"I Will Still Love You"

You guys know the deal. I do not know them. I just go to the same High School Joey went and I've seen them around town (Orlando) a couple times, but that's it. Enjoy the story, and please send some feedback! Thanks!

Chapter 1

Flashback - December/94

And there she stood again. For the past three days he had been watching her. He didn't know why, but something about her captivated him. She seemed different; different from everything and everyone he knew. She had dark brown silky hair and piercing hazel eyes. Her skin was tanned from the Caribbean sun and she shone just like a diamond under the silver moon. Two days later...

It seemed like forever, but only two days had gone by, and no sign of her. Fourty-eight hours without that feeling of completeness that she brought over him. So, he decided to look for her, he had to find the girl that had stole his heart.

He was walking along the sandy beaches, looking at the sky and the peaceful ocean, that's when he spotted her. She was sitting on a rock, contemplating the dark sky. A sight so beautiful that he could spend his last days looking at it. He could stay like that forever.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him too. The same boy that had been watching her ever since she got to the island, five days ago. She smiled to herself. Yeah, he was cute, she couldn't deny that, but she didn't believe in love at first sight. Not until now.

The boy decided it was time to introduce himself. He was more nervous than ever, but he had to do it. This was his big chance. His chance to meet the girl of his dreams. Carefully, he approached her. But before he could say a word, she spoke:

"Beautiful, aren't they?! The stars... they fascinate me." - she saidsoftly.

"Yeah, they're amazing." - he answered

There was an awkward silence, but the girl spoke once again:

"My name's Joanna." "I'm Justin. It's nice to finally meet you."

"Same here." "So, what brings you to the island?" - he asked

"Just spending some quality time with my folks. You?" - the now familiar voice asked

"On vacation, just taking some time off. How long are you gonna stay?" - he questioned "10 more days, what about you?" "Me too." - he responded

"Where you from?" - Justin asked "I live in Orlando, but I'm brazilian."

"You're not American?" "No, is that a problem?"

"No, not at all. It's just that you speak perfect English, you know, without any accent or anything."

"Oh, I've been speaking English since... well, ever since I can remember. I used to attend an American school back in Brazil." - the girl explained

"That pretty much explains it all." - he concluded

"Yep, you could say so." - she said "So... tell me more... about you..."

"Well, I'm 13 years-old, I love writing and dancing, I mean, I've been having dance lessons since I was three. I love music and most kind of sports, especially soccer and volleyball. I speak four languages and I love to travel, you know... go to different places and meet new people, experience other cultures..." - she said "You speak four languages? Which ones?" - he asked

"Portuguese and English, of course, plus Spanish and Italian."

"That's awesome..." "Thanks... so, hum... now it's your turn." - she said

"Ok... well, I'm Justin, you already know that, I'm also 13, I looooove playing basketball and I dream about becoming a singer someday. I also like acting and writing songs... I just speak English and you could say I can dance... and humm... and that's me." - he said

"Where are you from?" - Joanna asked "Memphis, Tennessee."

"You have a cute accent." - she said "Thanks, I guess..."

And they talked all night long. Both wanted to get to know each other a little better. And they did. They spent each and everyday of their vacation together. They were inseparable. Justin was amazed by this girl. He had never met anyone so free-spirited, funny and smart as she was. She had so many dreams and so much determination to achieve them. She lived each day with such passion that he found it exausting. She had a mind of her own, but always open to new ideas. She was innocent, yet she had a serious side. She was everything he ever wanted. He found himself falling in love for the first time. His first and true love. He didn't want to let her go, but he had to. The days had gone by so quickly and moment to say good-bye had arrived.

"I'll miss you." - Joanna said "And I'll never forget you." - he responded

"These were the best days of my life. Thank you." - she said

"You will always be in my heart. You know that, right Baby Jo?!"

"Hey, I'm just 27 days younger than you... And yeah, I know. I could stay here forever, but I have to go..." - she said, tears forming in her eyes.

"I know... promise you'll call me?" - he pleaded while whipping away the tears from her cheeks "I'll try..."

They kissed once more, neither wanting to let go from one another. Then, she left. And he just stood there, looking at his love, feeling his heart breaking into pieces. But there was nothing he could do.