Paths (Justin Bieber & Austin Mahone)

Chapter 32

Vanessa's P.O.V.

So Stay.

Please.

Stay Vanessa.

Austin's voice with sadness filled my ears and my heart sank to the pit of my stomach. How did I let this happen? How could I let this get out of control? How do I keep these two amazing guys from getting hurt.

"Please, Austin." I started but suddenly I felt my heart ache. "I want what is best for the three of us. This triangle has to end. I want none of us to come out bad, but I have to let this go." I swallowed the lump in my throat. "I love you. I just need to know if I'm still in love with you."

"If I let you go than you might not come back. I don't wanna take that risk." He said still facing the window, but I couldn't bring myself up to say anything. My brain was trying to find the perfect words to keep him from hurting but he spoke up again before I could gather my thoughts together. "I was reading a post a fan posted where she was very upset with you. And for a minute I empathized with her. She had just watched Justin's interview with Ryan—which by the way I already watch so you can stop trying to hide it from me—"

"Wait, what? But—I hid it—" I tried to explain but he cut me off.

"I know you were only trying to protect me after my accident. I get it. I know what you were doing. You and Mike told me to stay away from social media, you kept me away from the press and you ask everyone not to mention it until further notice. You just didn't want me to see how perfect the world thinks Justin and you are. You didn't want me to see that the world views me as the bad guy. Because I was the one who broke your heart and Justin was the hero—he's the hero because he helped you mend your heart back together and in the process you guys fell in love." He said turning back around to face me, looking at me with a blank stare.

Flashback...

Justin had mentioned an interview he had with Ryan Seacrest this morning through a phone call we had an hour ago. He explained that in the interview Ryan had asked about us and he felt the need to be honest. So I was currently on my laptop watching Justin's interview from this morning.

"So before we move on to the phone calls, I just want to quickly ask about a specific someone." Ryan smirked at Justin teasingly.

"Oh, my." Justin chuckled.

"Now, I hate to put you in the spot but let's talk a little about your friendship with Vanessa Campos." He said and Justin chuckled a little harder.

"She only wants to be my friend." Justin announced through the mic as if he was making an important statement. "At least for now." He playfully added with a chuckle, making everyone in the station playfully yell of joy.

"Hold on!" Ryan stood up from his chair. "What does that mean? Were you temparerly friendzone by Vanessa Campos?" Ryan laughed.

"Maybe..." Justin joined him with laughter.

"Wait, so this could potentially happen in a future?" Ryan said referring to a romantic relationship between Justin and I.

"I mean, she's a beautiful woman—both inside and out. I love her dearly and she knows it. And she believes that our friendship should be put first and I would never hold that against her. She knows where I am in my life and I know where she is. We have been best friends for a long time and I just want her to always be around." He explained with a kind and honest smile on his faces.

"Wow. Boy, have you matured. I'm so glad to hear you talk like that. And at this point, I don't care what anyone says—I ship you two." Ryan chuckled.

"Yeah, you and I, both." Justin quietly chuckled through the mic.

I finished watching the rest of the interview and later logged onto Instagram. And just like expected the news about Justin Bieber crushing on his best friend was the number one topic being talked about.

Although I understand why Justin felt like he didn't want to lie about his feelings, I felt that this topic was unnecessary to social media, but people were sitting willing to talk about it.

Flashback over.

"I don't want to hurt anyone." Was all I could say for myself. "Because above all— I love you both. However, I need to take this chance with him. I need to know if this is why he is so important. I need to know things." I said standing up from my seat and picking up my purse. "I'm so sorry, Austin." I said and without another word I started making my way out the door.

And just like that I was out his house and stepping into the car with Dylan. "Where to now Miss Vanessa?" He asked once he was back into his drivers seat.

"Justin's hotel." I said look at the clock on the dashboard of the car. "Hurry, please."

5:58pm.

I pulled my phone out of my purse and quickly dialed Justin's number. The line rang for about four times before sending me to voicemail. Then I dialed again—only this time it took me straight to his voicemail. "Damn it." I cursed underneath my breath. "Hey Justin, it's V. I'm on my way to the hotel. I'm running a little late but I know you don't leave your hotel till 15 minuets after checking out. See you soon." I left him a voicemail.

"Miss Vanessa, is everything ok?" Dylan asked.

"Yes, Dylan. It's just that Justin and I were suppose to meet at Six but I'm running late. I'm hoping to catch him before he leaves.

Dylan nodded in understanding and refocused his attention to the road. As I patiently tried to wait in the back seat. However, I saw that it was already six and fear took over me. "Screw this. Dylan, just forgot it. Head to the airport instead, please." I sighed.