Chapter Eight
Lauren spent that week exploring Orlando while the guys practiced and did their interviews. She and Justin would spend time together when they could, but most of his time was spent practicing for the up coming tour. Lauren had also spent quite a bit of time with Lance and JC. If Justin was busy and they weren’t they would take her to do something or just sit around and talked. JC and Lauren had developed a close friendship over that week. They enjoyed going for walks, and talking, it was almost like finding a long lost brother for her. Even when she was with JC or Justin she could not shake Lance from her thoughts. She would think of the way his eyes sparkled in the sun, or how his hair looked after he ran a hand through it, or how his voice sounded when he sang to her. She just couldn’t keep him out of her mind. Lauren remembered promising herself on the plane that she wouldn’t fall for him, but as soon as she saw him again she had to fight to keep the feeling in. She just imagined what it would feel like to be wrapped up in his arms in a loving embrace. But for some reason she could not let him get to close to her.
The night before they were to go out for the guys tour, Lauren asked Justin to go to dinner so that they could talk. They sat at a small café and made small talk. Then they Ate their food and were drinking coffee when Justin asked. "So what’s up girlie?"
"What do you mean?"
"Why dinner, and talking?" What’s wrong?" Justin demanded.
"Nothing, can’t I have dinner with my best friend without something being wrong?" Lauren asked flashing him an innocent look.
"Yeah, but somethin’ up!" Justin stated and then continued "You haven’t said much all night, when you’re that quiet then you have a lot on your mind. You’ve been off in your own little world. So what is it? Are you not happy being here?"
"What…. I am very happy to be here. Defiantly enjoying myself. Oh yeah and also I don’t know why I am being so distant. I seem to be thinking a lot more right now."
"Well what is it you are thinking about? I’ve noticed you spent a lot of time with Lance this past week, is something going on?" Justin asked.
"What do you mea? Lance and I are just friends. That’s all, that’s all there can be. He’s a friend of your so he’s a friend of mine. I don’t know what you are trying to say…" Lauren paused and tried to make herself calm down.
"Lauren, you know you are my best friend, so I am just gonna say this, and you will probably be mad at me after I say it." Lauren started to speak but sat quickly as Justin started in again. "NO, I am talking you sit and listen this time. It is obvious that Lance likes you. Need some proof…okay…. he won’t sing for anyone unless he has to like in a show or something, he doesn’t go clubbin’, and he won’t let anyone touch his hair, and he doesn’t like to go shopping, but if my memory serves me correctly you guys have went to a few clubs together, went shopping yesterday all day, he sang for you the other night, and I know you had messed his hair up a few times. Girl do you see what I am saying?" Justin asked and without waiting for an answer continued "Oh and on to you…I haven’t saw you this happy in a long time if ever, I was prepared for you being homesick, or annoyed by everyone, but dang it I was not prepared for a chipper bird all the time. You smile so much and laugh more then ever. I know you have feelings for that boy, you can’t lie to me I’m your friend remember. I know you want to admit what you are feeling but that you won’t because your too scared or whatever it is that you are thinking. But girlie, you have that boy all confused. He thinks you like him then something small happens and he is thinking that maybe she doesn’t. What is it that is keeping you from opening up? Are you scared? What are you worried about?" Justin finally finished and looked into Lauren eyes.
"I don’t know. That’s just it I don’t know. I know how I feel about him. And I think he feels the same way. Justin you know me, I avoid relationships at all cost. I always have, well atleast since…well you know." Lauren said as the tears began to fall down her face.
"I know you’re scared, and I know you don’t like relationships because of what you’ve dealt with and saw. I think you have the right too, don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that I could trust people after seeing what you saw. I mean abuse, mistrust, and all that, you have the right. But what you don’t have the right to do is" Justin reached his hand over and picked up her hand " You have no right to lead Lance on. I love ya your like my sister. But at the same time he is a friend. If you like him then tell him and give him a chance to prove himself to you. But if you don’t then you need to tell him that. You just have to tell him something." Justin finally finished.
"I…I do…" Lauren said " I do like him, but Justin…"
"No, there’s no but in this one. You even care about this boy greatly or you don’t. But you have to give it a chance one way or the other. And I promise you if you give it a chance, talk to him, and help him understand that I will be there to support you."
"Do you really think he cares?" Lauren asked through her tears.
"Yeah I do, actually I don’t think it I know it." Justin said reassuring her "So what are you going to do? Are you going to run from the feelings inside of you or are you going to stand up and face them and maybe actually let someone care for you?" Justin asked. "Hun I know you to well to just let you keep running it has to stop I know it is hard, but as soon as you let someone in it will feel better and then you can totally stop running and hiding. Please take the chance and let that boy show you how much he loves you."
"Justin I want to but, I am not sure that I can. It isn’t like I want to run from those people that care for me, you know that. It’s just I don’t know how to do anything but run and hide."
"Well there is one sure way of getting help. Let Lance through those walls you have built up and let him work some magic on your heart from the inside. I am sure he would love to help show you how to love someone. Come on I think someone needs to do some serious thinking and get some sleep." Justin said paying for their dinner and then leading Lauren out to the car.
"Justin?" Lauren said quietly.
"Yeah" Justin said as they were driving to the house he shared with the guys.
"Thanks"
"For what?"
"For everything!" Lauren said.
"No problem. What are friends for? So when are you going to face your feelings?"
"SOON! As soon as we get the chance to sit down and talk. I will know when the time is right. But not before then. But I don’t know if I can put everything into the right words."
"I know you can. And you know I am there if you need a hand to hold or just a friendly face in the room. But you have to do this."
"Thank you Justin!" Lauren said.
Chapter Nine
