insidejoke_2002

Part 31

2006-04-03T03:18:02Z

The next day JC and Britney were sitting at the lunch table.

JC had just sat down after getting his lunch.

"How's Justin?" Britney asked.

JC shrugged. "I haven't seen him or talked to him since last night when his mom kicked me out," JC said picking at his fries that were in his plate.

"She kicked you out? What do you mean she kicked you out?"

"She kicked me out. Like literally shoved me out the door."

"Why?"

"Justin was really sick and she had to go somewhere I guess. So Justin called me, so I went. And we were downstairs on the couch and we... I don't know... she didn't like it. I hate her."

"But Lynn's so sweet."

"That woman? That woman is not sweet, she's a... I hate her!"

"JC!" Britney laughed. "That's Justin's mom."

"I don't care. I hate that woman."

"What'd Justin say about that?"

"She woke him up, he didn't have much time to say anything because she was being a bitch and screaming at me and pushing me out the door."

"Why doesn't she like you?"

"She thinks I'm fucking her son."

"Well... are you?"

"No! God. Brit, how many times do we go through this?"

Britney shrugged.

"Hey!" Christina yelled sneaking over to their table.

"Hey!" Britney smiled. "What are you doing here?"

"My gym teacher's not here," Christina said sitting down on the other side of Britney.

"Oh."

"Justin still sick?"

JC nodded.

"Poor baby."

JC nodded again.

"Chris, here's money. Go buy me a Snapple."

"Why can't...?

Britney motioned to JC and she nodded.

He was just staring at his food with a blank look on his face.

"What's wrong?"

JC shrugged.

"Come on."

"Nothing."

"It's not nothing."

"Justin said he loved me," JC blurted out.

"WHAT?!"

"Yeah, when we were laying on his couch before he went to sleep."

Britney smiled to herself.

"And?"

"And what?"

"What else?"

"Nothing. He just meant it in a best friend way ‘cause I was helping him cause he was sick and everything."

"You sure?"

"Yeah. There's nothing more between us," JC sighed.

"Sounds like you want there to be more between you two." Britney smirked, biting her tongue to tell him that Justin really did like him because that would make a hell of a difference. But she didn't, she promised Justin she wouldn't and she didn't want to break that promise with him.

"I don't."

"You sure?"

"Yes. We're best friends. That's it!" JC stressed. "And even if I did he doesn't and just... I'm confused."

She really needed to open her mouth cause they're both blind. But she didn't. They both shut up when they saw Christina walking back to the table with two Snapple's in her hands.

*****

Britney122: hey
Stinks31: hey
Britney122: you feeling better?
Stinks31: a little
Britney122: have you talked to your Joshy today??
Stinks31: he's not my Joshy
Stinks31: and no...i haven't
Britney122: you were all he talked about today at school!!
Stinks31: yeah right?
Britney122: you were!
Britney122: he siad you told him you loved him
Britney122: *said
Stinks31: i did not
Stinks31: i would NOT do that
Britney122: he said you did when you guys were cuddling!
Britney122: AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!
Stinks31: i didn't tell him i loved him
Stinks31: and shut up!
Britney122: ok but welll...
Britney122: i think he likes you
Stinks31: he doesn't
Britney122: you didn't see the way he was talking he was all embarrassed telling me about everything
Britney122: he thinks your moms a bitch by the way
Stinks31: Good!!
Stinks31: she is!
Stinks31: you should hate her too
Britney122: no i love your mommy!
Stinks31: then your on drugs ok
Stinks31: he kept calling me baby and honey
Britney122: really?
Stinks31: yeah like 4 times
Stinks31: and he kissed my forehead and cheek :D
Britney122: awww!
Stinks31: i really like him Brit!
Britney122: i know!
Britney122: you know your pathetic right
Stinks31: i am not
Stinks31: i just like him
Stinks31: alot
Britney122: i know!!!
Stinks31: you don't understand!
Britney122: yes i do!
Stinks31: i don't know
Britney122: you love him, it's obvious
Stinks31: maybe
Britney122: you do!
Britney122: you're a clueless moron you know that?
Stinks31: i am not
Britney122: and he is too!
Britney122: he lets you kiss him ALOT at my party
Britney122: you hang all over him at school
Stinks31: i like kissing him!! :)
Britney122: i know!
Stinks31: and he hangs on me too!
Britney122: i know that's my point!
Britney122: and cuddling with you when you think you're dying
Britney122: or sick
Stinks31: shut up!
Britney122: NO! it's the truth!
Stinks31: i gotta go
Britney122: wait!
Stinks31: what?
Britney122: can you promise me something?
Britney122: please???
Stinks31: what?
Britney122: do you promise
Stinks31: i don't know
Stinks31: what is it??
Britney122: you HAVE to tell him you like him
Stinks31: no
Britney122: Justin!
Stinks31: i don't know
Britney122: Justin Randall
Stinks31: i said i don't know
Britney122: come on please!
Stinks31: maybe
Britney122: PLEASE??
Stinks31: fine, i gotta go
Britney122: you better!
Stinks31: bye Britney!!

Part 30

2006-04-03T01:48:39Z

Justin was sick. He didn't go to school the next day. He slept almost the whole day. He barely got out of bed. And the only reason he did was to go to the bathroom.

Lynn walked into his room. "Justin, are you gonna be okay here while I take Jonathon over to Matthew's?" Lynn asked.

"No," Justin whined.

"Stephen's feeling better so he's coming with me, and I won't be gone long."

"He lives like an hour away."

"I'm just going there and back and it's only about a half-hour."

"Why does he have to go and play at his friend's house?"

"He's not going to play, Matthew was supposed to come over here after school but because you're sick I'm gonna take Jon over there. They need to work on a project for school."

"Fine, but hurry up."

"I will, sweetie." Lynn walked over and kissed Justin's forehead. "Do you want me to pick you up anything?"

"No."

"Okay. I'll be back in a little while," Lynn said and walked out of Justin's room.

*****

Justin tried to sit up in his bed, but it wasn't working very well. The room began to spin and he moved slowly back down onto his pillow. He looked over at the clock. It was only 5:20. His mom only left at about 5:10. He reached behind him blindly for his phone. When he felt it, he pulled it over his head and put it on his stomach. He picked up the receiver and dialed the number and waited for someone to pick up.

"Hello?"

"Can you put Josh on?" Justin barely got out. His voice was low and hoarse, and it cracked as he spoke.

"Justin, honey, are you okay?"

"No, can you just put Josh on?"

"Sure hold on." Karen told him. "Josh!" She yelled up the stairs.

"What?" JC yelled back.

"Justin's on the phone. He sounds really upset."

"Oh, okay," JC said and ran and grabbed the phone out of his parent's room. "Hello?" He walked back into his room and sat back down at his computer.

"Josh."

"What's wrong?"

"Can you come over?"

"Why? I have to type Costa's Morality paper."

"Oh," Justin said sadly.

"Why? What's wrong?"

"I need you."

"What's wrong?" JC asked again.

"My mom left and I need someone here."

"You're that sick?"

"Josh, I can't even sit up by myself."

"I... I have..." JC sighed. "I'll be right there," JC said.

"Thanks, Josh."

"I'll be there in ten."

*****

When Justin heard the doorbell it dawned on him that the door was locked. What did he expect? His mother to leave the door opened or something. That was highly unlikely. He heard the doorbell again. He tried to sit up again and this time he did. His head was still pounding. He was just about to try to stand up when he heard someone running up the stairs.

JC peaked his head in Justin's door and Justin smiled weakly at him. JC walked all the way into the room and sat down on the bed.

"How'd you get in?" Justin asked.

"Sliding glass in the back." JC laughed. "You guys never lock that."

Justin shrugged his shoulders and leaned back on the bed.

"Lay down with me."

"Jus, you're gonna get me sick. And I have to start rehearsing for the show in a week."

"Please."

"Fine." JC lay down. "If I get sick will you take care of me?"

"Uh-huh."

"Good." JC smiled at him. "Your face is so red." JC rubbed his hand over Justin's cheek and felt the heat on his hand. "You have a fever?"

Justin closed his eyes. "Yeah."

"You're really hot."

Justin nodded.

"Why don't you turn around so you don't breathe on me?"

"Okay." Justin turned on his side and faced the wall and JC wrapped his arms around Justin.

"When's your mom gonna be home?"

"Gonna be home in a few hours."

"Okay," JC replied. "You okay now?"

"Yeah." Justin grabbed a hold of one of JC's hands and held it as he closed his eyes. JC's other hand was running his fingers through Justin's curls. "Josh?"

"Yeah, babe?"

"I have to pee."

"Now you tell me?" JC laughed.

"Sorry."

JC let go of Justin.

"It's okay. You don't have to be sorry. I was just joking with you."

Justin smiled, he knew he was joking.

"I need help."

"I'm not helping you pee."

"I need help getting up."

"‘Cause that's where I'd draw the line."

Justin laughed a little.

JC helped him off the bed like his mother had been the whole day.

As he walked his whole body hurt. His high fever made every bone in his body ache.

"It hurts to walk," Justin said as he just about wobbled to the door.

"Well you haven't been out of bed all day. Of course you're gonna be sore." JC followed him to the bathroom door and waited for him out in the hallway.

JC helped him back into the bed. This time Justin laid his head on JC's chest and one of JC's hands still ran through Justin's hair and Justin grabbed the other one and held it again. JC rubbed his thumb over Justin's cheek and then kissed his forehead.

“Try and sleep, ok? It'll make you feel better," JC reassured him and he closed his eyes.

*****

After about a half hour JC and Justin had moved downstairs to the couch in the family room.

Justin hadn't felt well and didn't exactly make it to the bathroom and it got all over his blankets, and Justin didn't have the strength to change the blankets and JC didn't know where anything was and Justin didn't want him to do it.

So JC helped Justin downstairs.

They were both lying on the couch. JC was laying in back of Justin with his arms around him. At first the were both watching TV, but Justin had turned to be face to face with JC because his high fever was making his eyes tear as he was watching it.

"Josh, I'm sorry," Justin whispered looking up at JC.

"What are you sorry about?" JC asked. He rubbed Justin's cheek again and kissed his forehead. He was still very warm.

"I don't know. For all this."

"You don't have to be sorry. Honey, if I didn't want to be here with you I wouldn't."

Justin snuggled closer to JC and sighed happily. "I love you," He whispered and closed his eyes.

JC swallowed hard and kissed his forehead and rubbed his back.

"Try to get to sleep, babe."

Justin nodded.

*****

JC had fallen asleep too and neither one of them noticed that the front door was now opening and people were in the house.

JC still had his arms around Justin's back and on of Justin's arms were around his neck. Justin was wrapped in a blanket.

Lynn was carrying Stephen who had fallen asleep in the car on the way home from Matthew's. His mother had wanted her to stay while they did it so she did. She called over to make sure that was okay with Justin but the phone was busy so she figured he was feeling better and was online.

Lynn walked over to the couch and was gonna lay Stephen down and noticed JC and Justin there. She threw her keys on the coffee table causing a loud noise that made JC jump a little and open his eyes. He looked down at Justin; he was still sleeping.

"Get out!" Lynn yelled causing Stephen to pick his head up and whimper.

JC tried to squeeze out from behind Justin's body but Justin just held on tighter to him.

"Justin!" Lynn yelled again and his eyes popped open.

He looked at JC and JC used his head to motion to Lynn.

Justin turned his head and saw his mother standing there with a not so happy look on her face.

"I'm leaving now, Justin," JC said moving Justin's arm from around his neck.

"No," Justin protested.

"He's leaving," Lynn said and put Stephen down who was now awake. Justin watched as JC practically jumped over him to run upstairs to get his shoes and coat.

"Bye, Jus," JC said as Lynn was just about pushing him out the door.

After she slammed the door behind him she walked over to the couch to Justin.

"Why'd you do that?" Justin asked.

"Why was he here?"

"'Cause you left."

"And what were you doing here? I thought you were sick."

"I am!" Justin let out a frustrated sigh. "That's why he was here."

"Justin."

"That's why!" Justin pulled the blanket.

"You know what I'm gonna tell you, which I have been telling you but you have not listened to me at all."

"Whatever."

"Don't start."

"Don't you start. He's my best friend and I needed him so he came over."

"That's not the reason."

"I hate you! You don't understand anything. I hate you, go upstairs or something. I'm going back to sleep." He pulled the covers up to his neck and turned onto his side and buried his face into the cushion.

It smelled like JC.

He closed his eyes and tried to drain out his annoying mother.

Part 29

2006-04-03T01:45:57Z

Justin must have fallen asleep. He wasn't even sure how long he had, because he didn't remember even being tired. The last thing he remembered was turning on the TV after Paul had came to talk to him. He saw and heard his door open and his mom walk in. She came over and sat down next to him on the bed and felt his forehead and cheeks.

"You feeling better?" Lynn asked.

Justin nodded.

"You've been sleeping for a while. It's six o'clock."

"Really?" Justin asked and stretched a little bit.

She nodded. "Paul told me that JC stopped by." Lynn was rubbing Justin's arm.

Justin stiffened when she said that. He thought Paul was gonna keep his mouth shut.

"That was nice of him to bring you your homework."

Justin sighed in relief and Lynn smiled.

"Yeah."

"You feel better enough to go to school tomorrow?"

"Yeah, I'm better."

"You sure?" Lynn asked. "‘Cause I'm gonna keep Stephen home tomorrow."

"No, I'm fine."

"Okay." She smiled again at him. "You want something to eat?"

Justin nodded and sat up as Lynn stood up.

*****

JC and Heather walked into their house and Karen greeted them at the door.

"When does your Christmas break start?" Karen asked. "I can't find your calendar."

"The twenty-first," Heather said.

"And when do you go back? The second right?"

JC and Heather both nodded.

"Grandma's on the phone she wants all of us to go there this year, and Tyler's last day is the twentieth we'll leave that night. You guys don't mind missing a day of school right."

JC and Heather looked at each other and shook their heads no. Why would they?

*****

Justin walked into the cafeteria the next morning. He noticed that JC was already sitting at the table with Britney and Christina and Joey looked like he was gonna stop and pay them an annoying visit. He walked over to the table and stood right in front of JC's legs.

"You're early!" Justin said excitedly and plopped himself down on JC's lap.

"Justin!" JC groaned.

Justin wrapped his arms around JC's neck and smiled at him. "You're early!" Justin repeated. "You're never early."

"I wanted to talk to you," JC said and wrapped his arms around Justin's waist.

"So talk."

"You want us to leave?" Christina asked.

"No, you can stay," JC replied looking at them.

"What'd you wanna tell me?"

"Remember all the stuff we said we'd do over Christmas break?"

Justin nodded. He remembered very well. Him and JC all alone for a couple of days! No one else. Of course he remembered.

"Well we're not gonna be able to do any of it."

"What? Why?" Justin already started to pout.

"Because, I have to go to Maryland to my grandparents house."

"You're gonna be there for Christmas?"

JC nodded.

"Why do you have to go there? Doesn't she always go to your house?"

"She says she's getting old, she doesn't wanna travel."

"That sucks."

"Sorry, Jus, I can't help it. I don't want to go more then you don't want me to go."

"That ruins everything," Justin sighed.

"What does it ruin?" JC asked.

"Everything!"

*****

Justin was standing at his locker putting his books from his last two classes and taking out his Chem books, the only books he'll need for the last three periods. He closed his locker and started walking towards Britney's locker.

"Justin, you okay? You don't look so good," Britney said, eyeing him worriedly.

JC walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Josh, stop! Don't do that," Justin whined pushing JC's hands off him.

"What's wrong with you?" JC asked letting go of him.

"I don't feel good," Justin grumbled leaning his head on JC's shoulder.

"You okay?"

Justin shrugged.

"I thought you really weren't sick yesterday?" Britney asked.

"I wasn't."

"Serves you right for playing sick."

"Shut up, Britney."

*****

"Do you want me to go up and get you something to eat?" JC asked as Britney and him were eating and Justin was just sitting there with his head resting on his arm on the table.

"No," Justin sighed.

"You sure?"

Justin nodded and picked his head up and leaned it on JC's shoulder. "If I eat anything I'm gonna throw up."

"What about something to drink? You want me to buy you something?"

"Yeah, get me water." Justin picked his head up off of JC's shoulder reaching into his pocket to get a dollar. He took it out and handed it to JC. JC pushed his hand away and stood up and walked to the front of the cafeteria.

"Aww, he's gonna buy it for you." Britney smiled.

"Shut up."

"You really don't feel good, huh?"

"No."

"Sorry, but it is cute."

"I'm gonna kill my brother."

"Why?"

"‘Cause he got me sick." Justin put his head back down on the table and waited for JC to get back with the water.

*****

"Josh, you can't skip gym with me. You'll get in trouble," Justin said as he was walking to the library.

"So what? You don't want me to come?" JC looked at him.

"I do... but..."

"Just shut up and let me come with you." They walked in and walked over to the desk where the sign in sheet was. "Go sit down, I'll sign you in."

Justin nodded and walked over to one of the couches that were in the library and sat down and waited for JC to come over and sit after he was done. Justin slouched on the couch and rested his head against the couch cushion.

"All signed in," JC said and sat down on the opposite side of the couch from Justin.

Justin opened his eyes and nodded.

JC patted his thigh and Justin smiled at him and moved closer to him putting his head on JC's leg.

"I don't feel good," Justin mumbled again.

"I know. It's last period. Try and sleep for at least forty minutes," JC said and ran his hand in Justin's hair.

Justin nodded and closed his eyes.

*****

"What are you doing?" Someone yelled causing JC to open his eyes. He noticed one of the nuns that worked in the library standing in front of them. "He should not be laying down sleeping with his feet on the couch." She continued to yell.

"He doesn't feel good," JC said taking his hand out of Justin's hair. He was playing with it while Justin slept.

"Then have him go to the nurse." She glared one more time at them before turning around. JC ignored her, there was only ten minutes left to the period anyway. He wasn't gonna wake him up.

*****

JC and Justin left the library a few minutes before the bell rang so they could get to their lockers quickly and leave a little earlier.

"You're not gonna puke in my car right?" JC asked jokingly.

Justin smiled and shook his head no.

JC took Justin's backpack from him and threw it in the backseat of his car and opened the door for Justin.

Justin got in and closed his eyes again.

"Why don't you put the seat down? You'll be more comfortable."

"No. This is good," Justin mumbled, eyes still closed.

"Okay." JC turned the car on and put his seatbelt on. JC looked over at Justin, he didn't have his on. "Jus, put your seatbelt on."

"Can't move."

"Justin, you need your seat belt on."

"Put it on for me." Justin wasn't gonna move.

JC sighed and took his own seatbelt off and reached over and grabbed Justin's and put it on for him.

"Thanks, Josh."

JC just smiled.

"You mind if I put the radio on?"

"No. Just put it low."

"Okay," JC said turning the radio on and turning it down really low and then pulled out of the parking lot.

*****

They pulled up in front of Justin's house.

"Jus, we're here," JC said shaking him lightly.

Justin opened his eyes and looked at him.

"I can't move," Justin groaned.

"You have to. You need to get into your house. You can't stay in my car."

"Why not?" Justin pouted.

"Because you can't. Now come on. I'll help you into the house." JC opened his door and walked around the other side of the car and opened the door for Justin and then opened the back door and took Justin's backpack out and put it over his shoulder. "Justin, come on. You didn't even take your seat belt off." JC sighed and unbuckled it himself and helped him out of the car and then he walked the rest of the way to the door by himself.

"My mom's not here," Justin said as he turned JC around so that he could take his key out of his backpack. He took the key out and opened the door.

JC put Justin's backpack on the couch as Justin collapsed on it.

"You look like you have a fever."

Justin nodded.

"You want me to go and get you some Tylenol or something?" JC asked.

Justin nodded. "There's Aleve in the bathroom in the medicine cabinet."

"Okay," JC said and walked down the whole towards the bathroom.

A few minutes later he walked out with two tablets in his hand. "What do you want to drink?"

"Water."

JC walked into the kitchen and took out a cup from the cabinet and poured water that was in the refrigerator into the cup.

"Jus, your mom left you a note." JC grabbed the note and walked back into the living room and sat down next to Justin.

"What does it say?" Justin said taking the pills from JC and the water.

"That she took Stephen to the doctors and Jon is at a friend's house."

"Oh," Justin said. "Can you stay with me until my mom gets home?"

*****

JC had convinced Justin to go upstairs to his room. He would be more comfortable.

Justin was sleeping and JC was just watching TRL. Justin was lying on his stomach on the bed and JC was sitting in on the side of him with his feet hanging off the bed. Justin's face was buried in JC's back. They were going on video three when JC heard the front door open and little feet running up the stairs, and the out of the corner of his eye he saw Lynn standing in the doorway.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Justin didn't feel good," JC explained standing up.

Justin groaned and reached for JC's body.

"He wanted me to stay until you got home."

"Oh." Was all she said. She eyed Justin as he was still reaching for JC's body that was once right in front of him. "Well, thanks. You can leave now."

"Okay," JC said and looked back at Justin. "I think he has a fever."

She nodded.

Justin whimpered and opened his eyes. He saw his mom standing there.

"You okay, honey?"

"No," Justin said. "Where's Josh?"

"Right there." She pointed to the right of him and he saw JC and smiled at him. "JC, you should leave. I don't want you to catch whatever Justin and Stephen have."

He nodded.

"Bye, Jus, feel better, okay."

Justin nodded and smiled again at him.

JC smiled back and walked out of Justin's room.

"I'll be right back, honey," Lynn said.

Justin nodded.

"I have to give Stephen his medicine."

"Okay."

"You're not going to school tomorrow."

"I wasn't planning on it." Justin closed his eyes again.

"Why don't you get out of your uniform and get some more sleep."

Justin nodded and Lynn left the room to give Stephen his medicine.

Part 28

2006-04-03T01:40:35Z

Justin sat up when he heard the door open and pulled away from JC. He wiped his eyes and tried to breathe normal from all the crying.

"JC, what are you doing here?"

"Paul, he... he just brought me my homework I missed," Justin said nervously.

"Oh, that's good. You feeling any better, Justin?" Paul asked.

Justin nodded.

"Yeah. Stephen's upstairs sleeping. He came home sick."

"Okay. I'm gonna go check on him."

"Okay," Justin said.

Paul walked upstairs to his son's room.

When he new Paul was upstairs he looked at JC and let out a long sigh. "Paul's gonna kill me, Josh."

"He doesn't seem mad or anything."

"Yeah but it was his fault that my mom started thinking and getting mad at me because she thought there was something between us."

"Yeah, but there's not. So you don't have to worry about anything."

"Are you still mad at me?"

"Would I be over here if I were still mad at you?"

Justin shrugged. "I guess not."

"No."

"Did you not go to Chem or something?"

JC laughed and nodded.

"That's not good."

"Well I needed to show you that I wasn't mad."

Justin smiled a little.

"I guess I better go."

"Yeah," Justin sighed. "Can I come with you?"

JC laughed. "No."

"Well I don't know if I'm gonna be in school tomorrow."

"And why not?"

"Because. I might not live that long."

"You are so over dramatic." JC shook his head and got up off the couch. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Justin shook his head no as saying that he wouldn't be.

"You'll be there. And if you're not..."

"Just leave, my mom will be home soon."

"I'll drag you there by your pretty little curls."

"Just go." Justin smiled at him. "I'll talk to you later maybe."

"Okay."

*****

Justin walked up the stairs to his room and closed the door. A minute later the door opened and Paul stood in the doorway.

"Can we talk?" Paul asked.

"Uh, yeah." Justin swallowed hard as Paul closed the door a little and pulled the chair that was in there close to the bed and then sat down.

"So why was JC here?"

"I... I told you. He. He brought my homework over."

"School didn't even let out, Justin, it's 2:25."

Justin shrugged.

"I know what's going on between you and him."

"There's nothing."

"Justin, listen. You can tell me, okay. I'm not gonna tell your mom."

"No. Paul, there really isn't," Justin sighed.

"No?"

"No."

"You want something between you two?"

Justin shrugged and looked at his fingers. He then looked up at Paul and then nodded. "I'm sorry." Justin swallowed the lump in his throat. He didn't want to cry again, especially in front of Paul. "I know you don't think that's normal."

"Where'd you get that?"

"I heard you." Justin looked back down at his bed and played with the blanket.

"Oh, when your mother and me were in the kitchen?"

Justin nodded.

"Your mom loves you, you know that right?"

Justin nodded again.

"She wouldn't think anything less of you."

"She already has."

"No she hasn't."

"Yes she has." Justin raised his voice a little bit. "I can't help it I'm sorry."

"I know you can't," Paul agreed. "No mother ever wants to think of her son as gay, just as they don't want to think of there son as someone who does anything that would be just a little different. But Lynn will always love you."

"No."

"Justin..."

"What? She will. She thinks I love Britney. I don't, she's my best friend. And she hates Josh right now."

"I think the reason why she's like that is because deep down she knows that there is somethng between you and JC, and she just doesn't want to get that yet."

"But I'm not with him."

"Stephen told me he saw you two cuddling on the couch."

"We weren't... exactly."

Paul smirked.

"But we're not together. He doesn't want to be together. We have a joke that's it."

"What joke?"

"We pretend that we're together."

"What?"

"Mom thinks it's to get Britney jealous."

"Why do you have this joke?"

"At first to fool Britney. But now she knows."

"And now?"

"‘Cause I can't have it for real," Justin sighed.

"You never know."

"I know."

"Well..." Paul stood up from the chair and stretched a little and put the chair back where it was.

"I'm gonna try to get your mom to realize that he's not a bad guy."

Justin nodded.

"And don't worry. I'm not gonna say anything about what we just talked about."

Justin smiled at him and Paul walked to the door and opened it the rest of the way.

"Hey, Paul?"

Paul turned around and looked at him. "Yeah?"

"Thanks."

Paul smiled and walked out of his room closing the door behind him.

Part 27

2006-04-03T01:35:39Z

Lynn walked into Justin's room.

He was still sleeping.

Lynn walked over to Justin's bed and shook his shoulder.

Justin groaned and rolled back over onto the opposite side that Lynn was on and turned against the wall.

"Justin, honey you have to wake up," Lynn said rubbing his back.

"No!" Justin mumbled.

"You have to get up. You have school."

"No!" Justin pulled the covers over his head.

"What's wrong?" Lynn sat down on the side of the bed and rubbed his back again.

"Nothing." Justin pushed Lynn's hands off of him.

"Justin..."

"Get away from me!" Justin yelled.

"Honey."

"Get out of my room."

"Justin, you have school."

"No!" Justin cried.

"What's the matter, Justin, are you sick?"

"Yes."

"Why didn't you just say something?"

Justin shrugged his shoulders.

"Sweetie, turn around."

Justin turned onto his back and looked at his mother. His eyes were red and there were still a few tears running down his cheeks.

Lynn felt his forehead and cheeks. "Are you in pain?"

"Yeah." Justin nodded,

"What hurts?"

"Everything," Justin whimpered.

"Oh honey... don't cry." Lynn rubbed his cheek again. That made him just more upset. He turned his face away from Lynn. "I'm gonna go call your school, okay. I'll be right back." Lynn stood up from Justin's bed and walked out of his room.

"Mommy, can I wake Justin up?" Stephen asked.

"No, baby, Justin's up, but he doesn't feel good, stay out of his room," Lynn said walking into her room and taking out her phone book to get the number of Justin's school.

*****

After calling Justin's school to tell them that Justin wouldn't be in school today she went back into Justin's room. She sat down on the bed again. Justin was laying on his back just starring at the ceiling.

"I called you into school," Lynn said.

"Okay," Justin sighed.

"What's exactly bothering you?"

"I don't know. Everything."

"Okay, why don't you just get some sleep? That might make you feel better."

Justin nodded and Lynn got up off the bed and walked to the door closing it behind her.

*****

"Where's Justin?" JC asked as he walked into the cafeteria in the morning.

"He's not here yet I guess. I don't know," Britney said looking around.

"Aright, thanks."

Britney nodded and finished doing her Global homework she needed finished for first period.

*****

"Honey, I'm taking Jonathon and Stephen to school!" Lynn called from the kitchen.

"Okay!" Justin yelled back. He was feeling better so he decided to come down stairs and watch TV.

"I'll be back in about an hour."

"Okay." Justin flipped through the channels on the television. It was only eight o'clock and he was already bored out of his mind. He should have just went to school and just been ignored by JC all day. It wouldn't be the first time. Maybe if he did this the first time he wouldn't have had that black eye, which was now just about gone.

Justin got off the couch and walked into the kitchen and opened the pantry closet looking for his favorite cereal, Captain Crunch. He was getting annoyed that he couldn't find it. He walked over to the table and sighed as he sat down, and then he noticed a familiar red box. He shook his head and grabbed the box of cereal. He opened the cabinet and took out a bowl and then a spoon from the draw and then walked over to the refrigerator and poured some milk in there. He left the milk on the counter and walked over to the stairs to go back into his room.

*****

Justin put the bowl down on the computer desk and sat down. He turned the computer on and waited for it to start up. When it finally was all done, he signed onto AOL.

Nobody, nobody was on.

He went into his mail and checked thought it deleting all the junk he got since Friday and kept the stuff that he wanted to read later.

He clicked WRITE with a little envelope next to it, which opened a new email to write on, so he started writing an email to Britney, there was nothing else to do. And besides, she loved getting nonsense emails.

*****

Christina was supposed to be walking to her Earth Science classroom for seventh period lab. She noticed that Britney was walking into the cafeteria. She ran over to her and pulled her away from any people that could overhear what she was gonna say.

"I think I have an idea," Christina said excitedly.

"Idea for what? You're gonna get in trouble and I need to talk to JC," Britney said looking into the café.

"It's about the two stupid heads. JC being on of them."

Britney sighed. "What?"

"You know how me and Josh have the solos?"

"Yeah."

"Well I was thinking..." She started and the bell rang.

"You better go finish telling me later." Britney was gonna walk away but Britney grabbed a hold of her blazer.

"I have Honikel, she doesn't care if I'm late... she’s too stupid."

"Okay."

"So... I was thinking that this could work to my advantage, and to help the idiots realize they're in love with each other."

"Huh?"

"You know how I love JC right?"

Britney nodded.

"So Justin knows that, I know he knows that. So..."

"Flirt with him! Ooooh. Chris, you're a genius."

"I could always do more than flirt with him." Christina wiggled her eyebrows and Britney pushed her.

"We'll talk about it later, okay?"

Christina nodded and they walked their separate ways.

Britney walked into the café and Christina ran down the hall to her Science room.

*****

"Where's your boyfriend?" Joey asked sitting down across from JC.

JC didn't answer him.

"Justin's not here today," Britney said opening the plastic wrap on her sandwich.

"Joe, just go away," JC said.

"What'd you do to him? Can he not walk or something today?" Joey laughed.

"Joey, go away." JC looked up at him and glared.

"Fine, I'm going," Joey said and got up from there and walked over to his usual seat at the senior section.

JC sighed once he was gone.

"You okay, JC?" Britney asked.

JC nodded. "Justin and me got into a fight when I was driving him home."

"Yeah. He told me."

"I didn't mean to get mad at him," JC sighed.

"He was really upset about it. And not to make you feel worse or anything. I think that's why he didn't come to school today. He told me he wasn't."

"He didn't come to school today because I was mad at him."

Britney nodded.

JC sighed again. "You think his mom will let me over there after school?"

"I don't know... I doubt it. And doesn't she hate you right now?"

"Yeah." JC nodded.

"Yeah, so I..."

"I'll just get all his work from Chem and Spanish and I'll see if Christina could get his Math for him, and I'll bring it over."

"That's a good idea, but how are you gonna get into his locker?"

"I know his combination."

Britney nodded.

"Can I ask you something?"

JC nodded.

"Actually a couple of things."

"Yeah."

"Do you still like hate me?"

"No," JC laughed. "And I never hated you."

"You seemed like you did?"

"Well, I don't."

"Okay." Britney nodded, she was glad to hear that. "Do you like Justin?"

"What?"

"Do you like him? Like, like him like him."

"No." JC shook his head for emphasis.

"You sure?"

"Yes, I do not like him. Not like that. I love him, he's my best friend but no I don't love him like that."

"Oh, okay."

"Why?"

"‘Cause, I don't know the way you two were... you know."

JC laughed. "Justin was drunk he had no idea what the hell he was doing, and he'd get mad if I didn't ‘cause he wants to confuse you so much."

"Well you and him have succeeded. You two confuse me so much."

JC laughed. "We try."

"So are you gonna try to go to his house?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna skip Chem today and just go."

*****

JC pulled up in front of Justin's house. He turned off the car and got out. He walked up the driveway and noticed that Lynn's car wasn't there. He was pretty happy about that.

He walked to the front door and rang the doorbell. He heard someone running to the door and then he heard the lock being turned.

The door opened and Justin was standing there. Justin sighed when he saw that it was JC.

"What do you want?" Justin asked. He didn't open the screen door.

"Can I come in?" JC asked.

Justin shrugged.

"Please."

"Fine." Justin opened the screen door and JC walked in. "But you gotta be quiet. Stephen's upstairs. He came home sick from school."

JC nodded.

They walked over to the couch and sat down.

"Why didn't you come to school today?"

"I didn't feel good."

"You don't look sick." JC smirked.

"Well I am."

"Okay... so what's wrong?"

Justin shrugged.

"You're not sick. Britney told me that you knew last night that you weren't coming."

"Well she has a big mouth."

"So why weren't you in school?"

"She told you."

"So that's why?"

Justin nodded and looked away from him.

"Are you crying?"

Justin shook his head no and turned even more away from him.

JC moved closer. "Jus, don't cry." JC put his hand on Justin back and startled him and made him jump. "Justin, don't cry, come here."

Justin turned around and JC opened his arms and Justin leaned into JC.

JC rubbed his back as Justin cried. "What's with you lately, Jus?"

Justin cried harder.

"I didn't mean it like that." JC brought his other hand to Justin's face and rubbed his cheek and kissed the top of his head just as the front door opened.

Part 26

2006-04-03T01:31:24Z

"Justin, are you gonna tell me what's wrong?" JC asked as they were pulling out of Britney's driveway.

"No," Justin said leaning his head up against the cold glass.

"Please?"

Justin didn't answer he just kept starring out the window. He didn't want to talk about it and he didn't want to start crying again.

"Fine, just ignore me."

"I'm not ignoring you."

"Yeah, you are."

"I'm not ignoring you. I'm just not telling you. There’s a difference."

"Why won't you tell me? I'm the one that stayed up with you while you were throwing up and then cleaned you up because you threw up on yourself and then you throw up on me. I stayed in the bed with you because you didn't want to be alone and I was sleeping almost sitting up, and my neck hurts, but you tell Britney and not me. Britney wouldn't do all that for you."

"I know." Justin sniffled.

"And don't cry."

"I can't tell you okay."

"Why not?"

"Because I can't."

"Fine," JC grunted and reached over and turned the radio on.

They didn't say a word to each other the next three minutes it took to get to Justin's house. JC pulled up in front of Justin's house.

"Bye." JC looked over at Justin and he opened the door and got out.

"Josh, don't be mad at me."

"Too late for that." Justin slammed the car door closed and JC drove off. Justin stared as the car drove away. The tears that had been threatening to come since he got into the car came, he walked slowly into the house and heard his brother's fighting. Something that didn't surprise him. Then he heard their babysitters voice. Justin rolled his eyes and ran up the stairs and into his parent's room and then closed the door and grabbed the phone.

"Yeah, I know he's so cute. He's gonna ask you to the Christmas dance," Aimee said to whomever she was talking to on the phone.

"Get off the phone," Justin said.

"I just called her."

"My house, get the hell off."

"Give me ten minutes."

"Get. The. Fuck. Off. My. Phone."

"And I said ten minutes!" she yelled back.

Justin screamed he didn't have patience for this right now. He hung up the phone and ran down the stairs. He walked into the family room. It was a mess.

"Get off the phone now."

"No," Aimee said back to him.

Justin grabbed the phone from her hold, and hung up.

"Hey! That was important."

"Get out." Justin pointed to the door.

"No, your parents aren't getting home until nine."

"I'm capable of watching my own brothers."

She rolled her eyes.

"And my mother is not gonna be too happy when I tell her about this."

"Well I didn't get paid yet."

"You don't deserve to get paid. Now get out."

"I've been here for an hour already with those brats, which they do not listen for shit."

"I'm in a pissed off mood as it is so get out!"

"Fine, I'll just call Lynn tomorrow and tell her what you did," Aimee huffed and grabbed whatever she brought with her and walked to the door.

Justin slammed it behind her and locked the door.

Stephen ran up to Justin and threw his hands around his waist. Justin lifted him up.

"What was that for?" Justin asked.

"She's mean... I don't like her," Stephen said in his baby voice.

"Yeah, all she does is talk on the phone and yells at us," Jonathon said.

Justin shook his head and put Stephen down.

"Well maybe I'll stay home more with you guys."

Stephen smiled at him and hugged him again.

Justin laughed.

"Can you watch a movie with us?"

"Yeah. Why don't you guys go up to my room and pick out a movie? I'll meet you up there."

"We can watch it in your room?"

"Yeah."

"YAY!" Stephen ran to the stairs and Jonathon followed.

Justin went into the kitchen and got three cans of soda, Stephen's cup and some chips and walked into his room.

*****

"Justin, why are you sad?" Stephen asked looking up at his big brother about half way into Godzilla.

"Me and my best friend got into a fight," Justin said.

"Me and Nicholas from my class were fighting and we had to sit in time out chairs during play time."

Justin smiled at him.

"Did you have to sit in time out with your friend?"

Justin laughed and Stephen looked at him innocently. "No, we didn't have to sit in time out chairs."

"Oh. You're lucky. They're no fun."

"I'll be right back guys, okay? I need to go call someone."

"Okay," They both said and Justin stood up and walked out of his room and down the hall to his parent's room.

He picked up the phone again and dialed Britney's number but it was busy. Justin sighed. She needed call waiting and she needed it badly. Justin knew she was probably talking to Christina and Christina had call waiting so he called her.

"Hello?"

"Hey Christina. Are you talking to Britney?" Justin asked.

"Why yes I am," Christina laughed.

"Well tell her to get off the phone with you and to call me and tell her that it's important."

"Is it important?"

"Yes!"

"Fine give me a few minutes she's explaining something really important to me."

"Like?"

"Like none of your business."

"Fine, just tell her."

"I will." And Justin hung up and walked back into his room with the cordless phone. He sat back down next to Stephen on the floor and watched the movie. He hated this movie, he had seen it so many times. But the only time they got to watch it was when their mom wasn't around. She hated them watching movies like that. She didn't think they should be exposed to violence like that she always said there was too much of it anyway. So Justin suffered through it and waited for Britney to call him back.

It had been almost twenty minutes and she still hadn't called back. Justin was getting pissed and the movie was almost over, he was glad for that. Then the phone rang.

"Took you long enough to call me back," Justin complained.

"Sorry. I had to tell Christina about Wade," Britney said.

"Fine, and hold on a second." Justin told her. "I'll be back guys."

"What are you doing?"

"I need to go and talk to Britney."

"Oh okay."

Justin walked out of his room and back into his parent's room.

"Aww! You're spending time with your brothers," Britney said.

"Shut up! I'm gonna scream in a minute," Justin said aggravated.

"What? Are they annoying you?"

"No, they're being perfect, which is scary. But no... it's Josh."

"What about him?"

"We got into a fight in his car on the way to my house."

"Why?"

"‘Cause he wanted to know why I was upset, and I wouldn't tell him."

"Oh."

"I don't know what I'm gonna do."

"Tell him."

"I am not telling him! He doesn't like me."

"How do you know?"

"Because I know."

"He's the one that started the whole joke thing. Maybe he really wanted you and thought that was the only way he'd every quote un quote get you."

"No."

"When did you start to you know like him?"

"Umm... like, do you remember the day I was really upset?"

"Uh, no."

"When I came to your house..."

"Oh. Yeah, yeah, and you wouldn't tell me."

"Well I told my mom I was gay and with JC and fucking him and all that..."

"You guys did..."

"No."

"But..."

"No... I told her that because she wouldn't believe me that I wasn't and then I went your house and then I don't know. I guess then."

Britney didn't know what to say.

"Can I ask you something?" Justin asked.

"Sure."

"If my mom kicks me out can I live with you?"

"What? Your mom is not gonna kick you out."

"She might when she finds out I really am. She was so mad when she thought I was. That's why I wanted you to be like my girlfriend."

"I'll still do that for you."

"Maybe, I don't know."

"Do I get to kiss you like you and JC kissed."

"NO!"

"No fair."

"Why do I have to like him?" Justin sighed dramatically.

"I don't know. He is hot. Christina tells me that 24/7."

Justin laughed, "I like when he holds me."

"Yeah, I know," Britney laughed. "You were in his lap the whole night when your tongue wasn't in his mouth."

Justin sighed. "He doesn't want me kissing him anymore."

"Sorry," Britney said she didn't know what else to say.

"I don't know why I like him. Like, I know he's..."

"You don't just like him because he's hot?"

"No, I don't," Justin sighed and he noticed a tiny head poking through the door. "Hold on, Brit."

"Okay," she said.

"What's up, Steve?"

"The movies over."

"Okay. I'll be right there."

"Okay," Stephen said and ran back into Justin's room.

"Brit, I'll talk to you later. I don't think I'm going to school tomorrow."

"What?"

"I don't think I'm going."

"Why?"

"‘Cause I'm just not. I gotta go."

"Whatever bye," Britney said and Justin hung up.

Justin walked back to his room. Both of his brothers were sitting on his bed watching ‘Hey Arnold’ on Nickelodeon.

"You guys want pizza?"

"Yeah!" They both said and Justin picked up the phone again and dialed the pizza place.

*****

Justin's parents walked into the house at about twelve o'clock. Paul had a dinner that he needed to attend for his job.

"It's quiet," Paul said.

"Yeah," Lynn agreed. "Justin had better be back or he's gonna be in trouble." They walked into the family room and noticed how clean it was. Lynn walked upstairs while Paul went into the kitchen. She walked into Justin's room and noticed that all three of her sons were in their pajamas sleeping on the floor. A movie was still on so Lynn walked over and shut the TV off. She walked carefully over her sons and tapped Justin lightly causing his eyes to open. "We're home."

Justin nodded and sat up.

"They've been sleeping since about ten," Justin said rubbing his eyes.

"What time did Aimee leave?"

"I kicked her out at like six,” Justin said. “Did you know that all she does is talk on the phone and yell at them?"

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. I got home and she was yelling at me because I wanted to use our phone."

"So you spent the night playing with your brothers?"

Justin nodded.

"You haven't done that in a long time."

"Yeah, I know."

"You should do it more often. You know they only bug you all the time ‘cause they want your attention."

"I know. And I am. I told them I would."

"Good." Lynn smiled. "You wanna help me carry them to their beds?"

"Yeah." Justin stood up and stretched before picking up Jonathon and walking with him into his room. He put him in his bed and covered him up. He walked out of the room and shut the door slightly and the light. His mom was just walking out of Stephen's room.

"Thanks, sweetie," Lynn said kissing his cheek. "Why don't you get to bed, it's late."

"Okay, ma." Justin walked into his room and closed the door and lay down on his bed and cried himself to sleep.

Part 25

2006-04-03T00:32:00Z

Justin's hangover was starting to go away. JC had woken up and they went upstairs. They were all sitting in Britney's room.

Christina and Britney were both sitting on Britney's bed.

JC was sitting on Britney's pink air chair and Justin was sitting on the floor with his head resting on the armrest of the air chair JC was sitting on.

They were all watching ‘Say It Ain’t So’. Justin kept glancing up at JC when he thought he wasn't looking. JC noticed a few times and just smiled back at him.

Britney noticed almost every look.

"Justin, can we talk?" Britney asked.

"Umm, no." Justin shook his head.

"Please. Inside."

"No."

"Why don't you want to talk to Brit?" JC questioned.

"Because I don't want to," Justin said moving his head from the armrest of the air chair to JC's leg.

JC shook Justin's head off of his leg.

Justin sat up and sighed. "What do you want?"

"Come here."

Justin sighed again and got up off the floor and followed Britney out of the room and down the hall to the living room.

"What do you want?" Britney sat down on the couch and patted the cushion next to her for Justin to sit.

Justin walked over and sat down.

"You wanna tell me about that kiss now?"

"No."

"Please?"

"No, there's nothing to tell."

"You guys really are together?"

"No."

"No?"

"No! We're not."

"You sure?"

"Trust me I know."

Britney sighed and she though she might have understood now. "So you're not together?"

Justin shook his head no.

"You like him?"

Justin shrugged.

"You could tell me. I won't tell anyone, I swear, Justin."

Justin looked up at her and then back down at the floor.

"Do you?"

Justin nodded and bent his head and put his hands over his face.

"Ju- Justin." Britney moved closer to him. "What's the matter? Why are you crying? Please don’t cry."

"I like him," Justin said between a sob.

"And?"

"Nothing."

"Justin, please, please tell me."

"He doesn't like me." Justin swallowed back a sob as he spoke.

"Yes, he does. I really think he does."

"No, he doesn't!" Justin yelled. "He yelled at me for kissing him last night," Justin whimpered as he wiped his eyes.

"I'm gonna go get JC." Britney stood up.

"NO!" Justin cried.

"Fine," Britney said and sat back down next to Justin.

A second later JC came running into the living room with Christina following behind. JC went over to the couch and sat next to Justin. "Jus, what's wrong?" JC asked and wrapped his arm around JC and Justin clung to JC crying harder. "What'd you say to him?" JC demanded.

"Nothing."

"Don't tell me nothing!" JC yelled. "He's not gonna just get this upset over nothing."

"I didn't."

"She didn't." Justin picked his head up off JC's chest. "She didn't." He wiped his eyes.

"Then what happened?" JC said softly.

"Nothing. Nothing happened."

"You wanna go home?"

Justin shrugged.

"Will you please tell me?"

"No. Can you just take me home?"

"Yeah."

"Sorry, Brit."

"You don't have to be sorry."

Justin shrugged again.

Britney walked over and hugged him.

"I am though."

"Well don't be." She smiled at him and let go. She walked over to JC. "He's all yours."

Justin glared at her.

JC just looked at her strange.

She reached up and gave him a hug.

*****

"Bye," Justin said and pulled Britney by the arm and gave her another hug. "Tell anyone and die," Justin whispered.

Britney nodded and she pulled out of his grasp and opened the door for them.

"See you tomorrow!" Christina yelled and JC and Justin walked out of the house and Britney closed the door.

"What was that all about?"

"Nothing," Britney said walking away from her.

"Britney. It's not nothing."

"Yes it is."

"Why was he crying?"

"I don't know."

"What'd you say to him?"

"Nothing. I didn't say anything to him."

"You had to of."

"Well I didn't."

"Fine," Christina sighed.

Part 24

2006-04-03T00:29:09Z

Justin woke up sprawled out on his stomach with his arm on JC's stomach. Really low on JC's stomach.

Justin moved to the other side, facing JC. He never moved his hand from JC's stomach though.

He was dizzy, and had a pounding headache. JC was right. He shouldn't have drank so much.

Justin grabbed JC's hand and picked it up and looked at his watch. It was 1:32.

Justin sighed. He was afraid to sit up. Hangovers sucked. Granted it was only his second one, but he knew they were horrible already.

"Josh," Justin said and pushed on JC's stomach where his hand rested.

JC groaned.

"Josh."

"Hmm?" JC mumbled.

Justin moved his hand. "I can't move. I'm dizzy," Justin whined.

"Well, did I tell you to drink that much?" JC laughed.

"Josh, it's not funny. I'm dying."

"You are not dying, Justin."

"Yes, I am."

"No, you're not, you have a hangover."

"No, I'm dying and the world is spinning and you have three heads."

JC laughed. "I'm gonna go get you something for that." JC moved a little and then slapped Justin's ass as he got up.

*****

JC walked up the stairs and opened the door. Britney and Christina were sitting at the kitchen table eating pancakes.

"Hey," Britney said with a mouthful of pancakes.

"Nice of you to finish chewing," JC said sarcastically.

Britney smiled and shoved another forkful in her mouth.

"You have anything I can give Justin for his headache. He thinks he's going to die."

Britney laughed, "Yeah," Britney said putting her fork down on her plate. "Come here."

JC followed Britney down the hall and into the bathroom. She opened the medicine cabinet and looked through it.

"All we have is Advil."

"That'll do," JC said taking the bottle from Britney and taking two pills out.

"Okay," she said taking the pill bottle and putting it back once JC had gotten them. "Oh, by the way... you and Justin looked so cute all wrapped in each other's arms."

JC rolled his eyes and walked out of the bathroom. He walked into the kitchen and to the sink.

"Christina, where are the cups?" JC asked.

"I'll get you one," she said getting up off the chair and opening the cabinet over the sink and taking out a cup.

"Thanks."

"Uh huh." She walked back over to the table and Britney walked into the kitchen.

*****

JC walked back over to the bed where Justin still lay sprawled on his stomach.

"Justin, can you sit up?" JC asked.

"No," Justin whined.

"Come on, try. I got something for that headache."

"I really can't."

"Justin, I'll help you." JC put the cup of water and the pills down on the end table and tried to help Justin turn around. He was now lying on his back. "Can we try and sit up now?"

"No."

"Cooperate, Justin."

"I can't."

JC sat down on the bed next to him on the opposite direction and eased him up gently. "Okay?"

"Yeah."

"Good, take these. It'll help."

Justin took the pills and put it in his mouth. Justin looked up at JC and then took the water and then swallowed the pills.

"Can I lay down again?"

"Yes."

"Wanna help me?"

"No, but I will." JC leaned Justin back on the bed and then got up.

"Where are you going?"

"Sleep off the hangover. I'm gonna go upstairs."

"No! Josh, I need you."

"Okay." JC sat back down and lay down next to Justin. Justin leaned his head on JC's chest again.

"My heads gonna explode and I'm going to die."

"Will you stop! You are not gonna die."

"Yes I am." Justin pouted and moved slightly and put his face in JC's shirt.

*****

Christina and Britney walked back into Britney's room after they had finished eating. Britney turned her stereo on.

"JC blushed when I told him how cute they looked sleeping all cuddled," Britney laughed.

"Did he really?" Christina asked. "We have to do something ‘cause them acting like this is not fun."

"Yeah, I know. But I don't know. ‘Cause what if it is a joke?"

"You change your damn mind every two minutes," Christina said exasperated.

"‘Cause I'm confused."

"Don't be."

Britney sighed.

"You wanna go spy on them?"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"‘Cause Justin's got a headache, he's a baby when something's bothering him. And if we both go down there and he wakes up he’s gonna be pissed and then JC’s gonna yell at us."

"Then only one of us goes down."

Britney shrugged.

"Come on, I'm dying here! I wanna know!"

"Then you go."

"No."

"Why? You're the one that wants to go that bad."

"They're sleeping, and I don't like basements."

"It's two o'clock in the afternoon. It's not nighttime."

"You go. They like you better anyway."

"You are such a pain in the ass," Britney groaned and walked to her door.

"You're gonna do it?"

Britney nodded.

"Yay! I love you!"

Britney shook her head and they walked out of her room.

*****

Britney walked quietly down the stairs. She walked over to where the couch was. They were both sleeping. JC was just about sitting up and Justin was holding onto him with his head underneath JC's chin.

Britney had just turned around when Justin started to stretch. She turned back around and looked at them.

Justin opened his eyes a little and tightened his grip around JC.

He looked up at JC and smiled at him as he slept.

Britney backed up a little more, because if he was to turn his head just a little he would see her, and she didn't want that.

Justin brought one of his hands up to JC's face and rubbed his finger under JC's bottom lip. He leaned his head up a little and kissed JC's lips ever so lightly.

Britney's eyes bugged out. She needed to go back upstairs. When she went to move she hit her foot on a box of her sister's old baby toys.

Justin turned his head and saw Britney there. Justin closed his eyes and then opened them.

"Britney, what are you doing?" Justin asked in a whisper. His hands were shaking and his heart was beating a mile a minute.

"Umm... nothing," Britney said moving a little closer to Justin. "Not together, huh?" Britney smirked.

"We're not."

"Yeah, sure you're not."

"Britney, we're not okay. You did not just see that, okay?"

"But..."

"Britney, please," Justin begged. "And don't tell Christina please. I know you told her about it not being a joke, but please don't tell her about this."

"We're gonna talk later."

Justin nodded. "Don't say anything!"

"I won't."

"Promise?"

"I promise," Britney said and walked towards the stairs.

*****

Britney walked back into her room where Christina was sitting on the floor flipping through the channels on her TV.

"So what happened?" Christina asked.

Britney smiled.

"Come on tell me!"

"Nothing, nothing happened. They were in the same position they were in last night just the other way around."

Christina sighed. "Nothing good?"

"Nope."

Part 23

2006-04-03T00:26:16Z

Britney and Christina were sitting on the beds in Britney's room. She had a day bed. They were watching MTV2, the video for Craig David's ‘Fill Me In' was on.

"I love him," Britney sighed.

"Me too. And we get to go to the concert!" Christina screeched.

"Christina shut up! It's four in the morning."

"Maybe we can meet him."

"Yeah, I wish," Britney sighed.

"So what do you think is up with JC and Justin?" Christina asked as the video went off and and old video from Metallica went on.

Britney muted the TV and turned to face Christina. "I'm not sure."

"They can't be joking."

"I don't know... they seem to be not but they say they are."

"Yes they are best friends, but best friends don't shove their tongues down each other's throat about ten freaking times in one night."

"Yeah, I guess but it wasn't ten," Britney laughed.

"Oh excuse me... five."

"Okay, that sounds about right," Britney said covering her mouth to control the loudness to her laugh.

"That's not normal if they aren't. I mean I wouldn't go sticking my tongue in your mouth."

"Yeah, I know. But Justin would tell me if they really were."

"You sure about that?"

"Positive."

"I really don't think he would."

"Well, I do."

"Whatever," Christina said looking at the muted TV that was now playing Limp Bizkit. Christina smirked suddenly.

"What are you smiling about?"

"You wanna go sneak downstairs?"

"Christina! That is so wrong."

Christina gave her a confused look.

"But let's go!" Britney jumped off her bed and stepped onto the one that Christina was sleeping on and they ran to her door. Britney opened the door quietly, making sure it didn't creak. That only made it worse so they closed it again.

"Brit, what are you doing?"

"Just shut up," Britney whispered and turned the handle again and then opened the door quickly causing a not so loud creak. "Okay, let’s go." They both walked as quiet as they could into the kitchen that led to the basement stairs. Britney closed her eyes tightly as that door to the basement creaked. At least they were cement steps so they wouldn't make any noise.

Christina closed the door slightly, leaving it open ajar and grabbed onto Britney's arm.

"Do you mind?" Britney whispered.

"I hate basements," Christina whispered back in a whine.

"Well, I don't feel like falling down the stairs."

Christina rolled her eyes and let go of Britney's arm, but stayed very close behind her. They walked down the rest of the way down the stairs and Christina grabbed her arm again.

"You are such a baby."

They walked further into where the couch was. It was really dark they could barely see anything.

"Are they in there?" Christina asked.

"No," Britney said sarcastically.

"Where are they then?"

"Does being up past three make you insanely stupid?"

"No."

Britney shook her head and they walked even further until they were about six feet away from the couch bed. "Look at them." Britney looked at Christina and smiled.

"Are you still telling me that they're not together?"

"I don't know."

"Just look at them."

Britney sighed happily.

"They're cuddling. It’s so cute."

"It is cute," Britney laughed to herself.

They were both facing each other with their arms wrapped around each other. Justin's head was resting half on the pillow and half on JC's chest. JC's face was buried in Justin's curls.

"You can't tell me that you can possibly still think that there's nothing between them."

"I think they're stupid."

"You think they're stupid?"

"Yeah. They say they're not together and they're laying like that and were making out on my couch all night. They are the most obliviously stupid people in the world."

Christina nodded.

"Let's go before they wake up." Britney pulled Christina by the arm to the stairs.

*****

"So you think they like each other?" Christina asked as she covered herself with the blanket.

"Hell yeah," Britney laughed. "They both like each other so bad that it's sad. I mean really."

"And what are you gonna do?"

"I don't know, ‘cause first I thought it was just JC who liked Justin."

"Who started the joke again?"

"JC."

"Okay."

"So I figured he was just afraid to admit so he'd have that."

"That makes sense... but..."

"I asked Justin, and he got all pissy and defensive saying that he didn't like him."

"Did you ask him if he likes JC?"

"Yeah and he got even more pissy and then he changed the subject." Britney shook her head. "They are so dense."

"Can I go back down there and write in permanent marker that they like each other on their foreheads?"

Britney laughed. "No, but we have to find a way to knock some sense into those two."

"Yeah ‘cause they're gonna try to grope each other, and that's..."

"They're stupid... the only way they're gonna see it is if we do something," Britney sighed.

Part 22

2006-04-03T00:21:57Z

"We'll be right back," JC said standing up and pulling Justin with him.

"Where are we going?" Justin asked while being pulled by JC.

"To talk."

Justin sighed and continued to be pulled by JC to the top of the basement steps.

"So..."

"What the hell was that?"

Justin shrugged.

"This is getting a little out of hand. Don't you think? I mean you're the one that demanded no kissing."

"I don't know."

"Britney knows that we're not together so why are we still doing this still and to that extent?" JC exclaimed.

"Everyone else thinks that we are."

"But wasn't the point of this to make Britney think that we were?"

"It's fun." Justin pouted and JC shook his head.

"Fine, but no more kissing."

"Fine," Justin sighed.

"What? You want to kiss me?"

"No! But it makes it more interesting." Justin smirked.

"Come on before they think we're doing something up here."

"So what?"

"You're twisted. You do know that right?"

Justin laughed and JC pulled him back down the stairs.

*****

"So what were you two doing?" Someone asked as they walked back over to where everyone else was.

Justin grinned and JC hit him in his back.

"So who's up for some more truth or dare?" Joey asked.

*****

Everyone had left the party except for Christina, JC and Justin.

Britney and Christina were upstairs saying goodbye to a couple of their friends that were just leaving.

JC and Justin were still in the basement on the couch. Justin had his head resting on JC's thigh.

Britney and Christina came back downstairs.

"Okay, you two have a lot of explaining to do," Britney said walking over.

"Shh," JC warned pointing down to Justin who was sleeping on his leg.

"It's almost two, you should wake him up."

"I can't wake him up. He's just about drunk. He can’t go back to his house."

"Well he can't stay here."

"I know. Would you able to call Lynn and tell him that he's staying here, and I'll just take him back to my house?"

"You just want him back at your house," Christina mumbled.

JC glared at her.

"Can you just shut up, okay?"

"I'll be right back," Britney said and ran up the stairs.

*****

"Hi, Paul, it's Lynne, Britney's mom," Lynne said into the phone.

"Hey, Lynne, is everything okay?" Paul asked. "Is Justin okay?" He was concerned.

"Yeah everything's fine, it's just that Justin's conked out on the floor. Is it all right if he spends the night?"

"Yeah, that'll be fine, I'm sure Lynn won't mind. Just have him call us tomorrow morning."

"Yeah, I will."

"Okay, Lynne, thanks for calling."

"No problem, bye, bye."

"Bye." Lynne hung up the phone.

"Okay, Paul said Justin could stay. You want me to call JC's mom? Tell her the same thing."

"Yeah." Britney nodded.

*****

"Okay," Britney said walking back downstairs. "My mom called yours and Justin's mom and you guys can stay over here tonight."

"Okay," JC said.

"My mom knows about you two, so don't do anything here... please?"

"There's nothing between Justin and me, you know that. It's a joke," JC defended himself.

"Yeah, okay... that's why your tongue was down his throat and vise versa all night," Britney said smiling.

"It's... just... It's nothing."

"Whatever," Britney said shaking her head. "I'll bring you guys down some pillows and blankets."

JC nodded and Britney and Christina went back upstairs to get them the stuff.

*****

Britney walked back down with two pillows and sheets. Christina followed with two full size comforters.

"If you wanna wake him up the couch opens up to a bed." Britney told him.

JC nodded.

"You wanna ‘cause I'll help you."

"Yeah." JC lifted his leg that Justin's head was resting on. "Justin," JC whispered. He picked his leg up again and then put it down, a little harder this time and this caused Justin's eyes to open.

He sighed and stretched. "We leaving?" Justin mumbled.

"No, we're gonna sleep here."

"I can’t my mom's gonna want me home," Justin panicked, sitting up.

"Don't worry about that my mommy called your mommy and they're fine with it and then my mommy called JC's mommy and so is she," Britney said in a chipper tone of voice and smiled.

Justin nodded.

"Now stand up so we can get the bed out," JC said standing up and helping Justin to his feet. Justin stumbled a little and reached for JC to get his balance again. "Here sit here until we get the bed out," JC said sitting Justin down on the lazy boy that was diagonal from the couch.

Justin nodded.

JC walked back over to the couch and Christina, Britney and JC took out the bed and started to put the sheets and blankets on.

"How much did he drink?" Christina asked.

"Too much," JC sighed. "I tried to stop him but he didn’t."

Christina shook her head. They were just finishing the bed.

Britney threw the pillows on the bed as Justin walked over to JC and wrapped his arms around his waist.

"Josh, I don't feel good," Justin mumbled into JC's shirt.

"You drank too much," JC replied rubbing Justin's back.

"Is he gonna puke?" Christina asked. "'Cause if he is, warn me ‘cause I cannot handle people throwing up." Christina shuddered.

"I don't think he is," JC said looking at Christina. "Are you, Justin?"

Justin nodded and not even a second later Justin threw up on the floor in between them.

"I'm going upstairs, Brit, I'll be in your room," Christina said running up the stairs.

"I'll be right back I'll go get some towels and a shirt for him," Britney said following Christina.

*****

"Are you okay now?" JC asked as he sat down on the bed. Justin was laying on his back staring up and the stucco ceiling.

"Yeah," Justin sighed.

"Can I shut the light?"

Justin nodded and JC reached over and shut off the pole lamp that was behind the couch.

"I don't want you drink like that again," JC warned moving onto his side to face Justin in the dark.

"You were drinking, too."

"So? And I had the same cup most of the time. And I know how to hold my alcohol, you apparently can’t," JC laughed.

Justin pouted. "Josh?"

"Yeah?"

"Can I?"

JC smiled. "Come here," JC said and reached his arm out and Justin moved closer and laid his head on JC's chest.

"I have a headache."

"I know," JC said trying his best not to laugh. "Just go to sleep."

Justin nodded and closed his eyes as he tightened his hold around JC's waist.

Part 21

2006-04-03T00:14:11Z

"Hello?"

"Oh, My God!! Oh, My GOD!" Britney screamed.

"What?" Justin laughed.

"I got the tickets to the concert!"

"Really?"

"Yep... four of them!"

"So who are you taking?"

"Well I have to take Christina... or she'd kill me."

Justin laughed.

"You wanna go?"

"Maybe."

"Okay, so can you come over now?"

"Josh is driving me over there."

"And?"

"I told him like two hours from now."

"Can you like call him and have him pick you up now?" Britney begged. "I really need your help here."

"I'll call him and then I'll call you back."

"Okay, thanks, Jus."

"Uh-huh. Bye," Justin said and hung up. He hit the talk button again and dialed JC's number.

"Hello?"

"Hey, you ready?"

"To go to the party?" JC asked.

"Yeah."

"Uh, no."

"'Cause she needs me to help her set up and stuff."

"I'm not ready. I need to take a shower."

"You smell fine... come on."

"No."

"Josh..." Justin started to whine.

JC sighed. "You're a pain in my ass you do know that, right?"

"Am not."

"Trust me you are."

"Come on."

"Give me a half hour."

"Fine no later."

"Justin, if you can’t wait that long have your mom drive you and I’ll meet you there."

"No."

"Then don't complain... I'll see you in a little while."

Before Justin had a chance to complain or object JC hung up.

*****

"Took you guys long enough!" Britney complained opening the door for them.

"Josh didn't feel like smelling," Justin laughed pushing JC into the house.

"Your party starts at 8:00, it's only 4:30, so don't you both give me that look," JC warned.

"Where's Christina?"

"Downstairs, my mom just got home with balloons so she's setting them up and everything."

"I'm gonna go see if she wants some help," JC said and walked towards the basement steps.

"Wait... can you and Justin go and get some... beer," Britney whispered.

"No," JC said shaking his head.

"Please... I said that there'd be some."

"That's your problem."

"Fine," Britney sighed.

"You know what... I can get Chris to bring some."

"Thanks!" Britney said running over and hugging him.

JC nodded and gently pushed Britney off of him.

*****

"Will you two stop?" Christina complained looking at JC and Justin who couldn't stop touching each other while hanging decorations.

"Give me," Justin said trying to grab the happy birthday sign from JC.

"No." JC pulled his hand away from Justin.

"You make me fall off this table and I'm gonna kill you," Justin laughed.

He was standing on the table and JC was handing him the ones that he wanted Justin to hang up. Justin wanted one that JC didn't want to go up. Justin screamed and jumped off the table almost falling into JC.

"What's wrong with you?" JC asked as Justin just about clung to him.

"Kill it. Kill that thing now," Justin demanded.

"What?" JC laughed.

"A spider."

"Oh, my god Justin, a spider?" Britney said. "Even I'd kill a spider."

"Josh, kill it."

"Give me a napkin or something."

Justin reached for a napkin and handed it to JC and he climbed up on the table and killed the spider. "Happy?" JC asked and shoved the napkin in Justin's face.

"Get that fucking thing away from me!" Justin yelled and ran the opposite direction of JC.

*****

"Okay, they're scaring me... it's been like what an hour and they're still dancing, like almost humping each other," Christina said still looking at them.

Justin had his arms around JC's neck and JC's hands were just about on his ass and dancing to a Craig David song.

"They're scaring me, too," Britney agreed and walked over to the stereo and turned off the blaring music. "You guys want some food?" Britney yelled and no one said anything. She watched as Justin pulled JC over to the couch and sat down closely next to each other.

"Who’s up for some truth or dare?" Joey asked.

They all looked at him like he was nuts. This was a high school party. Not a twelve-year old girl’s sleepover.

He noticed the looks. "You don't answer you down this," he said holding up a half-full cup of beer.

"JC!" Chris said smiling.

JC looked over at him strangely.

"Ooh." Joey grinned. "We wanna see you two kiss," Joey said pointing back and forth to JC and Justin.

Christina and Britney looked at each other.

"No one wants to see them kiss. Come on that's gross." Britney rolled her eyes at them.

"Yeah," Christina agreed.

JC and Justin looked at each other. JC arched his eyebrows at Justin asking if he could. Justin nodded.

JC leaned over and kissed Justin's lips lightly before they both pulled away and looked around the room.

"Uh uh... I wanna see some tongue. We all know you do it. Come on we want action," Joey demanded.

JC and Justin looked at each other again. Justin swallowed hard and then nodded. JC raised an eyebrow to him and Justin nodded again.

"Oh, my God... they're gonna do it," Britney whispered to Christina.

Christina didn't answer her she just stared at them.

Justin licked his lips and smiled a little and then moved a little closer to JC. He put one hand on JC's shoulder and climbed onto his lap straddling him.

JC looked at Justin confused and then Justin titled his head and slowly at first putting his lips on JC's. They both had their eyes opened and Justin closed his eyes and JC followed, closing his eyes as Justin opened his mouth.

"Those two are not joking about it being a joke, look at that," Christina whispered. "Oh, my God! He's grabbing Justin's butt!"

"Eh." Britney made a face and walked over to them and taped Justin's shoulder. They didn't stop. "Justin."

Justin pulled away and turned his head and looked to see Britney standing over him.

Justin climbed off of JC's lap and smiled at Britney before wiping his mouth and sitting down next to JC and grabbing his hand.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Part 20

2006-04-03T00:06:33Z

Justin walked into school the next morning and went over to the table that they usually sit at when they're waiting for the bell to ring.

"Where's Josh?" Justin asked Britney and Christina who were already at the table.

"I don't think he's here yet," Britney said and Christina shook her head.

"Damnit. I need to explain something to him," Justin complained and then sat down.

"Aww poor, Justin," Christina said talking baby talk to him.

"Bite me!"

"Ooh... first Josh and now you. Don't I feel loved?"

"Whatever," Justin said and turned to look by the door and the glanced out the window and noticed that JC and Heather were just getting out of the car.

*****

"So your mom hates me again?" JC laughed as him and Justin walked to Spanish.

"Uh-huh," Justin sighed nodding.

"And I'm not allowed over you're house?"

Justin shook his head no and pouted. JC wrapped his arm around Justin's shoulder.

"So what... you can always just come to my house."

Justin smiled.

*****

"Meet me at my locker, I have study," Justin said.

"Okay... am I driving you home?" JC asked as he started to walk away.

Justin nodded and turned around and walked to the study hall room that he was in.

When he got there he waited for the teacher to come in and let them have a pass to the library. Justin got a pass and took his books and went to the library.

He got there and noticed that Britney was there. He walked over to the table that where Britney was sitting and sat down.

"What are you doing here?" Justin asked.

Britney looked up at him and smiled.

"I knew you'd be here so I faked cramps and got out of gym," Britney said closing her assignment pad. "I wanted to talk to you."

"Oh."

"Yeah." Britney nodded.

"So talk."

"Why do you think JC got so jealous of me?"

Justin made a face and shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't know."

"Can I say something?"

"Go right ahead."

"You said you guys really aren't going out right?"

Justin nodded.

"Then why would he care?"

Justin shrugged.

"Unless he really likes you." Britney tilted her head to the side and smiled at him.

"He does not like me."

"Sounds like he does."

"He doesn't."

"Do you like him?"

"NO!"

"Okay, no need to get nasty. Sheesh!" Britney shook her head. "I mean why would he care that much... seriously."

"Because we're best friends."

"Yeah and so are we and didn't care and get all pissed off when I thought that you and JC were really going out."

"Britney he doesn't okay... so just stop. I don't wanna talk about it."

*****

"Hey, you." JC smiled walking up behind Justin and wrapping his arms around his waist.

"Hey," Justin said leaning his head on JC's shoulder and smiling up at him before he leaned up and pushed JC’s hands off of him. "Are you still mad at Britney?"

"No... I never really was mad at her, I just don't like her."

"JC, you don't even know her. If you'd take the chance to you’d love her."

"Well, yeah I guess I don't give her a chance."

"Duh." Justin shook his head and closed his locker.

"You ready?"

"Yeah." Justin nodded and they walked towards the stairs.

*****

"Can I drive?" Justin asked.

"No," JC laughed.

"Please."

"No."

"You're mean! I almost run over one person and you hold it against me," Justin sighed crossing his arms over his chest.

JC looked over at him and laughed.

*****

Stinks31: hey
Britney122: hey </b>
Stinks31: my brother's are loud
Britney122: lol....hahaha!
Stinks31: not really i have so much work to do
Britney122: sorry :(
Stinks31: yeah you should be
Britney122: I can't wait for my party!!!
Stinks31: lol
Britney122: i cant!!
Britney122: it's killing me
Stinks31: hahahaha :-P
Britney122: your mean
Stinks31: Can JC come?
Britney122: i ivited him
Britney122: *invited
Stinks31: oh ok
Stinks31: i didn't know that
Britney122: well now you do
Britney122: you have to come like an hour or so early
Stinks31: why?
Britney122: cause you have to help me set up
Stinks31: and why do i have to?
Britney122: cause i said so
Stinks31: i'll think about it
Britney122: :(
Britney122: meanie
Stinks31: yup
Britney122: JC's on
Stinks31: yeah i know I'm talking to him
Britney122: why am i not surprised
Stinks31: shut up
Britney122: i didn't say anything
Stinks31: well i know what youre thinking
Britney122: that's cause you know it's true
Stinks31: Britney he does not like me
Britney122: do you really think that he'd tell you if he really did?
Stinks31: yes
Britney122: well i highly doubt that
Stinks31: well then doubt it ok
Britney122: so what's JC saying?
Stinks31: that youre an annoying little brat
Britney122: why am i not surprised????
Stinks31: ?
Britney122: very funny...i g2g i'll see you 2morrow
Stinks31: ok bye
Britney122: buh-bye! :)

Stinks31: Hey
Leo88: hey
Stinks31: i'm gonna start complaining
Leo88: about?
Stinks31: Jon and Stephen...they are so freaking loud!
Leo88: poor baby
Stinks31: they're gonna get their asses kicked
Leo88: hahaha
Stinks31: i'm not joking
Leo88: yeah i know
Stinks31: so you going to Brit's party?
Leo88: :\
Stinks31: come on please?
Leo88: I don't know
Leo88: I highly doubt she wants me to be there
Stinks31: she does...we were just talking about it
Leo88: i still don't know
Stinks31: Chris and Joey are going too
Leo88: why?
Stinks31: i don't know why but i know they are
Leo88: umm ok
Stinks31: so will you please come?
Leo88: i'll think about it
Stinks31: we can scare people and pretend we're together
Leo88: lol
Stinks31: please? :(
Leo88: fine
Stinks31: yay! :D
Leo88: you are such a brat
Stinks31: i know :)
Leo88: i g2g my sister needs the computer
Stinks31: fine everyone leave me :(
Leo88: oh stop, i'll talk to you later
Stinks31: bye :(
Leo88: bye

Part 19

2006-04-02T23:57:42Z

Justin walked into his house after JC had left.

"Justin, are you gonna tell me what this is all about?" Lynn asked.

"What what's about?" Justin asked.

"Oh I don't know. How about everything?" Lynn said looking at him as though he was stupid to not know what she was talking about. "You get home at almost six o'clock. You bring Britney here and yell at me to leave you two alone to talk, and not to mention coming home with a black eye and not telling me who gave you that, and then. And then, I find out that Joshua gave you the black eye."

"Josh didn't mean to hit me."

"How do you hit someone and not mean to?"

"He didn't mean to it just happened, okay. And I have to go I have three tests tomorrow," Justin said and walked away from his mom and grabbed his backpack on the way upstairs and Lynn followed him. Justin went into his room and closed the door almost in Lynn's face.

Lynn opened the door.

"Justin, I don't think I want you seeing him. He's trouble."

"What?" Justin yelled. "He is not trouble."

"Yes he is. He's changed."

"No, he hasn't, mom."

"He must have started hanging out with the wrong crowd."

"We have the same friends." Justin shook his head.

"I still don’t think you should."

"You are not gonna tell me who I can and can't be friends with like you do with Stephen who's in kindergarten."

"Justin," Lynn said in a warning tone.

"What?"

"Well then he's not allowed in this house."

"Ugh... fine, just get out," Justin groaned opening his backpack.

Lynn shook her head and walked out.

"You couldn't close the door?" Justin yelled and walked to the door and slammed it closed and locked it.

He went and sat back down on his bed and opened up his vocabulary book. He looked at the list of words and sighed.

Aegis, amends, conciliatory, conductive, extricate, foster, importune, mediate, mitigate and rectify.

Who uses these words in everyday speech? Well at least they were somewhat common and known. They usually were words he had never heard of before.

He threw the book on the floor and leaned back resting his head on the pillow and reached for his Discman that was laying on the nightstand next to his bed. He put the headphones on and turned it on, along with the volume, almost as loud as it would go and closed his eyes.

*****

Justin's mom was banging on the door and yelling his name for a minute or so before Justin realized and pulled the headphones off and then turned it off listening to see if she really was calling him. Another knock on the door and Justin walked over and unlocked and opened it. Paul was standing there. He looked annoyed.

"Justin, you're mother and I have been trying to get you to answer us for almost ten minutes," Paul glared.

"Sorry," Justin apologized and shook his head. "What do you want?"

"Do not get nasty with us, Justin."

"I'm not. I want to know why you've been calling me."

"Dinner's ready, and why were you ignoring us?"

"I wasn't."

"Seemed that way."

"I was studying with my CD player really loud." He motioned to the CD player that was laying on his bed next to his books.

"Oh, be sure to tell your mom that she was positive it was because of what happened before."

Justin shook his head no.

"Okay... you need any help after dinner?"

"No, it's just vocabulary words."

"Okay. But if you want help just come and get me."

Justin nodded and the two of them walked down the stairs.

*****

"Will you two shut the hell up!" Justin yelled and threw his fork onto his plate.

Jonathon and Stephen stopped fighting when they heard their brother yell.

"Justin, do not use words like that in front of your brothers," Lynn scolded.

"Boys, be quiet. Your brother has a headache," Paul said looking at his two sons.

Jonathon and Stephen looked at each other and then at Justin.

Justin shook his head and picked up his fork again when the phone rang.

"I'll get it," Justin mumbled and got out of his seat and walked to the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"Hey."

"Who is that, Justin?" Lynn asked.

"Britney."

Lynn nodded and continued to eat.

"Eww, I'm Britney now?" JC laughed.

"Shut up. So what's up?"

"Why am I Britney?"

"Because."

"Because... why?"

"Just because."

"Fine."

"So you're just calling to call," Justin laughed. Justin walked out of the kitchen and into the living room stretching the cord out as he walked.

"No. I just wanted to say sorry again."

Justin groaned. "Stop already."

"Okay and to tell you that Mr. Butera called minus the whole fuck off to Christina we both got the solos."

"Really? That's cool what are you guys doing?"

"Aladdin."

"Ugh... you know I'm not going to the show right."

"And why not?"

"Because it pisses me off."

"Oh come on. You have to." Justin could tell he was pouting.

"I'll think about it."

"You better," JC said still in a pout.

"I will don't worry."

"Good."

"When is it?"

"Like six weeks. It’s the 18th, 19th, and 20th."

"The 18th?" Justin asked.

"Yeah why?"

"That's when we're supposed to go on the ski trip."

"Oh... well I have to be in the show."

"I know," Justin sighed.

"Sorry. And I really wanted to go on that trip, too."

"Yeah, me too," Justin sighed again. "But I don't even think my parents were gonna even let me go."

"Oh okay." JC nodded, even though Justin couldn't see him. "So how's your eye?"

"Fucking hurts! And I have a headache... thank you!"

"You won't let me say it."

"Good. I don't want you to say it," Justin laughed. "Can I call you later? I'm in the middle of an annoyingly loud dinner."

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay, bye."

"Bye." Justin hung up the phone and walked back over to the table.

*****

"Hello?"

"Hey, Chris!" Britney shrieked.

"Whoa... little loud there," Christina laughed.

"Guess where I just was." Britney was bouncing, you could tell it in the way she was talking.

"Where?"

"Justin's."

"Wow," Christina said like it wasn't a big thing.

"JC was there."

"Uh oh... what'd they do?"

"Nothing... they're not really together."

"What?"

"They're not... they were just playing a joke on us cause we thought they were."

"Hold on, I have a beep," Christina said switching to the other line.

Britney opened her notebook and started writing her heading and put the number one down when Christina came back on the line.

"I GOT IT, I GOT IT, I GOT IT!" Christina yelled excitedly. "I got the lead!"

"For what?"

"Show Choir! And guess who's the male lead?"

"I dunno."

"Josh!"

"Josh? Like JC, Josh?" Britney laughed.

"Yep."

Britney was shaking her head. "Well at least you don't have to worry about Justin being jealous," Britney laughed.

Part 18

2006-04-02T23:53:24Z

Bryan pulled up in front of Justin's house.

Justin wasn't moving. He just sat there, still staring out the window.

"Justin?" Britney said taking her seatbelt off and turning to face him. Justin looked zoned. "Justin? You getting out?"

Justin shook his head and looked at her. "What?" he asked.

"We're at your house," Britney said smiling a little at him.

"Oh."

"You okay?"

Justin nodded.

"I'll be right back." Britney told Bryan and opened her door and got out of the car. She opened Justin's door and pulled his hands. "Come on."

"Can we talk?" Justin whispered.

"I kinda have to go."

"Please?"

"Bry?"

"Half-hour. No more. Got it?"

Britney smiled and closed both doors to the car and Bryan drove away.

"So what's wrong with you?" Britney asked, and then regretted it. Stupid question. They walked into Justin's house.

Lynn greeted them in the living room when they walked in.

"Justin, your face," Lynn said horrified looking at it. She went over and touched his cheek.

"Don't, mom," Justin said pushing her hand away.

"We need to talk. We'll be downstairs."

"Who did that?"

"It's not important."

"Who?"

"It's not important."

"Justin, I want to know who punched my son."

"And I said it's not important." Justin pulled Britney into the kitchen towards the stairs to the basement.

*****

"Hi, Lynn."

"Hey, Josh," Lynn said opening the door for him.

"Did Justin get home yet?" JC asked stepping into the house.

"Yeah, him and Britney are downstairs in the basement."

"Can I...?"

"Yeah," Lynn said and then stopped him. "Do you know what happened to Justin?"

JC closed his eyes for a few seconds and then looked back at Lynn and nodded.

"He won't tell me."

"I did."

"What?" Lynn yelled.

"It's... I don't know. That's why I'm here. I need to talk to him."

"I don't know."

"Lynn, please, I really need to talk to him. I need to apologize to him. He wouldn't give me a chance at school."

"Hurry up," Lynn said glaring at him as he walked towards the basement stairs.

*****

"Justin, are you gonna tell me or what?" Britney asked. She was starting to get impatient. Justin was just sitting there starring at his hands and not saying a word. They heard footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Mom, go back upstairs!" Justin yelled frustrated.

"It's me."

"JC, what are you doing here?"

JC ran the rest of the way down the stairs. "I want to apologize."

Justin just shrugged and then looked over at Britney. "Britney, can you go over by the stairs?"

Britney sighed and nodded.

As Britney walked over to the stairs JC walked closer to Justin. Justin was sitting on the coffee table that was in front of the couch. JC sat down on the couch directly in front of him.

"You gonna let me talk?"

"NO!" Justin yelled standing up. "I'm not, you're gonna let me talk and then you're gonna explain to me what the hell was your problem?"

"Okay."

"So start talking," Justin said crossing his arms over his chest and looking at JC. "Why were you mad at me when I didn't do anything?"

JC pointed over to the stairs where Britney was.

"What? What does this have to do with her?" Justin let out a frustrated sigh.

"Everything has to do with her. Do you not get that?"

"No, actually I don't." A hint of attitude evident in his voice.

"We had to do this whole joke because of Britney, everything, Justin. Everything has to do with her."

"You're the one that had the idea for the whole joke, okay. So don’t start blaming that on me and definitely don’t blame that on Britney."

"You don't see it."

"See what?"

"We had to do this because Britney thought something was up. All you care is what she thinks."

"That's not true."

"Yes it is and you know it, Justin."

"No it's not."

"Ever since she came to our school you jump at every chance to do something with her all the time. We never just hangout anymore."

"What were we doing like three days ago."

JC shrugged.

"What are you even saying?"

"I don't know," JC sighed. He looked down at the floor. "I don't know what the hell I'm trying to say okay."

"Josh," Justin said in a whisper.

JC looked up at him.

"Are you jealous of her?"

JC shrugged.

"Josh, she's one of my best friends and...."

"And I'm...."

"You're my boyfriend." Justin smirked.

"No. Justin, I'm not. I'm not your pretend boyfriend anymore." JC shook his head and pushed passed Justin and ran up the stairs.

"Brit, stay here," Justin said and ran up the stairs two at a time. "Josh!" Justin yelled. "Wait." He ran through the kitchen and ignored the strange looks he was getting from his mom and Jonathon and ran outside. "JC!"

"What?" JC turned around and looked at him.

"We still need to talk."

"About what?"

"What this is about. ‘Cause you are confusing the hell out of me."

"Well you're confusing the hell out of me, too."

"How am I confusing you?"

"I don't know, you just are," JC sighed and walked over to where Justin was standing on the porch. Justin sat down and JC walked over and sat down next to him. "Justin. I am so sorry."

"I know," Justin said looking over at him.

"I just... I don't know. I guess that like..." JC sighed. "If she was your girlfriend you'd forget about..."

"What?"

"If she was your girlfriend that would leave no time for us."

"I don't want her to be my girlfriend," Justin laughed. "Where'd you get that I wanted her to be my girlfriend?"

"You said so yourself."

"When was that? ‘Cause I don't think I said that."

"When we were online."

Justin sighed and shook his head. "I did say that... but I didn't really want her to be my girlfriend."

JC looked at him strangely.

Justin laughed. "I was gonna have her pretend to be my girlfriend in front of my mom." JC shook his head.

"What a pretend boyfriend isn't enough for you?"

Justin smiled wide and shook his head no.

"You're too much."

"You really don't want to be my boyfriend anymore?" Justin pouted and moved a little closer to JC and laid his head on his shoulder.

"Well... I was a little loud. I think Britney knows that we're really not together."

Justin shrugged.

"You know I have a pounding headache because of you."

"I'm sorry."

"You should be."

"And I am."

"I know." Justin smiled and nuzzled his nose on JC's shoulder almost his neck. They just sat there for a few minutes until the front door opened and the screen door creaked and someone walked out.

"You two okay?" Britney asked and came and sat down on the other side of Justin.

"Yeah." Justin nodded. "Except for my killer headache."

Britney grinned. "So you guys really weren't together?"

Justin shook his head. "Nope. But we were good actors huh?"

"A little too good. A little scary," Britney laughed.

Justin nodded.

"So you're not gonna do the joke anymore?" Britney asked and her brother was just pulling up in front of the house.

"Well it's only you that knows... so maybe we'll fool everyone else. You can’t tell Christina."

"I won't," Britney sighed and stood up and brushed her skirt off. "I'll see you guys at school tomorrow. She hugged Justin and waved to them before walking down the driveway and then got into the car.

"So we're still gonna continue the joke?"

"I don't know. It was fun fooling everyone."

Justin smiled.

JC shrugged. "I better go. My parents are gonna be wondering where the hell I went," JC laughed.

"Okay." Justin nodded.

"I'm sorry, again."

"I know you are. You can stop saying that."

"I just want you to know that I am."

"And I do know," Justin laughed.

"Okay." JC smiled. "Come here." JC pulled Justin into a hug. Justin buried his face in the crook of JC's neck as he hugged him back.

"And just so you know... you'll always come before Brit," he whispered just loud enough for JC to hear him.

Part 17

2006-04-02T23:50:02Z

Justin and Britney walked into the detention room with JC following them in.

"Ouch, what happened to you?" The teacher said.

Justin looked behind him and pointed to JC.

"Where are your blazers?" He asked looking at Britney and Justin.

"Our lockers," Britney said.

"You're supposed to have them on for detention."

"We weren't planning on getting detention," Justin mumbled.

"You two go to the nurse and get something for that eye and then go, I presume upstairs and get your blazers. Quickly. Have the nurse write me a pass."

They nodded and walked out of the room.

*****

"Thanks." Justin smiled weakly as he put the ice to his eye, wincing when he placed it there.

"You okay?" Britney asked looking at Justin.

Justin nodded.

"What possessed him to punch you?"

"I don't know." Justin sighed.

"You want me to just go and get our blazers. Can you see okay?"

"No, I need to go. I don't want to be locked in the same room for three hours longer then I have to. And yeah I can see. It's a little blurry in my right eye, but I can see."

"Do you want me to talk to him?"

"NO!" Justin yelled quickly.

"Okay, okay. I won't. I thought it would help."

"Thanks. But no. I don't know what the hell his problem is."

"I still can't believe he did that."

"You're telling me. My mom hates him to begin with. She's gonna love this."

"Don't worry about it." Britney smiled a little at him as she walked to her locker and he walked to his.

*****

Britney and Justin walked back into their detention room.

"Sit down please," the teacher said and they nodded.

JC looked up at Justin’s face and immediately put his head down.

"Separate," he said.

Britney and Justin were heading for two seats in the back of the room right near each other. They sat down away from each other.

JC pulled out a piece of paper and then his pen.

Justin, I am so sorry. You have no idea how sorry I am. I didn't mean to hit you at all. You have to believe me. I would never do anything to hurt you intentionally. I can't believe I did that to you. I was just pissed. But I am so sorry. You don't have to write back to this, just PLEASE meet me outside after this, please. We need to talk. Ok?
-Josh

JC folded the paper quietly and sloppily and then looked to see if the teacher was looking, and when he noticed that he wasn't he threw the paper, which hit Justin's side.

Justin looked over at JC and he pointed down to the piece of paper next to Justin's desk. Justin shook his head.

"Please read it," JC whispered.

Justin just picked it up and shoved it in his pocket, with no intention of reading it at the moment.

*****

About an hour later Justin took the note out of his pocket and read it.

He looked over at JC. He was scribbling in his notebook. Justin looked back at the note and then re-read it before he shoved it back into his pocket. Justin looked over at JC again, but he wasn't looking at him.

Justin snapped his fingers to try to get JC's attention.

JC looked over at Justin and Justin nodded but it wasn't a happy nod.

*****

Two and a half-hours later, Britney, Justin and JC walked out of detention.

"Brit, I need to go to my locker, come with me," Justin said pulling her over towards him.

"I have to go up there, too," Britney said to him in a tone that was like ‘duh me too’.

"Shh... read this while we're walking."

"JC?" Britney asked looking at Justin.

He nodded.

She opened it and read it. After she finished reading it she looked over at Justin who was in a daze. "So what are you gonna do?"

"I don't know. Do you think I should talk to him? Or do you think I should punch him back?" Justin said sarcastically touching his swollen eye, which was now giving him a really bad headache. It felt worse then the hangover he had a month ago.

"Justin..."

"What? My best friend just gave me a fucking black eye. You’d be pissed to."

"My best friend wouldn't give me a black eye. He doesn't hit girls," Britney laughed grabbing onto Justin's arm but he pushed her away.

"Ow! I can't even roll my eyes at you."

"Good!" Britney said and walked to her locker. "I'm gonna call Bryan and have him pick us up," she said as she opened her locker.

"Okay," Justin agreed doing the same.

*****

"So you gonna talk to him?" Britney asked as they were walking out of the school.

Justin shrugged.

"Better think quick he's coming over here." Britney motioned to the left where JC was walking over with his backpack hanging off his left shoulder.

"Justin, come here," JC said. "Brit, can you go over there?" JC pointed to a pay phone that was about seven feet away from where they were.

They sat down on the cemented bench that was freezing from the cold.

"Justin, I'm sorry."

Justin didn't say anything he just stared at the ground and kicked a bottle cap that was lying right by his foot.

"I really am."

Justin just looked the other way.

"Justin."

"What?" Justin yelled. He didn't know if he meant to or not.

"I didn't mean to hit you." JC moved his hand to Justin's face and brushed his thumb over his cheek right underneath his eye that he had punched.

Justin pushed his hand away. "Don't touch me!" Justin yelled standing up.

"Justin, how many times can I say sorry?" He meant it to be a rhetorical question, he didn't expect Justin to answer him.

"Until you mean it."

"What? I do mean it."

"Yeah, right. You couldn't even tell me why you were mad at me when I didn't do anything to you."

"I'm not mad at you anymore."

"You were before."

JC stood up in front of him.

"And I'm sorry about that too."

"I'm sorry, too."

"What are you sorry about?"

Justin walked a little closer to JC.

"For ever being your friend!" Justin yelled and pushed JC hard and catching him off guard which made him fall backwards onto the bench.

Britney watched from over there when she saw her mom's car coming around the bend and into the parking lot.

"Justin!" Britney yelled. He turned around and looked towards her. "My brother's here."

Justin nodded and then turned back to look at JC. He shook his head and then walked over to where Britney was and got into the car.

JC just watched the car go by.

*****

"Justin, you okay?" Britney asked as she turned in the front seat to look at Justin.

Justin shook his head.

"I'm sorry, Jus."

"What are you sorry for?" Justin voice cracked, he was on the verge of tears, but refused to do it in front of Britney and her brother.

"I don't know... I just know how much JC means to you," Britney said with her eyes. She wasn't sure if Justin wanted her brother to know about anything. "You love him?" She whispered.

"No."

"You did though?"

Justin shook his head no. "When you get home call me and I'll tell you everything," Justin said quietly and leaned his head up against the glass of the window and just watched and thought.

Part 16

2006-04-02T23:46:29Z

"And now he's not even sitting over here," Justin said looking over at the table where JC was sitting in the senior section with Chris and Joey.

"Are you guys like breaking up?" Britney asked.

Justin shrugged his shoulders.

"Maybe you should go over and talk to him."

Justin shook his head no and looked over to JC and the rest of his other friends. They were laughing.

*****

"Why aren't you sitting over there with you're boyfriend?" Chris teased.

"Yeah... you never sit over here," Joey reminded him.

"Boyfriend? What boyfriend? He's not my boyfriend," JC said looking over at the table where he usually sat.

"What? I thought you were with him?" Joey asked, a little confused.

"No." JC shook his head.

"Why'd you say that you were?" Chris continued.

JC shrugged.

"Did you guys break up or something?"

"Just drop it, okay. I don't wanna talk about it."

Chris and Joey looked at each other and nodded.

*****

"I'll be back. I'm gonna go over there and try talking to him," Justin said.

Britney nodded.

Justin stood up and walked towards the senior section of the cafeteria towards the table where JC was sitting. "Josh, can we talk?"

"No," JC said never looking up at Justin.

"Please?"

"There's nothing to talk about. Leave. I'm trying to eat lunch and talk with my friends."

"I don't even know what I did to get you pissed at me."

"Justin, just go away."

"Josh!"

"No, fuck, Justin, get away from me."

"Two times in one day Mr. Chasez?" A teacher asked.

JC sighed.

"Sorry, Mr. Butera," JC apologized bowing his head.

"You're lucky you're in the cafeteria or you'd have another detention."

"Yes, sir."

"Do you have something against the underclassmen or something?"

"No."

"Seems that way," Mr. Butera said and walked away.

"Later," JC said to Chris and Joey, pushing pass Justin and walking to the back of the cafeteria and then out the doors.

Justin swallowed the lump in his throat and walked back over to the table by Britney and sat back down.

"Christina just came in here and she said that JC got detention," Britney laughed. "He told her to fuck off," Britney whispered and then laughed again. "So what happened?"

"Nothing, nothing happened. He's still pissed at me. And I don’t know why!" Justin yelled.

"I still think he's jealous."

"Britney, he's not jealous. There's no reason for him to be jealous."

"But he..."

"Brit, he's not... and now I have to spend the last two periods with him, at the same lab table. I'm not gonna make it."

*****

"Are you gonna tell me what the hell your problem is?" Justin asked throwing his books down on the table and sitting down on the stool next to JC.

"No," JC said opening his notebook and grabbing Justin's.

Justin slapped his hand and took his notebook back. "You're not copying my answers. At least not until you tell me what your freaking problem is."

"Fine," JC said closing his notebook.

Justin shook his head and slammed his book down on the table as the teacher walked in and the bell rang.

*****

Justin opened his notebook and ripped a piece of paper out quietly and took his pen out of his pocket and started writing.

Will you please just tell me what the hell I did? Cause I really don't think I did anything.

Justin wrote and threw the paper down in front of JC.

JC read it and grabbed Justin's pen out of his hand.

you know damn well what you did.

JC wrote and threw the paper and pen at him.

NO I DON'T!!

Well you should!

Can you just tell me and stop being a baby

NO!

AHHH!
Please!

No. You should know what you did.

Well I don't.

Sucks for you then

Why are you acting like this?

I'm not

Yes you are

Justin, will you stop writing me notes?

No I want an answer!!

Well you’re not getting one

Will you stop being an asshole?

JC looked over at Justin and crumpled the note and stuffed it in his pocket.

Justin rolled his eyes and shook his head.

*****

Britney walked over to Justin's locker after she got her things packed at the end of the day.

"So. How'd it go?" Britney asked.

"Asshole," Justin said throwing his books in the bottom of his locker.

"What?"

"JC's an asshole. A big fucking asshole."

"You don't mean that, Justin," Britney said. She couldn't believe those words had just come out of his mouth.

"Yeah, I do. And yes, he is."

"Look," Britney said pointing down the hallway.

Justin grunted, closing his locker and throwing his backpack down. Justin walked towards JC.

"JC?"

JC stopped and looked at him.

"Are you gonna tell me what the hell your problem is?"

"Get away from me," JC said.

"JC! I want to know what I did."

"And I said that you should know."

"I don't, okay?"

"Justin, just move okay," JC said trying to walk around Justin.

Justin moved so that JC couldn't get passed him.

"Justin, move."

Britney watched from the same spot she was at by Justin's locker.

"No, not until you tell me."

"I'm gonna be late for detention."

"Too bad."

"MOVE!" JC pushed Justin out of the way.

Justin glared at him and then pushed him back to where he was.

"Stop it." JC went to move again.

"Guys, stop!" Britney yelled running over to where they were.

"Not until you tell me," Justin said ignoring Britney.

"I said move out of my way!" JC yelled.

"GUYS STOP NOW!" Britney yelled again but they were still ignoring her.

"No." JC clenched his fist.

"Tell me!" Justin yelled back.

JC pushed pass Justin and shoved him hard.

Justin pushed him against the wall holding him against the wall with both hands. "Tell me!" Justin yelled again and JC's fist came up and hit Justin hard right above the eye. Justin let go of his hold on JC.

"JC!" Britney screamed and went over to where Justin was on the floor. Justin pushed her away causing her to fall onto the floor. He stood up and went to swing at JC when a teacher who was coming out of the classroom right there saw and grabbed Justin by the back of his shirt.

"What is going on?" He yelled. "Britney? You know."

She looked up the see her English teacher standing there holding the back of Justin's shirt still. She stood up, but didn't say anything.

"What's his name?" He asked pointing to JC.

"Joshua," Britney whispered.

JC glared at Britney.

"Joshua what?"

"Chasez," she said.

JC shook his head.

"And him?" He asked motioning with his head to Justin.

"Justin. Justin Timberlake."

“Did he do that to him?” He asked looking at Justin's swelling eye.

Britney nodded.

"All three of you. My room now." He let go of Justin's shirt and Justin glared at JC before walking into the classroom.

*****

"Mr. Smith?" Britney asked.

"What?" he asked.

"Can I call my mom?"

"No the school will notify all your parents," Mr. Smith said sitting down in his desk. "Here. I suppose you all get down there before you're late." He handed all three of them detention slips.

"I have one today," JC said looking at the paper.

"Then they'll reschedule it for another day."

JC sighed and nodded and walked out the door.

Part 15

2006-04-02T20:58:52Z

Justin walked into school the next morning. The bell had already rung to get to their lockers. He was running a little late. He had missed the bus so his mom had to drive him.

When he got to his locker Britney was standing not to far away from it talking with Christina.

"Hey!" Justin yelled and got their attention.

"Hey," they both said at the same time and Britney walked over. "What's JC's problem today?" Britney asked leaning up against the locker next to Justin's while he got his stuff together.

"I don't know I haven't seen him at all today yet."

"I said hi to him and he didn't say anything he just gave me this really nasty look."

"I don't know. I have Spanish with him first period so I'll see what's up."

"Okay, ‘cause I don't want my best friend's boyfriend mad at me."

Justin rolled his eyes as he took his Spanish dictionary that he needed for class as the bell rang.

"I'll talk to you at lunch," Justin said.

Britney nodded and he walked to Spanish. He didn't need to get in trouble by his teacher again for being late.

On his way to class it dawned on him that JC never came to his locker before they went to class, and he always waited for him.

"Josh, you didn't wait for me this morning," Justin said as he got into the classroom and sat down in his desk behind JC.

JC was copying the homework from the girl that sat next to him.

"Josh."

"I'm doing something," JC said in an annoyed tone.

JC continued to copy down what the girl had written.

"Why are you copying hers? She's lucky she knows what tocar means," Justin laughed.

JC didn't say anything, he just continued to write.

"Josh, what's your problem. Britney said that you were like this in the cafeteria, why were you mean to her and ignoring me?"

"Justin, will you just shut up. I want to get this done before Miss Kelly comes in."

"Okay. Tell me when you're done."

*****

"Josh, wait for me," Justin said as the bell rang and JC was eagerly waiting to get out of Spanish class.

"I have to get to class," JC said.

"But you always walk me to math."

"Walk yourself. You're a big boy."

"But I like when you walk me to class. And Christina's in my class."

"Justin, I can't be late." JC pushed passed him and walked out of the room.

*****

"What's wrong with you?" Christina asked.

"Just leave me alone," Justin said walking over to the other side of the room to his seat. Christina followed him.

"You look upset what's wrong?"

"I said leave me alone."

"You don't have to get all pissy at me."

"I'm sorry okay, I think Josh is mad at me."

"Oh! No wonder you're upset."

"We've never been mad at each other before."

"Did you guys break up or something?"

Justin shrugged.

"I'm sorry."

Justin smiled a little. "I don't even know why he's even mad at me. I didn't do anything."

"Don't let it get you upset, Justin. When you see him talk to him."

"Thanks, Chris."

"No problem, Jus. But I gotta go to my seat now."

Justin nodded as their Math teacher walked into the room.

*****

"Britney, he won't talk to me at all. He is totally avoiding me," Justin said pouting.

"Why?"

"I don't know!"

"Maybe he's just having a bad day or something."

"But he wouldn't ignore me."

"I don't know. Maybe he just wants to be left alone."

"Yeah but his other friends were around him and he didn't care."

"When was the last time you talked to him?"

"Last night. We were talking online."

"Did he seem mad at you then?"

"No, I was just teasing him about actually doing homework."

"Maybe that pissed him off."

"No, that wouldn't get him pissed. I do it all the time."

"Maybe he doesn't think you're joking."

"No. He knows I am."

"What else did you guys talk about?"

"Nothing, he kept telling me to hold on."

"Maybe that's why. Maybe you were annoying him."

"He wouldn't do that. He wouldn't be pissed like he is. He'd just tell me that I was pissing him off."

"Well maybe that was when you were just friends."

"That doesn't have anything to do with it."

"Well there has to be some reason. Are you sure you guys didn't talk about anything else?"

"Oh, well we did talk about you."

"Me? What about me?"

"Well I started to tell him about you and me and about pretending to be together, and then he signed off."

"Oh my God! Jus, no wonder!"

"What?"

"He's jealous... that's cute."

"He wouldn't be jealous."

"Come on walk and talk," Britney said pulling Justin towards the lunchroom. "Why wouldn't you think he'd be jealous? I mean you're his boyfriend and you want me to pretend to be your girlfriend. I'd be jealous too if I was him."

"But me and him..." Justin stopped himself.

"You and him what?"

"Nothing," Justin sighed and they both walked into the kitchen of the cafeteria to get their food. JC was just leaving. "Josh."

JC turned around and saw Justin and Britney and then just walked out.

Part 14

2006-04-02T20:32:31Z

"What?" Britney practically gasped into the phone.

"I said… do you want to be my girlfriend?" Justin asked again.

"I heard you but I don't understand."

"Please?"

"You have totally confused me now."

"Well I told my mom that me and JC are together and she flipped. So then I told her I was kidding. And then I told her that I was making you jealous."

"What?"

"Are you that stupid?"

"Maybe..."

"I don't really want you to be my girlfriend. I just want you to pretend to be my girlfriend. Do you understand that?"

"Yeah, but in front of who?"

"Like my mom... but not yet. I told her I liked you."

"I... guess I could do that."

"Well you really wouldn't have to do anything really. Just kind of a warning to you, so you know why my mom is all sweet to you."

"But your mom is always sweet to me."

"Yeah, I know, that's the problem."

"Ha ha... very funny."

"I know I am," Justin laughed. "So you're gonna help me?"

"Yeah. Anything to keep you and JC together. You guys are so cute. The way you were sitting in his lap. It made me just want to take a picture."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah."

"All the hott ones are gay," Britney sighed. "Me and Christina were just talking about that on the phone."

"Sucks for you."

"Yeah... I know. I'll never get you and Christina will never get JC."

"Christina likes JC?"

"Oh crap. Jus, you can't tell her that you know. She'd kill me."

"I won't say anything."

"You better not."

"Britney, I won't say anything to her."

"You can't tell JC either."

"Why not? I tell him everything."

"Because then she'd really kill me."

"Fine."

"Okay, Justin, I'll see you tomorrow at school I gotta eat dinner now."

"Okay, see ya."

"Bye." Justin hung up the phone and then walked out of his room and into the room that had the computer. He figured that JC would online about now. He turned on the computer and waited for it to load. After it loaded he signed on to AOL.

He smiled when he saw JC's screen name on his buddy list.

Stinks31: Hey
Leo88: hold on 1 minute i need to finish getting the iformation i need for that stupid essay
Stinks31: if i must
Leo88: yes you must now hold on!
Stinks31: fine i'll just talk to you while your not here then
Stinks31: well just so you know i talked to britney
Stinks31: I'll tell you what happened when your done with your hw
Stinks31: which shocks the hell out of me by the way that you are doing it.
Leo88: Justin i said hold on the stupid IM noise is pissing me off
Stinks31: then mute it
Leo88: you should be proud i'm doing my own homework
Stinks31: you're only doing your own essays because i'm not in 11th grade history
Leo88: that's not true
Stinks31: yes it is
Stinks31: you use me to get good grades
Leo88: yeah ok....but can you please let me finish this
Stinks31: yeah...call me later i have to go eat dinner in like 5 minutes anyway
Leo88: wait just tell me what happened really quick
Stinks31: oh now you want to know
Stinks31: i don't think i want to tell you now.
Leo88: can you just please tell me
Stinks31: ok ok...well i asked Britney to be my girlfriend
Stinks31: hello? I thought you wanted to know
Stinks31: ok josh...stop doing your hw
Stinks31: Josh?
Stinks31: JC?
Leo88 has signed off at 6:26 P.M

Part 13

2006-04-02T20:28:13Z

Justin and Lynn walked into the house. His two little brothers were in the living room watching some cartoon.

"Thanks, Aimee." Lynn smiled.

"No problem. Stephen and Jon got along this time," Aimee told her.

"That's a change."

Aimee laughed. "Yeah it was nice to not have to tell Jon to stop picking on Stephen."

"Yeah, I feel like that's all I'm ever saying. Let me go and get my purse."

"No, don't worry about it."

"You sure?"

"Yes I'm positive. You know I'd baby-sit any time for them."

Lynn smiled graciously as Aimee walked out of the house.

*****

Justin grabbed the cordless phone from the living room and went upstairs to his room. He closed the door behind him and dialed JC's number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Karen, can I talk to Josh?" Justin asked.

"Is everything okay? Josh was worried about you," Karen said.

"Yeah, everything's fine."

"Okay. I‘m glad to hear that. Hold on one minute." Karen told him and then yelled for her son. "Josh, pick up the phone. It's Justin."

"Okay mom got it." JC yelled back down to his mother and picked the phone up.

Karen hung up the other phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey."

"So what happened? Is everything okay?"

"I told my mom."

"And?"

"She knows that you and me aren't together."

"So you're not getting kicked out?" JC teased.

"No." Justin smirked.

"Good."

"Yeah."

"So what else did she say?"

"Well nothing really, but I told her about the joke."

JC laughed. "Uh oh, what she say to that?"

"Nothing, but I kind of told her that I did it because I wanted to make Britney jealous. And I told her that I liked her."

"Justin..."

"What? What was I suppose to tell her? She'd love to hear the real reason. I can just see her face. ‘Mom, the reason why Josh and me are pretending to be boyfriends is because our friends have this idea that we really are together.’ Yeah that would work."

"Lying to your mother isn't nice."

"Shut up."

"So what are you gonna tell Britney?"

"Why do I have to tell Britney anything?"

"I don't know."

"Should I?"

"You might want to tell her something, what if your mom tells her or something, you know how your mom is. And she wouldn't really understand because she thinks you're GAY!"

"Okay, okay. No need to yell. Everyone's doing that to me today."

"Oh, you poor baby."

"Don't roll your eyes and use that tone with me."

"What are you talking about?" JC laughed.

"I know that tone. So stop."

"I suggest you call Britney and tell her something and then call me back later or I'll talk to you online ‘cause I have to look up something for US History."

"Okay. I'll talk to you later."

"Bye."

"Bye." Justin hung up the phone with JC and then dialed Britney's number.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Bryan, it's Justin."

"Hold on, Justin." Bryan told Justin. "Britney, it's your boyfriend."

"He is not my boyfriend."

"Maybe if you say that enough you'll believe it."

"He's not my boyfriend. Trust me."

"Whatever you say," Bryan said closing the door to his sister's room.

"Hey, Justin, you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"You sure? You didn't look okay when you were at my house."

"Oh, well I'm better now."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"You wanna be my girlfriend?"

Part 12

2006-04-02T18:11:24Z

"Justin, I told you not to go and see him!" Lynn yelled as they were pulling out of JC's driveway.

Justin just sat there and looked out the window, not saying a word.

"I told you that I didn't want you to see him."

"Mom. Can you ever just listen to me?" Justin yelled.

"Don't yell at me."

"Well you're yelling at me and you need to know."

"What do I need to know?"

"That I'm not really gay or with JC."

"You said you were."

"You wouldn't believe me when I said I wasn't. What was I supposed to do? I was just getting so pissed that you weren't listening to me."

"So you're not with Joshua?"

"Why are you calling him Joshua?"

"I don't know. So you're not?"

"No. I'm not."

"What about you crying when you had to leave his house?"

"I was scared that you and Paul were gonna kick me out because you thought I was and you wouldn't listen to me before."

"I would never kick you out."

"Paul would," Justin mumbled.

"And if he did I'd kick him out."

"Really?"

"Yes. Justin, you're my son, and you come before him."

Justin didn't say anything.

"Did you really think that I'd put what he said before you?"

Justin nodded.

"Well I wouldn't."

Justin nodded again.

"Then what about me seeing you on top of him?"

"I told you I was waking him up. Every time I was talking to him he would close his eyes."

"Oh okay. Then what about Paul seeing you and him cuddling on the couch?"

"We weren't cuddling."

"He said you two looked pretty comfortable."

"We fell asleep that way."

"Justin, why would you fall asleep like that?"

"Do you want to know the truth?"

"Yeah, that would be nice," Lynn said pulling into their driveway.

"Me and Josh decided that we'd play a joke on Britney and pretend that me and him were boyfriends."

"And what does that have to do with sleeping like that when Britney wasn't even at our house?"

"Mom, will you let me finish?"

"Yes. Go ahead," Lynn said.

"'Cause I wouldn't be used to or want him to touch me, you know. So we're watching TV and so he told me to put his head on his chest just for practice, and then we fell asleep and we never moved."

"Uh... but why would you want to make Britney think that you and JC are together, I don't understand."

"Well... I wanted to make her jealous."

"Jealous?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

"Mom."

"Come on, Justin, you can tell me."

"Because I like her."

"But how would making her think you were with another boy make her jealous."

"I don't know. It was the only thing I could think of at the time."

"Why don't you just ask her out?"

"Because she's too hung up on Wade."

"Wade? Who's that?"

"Oh he's a freshmen. You should see her when he comes over to the table to talk to her. It makes me sick."

Lynn laughed. "You've known her for a long time. You two have always been best friends. And you know what they say, best friends make the best lovers."

Justin nodded before getting out of the car and waiting for his mom.

"Remember that."

Part 11

2006-04-02T18:08:53Z

Justin stared and stared and stared at the object he was holding in his hands until he heard footsteps running up the stairs.

"Shit," Justin whispered and threw the object back under the pillow.

"Hey, Jus, sorry it took so long. Heather had to stop and chat with all her friends," JC said rolling his eyes walking all the way into his room and sitting down on the bed next to Justin. "So are you better now?"

"Uh... yeah."

"Good, cause I was worried about you." JC put his hand on Justin's knee and Justin backed away from the touch. "Justin, I'm sorry about kissing your head before ok. I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable."

"You're... you're not."

"Yes, I am. When we were at Britney's you were practically sitting in my lap and now you won't let me touch you."

"Then what's this?" Justin asked putting his hand back under the pillow and taking out what he had found earlier.

JC started laughing.

"It's a box of condoms and picture of you."

"I know what it is, but why?"

JC continued to laugh.

"I don't think this is funny."

"Jus, I was gonna put it in my wallet and show Britney and them somehow at school somehow. You know, make it look more real."

"Then why were you hiding it under your pillow?"

"Oh I don't know, annoying snoopy little brother and sister and a mom that likes to clean too much."

Justin laughed.

"What'd you think I really wanted you or something?"

"Yeah, you kind of scared me there."

JC shook his head, and his little brother came in the room.

"Josh, Justin's mom's here," Tyler said and then walked out of the room.

JC looked over at Justin.

"What am I gonna do?" Justin asked.

"You're gonna go downstairs."

"No."

"Justin, you can't hide in my room. My mom knows that you're here... she's gonna tell yours that you are."

"No."

"Jus, come on, we have to go downstairs."

"Josh, no please."

"Justin, come on, and stop. You don't want your mom seeing you crying do you?"

"I'm not going downstairs."

"You can't hide out at my house forever."

"And why not?"

"Because you just can't. Now come on," JC said pulling Justin out of the room.

"Josh, I don't want to get kicked out," Justin whimpered.

"Shh, it'll be okay. You're not gonna get kicked out."

"My mom won't even listen to me. And she's gonna be even more pissed because I'm here and I wasn't supposed to ever see you again," Justin whimpered again.

"Come here." JC pulled Justin towards him and into a hug. "You could always move in with Britney. You know she would love it." JC could tell that Justin was smiling and he was happy about that. "But seriously, Jus, come on."

Justin sighed. He knew JC was right.

*****

JC and Justin walked into the kitchen living room where both of their mothers were standing. Justin was in back of JC, almost hiding himself.

"Justin," His mother said.

Justin stepped out from behind JC.

"Lets go. Now."

Part 10

2006-04-02T18:05:34Z

"You kissed me... you kissed me," Justin said starring at JC unbelievingly.

"All I did was kiss the top of your oh so natural curls of yours," JC said, not seeing the big deal in what he did.

"But you kissed me."

"It's not like I threw you against the wall and shoved my tongue down your throat."

"Yeah, but you still kissed me!"

"Okay... Justin, I'm sorry."

Justin nodded and they walked into JC's house.

*****

"Hey, Josh, Honey, I'm so glad you just got home. Would you be able to go and pick Heather up from school?" Karen asked.

JC groaned. "Mom, I just got back from that dreadful place."

"Honey, please."

"Fine," JC sighed just as the phone rang and Karen picked it up. "Jus, you wanna come with me to get Heath, or do you wanna wait here?"

"Can I wait here?" Justin asked.

"Josh, its Joey."

"Yeah, you can stay here," JC said to Justin and took the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, dork."

"Hey, Joey."

"What's wrong with you?"

"Nothing, I just walked in the door and I have to go pick up my sister from school."

"Oh... and why didn't you tell me that you were fucking Timberlake."

"Where did you hear that?"

"School."

"What?"

"Yeah, it's getting around."

"How?"

"I don't know… nothing to be ashamed of. We're all accepting."

"Fuck you."

"Joshua, watch your mouth!" Karen yelled.

"Sorry."

"Sorry for what?"

"Not you, Joe. I was talking to my mom."

"Oh, well Chris said that he was gonna give you a hard time tomorrow in school." Joey laughed.

"He knows!"

"Yeah."

"The whole freaking school's gonna know."

"Probably."

"So why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"I can't talk right now, I need to go pick my sister up. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Just run from the subject."

"I'm not running from the subject… I gotta go my mom's yelling at me."

"Okay, later."

"Bye." JC hung up the phone and put it down on the table. "Jus, you sure you want to stay here?"

"Yeah."

"Okay, you can go into my room if you want."

Justin nodded.

"Okay then. You know where it is, and I'll see you later."

Justin nodded again.

"Mom, I'm going. Justin's gonna stay here."

"Okay. And thanks, honey."

JC smiled at his mom and then walked to the front door.

*****

Justin walked into JC's room and closed the door slightly behind him. He's been in this room a million times before, but for some reason this time it felt awkward. Maybe because he was in there when JC wasn't even in the house. It just didn't feel the same.

He walked to the bed and sat down. He looked around, everything seemed to be the same. He noticed that JC had gotten a DVD player in his room, but that couldn't have been what was bothering him.

Justin leaned back and stared at the ceiling. He really didn't even know why he had even stayed. He just needed to think about what he was gonna do about his mom and his step-father. He still didn't even know why he did tell his mom that.

He closed his eyes and sighed. He turned onto his side and put his hand under the pillow to get more comfortable.

He felt something. He opened his eyes and pulled it out.

Part 9 added a change

2006-04-02T17:42:18Z

Justin ran down the block and then down the next one. He stopped running when he got to the driveway, he walked up the driveway and rang the doorbell. Someone opened the door.

"I'm sorry, honey, Britney's not home yet."

"Mrs. Spears, can I come in?" Justin asked.

"Is everything okay?"

"Not really, me and my mom just got into a fight." They heard a car door and Justin walked to the door seeing Britney getting out of the car. Justin ran out to the car right before JC was gonna pull out of the driveway.

"Justin, what are you doing here?" JC asked.

"I need to talk to you," Justin whispered.

"What's wrong?"

"You guys could come in you know," Britney said.

Justin nodded and opened the door for JC. Justin grabbed JC's hand and they walked into Britney's house.

*****

"Are you gonna tell me what happened?" JC asked.

Justin looked over at Britney.

"Do you want me to leave my own room?" Britney asked.

Justin nodded.

"Okay," Britney sighed and then walked out of her room closing the door behind her.

"Justin, what's wrong? Please tell me?" JC asked again.

"My mom."

"What about her?"

"I told her that I am gay and that we really are together and that you and me were fucking at my house."

"What? Why would you say that?"

"Because she wouldn't believe me that we're not."

"But now she's really not gonna like me."

"She hates you. She said that I'm not allowed to see you."

JC sighed.

"I don't care what she says or thinks. You're my best friend. There's nothing more and if I want to see you I will."

"I don't know what to say, Justin, I don't think you should have said that to her."

"Can I stay at your house?"

"What?"

"Can I just go back to your house for a little while?"

"What, and have your mom hate me even more? I don't think so."

"Well I can't go back there. At least not right now. And then Paul is gonna go insane on me."

"Jus, you can't."

"Josh, please. I can't go back there right now," Justin whispered. "Please."

"Justin."

"Please?"

"Justin, calm down," JC said and moved closer to Justin and wrapped an arm around him. "Why don't you ask Britney if you can stay here?"

"No, I want to be with you right now."

Britney opened the door.

"You guys okay?" Britney asked.

Justin just moved closer to JC.

"What happened?"

"Nothing, Brit, don't worry about it," JC said.

"Did you guys break up or something?"

"No." JC shook his head.

"Oh, well my mom wanted me to find out if you guys are staying for dinner," Britney said. "So are you?" Justin picked his head up and looked at JC.

"Josh, please can I go to your house?" Justin whispered. "Please?"

"Jus."

"Josh, please!"

"Are you sure he's okay?"

Justin stood up.

"No, I'm not okay,” Justin snapped. “Josh, will you please just let me go to your house."

JC nodded.

"Good, let's go."

"I take that as a no for staying for dinner."

JC nodded and him and Justin stood up and they walked to the door.

Britney stopped JC. "Call me later and tell that he's okay."

"I will, Brit."

*****

"Justin, are you sure you're okay?" JC asked as they were driving back to JC's house.

"No," Justin whispered.

"Jus, you're getting yourself worked up for nothing."

"Josh, it's not nothing."

"Yes it is."

"My parents think that I am gay and that I'm with you and Paul is always saying how it's wrong. He's gonna throw me out of the house."

"Then tell them the truth."

"They won't believe me."

"Yeah they will."

"They wouldn't believe me when I tried to tell my mom that I wasn't."

JC shrugged his shoulders.

"What makes you think that they're gonna believe me now?"

"I don't know," JC sighed. "I still don't think you should have said that you were and that we were really together, I mean what if..."

"I don't care."

"Justin."

"Let them think that. I don't care."

"You don't mean that."

"What if I really was gay and we were together, that's the way she would treat me?"

"I don't know, Justin."

"You're the one that's supposed to know everything."

"Since when? You’re the one in most of my classes and I’m supposed to be a senior."

"Not school stuff… Just stuff. Since... always."

"When did you come to that conclusion?"

"I don't know. You just always seem to figure everything out for me," Justin said looking over to JC. "You just help me figure out everything that goes on in my twisted head."

"That's because your perms too tight."

"HEY!"

"What? It's the truth."

"Is not."

"Is too."

"Shut up. My hair is not permed."

"Keep telling yourself that," JC said pulling into the driveway.

Justin put his arms over his chest and stuck his bottom lip out in his infamous pout. Justin opened the car door still pouting.

"My hair is not permed."

"Jeez, Jus, take a joke," JC laughed and pulled Justin into a hug and kissed his head.

"You... you... you... just kissed me."

Part 8 added change

2006-04-02T17:35:25Z

I live in NY. I'm basing this on semi real people and my now old high school. ( 2 years out.... scary! ) And in New York you can't get your liscense until you're seventeen... then, now I think it's 18. I know you can't get your permit until you're seventeen. So JC is now 17 and a Junior... instead of 16 and a junior (the next chapter will explain why... because I didn't change his birthday ) lol

"Why didn't you call me yesterday?" Justin asked when JC walked over to the table in the cafeteria Monday morning.

"I did!" JC said sitting down next to Justin.

"No you didn't. The only one that called was Lance."

"I called six times. First time I called you were in the shower, the next four times your mom said that you were too busy and then the last time I called you were sleeping. So you never called me. You never returned my phone calls."

"She never told me that you called. She never told me anything."

"I think your mom hates me."

"Well I hate my mother."

"You don't hate your mom."

"Right now I do."

JC shook his head.

"She made me clean my room, the basement, and then the garage."

"Aww! Poor baby."

"Six more days till my birthday!" Britney squealed jumping up and down in front of the table where JC and Justin were sitting.

"Yay!" Justin said unenthusiastically.

"Oh, come on! I'm gonna be fifteen." Britney jumped again.

"And I'm gonna be sixteen next month." Justin smiled. "And Josh is already seventeen," Justin laughed.

"Shut up!" Britney pouted.

"So when's the party again?"

"Saturday!"

"Britney, stop bouncing," JC said pushing Britney down into a chair.

"Five days!" Britney said looking at JC and Justin. "So what'd the happy couple do yesterday?" Britney whispered leaning over close to them.

"We didn't get to do anything." Justin pouted. "I got grounded."

"Do I want to know why?" Britney laughed.

"Oh, she just kinda caught me on top of JC Saturday morning."

"Oh god, so she knows now?"

"Yeah, now she does," Justin said sighing dramatically.

"So what does she think?" Britney asked just as the bell rung for them to go to their lockers for first period.

"Josh, meet me by my locker when you're done," Justin said and JC smiled at him and picked up his backpack as they all walked to their lockers.

*****

JC walked over to Justin's locker.

"Justin, lets go. I still need to copy that stuff," JC complained.

"God, Josh, hold on!" Justin said shoving his math book for second period in his backpack.

"What would you do if I wasn't in the same class as you?"

"I don't know... I guess I'd have to pay attention in class."

"That would be helpful." Justin rolled his eyes as he closed his locker.

*****

JC and Justin ran into their Spanish room right before the bell rang.

"Miss Kelly would have killed us if we were late again,” Justin mumbled handing JC his notebook. JC nodded and sat down in his desk and Justin in the one behind him.

"Do now is on the side board and the homework is on the front one. Get busy while I take attendance," Miss Kelly said walking over to her desk.

"Thank god she takes so long getting organized," JC whispered.

Justin rolled his eyes. "Jus, how do you say, He will have to go to the store?"

"El tenere ir la tienda," Justin said. "Accent on the last e."

"That's not right."

"Yes it is."

"Isn't tener an irregular?"

"Oh yeah... then tendre. Accent still on the e."

"And I wanted you to help me with Spanish?"

"Shut up," Justin laughed and pushed JC in the back.

*****

"Justin, I got that solo in chorale!" Britney said excitedly.

"Congratulations, babe!" Justin smiled at her as he handed the lunch lady his money.

"So where's your boyfriend?"

"He's not coming to lunch today."

"Aww. Justy won't have his man."

"Britney. Shh."

"Sorry," Britney said looking around to make sure no one heard her. "Where is he?"

"Oh just some meeting about some club thing he's in," Justin said taking a bite out of his cheeseburger.

"Hey, guys."

"Hey, Wade." Britney smiled at him and then looked down at her food.

"Hey, Brit." Wade sat down next to Britney. "Christina told me that you and Chasez finally hooked up."

"She told you!" Justin yelled.

"Yeah."

Justin slammed his hand down on the table as Wade walked away.

"She is so lucky she doesn't have lunch this period."

"What's the big deal, Jus?"

"What? I don't want the whole fucking school knowing."

"The whole school doesn't know."

"With Wade Robson knowing, everyone will."

"No they won't," Britney said, and looked up when she saw someone walking over.

"Where's C?"

"He's not here, Joey."

"Damn. I need to yell at him," Joey said.

"Why?"

"For not telling me that he was gay and fucking you."

"We are not fucking."

"Whatever, when you see you're boyfriend tell him to come find me."

"You'll see him next period in Chem."

"Oh, I wasn't planning on going. We have a quiz today."

Justin shook his head.

*****

"Thanks, Timberlake," Joey sighed slamming his books on Justin's lab table.

"What?"

"JC's not here, you made me come and now I'm gonna fail."

"I didn't make you come. You decided that on your own."

"Well you told me he was gonna be here."

"Well I thought he was. That's what he said to me."

"Mr. Fatone, take your seat," their Chemistry teacher said.

"Justin, where's Joshua? I thought I saw him this morning."

"I'm not sure Mr. Szablatz. All I know is that he had some sort of meeting thing. He told me he was gonna be here though."

Mr. Szablatz nodded.

*****

Justin stood at his locker talking to Lance, one of his other friends, while getting his stuff together. JC walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around him and squeezed him. Justin pushed him off.

"Where were you?" Justin asked closing his backpack and putting his blazer into his locker and took his jacket out.

"I had that meeting for show choir," JC said and Justin nodded.

"Bye Lance, I'll talk to you later." Justin waved to him and him and JC walked to the stairs.

"Am I driving you home?"

"No, my mom wants me to take the bus home."

"How'll she know?"

"She'll know."

"I thought I was taking you home so I said that I'd take Britney home."

"So take her home. I can't go. My mom's pissed at me as it is."

"I'm ready guys!" Britney yelled running over.

"Have fun guys. I gotta go."

"What no goodbye kiss for your boyfriend."

Justin smiled and kissed both hands and put them to both JC and Britney's cheeks.

*****

Justin walked into his house. He was greeted with his mom holding his little five-year old brother Stephen.

"You came home on the bus didn't you?" Lynn asked.

"Yes, mom I did," Justin said, throwing his backpack on the floor and taking his tie off and throwing that on the couch.

Lynn put Stephen down and he ran up the stairs.

"Good, ‘cause you know you're still grounded."

"Yes, mom, I know."

"Do not get fresh with me, Justin."

"Mom, I not. I had a bad day, I'm tired and I have a ton of homework." Justin picked up his backpack and took out a piece of paper and handed it to his mom. "It's a permission slip to go on the ski trip on January 12."

"When does this have to be in by?"

"A week from tomorrow."

"We'll decide then. I have to see how you've been."

"What? You already told me that I could go."

"Well that was before all this."

"Before all what? I haven't done anything."

"You know very well what I'm talking about."

"You don't know what you're talking about."

"Well I know what I saw and I know what Paul told me he saw."

"I'm not gay."

"Justin."

"I'm not with Josh."

"Then explain to me why you two were cuddling and why you were sitting on top of him. Sitting on top of him, Justin!"

"Ma."

"You being gay isn't what's bothering me, I'm not exactly thrilled about it, but of what you two were doing in this house."

"Mom. Listen to me. I am not gay. I am not with Josh, and I'm not doing anything in this house."

"Justin, I don't want you seeing him anymore."

"I hate you! You don't get it."

"I'm serious, Justin."

"I hate you!"

"It's your own fault."

"I HATE YOU! Fine. I am gay. Okay, and I am with Josh, and we're fucking under your roof. And you're not gonna stop me." Justin grabbed his jacket and ran out of the house.

Part 7

2006-04-02T17:04:12Z

"Do you think that we overdid it a little?" Justin asked as they were driving back to Justin's house.

"No, not really. I think the holding hands walking down the middle of the mall attracted a little too many stares but other than that—" JC said.

"This is fun messing with their heads."

"Yeah, I know."

"Can I drive again?"

"HELL NO!"

"Please?"

"NO!"

"I'm your boyfriend and you love me."

"You are not my boyfriend and I don't love you enough to let you kill us, or some innocent person that is walking on the sidewalk."

"She was not on the sidewalk!"

"Okay, one foot on the sidewalk and one on the road."

"She had… never mind," Justin said giving up.

"Maybe if we were in an unoccupied huge parking lot. Maybe and only maybe."

"Thank you, Josh!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah," JC laughed.

*****

"Justin, it's 9:30, you said you were going to Britney's and then you'd be back!” Lynn yelled. "I don't think that it should have taken you almost 9 hours to go there and come back."

"We went to the mall," Justin said simply.

"And you couldn't call?"

"I forgot."

"Oh, you forgot. Well I'm gonna forget about you telling me about how much you wanted to do this, or do that?" Lynn continued to yell.

"Mom, it's not that big of a deal."

"Justin, I want Josh to go home."

"No, I need to help him with his Spanish."

"No! He is gonna go home."

"I told him that I would to help him."

"Justin Randall."

"MOM!"

"Stop," Lynn warned.

"Then I'll go to his house."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because you're grounded."

"What? Why? I didn't do anything!"

"I don't like your attitude."

Justin shook his head and walked out of the kitchen and into the living room where JC was sitting on the couch.

"You gotta go," Justin said and walked to the door.

"I thought you were gonna help me study?" JC asked.

"I can't."

"Why are you getting nasty with me?"

"I'm not."

"Yes you are."

"I'm not!" Justin yelled and opened the door.

"Justin, what happened?"

"Nothing!"

"Fine, be mad at me," JC said and then walked out the door.

"Josh, wait," Justin said and stopped him. Justin walked out the door and closed it behind them.

"Sorry. I'm not really mad at you."

"I didn't think so, what happened?"

Justin sat down on the step and JC sat down next to him. "Nothing. Just my mom," Justin sighed. "She's grounding me for no apparent reason. She's saying that I have a bad attitude. She's just mad that she caught us like that."

"Justin, it's not like we're really together, or if we were that we were making out or something."

Justin sighed. "I know... but... " Justin started but JC interrupted him.

"Jus, don't worry about it... okay?"

Justin nodded.

"I'm gonna go... don't want you to get into anymore trouble." JC elbowed him and he smiled. "I'll call you tomorrow." JC stood up and Justin waved as JC walked down the driveway to his car.