Beauty & A Beat (She Don't Like The Lights Sequel)

Chapter Two

Justin's P.O.V.

I skidded across the mat while running out the door. I threw my latte out, on the way, and zipped my jacket up as soon as the cool breeze ran by me. Once I was out on the main road, I looked around frantically hoping to catch a glimpse of Jasmine. The New York streets were deserted at this time of the day so I ran to the direction I saw Jasmine. I didn't stop in my tracks when I caught a sight of her in the distance. She turned back once more and I took it to an advantage to get closer to her. This time she didn't hesitate to run away, rather she patiently waited for me to come. While I approached her, she seemed to be fumbling around with something in her hands, almost like she was writing a note.

As I got closer to her, I looked at her in awe. It seemed like it had been so long. I took a step forward and carefully examined her face. It seemed quite surreal. Her hair was dyed different and her eyes had a sudden flash of fear and intensity in them. She stared at me with a longing gaze, and we stood there for a moment simply acknowledging each other's presence.

I broke the silence by speaking, for some reason being extremely calm with the way I spoke.

"Jasmine.."

She broke our everlasting stare and stepped closer to me so we were only inches away. I noticed a purple mark on her jaw as she slightly looked around as if she were hiding from someone.

I softly brushed my fingers against the bruise, "What happened..." i whispered.

She brushed her hand by the pocket of my jacket and then looked deeply into my eyes, slowly and gently pushing my hand away from her jaw, then quickly flickering her eyes towards the distant buildings.

I adjusted my hood, to make sure my face was covered, then grabbed her by the waist.

"I knew you weren't gone... where were you?" I cautiously asked. "Where's Marie."

As soon as I asked, a panicked expression came upon her face. As though someone had shot a bullet through her back, bringing distress among her eyes. I felt a bit of shock, from the effect a simple question seemed to have. It made it seem as though I had asked something that wasn't meant to escape my mouth.

Surprising me more, she replied.

"I need to go Justin, I really do," she whispered, while bringing her hand up to my cheek. I touched her hand and brought it down to hold in both of mine, refusing to let her leave. I shook my head in denial, and held her tighter.

"Please," she mouthed, while slowing taking her hand out of my grasp.

The pleading in her voice caused me to soften up and let go. She whispered a sorry then paced back into the empty, white streets.

•••

I got back to the hotel quietly, and in deep thought. Part of me was happy that my doubts of Jasmine still being alive were confirmed, but the other part of me was confused, asking why she felt like she needed to go, and why I let her.

Alfredo was one person I could tell almost everything to, and he was always there. Yet I debated whether I should tell him about the encounter or not. Telling him would require for me to fill him in on Marie, and James. He'd believe I was lying if I said I just saw Jasmine, even after her death was confirmed.

I looked at the ticking clock, that read 8:17, and sighed a breathe of frustration. I kicked my snow covered shoes off, leaving them at the front door. I calmly laid down onto the plush bed, covered with white duvets and pillows, hoping to clear my mind. The silence didn't last long, as Alfredo came out of the shower, all dressed up, with his hair drenching wet.

"Look who decides to come back," he smirked at me, while opening up his suitcase and taking out his hair necessities.

I smiled back at him and silently shook my head, while getting up, and sitting in an upright position on the bed.

"Where are we heading to?" I asked him.

He answered me while shuffling through the items in his suitcase, "there's a mall nearby. Scooter will be sending a car, and security soon, so we'll be heading to the mall for the signing. You may want to get ready,"

"Okay," I told him while jumping onto my feet and reaching out to grab something from the clothing packed for me.

•••

Twenty minutes later, when I was dressed and ready to leave, Alfredo and I made our way downstairs, out to the car, with security by our side. I attempted to make it seem as though nothing was wrong, however Alfredo could sense something. He just knew me that well.

As we got into the car, he finally broke the silence by opening his mouth to ask me something.

"Justin," he began, "don't tell me you're thinking about Jasmine again.. I know how hard it was on you, heck it was hard on all of us, but right now you need to show your fans that you're fine, because you know that they're upset when you are."

I took a deep breathe and let it out before answering back.

"I know," I told him.

He half smiled and then began to answer the call on his phone.

I let him be, and looked out the window, staring at the streets and buildings still thinking. I don't think I could be blamed for thinking about this constantly, because to be honest, Jasmine was pulled into all of this because of me.

I reached into my jacket pocket to get my phone, and took almost everything out in search. Papers, bills, my wallet, and lastly my phone. I took my phone aside, and put my wallet back into my pocket, while throwing out the papers and bills. I examined them all carefully, and began to crumple them up when one of the papers caught my eye. It was a bill.

It wasn't in my jacket this morning, but now it was. Alfredo wrapped up his phone call as I quickly examined the paper. I flipped it around to see a note quickly scribbled down in Jasmine's writing.

"im ok dont worry"

I blinked and scanned the crumpled bill along with the the hassled writing.

Alfredo hung up just as I folded the paper, put it into my pocket, and began to discuss with him, the following events of the day.

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So as many of you requested, I'm making a sequel :) I have so many plans for the sequel! Can't wait. As of now, here's chapter two, and please continue to vote, and comment in order to show that you guys actually want me to continue writing it, and explain what Marie exactly wants, and why ;)