't count." Justin nodded.

"Okay," He nodded and placed his hand under his chin, "If those are the rules." I smile smugly and brushed past him. I walked into the hall and traveled down the stairs, proud of my win. I turned around to face Justin as I continued to walk backwards.

"I think my victory deserves some sort of celebration. Preferably an alcoholic one." I said as he smiled at me, "Got anything good?" He shrugged and I turned back around when we reached the kitchen area. I got some Arbor Mist out of his wine cooler and grabbed two glasses. After opening the bottle, I poured some of its contents in each of the glasses. I handed a glass to Jay.

"To a justified victory on your part." Justin said as we tapped our glasses. Damn I loved this stuff. It was sweet and fruity, but held that champaign quality to it. But then it was gone. Justin had taken it and placed it on the counter behind me.

"Hey, I was enjoying that." I whined before I felt his hand resting on my hip.

"I can't do this." he whispered.

"What?" I asked dumbly as he moved closer to me. He didn't answer, instead he kissed me. Hard. At first I was shocked and angry that he was doing this, but then I listened to my raging libido. I moaned into his mouth when I hit something hard behind me. The counter. I could feel his hands slip pass my hips and land on my ass. He tightened his grip and lifted me up onto the cold counter top.

His hands were underneath my shirt, pinching my nipples through my bra. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him deeper while pulling him closer to me. I felt his hands make their way down my sides and stop at the hem of my shirt. He began to pull the material over my head and I reached down and pulled it off all the way. A cold wind hit my skin the moment my shirt was removed. I instantly clung to Justin as he began to kiss my neck. My hands caressed the back of his neck and ran through his soft brown curls.

He pulled away for a moment, leaving me to fight the cold on my own. He was removing his tee shirt. I watched as he hard stomach came into view. It made me realize how flabby mine was, but I didn't get chance to think about all that. His mouth crashed down on my own before his shirt hit the ground. The heat radiating off of his chest warmed me instantly. I could feel the cold metal of his chain against my chest and I shivered.

My hands traveled in between us and I undid his pants. I gasped when I felt his hot dick on inner thigh. He had gone commando. It made me wonder if he had planned this, but I lost my train of thought the moment his hands pulled my underwear down. I lifted my hips against his and he moaned. I began to kiss his earlobe and lick a trail along his neck. My hands rested on his lightly freckled shoulder as I did so. His hands ran up my back and unhooked my bra. I captured his mouth and kissed him feverishly. I wanted him so badly. All of the time we spent apart and all the dreams I had of being with him were fading memories. I was with him now and I planned on getting everything I dreamed of.

Then, mid-kiss, we heard it. Two little whimpers coming from the floor. Justin and I froze in place and looked down. We laughed when we saw the curious brown eyes of Belle and Bella staring up at us. Their little heads were tilted to the side in thought. God only knows what they were thinking.

"I wonder how long they've been watching. . ." I mumbled. We laughed and disconnected from one another. Justin bent over and lifted his pants back over his hips. I hopped off of the counter and quickly grabbed my shirt from the tile floor. I held the material against my chest and searched for my bra.

"Here." Justin said shyly as he held up the piece of clothing. I smiled and thanked him before my eyes fell to the dogs.

"Sorry about that you guys." I apologized jokingly. Then I felt Justin behind me. He kissed my shoulder and wrapped his arms around me.

"We can take this upstairs." he whispered. I could feel the coarse hairs of his stubble against my neck. I giggled when he purposely nuzzled into my neck.

"We probably shouldn't," Justin whimpered in protest behind me while holding me tighter, "You have a flight to catch tomorrow morning."

"So what?" he whined, "I had to get up after four hours of sleep. It's only nine-fifteen, girl. If we get an hour in tonight. . ." I cut him off with my laughter as I turned to face him.

"I can't believe you're timing this." He smiled down at me.

"I'm trying to be organized here." I laughed again.

"You sound absolutely ridiculous." He moved up and wrapped his arms around me before leaning down and kissing me.

"If we go upstairs, I can find a better use for my mouth." He wiggled his eyebrows and I laughed.

"Fine, I'll let you ravish me." I joked as Justin chuckled.

"Ravish you, huh?" I nodded, "You sure you can handle this?" I snorted offensively.

"Why all the talk, Timberlake?" I questioned sarcastically, "Show me what you got." I backed up and stood in a challenging stance. Arms wide open with a smug look on my face. He laughed at me.

"I'll show you what I got." Then he grabbed took my hands in his, pulling me upstairs. I giggled again and felt those familiar butterflies.

"Don't get too crazy now." I joked as we reached his bedroom door. He laughed and kissed me deeply.

"Now where's the fun in that?"

*-*-*-*-*

I woke up the next morning tired and slightly dazed. I looked around the room in a morning blur. After rubbing my eyes, they began to gain focus. When I finally realized where I was, I smiled to myself. I looked over to my left and sighed disappointedly when I saw that he was gone. My eyes finally rolled over to the alarm clock resting on his night stand. It was 10:30am. Justin had left an hour ago. I wish he would've woke me up to say goodbye. But I guess there's no sense in complaining now. He was on a flight home and there was nothing I could do. But I could shower.

I eagerly hopped out of bed at the thought of a hot shower. I quickly regretted such enthusiasm when my feet hit the cold wooden floor of the hall. I didn't understand why Justin wanted hardwood floors all over the house. It was so cold in the morning. But I sucked it up and made my way to the bathroom next door to his room. I didn't want to used his bathroom. He was entirely too germophobic. He'd have a heart attack if I used his shower.

Anyway, after a fifteen minute shower, I dried up and put on my clothes. Well most of it, minus my panties. They had mysteriously disappeared. While heading down to the kitchen, I realized that Belle and Bella were missing. Justin had probably taken them with him. So I was alone. In an enormous mansion. I wooed and hooted childishly to hear the echo of my voice. The silence was deafening to me. I didn't understand how Justin could stand it.

My journey through the house led to the kitchen. I smiled when I saw a Dunkin Donuts bag on the counter and a cup of Java Juice. Next to the bag was a folded note with my name written across it. That was definitely Justin's handwriting. I could always recognize it because of the huge loops and chicken scratch quality.

I lifted the note and opened it:

Dear Beautiful,

If you're reading this, you're probably awake (And it's about time!). Well anyways, if you haven't noticed, I left you some breakfast on the table. It's not much, but it'll hold you over until you get back home. I wish I was there with you, but mama would've killed me if I didn't come home for Christmas. If you didn't sleep in so late, maybe we could've said goodbye (If you know what I mean), but I guess I can't always get what I want. Okay, I'm going to stop babbling. Have a wonderful holiday. I'll call when I land. Send my Merry Christmases to everybody.

You know I love you, homeslice!- Your Delectable Randy Candy

P.S. I took your undies for safe keeping. I hope you don't mind.

By the end of the letter, I was practically in tears from laughing so hard. He was out of his mind. And how dare he use my word after calling it ridiculous. Me and him were going to have to talk about that. I looked over the note one last time before placing it inside of my Dunkin Donuts bag. As I made my way towards the door, I grabbed my car keys off of the coffee table.

Tiffany and Allison were going to have a field day after I tell them about what happened. I had finally done something for myself. At least I thought it was for myself. Oh shit, I had sex with Justin after telling him I wanted to be friends. What if he. . .

No! Stop it Lonnie, you're confusing yourself. And you're talking to yourself. . . I shook my head slightly, trying to push away the confusing thoughts circling in my head. I wasn't going to screw things up. I took a stand last night. I showed Justin how I felt. If he didn't get the message, then he wouldn't have left that note. At least I hope that's the case. . .

Damn it! There I go confusing myself again. I seriously need to relax.

"Breathe, Alonsha. . . Breathe. . ." I couched to myself, "Things are going to be all right."

Right?

  Breakfast, A Feeling, And Some Sexual Healing

Justin stretched and yawned obnoxiously as he dragged himself into the kitchen. Lynn looked up from the stove in time to smile and roll her eyes at her son's behavior. She had almost forgotten how silly he was. It was nice to have him back home though. Work had taken most of his time and she had missed him terribly.

"Mornin', mama." Justin greeted before kissing her cheek.

"Mornin', sugar." she cooed as he pulled out a seat at the table. Lynn happily handed him a plate and began to pour piles of eggs, bacon, and sausage on his plate. Justin breathed in the delicious scent before looking up at his mother.

"I forgot how good home cookin' was." Lynn nodded.

"By the time you go back to LA, you'll be sick of it. 'Cause I'm gonna stuff you up." Justin chuckled at her comment.

"Bring it on, mama!" he challenged jokingly. Lynn laughed as she made herself a plate.

"Oh I will," she reassured, "You need it anyway. You're getting thin and pale." Her faced went from amused to worried.

"Mama," Justin whined, "I'm fine." Lynn made a face.

"You're not fine." she argued, "You're practically skin and bones." Justin rolled his eyes.

"You sound like Alonsha. Or should I say Alonsha sounds just like you." Lynn smacked his arm playfully as she took her seat beside him.

"She's a smart woman." She smiled, "Speaking of which. . ." Justin groaned.

"Must we do this?"

"What?" Lynn asked innocently, "I was just gonna ask if she's okay."

"She's fine." Justin answered quickly.

"And. . ." Lynn pried. Justin smiled evilly. He wanted this to end and he knew exactly how to do it.

"And we had sex." Justin laughed when saw her eyes widen.

"Okay, that's too much info."

"No, mama." Justin pressed on, "You wanted to know how she was, right?" Lynn rolled her eyes.

"Not in. . ." She paused, "That."

"Are you sure you don't want to know?" Justin continued, "'Cause she's really, really good."

"Justin, shut up." Justin smiled. She was beyond uncomfortable now.

"Very flexible too. She went into this nifty position and. . ."

"Justin Randall!" That was it. The last straw. He went into hysterics. Lynn huffed and rolled her eyes.

"That's what you get for being nosy." Justin taunted.

"I wasn't being nosy." Lynn corrected, "I was being concerned." Justin laughed at her lameness.

"Sure, mama." Justin stuck a piece of bacon in his mouth before smiling at his mother. She looked at him through the corner of her eye.

"Jesus." she mumbled in disbelief. Her tone caused Justin to laugh and nearly choke on his bacon. He coughed and laughed again.

"I love you so much. . ." he managed before laughing again. Lynn rolled her eyes and smiled despite herself.

"Oh Justin. . ."



-*-*-*-*-*-



Damn it, where did the holidays go? One minute I'm waking up at seven in the morning to pry open gifts and the next I'm running all over LA trying to find a gift for Justin. I know, I know, I'm a horrible last minute shopper. So what? I've been thinking about it, is all. Is all? Damn I spend too much time with that boy. Where was I again? Oh yeah, the gift dilemma. I've gone everywhere and I've ended up at a Circuit City. Why? I couldn't tell you if I wanted to, but that's not the point. I needed a gift, pronto. But the question of the day was what in God's name do you get a pop star that has everything?

Yeah, you figure that one out.

"Can I help you with something, ma'am?" I looked up to see some green-eyed adolescent staring at me expectantly.

Yeah, what would you get for a multi-million dollar pop star? "I was just looking for a hot video game or something in that area." He smiled, revealing his braces, before telling me to follow him.

"We've got a huge selection of the latest video games." he explained cheerfully. Ugh, whatever. Just give me a game buddy.

"Do you have the latest Halo game?" I asked. Justin loves Halo. It's all he talks about.

"That's actually sold out." Damn it! Why me, Lord? Why?

"Okay. . ." What was I suppose to do now?

"Is there any particular sport this person likes?"

"Golf!" I answer enthusiastically, "He loves golf." He smiles and leads me down another aisle. Golf? Why didn't I think of that in the first place?

"Well we have some virtual golfing games you can have." I looked at the price tag and cringed. I could buy a house with that.

"Got anything. . . affordable?" He laughs as though I'm kidding, but moves on.

"Well, we have this hand held golfing game. It's comes with a travel pack. . ." Blah, blah, blah. . .

"I'll take it." I interrupt. He nods and moves on to a register. I get rung up and grab the bag. Justin's gonna be here in a few hours and I have to get ready, not to mention wrap up his gift. Plus I have to run down to the rec because of Diana. . .

I'm gonna have a heart attack at any moment. Too much in one day. Too much. . . John Mayer? Where is that coming from? Oh! My cell. I roll my eyes at my own stupidity before accepting the call.

"Hello?" I asked tiredly as I hopped into the car.

"Damn, what happened to you?" It's him. Beautiful him.

"Nothing, I'm just tired." I explained as I tossed his gift in the back.

"The center's working you too hard?" he concluded. I started the car and began to reverse.

"The center, my friends, Bosco, you." Justin laughed.

"You weren't complaining the other night." he stated cockily.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I stated dryly.

"Really? Well let me refresh your memory." He cleared his throat, "Oh. . . Justin. . . Yes! Yes!" I could feel my mouth gape open in shock. I can't believe he's doing that.

"I have no recollection of such an event." I interrupted. He laughed.

"Then I'll just have to make you never forget the next time we. . ." He halted his words, "Hang out." I raised a brow, confused by his actions.

"Hang out, huh?" I asked humorously. Justin laughed again.

"My mama just came out of the bathroom."

"You're on a plane?" I asked completely shocked.

"I'm on my jet." I sighed with relief, "Don't worry, nobody knows about your moaning habits."

"You know what, Jay?" I asked seriously, "Maybe we should stop having sex."

"What? Why?" he asked in a panicky tone.

"Because you don't take it seriously. It's not some joke, Justin." I smiled to myself. I wish that I could see him squirm.

"No, I take it seriously. I love being with you." Aw. . . Damn him for being so sweet.

"Really?" I asked dreamily.

"Uh huh." he answered, "It's our private time together. It's something that I really cherish and appreciate." He's so sincere.

"Well, in that case." He laughed, "I guess we could have sex." He cheered triumphantly.

"Ha! I knew you'd fall for that mushy shit." I gasped.

"You bastard!"

"I was joking. It's not mushy shit." he explained, "I meant it. Really, I did." I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever, I'm done talking to you."

"What? C'mon, Beautiful. I miss you like crazy." he pleaded, "Don't hang up on me." I sighed dramatically.

"Fine, ten more minutes." He laughed.

"Okay, Queen Sheba." I laughed this time as I turned the corner.

"Damn straight, baby."

"Aw, I'm your baby now?" he cooed.

"Yeppers."

"Well if I have a pet, you should get one."

"I thought Beautiful was my pet name?"

"No, it's a nickname. Like when you call me Randy Candy." I nodded.

"Okay, then give me a pet name. But nothing too fruity."

"Okay, what about Pookie?" I rolled my eyes.

"That's a dog name."

"True, true." He paused, "Sunshine."

"Sunshine?" I asked, confused.

"Yeah, 'cause you brighten up my days." I laughed at his cheesiness.

"Sweet, but Sunshine sounds like a hippie." He laughed.

"Fine. What about. . ." Another pause, "Sexy." I felt a knot in my stomach.

"No." He snorted.

"Why not?" What does he mean by why not? I'm not sexy. That's why.

"Because it's not true."

"It is true."

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Is not!"

"It's true, damn it! You're sexy, so accept that." He laughed at the end of his statement and I laughed also.

"Fine, I guess I can be sexy." He sighed.

"You're the only woman that would complain about how sexy she is." I rolled my eyes. I wish he would stop saying I'm sexy. It makes me feel all warm and tingly.

"I'm one of kind, so what do you expect?" He chuckled slightly.

"That's why I like you so much." he assured, "You are so. . . original." I laughed.

"That sounds so plain."

"No, it's a good thing. Nobody wants to be a conformity. Everybody wants to step out of the loop." I nodded and parked my car in the parking lot of the center.

"I am the queen of conformity." I corrected.

"No you're not." he argued.

"Yeah I am." I walked inside of the building, only to be ambushed by hugs and mouthed 'wassup's from the kids.

"How?" Diana was already at my desk when I stepped in. I smiled, she smiled, and I sat in my chair.

"I don't know." I answered honestly.

"See, I was right." he stated proudly. I turned on my laptop and smiled.

"I guess. . ." I mumbled.

"Don't guess. Say I was right." he whined.

"Justin. . ."

"Say it. . ." he pressured.

"Fine, you were right."

"See, that wasn't so bad." I rolled my eyes.

"No, but now I have to say goodbye." He sighed disappointedly and I could picture him pouting.

"Well, okay." He stated reluctantly.

"I'll see you later." I assured.

"But I miss you now." I laughed.

"You can refresh my memory when I see you later. . ." I stated coolly.

"Deal!" He stated enthusiastically. I laughed.

"Okay, Jay. I have to go."

"I'll see you tonight, mama." he said, well tried to say, in a sexy tone.

"Bye, baby."

"Bye, sexy." I hung up and smiled. I looked up and say Diana smiling brightly at me.

"Look at you, Ms. D! Boo-loving on your cell." I laughed and cleared my throat.

"I do not boo-love." She laughed and nodded.

"Sure. . ." She laughed.

"Anyway," I smiled, "What's that term paper about again?"



-*-*-*-*-*-



Justin and Alonsha were settled in his bedroom. They had talked earlier before exchanging gifts. Justin had thanked Alonsha graciously for his golf game. He told her it would be his salvation on long plane rides and business meetings. Alonsha in turn received a locket. Inside was a black and white photo of them together and a quote from one of her favorite Langston Hughes' poems called "Harlem Girl."

"I don't know, they're scary." Justin stated unsure. Alonsha made a face.

"I thought guys liked huge boobs?" Justin shrugged and furrowed his brow.

"Well. . . yeah. We do. But Pam Anderson's boobs are abnormal." Alonsha laughed.

"Whatever. What about the whole blond theory?" Alonsha asked accusingly.

"What about it?"

"Well, do guys prefer blonds over brunettes and redheads?" Justin reached out in front of him, grabbing Alonsha's hands.

"You're not blond and I like you." he reasoned.

"Well that's because my hair color doesn't really count. I guess it's a white thing with the blond and brunette stuff."

"That's a load of crap," Justin corrected, "Black people are blonds too. Look at Lil' Kim." Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Please don't mention that woman. She's a disgrace to my entire race." Justin laughed, "Speaking of hair. You pulled my hair too hard earlier."

"I didn't pull. I affectionately tugged." Justin smiled.

"There's a difference between tugging affectionately and trying to rip someone's hair out. You, my friend, were crossing over a very thin line."

"Well, I'm sorry for pulling your hair. I got excited. I wasn't thinking all that clearly." Justin apologized, "But your hair is so easy to get a hold on."

"So is yours, but you don't see me ripping your shit out." Justin laughed.

"I've never objected to you doing so," Alonsha rolled her eyes, "But I guess I'm used to girls with Britney's hair."

"That's because Britney's hair wasn't nappy like mine." Alonsha began to sadly run her fingers through her hair.

"Your hair isn't nappy," Justin stated sympathetically before reaching out and touching it, "It's. . . thick." Alonsha sighed dramatically.

"Way to be lame, Justin." He laughed heartily.

"I was just being nice."

"Whatever." Alonsha said dismissively, "I need a perm." Justin shot her confused glance.

"Doesn't that make your hair curly?"

"No. It makes my hair straight." He still looked confused, "If my hair was straight, it would turn curly, but my hair's already curly so it does the opposite."

"Oh!" Justin nodded, "That's why my mama's hair turns curly when it's permed because it's naturally straight." Alonsha nodded.

"Exactly."

"So if you perm your hair, it straightens, right?" Alonsha nodded, "So if you perm it again, it'll be curly?"

"Not necessarily," Alonsha paused in thought, "There are different types of perms too. Some are meant for curling and others are for straightening."

"Wait a minute," Justin interrupted, "So there isn't just one type of perm?"

"No, there isn't only one, Jay." Alonsha sighed, "There's always more than one type of hair product, duh."

"You know what?" Justin smiled, "This. . . woman crap is confusing. So I'm just gonna stop while I'm ahead." Alonsha laughed.

"You are so slow, I swear." Justin pouted.

"Hey, it's not my fault." he grumbled, "I fell a lot when I was younger."

"Aw," Alonsha cooed, "Come here." Justin moved up as though he was going to accept her embrace. But he tackled her down and pinned her hands above her head.

"Sucker!" he taunted before nuzzling his face into her neck. She giggled as he continued his tickled torture.

"Justin, for the love of God, get off of me!" He stopped his nuzzling, but still held her down.

"No can do 'cause I really wanna fuck you now." he whispered in her ear. Alonsha groaned.

"Must you be so blunt?" Justin laughed and looked her in her eyes.

"You don't like it when I talk dirty?" Alonsha laughed when he raised a brow comically.

"I prefer that you keep your dirty words to yourself."

"Are you serious?" Justin asked in disbelief.

"Yeah," Alonsha sat up as Justin released her, "It's so. . . weird."

"You cannot be serious." Justin couldn't believe his ears, "It's perfectly normal to do it. Everybody does it."

"Alonsha doesn't do it."

"Then Alonsha has been sexually deprived." Alonsha laughed at his dramatic tone.

"It's probably a good thing. I'd suck at it anyway." Justin shrugged.

"You'll never know unless you try." He smiled at her, "Come here." Alonsha looked at him suspiciously as he sat up against the headboard of his bed.

"What?" she asked cautiously.

"Just come here." She crawled over to him and placed her knees on either side of his waist.

"Is there a reason why you wanted me this close?" Alonsha asked curiously.

"We're gonna practice some dirty talk." Alonsha laughed and rolled her eyes.

"Justin, can we not do this?"

"It's a must, Lonnie." She felt his hands creep down her back and rest on her bottom.

"This is going to be embarrassing." she mumbled discouragingly.

"No it's not." Justin assured, "It's just you and me, Sexy." Alonsha shivered.

"You see," she complained, "You said 'sexy' and I cringed. There's no way I can talk like that."

"That's only because you're not used to being called that. Believe me, I'll say it enough to make you comfortable with it."

"Can't we watch a movie or something?" Alonsha whined.

"No movies," Justin scolded, "But we can make a private one if you want to." Justin winked at her suggestively and she laughed.

"Stop being weird."

"Fine, lets get serious." He cleared his throat, "Tell me something dirty."

"Like what?" Alonsha asked completely clueless.

"What turns you on?" Alonsha groaned and felt the butterflies in her stomach.

"I. . . I don't know." Justin sighed.

"When we have sex, what do you enjoy the most?"

"When you. . ." She stopped speaking when she realized what was going to come out of her mouth. She couldn't say it. It was too dirty.

"Go on." Justin encouraged with a smirk.

"It's so. . . bad."

"Bad is good." Justin explained, "Say what's on your mind."

"You're gonna laugh at me." Justin laughed when she cover her face with her hands. He brought his hands up to hers, and pulled them down.

"I won't laugh, I promise." He looked her in her eyes and it made her feel even more uncomfortable.

"I like it when you touch me. . ." she mumbled, "Down there." Justin laughed. He couldn't help it.

"I'm sorry, but you sound like a five year old." Alonsha sighed in frustration.

"Fuck you, Justin. I told you it wouldn't sound right." Alonsha pouted.

"Okay, okay. Lets try this again with big girl words." Alonsha glared at him, "What I meant to say was, instead of you liking the way I touch you down there, say pus-"

"Justin!" Alonsha interrupted, "That's a strong word." He laughed again.

"Fine, lets pick another thing you like. Something simple."

"Fine." She paused in thought, "I like it when you kiss my. . . chest area." Justin smiled.

"Okay. We're making progress." Alonsha laughed, more at herself than him. She felt ridiculous. She had never done this before, not with Kyle. He was all sweet and gentle. Loving words like 'You're beautiful' and 'I love you' were said to her. This wasn't her niche, but Justin just wouldn't let up.

"Can't I turn you on the traditional way?" Justin smiled up at her.

"And what way would that be?"

"You know, the one with the touching and the kissing. . ."

"Oh, okay." he agreed, "But under one condition." Alonsha groaned and sighed.

"What?"

"When I do something you like, I want you to tell me how good it feels."

"I thought I already did that, Jay." Alonsha smiled, "With my 'moaning habits.'" She used air quotations and Justin chuckles.

"Moaning and talking are two different things." Justin explained. Alonsha rolled her eyes.

"Why the sudden interest in spicing up our sex life anyway? We just started it for goodness sake." Justin began to rub his hands up and down her side. He could see she was becoming agitated, and the last thing he wanted was an argument.

"It's not spicing it up, it's making it more intimate." Alonsha shot him her famous look of 'I'm not buying your shit' before speaking.

"It's sex, Justin. How intimate can you get?" Justin laughed and kissed her.

"You have been so sexually deprived," He reached up and pinched her cheeks, "You poor child. You have so much to learn." Alonsha pulled his hands from her face.

"I don't appreciate you making fun of me." Her pout was in full swing and Justin found it absolutely adorable.

"I'm not making fun of you, I'm just teasing." Justin corrected, "You should know a lot about that." Alonsha smiled and nodded.

"Yeah, well, don't complain now. You weren't earlier." Justin kissed her neck softly and smiled into her soft skin.

"Now that I cannot deny." Alonsha giggled when his breath caressed her ear.

"Justin?" Alonsha whispered.

"Hmm?" Justin grumbled into her neck as he began to lick the area.

"I'm tired." Justin head shot up and he stared at her disappointedly.

"What?"

"I'm tired." she repeated as she began to crawl off of him. Justin couldn't even move. He was highly upset.

"But. . . I wanted to. . . Alonsha!" He stuttered and whined. She rolled her eyes and tucked herself into his sheets.

"Stop bitchin'. We had sex, like, three times today."

"So?"

"What do you mean 'so'? Do I look like a sex giving machine?" Justin smiled.

"You did earlier." Alonsha smiled as he began to pout.

"Damn it, Justin." she complained tiredly. Justin laughed and turned her on her back.

"Thank you." he said between kisses. Alonsha wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

"You're lucky you're my baby." Justin grin proudly against her mouth before kissing her softly.

"I know. . ." he whispered softly. She smiled at him and his breath caught in his throat.

He felt it.

That unmistakable feeling of warmth that erupted in his stomach and left him weak in his knees. But it couldn't be. Not now. It was way too soon.

"What's wrong?" Alonsha asked worriedly. Justin stared at her momentarily before snapping out of his trance.

"Nothing." he answered quickly, "I was just thinking."

"About?" Alonsha pried with a playful grin.

"You." he answered honestly, "Just you." She looked at him weirdly before letting it go. It was obvious that he didn't want to talk about it but she was still curious.

"What about me?" Justin laughed and licked his lips.

"I could tell you," Justin teased, "But I'd rather show you." He kissed her and she moaned softly into his mouth.

Alonsha could still sense his uneasiness, but she was easily distracted by his hot mouth on hers. Justin, on the other hand, couldn't let go of the situation at hand. He was scared now. Scared of Alonsha. Scared because this feeling could make everything golden, and or set it ablaze.

He had a feeling that something was going to burn.

  Unwanted Interruption


"So, you just got this weird feeling?" Trace asked as he looked up from his pile of papers.

"Yeah. . . This weird. . . warm. . . jello-ish feeling." Trace looked at him, confused by his words.

"Jello-ish?" Justin sighed and rolled his eyes. There was no other way to describe it. He knew that Trace had a right to be confused, hell, he was confused by it himself. But he wanted someone to just get it.

"It was like pride, man. This whole sense of pride."

"What the hell were you so proud of?" Trace asked while shifting absentmindedly through the pile again, despite the fact that he had forgotten what he was in search of in the first place.

"I don't know. . ." He paused and thought for a moment, "Making her smile." Trace halted his actions and stared at his friend who was grinning at him dreamily.

"Making her smile?" Justin nodded, "You do that all the time."

"I know. That's the problem. Why in the hell should those smiles be any different from that one?"

"I don't know, man." Trace sighed, "Have you ever felt that way before?" Justin froze the moment he completed his question. Had he ever felt like that before? Yes, with Felicia and with Britney. But he had been in love with them.

"Well yeah, but that was when I was in love with Brit and Felicia." Justin answered after a moment. Trace smiled.

"Well I guess we know what that means," Trace concluded, "Dude, you're in l-"

"Don't even." Justin stated abruptly, "There's just no way." He began to fidget with his fingers nervously.

"Says who?" Trace smiled, "You should be happy. Love is in the air, and it's about time you took a big ass whiff of it." Justin glared at him.

"I don't need to take a whiff of anything, thank you very much." Justin snapped defensively. Trace stared at him for a moment before putting his hands up in surrender.

"Touchy, touchy." he stated jokingly, "No need to get feisty." Justin rolled his eyes and sighed. He was angry because he was confused. He was confused because he was frustrated and he was blowing steam off by yelling at Trace.

"I'm sorry, man." Justin apologized, "Everything's just so complicated right now."

"I know. Managing your solo career while trying to get a relationship to work is a lot to have on your plate." Justin nodded.

"You don't think it's too soon?" he asked suddenly.

"Is what too soon?"

"Love, Trace. Love." Justin watched as his friend shrugged before smiling.

"If there's anything I know about love, it's that it has no time setting." Justin laughed, "You know better than I do that when I met Elisha, I wasn't expecting to fall for her as quickly as I did. But you've got to remember that even though love may come when you feel it's too soon, it only happens when you're ready for it." Justin looked up and grinned at Trace.

"Damn, man, that was deep." Trace laughed and shrugged.

"What can I say? I'm as deep as it gets." His demeanor changed from playful to serious, "So when are you going to tell her?" Justin sighed and smiled weakly.

"I forgot about that part," He rubbed the back of his neck, "I don't know. Sometime soon I guess."

"You guess?"

"Trace. . ." Justin whined sadly. He was scared. She could hurt him. Terribly. Make him crumble into shambles. Just like Britney. Just like Felicia. He was afraid she'd end up just like them. A cheater. A heart breaker. A 'destroy Justin's world' girlfriend.



If I fell in love with you
Would you promise to be true
And help me understand



"It's okay you know." Trace cooed. Justin looked up at him in confusion.

"What?"

"To be afraid."



'Cause I've been in love before
And I found that love was more
Than just holding hands



"I shouldn't be afraid though." Justin concluded, "She wouldn't hurt me, right?" Trace shrugged.

"Who knows?"



If I give my heart to you
I must be sure
From the very start
That you would love me more than her



"Way to be positive, Trace." Justin commended bitterly.

"Well what do you want me to tell you? That she won't hurt you?" Justin shrugged.

"It would help."

"What happen if she does hurt you?" Trace argued, "I'd be the horrible, lying friend.

"I get it." Justin agreed, "But I'm more scared of her rejecting me. If I think it's too soon, Alonsha will be running for cover the moment the word 'love' escapes my lips."

"You'll never know unless you tell her." Trace shot back. Justin nodded. He had a point.



If I trust in you oh please
Don't run and hide
If I love you too oh please
Don't hurt my pride like her



"But it would really suck if she did reject me." Justin complained.

"It would really, really suck if she felt the same way and you never told her how you felt."



'Cause I couldn't stand the pain
And I would be sad if our new love was in vain



"You really want me to tell her, don't you?" Justin asked jokingly.

"It's not about what I want. This is something you have to do for yourself." Trace smiled, "But you have to admit to your feelings first."

"What are talking about?"

"Say it, man." Trace pressured, "Say that you love Alonsha." Justin cleared his throat and licked his lips.

"I love Alonsha."



So I hope you see that I
Would love to love you
And that she will cry
When she learns we are two



"See. . ." Trace grinned happily, "How did that feel?"

Justin smiled before answering, "That felt kinda. . . good." Trace laughed and Justin smiled, "I love Alonsha Claire Daniels. I love my chocolate little Milk Dud." Trace laughed heartily.

"I really don't want to know." Justin smiled, something that he couldn't control at the moment.

"I'm in love, man." Justin proclaimed, "I'm really in love."



If I fell in love with you



-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-





"1. . .2. . .3. . ." I mumbled softly as I counted out the gift options in front of me. Yes, I was looking for a gift for Justin, and it wasn't last minute. His birthday is in a week and three days, so I'm looking for a perfect present. I also have to go shopping for an outfit for the big b-day bash he's having in some Hollywood club. Everybody from Pharrell and Usher to Britney are going to be there. That's right, Ms. Spears is coming to this thing. I don't know if that's the reason why I'm killing myself to find the perfect outfit. It wasn't jealousy, it was more about proving myself. Either way it's pathetic, I know.

"Did you decide yet?" I looked up from my list to groan in Scott's direction.

"No." I pouted. He walked over to the table and sat next to me.

"Well, what do you have?" I shifted my list to the first page and moved it between us.

"I have the video games, and DVDs option." I showed him the list of titles, "Then there are the CD options," Another list is displayed, "And this is the mother of pearl," I stated dramatically. Scott looked at the picture and nodded approvingly.

"I like the mother of pearl." He smiled while tapping the picture. It was a black wood guitar with a silver outline. I was going to engrave it with his name and a message from me. I thought it was a good gift. Considering the fact that it can be used in his music also.

"You think?"

"I know." I smiled and sighed.

"Fine, the mother of pearl it is." I looked down at the paper and cringed at the price. Two-hundred and fifty dollars, and that's not counting the shipping price. But Justin was worth it. I'm pretty sure that the locket I'm wearing cost more than a pretty penny too, but Justin's paycheck was way bigger than mine.

"You guys ready to go?" Tiffany asked cheerfully as she entered the room.

"We were ready half an hour ago." Scott whined, "You're the one that had to change again." Tiffany smiled at him.

"But I look good, don't I?" She began to wiggle her hips teasingly. Scott smiled and nodded.

"No argument there." They kissed briefly before acknowledging my existence

"You got everything, Lonsha?" Tiffany asked I nodded and picked up my papers.

"Let's go before Al has a pregnancy fit." They laughed before we headed out of the apartment.

After driving for about fifteen minutes, we reached the mall where we were meeting Al and Jare. They were in front of the Kay Bee Kids just like they promised. We all walked around to help pick out some baby stuff. The crib, toys, walkers, strollers, and all that other good stuff. We eventually ended up in a PacSun when Jared saw a matching baby and daddy shirt. It was too cute to watch how excited he got over it, but I was interrupted by ringing of my cell.

"What?" I asked as I picked it up, knowing it was Justin.

"Where are you?" Justin asked worriedly.

"Mall, why?" I ran my hands over the soft material of a basketball jersey.

"I kinda needed to talk to you about something." He sounded nervous.

"Is everything alright?" I asked concerned. He sighed into the phone and paused.

"It depends on how you take it." Huh?

"What do you mean? What's going on?" He laughed.

"Calm down, Beautiful. It's nothing. . .bad." He was being weird. Weirder than usual anyway.

"Well, tell me what's going on." I demanded. He coughed.

"I'd rather tell you in person." I heard some shuffling around, "You free tonight?"

"Yeah, sure." I answered cautiously.

"Okay then, I'll swing by and pick you up at eight." He paused, "I assure that everything's okay." I rolled my eyes. Like that really helped.

"Okay. I'll see you tonight." We said our goodbyes and I hung up. What could he possibly have to tell me? Maybe it had to do with him spacing out the other night.

"You alright?" I turned to face Allison. I smiled towards her and nodded.

"Yeah," I told her, "I'm fine."



-*-*-*-*-*-*-



Justin had picked me up earlier. He looked handsome in his black trousers and white dress shirt. After telling me that he had a surprise for me, he parked the car outside his mansion's steps. I watched as he ran around the car to my side and opened the door for me. He took my hand and helped me out of the car before shutting it. As we reached his mahogany doors, he walked ahead of me and opened them. I stepped inside before I felt his hands cover my eyes. I could hear the door shut behind us and I could feel his warmth against my back.

"Walk up." he instructed. I did as I was told. I raised my foot up when he warned me about a step. He guided me through the house before coming to a stop. I couldn't tell where we were so I kept my eyes closed tight. After feeling the warmth of his hands leave my face, I heard Justin speak, "Open your eyes." My eyes shot open only to reveal a candlelit dinner in front of me.

"Aw, Justin." I cooed. He stood beside me and took my hand in his as he began to walk towards to table.

"Don't worry, I didn't cook it." Justin assured as I laughed.

"I wasn't worried, Jay. This is just really sweet of you." He blushed and pulled out my chair for me before taking his own seat across from me. We ate our delicious dinner, some small talk here and there. It was romantic and comfortable. It was also something I didn't expect. He said he wanted to talk, not have a romantic dinner. Maybe that was all a distraction so he could surprise me.

Maybe.

After dinner we had some Sara Lee ice cream pie. We took it into the living room where Justin had moved his piano. I sat comfortably into the plush love seat and watched as Justin made his way to the piano. He sat down on the black bench chair and lightly ran his fingers over the keys.

"I wanna sing something for you." he announced. My heart picked up speed. He had never sung something for me before.

"I'm here to listen." I said softly. He turned and looked over his shoulder to smile at me briefly before turning back to the piano. He began to play the keys softly and I closed my eyes and listened to the words.

"Baby, don't turn out the light
I wanna see you look at me
Whisper only truth tonight
Not just promises and empty fantasies"

He paused briefly to play out the keys before continuing again.

"I don't need a bed of roses
'Cause roses wither away
All I really need is honesty
From someone with a strong heart
A gentle hand
Who'll take me as I am"

I wanted to tell him that I did take him as he was, and how I wished he would do the same for me.

"Baby, I need for you to know
Just exactly how I feel
Fiery passions come and go
I'd trade a million pretty words
For one touch that is real"

The melody was oh so sweet. Sweet like the words and the man singing them.

"I don't need a bed of roses
'Cause roses wither away
All I really need is honesty
From someone with a strong heart
A gentle hand
Who'll take me as I am"

I take you as you are. I thought as placed my hand over my heart, I take you as you are.

"I don't need a bed of roses
'Cause roses wither away
All I really need is honesty
From someone with a strong heart
A gentle hand
Who'll take me as I am

From someone with a strong heart
A gentle hand
Who'll take me as I am"

Someone with a strong heart? Was I that someone? Did I have a strong heart?

"That was beautiful. . ." I whispered breathlessly as he finished playing the remaining keys. My eyes slowly drifted open in time to see Justin rise from the piano and stroll over to me.

"Really?" he asked bashfully. I smiled and nodded.

"I loved it." I reassured. He blushed as he sat next to me on the couch.

"I'm glad you did." He took my hands in his, "I wrote it because of you." I smiled as I felt that familiar swarm of butterflies.

"So I'm your muse now?" I asked playfully. He chuckled lightly before smiling at me, revealing his perfect teeth.

"Whether you like it or not." I smiled and kissed him. At first it was gentle, but then it turned into something feverish. I placed my hand on his cheek as he slipped his tongue into my mouth. This was probably the hundredth time we've kissed, but it always felt like the first time.

As we pulled away from the kiss for air, I smiled and said, "Thank you for everything." He licked his lips.

"I still have something for you, Sexy." he informed me with a mischievous grin, "Follow me." He offered his hand and I took it. We walked upstairs and down the hall. I could see the light from his fire place dancing on the wall across from his door. He led me inside of his room, which was warm and had the scent of lavender in the air. I smiled when I saw a silk night gown laying across his bed surrounded by white rose petals.

"Is this for me?" I asked as I ran my hand over the soft material. I looked over at Justin who was leaning on the door frame.

"More for me than you, but still. . ." I laughed and he walked over toward me. His hands wrapped around my waist and he leaned down to meet my lips in a soft kiss.

"I think I'll go change now," I said as I pulled away from him. I turned and made my way into the bathroom before I felt a familiar form pressed against my backside.

"I think I'll help you with that."



-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-



Poke. I giggled. Poke. I giggled again. Poke. I laughed and turned in the bed to face Justin. His eyes were closed. His breathing was soft. He looked so peaceful in his sleep. . .

The faker.

"I know you're awake, you bum." I said with an attitude. He didn't flinch. Okay, he wanted to play games. I smiled to myself as I lifted up his hand and brought it to my mouth. I began to suck his fingers slowly and rub my leg against his.

"Wakey, wakey." I called softly, "It's time for your morning nookie." I could see a smile curling up the corner of his lips. I held his hand while my free hand traveled down his side and rested on his hip. My fingers began to run up and down his side, tickling him softly. I watched as he shifted. I tickled him down his belly and his smile grew. Then I moved them up to his face and tickled him in the spot beneath his jaw. He laughed heartily before burying his face into his pillow. I laughed also at his childish innocence.

"Damn. I was so good until you did that." Justin complained.

"You were smiling the whole time." I impugned as I pulled his white sheet over my shoulder.

"Why do you do that?" he questioned suddenly as he flipped on his stomach, his arms folded beneath his head. I shrugged and turned on my side to face him.

"I don't know," I confessed, "I'm just more comfortable covered up." He smiled softly and turned on his side also, his hand supporting his head.

"Why would you cover up? You've got it, why not flaunt it?" I snorted and turned my back to him.

"I've got too much of it, that's why." As the words escaped my lips, I quickly regretted it. I was never the one to moan and groan about my size, but the truth of the matter was that I was no size two. Hell, I wasn't even a ten. My wide hips and big butt played a huge part in that, put the emphasis on the word huge, but my stomach wasn't helping the situation either. I guess that's why I pull the covers so high up over me. I don't want Justin to see my imperfections.

"The more the merrier." Justin stated cheerfully. I rolled my eyes. He really wasn't helping.

"Right, Justin. Right." I stated sarcastically. He sighed and draped his arm over my side.

"Don't do that." he whispered sadly.

"Do what?" I asked as though I had no idea what he was talking about.

"Don't bullshit me, Lonnie." he mumbled, "You know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Justin, must we do this?" I whined.

"You're beautiful. Sexy. Amazing." he commented, "Don't ever doubt that."

"Sure, Jay. Whatever you say."

"Move the sheet." he demanded out of nowhere. I turned to face him.

"What?" I asked him.

"Uncover yourself."

"No." I stated firmly before I felt a tug at the sheets.

"Move this now, or face the consequences."

"Bite me." He began to pull the sheet off of me and I clung to it like a monkey to its cage.

"Let go." Justin said as he stopped tugging momentarily.

"Justin, stop." I commanded, well more like whined. He only smiled and jumped out of bed, completely naked.

"Look, I'm naked in front of you with no shame." he reasoned. I rolled my eyes again.

"Says the guy with a six pack." I stated bitterly. Justin laughed and placed his hands on his hips.

"Come on, Lonnie. Stand next to me in comfortable pride." I smiled and shook my head.

"No, Justin. You won't like what you see." I warned.

"I'll be the judge of that."

"Exactly." I said as I pulled the sheet up higher.

"Fine," Justin said as he walked back over to the bed and slipped under the sheet with me, "I guess I'll take it all in when we're having sex." He said it like it was a bad thing.

"Justin." I whined as I turned to face him, "Don't be mad." He smiled at me and wrapped his arms around my waist.

"I'm not." he corrected, "I just wanted you to be comfortable with me." He kissed my forehead.

"I am, but I just need to be comfortable with myself in that way before I can show you." He nodded.

"It's cool, but I have to tell you something." I lifted my arm out from under the sheet and Justin gently ran his hand along it.

"What's the matter?" I asked as he sighed.

"I wanted to tell you last night, but I got caught up in other things." He smiled weakly, "It's important and I want you to believe me when I tell you this."

"Okay, just tell me what's up." I encouraged.

"Alonsha. . . I. . . um. . ." His stuttering was cut off the shrill ringing of his phone. He rolled his eyes and got out of bed. He retrieved the phone off of his stereo top and place it on his ear. I didn't pay attention to the conversation, I was more worried about what he had to tell me. Was it good? Was it bad? Not really because according to Justin, 'It depends'.

Whatever that means.

"Damn it." My attention went to Justin's frustrated figure. He walked over to his dresser and pulled out some boxer briefs from the top drawer before slipping them on.

"What's wrong?" I asked concerned.

"Mike's picking me up any minute now for an interview with Details." he groaned, as though the words had physically hurt to say.

"Oh, okay." I said disappointedly. I wrapped the sheet around my body before standing up and looking for my clothes.

"I'm sorry, babe. This is really last minute." he explained. I brushed him off.

"It's cool." I said nonchalantly, "It comes with the territory." Before I could blink, I heard the blaring horns of a Suburban outside.

"Shit. . ." Justin grumbled as he pulled a shirt over his head, "Here's the key to one of my cars." he said as he handed me a silver key. I took it and smiled as he tripped over his Nike's. He laughed and kissed me on the cheek.

"Bye!" I called after his retreating form.

"Bye, Sexy!" he called back hurriedly. I sighed in frustration when I heard the echo of a closing door.

Was I ever going to find out what he wanted to tell me?



Song Credit(s):

"If I Fell"- Maroon 5

"Take Me As I Am"- Faith Hill

Birthday Extravaganza


Today was January 31, 2003. Justin's twenty-second birthday. I had gotten the guitar, which was resting safely in the backseat of my car. I asked Tiffany to bring it up for me since I'm riding with Justin to Hollywood. I'm a bit nervous about the whole thing. I had never been to one of Justin's public parties before. Not even the Justified release party. It wasn't my thing. I wasn't meant for the this side of Justin. This. . . celebrity.

"You alright?" I turned my view from the car window to Justin. He smiled at me and I smirked back.

"Yeah, I'm good." I assured. Justin nodded and lifted his hand above his head to press a little black button. Instantly, a tinted window began to raise, blocking my view of Mike and Lonnie in the front of the car.

"You nervous?" Justin worriedly as he draped his arm over my shoulder.

"Anxious, really." I explained, "What about you, birthday boy?" I asked jokingly as I played with the silver chain lying on his chest.

"I'm excited!" he said enthusiastically, causing me to laugh, "I can't wait to get in there and shake my booty!"

"What booty?" I asked jokingly.

"Well maybe I can burrow some of your ass for tonight." he shot back. I laughed and then pouted.

"Don't hate, Justin." I said as he licked his lips and adjusted his cap.

"I don't hate." Justin corrected, "I love your booty." I smiled and sat up in my seat.

"Enough about my body parts," He laughed, "Is there gonna be anyone there I should avoid?" He raised a brow and thought for a moment.

"Well, Extra and Access Hollywood are going to have cameras there, so avoid them." I nodded. There was no way in hell I was going to be seen on camera.

"Anyone else?" I asked.

"Uh. . ." He paused before turning to looking at me with uncertainty, "Britney's gonna be there, like I told you earlier, so avoidance might be necessary there too." I nodded.

"Do you really think she'll be mad or something?" I asked curiously. He snorted and rolled his eyes.

"If anybody's gonna be mad, it should be me." He stated bitterly, "She has no right."

"Okay. . ." I stated warily. Justin laughed and turned to face me.

"Sorry about the bi-polar moment there. I guess I'm not as ready to see Britney again as I thought." I nodded and sighed.

"It's cool. I'll cut the bitch if she tries anything." He laughed heartily and smiled at me.

"You'd cut someone for me?" he asked. I nodded.

"Damn straight, homie." He chuckled and poked me playfully.

"You gangster now?" I puffed up with pride.

"No, I'm gangsta." I corrected. Justin laughed again and shook his head shamefully.

"Please don't do that in public." I laughed this time before my cell phone went off.

"Hello?" I answered quickly.

"Hey girl," It was Tiffany, "I got the guitar in the trunk and I'm about to meet Trace to put it in Blue's house." I smiled.

"Okay, thanks Tiff." Justin raised a brow and smiled at me.

"Alright, I've gotta go. Trace keeps complaining about jello shots or something." I laughed.

"Okay, bye." I hung up and looked over at Justin, "What?"

"What was that about?" he asked curiously.

"Nothing. . ." I lied. He shot me a look.

"Stop lying," he scolded, "Was that about a little something, something for lil' ol' me?" He wiggled his eyebrows and rolled my eyes.

"I told you I didn't get you anything." He pouted and folded his arms across his chest.

"You're not suppose to be mean to me on my birthday." I sighed and rolled my eyes.

"I'm not being mean," I explained, "Just honest." That only caused him to snort and roll his eyes. I could feel myself soften. I was so closed to telling him that I did buy him a gift, but I didn't want to ruin the surprise. But he was making it so hard with his round, blue eyes, and pouting pink lips. . .

"Since you didn't get me a gift," Justin stated suddenly, "You have to dance with me for a majority of the night." I looked at him like he was crazy.

"Hell no," I objected, "I can't dance. This is a huge party, Jay. People are going to be watching." I whispered the last sentence like it was Sixth Sense, and Justin laughed.

"You really need to find some confidence." he told me, "You're so great and you don't even realize it." Great? I was great? Since when?

"You really need to stop complimenting me." I shot back. He looked at me confused.

"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard." He leaned over towards me and kissed my lips, "I can't help it if you're amazing." He looked me straight in my eyes, and I saw the honesty in his words. I smiled and rolled my eyes.

"I hate it when you do that." Justin giggled and licked his lips.

"Do what?" he asked innocently.

"Make me feel. . . like that."

"Like that?" He repeated. I shoved him when I realized he was mocking me.

"Go to hell, Randy."

"Save me a seat?" he asked with a cheesy smile.

"You know it."



-*-*-*-*-*-*-



I hate parties. They were always hot, crowded, and unnecessarily loud. Justin's party was no different.

I felt isolated in here. I didn't know anyone but Tiff, Trace, Scott, and Elisha, all of which have mysteriously disappeared on me. Even Justin abandoned me half an hour ago. He passed me a drink before running off to greet people. So here I sat, all alone, with a cup of Strawberry Daiquiri and a bowl of pretzels.

"Damn, girl. Who died?" I jumped slightly at the voice, but smiled when I saw JC sliding into the seat next to me.

"Nobody." I raised my voice to speak over the blaring music, "Just a little bored." He nodded understandingly before stealing a pretzel from my bowl.

"These things get boring after a while." he shouted back.

"This is my first party." I explained. His eye widened in shock.

"And you're not having a good time?" I shook my head, no, before JC smiled.

"Partying isn't my thing." He waved his hand, dismissing my statement.

"You're just not doing it right!" I laughed before I saw him offering his hand to me.

"What?" I asked cautiously.

"We're gonna dance, mama." I looked at him in a state of panic. There was no way in hell.

"Nope, I don't dance." I declined, "I'm an eye sore, believe me." He laughed.

"Justin said you were rhythm impaired." Justin would tell everybody that.

"I'm sorry Jace, but I can't."

"Sure you can. I'll teach you." He took my hand before I could object. This was going to be embarrassing, that's for sure.

After finding every excuse imaginable, none of which worked on JC, I finally gave in reluctantly. At first I felt a like grandmother dancing with her grandson. JC laughed as my two left feet tangled and twisted. He then taught me a mini two-step and nodded approvingly when I got it right, after the sixteenth try that is. I began to loosen up around the fourth song, and my second drink, or was it my third? Anyways, we ended up doing a horrible rendition of the Salsa while laughing our asses off. I hadn't been that close to JC before, but he was a cool guy to chat with and even better to dance with.

"Okay, we're gonna do the twirl now." I laughed as he took my hand and spun me around. I twisted outward before he pulled me toward him again. I caught onto his chest and we both laughed as the song ended.

"Thank you very much for the dance lesson." I said with a small smiled. He bowed and kissed my hand.

"Pleasure's all mine," he stated graciously, "But I need a favor in return." I looked at him suspiciously before I nodded in agreement.

"Shoot." He smiled.

"One more dance." I accepted and the smooth sounds of Babyface flowed through the speakers.

"Yay! A slow song." I stated cheerfully. JC laughed at my reaction.

"Eh. . . I prefer them fast." He smiled at me and placed his hands on my hips.

"Nah," I argued as I draped my arms around his neck, "Slow songs are less work." He laughed heartily and I smiled.



-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-



Justin sighed tiredly as he made his way through the crowd of the party. He knew he invited a lot of people, but damn, he wasn't expecting every invitation to be accepted. Don't these people work? He quickly shook himself of these depressing thoughts and envisioned Alonsha. She would make this all better with her witty insults and contagious cackle.

But she wasn't were he left her. He skimmed the crowd of drinkers and dancers but he couldn't locate her. It was dark and the lights were flashing everywhere. He felt high for a moment and everybody turned into a blur. The music began to boom in his ears and he hissed. Great, a headache. Just what he needed.

"Justin?" He froze when he heard the familiar voice call him with its southern twang. Justin had spent the night trying to avoid her at all cost. It wasn't his choice to invite her. His publicist said that this subtle invitation would help to ease the tabloid stories of a feud going on between them. Justin wanted to tell him to stick that theory up his ass, but he bit his tongue and politely obliged. Now here he was. At a party that he was starting to hate. Ready to enter a conversion with a woman who fucked her choreographer behind his back.

Happy Birthday Justin.

"Justin!" she called again, loud enough to be heard over the bumping bass of a Ludacris song. Justin breathed in deeply before expelling his breath slowly. He turn slowly to face her bubbly form. A smile was spread across her face, just as he expected, and her arms were opened wide expectantly. He didn't want to hug her, but his gentleman mode overtook his body. After a brief hug and pat on the back, they pulled apart and started the usual small talk of the 'how are you's and 'what have you been up to lately's. If he really cared, he'd buy a TeenPeople magazine and call it a day.

"How's Jaime doing?" Justin asked cheerfully.

"Oh she's good. She misses you though." That broke his heart. No Britney contact meant losing contact with her family. He loved her family. They had grown so close in the time him and Britney had together. It made him even more hurt by what she did. She never considered all the people she hurt with her irresponsible actions.

"I miss her too." Justin said sadly, but sincerely, "You come with anyone?" Damn. That sounded desperate.

"Nah," Britney answered nonchalantly, "Flying solo."

What about that smurf of a choreographer? Justin wanted to ask, but he simply nodded.

"Yeah, well I came here with a few friends." Justin told her, "And Alonsha." Britney's brow raised.

"Doesn't Alonsha fit in the friends category?" Justin smiled smugly when he heard the concern twinge in her tone.

"Not anymore," He cleared his throat, "We've been dating for a couple of months." Britney nodded solemnly. She didn't seem pleased by this. Then again, she didn't seem displeased either.

"Well that's great. She's a sweet girl." Justin furrowed his brow. He didn't like the tone she used. She acted like Alonsha was some five year old.

"Yeah, she is." Justin agreed quickly, "Speaking of which, I have to go find her. So if you'll excuse me." Justin turned away from her and rolled his eyes the moment his back was to her.

"Justin, wait!" He cringed.

"Yes?" he asked politely.

"I'll help you look." He groaned inwardly, but plastered his famous smile on his face.

"Two heads are better than one." he commented cheesingly. Britney giggled and he softened slightly. He always loved her carefree giggled.

"Oh, is that her?" Britney questioned as she pointed to the lower level of the club, "She's dancing!" she added enthusiastically. Justin leaned over the railing to scan the dance floor for her. He spotted her near the center of the crowd. She was dancing alright. Grinding more like it.

"Who's she dancing with?" he grumbled slightly. Britney leaned over where he stood.

"Is that. . . JC?" Justin hands gripped the metal bar of the railing and bit his bottom lip. How dare JC grind with his girlfriend. Especially after he told him how much he loved her. Justin wasn't going to let some guy, who was supposedly his friend, steal another one of his girlfriend right under his nose.

"Excuse me. . ." Justin grumbled as he brushed past Britney, nearly knocking her over.



-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-



"JC, I can't!" I giggled as JC tried to perform the dance moves from 'POP'.

"Come on, Lonnie. It's like this." He started to rub his hands all over his arms as if he were removing his clothes. I raised a brow comically and he laughed when he saw my facial expression.

"Wow, Josh. Wow." I said sarcastically. He smiled at me while standing in a challenging stance.

"You think you can. . . Whoa." I looked at him confused.

"Can I whoa? Is that a dance move?" He didn't say anything, instead he pointed behind me. I looked to where his figure pointed and watched as Justin pushed and excused himself through the crowd.

"He looks pissed." Pissed wasn't even the word. He finally reached me, breath heavy and chest heaving.

"Justin, what's. . ." I started to ask before being cut off abruptly.

"We need to talk." Justin demanded. He took my hand and pulled me to a back room of the club. Once the door was closed the noise was cut down significantly. I turned to him angrily. How dare he drag me in here like some child.

"Justin, what the hell is your problem?" I placed my hands on my hips and took a step closer to him.

"My problem?" he questioned angrily, "I wasn't the one grinding all over somebody. You were all over him!" I looked at him in shock.

"All over him? JC, Justin?" I asked in disbelief, "We were dancing!"

"You guys needed a room, for Pete's sake!"

"How dare you talk to me like that!" I countered.

"How dare you act like that!" I sighed heavily.

"Justin, I don't know what's wrong with you, but you better fix it." I warned.

"There's nothing wrong with me, Alonsha. I'm not the one who went lolly-gagging all over the club with one of her boyfriend's best friends." he shouted.

"You left me at a table alone, in a club full of people I don't even know, Justin."

"Well, you obviously knew JC well enough." he sneered. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"What's your problem with JC, anyhow?" I asked annoyed.

"Besides the fact he was all over my girl, I don't know." he answered sarcastically.

"We. Were. Dancing." I explained slowly, "What are you? Jealous of a stupid dance?" Justin quickly turned to me and pointed his finger angrily.

"I am not jealous." Justin reputed, "How would you feel if I was grinding all over the place with some other girl?"

"Like you did when you were in New York?" I shot back. He quickly bit his tongue. He knew full well that him and Trace went dancing when he took a recording break, "And I'm pretty sure you danced at your little 'Justified' party."

"That's different. Things were different then." he explained lamely.

"How are things any different?" I questioned irritably.

"We weren't as serious as we are now. We're at a stage where we don't go grinding all over people in clubs." I rolled my eyes.

"So I'm not allowed to dance with anybody now?" I asked bitterly, "Justin if you think for one second that you being my boyfriend gives you some type of ownership over me, you've got another thing coming."

"I don't want to own you." Justin said as he lowered his voice. He turned his back to me and began to walk slowly towards a couch that was pushed against the wall. His bi-polar emotional change made me worry.

"Than what do you want?" I asked as he shrugged.

"I'm sorry. I'm being a dick." No argument there.

"I know that, Justin." I stated in a 'duh' tone, "The reason why is what I'm worried about." I watched as he leaned over, placing his elbows on his thighs, while resting his face in his hands.

"This party is turning into a loud and crowded mess. I lost my mom an hour ago in this bitch, and I have yet to find her. Then to top it off, I ran into Britney."

"Damn." I hissed sympathetically.

"That's what I said," He chuckled lightly as he looked up to face me, "Seeing her again just brought back everything. The breakup. The heartache. And I began to realize that there were so many red flags, you know? But I was so in love with her, and I trusted her with my life, so I didn't take anything seriously. Especially the dancing. Her and Wade danced a lot. . . all the time. Once, I went to a rehearsal of hers and the prick was all over her. But did I say anything? No. Because I told myself it was just dancing. It didn't mean anything."

I nodded understandingly. I got it now that he explained himself. Even I saw some red flags that I missed with Kyle. For one thing, he was always out drinking with "buddies", but could never name them. Then there were the hurried phone calls, and expanded travel days. But I didn't worry about it either. I loved him. He loved me. That's all that mattered at the time. But I was wrong. Horribly wrong.

"Justin, I understand, but you can't just make an assumption out of nowhere. Talk to me. Don't get angry and yell. All that does is make us fight, and after the last fight we had, I'm not up for it again." He nodded in agreement and I made my way to the couch. I sat down next to him and he smiled as he turned to face me.

"I don't want to fight either, especially with someone as stubborn as you." I laughed.

"You should talk." I told him accusingly.

"I'm not stubborn, I'm determined." I rolled my eyes at his lameness before I felt him softly kiss my cheek, "Sorry about everything."

"It's cool, but now's not the time for apologies," I stood and he followed suit, "Let's go party!" He laughed at my enthusiasm and took my hands in his, our fingers slowly intertwining.

"You ready to shake yo' groove thing?" Justin asked with a broad smile.

"I was born ready." I joked as we laughed and made our way to the dance floor.



-*-*-*-*-*-



It was a beautiful Saturday night. I had gotten home from work and had showered before slipping into my sweats/t-shirt combo that I always wear. Justin nearly had a heart attack when I gave him his guitar. He almost cried. It was so sweet. I guess that's why I'm so happy. He sung to me again last night, thanking me for what I gave him. But he especially enjoyed the Victoria's Secret number I wore for him, and we all know how I was thanked for that gift.

Anyways, Tiffany had slept over at Scott's last night and had yet to return. She called earlier and said she was going to stay for the weekend. So it's just me and Bosco tonight. We're both snuggled up on the couch watching The Lord of the Rings DVD, well he was anyway. I was far too captivated by a blue-eyed Orlando Bloom to stay along with the story plot. I was just getting to the troll fighting scene when the phone rang.

"It's Justin." I didn't even get a chance to say 'hello' for goodness sake.

"Hey, Jay. What's up?" I asked as I focused my eyes on the screen in front of me. Orlando was whooping some troll ass.

"Are you free now?" he asked hurriedly.

"I'm watching my Rings." I informed him as he laughed.

"Don't you mean you're ogling Orlando Bloom?" Damn straight.

"Eh, same difference." I smiled, "Why do you want me to be free?" I asked curiously.

"Well, I was hoping me and you could watch some Rings together and get some ice cream for a late night snack."

"Sure. Your place or mine?" I asked as I sat up, causing Bosco to whimper in protest.

"Mine." he answered as I stood up from the sofa and stretched.

"Cool. I'll be there in a few." We said our goodbyes and I walked into the bathroom. I fixed my hair into a pony tail before putting on my earrings. I slowly made my way into my bedroom and grabbed a pair of socks from my drawer. After getting them on, I placed my high top Nike's on and walked over to my DVD stash in the living room. I took everything I wanted, especially my Rings, before getting my keys off the coffee table. I smile when I realized Bosco had made himself comfortable in his doggy bed. I patted his head softly before walking out of my door.

I made my way to my car after a brief and awkward conversation with Daniel from the third floor in that God forsaken elevator. The drive to Justin's house was a quiet one, minus the sounds of Beyonce that played from my stereo's speakers. I pulled up to an empty spot near his Viper before parking and getting out. The door opened before I got a chance to use my key. Justin smiled at me and his eyes were glimmering in the dim light of the foyer. The house was familiar to me and I knew the rules, so I removed my sneakers and left them in the front.

"Did you bring the movies?" Justin asked as he walked past me to get to the kitchen.

"Yeah. You got the ice cream?" I asked as I settled into the sofa.

"Right here." Justin said as he held up the pint containers of Edy's. I smiled and accepted the spoon and Cookie Dough flavor he offered me. We both licked the lids of the containers and laughed when we did it at the same time. I got up and placed the Rings DVD inside of his Plasma television and smiled as the surround sound boomed in my ears.

As we watched the movie, we ate in comfortable silence. There were a few talks here and there, but we mainly focused on the action in front of us. I was halfway done my ice cream when the screen in front of me suddenly went blank.

"What the hell?" I complained as Justin tossed the remote on the cushion beside him.

"I want to show you something." he said as he stood. He offered me his hand and I accepted it. We began to walk across the hard wood floors and up the wooden steps. After a brief walk across the hallway, we turned into his bedroom. He guided me to his balcony where a ladder had been strategically placed as a stairway to the roof. As I made my way up the ladder, Justin climbed right behind me and groaned in fear when the ladder swayed slightly.

We finally made it to the top of his estate and I gasped in shock of the view. I could see everything. The buildings, the stars, and the LA traffic in the darkness of the night. The moon shined brightly and lit up the rooftop. I smiled when I saw a blanket strewed out near the edge of the roof. I began to walk towards it and I could sense Justin's presence behind me.

"You planned this whole thing." I accused. He shrugged and smiled.

"Guilty as I charged." I laughed as we sat down on the blanket.

"This is really beautiful." I commented after a moment of silence.

"Just like you." I smiled over at him looked down at my hands.

There goes those butterflies. . .



-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-



Justin let a shaky breath escape his lips as his eyes fell on the side of her face. His heart skipped a beat when she smiled and pointed at something in the sky. He diverted his attention to the stars for a brief moment before they came back to her. She looked so beautiful without even trying. No make up. Gray sweat pants. But she was still perfect.



Now that you're right here,
Let me whisper in your ear
Now that you're listening,
Let me tell you how I feel


Justin cleared his throat and called Alonsha softly, "Beautiful?" She turned to face him, a smile adorning her mocha face.

"Yes?" she said softly as she sat up straighter. Justin tugged at his shirt nervously and rubbed his hands together. He was going to tell her tonight. It had to be said. He could no longer contain it or his heart would explode in his chest. The anticipation had reached its peak and he was tired of waiting.



I've been trying to formulate
The perfect words the perfect way
I can't hold it back no more
I gotta let you know today



"You know that important thing I wanted to tell you about?" She nodded and he took her hands in his, "Well, I wanted to share that with you now." Alonsha cautiously nodded again.

"Okay. . . What's up?" Justin took in a deep breath and paused momentarily to gather up his courage. He said a little pray to get him through this before meeting her gaze.

"Alonsha, I've known you for awhile now, and we've grown so close to one another. You've seen me at my worst and never judged me. You always listen when I have something to bitch about and you support me no matter what, and that's hard to come by." He paused before continuing, "I know that in the beginning, we wouldn't have imagine in a million years that we would be an item, but I'm glad that we were wrong." She smiled and his heart melted, "I know that I've been a little bi-polar, but it's because I've been fighting this feeling I've been having lately. At first, I didn't know what it was, until Trace pointed me in the right direction. I didn't want to believe at first - out of fear - so I kinda suppressed it, but I can't do that anymore. I can't hold this in any longer."



Its
Simple (What more can I say)
So Simple
I Love you (What more can I say)
Simple (What more can I say)
So Simple
I Love you (What more can I say)



"You deserve to know, and I'm sorry I kept it from you." Justin continued, "I know that I have nothing to fear. You wouldn't hurt me." He smiled softly at her and Alonsha smiled also.

"Well, what is it?" Alonsha asked excitedly. Justin laughed. Excitement was a good sign, right?

"Alonsha, what I'm trying to say is. . ." He paused and sighed.

"Justin, just tell me." Alonsha said as she rubbed his hand in a comforting way. Justin smiled at her hands and then at her. He could do this now. It was okay.

"Alonsha, I love you."



Song Credits:

"Simple"- India Arie