Chapter 33: Chapter 33

: Fragile Hearts

Lucy hang up the phone and stood still in the kitchen for a minute. She knew in her heart things were really wrong.

Ana and Chris were going strong, Anna had a technique that just set her apart from others, and however Lucy was not so special.

She was a pretty girl which probably had as much potential with any other man, but why she didn't want to let Justin go was between her and her heart. She looked at the phone lying on the kitchen counter.

"I told you to let him go," a voice said from behind her.

She quickly turned around. Anna was standing in the doorway, "you heard our conversation?" she asked.

"It's not my fault you like to put your phone on speaker," Anna retorted.

Lucy sighed, "you don't always have to be so negative,”

Anna frowned, "the guy asked you to meet him at home, alone, privately," she said.

"So...maybe he wants to show me something,”

"I wouldn't bet on it sweetie,”

"I don't care, I don't care if he wants to break up with me or not,”

"Really? You don't care?" Anna asked suspiciously, moving closer to her. Lucy leaned on the counter shrugging, "nope, I don't care at all. All I know is, he can't let me go. I won't allow it,”

"I knew there was a catch, “Anna muttered with a slight eye roll, "so what are you going to do?"

"I don't know, but I will do anything to keep us together, I don't care if were miserable,”

"You know what you guys need?" Anna asked.

"What?"

"Love. That's what's missing. Look I bought you some time, you became Justin's official girl, but still you couldn't catch him. It's clear he doesn't love you, just let go, for both your sakes,”

"I wish you could take your own advice," Lucy said angrily.

Anna laughed a little, "Chris and I are different,”

"Really?" Lucy mocked

"Yes, I have a chance and I'm going in slowly, he might love Britney but he still has space in his heart for me, I wish I could say the same for you,”

"Justin and I will not end today, I guarantee you that,”

"I don't see how, you don't even have a plan, " Anna replied.

Lucy paused for a minute knowing fully well that Anna was right.

"Look," Anna said touching her shoulder, "I know you love Justin, but sometimes we don't always get what we want. I'm trying to get Chris because even though I know he is taken, part of me wants him so bad I keep fighting, so I know how you feel."

Lucy looked up at her still not saying a word.

Anna sighed, "If I keep trying and Chris doesn't come through, I'll back down. I can accept defeat, but what I will not do is sit down when I can see a chance in front me. You saw that chance and you took it but still Justin's not fallen for you, he's realized that and so have you, now it's your turn to accept defeat, “she eased gently.

Lucy pushed her hand away, angrily, "I don't care about what you said, I love Justin, read my lips,” she continued pointing to them, " I will never, ever let him go if it's the last thing I do," she said storming out of the kitchen.

"Lucy!" Anna called out but she had already left. She sighed taking cup from the cupboard, pouring herself a glass of water.

****

Meanwhile

Bree was upstairs in her bedroom sulking, wishing Robin was around to love her well, but of course Robin was a busy man, maybe a little too busy.........

*****

Justin was sitting in his room listening to music, it was there day off so Justin was just relaxing, and something he hadn't done in a while.

Chris on the other hand was busy delegating over Britney, truth be told he loved her very much he could feel it. The fight they had was killing him, he longed to talk to her and kiss her, or just hold her in his arms even for a second but then thoughts of her loving someone else resurfaced, someone who deserved her, someone who didn't have doubts about their love.

Chris glanced at his phone at it rang, stating at it for a second before he leaned over to see who was calling him, though he had a pretty good guess.

Britney, that was the sixth time that morning but Chris wasn't yet ready to talk to her.

He didn't know what to say to her and he didn't want to regret anything he might say out of anger. His phone rang again. He looked at the caller and lifted one eyebrow, "that's a first," he thought to himself.

He began to wonder if he should pick up the phone or not. If he picked it up he didn't know what this talkative caller would tell him.

The phone stopped ringing and he relaxed, then it started again. He stared at it for a minute, biting his lower lip, till finally deciding to pick the phone up

"hello, Mckayla," he huffed out.

"Oh so you do know who this is, so why didn't you pick up earlier?"

"I was...I couldn't," he said gritting his teeth, trailing off, wiping the sweat off his forehead. The girl just made him nervous for some reason.

"Come outside your gate," Mckayla ordered. Yes, ordered. It seemed like she was a tad bit bossy he thought.

"Why?" He asked, his voice a little low.

"I'm waiting for you,”

"What?" Chris asked checking outside his window but he couldn't really see outside the gate, perks of having a large house with an equally large surrounding.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, grabbing a jacket as he headed down the stairs.

"Come down and find out," she answered curtly.

"Okay I'll be right there,” he sighed opening the front door.

"You better not waste my time Chris,”

"I wouldn't dream of it," he muttered as she hung up. He walked out of the door and down the long driveway,

"Sir, should I accompany you?" Todd asked following him.

"Yeah, whatever," Chris replied as he took big strides toward the gate which was then opened a little for him to get out.

Sure enough there was Mckayla leaning against the good of a car.

"c'mon!" she called out, with a subtle grin.

"Go where?" He asked.

"You’ll see,”

He frowned as he approached her” I’m not ready to meet Britney yet,”

"Who said were going to meet Britney? Aren’t we friends? Friends are allowed to hang out, right?"

Friends? More like acquaintances. They weren't really close. But God forbid he ever said that allowed, so instead he smiled, "okay, let me get the car,”

"No need, we can use mine and you can leave Mr. Muscle over there,” Mckayla replied, eyeing Todd.

"Sir, I strongly advise you against going out alone," Todd replied seeming to scan Mckayla.

"Oh c'mon big guy, Chris trusts me, don't you?" she asked, her big hazel eyes meeting his.

Chris wondered if he trusted her or was just scared of her. She seemed to see the hesitation in his eyes and gave his shallow scowl to which Chris could only interpreted as, 'you better do as I say'

He immediately turned back to Todd, letting out a nervous chuckle,

"it’s okay, Mckayla's harmless....I think." He said the last part lowly causing Todd to raise one if his thick eyebrows, he cleared his throat “just tell mom I had to leave and I'll be back soon."

Todd gave him a look, then nodded, giving Mckayla one last look which was evenly matched back by her vicious glare, before he re-entered the villa grounds.

"Okay Mckayla, you can quite the glaring, you've won," Chris said as he entered her car.

"I always do," she replied, with a grin.

They got in the car, and soon they were off.

Mckayla reached out, turning on the radio a little, some guy was talking.

"I heard you’re going to act in a big movie,” Mckayla began, giving Chris a short glance before focusing on the road.

"Yes, where are we going exactly?" Chris asked a little uncomfortable,.

"Oh were going to meet someone,” Mckayla replied.

Chris sighed, "I told you I can't speak to Britney right now, by the way how did you know where I live?" he asked, folding his arms as he faced her.

Mckayla paused for a moment knowing she couldn't tell him she knew where almost every big celebrity live in LA, she smiled, "Britney told me, and why don't you want to speak to Britney?"

"You know why," Chris replied.

Mckayla shrugged, "it's none of my business anyway, don't worry were not going to see her,”

"If it's your friends from school or fans, I'm going to have to pass, " Chris ever so bravely said.

"Hold your ego Mr, it's far from that, did you really think that I'd do that? Who do you think I am?" She asked with a scowl

Chris blushed a little embarrassed, “I’m sorry, just nervous. Tell me who were going to see then,"

"You’ll know when we get there, so just relax, live a little, you look so tense," she said, switching stations.

"don't change this one, I love this song,” Chris blurted before she could change to another station

"Pay Phone? By Maroon 5. It's such a old song," Mckayla groaned.

"It’s still gold!" Chris replied cranking up the volume.

He began to sing, causing Mckayla to chuckle because unlike Justin Chris had the voice of a dying squirm, however he was still catchy and before long she found herself joining in.

Together they sung, laughing and forgetting a few lyrics, Chris bursting into another round of laughter as Mckayla rapped to Wiz Khalifa,"

"you can really bust some raps," Chris said, leaning back with a strong grin plastered on his face.

"Well you're not the only one with talent," she replied. They put another song and had more fun.

Chris could see the wild side of Mckayla from the talkative one and he decided he really liked her. Plus she was pretty.

"Okay were here,” Mckayla announced as they pulled up to a restaurant.

"This restaurant?" Chris asked looking out the window as they parked.

"You’ve been here?" Mckayla asked.

"Yeah, Britney and I used to...." he trailed off.

"You can finish that sentence you know” Mckayla replied, giving him an encouraging grin.

Chris shook his head, "I'd rather not,”

"Okay... No pressure, let's go," Mckayla replied.

Chris raised an eyebrow for a moment failing to understand Mckayla. Wasn't Mckayla Britney's cousin? Why didn't she mind him cutting Britney as the subject out of their conversation?

Mckayla just simply confused him, she was too much he thought.

He got out and followed her still trying to imagine who was possibly waiting for him.

He followed Mckayla in and sat in a booth inside the restaurant side by side.

"So who wanted to see me?" Chris asked seeing nobody but Mckayla.

"There she comes,” Mckayla replied causing him to look up.

He watched the woman approach them and slide into the booth opposite them. He knew her, the woman who had told him Ted was Britney's boyfriend, AkA Britney's mom.

They shared a lot of the same features.

"Remember me?" she asked giving him her hand.

He shook it respectfully, "Yes, your Britney's mom?" He asked, though he was certain she was.

"Definitely and I just found out you are her boyfriend,"

Chris paused for a moment before glancing at Mckayla.

"Uhmm, I'm going to check our order, you two talk," Mckayla said patting Chris' shoulder as she left..

"Okay young man, I want to hear it from you,”

Chris looked up at her, "what do you want to hear?"

"Everything, how you feel about my daughter, " she persuaded. She looked at him with kind eyes, although it seemed she was studying him closely.

Chris paused, "he took a deep breath, "I don't know,”

"You don't know?" Aunt Molly asked surprised, this is not what she expected to hear.

Chris breathed out and leaned in staring slowly into her eyes taking her by surprise, "truthfully I love her, a lot. I can't go a day thinking about her. It's really quite annoying actually, “a half smile crept onto his face as he said this "even right now, she's playing in my head over and over like a catchy song, but I don't want that.

These past few days I've been away from her, Is been so frustrating, " He run a hand through his blond locks , " I get angry quickly because I haven't talked to or seen her, but I can't punish myself like that, ma'am your daughter means everything to me but what she did," he shook his head slowly, "I introduced her to my parents and I thought even though we hadn't met at least my name would ring a bell, but you proved me wrong the other day. It just made me so angry thinking about it,”

"Why don't you talk to her?" Aunt Molly persuaded slowly.

"I'm scared I might say something wrong or bad and it might really break us so I want to keep some distance so I can breathe for a while, she doesn't need me any way if she could say Ted was her boyfriend, "

"Don’t blame her for that one," Aunt Molly interrupted, with a soft sigh, "I'm the one that pushed her to do that see, I don't like my daughters dating celebrities because of ...uhm..Their bad reputations you know what I mean," she paused studying his face, ”that's why she didn't tell me.  About the  boyfriend thing, I thought Ted was her boyfriend because they spent most of their time together, I later found out that that was only because of some school projects, so truthfully the blame is on me, "

Chris was looking at her intently processing the news.

"My daughter is..." She trailed off, "she's breaking because of you,”

Those words made Chris lose his breath.

"She calls you don't answer,”

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, "I don't like seeing her that way. Not many mothers could do what am doing right now, but I feel like I should. You look like a good person Chris, I did some research on you. You're a good boy. Don't hurt my daughter, I fear she's is in way too deep with you."

A short silence enveloped around them, as Chris thought about what she was saying.

He looked up at her, "so, there's nothing going on between her and...And..."

"Ted, the guy’s name is Ted, he's a good kid too. Yes, there nothing out of the ordinary going on between them,”

Chris breathed out relieved feeling like a heavy burden was just lifted off his chest. He smiled.

Aunt Molly's phone rang, "this is work calling," she said, "I hope everything's been clarified!" she said standing up.

He stood up too, "yes ma'am,”

"Good, I'll see you around Chris," she said giving him a handshake as she turned around and picked up her call as she walked away.

Mckayla passed her as she came back, both exchanging a quick nod.

"You look happy," she said sitting across him.

"You are a sneaky girl," Chris grinned back,

Mckayla shrugged, "now that you know the truth, let's eat," she said as the waiters brought some food in front of them.

Chris looked at her and smiled as she struck up a fun conversation which sent him into high spirits.

**********

Meanwhile

Justin was sitting in bed when Bree came to his room, "dear, Lucy's here," she announced, hearing in.

He turned around and smiled still shirtless, his muscles flexing with every movement "you can just tell her to come here," he said.

Bree smiled, "okay, but our bets still on,”

"Oh and Bree?"

"Yes?" Bree replied turning around.

"Where’s Chris?"

"Oh he told Todd he was going out and he would be back soon,”

"Okay,”

Bree continued down the hallway and downstairs to tell Lucy to come up.

Lucy knocked on Justin's bedroom door.

Justin was at the balcony looking out the window. When he heard the knock he turned around.

She was wearing a miniskirt with a see through top, showing off her intricate black bra.

Justin smiled, "come in," he said.

Lucy lifted one eyebrow up as she saw Justin's six pack, and steady figure she knew then that she wouldn't let him go, not till the end of the world or kingdom come.

"Why did you want us to meet here?" Lucy asked

Justin kept his smile on, the warmer he was, the easier it was let her down "I just wanted some privacy,”

"Privacy?" Lucy echoed, smiling slightly

"But if you’re not comfortable, we can go down stairs,”

"No, here’s fine," Lucy said sitting on the bed.

"What did you want to tell me that needed this much privacy?" she asked licking her lips seductively Justin sighed as his smile faded.

"I wanted to talk about us, this thing we have going on between us," Justin said looking down at her. He was still standing by the balcony, his hands in his pocket.

"What about it?" Lucy asked becoming more serious as her heart begun to pound.

Justin sighed, he could feel his hands slowly start to shake, he breathed out, "I don't think this is working,” he said pointing between the two of them

At the sound of that sentence Lucy could hear a sound of something dropping inside her, something shattering, the cold enveloping all over her skin.

"Believe me it's hard for me, I wanted this to work. But,”

"Shhhhhhh," Lucy said standing up suddenly.

Justin looked at her surprised, his eyebrows furrowing.

"Please don't say it," she said

"I don't have a choice," Justin replied watching her attentively, "look at us, we are miserable in this relationship. We have to let go and try something new with other people, I'm sure there's someone else out there whose going to make you much happier than the lousy job I'm doing," Justin pointed out.

Lucy frowned, looking into his eyes, she moved closer to him, "I don't want anyone else, I just want you, and can’t you see that?"

"But I can’t-" Justin was cut off as Lucy kissed him rapidly clinging on to him like glue.

She kissed him over and over again so he couldn't say a word. His hands were already wrapped around her body, touching her.

Anna was right Lucy thought to herself.

Maybe what they were really missing in their relationship was love, the love she was going to give him.

Her hands were feeling his muscles as he lifted her up, his muscled arms caging her to his body as lust took over.

They moved to the bed as they kept on kissing. Lucy kept grabbing him not allowing him to breathe or think, her polished red nails digging into his skin. Her other hand brushing through his dark locks, her hips rising to his, locking him between her legs.

She took off her shirt and remained with her black lingerie. Justin trailed his lips past her flat abdomen, his hands gentle but wanting against her skin.

He groaned lowly as her womanly scent hit him, it seemed lust had a scent

She moaned, unlocking her bra as his hands felt up her skirt, strong and steady, grabbing onto her hips, pulling them closer to him. His deep breathes on her skin, sending goose bumps all the way up.

She gasped, trailing kisses along the side of his face, keeping him destroy close as if any other way would mean death.

She moved to take off her bra as Justin watched, the movement was nothing less than erotic as she slid the bra off her shoulder.

His breathing deep and shallow, he would be lying if he said Lucy wasn't sexy. She could make any man mad with that body of hers.

Suddenly images flashed before his eyes, the past.

The mansion.

The girl.

The mask.

Haunting him.

What was he doing? He thought. “No stop," he said sitting up fast. He was embarrassed of what just happened.

He took the covers rolling it up to cover her, his breathing erratic.

"I'm sorry I don't know what happened, I shouldn't have...." he said looking deep into her eyes. He shook his head, scooting back turning to face the window.

He was breathing fast in and out. He couldn't do anything. How could he commit this act? Lucy hugged his back, "you said you wanted to make this work? Maybe this could work, “she whispered, kissing the back of his ear, her hands around his abs, she breathed out sexily.

"I can’t ...we can't," he said standing up,

Lucy pulled him back as she knelt on the bed.

"Please Lucy let go, just let go" he begged, his fingers were shaking and he felt like air had run out.  He slid out of her grasp, walking to the balcony.

He couldn't do it.

"its better we end this today, I don't want this to go on, we can't keep going on like this," he said turning around to face her.

He froze, his eyebrows furrowing.

She had already undressed fully ready to do whatever it took to keep him by her side.

She only had a bed sheet covering her thin body, we through in every way as the sun shone through.

Justin paused as what felt like a gust of strong wind past him hitting him in the face taking him back to Salvage mansion.

He had been in this exact position before, standing before her. He knew how things would go.

The girl had also been in nothing but a bed sheet. His breathing quickened as he remembered what came next, his. Fingers slightly shaking.

Lucy suddenly dropped the bed sheet just like the girl had, his heart seemed to stop beating, and he seemed lost even to himself.

"Please, please do this, save us,” Lucy said. The world echoed in his ears, all Justin could see was the thirteen year old girl pleading with him to do it and it save them. He couldn't breathe. He couldn't move.

"Save us, our relationship," Lucy said as she took two strides and kissed him.

He found himself lost in the kiss, his fingers shaking as they latched onto her bare milky skin.

She pulled him back with her, an echo if a voice whispering inside of his head, "don't do it" till it disappeared into nothing and Justin was lost.

Bree wondered if Justin had really broken things off, she was not willing to lose to the bet so she quietly tiptoed toward Justin's room.

All she heard were moans and groans, causing her to frown.

She opened the door a little. Watching as Justin touched Lucy.

Instead of closing the door she stood there watching just watching, she knew she wanted that love too.

*******

Meanwhile

Mckayla and Chris had just finished eating.

"So are you going to talk to her?" Mckayla asked.

"I want to so badly" Chris replied as they left the bill on the table.

"To tell you the truth, Britney's been sulking all day and you not answering her phone calls only made things worse,”

Chris smiled in a very happy mood,

"oh don't worry, when I see her I'll kiss her so hard, and then I'll-"

"Enough I don't need to that," she said putting on her jacket which she had taken off, then they walked out, "you’re taking me straight to her right?" Chris asked

"Look who’s in high spirits? You were gloating when I came to pick you up,”

"Well you changed my mind, I just want to see her," he said as they walked to the car.

At that moment something inside him told him to stop and look around. Before he entered the car he looked at the park t

pausing suddenly, his jaw clenching

"C’mon get in, Chris, she won't wait forever," Mckayla called as she sat in the car.

"Chris?" she repeated, coming out of the car.

"Yo Chris!" Mckayla called out, snapping her fingers before his face. He was wasting her precious time.

"You said Britney's been home all day sulking over me?" he asked softly.

"Yes, that's what I said, and she will probably kill herself if we don't hurry," Mckayla joked trying to get him in the car.

"I don't think she will, she seems happy to me," he said.

"What? What do you mean?" Mckayla asked? She noticed he was standing still looking intently in one direction. She turned following his gaze, her heart sinking.

Right there in the park was Britney and Ted sitting on the bench eating ice cream.

Britney was laughing, slapping his shoulder as he did. It was clear to tell Ted was the one making her laugh, Chris swallowed hard and looked at the ground feeling stupid and used, like someone had just pulled him down from the sky without warning

A crash landing. Heart breaking. Same thing to him

"Damn," Mckayla muttered underneath her breath. Chris turned around, his fists clenching” I’m sure he's just trying to cheer her up," Mckayla eased optimistically.

Chris entered the car without another word.

Mckayla climbed into the driver’s seat.

Glancing at him for a moment.

He looked up at her sore all over, not knowing what just happened unable to describe what he was feeling.

"She loves you Chris, I swear, I just don't know what was going on but I can promise you her feelings for you are undeniable,”

That didn't help at all. Chris moved his hand away, "just take me home please, just take me home."