Chapter 23: Chapter 23

: Anna

Chris and Justin joined the bride and groom at the reception and after party.

They were congratulated everywhere. They met a few celebrities who were introduced to Justin who realized that he was bigger than he actually thought.

Who would have thought Rihanna knew who he was.

They were treated separate from the rest of their huge family because they were the sons of the newly Weds.

After the party and the reception, Bree and Robin were taken to the airport where they jetted off to Italy specifically Venice, the city of love for their honey moon.

They told Justin and Chris that they were going to be back in a week’s time.

Meanwhile, they wanted the boys back in LA because Michigan's was too cold for Justin and they didn't want to hear bad news or cancel their trip because of an emergency.

So the next morning the boys accompanied by Julie, who was supposed to take care of them while their parents were away, flew back to LA.

Beats Humphrey and the rest of the crew only left Michigan the following day.

Lucy was really pissed off because she had got to spend zero time with her boyfriend and no one seemed to care, not even Justin.

**

Upon arriving at their villa in LA the boys collapsed into their beds.

It had been a hectic week and their trip was tiring and strength consuming.

Their dad had been right, they soon got tired of jetting off everywhere. But they had the whole week to themselves.

Although the tutor still came every day and Justin and Chris had to go to the studio every day, they still had some free time on their hands.

Bree and Robin used to call and check up on them making sure everything was fine and all was going well.

Chris decided to check up on Britney the day after they arrived.

****

Meantime,

Britney was laying on her bed wondering why Chris hadn't talked or texted her the past few days.

Chris had told her he would be going to Michigan for his parents wedding day but she did expect updates from time to time, But Chris had been so focused in Justin and the rest of his family he had forgot to check up on her.

"Maybe he got tired of me," she begun to think. She sat up and slapped herself rubbing her cheeks afterward, realizing it had been a mistake to torture herself like that.” no he wouldn't do that, she mustn't think like that," she thought to herself, then realizing she had grown too confident in Chris like he owed her anything. They were not lovers, only friends.

Mckayla stood by the doorway laughing.

"Do you really hate yourself that much?" She asked witnessing the whole slap yourself ordeal.

Britney sighed as she rested her head on the soft pillow. "Aren't you going to school? Today's Tuesday,"

"I know but I don't feel like it,"

"Oh don't tell me your love sick, let me feel your temperature,"

She said sitting by her cousin

"Knock it off, stop dragging me down, "Britney replied as Mckayla toppled over in laughter.

"Oh I don't have to, by the looks of it, you've done a great job dragging yourself down,"

Britney groaned throwing the covers over her head,

"So he hasn't yet called you?” Mckayla guessed

"Uh uh," Britney said from underneath the covers.

"Bummer..." Mckayla replied

"I just don't get it...” Britney said sitting up brushing her hair away from her face, "it's been five days, could he have just forgotten about me?"

"Uh no. Don't even think like that. I met this Chris dude and I gave him a ten in ten. He is a good guy and remember I'm never wrong. Maybe he forgot or something happened but I'm always right. "

"Well there's a first time for everything, maybe your wrong,"

"Impossible, that's my super power, believe me,” Mckayla frowned glaring at Britney.

"I'm finding that hard to do," Britney said groaning and flopping back into her bed.

"Girls, too easy going," Mckayla muttered underneath her breath.

"I heard that," Britney replied

"Listen, let's go to school and I'm sure by the time we get back he'll be sitting on the front porch just waiting for you,"

"No he has forgotten,"

"Come on Britney!" Mckayla cried pulling the covers away from her

"I'm not going anywhere!" Britney replied as she held on tightly to the bed.

Mckayla tried in vain to pry her off,

"Snap out if it!" Mckayla yelled

But Britney didn't listen.

Mckayla sat down tired next to Britney

"He will call, besides he is just a boy" she said calmly

"He won't call," Britney replied burying her face in the pillow and screaming into it.

Mckayla sighed. She always knew her cousin was the touchy feely type.

Britney's phone vibrated by the bed side. Mckayla looked at who was calling as she got the phone

"Speaking of the devil," she said

Britney looked up at her immediately, "it's Chris?" She asked anxiously

Mckayla shook her head.

"Then cut it!" Britney called out turning herself over so she was facing the wall.

"Sure," Mckayla replied standing up.

She picked up the call, "hi Chris," she said smiling

Britney stood bolt upright.

"Hey Britney," he replied, pausing a little.

"This isn't Britney this is Mckayla,"

Britney was charging toward Mckayla trying to get her phone but she run to the bathroom and locked herself in.

"Mckayla open this door right now!" Britney shouted in a loud whisper so Chris wouldn't hear what was going on.

Mckayla blocked the mouth piece before replying to Britney, "you've been sulking all day because this guy hasn't called you now I'm going to give him a piece of my mind," she replied.

Britney kept banging on the door, "no, don't please!" She begged knowing exactly what Mckayla was capable of.

"Keep quiet!" Mckayla hushed

"Hello, Mckayla are you still there?" Chris asked

He waited for a moment then he heard her voice. “So sorry about that, yes I'm still here,"

"Is Britney there?"

"Wow, I'm fine Chris, thanks for asking," she mocked, pushing her hair back.

Chris chuckled “Forgive me, how are you,"

"That's better and I'm doing fine thank you,"

Chris laughed, "So Britney."

"Oh she's taking a shower," Mckayla replied still pushing the door.

"Liar!" Britney shouted out.

"Is this when you decide to call?" She asked Chris ignoring her cousin.

Chris grinned, "I was in Michigan attending my parents wedding and I was very busy, I'm sorry, it has been a hectic week"

"Aw…don't give me that excuse, you could have checked up on her, called or even just a simple text would have done it. She's been sulking the whole day and I'm the one who has to put up with it,"

Britney gasped as she heard her cousin say all this.

"My apologies, you are right it was a poor excuse, I'm sorry,"

"Oh don't apologize to me, get your ass down here and apologize to her, yourself, in person"

Chris laughed but at the same time felt uncomfortable. Mckayla was a very talkative little woman but she had held some sort if threat in her tone and something told him she was serious.

"You know what, I will, but were you serious when you said she's sulked all day because I didn't call her?" He asked leaning in said that would make him hear well.

"What do you think handsome? If I told you so then she did."

"Are you trying to tell me she likes me, more than just a friend?"

"I don't want to intrude but let's just say, you're different but no girl waits forever brother," she scoffed folding her arms, her back still pushing against the door.

"Thank you Mckayla, I'll be there in two hours or so,"

"Oh you're going to be here in forty minutes, I'm counting down," Mckayla said cutting the call.

"Hello...hello..?" Chris called then checked the phone.

It was cut. Chris shook his head, that Mckayla chick was something else,

Guess it meant he should get going then.

Mckayla came out of the shower and handed Britney's phone back to her.

"How could you answer and lock yourself in the bathroo-!!" she was cut off by Makayla’s hand on her mouth.

"Save it honey, Lover boy will be here in forty minutes. Better change out of that rag you're wearing and take a shower," Mckayla replied

Britney froze at these words, "H-he's coming?" She stuttered out.

"Of course he is, I made sure of that,” Mckayla replied proudly.

Britney screamed in delight.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Britney squealed kissing Mckayla on the cheek.

"Too close! Too close!" Mckayla called out rubbing her cheek.

Britney laughed as she skipped into the shower.

"I'll leave you two love birds, I'm going to school,” she said getting her bag and walking down the stairs.

Britney dressed into her best yellow sun dress and pair of pumps with a white purse hanging around her arm.

It was exactly forty minutes on the dot when she heard a knock at the door immediately knowing it was Chris. She run down stairs and opened the door.

Chris was staring at the ground and when she opened it he looked up at her.

She hugged him tightly, throwing her arms around him excitedly.

Chris was surprised but he loved the hug and was kind of angry that she let go too fast.

"Oh sorry about that," she said realizing what she had just done, stepping back in embarrassment.

"It's okay maybe next time I'll go for a month, maybe I might get a kiss," he replied. She punched him playfully and laughed.

"Where too?" She asked taking his arm

"Well I was thinking the beach," Chris replied.

"Oh" Britney paused glancing at what she was wearing, "then I should get a bathing suit," Britney replied wanting to go back, “no I have that covered," Chris replied pulling her back.

Todd opened the door for them and they climbed into the jeep.

He showed her a clip of the wedding he had attended watching Britney expression as she watched it in awe at the simplicity yet so beautiful design of the wedding.

She told him his new mother had the perfect taste on design and she loved Bree's wedding Dress the most but her favorite part of the wedding was there vows.

She said they were beautiful. Chris watched her changing her expressions.

She was lovely, flawless and absolutely perfect for him in every way he thought to himself.

They first went to the mall where Britney spent the day shopping.

Chris bought her all she wanted but Britney wasn't the type of girl that went full out shopping, she had manners and proper etticate.

However Chris made sure he spoilt her and bought her a bathing suit for their evening at the beach.

As Britney shopped Chris got a glimpse of an intricate golden necklace. He bought it and kept it not showing Britney.

Britney grabbed his hand and led him to a beautiful dress. "What do you think?” she asked. "Could it look good on me?"

"Well there's only one way to find out right?" Chris said motioning to the shop helpers who got it down for them.

"Oh no, it's way too expensive,"

Chris laughed "just don't look at the tag” he said.

The ladies grabbed Lucy and took her to the dressing room. She came out after a few minutes looking stunning, Chris mouths dropped, "what?" She asked, "Is it bad?" She asked.

"Perfect," Chris replied as the shop helpers smiled at her too. "We'll take it," he said to them.

"No need to pack it, she's going to wear this," he said taking her hand. Britney blushed.

They left the shop with bags in their hands and some of the helpers helped them carry it to their car.

Later on they took a walk at the beach.

It was evening and the sun was setting,

The waves gently came to and fro as they walked hand in hand on the golden beach.

Chris stood still and Britney followed. They sat by the water as the waves slowly ticked their feet.

Chris took out the necklace from his pocket.

"I thought this would look beautiful on you," he said

"Oh you didn't have too," Britney replied smiling.

Chris put the necklace around her and he sighed as her beauty took his breath away,

"I think I've fallen for you," he muttered softly underneath his breath but she caught it immediately blushing. His eyes travelled back to her face, taking the beauty in, fingers caressing her chin tilting it up so their eyes locked

"I want you to be mine Britney," he said softly as the waves rushed in. He brushed her hair back, a gentle smile styling on his face. "Please be mine."

It only took one slight nod from her before their lips collided. Their tongues overlapping each other, their noses sliding like the waves on the beach.

"I am yours," Britney whispered a reply. He smiled and she rested her head in his shoulders as they watched the sun slowly sink into the ocean.

They sat at the beach for a few more minutes not wanting to go home, but Chris knew he had to take Britney back home.

"We better head back or I'll be in trouble with your Mckayla,” Chris chuckled offering Britney a hand up.

Britney smiled as she stood up, "what did Mckayla say to you?" she asked as they stood there. The wind lifting up her hair in the wind,

"She told me to take a chance because no one waits forever," he said taking her hand in his. He pulled her close to him still smiling. They were close, so close, leaning in, the yearn of her lips on his melting inside him as they drew closer. "Race ya," she whispered.

"What?" Chris asked still mindlessly focused on her rosy lips.

She pushed him before he could kiss her so he fell gently on the beach sand as she run away in the direction of the jeep.

Chris laughed as he stood up and pelted after her. She arrived first, "you lose," she exclaimed as Todd opened the door for them.

He pulled her back so she was in his arms and leaned her against the car, "you cheated," he replied smiling

"No, I outsmarted you, there's a difference smart ass" she replied

"Whatever you did I need compensation,"

"What do you have in mind?" she asked grinning.

Chris smiled as he moved in, "you know exactly what I want," he said softly.

His hands were on her waist and his lips were touching hers as she felt his muscles up to his neck as they kissed over and over again.

"Sir, we really must be going," Todd spoke up after receiving a phone call from Julie.

"Look away Todd," Chris replied not bothering, still kissing Britney. It was a solid minute after when Britney pulley away with a grin "he is right, we better get going, “Britney said after a while as she broke away from Chris grasp.

She entered the car and Chris followed. Todd closed the door and sat at the front driving.

Britney and Chris kept kissing each other during the ride, anyone would when you’re in love.

When they arrived at Britney's house Todd came out and opened the door for her. She kissed Chris goodbye, he pulled her back and kissed her again smiling, "call me," he begged softly, his eyes refusing to leave her face as she came out of the car. "I will," she waved back at him before disappearing into the house.

Chris paused staring at the house which held his beloved dreamily, feeling like a lovesick puppy, before he told Todd to start off while his heart was still in cloud nine.

Britney opened the door and shut it. She leaned against it smiling.

"Britney is that you?" her mum called out.

She froze standing up straight and bit her bottom lip. She had missed school and gone out with a boy. She was going to get it.

"Britney?!" her mum called out again. Britney checked her watch it was 9 pm, her mom was going to kill her for staying out late with a boy she didn't even know.

YES her mom was protective like that.

She swallowed hard, "Yes, it’s me mum," she replied.

"Oh good, come here," her mum called out.

She walked slowly into the sitting room where her mum and Mckayla sat.

They both took a good look at her, her hair and dress was wet and damp, her skin flushed ad her lips partly swollen, as she breathed in waiting for all hell.

"Well, I didn't think you would take this long at your museum class field trip," her mother said. "What now?" she thought glancing at Makayla who winked at her then hid her face so their mum couldn't see.

"Looks like you even stopped by the beach."

"Oh yes, we uhmm, persuaded Mr Taylor to let us have some fun at the beach after we toured the museum,” she Replied Mckayla giving her the thumbs up.

"Ah well, you better get cleaned up honey we don't want you catching a cold," Her mom replied.

Britney nodded and mouthed a thank you to Mckayla who smiled a little.

She headed up stairs and fell on the bed.

After a few minutes Mckayla's head peeped through the door.

Britney sat up startled then sighed a sigh of relief when she saw it was only Mckayla's.

"Spill it!" Mckayla screeched giggling as she jumped on the bed.

"Spill what?" Britney asked blushing as she hugging her pillow

"Oh c'mon what happened to you? You've come home late with a new dress and a nice expensive necklace on," Mckayla said pointing out the facts.

Britney touched her necklace, her face freezing "do you think Mum noticed?" she asked

"When was the last time Aunt Molly checked your wardrobe? Plus she was too busy watching Greys Anatomy to pay attention, so spill it," Mckayla urged bouncing up and down beside her.

"Okay, okay! I'll tell you everything,"

"Yes! and don't leave out any details," Mckayla said as she sat by her cousin and listened to a fairy tale she would one day live through.

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

When Chris arrived back at the villa, Julia scolded him for coming back late. Truth be told Aunt Julie was very cautious of everything around her and she didn't like making mistakes.

She was very determined to be the perfect babysitter, but Chris didn't mind her, he just kissed her cheek and danced all the way up the stairs to his room humming a catchy tune.

Julie watched him as he went, "what did my sister get herself into?" she asked herself shaking her head.

Chris went into his bedroom and closed the door. He dropped on his bed sighing.

"Hello," a voice said.

Chris froze up horrified and looked up slowly.

"What the hell?! Justin man what's wrong with you? You got to stop doing that!" he yelled sitting up frantically and touching his chest looking at the figure who was sitting on a chair near the window.

He felt his heart beat slow as he breathed in deeply.

Justin shrugged.

"You almost gave me a heart attack! How did you get in?" he asked still shocked.

"I was here waiting for you, you would have noticed me when you came in but you were too busy humming and dancing," Justin replied switching on his phone.

Chris relaxed a little and lay back on the bed. He breathed in and out for a moment trying to snap back into his previous mood.

"What's got you singing?" Justin asked looking at him

Chris smile up at the ceiling as he lay there, "I finally did it Justin,” he replied

"What did you do?" Justin asked surprised

"I asked Britney to be my girlfriend," he replied

"So someone's officially off sale," Justin remarked with a smirk.

Chris sat up. "I just did it man, she makes me so happy," he replied, "she's so beautiful and her lips, oh she kisses so good,"

"Am I getting you right?" Justin asked double blinking.

"Kiss?" he asked

Chris laughed, "You got it right," he replied

"Congratulations you're in the game!" Justin said giving him a bro hug, "can't believe you took the step."

"It was now or never, oh man, it was so perfect, she was perfect," he continued laying on his back as he started up into the ceiling...

"Someone’s head over heels. I'm happy for you bro, but there's one thing I don't like," Justin replied

Chris looked up at him with a slight frown "what is it?" he asked his smile fading slowly

"I've never met this girl, not even once and now you two are an item and I still don't know her, I mean shouldn't I?"

Chris chuckled, "you will, Soon enough,"

Justin sighed slowly and deeply, his smile vanishing,

"Hey bro, what's this now? You’re supposed to be happy for me," Chris said pushing him gently, noticing the changes of expression.

Justin faked up a little smile, "It's just that I've been thinking,"

"Thinking? About What?"

"I see you here so happy and so in love, don't get me wrong I'm happy for you, but my situation, well I don't have to explain,”

Chris nodded

"I can't seem to let her go, but maybe I'm looking at it all wrong, the reason why I shouldn't be with Lucy's is because I don't love her right?" he asked.

Chris smiled, "I'm not the one to answer that question but so far that's what you've been showing,"

"True, so maybe, maybe I should try."

"You should try? Try what?"

"Maybe I could open up more to her and try loving her, might be better for the two of us."

"Justin you can't force love," Chris scoffed.

"I know, but maybe I can just give it a chance, give her a chance, us a chance."

Chris thought for a moment, "I don't know about that man, but it doesn't seem wrong, everybody deserves a good shot and getting what they want," he said, "it could work."

"You really think so?"

"I'm not sure honestly, but it couldn't hurt right? I mean if I liked Britney and she didn't like me back I would want to have a chance to show her that I'm worthy of her, you know. I say go for it, try it out. It's the best thing you can do now bro, it’s a good idea,"

Justin smiled, "I have another idea"

"What now? You can't be a genius two times in a day," Chris replied chuckling.

"How about tomorrow we do a double date, I can start anew with Lucy and meet your Britney so we all can get acquainted."

Chris smiled at his idea, "I stand corrected, records have been broken, and that is another good Idea,"

Justin punched him playfully

Chris laughed, "You should mark this day. It’s a day to remember,"

Justin shook his head chuckling as he stood up,” okay, I'll call Lucy and you tell Britney," he said as he was walking out

"Mark it!” Chris called after him taking his phone out

***

Justin went inside his room, dialing Lucy's number.

Lucy was in the kitchen preparing supper for her and Anna when her phone rang.

She looked at the caller and almost had a heart attack.

Justin had not talked to her ever since the wedding so she was shocked and angry at the same time. She picked up the call,

"Hello baby," Justin greeted

"Baby?" Lucy replied dryly.

"What so you're not my girl?" Justin asked

"You’ve never called me that before," she replied.

He sighed "I know Lucy that our relationship isn't the best, but I want to change that,”

Lucy paused for a second.

Was she hearing right?

"Hello? Lucy?"

"I'm waiting for a punch line," Lucy replied halfheartedly.

Justin laughed, "there isn't any, I just did some thinking and I realized that I haven't been putting as much effort in this relationship as you have, which isn't fair at all,"

Anna walked into the kitchen. "What’s wrong?" She asked looking at Lucy whose mouth was dropped.

She signaled for her to come closer as she put Justin on loud speaker.

"Lucy, I'm sorry for everything's I've put you through, I just want to start afresh with you, be there for you and try this again,"

Anna looked at Lucy surprised

"Do you really mean that?" Lucy replied

"Yes, I'm willing to start over, if you’re willing to forgive me."

Lucy blinked the away the tears from her eyes as Anna held her hand and squeezed it.

"Lucy? Are you there?"

"Y-yes I am, and yes I-I forgive you, I also want this to work out."

"Thank you, so let's do something tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

"I want us to catch up on the time we've missed, how about a double date with Chris and his girlfriend,"

"Girlfriend?" Anna whispered as she let go of Lucy's hand.

"Yeah OK, let's do it,"

"Okay, I'll come pick you up tomorrow,"

"I'll be waiting,"

"And Lucy...”

"Yes...?"

"You’re so beautiful,"

Lucy's heart melted

"Thank you baby..,"

"I send you kisses...”

"I've caught them, good night,"

"Goodnight Lucy," and Lucy hang up.

She screamed, " oh my god!" she screamed hugging Anna.

"I can't believe this!" she said squeezing her tight. "I'm happy for you," Anna said returning the hug," she jumped and sat on the kitchen counter her legs dangling from the midair."so you're having a double date tomorrow, you, Justin and Chris,"

"Yes and Chris' girlfriend,"

"So he has a girlfriend?" Anna asked sadly

"I'm sure it's recent because the only chicks he was close to was that chick Cassie, but she turned out to be a total bitch so he was with her friend, what's her name again, uhmm, Britney"

Anna smiled sadly

"Hey are you okay? “Lucy asked noticing her friend’s sad aura

"Yeah I'm fine," she said faking up a smile

"Don't lie to me Anna, you're my best friend, I know when you’re sad,"

"It’s nothing,"

"Anna!" she said then she thought for a minute, “is this about Chris?" she asked surprised

"No it isn't," Anna replied quickly getting up

"Ah, you like him!" Lucy said

Anna looked up at her

"Why didn't you tell me?" Lucy asked

"I haven't said anything,"

"You don't need to, hello, body language."

"It’s okay."

"No it isn't! Why didn't you tell me earlier, I could have done something?"

"I thought he didn't have anyone," Anna replied sadly slumping against the cabinets.

"Oh Anna,"

"It’s okay, it doesn't matter anymore,"

"What? It does matter? Look. Okay why do you like Chris?"

"I don't know, he is handsome, smart, and sexy, he's polite and patient. He never hurts anyone and is cautious of his actions, attentive and he just looks like a pretty good guy to have."

"Okay, so that's down. Do you like him?"

Anna looked away

"Anna! I am serious,"

"Does it matter?"

"Just answer!"

"Okay fine! I do, I really like him."

Lucy sighed, "You know I didn't even have a clue, you hide it pretty well,"

Anna shrugged, “I’m just like that, now he is off the market and whoever he is dating is very lucky, I know that much,"

"So you're just going to give up?"

"I'm not giving up, I never had a hold on him,"

"Still, you're just going to let go? You are the one that helped me with Justin, you told me never to let go,"

"That's different."

"How is it different?"

"Can't you see?" She asked turning to Lucy roughly, “at least you had a chance, I don't,"

"Nonsense!" Lucy fired back, standing by her, "you helped me so I will help you too, and you can't give up,"

"Stop it Lucy,"

"I'm serious Anna, you were there for me, now it's my turn to return the favor. Trust me," Lucy replied.

"Okay, fine," Anna replied looking into Lucy's eyes trusting.

"So turn that frown upside down because you and I will be the only girlfriends of the Ryder's, you wait and see," she said smiling and taking Anna's hand toward the living room as they set the table