Three weeks ago, Justin and I hung up the phone (after a very awkward silence), establishing that we were friends with no types of benefits until I (unfortunately) make a clear decision about what I want us to be and where I want us to go in the future. He made himself loud and clear before hanging up.

Geez, Justin. Thanks for the added pressure in choosing where I wanted to be - that's what I wanted to say, but I just mumbled an 'Okay' and went about my business. So there was his ultimatum, I suppose. Love him or leave him. Be with him or without him. There was no inbetween for me and I was so frustrated with all the black and white. Gray wasn't so bad, was it? Could him and I be gray for just a little bit? A kiss here and some sex there, but title free? Why did he practically have to brand his name on my ass to claim me and be satisfied?

My stomach growled angrily as I sat at the lounge table and poked at my alfredo chicken and pasta. It was a Lean Cruise meal that smelled funny, but tasted fairly well. I wanted to eat it, but I always got sidetracked with stupid thoughts of stupid Justin.

I stabbed my plastic fork into a piece of chicken and stuck into my mouth, chewing it with unnecessary force as I glared at the table. This is exactly why penis was the devil. Men always fucked up your mind and messed with your sanity. Even the really good ones that just wanted to love you... I shook my head and sighed. I didn't really know why I was agonizing over a decision that seems so simple to others, but my heart... My heart was so anxious. It just anticipated every worse-case heart break scenario I could go through with Justin. I was downright terrified of us falling apart. I didn't want to resent him like I resented Angel. I didn't want to look into his eyes one day and not know who he was anymore. The drama between us would be public. My turmoil would be a source of entertainment. US Weekly and Access Hollywood would be at my front steps, begging for an exclusive looking into my 'life after Justin Timberlake'. MTV would give me a television show...

It was a circus. Everything Justin related would eventually drive us both insane. I just wanted the man. I just wanted the Justin that was a sore loser during Checkers games and a sexy seducer in the bedroom... God, I just wanted him in bed all day, all the time. What was I going to do when he's away? I might just quit my job just so I could get some every night. I bet that's what he'll want too. He'll want me to quit my job eventually and just follow him around the world. My girly side was giggling with joy at the idea of just being with him, but my overbearing independent side wanted to throw me around like a rag doll to knock some sense into me. Yes, I loved him, but I loved myself more. People always get too deep and get too dependent and when things fall apart, they do too. I needed to keep my feet on the ground and not in these fairy tale mindsets. A life with Justin was complicated and a huge test on the strength of our relationship. I was already distrusting of him. I was scared of him cheating while he was on tour. I was going to be insanely jealous of every gorgeous female dancer he would spend his entire day grinding on. I wouldn't be able to withstand seeing that. Even if it meant nothing, it could mean something and that's why it bothered me. I wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

"Your lunch break is over in two minutes and you still aren't done." The sentence was short and simple, but the voice behind it was alarming. My eyes shot up at the speaker and even though I knew full well who it was, I was still a bit shocked to see my mother standing at the table across from me with a huge smile on her face.

"Mom," I smiled, standing up and running up to her petite frame. She was even tinier than me by an inch or two. She still managed to give the biggest and best hugs with her tiny arms and her floral scent was still as calming as it was during my childhood. I squeezed her a little moment longer before finally letting her go. I stood back and took her in. She was small with the exception of a mini belly and her many rings lined her fingers. The silver went well with the black ensemble she had on. A long black linen skirt and a white tank top. It was simple, but spring-like. It was exceptionally warm out today and she was embracing it in flip flops too. Her short hair cut was salt and pepper colored and suited her face.

"Well, if you wanted to see me so bad you should've visited," she told me smartly, disrupting my moment of taking her in. I rolled my eyes.

"I've been busy," I said, "But I called the other night."

"Yeah, the one night I go out," she grumbled, "And what are you so busy doing?" I shrugged, thinking of Justin immediately. She didn't know about him yet. I wasn't really good with relationship conversations with my mother. I could already here her reaction anyway.

I loved my mother, but she was a bit narrowed minded and old fashioned. She was okay with Angel, thanks to his ethnicity and the fact that his mother attended the same church service as my mother, but even that was stretched. My sisters were the same and my brothers would just eat Justin alive if they ever met him. I shivered at the very thought. I didn't even think about introducing Justin to my family if we end up together. They're enough reason to avoid the relationship all together too.

"I got work and stuff..." I said with another shrugged, "I've been going to the gym too." My mother gave me the once over.

"You do look thinner," she said with a bit of distaste, "Don't get too small. Nothing's wrong with some meat on the bones. Men like that." I rolled my eyes.

"Mom, don't start," I whined.

"What?" she said, "I was just making a statement." She didn't need to know that I was full aware that men liked meat on the bones. Especially Justin. My ass, my thighs... He would slap, grip, and kiss every inch, especially if I tried to hide my body somehow. He hated that I was the least bit self-conscious.

"I know," I said, trying to change the topic, "How's the grandbabies doing?"

"Getting on my nerves," my mother said, shaking her head, "I swear, if your brother has anymore kids, I'm going to get him fixed." I laughed because I knew she would if she could.

"It's nice to know that you love your son so much." She gave me a side eye.

"Speaking of grandbabies..." she trailed off, looking at me. I raised my hands to end her rant before it started.

"Ma," I groaned, "Do not."

"Sash, ever since that Angel boy you've been so cut off and not even looking for a man," she continued, despite my pathetic attempt to shut her up, "It's been damn near three years."

"Two," I corrected, "And I'm not settling down and having babies just because you're asking me to. I'm still young. People aren't getting married 'til thirty-five these days. That's ten more years for me."

"Thirty-five?!" my mother squeaked out, "Sash, I'll probably be dead by then." I rolled my eyes.

"Mother, you're sixty-three." She rolled her eyes this time.

"That is a very fragile age," she argued.

"You aren't even a senior citizen yet," I complained, "Stop putting a foot in your own grave, woman." She waved me off.

"At any rate, your sister needed some money and I told her she wasn't getting it from me this time," she said, cutting to the chase. I rolled my eyes.

"Tell Rosie to get a job," I said dismissively, "I gave her three hundred bucks the last time. It's Tash's turn." I adjusted a button on my nursing scrubs. I hated that I was the baby in the family and the walking ATM when it game to Rosetta. She was the eldest of my two sisters and although she had the grandbabies my mother begged me for, she was missing the husband and the job that should've came with it. She was four years my senior, but I felt like she was ten years younger than me instead.

"Well you can tell Tash that because I'm not getting in the middle of it," my mother sighed, "I really don't know why I bother with that girl. She's driving me out of my mind." I nodded in agreement, frowning deeper as I thought of all the ways Rosie would try and get Justin's money. If him and I got married... It was done for. Everyday she'd ask for money and guilt him in with her kids - just like she did to us. I didn't want to give Justin the wrong impression of what my family was about. We were not gold diggers or moochers, but somewhere along the line, Rosetta had fallen off the bandwagon. My forehead creased with worry. I didn't want to have to deal with that. I didn't want to have to worry about his money. His fame alone was nawing at my nerves.

"It's okay," I told my mom before reluctantly adding, "I'll give you the money once I get to the ATM today. Three hundred bucks should be enough...again."

"I really don't have it," my mother told me, "I wouldn't have asked you if I did."

"It's fine," I said, "We all have to help each other out sometimes."

"I'm glad you at least remember to help your family because you damn sure don't know how to visit," she criticized jokingly and I rolled my eyes.

"I told that I'm busy."

"With what?" she frowned, looking around me at the table, "Lean Cuisine?"

"Yes, mother, I'm just busy with microwavable meals." Just as I went to roll my eyes for the tenth time in the last two seconds, my phone vibrated against my hip. I unclipped it and read the screen. Justin's name flashed on the screen and my heart jumped. I almost flipped it open until I remembered who was in front of me.

"You're not gonna answer?" my mother ask suspiciously, "Who is it?"

"Nobody," I lied, rejecting the call and clipping it back to my hip. "I didn't recognize the number." My mother gave me a disbelieving grunt before before rolling her eyes.

"You are a lot of things, baby, but a good liar is not one of them," she said, "But that's fine. Keep your secrets now 'cause I'll find out later." Or not, I thought, knowing that I did have the power to make Justin disappear from my life... I just didn't think I had enough will power to do it.

"I don't have secrets," I sighed, "But I do have work." I glanced at the clock on the wall and rolled my eyes, "I'm late coming from lunch now."

"A lunch you didn't even eat." I shrugged and turned back to the table to hurriedly clean up my mess. I put my meal into the fridge by the lockers and my mother watched patiently at the door. My phone vibrated against my hip, signifying another call. I unclipped my phone and it was Justin's name again. I began to worry.

"You don't know them, but they sure know you," my mother mumbled and I debated on whether or not to answer. I didn't want anything bad to be happening, but I knew that Justin wouldn't be able to call if something did happen... Unless his family was calling me from his phone... But they didn't know, did they? He didn't tell them who I was, so why would they call me?

"I have to clock back in, but I'll come back," I said to find a reason to leave her suspicious gaze.

"Whatever, I'll still be here." I tried not to sound disappointed as I mumbled 'Okay' and left the room to go clock in. The moment I was out of earshot and sight, I yanked my phone out and called Justin back. It rang only once.

"Are you at work?" His voice was a mixture of alarmed, relieved, and annoyed. It sounded beautiful to me anyway.

"Yeah," I said, "Sorry, I got caught up -"

"I need to see you," he interrupted, "I'm at your place." I continued to punch in at the time clock on the lobby computer as I furrowed my brows.

"I can't leave work," I said, "Is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I just -" He paused and took a breath.

"Justin, what's going on?" I said, "Why are you in Philly anyway? Aren't you suppose to be in LA?"

"Sash, either you come home or I'm coming there." I didn't get the urgency, but I felt it. Clare was already looking at me weird from her swivel chair at her desk.

"I have to ask Clare, but I can't guarantee anything," I said, "Are you sure everything's fine?"

"Yes, just hurry up." Then the line went dead and I stared at my cell phone like it had done something wrong. Clare was at my side in two seconds.

"Justin?" she asked, "What's going on?" I shrugged.

"He just told me I needed to come home now," I said, "He sounded...rushed. I don't know..."

"Is something wrong?" Clare inquired and I shrugged.

"According to him, no, but why the urgency?" I wondered if it were just a cover up and something was terribly wrong and he just didn't want me to freak out at work. My heart sank. What if he made the decision for me? What if he decided I was crazy and not worth it or what if Jessica came back to fight for him again?

"Well, don't just stand here all day thinking," Clare said, pushing me towards the nearest exit, "Go find out what's wrong. I'll check up on Mr. Banks for you."

"Thanks," I said before haulting my actions, "Fuck, my mother's here."

"Your mom?" Clare asked, just as confused as me, "What's she doing up here?" I shrugged.

"I don't know, but she's here and Justin's at my place and I cannot take her home with me..."

"Just go and I'll handle her," Clare said, "Where is she?"

"In the lounge," I said, "But whatever you do, do not mention Justin or Matthew or any man whatsoever." She shot me a look. "Don't ask; just don't."

"Okay, but call me tonight." I nodded and thanked her one last time before jetting out of the hospital and towards the parking lot. Even if he said nothing was wrong, I still didn't feel quite right. My stomach was all knotted up and my heart was beating faster than normal. I felt so rushed by the urgency of his tone. What the hell was so important that he flew here and made it to my house before even thinking to call me?

I didn't even remember finding my car, let alone driving it to my house, but by the time I stopped to think about it, I was turning onto my block and parking behind an all too familiar Suburban SUV. Before I could cut off the ignition, the driver's door flew open and Justin came out of it. I was halfway expecting one of his bodyguards, but was relieved and excited to see him. He stood tall and handsome in his purple graphic t-shirt and jeans. The aviators covering his face blocked the eyes I was dying to see, but I was still enthralled by his outward appearance.

I turned off my Lexus and slipped from the car, locking it behind me with the remote control. Justin didn't move from his spot by the oversized SUV. It was awkward approaching him. Did I keep a respectful distance? Did I hug him like I was dying to do? My arms twitched anxiously. My nose inhaled a little deeper as I neared him, trying to catch his scent in the air. His face was so still. I couldn't see his eyes through this sunglasses and it was starting to bother me. Was he angry? Did he miss me too? Why was he standing so damn still?

"Hey." It was one little word, but it was a happy little word and the smirk that adorned his face right after he said it made me relax.

"Hey?" I inquired, "All that rushing for a 'hey'?" He smiled a little wider. I stopped walking a moment ago. I was about two feet away from him.

"Not exactly," he told me and the mischiveous tone of his voice made me lean back a bit.

"What?" I asked, "What is it?"

"Lets go," he said, gesturing behind him towards my house. "We'll talk inside." I just led the way to my house without another word. He kept his distance during the walk to the stairs and stood back as I unlocked the doors. Bob meowed as we entered the house and Justin walked around me to scoop him up, his fancy cologne clashing with the memory of Matthew's Irish Springs scent. He still smelled good though... just different. More expensive almost.

"Hey, buddy," he greeted my cat as he cradled him in his arms, "How are you today?" I smirked, remembering all the times he greeted him that same way. Bob meowed and I swore that he was answering as Justin scratched behind his pointy ears. A purr or two later, Justin placed Bob on the floor and dusted himself off.

"His fur is shedding like crazy," I explained as he ceased his movements and looked up at me, "I don't know what it is."

"Maybe he's stressed out," Justin shrugged. "Cats get stressed."

I made a sour face. "From what? Sleeping all the time, getting free meals..."

"Are you stressed?" Justin asked and I immediately denied it.

"No, I'm perfectly fine," I quickly added, "I've been going to the gym to relieve stress." Justin looked me up and down quickly.

"You look thinner," he said, but it was as disapproving as my mother's tone, "You're not dieting, are you?"

I rolled my eyes. "Not on purpose," I said, "My appetite just changed. Besides, with work and the gym and the Clare, I don't have much time to sit and stuff my face like I used to." I snorted a laugh at myself, but Justin didn't budge.

"I don't want you to get sick," he said, "There's nothing wrong with your weight, Sash. You were perfectly fine before." I frowned, glancing down at my figure self-consciously. I didn't see that big of a difference.

"You sound like my mother," I groaned.

"Seeing that she created you, I'll take that as a compliment," he shot back, "But we're both right. You don't need to lose weight."

"Justin, I have a few extra pounds that I can spare, believe me," I said, "And it's none of your business anyway. It's my body."

"I just don't want you to have some obscene image of yourself when you look in the mirror," he told me gently, taking step toward me, "Honestly, Sash, you're beautiful and I love every last inch of your body. I just want you to remember that."

"Thank you," I said softly, not knowing what else to say as the blood flowed up to my cheeks, "I'm just toning. I'm not going to get crazy and weight ten pounds. I just want to lose like thirty pounds or -"

"Thirty!" Justin exclaimed, "You're going to be anorexic."

"I'm not!" I argued, "That's not a lot."

"That's too much," he told me, "Fifteen, max."

"You can't tell me how much weight to lose," I scoffed.

"Sash, I will force feed you myself if you try and lose thirty pounds." He raised a challenging brow and I rolled my eyes.

"This is all beside the point," I said, "What are you doing here?"

"Promise me you won't lose that much weight," he said, ignoring my question. I stared at him blankly.

"Did you not just hear my question?"

"Promise me," he continued.

"Do you want something to eat or drink?" I said, changing the subject and heading towards the kitchen instead. If he wanted to ignore my question, it was only fair to ignore him.

"Sash..." he whined from behind me as I headed for the fridge.

"I've got water, apple juice, diet Pepsi, lunch meat, left over chicken parm..." I rattled off as I felt him standing beside me.

"You're just going to ignore me?" he asked as I pulled out two cans of diet Pepsi. I handed him a can and he snatched it from my hand.

"Don't snatch," I scolded, shutting the refridgerator door.

"Don't ignore me," he childishly snapped back as he pulled out a chair at the table and sat.

"Don't ignore me," I mocked, taking a seat as well. He rolled his eyes as he took a gulp of his Pepsi before placing the can against the wood top of my kitchen table. I observed the way his fingers still wrapped around the can loosely. His hands were clean and well taken care of, but still held their strong, masculinity. I allowed my eyes to travel back up to his face only to find him staring back at me.

"I have a proposal," he told me, "I want you to really hear me out though."

"A proposal for what?" I had wedding bells in my head and as much as I loved Justin, I didn't want to hear them now or anytime soon.

"I figured out a way that we can both get what we want, at least momentarily."

"And what is it that we both want?" I asked.

"Each other," he said simply. I bit my bottom lip.

"I thought we were friends," I mumbled and he gave me a look.

"You and I both know that it's only a matter of time before one of us slips up and other one doesn't put up the fight their suppose to... And next thing we know, we're rolling over in the morning hoping things have changed or... in your case, haven't changed." I looked at his Pepsi can instead of him. "Sitting here now is hard for me. I just want to kiss you." I looked up at him for a moment.

"You can't say stuff like that," I said, "You're influencing my decision."

"You already know how I feel," he told me, "You know what I'm thinking about."

"I know that your perverted little mind is a dangerous place, especially when you start speaking it," I said, "But as friends, we can't say stuff like that."

"Which brings me back to my proposal," he said, "I think it's probably the smartest thing I've ever thought of."

"Oh, well it must be good," I teased, "Do share."

"Well, Sash, before you buy a car you do what?"

"Test drive it?" I answered automatically.

"And if you like it?" he asked. I shrugged.

"You buy it," I said, "Are you getting me another car?" He laughed and shook his head.

"No, but I am giving you a test drive," he said, reaching across the table for my hands. He removed my Pepsi from my fingertips and pushed it aside to intertwine our fingers. His peachy skin tangled with my brown skin looked strange, but oddly intriguing. I wondered if that's how other people would view us. "I want you to try and be with me... For a week or two. See how it goes...And if you like it...You can have me. A thousand percent of me. But, if you don't..." His thumb ran along my skin as he gave my hands a squeeze, "... You can walk away."

"How am I suppose to test drive a relationship?" I asked.

"I want you to come out to LA with me."

"When am I suppose to do that?" I said, "I have a job."

"Whenever you can," he said, "Don't you get vacation time?"

"I took a lot of days off when you left last time, Justin..." I admitted, trying not to let the pain of those memories tighten my stomach, "I don't want to keep asking for off. I have to work to pay my bills too."

"I'll pay you for your time," he smirked, "It's just a week I'm asking for." I rolled my eyes.

"I'll try," I relented, knowing there was no point in fighting him, "What exactly happens in this week?"

"Well," he sighed, playing with my fingeres absentmindedly, "You come and stay with me and we'll do our thing. We'll be together. I'll take you out, you'll meet my friends and my mother has been dying to meet you-"

"Whoa, cool your shorts, Timberlake," I said, holding my hand up, "I'm meeting people? That's a little deep."

"I love you, Sash and they all know it. Honestly, they want to meet you and see for themselves how great you are."

"What lies have you been telling them?" I asked as he laughed.

"I didn't lie about anything," he assured, "I said you were a beautiful, educated registered nurse at Temple University and you made me fall in love with you."

"I didn't make you do anything," I jokingly argued, "That was your own stupid fault." He smirked at me.

"I'll take the blame than," he said, "But you're meeting them because they're always around me anyway. It's just my mother, Trace, my cousin Rachel, my brothers, my dad Randall, my step father Paul, and my stepmother." My eyes widened in shock.

"Why does your entire family live with you?" He shrugged me off.

"The little ones are visiting in two weeks and my parents come up whenever. The step-family is gonna visit with the boys and Trace and Rachel are attached to my hip... Oh and I forgot to mention my dogs. I told you about Brennan and Brandon, right?"

"I don't like dogs," I said, "I have cat. They'll smell Bob on me and attack me. And what about Bob? I've never left him home alone."

"He can come with," Justin assured.

"So your dogs can eat him?" I asked rhetorically.

"They are the nicest dogs on earth," Justin promised, "They play with my brother's hamster all the time."

"That's a hamster, not a cat," I said, "I'm not risking it." Justin rolled his eyes.

"Can't Clare watch him?" I shrugged.

"I'll ask," I said, "I don't want to dump everything on her though."

"She's your best friend," he said, "You won't be dumping anything on her. She'll be glad to do it." I grunted in response and he squeezed my hand the moment I tried to look away from him. He held my gaze and his blue eyes were as hopeful as they were lustful. My stomach knotted up as I wondered how he honestly was putting up such a fight for me. I would've long been on my way, moving onto the next willing female. And here he was... wanting and loving me for no good reason.

"You are really...stupid," I criticized, shaking my head. He furrowed my brows.

"How the hell am I stupid?" he asked, offended.

"Because you're trying so hard...to be with me...I don't know know why, but you are and that' just... dumb."

"You're stupid for questioning why I'm fighting for us," Justin said, "Perhaps you missed the memo, but you're amazing."

I rolled my eyes. "Okay, Prince Charming, no more talk of how amazing I am," I said, pulling his hand up to my face and caressing my cheek with his warm skin. My eyes closed on the contact as my spine trembled. "Lets just do this." I told him, my eye fluttering open. He was still staring at me with a small smile before he stood from the table, still holding my hand as he came around to where I sat and pulled me up. My nose didn't have to struggle to catch his scent anymore. It was everywhere around me and I was basking in it as he pulled me into his chest and embraced me. My cheek rested against his abdomen as he held me a moment longer. My hands rested on his back and squeezed him before he pulled me back a bit to see my face.

"I promise, you'll want this. You'll want us," he told me softly, cupping my cheek in his oversized hand, "I love you, Sash." It was so mushy it hurt my head, but my heart... It almost flew out of my chest in excitement. This moment was ours and I wouldn't forget it. I wouldn't regret it every happening, cheesy as it was.

"I love you too," I said, not caring as I stood on my toes and brought his lips down to mine in the kiss I've gone too long without.

--------------------------------------------------------------

I wasn't the least bit surprised when Clare jumped for joy and offered me vacation time without hesitation. She would have my next two weeks covered as a paid vacation since I had used all my "sick" days. I was now packed and ready to go as I sat in my living room. The house was strangly empty with Bob gone away at Clare's. I was left alone on my couch, waiting for Justin to call. The entire time I was trying to talk myself out of going. I was so nervous about meeting his family that I bought new clothes and did my hair in loose curls. I even got a manicure and a pedicure... I was freaking out to say the least and Justin mentioned it so casually like meeting his entire family was meaningless.

I was so busy worrying about my stupid mess of a family that I didn't stop to think of his. I knew his family was from the south and I knew they were white and according to history books, that wasn't a very good combination. I wondered if he mentioned I was black... Maybe once he said my name they assumed it... I guess it is a stereotypical name. I didn't really like it growing up, but I grew to like it. It was unique, but what if it were too unique? Justin and Sasheirah. That didn't flow right... He needed to date a Jane or something. I bet they loved Jessica and Justin together. They probably hate me already. They think I'm a homewrecker or something... How much did they know, I wondered.

I shook my head. I needed to calm down. There was a drive to the airport and an entire flight to ahead of me to clear my head, but it wasn't happening fast enough. I stood from the sofa and walked to the kitchen. I checked the stoves and unplugged the microwave. I locked the basement door and grabbed a water bottle from the fridge just as my phone rang from the living room. I jogged to retrieve it from the sofa cushion and flipped it open.

"Hello?" There was a door slamming shut that was in rhythm with a noise from outside.

"Hey, I'm out front," Justin said. My heart jumped, but it was just out of excitement to see him.

"Okay, I'm coming," I said before hanging up and heading for the door. I smoothed out my t-shirt and jeans before opening the door. Justin lifted the aviators from his face to look me up and down.

"Well, aren't we extra cute today?" he teased and I rolled my eyes.

"I'm just trying to look presentable for the family," I said, "It's not too much is it?" He stepped into the house, forcing me back into the living room.

"You look amazing," he told me, kissing my lips as he mumbled against them, "We might just miss our flight..." I giggled and wiggled out of his arms.

"Stop it," I said, still smiling, "Help me with my bags." I heard him groan behind me when he saw all five of my bags.

"Damn, woman, are you moving in?" he joked. I grabbed two small bags and one big one, leaving the heaviest two for him.

"Just for that, you get the big suitcases," I said.

"That's fine," he shrugged off, "I'm a man. I got this." I laughed as he pretended to struggle with the bags for a moment before finally lifting them up and heading towards the door. I checked the house living room one last time as he put my suitcases into his car. I frowned a bit, my worry overflowing in me again.

"You okay?" I heard Justin ask from behind me as I stood at the door. I turned to face him and he took all three bags from my hands before I could protest.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I assured, taking the keys from my pockets to lock the door.

"Then lets go!" Justin said excitedly, jogging to the car to place my other three bags in the Suburban he was driving. I nodded and turned back to my door. Hesitating to shut the door before locking it up. I sighed and walked down the stairs to the car. Justin was waiting by his driver's door, the sun reflecting from his aviator shades. He pulled me into a quick hug before walking me to the passenger door and helping me into the massive vehicle. He jogged to the driver's door and hopped inside before we both buckled up.

"Do you like NERD?" Justin asked, playing with a bunch of CDs. I nodded.

"'Run To The Sun' is my favorite song," I said. He paused his movements to stare at me in disbelief.

"That is my favorite NERD song," he revealed and I raised a brow.

"It's a really good song," I said.

"See," he smiled, popping the NERD album into his CD player, "We're meant to be." He winked at me before blasting the song, the surround sound of his car speakers enveloping us in the rhythm.

"I hope so..." I mumbled, knowing he couldn't hear me as he danced and pulled out into the street. I turned to stare out the window as my block flew by as he sped along the little streets. I couldn't believe I was going to LA. I never left Philly before, so I was excited for that, but I was so scared. Not fitting in wasn't really my biggest worry. I was halfway expecting to be coming home in two days, telling Justin I knew it was a bad idea... I was more concerned about loving LA and his family... I was worried that things would be good. Great... because when things went right, they were always bound to go wrong...