Written By: ©Tiffany Anne
**
Alexis laughed flirtatiously as Justin pulled into her reserved parking spot at the studio. “That was so much fun! I had the best time, J!”
“Me too!” Justin leaned over and crushed his lips gently across hers. Smiling, he hooked a golden lock behind her ear and settled back in his seat, his hand intertwining with hers. Looking up his smiled faded as he saw Arianna standing there, a blank look on her face. Scrambling to get out of the car Justin called out to her. He caught her arm as she tried to escape into the studio. “Arianna.”
Whipping around she stared at him, her brown eyes flashing with hot anger. “I tried calling you during lunch.” Her voice was calm and dull despite the burning in her eyes. “I wanted to call and apologize for my jealous behavior. I wanted to tell you that I trust you and that I love you.” She paused, and then bit her lip as she saw Alexis step up behind Justin, her hand on his lower back. “Do you love her, Justin?”
“AJ, I…” began Justin, but he stopped when she held her hand up.
“That’s all I need to know.” Blinking rapidly as she fought tears Arianna turned around entered the studio.
~*~*~
Megan Hunter, President of the Board of Directors for The Beat watched as Arianna finished the routine, sweat dripping off her tired body. “Brilliant Arianna. That was the best work I’ve seen in a long time…from anyone.” She smiled as Arianna thanked her before gulping down her icy water. She knew Arianna had felt threatened when they had asked Alexis Rae to teach for them. What Arianna didn’t know was that they did it because Britney Spears had been begging them for months to get Arianna to choreograph personally for her. “Listen, AJ. You’ve been with The Beat for a while now. You know how much we all love you.”
Arianna bit her lip as a sense of dread pooled in her stomach, “But?”
“No buts AJ.” Megan laughed at the look of apprehension on her face. “Britney Spears wants you to choreograph her routine for the Teen Choice Awards and assuming all goes well, her tour.”
Arianna’s jaw dropped, “What?”
“It’s what you’ve always wanted AJ,” Megan touched her arm softly.
“I couldn’t,” Arianna shook her head, backing away.
“You could, Arianna. Don’t let that jerk in New York punish you anymore. Look in the mirror.” She turned Arianna until they were both facing they mirror. “Do you not see what everyone else does? You are THE Arianna Jensen. The most famous dancer in the world, better than any Alexis Rae’s out there. I know how cruel the dancing world can be and how much you suffered at it’s hands but AJ it wasn’t your fault. You can’t let him win by allowing him to take away your dream. You have the chance to show them that yes, you had everything taken from you but you are once again the best damn dancer in the world. And choreographing for Britney can get you that Age. You know that. And you know you can do it. Don’t let him steal your dream forever.”
Arianna raised her honey brown eyes and flinched as they met Justin’s shimmering blue ones in the mirror. “I’ll do it.” She tore her eyes away from Justin’s and faced Megan. “When do I leave?”
~*~*~
Caitlin watched as Arianna shoved clothes into a suitcase. “Does he know AJ?”
Arianna paused before shaking her head. “What difference does it make?”
“The difference is,” Caitlin put her hand on Arianna’s. “That no matter how he feels about Alexis he still loves you.”
“Doesn’t matter.” Arianna stared at the picture of them on the nightstand before turning it face down, like the rest in the house. “I have to do this.” Grabbing her duffel bag she slung it over her shoulder and then handed Caitlin a letter. “Give this to him.” She stopped in the doorway. “And Caitlin. Take care of him, because no matter what I will always love him.” Running down the stairs she fled the house that was filled with so many happy memories of her and Justin.
~*~*~
Justin sighed as he entered the dark house. Arianna’s Pathfinder had been gone but Caitlin’s car was parked in front of the house. “Cat?” he called, as Alexis followed him into the living room.
“Why did you bring her here J?” Caitlin responded, from the kitchen doorway.
Alexis gave the pretty blonde a dirty look, “I’m his best friend.”
“Excuse me?” Caitlin stared at Justin, her brown eyes narrowing.
“I’ve known her forever,” Justin shrugged.
Alexis slipped her hand into his, “We were each other’s first love.” Looking up at Justin she smiled, “Each other’s true love.” She smirked at Caitlin, “And we’re best friends.”
“She asked me to give this to you,” Caitlin said, thrusting the letter at Justin. “Not that I think you’ll give a damn about what it says now that you have your REAL love and your REAL best friend.” Shoving past both of them Caitlin fled the house as Arianna had done only a few hours earlier. She couldn’t believe how Justin had treated her. And all because of some girl he knew when he was little. With a heavy sigh she got into her car, driving to where she knew Arianna would be finding her solace.
Chapter 8
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