FIXING YOU

T H I R T E E N

• Justin's POV •

If you're the only thing I ever get for christmas,
then everything I wished for has come true,
you're the single item on my list.

I tossed my notebook on the countertop beside me, and shoved a spoonful of Lucky Charms in my mouth. I'll never get tired of this marshmelloy cereal, what can I say? It's magically delicious. I laughed at my thoughts, hopin' off the countertop. I drank every last drop of my milk from the bowl and sit it in the sink, wait, I rinsed the bowl out then put it in the dishwasher.

Elle pretends that my dirty dishes don't bother her, but I know the truth by the way she's slam the dishwasher shut.

I went back to my notebook on the counter, flipping through the pages. I've been writing a lot lately, I've found inspiration in the wrong that I'm doing, the Christmas spirit and the heartache that I'm causin'. I never wanted this to happen.

I heard a door slam- a car door, then another followed. I quickly grabbed my notebook, and searched for someplace to hide it. The fridge! Elle's way too short to ever reach the top. I set the book up there and waited for her to come through the door.

Will she be mad today? She could be stressed out again? Or happy to see me?

The door wasn't locked. She turned the doorhandle and quickly, realized that when it opened right up.

She always forgets to lock the door.

Instantly, her eyes scan the house as she takes that first step in and when she sees me- standing, shirtless in her kitchen, she scowled and dashed up the staircase.

I sucked my teeth, leaning against the counter. That wasn't the reaction I expected from her. Does she know? About Noah and I? Has something happened that'll make her end this? So I don't have to?

"Justin?" Kayla came through the door- that Elle hadn't bothered to shut, with a Starbucks coffee in hand. "Elle didn't tell me you'd be here?"

"She didn't know," I said. Whenever I need a break from Stella, and her lifestyle, I come to Elle's. I know the door is rarely ever locked and she keeps her spare key under the welcome mat- for me. She hasn't seen me in a few days and I thought she'd be excited or, at least smile.

I know girls, and by the look she gave me, I know somethings definitely wrong.

"So.." Kayla leant against the island across from where I stood. "You and Elle, are y'all fuck-"

"We're just friends." I very quickly informed her. We're just friends. I think Elle's gone and told her about us, why do girls have to tell their friends everything? She smirked, and sipped her coffee. Our heads turned in sync as Elle came walkin' down the stairs.

I shouldn't have come here. I should just stay away from her.

"Remember I told you that Noah's going to New York for Christmas?" She's speaking to Kayla and has yet to look my way. I wanna walk away but, I didn't know Noah was going to New York for Christmas. I thought she was comin' back home, back to Miami. Kayla nodded, and Elle continued, "Well, she just called and asked me to invite you, 'cause it's close to your birthday and she still feels bad about Thanksgiving."

Thanksgiving? Noah was with me on thanksgiving. I don't recall any talk of Kayla or Elle.

"New York?" Kayla questioned, "I don't have the money." She shrugged, with frowned on her lips.