(3 Weeks Later)

“That was a great movie,” Dasia said, referring to ‘Earthly Possessions.’

“Yeah, it's just one of those movies no matter how old it is, it's still great.”

“What do you wanna see next?” she asked.

“I think it's your pick.”

“How about Leathal Weapon 4? It's one of those movies that never goes out of style also.”

“Sounds good.”

There was junk food all over the place. They were having a classic movie night. Even though they weren't classic, they picked them anyway. Justin watched Dasia more than the movie. He loved the way she bit her lip when she was scared, and wondered if she still wore strawberry lip-gloss.

Dasia noticed Justin staring and felt a little uncomfortable. She wondered what he was thinking. Things had changed a lot in the last couple of weeks. They hung out all the time, well when he wasn't with Claire. Dasia had dated a little more recently and it was becoming more fun the more she got over Justin.

“Justin, why are you staring?”

“Just thinking.” He made up his mind that now was a good time to tell her as any.

“About what?”

“How beautiful you are…” She couldn't think of what to say. “And how much you mean to me,” he finished.

She sat up and looked him in the eyes. “Justin, where are you going with this?”

“Dasia, I know I've made a lot, I mean a lot of mistakes, but I want to fix them. I want you back.”

“You can't do this to me,” she yelled.

“I can't do what? Dasia, I need you back in my life.”

“I am in your life, Justin, as friend. Do you know how long it took me to be able to think of you as a friend? I am in love, was. I was in love with you and you broke my heart. I can't go through it all over again, Justin! I didn't ask for your love!” She started pacing the room to clear her thoughts.

“I didn't ask to be in love with you but somehow love happens. I promise I won't hurt you again. Don't you get it?” He grabbed her shoulders so she would stop pacing and listen to him. “I love you and all I want to do is make it up to you.”

“Don't touch me!” She pulled away from his grip. “You don't know what love is. This is not love. You're still with Claire for goodness sakes!”

“I'll leave Claire. I just want to know if you'll give us a chance.”

“That's what this is about?”

“What is what all about?” he asked, confused.

“You're a selfish jerk! You can't have it all. You don't love me or Claire. All you love is knowing we both want you.” She walked over to the door.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“This time I'm not going anywhere, you are. I think it's time for you to go. Now!”

He went to argue but knew there was no point. All his hopes were shattered. Never in any of his scenarios did he imagine it would go this way.

~~~

It had been one month since that night and Dasia still hadn't talked to him.

“Maybe it's time for you to move on with your life,” Lance said.

“I don't know how.”

“You have Claire who is in love with you. Don't you think you should take it to the next level?”

“Marry her?” Justin questioned.

“You already have a ring. All you have to do is give it back to her.”

“I know you're right, but I can't get rid of this hope I have.”

“Well you're going to have to because it's never going to happen. She's moved on and you have to also. Listen, tonight you're going to dinner with Claire and it's the perfect time so do it.” Lance was on his way out and left Justin with that thought hoping he would take the advice.

Justin figured it was the only thing to do.

‘I'm just a memory to Dasia so she'll just be a memory to me. I'm going to marry Claire and show her I can get on with my life. Who needs her anyway?’ he told himself. ‘I do, that's who. I need everything about her. The way she laughs, her deep green eyes, even the way she eats her hamburgers. Stop thinking like that! What I need is to get over her.’

~~~

“Wow Claire, you look amazing,” Lance said, looking up from the TV. They have always been friends and remained friends throughout her and Justin's relationship. They had gone shopping to find an outfit for Claire's date with Justin tonight and found the perfect pink dress. “Justin's going to love it.”

“I hope so. Do you think this will get him moving?”

“In more ways then one.” Lance laughed. “I better get going. Justin's going to be here soon. So tell me how it goes tomorrow.” He gave Claire a small hug then left.

Justin arrived only five minutes later and they left for the restaurant. The night was going to be perfect according to Justin's plan. During dinner, Justin handed Claire the box.

She was startled when she opened it and her smile grew as wide as possible. She looked up at him with curious eyes.

“Really?” she asked.

“Just set the date,” he said. She jumped out of her seat and gave him a kiss.

~~~

“So when is the date?” JC asked.

“September first,” Justin answered.

“Today's July seventeenth, that makes it only one and a half months away,” Chris said.

“What about Dasia?”

“There's nothing I can do about her. I tried okay, she doesn't want me,” Justin yelled back.

“Her birthday is in four days. Are you coming to the party?”

“I don't know.”

“What do you mean ‘you don't know?’ She deserves to know you're getting married, don't you think?”

They were finished in the studio so Justin left, without a word in return to Chris.

(Dasia’s Party)

“Woohoo, how old are you now? 40? 50?”

“Keep talking old man and we'll see if you live to see YOU'RE birthday.”

“Ohh big talker, huh?”

“Yeah big walker, too. Wanna try me?” she asked, holding her fork up to him.

Everyone laughed at Chris and Dasia going back and forth. It had been a great party and everyone was leaving but Chris and the gang stayed to help clean up. Dasia had a little too much to drink so Chris offered to take her home.

“Why didn't he come?” she asked before getting out of the car.

“I don't know,” Chris said, upset to see his friend like this. Everyone knew how mad she was at him, but cared so much for him and secretly prayed he would show up.

“Am I not a good person to love?” It was obvious of how intoxicated she was.

“You're a great person to love. I love you like one of my best friends,” Chris said, hoping that would “satisfy” her.

“Then why doesn't he love me?”

“He does but didn't know how to show it, and messed up.”

---

Love Happens - Chapter Sixteen

World Of Our Own Fiction