Chapter 17: Chapter 17

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The next day the new family spent the whole day in each other’s company. Here mentioned that it was very important for their bee family to bond.

And bond is what they did.

They went out to watch some family movies at the cinema for the most part, welcoming their new releases. Justin would catch some paparazzi spying on them during their family outings that week, but Robin (his father) good him to not pay them much mind.

It was a Saturday morning when Justin woke up.

Bree called him down for breakfast after he had just finished showering.

He found Bree and Chris in the kitchen chatting and having their breakfast. "Morning, sleepy head," Bree said passing Justin a mug full of hot coffee.

"Morning mom, brother" he said turning to Chris. The titles were still a bit foreign to him but he already promised himself to keep at it until it was something that seemed usual.

They were all still getting the hang of things around them.

Mr Ryder came out from the direction of the front door dressed in casual jeans and a t- shirt.

He had a huge grin on his face while he whistled with an iPad in one hand and a magazine in the other.

As he came up behind them, he hit Chris on the back playfully with the cover of the magazine.

"Good morning my beautiful family," he said as he passed them.

"Morning dad,”

"Morning"

"Hey baby!" he kissed Bree on the cheek and sat beside her putting the IPad down on the counter and sat next to Bree.

"Would you look at this," he said throwing the magazine on the counter.

On the cover page was a very good picture of Justin and his name in bold

"This magazine was sold out an hour after it was released. All 2 million copies were gone, zippo zilch," Robin was grinning from cheek to cheek.

"That’s a very good photo of you," Chris complemented turning to Justin. "Sold out after only one hour?" Bree repeated,

"That’s incredible!"

"Yes it is!" Robin said as Justin opened the magazine.

"Justin Star Ryder, are his full names," he read the first line.

He looked up at his dad, "I did this interview before the adoption, how did they know?" he asked confused.

"Well, I told them to wait and do the article after the adoption was complete, I did inform them," he replied.

"Well that explains that," Chris replied, "do you know what this means Justin?" Chris asked.

Justin laughed, "That I have fans," he answered.

"Correction, you have a lots of fans! Flair magazine is one of the leading magazines in America, but even so, for all its copies to be sold out in just an hour oh boy! That means you have millions of fans," Chris enlightened.

"That's correct," Mr Ryder said snapping his fingers, " today the whole world knows that you two are my sons, so y'all have to be very discreet because trust me paparazzi are going to be on you like a hawk," he said taking a bite from his breakfast.

"So I want you boys, whenever you think of going out to have at least one body guard around you at all times," Bree added

"Especially you Justin,"

"You boys can have fun today because when next week begins it's all out full business and you’re going to start school," he added.

"School!" Chris and Justin echoed. "Well of course school, what did you think was going to happen?" Bree asked taking another bite.

Dad wiped his mouth then sipped some tea which indicated that he was done with breakfast. "Yes, you two are now rich and successful but don't in anyway think that any of you will be one of those celebrities who aren't educated just focus on their music because you won’t, not even for a second.

You've missed a large part of your final year in High school so you two will be tutored here at home on the grounds that your celebrities you won't be able to attend normal high schools.

Plus I promised Miss Janice you would finish school at least, get your diplomas, so you can see that between school and music your work is fully cut out for you both."

They groaned, "Suck it in boys, you're going no matter what," Bree said smiling.

Dad stood up, "you have the full day to yourselves, just be careful," he said, "I'm going out to meet Bob and some other friends, I'll be back by 5," he said kissing Bree and patting the boys as he walked out.

Bree looked up at them, "well y'all heard him," she said finishing her coffee.

"Well I really don't have anything to do today,” Chris said and Justin nodded.

"Well," Bree cut in as she stood up, "my girlfriends are coming over for a little girl time, so if you boys want to join....." she offered trailing off.

The boys looked at her then Chris turned to Justin, “you know what I do have something to do, I'll just check upstairs," he said hurriedly getting up.

"So how about it Justin?" Bree asked as Chris left. "Girls day. You say," he repeated,

"What activities do you girls do?" he asked.

"Well," she said twisting a lock of her hair, "we gossip, get our hair done, massages, pedicures and manicures, talk about sexy guys."

"I think I'll pass," Justin cut her off as he took his coffee and walked up the stairs.

"It works every time!" Bree said as she dialed her phone, "hello Hilda, and girl’s day. Is a go!" she said excitedly.

**

Justin walked up the stairs to Chris bedroom

Chris was listening to some music, "so you're going to sit in here all day while mom has girls get together downstairs?" Justin asked.

"I guess," Chris said. “unless...." he trailed off.

"You have an idea,” Justin figured watching his expression as he sat on the bed.

"How about I meet Britney today,"

Justin looked at him, "yeah, that would be okay I guess."

"You don't think it would be weird if I called her?"

"What? What are you talking about man? Just call her, tell her you liked the date you had before. And you want to try again,"

"It wasn't a date,"

"Whatever Chris, just ask her out,"

"You mean like on a date?"

"Of course not silly, what are you crazy? You’ve only met her once so just ask her out as friends at least for now,"

"You really think so bro?" Chris asked fumbling his phone

"Clearly when it comes to math’s science and that type of thing, you’re the man to go to, but when it comes to love, obviously I'm the main man. Trust me. I'm the love doctor and I say if you like her, get to know her first a little bit more,"

"I wish you would have taken that advice with Lucy," Chris replied slowly as he watched Justin

"What did you say?" Justin asked his eyebrows furrowing, but his phone rang before he could say anything else,

"Hold that thought," he said picking up his phone and walking to the other corner of the room. "Hey Beats!"

As Justin talked to Beats, Chris gathered up his courage to call Britney

**

Meanwhile,

Britney lived in another part of LA with her mother and cousin, Mckayla.

"Hey Bee," Mckayla said as she sat down beside her cousin with a bowl of fresh pop corns in one hand.

"What are you watching?" she asked, swiping her dark hair back, her shallow brown eyes scanning the TV.

"The Fault in Our Stars," Britney replied mindlessly as she dipped her hand into the bowl of popcorn in Mckayla's lap.

Mckayla smacked her hand as she reached for the snack, "oh no you don't, my sweat went into these and you aren't just going to steal them from me," she said.

"Oh, you’re such a stingy girl!" Britney replied.

"You should know me by now" she said pouting, "besides saying please never hurt anybody," she replied.

Britney smiled, "okay, may I PLEASE have some popcorn," Britney asked.

"Yes, you may," Mckayla replied smiling back at her, "it was that easy," she finished.

Britney rolled her eyes, "you know you're the most complicated cousin, I have ever known," Britney commented.

Mckayla shrugged, "I'm the only cousin you've ever got to know," she corrected as her eyes shifted to the movie before them.

It got to a really sad part that made Britney start crying.

Mckayla stood up and switched off the TV.

"Hey, hey! What was that for, w-what are you doing? Switch the TV back on, the movie isn't over yet," she yelled at Mckayla.

"I need to go for work in a few minutes," Mckayla replied.

"Well go," Britney said.

"Aren’t you going?” Mckayla asked, "You realize you also have a job," she said.

Britney laughed, "I'm not paparazzi like you, today's Saturday, and I don't have to work,"

"Damn it! I keep forgetting that," Mckayla replied.

"I know, you always do, now give me the remote!" Britney yelled. Mckayla looked back at her.

"I don't care if you aren't going to work today," she said, "look at you. It’s still morning and you’re locked inside watching sad romantic movies eating popcorn. That’s just weak! Do you know how many teens do what you’re doing now? None, zero!"

"Oh really? Look who’s talking?"

"Oh no you don't, at least I'm going to work,"

Britney groaned, "Just give me the remote!"

"C’mon girl, why don't you go out with some friends?"

"I only had one friend and you know how that went,"

"Oh Cassie, I never liked her. I told you that the moment I saw her remember? I'm always right!"

"Yeah OK congrats Mckayla now the remote," Britney said stretching out her hand.

"If I give you this remote you'll stay indoors the whole day! So no!" she said.

"Give it to me"

"No"

Britney stood up and chased Mckayla all around the whole house, till she fell flat on her back exhausted,

"Awe, you always give up too easy," Mckayla said flashing the remote in front of her face.

She was too tired to react. "How can you be this fast, your here then there in a blink of an eye," she said gasping for air.

"You’re just too lazy," Mckayla replied sitting on the couch.

"You’re so mean! Like a little terrorist!" Britney replied still breathless when her phone rang.

"Oh my god!" she said suddenly sitting up as she saw who was calling her,

"What?" Mckayla asked peeping over at Britney who was lying down in the sitting room floor,

"I didn't think he'd call,"

"Who?" Mckayla asked suspiciously.

Britney didn't answer her but picked up the call instead and cleared her throat,

"Hello"

"Hey Britney, its Chris,"

"Oh Chris!" she said faking being surprised.

By this time Mckayla was already beside her, "a boy?" she whispered to Britney who nodded

"Yeah, I hope you’re okay,"

"Yes! I mean yeah, I’m fine just at home, are you in Chicago?"

"No actually I'm back in LA,"

"Really? I didn't think you'll be back so soon,"

"neither did I but here I am, so listen I'm kind of free the whole day and I was just wondering and hoping you were free today so we can link up, I really enjoyed your company,"

"Link up?”

Mckayla smiled as she heard those words and told Britney to accept.

"Yes, I mean that's only if you're free, if your busy, that's cool to we can totally do this another day,"

"No, actually I'm very free today, I wouldn't mind, how about we meet at the restaurant we first met at?" Britney asked.

"Yeah that will be cool, so I'll see you in an hour?"

"Make that two and I'll be there,"

"Sure, cool, bye"

"Bye see ya,"

And Britney hang up, screaming while at it.

"What was that for?” Mckayla asked.

"Nothing,”

"Who’s Chris and where are you going?" she asked suspiciously folding her arms.

"It’s none of your business, and you look like mom when you stare at me like that, “she said walking up the stairs.

"Oh c'mon Britney, I'll even give you the remote if you tell me," Mckayla replied following her cousin up the stairs.

Britney stopped in front of her bedroom door,

"Why do you want to know, so you can take pictures of us and post in the magazine. Paparazzi?"

"I might be a paparazzi but I wouldn't do that to my blood. Partly because you’re not a celebrity and I won't get paid, please just tell me who he is! I'm dying to know,"

Britney laughed. "Whatever, I don't negotiate with terrorists, “she said locking Mckayla out of her bedroom,

"I just want to know! Okay a hint!" Mckayla called out from the outside but Britney was busy singing in the shower.

"Fine! As long as your butts out of the couch and having some real fun I'm okay with it," Mckayla called out as she headed down the stairs.

She took out her watch and checked the time. She was almost late.

**

Justin hang up just a few seconds after Chris had finished his phone call.

"Hey, bro." He began walking back to Chris, "that was Beats, turns out he arrived in LA a day before he was actually supposed to, now he's sulking in his new apartment really bored. He wants us to come over and have some fun."

Chris stood up and took out some clothes, "I think I'm going to leave that adventure to the two of you, I have another agenda," he said.

"Uhh, with that Britney chick"

"Yes, with her,"

"I really want to meet her one day, but I guess today won't be that day," Justin replied, "Anyway, I hope you guys live it!" He called heading towards the door.

Chris nodded, "you have fun with Beats!" he called out

"Sure!"

Chris finished preparing and headed down stairs to inform Bree. "Hey son, looking sharp," she said.

A friend of hers had already arrived and was now seated beside her with a wine glass in one hand.

"Hilda, this is my eldest soon to be son, Chris," she said introducing them.

"Mmm handsome,” Hilda replied as Chris greeted her.

After that Chris told Bree where he was going and Bree assigned Todd to be Chris' permanent bodyguard.

Todd brought up the jeep to the front of the house. "Hi Todd," Chris said as he entered the jeep.

"Good morning sir, where too?" He asked opening the door for him,

"You remember the restaurant I went to before right?" Chris asked

"Yes sir,"

"That's where we’re going"

"Okay sir, “he said closing the door and entering the driver’s seat.

Soon they were off, Upon Arrival Todd got out of the car, and opened the door for Chris.

People were looking at him from the restaurant because his car was expensive and he had a bodyguard.

As he was entering the restaurant his bodyguard pushed the door open for him.

Todd was buff and was wearing a black suit with dark glasses and an ear piece.

He was very professional.

Everyone stared as Chris made himself comfortable at an open booth.

He looked around and caught people looking at him. He begun to feel rigid and uncomfortable.

Todd sat two seats back at his usual Spot.

Chris fumbled with his hands, glancing at his watch, he was twenty minutes early.

He took out his phone and started checking his Instagram, Facebook, Snap chat account just to kill time.

After sometime he got bored. He looked around the shop. Some girls waved at him, he smiled at them and looked away,

"Hey there," a very pretty girl came and sat opposite him.

Her hair was up so Chris took some time to recognize that it was Britney.

"You look different,” Chris complemented.

"Well my cousin always says I should change my hairstyle so I'm just fulfilling her wishes,” she replied with a short laugh.

"I'm sorry I'm late, hope you haven't waited too long,"

"No it's okay I just arrived," he lied, looking around noticing that more people were staring.

"Are you comfortable here?" Britney asked

Chris smiled, "truthfully no, I feel so in the spotlight, I just don't know how Justin handles this much attention"

"If you want we can head by the park, besides it’s too early for lunch."

"Yeah, we can go to the park, I think that will be best,"

Britney smiled.

She stood up and lifted her animal print hand bang which matched her pink dress and hot pink shoes.

She looked pretty in everything Chris thought as they walked out.

Todd followed them as they walked to the park which was quite nearby, "so you're Chris Owens right,"

"Not anymore,"

"What do you mean?"

"Mr Ryder's my father so I'm Chris Ryder now,"

"You're his son?"

"Yes. It’s quite recent though, still trying to get the hang of things you know,"

"Ah, well you must be very happy then, you're a celebrity now, so Justin...”

"Yes, he’s now my brother officially,"

"Cool, so how are you finding it having a family, isn't having a brother annoying?"

Chris laughed, "Justin is quite annoying at times but I guess in his own opinion I'm pretty annoying too, so it's a win,"

Britney laughed

"How about you? Don't you have a sister or brother?"

"Close enough, I have a cousin. She really is like a younger sister to me, but she can be quite annoying, talkative and she always thinks that she knows what's best for me,"

"Well it must be nice, having someone that looks out for you,"

"It is .but everything's got a limit," Britney said.

"So you’re still doing school?" Chris asked

"I'm in my last year in high school. Do I look that old?"

"No," Chris said laughing not at all, "I was just wondering, I guess you’re fully booked during the week,"

"Yes I am, in between school and I also have a part time job at the library and hair salon on Fridays," she said.

"Library?" Chris echoed

"What don't I look like a girl who reads? I'm very smart you know,"

"No I just never really thought a pretty girl will be into that,"

"So you think I'm pretty?"

Chris laughed, "yes, I guess I do, I guess I don't think you're ugly,"

"Hey!" She said giving him a slight push playfully.

Chris laughed, "But honestly I do think you’re pretty."

Britney blushed.

"Hey look an ice-cream truck. I know you can't resist," Chris said grabbing her hand and racing down the pavement to the truck.

"I'll have grape drizzled in chocolate syrup...and she'll have strawberry and vanilla mix with sprinkles and butterscotch stuck with gummy bears for the lady," he ordered.

"Coming right up sir!" The ice cream guy said as he started scooping up the ice cream.

"You got a good memory,” Britney said as she was handed over the ice cream,

"Well, I'm not just a handsome face, it’s not my fault brains accompany it," he replied

She giggled licking her ice cream, "So tell me not about you" Chris said as he ate his ice cream.

"Well that wouldn't be fair, how about you ask me what you want to know and I'll ask you a question, we'll take turns"

"Okay, I guess it’s okay,"

"Okay I'll start... Is music all that you want to do in life?"

"Oh that's a good question...well I guess I do like what I do...but no, I think I would like to act,"

"Act? Like movies?"

"Yeah, don't you think I make a good leading man?" He asked smirking.

"Yeah actually maybe from this angle," Britney said squinting one eye towards him, "you can definitely play the leading role,”

He chuckled in response” okay it's my turn....are you dating anyone?"

Britney grinned, "You go straight to the point, not a time waster,"

"I guess," Chris said shrugging,

"As of now I'm not,"

"Alright” Chris began nodding his head as if min deep thought.

"My turn, do you have someone in your life right now, you know like a girlfriend,"

Chris' grin widened at this, “now look who’s straight to the point,"

"I have to keep up with you,"

"No, I don't have anyone, but I like someone," he said finishing his ice cream and dumping the wrapper in a nearby bin. "Who is she?"

"Uh no you don’t, it’s my turn,"

"What do you want to do with your life," he asked

"Well honestly I would like to become an architecture,"

"That's a big word, you sure you can handle it?"

Britney hit him, with a playful scowl.

"I always wanted to design you know, design the house I'll live in one day, design offices, malls and everything else designable, I like to imagine then draw,"

"I'd like to see your drawings one day," Chris replied.

"Well maybe you will, one day,"

Chris laughed.

"Hey have you ever been to Harvey's?" She asked

"Harvey’s?” Chris echoed

"It's a theme park. Just near here,"

"No I don't think so”

"C'mon!" she exclaimed taking his hand, you'll love it there," she said

"After all LA s going to be your home now, you've got to know all the hot spots," she added.

They raced down there, bought candy and went on some of the rides, Chris had so much fun.

They played hit the hammer and Chris won a teddy bear which he gave to Britney, they tried this and that.

They ate lunch there in the park. Britney was quite adventurous and took Chris on the most extreme ride which went high, low, around, down, Chris threw up more than two times there.

"Oh god I think I'm sick, " Chris said as they came off the ride and washed his face.

"No you aren't, when I first rode the Ride of Death, I threw up six times in all the loops. You are way stronger than I ever was, you only threw up three times,"

"I'm never going in that ride again," Chris said sitting down

"That's what we all said," Britney teased.

"But I have to admit it is a fantastic ride,”

"That's the spirit!"

They laughed, "hey Todd!" Chris called out to his bodyguard who was a few feet away, "don't you want to have a try?"

Todd shook his head vigorously, "I think I'm best where I can see my feet and where I don't have to see what I ate for lunch sir,"

Britney laughed along with Chris. They locked arms and went to try other rides, honestly this was about as much fun either if they ever had in such a long time.

As it was going to evening Chris turned to Britney, “Let me take you home," Chris offered.

"No, it's really no problem, I could take the bus,"

“I’m the one that called you out here, I should be the one taking you home," Chris insisted.

“I mean I don't want to be of trouble,"

"How can you even think that? Trust me it's no trouble at all, besides I want to see where you live," he motioned to Todd who took the signal and went to bring the car up.

He swung it near them and opened the door for them,

"Please," Chris said motioning to the door.

"Mmm...” She hesitated, "okay," she said entering the Jeep.

Chris followed and Todd closed the door and sat in the driver’s seat.

They sat at the back talking and laughing as she have directions. She complemented on how cozy the car was and Chris told her his father had only the best taste when it came to cars.

They arrived at her house. It was bigger that he imagined it would be, "this is your house?" Chris asked.

"Yeah it is," she said as Todd opened the door for them.

They both got out and she invited him in.

"Hey Britney is that you?" Mckayla shouted for the sitting room when she heard the door open.

Britney guided Chris in, "Mmm, who’s this handsome fellow?" Mckayla asked.

Chris looked at her, she was very pretty, she had a great shape she looked kind in those dark brown eyes of hers, "this is Chris, Chris this is my cousin Mckayla,"

"Oh so this is Chris, strikingly good looks," she complemented giving him a handshake.

He laughed, "I'm flattered thank you, but clearly beauty runs in the family too," he replied

"Sweet talker, cheesy. But I like you, you definitely caught a big fish here Britney," she said looking at him.

Britney nudged her, "I'm sorry about that," she said.

"It's okay, you're quite talkative,"

"I believe so...” Mckayla replied.

Chris laughed, "I like you too,"

"Oh this one’s a keeper, if you ever dump this one, you’re a fool and I'm always right,"

"Mckayla!" Britney said...

"What?" She replied.

"You know what I'm really sorry, that's Mckayla for you," she said leading him out.

They went back to the car, "Now I know where you live, so I'll be coming by,"

"Okay, but call first,"

"Definitely,"

"Goodbye," he said as he entered the car.

Britney waved goodbye too.