Played.

12: "I Found You."

I burst through the doors of the diner, exiting into the parking lot in the front. It was filled with the warm L.A. air.

I knew Jessica couldn't have gone far, but she could have gone in any direction. I stopped, leaning against the wall of a shop I had eneded up outside of.

Was there actually any point in looking for her? I mean, she could have got in a car, she could be anywhere. Either way, I would see her at school tomorrow. I would apologize to her on Justin's behalf then.

I felt bad. Justin had no right to be so rude to her, she hadn't even done anything. God, I hate him. Everything about him infuriates me; his damn pretty little face, his annoying hair, his stupid smirk, his repulsive remarks, his -.

My thoughts were interrupted by a ringing coming from my bag. I pulled out the source of the noise, my phone, pressing the answer button without looking at the Caller ID.

"Where are you?"

I knew the voice, from the tone and the Canadian accent. It was Justin.

"Why do you care?"

"I don't."

"Then why are you calling me? How did you even get my number?"

"I'm on Marcus' phone, dumbass."

I removed my phone from the side of my face, looking at the Caller ID. Indeed, it was Marcus' phone.

Sliding it back to my face, I replied through clenched teeth. "I don't have to listen to this. I'm hanging up." I took the phone away from my ear again, ready to hang up.

"I found you."

"What?" The phone found its way back up to my ear. I looked around.

"You know, you look cute when you're confused."

"Don't." I cringed.

"What? You don't like it when I compliment you?"

"No."

"I guess I better start doing it more often then." I could tell he had that dumb smirk on his face by the laugh that followed.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist from behind, a head resting on my shoulder. I could feel their soft hair brushing against the side of my cheek.

"Maddie, where did you go?" The person said, quickly releasing me.

I turned, faced with Marcus. A sigh of relief escaped from my mouth, knowing that it wasn't Justin.

"We've been looking everywhere for you."

"Sorry, I went looking for someone."

"Did you find them?"

"No."

"You just left so suddenly, I came back from the bathroom and you were gone." He shook his head. "Come on, let's get back to the car and go home." He tugged me and began walking.

The thought of having to go near Justin again made me want to throw up.

"No, Marcus, it's cool. I'll walk." I tried to release myself from his weak grip and turn around.

"No, come on. It's too far to walk." He tightened it.

"Honestly, I don't mind."

Before Marcus had time to reply, I realized we were already at the car. Shit.

I looked at Justin, who was leaning against the back door on the right, his head thrown back, resting on the car, and his muscular arms folded across his toned chest. His right leg was bent, his foot leaning on the car. Upon seeing us, he pushed himself forward off the car, hips first, and opened the door behind him, for me to get in through.

"In you get, babe." He winked.

"You disgust me."

"You know you love it." He crept closer.

"Ugh." I pushed past him and got in the car.