Lila turned around. “Joey, are you alright?”

There was still blood coming out from his nose, but otherwise he looked fine. Joey was trying his best to act cool, like what happened wasn’t really a big deal, when everyone knew it was.

“I’m okay other than a really sore leg and nose,” he said, shrugging. “I’ll be fine.”

“Why don't we all go to my house and just relax?” Lila suggested. Everyone agreed. Christina stepped back and watched as they headed to the door that led them outside of the school. Lila stopped then turned and faced Christina. “Come on.”

Joey may hate her, and Chris may hate her, but Lila didn’t. There was no need to not include Christina when Lila considered her a good friend.

“That's okay. I don't want to hurt anything else.”

Christina tried to look at Joey, but Joey’s eyes remained on the ground, like there was something interesting crawling around.

“Come on, Christina. It'll be fun.” Lila tried her best to cheer her up but it didn't look like it worked.

“That’s okay,” Christina said.

“Just come, Christina.” Joey finally looked up. “It's always fun at her house. We all want you to come.”

Chris shook his head from beside Joey. Joey sent him a warning look, but Chris ignored it and pressed on.

“You don't have to be nice to her anymore.”

“I’m sorry. He didn't mean that. Come with us, please?”

While Joey was apologizing for Chris’ behaviour, Chris seemed to think he did nothing wrong. She deserved every word, Chris thought. But didn’t speak his thoughts out loud afraid that Joey would smack him.

Joey gave her that pleading look with his eyes that made her heart melt. She just nodded not being able to speak and followed them out the door.

They were walking to Lila's house when Lila saw Justin. When Christina saw him, anger filled her face and body. Nobody could stop her. She ran up to Justin and slapped him right across the face.

Justin grabbed his face. “What the hell was that for?”

“For everything you've done. From hurting Joey to cheating on me.”

“Christina, geez calm down. The man deserved it for taking you away,” Justin said. He for whatever reason, was proud of his actions today and was satisfied with the marks that were left on Joey’s skin.

“Justin, leave all my friends alone!” Lila yelled. She hated Justin enough as it is.

“Oh baby, don't yell at me. You know I love you.” Justin walked over to Lila and put his arm around his waist.

It wasn’t until Lila didn‘t protest Justin’s embrace that Lance got upset. “What's going on?” He stepped towards them, but Justin just pulled Lila closer.

“Didn't she tell you?” Justin was grinning again. Lance just wished there was some way to wipe it off his face for good. “We're together now. She loves me not you.”

Lance looked at Lila for any sign that what was being spoken was just a lie. She didn't say anything. She couldn't say anything.

“See I told you,” Justin said. “Now leave, losers.”

Lance ran off in the direction of his car. He didn’t want anyone to see him cry.

Christina looked at Lila. “How could you do this to Lance?” Then she glanced at Justin. “You’re such a bastard.”

“I…” Lila didn’t really know what to say. She was cut off anyway when Justin kissed her.

Lila wanted to spit in his face.

“Oh, baby you don't have to answer them,” Justin said smugly.

“How could you do this to my best friend?” Joey asked. He had thought Lila loved Lance. What was it about Justin that girls found so damn attractive? He certainly couldn’t see it. All Joey saw was a selfish bastard who only cared about himself.

“Come on, let’s get out of here,” Chris said.

As they were walking away, Lila looked at them helplessly.

“Justin, God damn you!” Lila smacked him. “You can't keep blackmailing me like this!”

“I'm not the one that dated Joey,” Justin said pointing a finger at her.

“That was way before I met Lance!”

“You and Joey still lied to him and never told him,” Justin explained. “I’m just using you for my own use.”

“Christina will never take you back. She loves Joey.” Lila was positive of that now.

“Don't say that. She loves only me!” He slapped Lila so hard that blood appeared on her face. “Don't you ever speak to me like that again, you got that?” She nodded as a tear fell down her face. “Good girl, now go spy and find out what is going on between Joey and my girlfriend.”

Justin picked up his bag and headed back to his convertible.

“Ex,” she corrected. But she went off anyway to do what Justin had told her to do.

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