If there was any party that could be the best party in the world it had to be this one. This was unbelievable!! It was so huge, stars left and right was just just ugh you know!! I mean how would you feel with Lil'Kim, Nelly Alicia Keys, Jay-z, Beyonce and countless other people standing side by side of you, let alone congratulating you about your impending marriage! Tonight had been a total whirlwind and this party was just another layer. As soon as they hit the club Diddy was throwing the shindig, Justin carried her around and introduced her to his famous friends.
Afterwards with a little dinner in their system (yes diddy had Justin's cater the food and Kristina thought Fishbone's was something she was sadly mistaken after trying this food!) they hit the dance floor. I guess with the knowledge of their marriage coming soon, Justin's hands were all over her as they danced to the hip hop music above them mixed by the funk master himself. Kristina was getting hot, hotter than she ever had been with Justin rubbing almost every part of her skin on the dance floor but she had to keep in mind the promise she made to herself. That she wouldn't do anything until they were married but damn did he have to look so damn fine?! Ugh he was making this more and more impossible! She had to separate herself from him and soon! So she got Lance, whom now became one of her best buddies to the floor for a few dances. But Justin came back after her last dance with Chris and pulled her back to their table for a little makeout session. They didn't care who saw they were just so smitten with each other at the time they couldn't help it.
"Babe I'm hot" she whined.
"So am I."
"I mean, hot hot."
"So am I" he growled in her ear.
"Ok, you are too much, I'm going to go get something to drink ok?"
"Alright, don't be too long, I don't want to be lonely."
"With all these people in here?"
"You're the only one who matters."
"Oh Timbercakes."
"You think I'm kidding about getting you with that. See that's twice, I'm gonna tear that ass up when we get back at the hotel."
"You better" she laughed. Man these shoes were cute with the diamonds and all but they were starting to hurt her feet as she walked down the steel steps to the bar. "Hi can I get just a water with lime?"
"Sure thing." The bartender poured up Kristina's order. While she waited she looked out at the busy floor. The people were really getting their grind on for real. She had seen so many stars that she was well over the star struck line. Meeting P.Diddy, Nelly, Robbie Williams, Backstreet Boys, Linkin Park and many more felt like a wonderful dream, only for it to be real. Not to mention this Gucci dress she had on that cost about the same amount as her fall semester of school. Let alone the big shocker, their engagement. How much had her life changed so fast? Even she couldn't grasp it.
"Deep in thought at a party?" Kristina turned her head to face the British accent that went along with it. She recognized the guy but she didn't want him to think she was a freak so she didn't mention it.
"Odd huh?"
"That it is, Abs" the guy held his hand out for her.
"Kristina, nice to meet you."
"I suppose congratulations are in order for the engagement of you and Mr. Timberlake."
"Thank you."
"Would you be offended if I told you that you look fantastic tonight?"
"No I wouldn't thank you."
"So are you a performer?"
"No, I wish" she laughed. "Just engaged to one."
"Lucky guy." She wasn't sure what kind of vibe she was getting from this guy, Kristina's flirt detector was always a miss. When people were flirting with her, subtlety or hardcore she never really saw it. So they just continued talking and talking and talking. She had loved music from the U.K. and finally for once she could talk to someone who knew who she was talking about.
"I love Mis-Teeq!! I have some of their cds, they could definitely give some of these groups here a run for their money."
"Yeah I know, but I don't know, I liked them when Zena was with them."
"Yeah I know what you mean, but she's coming out with her own cd soon though right?"
"Yeah she is, sometime this year."
"Cool, I'll have to cop that." As they talked down at the bar, Justin grew worried. Where was she? She said she going to get a drink and come back and now it was almost a half an hour later.
"Hey I'm going to go look for Tina, k?"
"Yeah alright." Justin moved from the table and walked down to the bar. Over the dancehall music that played above them he heard someone singing.
Monday took her for a drink on Tuesday we were making love by Wednesday and on Thursday & Friday & Saturday we chilled on Sunday I met this girl on Monday took her for a drink on Tuesday we were making love by Wednesday and on Thursday & Friday & Saturday we chilled on Sunday
"Ohh watch out Craig David! That was a great rendition of 7 ways." Playfully Kristina hit his arm.
"Thank you."
"That was great really."
"Now if I had more fans like you then I'll millions here in the states" he smiled before sipping his drink.
"I'm sure everyone will love you." Justin watched as this chump cheesed it up with his fiancée! And there she was just a laughing and giggling with the Gucci dress he bought her riding up her bare thighs. When she crossed her legs it moved even further up. Right about now Justin could only see red. If he was to go over there, he'd be in the New York City jail. So not wanting that to happen, he walked in the opposite direction and went back upstairs to his table. The guys could tell that something wasn't right because he had that little pissy look on his face.
"Dude everything ok?"
"Yup." Yeah something was wrong. J.C. moved in closer.
"Dude are you sure?"
"I said I was fucking ok!!"
"Fine." J.C. just sat back and came back to his drink. Something happened downstairs, but what? Was it Kristina? He couldn't find her through the crowd but he'd find out sooner or later what happened. Soon Kristina came walking up the steps with a smile on her face, carrying her drink. Before she could even sit down, Justin jumped up and grabbed her hand.
"We're leaving."
"Uh--ok." Kristina barely sat the glass down before he dragged her off.
"I'll call for you guys another car." And that was it, they were gone. Justin's hold was so tight she thought her hand would explode.
"Justin? Justin?" He said nothing just carried her though the crowd. "Justin what's going on." Justin reached for his phone in his pocket and called his driver. The minute they stepped out the front door, the limo stood before them. The driver came around and opened the door. With some force Justin pushed Kristina in the limo and slammed the door behind him. Now she was really confused. "Would you like to tell me what's going on?"
"Oh I'm going to go get something to drink and I'll be right back" he mocked. "It takes a half an hour to get something to drink?! I come looking for you, only to find you with that jackass." So this was what that was about.
"He has a name. His name is Abs and he's not a jackass."
"Abs? What kind of name is that?"
"What would you rather be called? Richard Aberdeen or Abs, Randall?" Justin's head shot fast over to hers.
"Just like I thought."
"What are you talking about?"
"I come down, here is `Abs' singing to you, you touching all over him laughing and smiling like a Cheshire cat while your fiancée is sitting upstairs wondering where the hell you were."
"Justin I was not touching him all over! What are you talking about?!"
"I saw you!"
"So what you're spying on me now?"
"The eyes don't lie Kristina."
"I can't believe you."
"You can't believe me?! You've got some nerve really."
"I've got some nerve?! You've got to be kidding me right?"
"Look at me, I'm Kristina, holier than thou. Little miss churchy and the minute I take you to a party you're laughing it up with some other man for most of the night!" Kristina was flabbergasted, is that how he saw her? Holier than thou? She never put herself out there like that. Just because she wouldn't have sex or spend his money didn't make her holier than anyone.
"Justin we were all at that party for almost 3 hours, I was only gone for like 20 minutes. What I'm not allowed to talk to people now? If that's the case you don't need to bring me to stuff like this."
"I don't want to talk to you right now, so silence." Justin turned his head and looked out the tinted limo window. Kristina sat on the other side with her mouth wide open in shock. Did he just tell her silence? Oh no he didn't.
"You know what Justin I cut you a lot of slack because of the position you're in but you have just crossed the line with that one. I try to be overly nice to you not just because I love you but because you take a lot of shit from other people but right now you are acting like a grade A ass. I'm from the D and I don't take that shit off no one and that includes you. I'm the worse person you want to get on your bad side." You could see the red flowing through her face from anger.
"Didn't I tell you to be quiet?" He asked, not even turning around. She just turned around and licked her bottom lip.
"You wish is my command. Driver stop the car." The driver followed Kristina's command and stopped the car.
"What are you doing?" She paid no attention to Justin, just jumped out of the car and began walking down the street. Quickly he jumped out the other side and followed her. Wow would've thought someone in some 4 inch diamond stilettos could walk so fast? Justin finally caught with her. "Kristina come back to the limo."
"No."
"Kristina stop acting like this."
"Stop acting like what?! You just blatantly said that I cheated on you some guy! I can't fucking believe you! Even after I told you countless times about how I despise people who cheat on other people?! The things with my friend Kelly?! The thing with my father?! And you sit there and accuse me of something like that, are you fucking kidding me?!" Ok now Justin felt horrible. See what alcohol does to you when had to much? You jump to conclusions in a major way. Kristina just shook her head and continued walking.
"Kristina stop."
"I can handle myself."
"This isn't Detroit! You don't even know where you're going!"
"I'll find my way." She wasn't going to do what he asked, so he walked a little ahead of her enough to scoop her up in his arm and hoist her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "Justin put me down! Justin!!" No matter how hard she tried to fight he kept her hold on her and tossed her over into the limo. Before she could climb out the other side, the driver began. In his softest voice he called out for her but she ignored him. When he reached out for her shoulder she jerked it away.
"Leave me alone." He understood. When he was angry he didn't want people bothering him either. So moving back to the other side of the limo the ride back to the hotel was silent. So was the walk into the hotel, the ride on the elevator and walking into their room. Kristina slowly pulled those shoes off and reached over for her bag and started stuffing whatever was hers into it. Justin didn't see what was going on because he was in the bathroom but when he came out he was shocked.
"What are you doing?"
"What does it look like?"
"Kristina....no." He walked over and took the bag out of her hands and held it way above his head.
"Justin this is not the time to play games." When she saw he wasn't letting up she crossed her arms in frustration. "Do not play with me Justin! You have a better chance at playing the lotto and that's a one in a million chance."
"You're right, this is not the time to play games, its the time to talk." As much as she wanted to go against it he was right, they needed to talk. Justin took Kristina's hand and pulled her over to the bed. What was he going to say? Hey you were right, I am a grade A ass! Or hey I'm sorry I'll buy you a car? Ok that wouldn't work on her, that only really worked on Brit, no he had to be honest. This was his first girlfriend with a real heart, real love and real feelings for him. "I am a very jealous guy."
"Hmm I gathered."
"And mixing alcohol and jealousy aren't the best of things. I know you weren't touching him all over but its like when I saw you put your hand on him, or when he was singing to you or when you crossed your legs its like I didn't know what to do. Go over there and choke the guy or run into the streets in hopes of getting hit by a truck. It just really set me off and I said some things that I didn't mean just to piss you off. I know you would never cheat on me and to tell you to be quiet was pretty rude and for that I am really sorry." Damn it, he had to be so sweet and sincere! She wanted to be pissed at him but how could she when he put it down on her like that?
"Apology accepted."
"Babe we're getting married, we're going to get into arguments and no matter how mean we are to each other I'm gonna always love you."
"Ditto" she smiled before giving him a kiss. "Justin?"
"Yeah?"
"Do you really think act like I'm holier than thou and be honest?"
"Honestly no, I just wanted to press your buttons." Playfully she smacked his arm.
"I'm gonna press your buttons!" Now they were laughing and smiling with each other again which was a relief. Justin picked her up in his arms and tossed her further back into the bed before climbing on top of her.
"You had me rollin' though."
"How?"
"I got to see the real Kristina come out."
"What do you mean?"
"Let's just say I would not want to be on your bad side like you told me." Kristina laughed. "My mother would've laughed at the whole lotto thing."
"Oh goodness." The laughter subsided. They just stared in each other others eyes. They were in love, arguments or not.
"We're getting married babe."
"I know."
"Will you marry me?"
"You already asked."
"I'm asking again." Kristina smiled.
"Yes, yes I'll marry you."
"I love hearing you say that."
"Well I love saying it. Kristina Timberlake, that has a ring to it."
"That it does. I love you."
"I love you too babe."
Chapter 16
"Babe can you pass me that?" Justin looked over at the red lace push up bra.
"Nice."
"Justin?!"
"Ok, ok." Justin passed her the bra. Zipping her bag up, she joined him on the bed.
"I'm gonna miss you."
"You don't have to miss me."
"Huh?"
"Come back with me to California, I mean you're going to have to anyways."
"What are you talking about?"
"How are we going to be engaged being 3,000 miles away?"
"I know but I have obligations at home. I just started school and.."
"You can go to school in California, UCLA or Stanford or something."
"One I don't have that kind of money and two I go to community college I'm not even equipped for a school so big."
"Are you serious, you're the smartest person I know."
"Justin, you're not supposed to lie to me."
"I'm not."
"Besides school has started already and late registration is over."
"Let me handle everything."
"Justin I can't."
"Why won't you let me help you? Every time I offer you turn me down. Why?"
"I don't know, I mean it would just be unfair. Justin Timberlake, big superstar getting doors open for me."
"Look its not getting doors open for you, its just helping you out. You're perfectly capable of handling everything else on your own. I want to be with you. We're going to pledge our lives to each other and you don't want to live with me."
"Justin, its not like that really."
"Is it?"
"No, I think what it is, is that I'm scared."
"Scared? Scared of what?"
"This is the most I've traveled in the whole 20 years of my life and I've never lived out of Detroit before in my life."
"Don't be scared of the unknown babe. You should embrace it, you'll learn so much from it."
"You're right, ugh I hate it when you're right."
"Aren't all Aquarius?"
"Only the ones born in January and that's every now and again. We Capricorns usually have it right about 99.9% with 0.01% error and that's rare."
"Alright, so where are we?"
"We are at me getting my stuff ready for California." Justin jumped up and grabbed her.
"How is it that you consistently make me the happiest man in the world?"
*****************
"Shit look at that ring! You better keep your left hand in your pockets around here."
"Shut up, Clarke I can't believe this. I'm getting married!!"
"I know! And he's hot! We've been waiting for this for like EVER!!"
"I KNOW!!" They both screamed and jumped up and down. But then there was the other matter.
"Wait what's up?"
"Um, well this might be the last time we see each other for awhile."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'm moving to California--to be with Justin." Krystal stood still. She was moving? Well she assumed she would be so soon? She just got engaged the other day.
"Oh."
"But we're still gonna talk and be best friends you know."
"Of course."
"But it won't be the same huh?"
"No." They just stood there for a moment in sadness. "But hey look at it like this, I'll have somewhere to crash when I come to California right?"
"You know it."
"I'm gonna miss ya girl."
"I'm gonna miss you too." The rest of her goodbyes were just as bad. Not as worst as hers with Krystal because Krystal was her twin. Hell it didn't even hurt as bad when she told her family that she was leaving. After packing up most of everything and giving it over to the movers that would be shipping her stuff out to California, she hopped on a flight and was in L.A. in a matter of hours. Today was so tiring. Packing up everything, saying goodbye to everyone, dropping her classes at WCCC, resigning from her job, catching the flight and having to get used to this new L.A. traffic drained her completely. Kristina let out a sigh when she finally pulled up into Justin's garage. He wasn't there because he went with Dez to get everything situated for her at Concordia University, a small Lutheran college. She made her way to the kitchen in hopes of putting something on her stomach only to fall off to sleep on the table. Justin pulled up around 5, who knew registering and getting stuff set up for school was so hectic. Even though he hated to say it, thank goodness he wasn't in school. When he pulled up he saw the car he sent for Kristina at the airport in the driveway. He was so happy, he couldn't wait to see her.
"Tina? Tina?" He called out for her but nothing. Just before he walked pass the kitchen he found her with her head on the table knocked out. Poor girl, she had a long day. Making sure not to wake her, he picked her up and carried her upstairs to what would now be their room and laid her down in the bed. As much as he wanted to kiss her all over, she needed rest and needed rest now.
************************
Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go. You have made my life complete, and I love you so. Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfilled. For my darlin' I love you, and I always will.
Kristina slowly opened her eyes from waking to the sound of Justin singing beside her. She didn't say anything, just listened to him sing Elvis Presley's Love me tender.
Love me tender, love me long, take me to your heart. For it's there that I belong, and we'll never part. Love me tender, love me dear, tell me you are mine.
His voice was so delightful and caring as he sung the classic song. Yet she didn't mention it one of her fears for moving in with Justin was the fact that maybe now that they were so close the love would die down. What's the saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder? It was very true for them but what if they were around each other all the time? But they were over two months now with each other and the love was still there. It didn't die down or anything in fact it grew hotter and heavier. They didn't have a wedding date set yet but they were getting everything in order and boy she couldn't wait for that night. Back home it was easier to keep that virginity in check but now every time Justin came within an inch it just got harder and harder. The smell of his cologne, they way he watched her when she changed her clothes at night (yes she finally got comfortable being nude in front of him.) when he smiled at her or when he put his signature on her neck, it was like her body wanted to kick her ass for not droppin' the draws. But she had to stay strong, she just had to.
I'll be yours through all the years, till the end of time. When at last my dreams come true Darling this I know Happiness will follow you Everywhere you go.
"Aw J that was sweet" she smiled.
"Its how I feel babe."
"Aw, come here." Kristina planted a kiss on Justin's waiting lips. He wasn't sure what it was she used but he swore she had that softest lips in the world. "Babe guess what's in three days?"
"What?"
"Halloween!"
"What?"
"Did you just say what?"
"Uh yeah, I mean I heard of it but I mean I haven't kept up with it or anything."
"Aw babe how could you not? Its like the third greatest holiday next to Christmas and my birthday!"
"Um sure. I guess its just not a big deal here."
"Are you serious?"
"Its celebrated I guess but no one goes all out here. Its more of an east coast thing." Now that was ridiculous, how could you not have uber fun on Halloween?! East coast thing? Well she'd put a stop to that one!
"You've got to be kidding! I love Halloween. I guess it is a east coast thing. I remember growing up and getting our little bogus dollar store costume and going down Michigan Avenue while it was dark out and going to the bakery for free donuts and we'd get like free chips and candy from the side streets. And when I got older I'd stay home and watch horror movies before passing out the candy. Last year I was Liza Minelli."
"Oh gawd" Justin sighed.
"And you're not doing anything?"
"Well there aren't that many kids take come around since I have a gate up."
"Well let's open it up! I'll pass out the candy and we could have like some people over or something."
"I don't know Kristina."
"Please?????"
"Who are we going to invite? Its kind of last minute."
"Just some friends and stuff you know, it'll be fun!" Justin wasn't going to win this one. Plus it wouldn't hurt doing something that reminded her of home. He knew she desperately missed her friends and family and maybe this was something that'd give her a taste of home, so why not?
"Alright but you're going to have to help come up with some names of people you want to invite ok?"
"Thanks babe!!"
"You're welcome."
**************************
Kristina finished pouring the rest of the candy in the giant bowl. There had already been a slew full of kids at the door which surprised her.
{I thought Justin said there weren't a lot of kids around here?} The doorbell rung breaking her thoughts.
"Coming!" Kristina picked up the bowl and ran to the door.
"Hey Tina!"
"Hey I thought you were kids."
"Nah but I'll eat up your candy like some kids" Joey said grabbing a handful.
"Be my guest, there's plenty anyways."
"Great." Joey, Chris, Lance, Dez and Ash all walked into the party that was already filled up with more of the groups friends and family. Since Kristina didn't know many people in California she left it up to the guys to invite who they wanted. People were dancing up a storm as if they were in the club while horror movies were playing downstairs for anyone who wanted to watch.
"Packed I see" Ash said.
"Yeah it is, Justin's best friend Trace flew all the way here just to come but I haven't seen him yet."
"Meh you'll meet him, speaking of Justin where is he?"
"Some meeting about getting another house. A vacation house in Spain, why do not ask me."
"Can we come visit then?"
"Sure" she laughed.
"So who are you guys supposed to be?"
"I'm Snow white" Ash said.
"And I'm Dr. Marlena Evans/ Salem Stalker" Dez commented.
"Creative."
"Who are you?"
"Beyonce girl, notice the blond wig, blue jean bootie shorts and red heels?"
"Ah ok, but shouldn't you have gotten a tan for that?"
"Its almost as if she's staying in Michigan so long that the Californian sun does nothing."
"Quit making fun of my paleness!" The phone began to ring and Kristina ran for it. "Hello?"
"Hey babe I'm on my way. How are things going?"
"Good good, its crowded in a major way, who are you going to be so I can keep a look at for you?"
"R.Kelly."
"Are you kidding?"
"No, you'll see when I get there."
"Yeah I will" she laughed. "See ya."
"Alright bye." Kristina just laughed shaking her head. A few more kids came by and the candy was going at a rapid pace. Another bowl to pass out. Kristina heard some footsteps coming into the kitchen. She felt a hand on her waist and assumed it was J. When she turned around she busted out laughing. There he was in a pink shirt, with a pink hat on and pink ham burglar style eye mask. When he said he was going to be R.Kelly she didn't think he was serious, guess he was. "Aw babe- -" was all she could get out. She said no more, she just pulled him in and kissed him. He was gone for most of the day and she couldn't wait to put her lips on his. But something wasn't right. The kiss didn't feel the same, it didn't have that passion that just made her want to leap out of her skin.
"WHAT IN THE FUCK IS GOING ON IN HERE?!" Kristina stopped kissing. She turned her head in the direction of Justin's voice. There he was standing at the door in a prisoner uniform and ham burglar mask. She was confused, who the fuck she kissing then.
"Huh?"
"J?"
"Trace?!"
"WHAT?!" Kristina screeched. Trace took the mask off his eyes. She had never seen him before, she thought he was Justin. Right about now a nice wet hole to crawl up and die in would be perfect! Justin said no more, he just stormed out of the room. "Shit" she whispered to herself. She was about to chase him but Trace held her back.
"Don't let him cool off."
"And who the fuck are you again? And why'd you kiss me?!"
"You kissed me."
"And you put your hands on my waist!"
"I didn't know you were Justin's fiancée!"
"How did you not? I've been in magazine's, on t.v.!"
"I don't know, you look different with the hair."
"Oh my gosh." Kristina left out of the kitchen and ran up the T shaped stairs. All eyes were on her. Everyone wanted to know what was going on. Lucky for her the bedrooms weren't seen from downstairs. Kristina tried to get into the room but it was locked. She knocked but he didn't answer. "Justin please open the door." Still nothing. "Justin please!" The door cracked open a little. Just when she was about to walk in Justin he popped his head out. "Justin let me explain please."
"My fiance and my friend, `nuff said" with that he slammed the door so hard in her face her hair blew back. Instantaneously tears began to stream down Kristina's eyes. Why did this have to happen?! Ash knew something was up so she finished passing out the candy and took over for the party. Kristina stayed right were she was, sitting by the door waiting for him. The party grew to the ends around 1 but Kristina still sat at the door waiting for him. She wasn't going anywhere until he opened the door. What was this feeling that was coming over her? She couldn't point it out so she opened her eyes and there standing over her was Justin. Apparently she feel off to sleep on the floor waiting all night for him to open the door. He just stood there and looked at her with this look that'd make a 300 pound man run for cover.
"Explain." Slowly she stood up and looked up into his blue eyes.
"I had my back turned and I felt someone touch my waist. When I turned around I saw the R.Kelly mask I just went for it. When I kissed him I just knew, I jumped at the chance because I missed you all day and whenever I can have my way with you I jump for the chance! I didn't know it was your friend Trace I swear." Damn it! Why did she have to make it so easy not to hate her?! True they did both have on those costumes and you really couldn't who was who with the mask.
"Ok.ok." Kristina drew a sigh of relief. "Now tell me why I shouldn't go find Trace and rip his tongue out his throat?"
"Because he's your best friend! He didn't know babe. I had on this wig on and--"
"Which is crooked by the way" he smiled. That smile just made her feel so much better. Justin reached in and straightened it out.
"Thanks, um so you aren't mad?"
"I am but I'll deal it was an honest mistake. Just like that time with that girl Lari."
"What?! Who's Lari?"
"I'm kidding, I'm kidding there's no Lari I just wanted to see your little jealousy streak."
"I don't have a jealously streak."
"Did you hear how you sounded when I said the mistake?"
"Ok, ok, but I'm definitely not as jealous as you when it comes to other men. When you see me with another guy whether its Lance or the mailman you have a conniption."
"Well I don't want no one takin' my babe."
"No one's gonna do that. Ever."
"Ever Ever?"
"Ever ever ever." Justin took her and pulled her into the room. They both crashed into to bed and laid back.
"So, have you ever thought about dying your hair blond?"