Selena's POV:

"Oh for fuck's sake, shut that damn thing off." Justin exclaimed irritated against the pillow, making me only then realize that the alarm clock was ringing loudly. I could feel the warmth of his body around me, little beads of sweat forming in the back of my neck from how hot his skin was.  I stretched my free arm and began to slap the surface of my nightstand until I casually hit the snooze button of the alarm and the annoying beeping stopped echoing around the room. Justin emitted a satisfied moan. Meanwhile I groaned when it sank in that I actually had to wake up for school after less than 4 hours of sleep.  "Don't go to school today." Justin mumbled still half-asleep, tightening the arm he had around me. During the night I had ended up giving my back to him and our fingers were interlocked on top of my tummy.  "I have to go." I stated, trying to convince myself more than him as I disentangled our legs and our fingers. I had to catch my balance once I was out of the bed, nearly tripping with my own feet. My head was a bit fuzzy due to the lack of sleep and I basically felt like the morning I had woken up with a hangover, even though all I had drank at yesterday's "party" was coke.  Justin didn't make any attempt to leave the comfort of the bed so I took advantage to walk into the bathroom. Once inside, I used the toilet and then opened the tap of the sink to splash cool water on my heated face and neck. It helped me wake up a little and when I met my reflection in the mirror, a smile was tugging at the ends of my lips. Believe it or not, I just spent the whole night cuddling with Justin. The voice at the back of my head was fangirling.  While I brushed my hair, trying to unknot the mess I had created over night, I thought about the things Justin had said to me a mere few hours before.  "I'm sorry. I don't ever wanna fight again."  "If you don't stop now, I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself."  "Good, because I want to be the first one to be this close to you, baby."  Remembering everything – and especially that last sentence – was making me feel all giddy inside, I didn't even need to apply blush because my cheeks were already pink. I finished my makeup and hair, settling for only mascara and lip-gloss – accompanied by a generous amount of concealer to cover the purple bags under my eyes – and a simple side braid.  I heard rustling when I came out of the bathroom, its source being a very sleepy Justin putting on his t-shirt and shoes. So no contemplating his abs for me this time either.  "You can use the bathroom if you want now." I offered him, jabbing my thumb back at the door.  "Alright." He gave me a cheeky, yet sleepy, grin before getting inside.  "By the way, there are spare toothbrushes in the drawer under the sink." I informed before he closed the door after saying a 'thanks' back.  I walked to my closet and searched for an outfit. Since I wasn't really in the mood for something complicated, I picked a pair of black leggings, my combat boots and an off black & white striped sweater. By the time Justin was back in the room, I was already dressed and ready to leave my house before someone of my family  would find out Justin was here.  Right on cue, there was a knocking on my door, followed by my mother shouts. "Selena, darling, are you ready? You're gonna be late!"  Justin and I exchanged panic glances – well, maybe I was the only one who panicked and Justin, as usual, didn't give a damn.  "Give me a second mom!" I shouted back.  "Okay, hurry up!" Her footsteps were heard seconds after, signalling she was gone.  I sucked in a deep breath of relief while Justin chuckled, clearly more amused than me.  "So are you gonna drive me to school?" I battled my eyelashes, trying to look cute enough to convince him.  "Actually, I didn't bring my car. It ran out of gas." He admitted, zipping his purple hoodie up.  "Oh, I would drive you home but I'll be late for school if I do." I apologised, studding a pair of golden hoops in my ears.  "You look like a hipster." Justin sniggered, making me gape before giving him a dirty glare.  "Now you're definitely not getting a lift." My arm was captured by Justin's hand when I was about to leave.  "I was kidding. You look beautiful, as always." Heat rushed up to my cheeks upon hearing his compliment. He smiled at my reaction. "We could go together by subway. I mean, we go to your school and then I leave. Unless you wanna come with me, that is." His smile turned into a teasing smirk, although his eyes were doubtful about me agreeing to use the subway.  I thought about it for a second. Last time wasn't that bad and I could use a few more minutes with Justin. "Okay."  Justin's eyes lit up like a child in Christmas. "Dope." How little it takes to make this boy happy, I thought smiling.  "But I won't ditch." I added, realising I probably made him think I was gonna do exactly that.  Justin gave me his trademark pout but I looked away fast enough to resist the temptation. "Fine." He agreed, dragging the 'i' like he always does.  I grabbed my black purse where all my books and stuff were kept and unlocked the door. "I'm afraid you'll have to use the window." I sent him an apologetic look. Poor Justin. He must be sick and tired of using that stupid fire escape.  "I'll see you in the street then." He nodded.  "Do you want some breakfast?" I asked. I wasn't really hungry but Justin probably was since he's proven to eat a lot.  "Nah, I'm not hungry. But I do want a morning kiss." He whispered the last part, coming closer until he could lean down and press his lips to mine.  I don't know whether it was because I wasn't used to being kissed so early in the morning or because it took me by surprise, but Justin took my breath away. "That's better." He smiled, pulling away before disappearing outside the window, leaving me standing there awestruck.  After I snapped out of my small trance, I left my room and walked to the kitchen.There, all my family was having breakfast together. "Morning." I chirped in happily, earning confused glares from everyone but Blake, who smirked at me knowingly.  "Good morning, sweetie." My parents said back. "Do you want pancakes or toasts?" My mom turned around with a plate full of pancakes that smelled like heaven. I curled my lips inside my mouth, tasting the cherry flavour of my lip-gloss. "I'm not hungry now; I'll grab something from the cafeteria later." I ignored my stomach rumbling since I was in a hurry. Going to school by subway was gonna take longer than going by car like I usually go.  My mom frowned in worry. "But you hardly ate anything for dinner yesterday."  "I'm just not... hungry. I don't know, it must be my period coming or something." Seems like the period excuse has become my ally, let's just hope it won't turn out as bad as it did with Justin.  "Alright, but aren't you leaving too soon?" The concerned voice of my mother made me sigh as I put on my kaki parka and grey knitted matching scarf and hat.  "I agreed on meeting with Kelsey earlier today." I added a smile at the end to hide how harsh and bored my voice had come out.  Blake snorted, choking on a piece of pancake in the process. That's karma. Everybody turned their eyes to him as I mentally sent him daggers, as if warning him not to speak. I don't know how the hell he always finds out when I'm with Justin but I'll be having a few words with him later.  "Well, I'd better get going." Giving everyone a quick kiss on the cheek, I shouted another goodbye before slamming the front door shut.  Once I was out in the street, I was greeted with how incredibly cold the weather was by the end of November in New York City. It seemed like not even the huge amount of people wandering the streets – despite the early hour of the day – nor the gases from the thousands of vehicles already forming traffic jams would heat the atmosphere up. Justin was leaning against a silver-coloured car, smoking a cigarette.  I rolled my eyes. "Really, you haven't even had breakfast and you're already smoking?" I asked disapprovingly.  "It's just my morning smoke." He shrugged, exhaling a long puff of the grayish toxic gas.  "Don't expect me to kiss you after that. I hate the taste." I shuddered thinking about it.  Justin chuckled. "You didn't complain yesterday." He teased, lifting his body from the car as we began to walk side by side.  I blushed scarlet. Sometimes with Justin, I get so lost in the kiss I don't even care about the taste of nicotine in his mouth. "Whatever." I muttered embarrassed, playing with the ends of my hair that were put together by the elastic holding my braid.  "That's your response whenever you don't know what to say." He pointed knowingly. My mouth stayed shut. That was probably true. "And you always taste like cherry and I don't complain." He added in sort of a playful whining tone.  "You don't like cherry?" I asked, unconsciously licking my lips.  "I don't mind it but coming from your lips I would never deny it." He winked, making me go the colour of a cherry itself. I'm not sure he knows how his words – and the way he says them – affect both my mental and physical stability. He always chuckled and smirked in satisfaction whenever I blushed and we would remain silent until he decided to speak again.  My mind was starting to wonder why Justin hadn't wrapped an arm around me like he always does. Looking down at the pavement, I saw him throwing the butt of his cigarette and stomping his foot on it.  From the corner of my eye, I spied his movements. His hands were stuffed inside the front pockets of his hoodie while a smirk teased his pink, plump lips. God, why do they have to be so appealing?  I kept my cold hands fumbling inside my own pockets as I tried to guess why he was smirking like that. After a few seconds of silence, a small laugh broke trough Justin's lips, making me snap my head to stare at his face.  "If you want me to do this," He hooked his right arm around my shoulder. "just ask, baby."  I blushed again, lowering my eyes so he wouldn't see my expression. "And how do you know I want you to do that?" To be honest, I wasn't gonna complain, it felt much better having his body pressed to mine but I had to stand my ground.  "Your face gives you away, Princess." He remarked, smiling down at me and, for a second, I nearly pinched his cheeks because of how cute he looked.  "Would you blame me?" I raised my eyebrows innocently, sneaking my own arm around his waist.  Justin laughed, leaning down to give me a chaste kiss on the lips. "You get really cold, really quickly." He licked his own lips after making contact with my freezing ones.  "And you're always really hot." I said all too fast, causing a cocky look to set upon Justin's face.  "Why, thank you baby." He winked.  "Don't flatter yourself, you know I didn't mean it like that." I scoffed playfully.  "Sure, baby, sure." He played along, making me hit his chest jokingly.  Soon, we were by the entrance of the subway station and I was overwhelmed by how many people were coming in and out of it, almost making me want to go to school walking.  Justin sensed my uncertainty and unwrapped his arm from my shoulder to take a firm hold of my hand. It's amazing how small gestures like that or when he calls me nicknames, make my insides melt and tingle. We managed to dodge people until we were by the machines that sold the tickets.  Just like the other time, Justin proceeded to get two tickets after I handed him the money. He still seemed uncomfortable with me paying for things sometimes, but I truly didn't mind doing it. Especially after knowing the situation at his house and how he had to help his mom to pay the bills and everything.  We passed the ticket-checking machines and I let Justin lead me in the direction we had to take since, if it was up to me, we'd get lost and end up in China.  We were standing on the mechanical stairs – which are pretty slow may I add – when Justin yawned. I was one step behind him so our heads were at the same height for the first time ever. "You look tired." I announced, tracing the skin of his jaw with the fingers of my free hand (the other one was interlaced with Justin's).  "I am tired." He yawned again. "I don't usually wake up before 10 in the morning." He leaned his forehead into mine, pecking my lips.  I giggled. "You're so lazy. I'd love to see you going to school like me everyday."  "I've already lived that and I didn't like it, that's why I quitted." He said with a weird nuisance to his voice, making me decide to drop the subject.  "You didn't even fix your hair up." I shook my head in fake disappointment, running my fingers through his front locks to somewhat style the mess.  "I don't need to, it looks like sex hair." He stated cockily as we finally reached the platform. I rolled my eyes. It actually looked like that but I didn't want people to think we had just had sex. A girlish fit of giggles made me snap my head around, only to see a couple of young school girls looking at us and gossiping. Jealous brats.  "Bitches are jealous of you because they aren't getting any of this." He gestured to his body, flipping his head to the side as if he had bangs.  "Sure." I laughed along with him, taking my hat off because the human heat here was unbearable. I had just put it inside my bag when a train arrived in the station. Once again, there were no free seats so Justin and I stood by a bar, one of his arms secured around me. The annoying girls were in the same car as us and they kept whispering.  "I want a boyfriend like that, he's so cute." I heard one of them say. Please, Justin is too much of a man for a kid like you. I scoffed while Justin just laughed, amused by the brats' behaviour.  An unpleasant stink filled my nostrils. Don't people get showers? Oh my God. I buried my face in Justin's covered chest, sniffing the smell of body wash and Axe that I loved so much. Another string of whispers caused my body to stiffen. That's it.  "Can I help you with something?" I asked the girls in a fake sweet tone, loud enough for them to hear me across the car.  They exchanged "busted" faces before turning a deep shade of pink as they felt everyone's eyes on them.  Justin chuckled boyishly, pulling me closer to him and speaking in my ear. "You're feisty today."  "Just getting ready for the party tonight." I shrugged, smirking devishly.  Actually, I was looking forward to that party, I don't know why. I guess it just freed me out of my routine.  "That's good." Justin nodded, handing me one of his earphones he had just connected to his iPhone. "Listen."  I stuck the white piece connected to the cable in my ear and heard the notes of a rap song and a male's voice singing. Justin was listening through the other earphone, humming to the song. After a couple of minutes, I realised why he wanted me to listen to that specific song.  "Sweatpants, hair tied, chillin' with no makeup on, that's when you're the prettiest. I hope that you don't take it wrong."  The same lines he had rapped for me the previous night, replayed in that song. Actually, the song wasn't that bad at all. I could get used to listening to this kind of music. I bowed my head up and down and smiled up at him to find him already doing so.  The rest of the way to school, Justin and I chatted animatedly while listening to his music. He said I needed some 'training not to look like a nerd in the middle of a cool party'. I told him about the thingy at my dad's office yesterday and he didn't like the Troy's part that much.  Before I even realised, we were at my school's entrance and I tried to spot potential enemies – like Natasha, Nate or the school gossipers – before giving Justin a goodbye kiss once I checked the coast was clear.  "I'll see you tonight baby. Have fun at school and try not to miss me too much." He winked, giving me one last peck. His lips felt like heaven and, in all honesty, I was very tempted to skip class and spend the day just kissing him. Nonetheless, the part of me that still worried too much about my grades and being caught kept me from doing it.  I gave him a playful dirty glare. Yeah, like 'fun' and 'school' were compatible words. "I'll try my best and I'm not gonna tell you not to miss me because I already know you will." I mimicked his wink, although I still had to perfect my technique.  "No doubt I will." Awwwww. With one last smile, he disappeared inside the crowd of people to go back to his house. I sighed happily, thinking about the turnout of events. If all of our makeup's were gonna be like this, I didn't mind fighting now and then.  However, the first thing I saw when I turned around made my smile fade and my blood boil. Natasha was staring right at me from the top of the stairs, Blackberry in hand and mouth opened. Fortunately, she was alone but, much to my dismay, she seemed to have witnessed all the PDA Justin and I had shown.  I looked away, not really keen on having to talk with her, and an arm linking with mine was the perfect excuse to leave.  "Hey, guuuurl." Kelsey cheered in my ear.  "Why are you so happy?" I crooked a brow as we ascended the stone stairs together.  "I could ask you the same question." She narrowed her piercing green eyes. "But I'm afraid I already know the answer." Her thin lips tugged upwards into a knowing smirk.  "You saw too?" I shouldn't rely on my sense of vision.  "Who else did?"  "Natasha." Her name left my mouth like venom.  Kelsey waved her free hand dismissively. "Don't mind the bitch. So Justin and you made up pretty quickly, didn't you? And by the looks of it you slept together."  She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.  "Yeah." I admitted blushing. "He came to my house in the middle of the night to make amends."  "Aw, that's so cute." She pouted, placing a hand on her chest in appreciation.  "I know right? He can be absolutely adorable when he wants to." I sighed dreamily.   "But you still haven't told me what happened?" Kelsey unlinked her arm from mine as we reached the crowded hallways.  "He got mad because I lied to him, like really mad." I emphasised. "What do we have now?" I asked, opening my locker to get the necessary books.  "Math, and what did you lie about?" Kelsey frowned. I'm not one to lie so it confused her.  "It was a white lie. I told him I was on my period because you know, we were making out and it was going to end—"  I was cut off by a look of understanding in her face. "Oh, I see. Honestly, I see why he would get pissed." She said, taking her math book out of her locker and keeping everything else inside.  I froze there. "You're supposed to take my side, you know?"  Kelsey shrugged. "Put yourself in his place: he's never had a girlfriend in his life and when he finally finds a girl he likes enough to be true to her, he feels like she doesn't trust him. It's normal he has trust issues; he's never been in a relationship before and has to figure out how it works. So then you lie to him about something like that, which is a... erm... touchy subject. I would get pissed too." She ended her philosophical rant, speaking pretty much Justin's mind.  "We already sorted that out but wait." And that's when realisation hit me. "There's something you haven't told me." I pointed an accusing finger at her upon what she bit her lip. My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. "You... " I half-exclaimed half-questioned, not needing to continue the sentence for her to know what I mean.  "What? No, no." Her mouth moved quickly, almost screaming the words as if I had gone nuts. "We haven't had sex yet." She whispered lowly so no one would be able to eavesdrop into our private conversation.  "But." I motioned for her to go on.  "We kind of... did other things." She looked down in embarrassment, making me understand immediately.  "Why didn't you tell me?" I questioned a little upset but mostly surprised.  "I just, I don't know. I guess I didn't want you to judge me." She sent me an apologetic look as we both closed our lockers and began to make our way to class.  "I would never judge you, Kels." I posed a hand in her forearm reassuringly. "In fact, it's good having an experienced friend." I chuckled and she did too.  "Oh then, from my experience, I would recommend you not to stop Justin when he wants to go further next time. You're gonna love it." She stated matter-of-factly, flicking her hair behind her back.  My eyes newly opened wide as my mouth slapped her mouth. "Kelsey!" I scolded between laughs.  "What? It's the truth." I could make out her muffled words against my hand before I pulled it away.  "Why does your hand smell like metal or God knows what?" She furrowed her perfect-plucked eyebrows.  "Oh, that's because I came here by subway." I shrugged, entering the classroom, which was still pretty empty.  "I thought I'd never live to see the day Isabella Selena Reed would use public transport." She snorted jokingly as we made our ways to our usual seats in one of the corners.  I rolled my eyes and smacked her arm playfully. "Like you're different than me."  She pretended to be hurt but her face instantly changed. "I think we're gonna do it soon."  "What do you mean?" My eyebrows knitted together as one as I sat on top of the desk.  "I wanna do it with Tyson." She said bluntly.  I fought back a very surprised expression, biting my lip to keep me from screaming in horror. "Are you sure?"  "Yes. I know he's the right guy and I love him. I'm just waiting for him to say it back and then I'll know it's the right moment." She smiled lightly to herself.

"Wait, you love him? How many things have you been hiding from me?" I inquired suspiciously.  "Don't look at me like that." She retorted, mirroring my brows-furrowed and eyes-narrowed expression. "Don't pretend you don't love Justin too."  This time I nearly choked in my own saliva. What?! Okay, I accept Kelsey loves Tyson because they've been together for quite a long time now and they really look like each other's other half. But, me? Love Justin? It's too soon.  "I don't think I love him yet." I shook my head, although uncertainty had already settled in my stomach.  "That's why you're like 'I love his smile' 'he's adorable' 'I'm so happy with him' all the time, right?" She scoffed in disbelief.  "I think I would know if I loved him better than you." I spat. I don't even know why I was getting worked up with my best friend over this.  "I'm just saying. Think about it and you might get a surprise." Her shoulders went up and down in a shrug.  Right when my head was starting to spin with thoughts about Kelsey's words, a high-pitched voice called my name. "Bells!" I hopped off the desk, turning around to face none other than Natasha Battle.  "Do you think you have any right to call me that?" I spat, feeling the anger grow inside me.  "Chill, sweetie. I just came to talk." She ignored my coldness, giggling obnoxiously. Is she stupid or is she stupid? Has she forgotten what she did to me?  "You and I have nothing to talk about." I stressed every word, trying to make my point clear.  "Was that boy before your boyfriend?" She ignored my tone yet again, a hint of jealousy/impatience in her voice.  "Last time I checked, that didn't concern you." I pronounced every word slowly and carefully so she would get the message clearly.  "Oh c'mon, don't be like that, Bells. Can't I take some interest in my friend's life?" She pouted like she was the most innocent girl ever.  "We're not friends." Unconsciously, my hand flew back forming into a fist, ready to smack that smug smile out of her face. Nevertheless, Kelsey held my arm before it could make any contact with Natasha's porcelain skin.  "Wow, seems like your boyfriend's manners are rubbing off on you." She covered her open mouth with her manicured fingers in fake fright. "I heard he's from the Bronx."  "Listen, bitch, and listen carefully." I hissed, feeling how my blood pumped faster through my veins in anger. "You're lucky I haven't beaten the shit out of you yet but next time I won't hesitate to knock those perfect teeth of yours out of your mouth. So I suggest you mind your own business." The words rolled off my tongue deadly, causing her to gulp down a lump of saliva and take a step back. "And stay away from me, you whore."  Yeah, Justin was indeed rubbing off on me.    

-

"Okay, let's go over the plan again." I repeated on the phone, pacing around my room.  Kelsey sighed loudly on the other end. "Can you please calm down, B? We've gone over it at least ten times already. Nothing's gonna go wrong." She assured convinced. "Now go dress."  I bit my nail. "What are you wearing?" I tried to sound casual, like this wasn't still eating me alive.  "I'm wearing my pink dress, what about you?" She informed happy that I had – finally – changed the subject.  "You'll see later. I'm preparing a proper outfit so I don't feel out of place like the other time." Yeah, like you would ever fit in there anyway. I snorted to myself, putting a couple of different blouses over my chest to check how they looked in the mirror. I'm not going there all covered like a nun again.  "Hmmm... okay. Will my dress be suitable for the occasion?" She laughed and I could picture her trying it on for the millionth time.  "Of course, guys will be all over you." I chuckled, relaxed for the first time today.  "I only want one guy to be all over me." She giggled making me almost gag.  "Stop that Kelsey, seriously."  "Alright, alright. I'll pick you up in an hour, guuuuurl." She sang before ending the call.  I laughed to myself once again and dropped the phone on my bed. Getting inside the bathroom, I finished drying my wet hair – an activity I had interrupted to call Kelsey – and made big curls with my round brusher at the ends. Once I was done, I backcombed my bangs, pinning them back on top of my head and leaving the rest to fall freely down my back and chest.  After applying foundation and a faint pink blush to my cheeks, I hesitated with the rest of the makeup. I didn't want to look like a cake but I did want to do something a bit different. Taking my black eyeliner, I drew a thin line from my lachrymal to the end of my eye and a bit upwards. I put some mascara on both my upper and lower lashes and smiled at the result. It looked a little daring but nowhere near what I had seen the girls at the Bronx wear. I eyed my unused red lipstick by Estée Lauder and threw it inside of my purse in case I decided to use it later.  Unwrapping the towel I had around my body, I threw it in the hamper and walked out of the bathroom in my black and light pink lacy underwear. Not that I was wearing cute underwear for anything in particular but, if the plan was sleeping out tonight, I may as well wear something pretty. Just in case.  I buttoned up the white see-through blouse I had picked for tonight, leaving a couple of buttons undone. Rolling the sleeves up to my middle forearms, I tucked the hem inside my black short skirt and checked the zipper at the front was secured. I contemplated my reflection in the full-length mirror, unsure about it. What if I looked cheap? I had tried to give it a glamorous touch, convinced that I wasn't up for wearing jeans and a shirt to that kind of party again.  Sticking my feet inside my red Louboutin pumps, I fastened a golden choker with star charms around my neck. I checked myself once again, doing and undoing the button of the shirt that left my cleavage bare to settle with the done version. I'm not that risqué. I also tugged my skirt down to cover a bit more of my legs, until it reached a palm above my knees.  Checking the time on the clock hanging on my wall, I noticed Kelsey would be here in around five minutes. I grabbed a long black coat – that I was planning on leaving inside Kelsey's car before entering the party – and put it on, covering most of my attire. Good. I stuffed basic things inside my big beige purse, such as my phone, makeup wipes, my keys, a pair of ballet flats (yes, I get tired of heels) and some more things that could be useful tonight.  I made my way out of my room and to the living room where my mother was sat, reading the Vogue magazine. When she heard the clicking of my heels she looked up. "You're leaving?"  "As soon as Kelsey comes." I nodded, suddenly feeling nervousness settle uncomfortably inside my stomach. I was anxious about several things:  I told my parents I'd be going to a party at a classmate's house and then I'd sleep at Kelsey's.  She told the same lie, just saying she'd sleep here.  If our parents find out, we're screwed.  I'm seeing Justin and that's always a cause for me to feel giddy.  "Alright, I guess I don't need to remind you to be careful." She perched a brow upon what I smiled innocently. "Don't drink nor let anyone slip anything in your cup and be at Kelsey's house by midnight maximum."  "Of course, mom." I nodded politely and obediently. "You don't have to worry about anything. It's just another simple school party, I've been to tons." I waved a hand like they were countless, working on my lie.  "I hope so." She sighed. "It's just there are so many bad people out there at night... " She trailed off, biting her lip and taking her reading glasses off with one hand. Oh mother, you have no idea.  "I'll be protected." I blurted out not realising how she would take that. Ambulance alarms went off in my head. She doesn't know about Justin. "I mean, not like I have a boyfriend or anything but all my guy friends are there, you know." I added all too quickly and awkwardly.  She gave me a weird look but, fortunately, our conversation ended there as the doorbell rang.  "Kelsey is here!" I exclaimed. "Bye, mom, love you." I said before pecking her cheek and leaving for the door.  "Call if you need anything!"  "Sure!" I replied closing the door, not giving Kelsey the chance to walk in. "Let's go." I grabbed her arm and dragger her to the elevator.  "Did your mom suspect anything?" She asked as I watched the red numbers descend on the small screen of the elevator.  "I don't think so, yours?"  She shook her head, smirking afterwards. "This has to be the most exciting thing we've ever done." Kelsey squealed, squeezing my hands.  "I think I have a long list of those since I met Justin." I chuckled.  Kelsey looked at me knowingly. "I'm impatient to see what you have under that horrible coat."  I unzipped the not-so-beautiful coat to show her my outfit.  "Wow." She approved. "I'd do you... if I was Justin, I mean." She clarified which ended in both of us laughing.  "Let me see yours."  Kelsey opened her off white leather jacket, revealing a hot pink dress that hugged her curves perfectly without looking slutty, paired with black stilettos. Her brown hair was falling pin-straight just an inch pass her shoulders complimented by her smoky eyes and pink lipstick.  "I'd do you too... if I was Tyson, I mean." I mocked her, making her stuck her tongue out at me.  "I hope he'd do me too." She shrugged, zipping her jacket up again.  I gasped in surprise. "Since when are you so horny, Kelsey?"  She shrugged once more, exiting the elevator before me, leaving me to snicker to myself.  We got in her car as she started driving through the busy streets in the direction of the club.  "Turn to the left when we get to the end of the street." I ordered gently, remembering more or less where the club was.  "Won't they ask for our IDs?" Kelsey questioned furrowing her eyebrows, not taking her eyes off the road.  "There weren't any bouncers there last time." I tapped my foot on the carpeted floor of the car in nervousness. "You just get in." I explained, remembering no one asked my age or anything along those lines.  "Great. I'm excited." She faced me briefly, sending a grin.  "Me too. Do you think I should put on red lipstick?" I asked playing with the one I had brought in my fingers.  "Totally."  I listened to her and used the rearview mirror not to paint out of the outline of my lips.  "Perfect." She cheered. "Are we near?"  "Yeah, it's a couple of blocks away but I would park here if I was you. I wouldn't want my car near drunk, crazy men." I grimaced at the thought.  "Cool." She parked in the nearest spot we found there and we got out. "It'd better be here when we come back."  I laughed. "Nothing's ever happened to mine." I encouraged her to forget about it and have fun. Meanwhile I took off my ugly long coat and replaced it with a black leather cropped perfecto I had recently acquired and neatly folded inside my bag. "We should leave these in the truck." I gestured to all our belongings.  "Yeah, I agree." She opened the back track and we put everything there, only taking our phones and some money with us. After Kelsey had locked the car and we made sure all the doors were perfectly shut – you never know in a neighbourhood like this – we started walking to the club side by side.  "I forgot to tell you that I'm very proud of you." She suddenly nudged me with her elbow.  "Why?" My eyebrows pulled together in confusion.  "The way you confronted Natasha." She said like it was obvious. "You went all Bronx on her." She beamed.  "Oh, she just pissed me off." I slumped my shoulders like it was no big deal when, in all honesty, I was proud of how I had acted myself.  Kelsey chuckled, giving me a side-hug that I returned. Soon, we were near the entrance and you could notice not only because of the loud music coming out of the old big building, but also because there were people drinking, smoking and making out in the adjacent street.  "Act like you're one of them." I whispered to Kelsey, straightening my back and being careful not to trip on my heels, putting on an indifferent face even when guys wolf whistled and threw obnoxious compliments at us.  "Oh Lord." Kelsey hissed, squeezing my hand for reassurance. Not that I could really help her since, even though it wasn't my first time here, it sure felt like it. People stared at us, probably wondering what two white posh girls were doing here. It's not that I don't feel comfortable being among black people but they do seem uncomfortable that we come here sometimes.  "Oh my God, Justin looks hot." Kelsey suddenly stated, emphasising the word 'hot'. I looked ahead to see a group of boys and girls leaning against Justin's car, which was bouncing with the loud music coming out of the potent stereos. They all had drinks in their hands and were laughing and chatting. I immediately spotted Justin in the middle, wearing his black leather jacket and grey washed skinnies that hung loosely from his hips, as always. His feet were tucked in a pair of purple high-tops and a black snapback with 'DOPE' printed in white letters on the front crowned his head. Yep, definitely hot.  "Hey, keep your eyes off my boyfriend." I pushed her a little, unintentionally making us fit in more in the relaxed atmosphere.  "Seems like I'm not the only one who's got them on him, though." Kelsey hinted, making me follow her gaze to set my eyes upon a smirking Alejandra. She clearly had noticed me and was scooting closer to a pretty uninterested Justin.  I had to bit my tongue really hard in order not to cuss her out. As we neared the group, Tyson took notice of our arrival and after sending Kelsey a wink and a smile, he elbowed Justin in the ribs. I could make out his lips muttering a 'what the fuck' before he looked in the direction Tyson was pointing in – also known as us – and his eyes widened slightly. I bet he wasn't expecting me to look like this. I smirked, feeling, for the first time ever, like I had some power over him and not all the way around.  Justin came towards me to meet me halfway. "You look sexy, Princess." He whispered seductively before kissing me passionately, his arms sneaking around my back to put me close.  My arms travelled to his upper arms trying to catch my balance. Since I was wearing high-heels, he was only a couple of inches taller than me now. "You don't look too bad yourself." I admitted when we pulled away, watching as he smirked at me, eyeing me up and down. "Damn, Selena." He murmured, nibbling on his lower lip.  I giggled in accomplishment before walking away to greet the rest. "BB!" Tyson and I made a stupid handshake he had made up for us, making everyone laugh.  Whereas I hugged everyone, Kelsey wasted no time on attacking Tyson's lips. Boy, was she eager today...  "Long time no see, white-y." Mike said playfully before Sam engulfed me in a bear hug.  "You look so sexy, chicka." She complimented, winking.  "I see you two are still together." I told her referring to Mike and her.  "Yeah, kinda." She smiled faintly, making me frown. "I'll tell you later."  Nodding, I opted for letting them have fun tonight and hopefully forget about their problems. The last person in the circle – and the only one I wasn't up for greeting – was Alejandra.  "Bitch." She muttered as a salute.  "Don't push my buttons, bottle-blonde." I hissed back, feeling the same ire I had felt in the morning with Natasha. Actually, if you leave apart their social differences, they're both pretty similar. I vaguely wondered if they'd be good friends, after all, the two of them are vipers.  Newly, I felt an arm pushing me back to meet a chest. "She's not worth it, baby." Justin said soothingly.  I simply scowled at Alejandra once and turned around to talk with Kelsey and Tyson.  "Oh you should of seen her before, Justin. She went all badass on Natasha." Kelsey laughed, earning confused and amazed glares from both her boyfriend and mine.  "My girl is becoming a badass." Justin cooed in my ear, making me giggle and elbow him playfully since he still stood behind me.  "What were you drinking?" I asked, glancing down at the empty caps lying on the asphalt.  "Just a beer. You wanna go inside?"  "Sure. Can I leave my jacket in your car?" I spun around to face him and also to see everyone disappearing to get in the club.  "Of course." He helped me take it off and if I was cold before, I can't even explain how cold I was now wearing just this thin shirt and a short skirt. Goosebumps arose in my arms and neck, making me shiver. "Let's go, babe." Justin wrapped his arms around me to somehow shield me from the freezing temperature. Once he took his jacket off as well, it revealed one of his favourite white v-necks.  My body welcomed the hot temperature inside of the place that would soon make me wanna crave for fresh air. The main room was already packed, people gathering on the dance floor and by the bar mainly. I lost track of everyone except for Kelsey and Tyson who were pushing their way round with us.  "This rocks!" Kelsey screamed in my ear, making me flinch in spite of how loud the music was anyway. I only nodded at her, letting Justin guide my body to a free spot where we could dance in peace.  "Want a drink?" He asked, leaving a trail of feather-like kisses along my jaw. His actions distracted me momentarily but I replied.  "Sure."  "What do you want?" He asked again, moving his lips to my ear so I could hear him and nibbling softly on my earlobe.  "Hmmm, the same as the other time, I guess." I answered, not really in full possession of my faculties.  "Perfect." He whispered one last time before going to the bar, which was a mere few feet away from where we stood.  "Get me a drink too, please." I saw Kelsey mouthing at Tyson who nodded and joined Justin at the bar.  "We should probably dance, you know." She yelled over the music, laughing when she caught me staring at Justin's back from the distance.  "Um, yeah let's just imitate those other girls." I suggested although I clearly wouldn't be able to dance the way all of them were dancing.  They were grinding, whether it was with a boy or just another girl, sliding up and down to the beat of a song I didn't recognise but wasn't too bad.  Kelsey dropped an arm on my shoulder as I did the same and we pulled closer, trying move our bodies to the rhythm, cracking up in the process.  "We suck at this." I shook my head in disappointment.  "Speak for yourself." She scoffed, swaying her hips from side to side. I began to let loose when I saw people weren't staring at us like we came from another planet.  We were so into our dance that we didn't notice the guys that were surrounding us. One of them tried to get between Kelsey and me, causing us to pull away and stop dancing.  "Why'd you stop, doll?" He whispered close to my face, the smell of marihuana and alcohol coming out of his mouth and filling my nostrils. I backed away disgusted, only to have him corner me another time.  "Leave me alone." I tried to push pass him and reunite with Kelsey but it was impossible, he was too tall and strong. He kind of reminded me of the guy that had "kidnapped" me the other time and for a second I panicked, the events of that night replaying in my mind.  "She's got a boyfriend!" I heard Kelsey shouting at him but he merely repositioned himself to get a better look at my friend.  "Oh, really? That's a pity, with that body... " He smirked smugly, making the muscles of my stomach contract in fear. Where was Justin when I needed him? I couldn't see him near the bar anymore and I wondered whether he was looking for us or he had met up with someone during the way. "Where is your boyfriend, anyway?"  That's what I'd like to know, I thought.  Suddenly, another figure appeared behind the guy's back, only a bit taller than him, but the blue and red lights of the club let me make out the features of Justin. I exhaled a deep breath of relief, one I hadn't even realised I was holding.  "I'm right here, fuckhead." Justin cursed loud enough for the guy to hear him and quickly turn around.  The next thing I saw was Justin's fist colliding with his jaw and blood spilling out of the boy's mouth.