Just Friends: The Sequel.

PART II: Chapter One

One Year Later: (<--- See what I did here?) 

For the end of junior year, I think that everything has finally fallen into place. I've had time to start a life for myself. Instead of focusing on relationships, and the irrelevant drama that immature love can bring, I've landed an internship at a literary agent's office Downtown that starts the beginning of my senior year. I've been able to honestly say for the first time that for this past year, I've mainly been focusing on myself. I've even moved out of the dorms and into an apartment. After Casey and Scott moved out and got a place of their own, I kind of did the same thing. I still have contact with Casey because, well, she's my best friend, but ever since she dropped out of college to start a life with Scott, I've been pursuing the whole solo career thing alone.

It's not all terrible, though, when you've got some really great company with you.

"Hey!" I hear Justin say, the sound of a door shutting gently behind him. "Reina, do you have your things packed yet?"

I was finishing washing the dishes from last night until those familiar arms found their way around my waist, settling right above my hip bones, so he could place a gentle kiss on my cheek. I was smiling from ear to ear. To celebrate the end of another year of school, and also an amazing year together, we decided to take a trip to the Bahamas, just the two of us.

"I'm packed." I reply, placing my hands over his. "I did some laundry for you as well, in case you wanted to pack any of that."

"That's why you're my girl."

I felt his hand swiftly smack my ass, causing me to jump, and also for soap to go all over the countertop.

"Go pack!" I teased. "We have to get to the port on time."

"We've got plenty of time for that..." He trailed off, moving his lips down the curve of my neck. "You know how much I love you, Reina?"
"I know." I said, turning around so I could swing my arms around his neck. "I love you all the same."

Moving in together with Justin was a big step for the both of us. After Casey and Scott left, I got a new roommate, Janet, who I ultimately couldn't tolerate, so Justin suggested we get a place together. It helped on those cold winter nights when I didn't have to freeze my ass off to walk so far to his place or vice versa. Plus, after a year of being completely stable with each other, I can honestly say we have never been more in love. It's been a week since we've moved in, and we couldn't be happier.

"Mark is such a perv." Justin laughed from the bedroom, as I finished cleaning up the countertop. "You should read this text he just sent me."

"Is that really surprising?" I asked. "Which girl is he fucking now?"
As much as Justin and I have progressed and matured, I cannot say the same for Mark or Colby. Both of them will be players until the day that they die in my book.

"Maddie is the name of the week!" He yelled, causing me to erupt into laughter.

---

After another hour or so, Justin had finally finished packing and we were on our way to the port. I cannot wait for a week and a half of sunshine with the love of my life. Relaxation, tanning, and a whole lot of my man. There's nothing more I could ask for, honestly.

"Hey," Justin said, taking one hand off of the steering wheel so he could grip my thigh. "I love you, Reina."

"You've said that a lot today." I laughed. "Not complaining, of course. I love you too baby."

"Oh shit."

Leaning over to turn up the music, he adjusted his aux cable, and flashed me the cheesy grin of his that always melts my heart. Whenever he smiles this big it always reminds me of a little kid on Christmas, or just pure happiness in general. It's completely and utterly infectious.