Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order practicing being brave. - Mary Tyler Moore

Chapter 3:

I ducked and buried my head on Chris' chest as we made our way out of the hotel. I was pretty sure that I have a deadly grip on his hand right now, but at the moment, I couldn't care less. All that's in my mind is the crowd of paparazzi that is around me.

"Hey, it's fine now." He told me, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. It would've made my heart flutter if only he isn't Chris Jameson.

"That also mean that you can let go of my hand now," he said making me scoff, "you're cutting my blood circulation."

Expect Chris to say something like that right after doing a sweet gesture.

I released my grip on his hand, "I'm sorry, I just don't do well in crowds." I manage, while keeping an eye contact.

It's true, I may have gotten a tad bit famous but the crowd still makes me feel nauseous and I'm still not comfortable with the paps.

He didn't reply instead he gave my lips a quick peck. What the hell! I was about to complain when he nuzzle his face on the crook of my neck.

"There are paps," he whispered "We need to put up a show, remember?"

I just nodded at him and act as if I was enjoying the moment.

He laughed at me and said. "Don't tell me that my lips left you speechless."

And that's what snapped me into reality, "Dream on"

"You need to work on the way you handle the crowd," he looked at me, "You'll be encountering a lot of it if you'll stick with me."

I rolled my eyes at his cocky remark, it's not my fault that he's like born for the crowd.

"Come on, babe." He said, pulling me closer

"Where are we going?"

He just shrugs, "Where boyfriends bring the girlfriends."

I just stayed quiet the whole time, unintentionally cringing when he pulls me closer or kiss me on my temple.

I scrunched my nose at the sight of the green mermaid; Starbucks, of course. A boyfriend always brings his girl for coffee. I guess I didn't mention that I haven't drink Starbucks since the day I was born, now stop looking at me like I came from another planet.

"So what do you want?" he asked while looking at the menu board

"Just water," I muttered

His eyes widened at me, "Don't you girls drink something like pumpkin spice shit or macchiato?"

I shook my head, "Just water and maybe a muffin," I said

"I don't get it, I thought all girls loves Starbucks," he said utterly confused

"Not if they are allergic to caffeine." I told him but he seemed to be too busy staring at the barista for him to hear me, "I'll go find us a seat."

I found a seat near the window; I was too preoccupied on the people and cars that went back and forth the streets.

A kiss on my cheek, snapped me out of my daze.

Chris handed me my muffin and a bottle of water before digging into his carrot cake.

"What was that for?" I whisper-yelled, before taking a bite of the muffin

"Pap, on the corner holding a newspaper." he said leaning in the table.

A pap he said, well why don't we give him a show. I also lean in, meeting him halfway until our foreheads bumped together. I nudge his nose with mine before giving him a quick kiss.

"Next time, give me a heads up," I whispered before leaning back on my seat, "Just say something about paps and I'll get the message."

"I got it, deal." he said.

"You're good at this," he added, before relaxing back on his seat.

To be honest, I still shiver by the feeling of his lips on mine, adding on the cringe-worthy situation. Chris intertwined our hands on top of the table; I managed a believable smile which he gladly returns.

"I'm an actress, Chris." I mutter to him, "What do you expect?"

He took a sip of the coffee he bought, while maintaining eye contact.

"Soon enough, Clary," he said "this won't be acting anymore."

I laughed at him, trying my best to hide the annoyance on my face. "Why are you so certain about me falling for you?"

"Because Clary, girls always do." He smiled quite smugly.

"You are so full of yourself." I chuckled, shaking my head.

He smirked, "No, I'm just very honest."

I scowled at him, making him frown at me.

"Why are you so against me?" he tried to ask jokingly, yet I can tell that he is somehow curious about it.

I tried to formulate some safe choice of words, one wrong move and he'll find out that I'm 'that' Clarissa Humphrey, from high school.

I sighed, still thinking of other reasons rather than him being Christopher Jameson.

"I'll warm up to you eventually," I told him, "I mean, we only met today, maybe I'm just not use to your cocky remarks."

He shrugged, "Maybe I'm not just used to girls blowing me off," he said "You're different Clary, that's a good thing."

I fight back a scoff; if I was the Clarissa I am before he does not gonna say that. It was gonna be like I'm too different to join their so called popular group.

"Let's go," I said standing up after I finished my food. I need to get out of here before I say something stupid.

He immediately stood up, "Yeah sure." He whispered, placing a hand on the small of my back, making shivers ran up my spine.

I remember when he used to do that back in high school, but he whispered hurtful things rather.

"Are you okay?" he asked, looking at me with concern. Damn, this guy is one good actor.

I discreetly checked the corner if the pap is still there but I saw nobody sitting there.

I smiled at Chris, "I'm fine, just got the chills."

He pulled me closer to him; a gesture that is supposed to make me feel warm gave me even more chills.

We continued walking on the cobblestone path for a couple of minutes.

"Where should we go now?" I asked him

"More publicity?" he shrugged

"Aren't we receiving a lot? I'm sure Dilton will be so ecstatic." I said, saying the last word dramatically.

"I don't know," he said "Let's go somewhere last then we head back."

"What do you have in mind?"

"The mall." He simply said, before dragging me to where the mall is.

We just walked around like we're enjoying each other's company. We stopped at some shops to buy something and grabbed something to eat on the way.

Chris asked if we could stop at Topman and I agreed, it's only fair since I literally dragged him inside Victoria's Secret.

Of course, he's getting back at me right now. I was awkwardly trailing behind him as he looks through rack of boxers.

"Oh my god, It's Chris Jameson!" I heard a girl screamed behind us.

A boy immediately appeared beside him, "I'm sorry for my sister, she tends to be loud."

She glared at her brother before turning to Chris asking for a picture, her brother standing beside me as she took a selfie, after she took the picture; she stood beside as it is her brother's turn.

"Who are you?" she asked, glaring at me.

"I'm actually his girlfriend." I managed without stuttering

She looked at me as if I was joking, "Really? Wow, he can do better than you." She laughed

The colour of my face drained as I stared at her blankly, contemplating if I'll reply to her remarks or just let it be. I decided to stay quiet, I'm not sure if I can stop myself from talking once I started. If I'm trying to get myself more publicity, I want it to be because of a positive thing rather than an immature thing.

I was grateful when an arm draped on my shoulder, "You ladies, seems to be getting along" he said, kissing my temples.

Getting along my ass, "Yeah she's very nice," I manage to say without sounding sarcastic.

"It was nice running into you guys, but I'm afraid we have to go" Chris said "C'mon babe"

Looks like, I reallyneed to get use on being his girlfriend.

Author's Note:

New chapter! I hope you enjoyed this one along with the picture of a nerdy Clary.

~nina☆