Beside You || lrh 2013 MAJOR EDITING

Put It Together (Chapter 41)

•Stella's POV•

Today was going to be a day with me and my friends. Us only. It's been a long time since we've hung out with each other and today, we're reliving them all.

Julie, Audrey, Larissa and I were at the mall, walking around. Basically, we have nothing to do. We do this quite often, like before. But before, we had four losers with us. We'd play pranks on people and do other absurd things. That's just how we roll.

But everything's different now. All I have is my girl friends, my family, I've somehow got Trisha too and my boyfriend, Kellin. That's just it but it's okay. At least I'm happy.

We got to Forever 21 and we all parted ways to look for things we liked. That's the time when I thought I should tell them about me and Kellin. I could also tell them that I'm finally happy now. That I got out of my "Can't-Move-On-From-Luke" phase.

"Hey, guys," Larissa called.

"Yeah?" Julie said as we met up with her.

"Don't you love the design of these rings?" Larissa said. "Oh my goodness."

"Oh yeah, they are pretty," I said, holding one. They nodded and admired the rings that were displayed. That was when I decided it was the time to tell them.

"Uh, guys?" I said.

"Hmm?" Julie said, facing me while holding cropped top in her hands.

"Uh, I've got something to tell you," I said, crossing my fingers behind my back.

"Yeah, what is it?" Larissa said, going through clothes from the racks in front of her.

I took a deep breath and wiggled my hands. "Kellin and I are together," I blurted out.

Audrey's head shot right up when I said it. Her eyebrows were furrowed and it was obvious that she was t really enthusiastic with my statement.

Julie and Larissa, on the other hand, were smiling and squealing to themselves.

"Oh my gosh since when?" Larissa asked, walking over to me.

"Since yesterday," I chuckled.

Today, yes. It's a Monday. And yes again, we're not in school. It's almost the Christmas break so the school administration doesn't really make us do anything but decorate and decorate.

"Holy molly! Thats amazing!" Julie exclaimed, hugging me. I hugged her back.

"Are you even sure about that?" Audrey suddenly said out of nowhere.

"Well, yes," I said. "I mean, there's nothing wrong with being with Kellin and everything."

"Yeah, but Stella, you're not done with lLuke remember?" she said.

"I am!" I exclaimed.

"Wait, don't you like Kellin, Audrey?" Larissa asked.

"I already told you guys before," Audrey said, rubbing her forehead. "That Kellin dude is FYI friends with your mortal enemy, Stella. And I don't really like the aura he's bringing."

"Hmm, maybe your just too stressed, Audrey," I said.

"Oh come on, Stell," she said again. "You know what, fine! Do what you want. And we'll see if you'll come running to us for help after he breaks your pretty little heart!"

"He won't do that, Audrey!" I exclaimed. "Why don't you trust him just a little bit, please?"

"I don't think so, Tella," she said.

"Fine then!" I said. "It's my life anyway."

"Oh sure! It's your life now!" she half shouted at me.

"Guys, stop it," Julie said.

"I don't know. I just freakin' care for you, Tell, okay? It's not my fault if something happens," Audrey said, walking out of the shop.

"Audrey, wait!" Larissa called, following her out.

I clenched my fists and bit my lip.

"Hey, Stell," Julie said, stroking my shoulder. "Relax. I honestly don't know what's up her ass but it'll be alright, okay?"

The tears in my eyes started to form. I can't believe her. Why can't she just give a little trust? I'm sure Kellin will not do anything to me. He shows that he cares and loves me. He's helped me in times I needed some. But she's been cold with him since the very start. Why?

"Go home, Julie," I said. "Thanks for comin' out, though."

I left her in Forever 21 and headed for the nearest restrooms. It wasn't that far. Only in the far end right of the mall. When I got there, the restroom was empty so I had more space for myself.

I placed my bag on the counter and pulled out some essentials like powder and make up. I need to retouch. When I was brushing my hair, my phone dinged.

I fished for it inside my bag and checked who it was.

From: K Walsh ;)

It said. Oh shit. I have another big problem. I suddenly remembered Kristen. Shes stuck with Calum and the boys because of me. I made her pretend to be with Calum. I pushed her into this mess. And this mess was made just for her to keep an eye on Luke. But now, I don't need it. I don't need her to watch over Hemmings anymore.

From: K Walsh ;)

SMM, you have to be fuckin' kidding me. Do you even still want me to watch over Luke for you? You haven't even contacted me in days! Put your shit together! Dammit.

Holy cricket. She's mad at me now. Everyone's mad at me now. Wow. How great, Stella. I realised I really haven't contacted her in days and she has no update on what to do. And I don't know what to do, either. What the hell, Stella.

To: K Walsh ;)

Kristen. I am so sorry. Things have been a really big mess up the past few days. But there's good news! You don't have to watch over Hemmings anymore. Thank you so much! do you have a show here in Sydney? Maybe I can make it up to you. Anything you want. Please don't be mad, K :(

I may be bad at saying sorry but I've got no choice. I had to do this. If only I could change things in a blink of an eye. If only I hadn't come up with these stupid ideas inside my head. I shoudve just let myself move on earlier.

I was such a heartless bitch all the time. Liking Kellin and Luke at the same time was the biggest fuck up in my life so far. I still don't even know a lot of things yet. Who was Zee? What's with her and Kellin and Luke? Whats happening?

How's Trisha? When she finds out about Calum and Kristen and me being behind it all, she going to hate me forever. Not only her though, but also Calum. When he finds out that he fell in love with a girl who's not only pretending but "made to pretend" by one of his friends too?

Stella. Put your shit together. You gotta fix things up and try to move on. Do it or you're screwed for life.