Let Them See You (Joey Stamper/Anthem Lights)

Chapter 10

A.N.- Hi guys. Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks. I've been really busy with school and haven't had the time. But here's chapter 10! I skipped time for the sake of the story so bare with me (:

~ Ariana's P.O.V. ~

*2 months have past. Ariana and Joey aren't dating yet. They're taking things really slow. Ariana has been clean for 2 months and is living for God.*

I sat on my bed, debating what to do. Sam texted me and asked me to hang out. I haven't talked to her in forever. I wanted to go because I missed her, but I didn't want to take a risk of her having drugs and alcohol around. 

I went downstairs to talk to Alan. The rest of the guys were at the studio. "Alan?" I said. He looked up and smiled, "What's up Ariana?"

"Sam texted me and asked if I wanted to go over her house and hang out. Can I go?" I said.

His expression changed to fear.

"Are you sure that's the best idea?" He said.

"Don't you trust me? It's just going to be us two. And I'm not going to do anything stupid. I'm not the same girl I was 2 months ago." I said.

He nodded, "You're right, you're not, and I do trust you. Alright, you can go, just make good judgement and don't be home too late." I smiled and thanked him.

I walked to Sam's house and felt butterflies in my stomach. I said a quick prayer to God asking Him to protect me and to help me make good choices tonight. I got to her house and knocked. She opened it, and she hasn't changed a bit. She hugged me and we went to her room.

"So how have you been?" She asked. 

"Great, clean." I smiled.

She laughed, and then realized I was serious, "Wait really?" I nodded.

"Wow. That's good." She said. I could tell she didn't really mean that.

"How have you been?" I said.

"Amazing! Just last weekend, I hooked up with the hottest guy, oh my gosh Ari, like you don't even understand." She swooned.

Listening to Sam reminded me of how i was a month ago. I can't believe how much I've changed in such a short period of time. I smiled, trying not to make it awkward.

For the next hour, we talked. Until there was a knock on the door, which made me a little scared. We went downstairs and she opened the door, and 3 guys walked in.

I recognized them all. I used to hang out with them.

There was Justin, Brandon, and Frankie. I used to get high and drink with them. I started to get extremely anxious.

"Dang, Ariana, you look really different! Your actually wearing clothes!" Justin laughed.

"Ariana's clean now." Sam laughed, and the boys joined.

"How long?" Brandon said. 

"2 months." I said, proud of myself. I used to not be able to go a day without pot, and now look at me.

Two months isn't a huge amount of time, but it's a big deal for me.

I'd be lying if I said I never craved the drugs or the alcohol anymore, because sometimes I do. But instead of running away from my problems, I go straight to God now, and He helps me deal with the temptation.

We all sat down on the floor and talked. I'm pretty sure the guys were all high though. Justin pulled something out of his pocket.

It was something I haven't seen in for what feels like forever.

A joint.

He took a hit, then passed it to Sam, then she passed it to Brandon, who passed it to Frankie. He said, "Ariana, wanna take a hit? Oh wait, I forgot, you're clean!" They all laughed. I ignored it.

I felt the temptation hit me hard. I started to pray silently.

Please God, please help me. I need You. 

"You're no fun anymore Ariana. What happened to you? You used to be the life of the party." Brandon said.

You're no fun anymore Ariana.

That kept replaying in my head, over and over again. 

It angered me to say the least. "Give me that." I said, pulling the joint from Frankie's hand. I took a hit and immediately realized what I had just done.

I threw it on the ground, and stood up.

I can't believe what I just did.

Regret and guilt fled through my body.

I just threw 2 months away because some guy said I wasn't fun anymore.

I knew one hit wouldn't do much to me, so I ran out of her house as quick as possible. 

I couldn't go home.

What would the guys think of me?

What does God think of me?

He must hate me.

I started to crave more and more. I need something in my body to give me a high. 

I found myself making my way back to Sam's house. She opened the door and smiled, "You miss this life don't you Ari?"

I walked in and sat on the floor. 

"Do you have any acid?" The words just came out of my mouth. I don't even know where they were coming from. Justin smiled and said, "That's my girl." He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to me. I felt a hesitation. I felt something tugging at my heart. 

Joey had told me about this. 

It was God telling me not to do it. I didn't know what to do. 

Do I listen to God, or give in?