Chapter Eight

Jana and Justin sat upstairs on Michelle's bed. They were talking privately. "Are you having a good time?" asked Jana as she leaned her head on Justin's shoulder.

"Yes, and since you're here, I'm having an even better time!" Justin said with a chuckle. Jana felt his breath on her head. "I have something to ask you," Justin suddenly said.

"Okay," said Jana. "What is it?"

He took her hands and caressed them with his own. "Okay, I would understand if you wouldn't say no to this, but would you be my girlfriend?" He said it sincerely and meaningfully.

Jana thought for a moment. Was she ready to move on? "Yes," she told him with a huge smile.

"Really?" Justin asked, surprised. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her lightly on the lips.

Jana kissed him back and they fell back on the bed. "Yes," she murmured, kissing Justin. It felt good to be kissed. She hadn't kissed a guy in a while. Justin's hands moved around her back. Jana felt herself feeling light and dizzy. His kisses were passionately but sweet. He was hungry for her.

Jana lifted her head up to catch her breath. "That was intense," she said with a giggle. "You're a good kisser."

"Well," Justin teased, "may I kiss you some more?"

Jana smiled and Justin kissed her again. She ran her fingers through his hair. "Oh, Justin, I think I am falling in love with you," she told him as he kissed her neck.

Justin held her tightly. "I'm already in love you with," he whispered, his hands slipping into her shirt.

"What the hell?"

Justin and Jana sprung up from the bed, alert. Jana gasped when she saw who had walked in on them. "JC!" she shouted hoarsely. She saw the pain in his eyes. He was obviously not ready to let go of her.

"Um, man," Justin said, blushing. "I didn't expect you to walk in on us like that." He looked at Jana, who was looking at JC with anguish. She got up from the bed and followed him as he left the doorway.

"JC," Jana called, walking after him.

"Yeah, what?" JC turned his face away so that he wouldn't see his eyes. They were ready to fill with tears, for the third time. He was tired of chasing after Jana. "Go back to Justin."

"It's not like you and I are going out anymore!" she wailed. "I broke up with you for a reason. You cheated on me, and I'm moving on."

"Maybe it didn't occur to you that I wasn't over you yet," JC responded, looking away from her still. He stopped walking and buried his face in his hands.

Jana put her hand on his tense shoulder. "JC, you have to let go. What we had was in the past. I'm sorry that it had to end that way, but it happened. I wish you hadn't kissed...her."

"I wish I hadn't either," he said remorsefully. He turned to her, not caring if she saw his face. "I made a mistake. It was wrong of me to kiss her, and I regret that. But I still love you, Jana. You have to understand that."

Jana's face fell. She choked back her tears bravely. "I…I want to be with Justin," she said softly. "I need him. He…he treats me well."

JC's heart broke in two. Why did it have to be Justin? Why? I hate myself so much. He sighed tensely. "I need you, Jana." He looked into her eyes, which were filled with tears. He touched her face softly. "Why did we break up Jana? I still love you. I love you right now. I want things to be how they were before."

"You might want to watch out with what you say," Justin's voice rang.

Jana and JC looked to Justin, emerging from the room. He had his hands folded over his chest. "Why didn't you tell me that you two were going out?" he asked them both.

"Justin!" gasped Jana. She felt like the world was going to end at that very moment. "Y-y-you heard us?"

He nodded mutely. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, looking at both of them. "You acted like you guys were complete strangers that night we went out. Why did you hide it?"

Jana looked down on the ground. "We just didn't want to say anything," she replied.

"You're trying to steal her away from me," Justin spat at JC angrily. "I heard you. I heard everything you said. Well, I'm not gonna let it happen. I love this girl too much for it to happen!"

JC blinked several times. "Excuse me? I wasn't doing anything!" he said defensively.

"Bull shit," Justin scoffed. "I heard you talking to her, all that lovey-dovey crap. You aren't going to get her, JC."

JC's anger rised. "Why the hell are you accusing me of doing that?" he barked. "You know what, Justin? Your attitude is shitty right now."

"Please, don't argue!" Jana pleaded. She saw the anger in both of their eyes. She also saw the pain in JC's eyes. JC, don't start anything, she thought. She knew JC sometimes had a temper.

"Well, I'm out of here," Justin said coldly. "See ya, Jana."

"Justin!" Jana ran after him as he went down the stairs. "I didn't do anything!"

"I wish you had told me," Justin responded slowly, turning around. He blew her a kiss. "I'm not mad at you. I'll call you later tonight, 'kay?"

She nodded, waving him good-bye. As Justin disappeared, she was alone with JC. She knew he was jealous. She glanced him quickly. His blue eyes were filled with pain and remorse. His shoulders sank in defeat. He looked devastated. She wanted to reach out and touch him. Jana wanted to comfort him and tell him it would be all right. She couldn't do it. She had just told Justin that she was his girlfriend. It would be the wrong thing to get close to JC.

"Jana?" JC asked suddenly. He walked towards her. This time she stood where she was, allowing him to talk her. "You know, I was jealous when I saw you and Justin kissing."

"You were?" she asked, even though she knew the answer was obvious.

He looked at her with an intense stare. "Even though you're not my girl anymore…I…I…I still love you. I don't think I've ever stopped loving you since I met you. Maybe someday we'll realize that we're meant for each other…" He brushed past her quickly, choking on his words.

Jana's heart beat quickly. The sight of him wanted to make her cry. She felt sympathy for JC. She wanted to hold JC…and kiss him. "No," she told herself. "You know it's wrong." She felt like everything was over. Jana's body trembled as she was lost in a world of confusion.

Lance and Michelle swayed together slowly on the dance floor, to the beat of the music. "It's such a shame Justin had to leave so early!" Michelle said, a note of sadness in her voice.

"Yeah, it's too bad," Lance agreed. "Well, what did he get you for your birthday?"

"Oh, it's cute," she answered with a smile as she showed off her gold bracelet to Lance. "I love it."

"Yeah, it's nice," Lance said with widened eyes. "It's cool. Justin gave that to you?"

"Yes. Isn't he such a sweet guy? I'm so happy for Jana." She looked at Lance. He looked distant. "What's wrong?" asked Michelle softly.

"Oh, nothing." They continued dancing to the slow song.

"You're sweet too, you know," added Michelle softly, resting her head against his chest. "And you're a wonderful friend in fact, you're one of the kindest people I know." She gave him a hug.

"Thanks," replied Lance.

"I am so glad that we're friends, Lance. I know I probably sound all stupid and mushy right now, but I really don't care!"

"No, you don't," Lance told her. He pulled Michelle closer to him. Then he released one of his hands from around her waist and reached for something in his pocket. Now was the perfect time. The atmosphere was dim, the music was perfect, he was holding her close to him, and she looked beyond beautiful. He wanted to stare into those eyes for eternity.

Lance pulled out a thin gold necklace with a diamond-laced heart. "This is for you, Michelle," Lance said, placing into the palm of her hand. "Happy Birthday."

Michelle gasped and tears filled into her eyes. "Oh my gosh…t-thank you," she replied, trying not to cry. I don't know what to say. It's beautiful! It's so perfect." She clasped it around her neck and kissed Lance lightly on his cheek.

Lance blushed. "Don't cry," he replied softly with a warm smile. He brushed her tears away from her face with his fingers. The touch of her skin was soft and smooth.

"I'm sorry, I-I can't help it," said Michelle giving him a wan smile. "Oh, Lance…You are truly my best friend. I can't believe you spent this much money on me. This must have cost a lot," she said, touching her necklace. She looked down on it. "Oh, it even has my name engraved on it-and yours…"

Lance gazed into her eyes deeply. I think I'm in heaven, he thought, holding Michelle tight. He never wanted to let her go. Surprisingly, he found Michelle staring back at him with the same intensity.

She closed her eyes slowly as his face met hers. Then their lips touched. Lance kissed her gently but sweetly, and Michelle returned the kiss passionately. Soon they were kissing passionately, and they held each other very tight. Michelle felt like she and Lance were the only people in the world at that very moment. He kissed her hard, like he had been waiting for this moment forever. Their kiss ended, and they were both blushing.

"Wow," Michelle said, embarrassed. "That's all I can say."

Lance grinned and squeezed her. I've been waiting for this for a very long time, he thought joyfully. He had her in his arms, and she was his.

"You are the best birthday present," Michelle told him in a sweet whisper before kissing Lance again. "Thank you."

Chris Kirkpatrick hummed quietly to the music as he helped himself to some punch. Suddenly, someone bumped into him. "Oh, excuse me!" the person said, embarrassed.

Chris looked up saw a pretty-faced girl who's face was red. She had spilled juice on his shirt. "I am so sorry!" the girl cried, searching for the napkins on the table. "Oh my gosh, I ruined your shirt."

"No problem," Chris assured the girl.

She thrust several napkins at him. "I hope I didn't ruin your shirt permanently. Is it dry-clean?"

"Yes," Chris joked. "You can just give me seventy bucks, and it'll be fine." He started wiping the juice stain on his shirt.

She was looking at him like he was crazy, but she started digging through her purse. Chris stopped her and she pulled out her wallet. "Hey, I was only kidding," he told her with a laugh.

She glanced at him and smiled. "Are you sure?" she asked. "I'll pay for it."

"No! I mean, it isn't dry-clean," he explained, scratching his head.

"Oh, thank goodness." The girl sighed in relief. "I would have felt ten times as worse!"

Chris smiled. "So, what's your name?" he asked her as he picked up a plastic cup and started pouring the punch from the bowl into it.

"It's Stacie. Stacie Takahashi," she told him. "What's yours?"

"Chris Kirkpatrick." He stuck out his hand and shook hands. "Nice to meet you, Lacey."

"Stacie," she corrected him.

"Right," Chris answered. They both laughed. "So, are you a friend of Michelle's?"

"Actually, I am," she told him. "You?"

"I met her a few weeks ago, and surprisingly she invited me," replied Chris, sipping from his cup. "I gotta say, this party is cool though. I'm having an awesome time, what about you?"

"Oh yeah, me too," agreed Stacie. "Everyone seems so energetic. You look like the type who would be energetic," she told him, noticing his dreads. "Are you?"

"Yeah, I can be a real party animal," confessed Chris, grinning. "Don't mind my hair. I've had it this way for a while."

"I like it very much. It's…unique!" said Stacie, touching one of the dreads with her fingers. "It's neat."

"Yeah," Chris said. "I like it, but people have said that I look like a dog with it."

Stacie gaped. "Well, they're not very nice!" she responded, as she and Chris started to walk away from the refreshment area. "What do you say to them when they tell you that?"

"I just laugh and shrug it off," he replied. "I mean, I don't care if they insult my hair. I just have the guts to be different, and there is nothing wrong with that, right?"

"Right," said Stacie, nodding. "You're a very daring person."

"Yup."

An upbeat song started playing. "Hey," the DJ announced from the microphone. "C'mon, where are the party animals tonight? Let's see you all get up and shake your booties!"

Everyone started yelling and cheering. "That must be our cue," Chris said, looking at Stacie. "You wanna dance?"

"Yeah, let's dance!" Stacie responded, pulling Chris towards the dance floor.

Jana searched around Michelle's house for Michelle. Where is she? Jana wondered. She had searched all over Michelle's house, and no one knew where she was.

"Have you seen Lance?" Jana asked Joey, who was too busy making out with Marie. "Hello?"

Joey turned around. "Oh, huh? Yeah, um, he's outside somewhere…" He continued kissing Marie as she giggled.

Jana rolled her eyes but smiled. There goes Mr. Flirt again! she thought.

Jana found Michelle and Lance cuddled up on the grass together. They were looking up at the stars together.

Oh, wow! They got together? Jana thought as she watched in amazement as Lance slipped his arm over Michelle. Michelle rested her head against his shoulder. She approached them, clearing her throat. "Ahem," she said, getting their attention.

They turned their heads around. "Oh, hey, Jana," Michelle greeted. "Wanna join us?"

"Yeah, we're just looking at the stars," Lance said in an embarrassed tone.

Jana smiled. "No, it's okay. I'll leave you two love birds alone." She waited for their reaction, which were small smiles. "I just wanted to tell you that I am leaving now. Thank you for the wonderful party. I had fun."

Michelle stood up. "Oh, you're going too? Oh well." She gave Jana hug. "Bye, Jana. I'll call you later, okay?"

"Okay," Jana responded, nodding. She started walking away from them. "Bye, Michelle. Bye, Lance. Happy Birthday."

As she left the two, she spotted JC saying good-bye to his friends and grabbing his jacket. Her pace sped up. She needed to talk to him. As he headed out the front door, she caught up with him. "JC," she called, hoping he would look at her.

JC turned his head around. "Oh, hi," he said flatly, taking out his car keys from his pocket. He didn't look her in the eye for long.

Jana gulped nervously. "I think…well, we need to talk," she replied anxiously. "We need to get things straight between us."

JC leaned against his car. "Okay," he said. "What do you want to talk about? You and Justin are a couple, we're through, that's it. What's there to talk about?"

"I'm talking about our feelings about each other," said Jana slowly. "You know as well as I do that our feelings are mixed up."

"So they are." JC looked at the ground. "I'll get over mine quickly." He started unlocking his car and opened the door.

"Wait," Jana pleaded, holding onto his car door. "Please don't go, JC!" She looked at him with a longing expression. He narrowed his eyes. "Jana, I have to go," he said, trying to control his emotions.

"But I want to be with you!" she blurted out. Then she gasped and her eyes widened. Her face turned white and she stepped back. JC was looking at her in confusion. "I…I do," she confessed. "I know I shouldn't be saying this, but it's what I feel. I still…I still care for you in that way, JC." I can't believe that she's admitting this! he thought. "Okay," he told her. "But you still want Justin."

"JC, you're making this hard for me," said Jana. "We had such a great past together," she said, stepping closer to him. "I miss you."

"You miss me?" JC was shocked. Jana actually missed "them". He reached out to touch her chin with his hand. "Jana," he replied, "you can't have the both of us, and you know that. It's either me or Justin…which will it be?" Jana closed her eyes and frowned. Who do I want to be with? she asked herself. Can I really give JC one more chance? Suddenly she felt his soft lips upon hers. He was kissing her. She moved away, confused.

"I'm sorry," apologized JC. His heart was burning with desire. He couldn't believe that he had kissed Jana. "I didn't mean to kiss you."

Jana nodded her head understandingly as tears filled in her eyes. Then she wrapped her arms around JC and kissed him passionately.