How To Love

Chapter 9: What It's Like

The next morning you woke up with a pounding headache. Let's just say when you got home last night Lily was waiting up for you, ready to give you a long lecture that you didn't need to hear. You think back a couple hours. "Lily! I was only at Justin's." "That's exactly what I'm talking about! You came home really late because you were at that man's house." She put her hands on her hips.

"Oh my gosh Lily you aren't my mom, can I please just go to sleep?" You are tired and frustrated with how annoying Lily was being. "Not before you tell me what you were doing at his house?" "What the heck, we watched a movie and talked, that's all, so can you drop it?" You didn't want to tell her that you were dating him now, you would later when she was in a good mood. "Fine. Whatever I'll drop it, but mark my words Gracie, these things never turn out well." Lily turned around and went to her room. Rolling your eyes you were beginning to care less about what Lily thinks of you and Justin.

Thinking back to that conversation made you gag all over again. Sitting up in bed you stretch, ready for another day of work. You couldn't help but feel excited about what happened last night. It was crazy. Pure insanity. You were dating Justin flippin Bieber! Arriving at the studio you ignore Derek's scowl. Starting your normals tasks you see a Derek head in your direction. Gulping you act like you're busy with something to avoid his hard glare. "So where is that dirt bag of yours?" He had a gross smug look on his face. "Excuse me?" Taken back by his rudeness. "You heard me." "I would appreciate if you left me alone considering the only thing you enjoy doing is spitting venom and being obnoxious." You were getting really sick of this guy. "Nah those aren't the only things." He smirked. "I can report you and you'll lose your job here." "You wouldn't do that though." "Try me." You squinted your eyes. "Mmm sassy Miss Brown is sexy." He leaned closer to you but you didn't take a second to act. *Smack!* Your hand hit his cheek, catching him by surprise. "Now leave me and especially Justin, alone. Understand me? It's none of you're business anymore, got it?" Nodding, taken aback he held his cheek leaving the room. Feeling like a weight was lifted off your shoulders, you were confident he wouldn't mess with you any longer. Feeling your phone vibrate in your pocket you read a text from Justin: *How is my lovely?* *Ok* *Just ok???😕* He worries too much. Replying you send: *Gosh don't worry so much.* *Sorry I just wanna know how my baby is doing* Smiling at how cute he is you replied: *I'll call you after work ok babe?* *Was just gonna say that😘I will*.

It was all so surreal. You were trying to let it sink in that you were in a relationship with him. After wrapping up at work and answering Haley's annoying questions about any update with you and Justin. Being brief, you didn't tell her not much. You didn't think you should tell anyone before you told your close family and friends. Arriving home you look at your phone and notice your mom called. Feeling terrible that you hadn't talked to her in awhile you called her back right away. "Hey mom!" Sitting down on the couch. "Hi sweetie how are you?" "I'm good! I'm so sorry I haven't called you." "Oh that's alright I know you're busy." Even though she used to annoy the heck out of you, now that you were far apart you really missed her. "Anything going on lately or just the normal?" She asked you out of curiosity. You didn't really want to tell her over phone so you simply replied with: "Yeah, sort of." "Ohh I would love to hear! But first I have some news! Your dad and I have been planning a trip to New York! What do you think about that?" You heard the excitement in her voice. "What really?! That's awesome! When?" This could be the best time to introduce them to Justin. "Actually we arrive Friday." "Oh Wow." Totally shocked. "Your dad wanted to surprise you but I thought it would be better to let you know. I hope this is ok." "Uh yeah. It's great! I'm excited! How long are you gonna be here?" "For about five days, don't worry we won't bug you the whole time. We are staying in a hotel so it's like a mini vacation." "Alright! I'll try to get a day off work or so. We can go to dinner a couple times and I'll show you around the city." Your mind is spinning at the idea of possibly bringing Justin to dinner or something. "That's sounds lovely! We all miss you so much. Sam and Max will be staying with your aunt, but they wish they could come." A pang of homesickness hit you thinking about your family in Texas. "I miss them too! I can't wait to see you both Friday! I'll have to introduce you to some friends." Trying to ease into hinting about Justin. "Oh what kind of friends? I hope they're just girls." You heard the humor in her voice but you still became a little nervous. "Haha yeah." Deciding in your mind that you would tell them when they arrived. "Alright honey, I have to go! But we will see you in less than two days!!!" "Ok! Love you!" "I love you Gerbie." Hanging up you laughed at the life-long nickname.