Chapter 18: Chapter 18

: Hurt Nobody

Britney waved at Chris as Todd pulled out of their driveway and sped away from sight, sighing slightly as the red lights of the car disappeared into the evening. A warm fuzzy feeling settling through her as she turned around gaily with a skip in her step like a little girl, entering the house.

As the door opened her eyes widened at the sight of a wide eyed Mckayla waiting eagerly before her, her fingers shaking in an anticipation only she could pull off, "where did you find a catch like that?" She blurted almost immediately following her cousin to the sitting room like a lost puppy where she had dropping onto the couch.

Mckayla sat beside her shaking her knee, like a troublesome toddler, “c'mon Britney, tell me, really! Who is he?!" She asked each word dripping off her in a needy want to know basis.

Britney looked away hiding her smile as she fiddled with the remote, her hands glued onto the Tv.

"Pretty please, tell me!” Mckayla yelled shaking her, her fingers latching onto her smooth skin. A little more pressure and Britney was sure her cousin’s claw like finger nails would scratch.

Britney spun her head back around and got a cushion and screamed into it, failing to contain the excitement that had been threatening to explode through her, ever since Chris had sped off into the sunset "He's so cute right!" She said falling on the couch with her hands spread out above her dreamily, a deep sigh escaping her half closed lips.

How lucky was she?

"I'm so lucky,” she answered her own thoughts allowed, "he's sweet, kind and handsome.." She trailed off allowing herself to escape into memories of the previous hours she had been with the boy that made her heart skip a beat

"And rich," Mckayla budded in, remembering the bodyguard and the type of car he had been driving. She saw all this through the widow she had been peeping from, the minute Britney and Chris decided to go outside.

"Mckayla!" Britney said coming down from the cloud she was in, smacking her arm in playful annoyance.

"You can't tell me he isn't loaded, he has a body guard, " Mckayla began folding her legs in the couch, her kind beginning to list all the rich stuff she had spotted on the Chris fella, "that was in the latest model of The BMW. Those were nice wheels, you need good money for that, and it probably cost millions." She knew all this thanks to Ted, a friend of hers who was car crazy.

"Money isn't everything, Mckayla."

"I didn't say it was, I was just pointing out the fact, I should know more than anyone..." she trailed off a hint of sadness showing just for a second before twirling around, "so," she began giggling, "who is he? Britney I'm dying to know!"

Britney smiled widely watching her cousin for a minutes, as she studied her. They were pretty close though Mckayla was about a year younger, not that you could tell, she might look a little bit small but that brain of hers made her skip a grade and sit right in there with the big kids, and she had more of a womanly structure that had progressed over the last year she had been living with them. She bit her lip, knowing it was better she tell her now, Mckayla would find out sooner or later "he's a Ryder."

"You say that like it means something," Mckayla said sitting down comfortably, a disappointed look airing on her pretty face as her dark hair tumbled over her face in messy waves, then she paused as it hit her, "Did you say a Ryder?"

Britney nodded fiddling with her fingers, looking at her cousin from beneath her eyelashes.

"As in Robin Ryder? He's one of the new kids!" She said her mouth open. No wonder he had looked familiar to her before! She couldn't believe she had not noticed at first, we'll maybe she had and her brain quickly called it crap for a Ryder to be in her presence instead of running down the street, away from her, begging her to quit with the photos.

Wow?! How could she have forgotten! It was literally her job to remember everything about celebrities especially the new ones which were currently trending all over America.

"Oh my god! Is he Justin Star's brother?" She blurted out again still failing to understand how she didn't realize it when the guy was standing less than a foot away from her! Talking to her! She could have done a one on one interview!

Britney didn't say anything.

"Chris, Chris, Chris," she repeated, “wait for me here," she said standing up hurriedly

"Where you going?" Britney called out watching her cousin, her mind fearing the worst. It wasn't exactly ideal to tell her paparazzi cousin she was hanging around with a celebrity. Not just any Celebrity but the world’s most trending celebrity at the moment.

"Just wait!" Mckayla called back as she climbed up the stairs. Her heart racing like she was running a marathon.

She came back in a few minutes, handing Britney a copy of Flair magazine, paying breathlessly with excitement as she toppled on the seat beside Britney who opened it curiously, her eyes scanning over its contents.

"Yeah I know all this already," she said closing the magazine, handing it back to Mckayla.

"So, you knew you were dating The Next Big Thing in Hollywood and forgot to tell me?" Mckayla asked

"Yes and no, I knew Chris was close to Justin Star when we met, all thanks to Cassie, but he only told me today that he was now a Ryder."

"Oh and that somehow makes things all better!" Mckayla said sarcastically, "you should have told me! No wonder he looked so familiar!" She yelled punching Britney's arm.

"Ouch!" Britney screamed out, giving her cousin a glare. Mckayla had always been rough and tomboyish which surprised her because if she ever just decided to pick up a decently good dress she had the ability of looking like a model, with those blessedly high cheekbones and ash dark hair, pair with those alluring hazel eyes.

"That serves you right, don't keep secrets from me because you know I don’t, you're the closest thing I have to a sister so please,” She huffed folding her arms in disappointment.

"Aww that's the sweetest thing you've said to me!" Britney grinned.

"Probably the last," She muttered however her scowl curved up to a slight grin, failing to keep her anger, "oh you are so lucky!" She groaned finally allowing the smile to fully show hitting Britney playfully,

"I know!" Her cousin squealed literally squeezing out all her oxygen after embracing her in a long hard, Mckayla rolled her eyes, "yeah, very lucky. I mean he knows we're paparazzi and doesn't even care, wow. That's one in a million. A true Angel."

Britney bit her lip hard retrieving her arms away from her, her jaw tightening in a guilty measure, looking everywhere but at Mckayla.

Of course the ever attentive Mckayla noticed it, her eyes widening, as she pointed an accusing finger at her cousin before slapping it over her mouth it, “You didn't tell him!" She blurted.

"Mmm," Britney groaned.

"Unbelievable" Mckayla retorted her hands clamping down her waist as she narrowed her accusing eyes at Britney, she literally looked like a mom about to scold their toddler.

"It's harder than you think?! What did you suppose I do? Hey I'm Britney and I belong to a Family full of paparazzi?' She asked her eyes pleading at her cousin.

Mckayla's glare slowly disappeared realizing the dilemma Britney had been in, sighing deeply, "I knew angels don't really exist,” she muttered underneath her breath, turning to Britney who was in the process of stuffing her face in the pillow.

"So, he doesn't know that your mom, Aka my Aunt Molly works as a manger in basically what one would call a gossip firm, not that I'm trying to bite the hands that feed me and that your cousin, which is me, " Mckayla continued pointing at herself, "is paparazzi too?"

Britney nodded the pillow that she had covered her face in, nodding with her, "so you lied" the ever blunt Mckayla spoke so freely.

"I didn't lie, I just didn't tell him either, " Britney half snapped half lamented.

"Well if you say so," Mckayla replied raising her hands in the air in mock surrender, ending with an airy scoff.

"Stop making me feel guilty," Britney screeched, her voice muffled up by the pillow.

"Well if you're guilty about that wait till Aunt Molly hears about this,” Mckayla added.

Britney grabbed Mckayla's hand harshly, half surprising her "don't tell Mom! Not yet."

"Well you realize that no matter what you do she will find out, sooner or later right?" Mckayla put in, it's not like Aunt Molly didn't work in the entertainment sector, if you could call it that. She had built her own magazine company, still small yes, but it was doing alright seeing as it had bought them this house which was not by any means small or less than standard and they were living in LA, where the housing alone was expensive.

"I know that but till then, promise me you won't tell her, please." Britney pleaded having had ditched the pillow and now flashing her puppy dog eyes toward her cousin.

Mckayla bit her bottom lip. Weighing her options. She did want to be a good cousin, but she hated lying to Aunt Molly who was nothing short of the best mother like figure she had in this word.

But then again. She wouldn't really lie. She just wouldn't say anything. If Britney could live with the guilt, why couldn't she? Plus it was some time since she had gotten in trouble. It was about time she showed the world she hadn't lost her touch.

"Alright...” She finally said not regretting it one bit though her fingers itched in excitement, "so...” She began

"No, I will not let you do a story on us or take any pictures,” Britney said raising up one hand to cut her short, half grateful and half annoyed.

"But I'm a journalist it's my job, imagine this on the headlines, " Mckayla began standing up on the couch, her hands spreading up before her in magnificent wave, "Sis dates Chris,' her smile shone brightly, giving a slide eye to the still seated Britney, with a smirk, " spicy huh?" She recited nodding her head to the side and wiggling her eyebrows.

Britney seemed to be lost in that statement for half a second before clearing her mind,

"No, no, no!" She began causing Mckayla to flop back in her seat with a disappointed glare, “Chris is just getting used to his new life, he doesn't need to be stalked and he definitely doesn't need a whole scandal in his first week being a celebrity."

Mckayla groaned as Britney turned to her with pleading eyes, "Alright? C'mon Makayla, I really like this one, “she commented poking her shoulder.

"I don't know why I always give in to you, " Her cousin replied rolling her eyes as Britney squealed a thank-you, which was returned with another roll, "why don't you just tell him, it's not healthy to keep secrets,"

"I will, that's if I ever see him again but till then, when I have the courage just please...”

"Fine" Mckayla muttered blowing away a strand of her savage hair from her face.

"Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you!" Britney screeched hugging her, "you're he best,"

"I know, but I'm not that much of an angel, I know one day I'll need you and when I do you too will have to comply and assist me,"

She eyes Britney sternly narrowing her eyes, "and with no buts"

"Yes I will I promise,” Britney replied gaily crossing her heart.

"You really like this one," Mckayla began leaning back on the couch.

Britney only nodded moving closer to Mckayla excitedly, "look here is some pictures we took together today," she said showing Mckayla some pics.

"Ewe he threw up there right!" Makayla gasped as she spotted the picture swiping it back before Britney could rush over it.

"Yes, it was the death ride,” Britney sighed

"Mm brave- Aww you two look so cute together here," her cousin cooed

"I know right!"

"What's all the delight about?" A voice said causing the two to look up.

"Mom!" Britney called out surprised. She was home early today.

Aunt Molly glazed over both her fighter and niece raising an eyebrow,

"Mm nothing..." Mckayla lied as Britney hid the phone.

"Teenage girls, always giggling,” She muttered, pulling back her messy brown hair before she headed up the stairs.

Britney and Mckayla looked at each other for a moment exchanging silent chuckles as they continued swiping the pictures.

*****

Meanwhile

Chris arrived at home completely spent from his 'field day' with Britney, trudging up the stairs with the aim of collapsing in bed, which he did, pushing the door closed behind him, though he didn't hear the click, he didn't mind as he plopped onto bed, his head swimming with nothing but butterflies and rainbows.

He sighed turning over so he lay on his back, staring at the white ceiling, a smile creeping its way onto his face, letting out a small chuckle as he remembered the day he spent with Britney, all the little moments they had, he hummed lowly shutting his eyes as his mind replayed a pleasant memory of her.

"Someone looks happy," a voice said

Chris sat bolt upright, his heart racing, his eyes scanning the room quickly, finally spotting Justin leaning by the door with a bottle of Fanta in his left hand.

"I guess everything went well,” Justin began with a slight smirk.

"Its 5:30, didn't expect you to be back before me," Chris replied looking at his watch before turning back to Justin as he plopped himself on his elbows.

"Yeah well I was glad to get out of there,” Justin replied sighing as he remembered how his day went.

Chris laughed, “I thought you and Beats were going to have fun, didn't you go over?"

"I did but Beats definition of fun was quite different from mine, to cut the long story short we lifted weights at the gym the whole day and women kept flirting with me,” He frowned lowly.

"Well that doesn't sound so bad, I mean you had chicks,"

"Yeah well girls with six packs and muscles, aren't really my taste,”

Chris laughed, "So I'm guessing the day sucked"

"Yeah that's kind of why I came back early," Justin walked over dropped on a chair near the bed, "but you looked like you were served really well." He began flying as he took a long sip of his Fanta.

Chris smiled, "today was pretty good,” Chris said as he folded his arms underneath his head, “How do you know when you’re in love?"

Justin spat out his juice, ferociously spluttering as he tried to regain his breathing.

"What the heck man!" Chris said sitting up, he looked at Justin like he had gone crazy glancing at the spilled Fanta on the floor.

"What did you just ask me?” Justin echoed his eyebrows punching.

"Did I say anything wrong?" Chris retorted raising an eyebrow.

"Why would you ask me that?"

"Well you did say you were the love doctor so I presumed..." Chris began using his hands as he talked.

"Oh that," Justin said taking another sip as he remembered the comment he had made earlier.

"Plus, you’re in love with Lucy...” Chris added.

Justin sprayed the Fanta out if his mouth again, this time coughing as he slapped his chest.

"Dang it Justin!" Chris growled out, "You're going to mop that up!"

"I'm not in love with Lucy," Justin replied, quite surprised Chris had even said those words. Love? Love was something big, something mind blowing. He was pretty sure he was attracted to Lucy but he was also pretty sure he wasn't in love with her.

He knew what love was. Love was the thing that had the power to change people completely. His father was in love with his mom. That's why he was completely wrecked when she left.

That's when you know you love someone, when you can't live without them. It's scary and exhilarating at the same time. And he felt neither way when it came to Lucy.

"Are you sure man? Well then maybe you like like her, like can easily turn to love you know,” Chris concluded lazily as he lay back, one good leg dangling over the side of the bed.

"Like?" Justin echoed trying to really think about it. What exactly did he like about Lucy? She was pretty cool to have out with and she was pretty.

"C'mon man, you told me you kissed her, it means you felt something for her, " Chris pressed this time looking at Justin carefully. Analyzing each action Justin took.

Justin paused for a while, thinking. He liked Lucy? It was more of a question than an answer. Was it like or lust?

"You do feel something for her," Chris assured, raising an eyebrow "right?"

Justin didn't answer. Taking interest in the space his Fanta bottle occupied,

"Look when I'm with Britney, I feel like time stopped and it's just us. Like the world isn't as bad anymore, you know that feeling when you just feel right, like it's where you're meant to be. It's what defines you. I'm here right now and I can't stop thinking about her, she's so pretty and kind and thoughtful, “as he said this he watched Justin carefully.

"hey," Chris called, causing Justin to refocus his gaze back to him, , "Britney has a very pretty cousin, she's talkative and straight, had made some bad decisions when it comes to fashion but looks like a great girl, I was going to set you two up but since you already have Lucy there was no point, " he sighed laying back on the bed, "I think that's how you feel when you really like someone, like you can't go a day without thinking about them, is that how you feel since Lucy isn't yet back and you haven't seen her for a week?"

Justin stared at his friend who was lying on the bed, his kind coming to a strange realization. He never really thought of Lucy at all, not unless she was around or the guys brought her up in their topic of discussion "No," he said slowly, "I don't feel like that at all."

"Do you even feel anything?" Chris asked sitting up, now more attentive than ever.

Justin thought for a moment. "She's a good person to be around, fun, cheerful,"

"But you don't like her," Chris cut him off, his tone a little bitter and disappointed causing Justin’s gaze to snap back at him holding eye contact,

"I do, but I don't like like her," he said putting emphasis on the second like,

"I mean I don't feel like you do. She's not around and I feel normal, and when she's around its better but not much of a difference, “Justin analyzed.

"Then why the hell did you kiss her man?" Chris asked baffled out of his mind.

"I don't know,” Justin said standing up and walking across the room, "we were close I tried pulling back but she wanted to so we kissed." He said with a shrug.

"But you didn't kiss her once did you?"

"I was in the mood," Justin replied looking at Chris who have him the look that said really? That's all you have to say for yourself. Is that really your excuse?

“Hey don't blame me OK?! If a pretty girl wants to kiss me, I will kiss her it's in my nature as a man," he defended although feeling slightly guilty, realizing that maybe he had led her on.

Chris shook his head, sending Justin a harsh glare that made him shake his head in defeat.

"I messed up didn't I?" Justin sighed breathing out.

"Big time, but I knew you two weren't going anywhere,” Chris concluded relaxing once more on his elbows.

"What do you mean?" Justin asked rather curios this time.

"I know you said age doesn't matter but it kind of does, she's three years older than you, and you're under age.. Still seventeen"

"Just for the next three months" Justin cut off getting tired with this age issue.

"Whatever,” Chris retorted,” she's probably dated a lot of guys and honestly women like that need more of men than. You know. A boy. Secondly she practically throws herself over you and she's quite possessive,"

"What do you mean?" Justin repeated still trying to process whatever it was Chris was bringing a cross.

"At the Sam Smith concert the move she made of kissing you in public was a clear statement to show everyone you two were together which is weird because you can't kiss a girl once and she thinks she owns you. She has the habit of acting like your girlfriend when you haven't even asked her yet. Justin you're barely eighteen, you still need to have fun. And choose for yourself, like me," Chris pointed out.

"You're right," Justin admitted taking a seat, his mind seemed to have opened up and swallowed all Chris had put out before him, “what do you think I should do?"

"Tell Lucy you're not ready for what she has in mind. Your career is just taking off and she could be a setback. Tell her you're just not ready, better now before anything else happens. Because the way she's going, it may not be just a like anymore it may be love and from that an obsession. Don't make that mistake bro...”

Justin nodded realizing the truth when it had been spoken, "maybe that's the best thing to do."

"It is bro, I know what I'm saying, and you can't keep wasting her time. Girls like Lucy are looking for something long term and trust me when I say you are not ready for that," Chris added.

"So, it means I have to break her heart," Justin said sighing

"Bro, better broken now than shattered later. If it's broken she can fix it but if it's shattered it's ruined beyond repair."

Justin nodded something inside him falling, as he subconsciously checked his watch, “it’s almost dinner, I'm going to wash up for supper,” he said standing up, feeling heavier than before, like something was pulling him down, he paused before he could walk looking Chris,” I think your right, it's wrong to play with people's feelings like that, I'll have to end things,"

"That’s the way to go, bro," Chris cheered as Justin walked towards the door.

"Oh and Justin,” Chris called out to him. Justin turned around lifting his eyebrows, "yes?"

"Remember that love doctor title you created?"

Justin nodded

"It’s mine now," Chris replied with a grin

Justin laughed, "Clearly you know much more about love. I officially hand it over,"

"Really? Handing it over? What are you trying to save your dignity? I took it by force," Chris smirked back.

"Whatever, you know me too well," Justin said as he left.

Chris smiled and lay back down on his bed just thinking about Lucy before rolling his eyes replacing it with a more, much more, happier image. Britney.

It was about fifteen minutes later when he was called down for Dinned. Dad explained to them how their schedules would be divided.

In the mornings till noon they would be tutored.

Then it was music till evening before they could rest, but they had to also create time to study as well as write music so it was going to be hard.

After dinner they all felt quite exhausted and called it a day.

**

The next day George, Humphrey and Lucy arrived at their new apartments.

They were all in the same state of the art building.

The apartments were beautiful with two bedrooms two bathrooms a sitting room, lounge, kitchen, spare room, and a small bar as well as pantry and walk in wardrobes.

As promised they all were given crispy new cars. BMW and Volkswagen's.

Beats wasn't dating anyone so he had come back alone with the rest of his stuff, so did Humphrey.

George was living with his brother in Chicago but because his brother could not leave his job, George came back alone too.

Lucy however came back with her best friend Anna who was job hunting and decided to try her luck in LA, and she wanted to meet the Justin Star in person.

After they unpacked, they all visited each other, getting better acquainted with the pretty Anna, before heading to Mr Ryder's house.

They were all welcomed the new Ryder Family who were glad to finally see their crew again.

There were a lot of hugs and

It’s so good your back as well as congratulations on your new family here and there.

Justin failed to look Lucy in the eye or even offer her a proper greeting. It was probably because he knew what he was about to tell her whenever they had the chance to be alone. It made him feel uncomfortable whenever she was in close vicinity of him.

Truth be told he had never really done the whole breakup thing before. And the thought of crushing someone’s spirit was not exactly appealing to him.

It was hard to look someone in the eye and break their heart.

Lucy had brought her friend over with her to see if Mr Ryder could help her get a job,

"Oh everyone, “She began as they settled in,” this is my best friend Anna, she accompanied me to LA to watch over me and she's also job hunting too," Lucy announced.

They all greeted her in turn. Anna smiled widely, her amber hair tied behind her in an almost identical ponytail to that of Lucy. Her dark brown orbs and perfect little face iced her up to be exactly what this generation would refer to as beautiful.

"Anna, what are your skills?" Mr Ryder asked taking a seat on the white sofa, a glass of wine in his right hand.

"Well sir, I'm very good at organizing," she said

"Organizing, like a secretary?"

Anna nodded

"Well since you’re a friend of Lucy's, you swing by the office tomorrow and we'll see what we can do for you."

"Thank you sir, I really appreciate your kind gesture,"

"Mm, manners, see that George?" Mr. Ryder joked glancing at George who playfully rolled his eyes, "I think like you already," Mr Ryder commented as they laughed and decided to just spend the whole day as a crew by the pool, swimming and having an outdoor grill party.

They played pool volley ball and other games like tag in the pool.

Fun was the incentive.

Afterwards, half of the crew decided to sun bathe while the others just talked, while Chris and Justin were grilling slabs of meat in the open grill.

“bro, what is it with you?" Chris asked as he turned the meat on the grill.

Justin was taking care of the sausages, “I don't know what you’re taking about," he replied adding a few more spices.

"Oh you do," Chris assured taking another glance at Justin's fallen expression and hard line that should be where his usual carefree smile was.

"No I don’t,” Justin replied not even bothering looking at him.

"Ok seriously, are you going to play then I don't know card with me when everybody can see it,” Chris asked half interested half focused on the grill.

Justin kept turning over the sausages, "I still don't know what you’re saying," he said calmly

"Fine, if you want to play it like that, I’ll tell you," Chris said slapping the meat over, "you haven't said a word to Lucy since you two met. While we were playing volley ball you never once hit the ball her direction but to everyone else. When we were play tag you tagged everybody else but her,"

"So what's wrong?" Justin asked, his expression read how bored he was of this subject, "I don't even know who suggested we play tag, what are we? Five?" He muttered opening another packet of sausages.

"So, aren't you being a little too obvious? I mean even George asked me if you too had a lovers quarrel,” Chris began shaking his head as the smoke rolled into his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I might be too obvious but I've never broken up with a girl before?" Justin snapped focusing his anger on the grill, "so yes, it’s freaking me out! I don't know what to say. I'm afraid if I say something nice to her she might like me more, if I say something bad, it might hurt to much okay! I'm stuck!"

"So you’re choosing to say nothing?" Chris asked turning the last slab before giving his full attention to his brother.

"It’s the best option,"

"It’s not an option Justin, you're making yourself tense. I'm sure she's felt it, and you’re not really breaking up with her because technically you never really asked her to be your girlfriend so you're not even in a relationship,” Chris added like he was stating a well-known fact.

"So you’re saying I shouldn't break up with her?" Justin implied raising an eyebrow.

"Don't get confused, I'm saying you should set the record straight. Tell her exactly why you can't be with her. That things are going too fast for you and you don't think you are ready for a relationship right now because obviously, “he paused taking a good look at his brother, " you’re not."

"So you’re saying I should break up with her"

Chris rolled his eyes, "are you listening Justin? Have you heard anything from what I just said?" Chris questioned raising an eyebrow.

Justin chuckled, turning back to the sausages

"Justin,"

"Yes I did, but for your information I think setting the record straight and breaking up with her is the same thing, either way, I'd still be breaking her heart," he said dropping the fork and walked away.

Chris watched as Justin left, he did not know why things were always so complicated when it came to Justin.

Humphrey came over, "do you need some help?" he said as he watched Justin disappeared into the house.

"Please, the sausages," Chris replied, touching the bridge of his nose as if that would stop the headache Justin had caused.

**

Meanwhile.

Anna and Lucy were sun basking near the edge of the pool, laying down on their pool chairs with sunglasses on and umbrellas above them.

They had been watching Chris and Justin grilling at the opposite side of the pool and witnessed Justin stomping out on Chris.

Though they were too far away from hearing range, they knew an argument when they saw one. It was sort of like a girl’s instinct.

"It’s fascinating that two cute guys would be cooking our food, I never thought I'd ever be here, by a villa just sun basking," Anna said stretching her hands in the sunlight and releasing a sigh.

Lucy nodded, "yes, this is the life."

"Justin's more handsome in person than in pictures, don't you think?" Anna commented as Justin walked away.

"Agh yes he is," Lucy replied dreamily, her eyes watching her boyfriend walk away,

"Well it's sad to say that though he is handsome, he has got a bad attitude, bad manners,"

"Don't say that about him" Lucy snapped starting sideways at her best friend.

"Well what do you expect me to think?" Anna asked still with her eyes closed, "the guy kissed you more times than he can count and you are back after one week away and he hasn't even said a word to you! Total jerk type if you ask me."

"Well I didn't ask so don't say that," Lucy replied a little harshly, glancing at the red head beside her, " I don't know what's going on, but he isn't normally like this, maybe he just missed me so much he doesn't know what to say."

"Really?" Anna stretched, chuckling "I highly doubt that,"

"Why?"

"If a guy really likes a girl he would spend every minute he could with her,” she opened one eye to look lazily at Lucy, "and vice versa"

"How do you know that?”

"Because I just do, and I know you would too. You missed him so much you even said his name in your dreams."

"I did no such thing!" Lucy gasped sitting up straight, her long tanned legs moving on with her.

"Yes, you did, I'm your room mate so I know,"

Lucy smiled, biting her lip. Had she? Really? Well it's no lie she had dreamt of him. Justin seemed to be the only thing on her mind these days.

"Aren't you dying to spend time with him?"

Lucy nodded glancing up, hoping to see Justin walk back in.

"See! That’s what I'm talking about, His behavior is uncalled for, maybe he's slipping."

"Slipping?" Lucy echoed her eyebrows furrowing.

"Having second thoughts about you two, maybe this week has opened up his eyes,"

"Opened up his eyes?" Lucy repeated.

"Oh I was not supposed to say that part aloud," Anna replied covering her mouth, "and stop repeating everything I say,"

"Justin loves me," Lucy began her eyebrows furrowing.

"Hold on tight there honey, love is a strong word," Anna replied adjusting her sun glasses, as she lifted one flawless leg up.

"I know, because I love him too,"

"Lucy chill, I'm just saying, his actions speak louder than words, why isn't he speaking to you then if he loves you like you say he does?"

"Justin loves me!"

"Lower your voice princess, you sound spoilt right now and well he sure doesn't act like it,"

"I'll prove you wrong,"

"How?"

"Wait here," Lucy said standing up.

"Where you going?"

"To Justin," she replied, flipping her hair as she walked away in the direction Justin went. Her eyes directed on her prize. Anna was talking nonsense. Nonsense.

She passed by Bree and Mr Ryder,

"Oh lord this is just going to get ugly," Bree said to her fiancée.

He patted her hand as they sat drinking Martinez, "they'll work it out Bree,"

He glanced at Lucy's retreating figure, “they’ll work it out."

**

Lucy entered the mansion looking around wondering where Justin could have gone to. It took a while but after a short search, she found him in the kitchen.

He was getting a bottle of water from the fridge, when he heard her say "hey baby," she eased taking a seat opposite him on the high chairs.

Justin turned around, a little startled but managed to smile,

"Is everything okay?" she asked smiling at him sweetly.

He clenched his jaw but managed to stifle a nod, opening the bottle, “yes I'm fine."

There was a slight pause win the air, Justin remaining it was best they talked here now that they were alone but Lucy beat him to it.

"Well I noticed you've been avoiding me, well at least I think you have...” Lucy continued as Justin took a long sip and put the bottle down before getting locked in her mixed blue green eyes.

He took a deep breath in, it was now or never

"I just wanted to tell you..." he trailed off,

"Tell me what?" Lucy sashayed biting her bottom lip, leaning in her eyes shining with joy.

Justin saw it, in that moment.

What he was afraid of seeing.

Lucy was in love with him.

He saw it screaming back at him in her unique eyes, making him pause for a second, ina sudden panic.

"Justin,” she called out, tilting her head to the side. He seemed to be lost in thought.

“Sorry,” he replied snapping out of it, “I just missed you a lot, I didn't know what to say," he finished faking a smiling.

"I knew it!" She replied leaning back,

“You wouldn't hurt me," Lucy muttered underneath her breath.

Why would Anna even think that?

Justin obviously loved her as much as she did him.

"What was that?" Justin asked his eyebrows furrowing as she stood up and walked over to Justin,

"You really missed me?" she asked getting closer to him, ignoring the question he had just asked.

He nodded very disappointed in himself,

"I missed you more, I couldn't stop thinking about you," she giggled taking his hand and placed it over her heart, "I don't know what you've done to me Justin, but every time my heartbeats, I feel like it's calling out for you," she whispered coming closer and leaning in.

He definitely should have told her the truth, he thought. There was something about this he just knew he would regret.

"Justin! You’re need outside!" Beats announced as he entered the kitchen.

Justin immediately pulled away from Lucy.

"I'm so sorry, didn't know I was interrupting something," Beats froze raising his hands up in mock surrender, standing there shirtless in His Hawaiian swimming trunks.

"No it's uhm, it's okay, I was just, I was just uhm, about to leave anyway, were already done,” Lucy explained quickly, kissing Justin on the cheek then walking away.

Beats glanced at Justin as he watched Lucy walk away, "you got to put a leash on that one," he said.

Justin laughed as he walked out the door but his insides were burning up.

***

For the next three weeks, things were a hell of a lot hectic.

Hectic would be an understatement, things were downright crazy.

The boys were tossed around between music, school, family time and personal time leaving them stressed.

Chris texted Britney over the phone and took her out two more times during those three weeks.

Bree and Mr Ryder were also busy preparing their wedding which was going to happen in a week’s time in Michigan.

Lucy and Justin were still together, they too would go out but it would be usually Lucy's idea.

Beats and the other three were also neck deep in work, they begun to see why Mr Ryder wanted them in LA.

Anna was given a job as a secretary at Capital Record LA.

The three weeks were tire some but the boys pulled through.

Chris decided to talk to Justin so he went up to Justin's bedroom one evening, but didn't find him there.

He looked around the large villa and finally found him in the music room just sitting with his head in the clouds.

"Yo, what are you thinking about?” Chris asked poking him.

Justin sat up a little startled, "life, I'm thinking about life," he said when he saw Chris.

"Justin I've kept my mouth shut for three whole weeks. But now I have to say something," Chris began taking a seat beside him.

"I knew you would, can we not have this conversation now?" Justin asked turning away, reaching for a guitar close by.

Chris ignored his request, “Justin, you live in a great house, with a great family and career but you're sad, you want to know why? You know that girl is making you miserable!"

"How’s Britney by the way...”

"She's OK, Justin let-,"

"Are you still just friends?” Justin cut him off

"Yes for now, but Justin I-"

"How long will you wait?”

"Till I feel it's time, Justin so-"

"When will that be?"

"I don't know, I'll wait and see, hey Justin we really have to talk about this-"

"What if that time never comes?"

"IT WILL!" Chris roared making Justin glance up at him with an uninterested look, "You know what?! Don't change the subject!"

Justin stood up sighing, "I know what you’re going to say and I don't want to talk about it."

"Justin I'm your brother, I'm trying to look out for you, that's what brothers do, so please,"

Justin looked at Chris for a moment and sat back down.

"Thank you," Chris replied gritting his teeth. This one day older brother business was becoming harder than he thought. Having a younger brother was tiresome.

"It’s been three weeks and you've still carried on the relationship with this girl, you don't love or like her,"

"I know that,"

"So why not end things?"

"It’s complicated"

"Huh! No it isn't it actually, it’s really simple.

End

It

Now

Before

It

Worsens." Chris annunciated each word for his brother hoping to let it sink in his brain

“You’re not happy Justin."

"Yeah, maybe, but she is,"

"Where is this coming from? She’s happy now, yes, but later, you know, later on, she will notice what I'm noticing and when you do finally break up with her, it will be messy"

"Okay,"

"OK? Only that? Let me tell you something bro, Ok is not enough Justin. You're letting this girl rule you, she asks you out for God sake!"

"And that's wrong?"

"Yes, you should be the one making all the moves at such an early stage, Justin you have to realize that you're a star now and there's a million other girls waiting out there for you, try a normal relationship with a girl you like, like how I'm doing with Britney," Chris huffed.

"Like you and Britney?" Justin replied, glancing up at his brother.

"Yes I guess,"

"I'm sorry that my relationship is not as perfect or as good as you and Britney,” Justin fired back hardening his jaw.

"I'm sorry I'm not perfect, I do have flaws, I might as well apologize for being Human!" he said raising his voice louder

"Man where is this coming from? I'm just trying to help, I'm not saying your perfect and Britney and I aren't perfect either, all I'm trying to say is be happy, stop chaining yourself to something that's going to pull you down."

"That’s just it!” Justin yelled.

"It just about me! Justin let her go she's hurting your career, Justin let her go, she is not your type, and she’s older than you. Justin let her go, you don't love her, Justin let her go she's pulling you down, it's easy for me to let go! But oh... how about her? Don’t you think of that?! She loves me I've seen it! If I let her go she'll be devastated."

"But you don't love her! Don't you think she'll be better off trying with someone else who can actually love her back? She’ll be worse off if you stay with her,"

"What if she doesn't want to let go?"

"Justin it's not her decision, you’re the one holding the rope, it's you who has to let go first,"

"I can't," Justin sighed putting the guitar down.

"Why? You don't love her,"

"it's not about love, I've hurt someone before and I just don't think I can do it again," he confessed, he felt a slight shake in his fingers, a dark chill running down his spine. Gulping he tried to ease himself and not remember. Anything but that.

Chris watched Justin as his fingers began to shake rapidly, "Justin, a-are you okay?"

"I've broken someone before and though they might have been fixed by now, the scar remains, i-it always there," He shrugged moving his hands to the piano in front of him, but the shake only seemed to worsen.

"It will never be like it was when it was new, it’s broken, and it’s simply broken." He breathed out harshly, his eyes slowly tracing back to Chris who looked bewildered.

"And you know what? I did that to someone, and yes I've faced my past, but I can't live like it never existed, it's still a part of me I can't erase, I can't break free, no matter how hard I try. I don't want to hurt anyone ever again," he suddenly froze his now red eyes locked in Chris', his breathing harsher, " I can't hurt anyone again," he emphasized the need, like it was something he would rather die than do.

"I can't do it, “he whispered, "I just can't." his fingers were vibrating fast and he was already sweating in an air conditioned room.