One afternoon in August Annabelle went out shopping with Nick. 
The rest of the guys, for the most part, sat around watching a movie. 
Everyone except for Jeff, that is. He was busy watching a girl in 
another building, through the window.

	"I swear that chick is playing games with me", Jeff said as he 
continued staring out the window. "I'm gonna go see what her deal is. I 
mean really, who changes, does arobics, and sits naked in front of the 
damn window? I'm going over there". Jeff got up. As he was leaving the 
apartment the guys grunted.

	He went over to the other building and found the woman's 

apartment. He knocked loudly. The girl answered, naked. She pulled Jeff 

in for a passionate kiss. Jeff was swept up in the moment, so he let 
the girl lead him into her apartment, closing the door.

	A while later Drew pried his eyes away from the tv screen, 
stood, and stretched. He gazed out the window and looked into the 
girl's apartment.

	"My god! J! J! Come here and look at this!". Justin got up and 
looked out the window.

	"Damn. Jeff moves a lot quicker then I thought". The girl and 
Jeff were having sex on her couch. Drew and Justin turned away.

	"Ya know, that's not anything I wanna see", Drew said.

	"Me either". The two sat back on the couch and continued 
watching their movie.

Meanwhile...

	"Do we have to buy that crap?", Nick asked disgustedly.

	"It's brocoli".

	"I know".

	"It's good for you".

	"I know".

	"It tastes good".

	"Oh no, that stuff tastes like shit. Put it back".

	"Hell no! I do the cooking so I decide what to cook".

	"Fine. But I ain't eating no brussell sprouts".

	"No problem. I hate them little buggers".

	"Let's get some cookies".

	"Okay, but then we're checking out and going home".

	"Sure". They finished shopping and drove home.

	Annabelle unlocked the door and the two entered the 
apartment.

	"Awww! That's soo cute", Annabelle gushed. Drew and Justin were 
both asleep on different ends of the couch, but Justin fell over and he 
now layed on top of Drew.

	"Should we wake them?", Nick asked.

	"Let's wait until dinner is ready. C'mon you can help me". They 
got started with dinner.

	"I wonder where Jeff is".

	"Maybe he went out", Annabelle reasoned.

	"Maybe".

	"We'll hafta ask the guys when we wake 'em".

	"Yes, yes of course", Nick said reluctantly.

	"I haven't lived here very long so I don't really know the 
guy's habits, but I'm guessing Jeff doesn't leave very much".

	"Well...he usually tells me when he leaves. He calls my cell. 
I'm just one of those people who needs complete control of the 
situation, at all times. You know me, the constant worry wort".

"I know Nick". Annabelle walked towards him and patted his hair. "You 
gotta worry less". She kissed his cheek gently. He pulled her close and 
kissed her full on the lips. A minute later she pulled away and patted 
his cheek. "This is not a good idea. What about Jess, and Justin? I 

love Justin, you love Jess, and the guys are in the other room".

	"I know. It's just you were so close. You know with our 
history. Plus you're so beautiful". Annabelle had to smile at this. If 
Annabelle was ever to fall in love with anyone, she'd suppose it'd 
either be Justin (which had already happened), Nick, or Drew. Things 
were weird with her and Drew lately. He had a new girlfriend, GiGi. She 
sounded like a fluffy dog. Annabelle hadn't actually met her, but hated 
her already.

	She remembered the night of Justin's senior prom, her junior 
prom, when Drew came over. He kissed her and confessed his love for 
her. He had kissed her twice actually, it was magical. Ever since then 
Annabelle felt special. She loved the feeling of being loved. But ever 
since GiGi had come into the picture Drew neglected Annabelle. She felt 
threatened by GiGi. The feeling of being loved was slowly melting away. 
Annabelle didn't even know if Justin loved her, he hadn't ever said 
it.

	"Well, self control is an important feature. It's what 
separates us from the animals".

	"Oh, I'm an animal baby". Nick growled and gave Annabelle 
kisses on her neck. She giggled and pushed him away.

	"If somebodies not careful they're gonna get neutered". Nick 
looked puzzled. This made Annabelle laugh.

	"Are you laughing at me?", Nick asked in his best tough guy 
voice. "Are you laughing at me? Cuz there ain't nobody else here, that 
I see. So, you must be laughing at me".

	"You're such a dumbass, Nick".

	"I am not!".

	"That's not what your momma says". Annabelle exited the room 
quickly while Nick pondered this. Then he came after her.

	"My momma loves me!", he yelled.

	"Yep, whatever". Nick grabbed a pillow off the couch and threw 
it at Annabelle. She dodged it. Nick ran after her and they circled 
around the coffee table. The comotion woke Justin up.

	"Yo, guys, what's going on?", he asked. Nick was on top of 
Annabelle on the rug tickling her.

	"She started it", Nick accused.

	"Nuh huh. He started it".

	"You said my momma thinks I'm a dumbass".

	"Not in those exact words".

	"Ooh, you don't mess with a guy about his momma", Justin 
said.

	"If I wanted your advice, J, I would've asked for it".

	"Don't get lippy with me, Annabelle. I'm three years older then 
you. It's not my fault the rest of the guys are pussy-whipped".

	"Watch your mouth, J!" Nick scolded.

	"Why? So I can protect the little lady's ears?! For christ 
sakes Annabelle, I thought you were above that!".

	"Above what?!".

	"That stupid femme crap!".

	"Guys, calm down", Nick begged. The screaming woke Drew up.

	"It's loud in here, shut up", Drew whispered sleepily. His eyes 
remained closed. Annabelle threw a pillow harshly at his head. He 
abruptly opened his eyes and sat up.

	"Fuck! What the hell was that for, Anna? I was sleeping".

	"I'm sorry, Drew. J was just pissing me off". Annabelle left 
the room. As she passed Justin she punched him in the shoulder, 
hard.

	"Ouch!", Justin said gripping his shoulder in pain.

	Annabelle sat down on her bed. She picked up her phone and 
dialed her boyfriends number. After three rings a girl picked 
up.

	"Hello?". Annabelle recognized the voice as Justin's roommate, 
JC's girlfriend.

	"Hey Amber. Is Justin there?".

	"Oh hi, Annabelle. How are you?".

	"Good. You?".

	"I'm wonderful".

	"That's good. Can I speak to Justin?".

	"Oh sure. I'll go get him". Amber left the phone and a minute 
later Justin picked up.

	"Hello?".

	"Hey baby", Annabelle said happily.

	"Belle, oh sweetie I miss you".

	"I miss you, too. It's been a whole month and a half since I've 
seen you".

	"I know, honey. But I have good news".

	"What's that?".

	"I'm coming to L.A in three days".

	"Really? Really?! That's so great!", Annabelle yelled loudly, 
and excitedly. "Hey, wait a minute...when were you planning on telling 
me this? Were you planning on telling me this?".

	"Of course. I left a message on your machine at least once a 
day the last week".

	"Okay. I'm sorry I doubted you".

	"That's alright, honey. I understand".

	"So, today is the thirtieth. You'll be here on the third. 
You're staying till...how long?".

	"Three weeks".

	"This is amazing!".

	"I know, but I hafta go now. It's getting late and the guys 
wanna go out. I'll call you tomorrow".

	"Okay, baby. I can't wait to see you".

	"Me either. Hugs and kisses", Justin said. Annabelle made kissy 
noises.

	"Bye Justin".

	"Bye Belle". They hung up.

	Annabelle walked out of her room and back into the living 
room.

	"Guys, Justin is coming in three days", Annabelle told the 
three men.

	"I got news for you, dearie, I'm already here", Justin (Jeffre) 
said snottily.

	"Not you, stupid. My Justin", she smiled. "He might be bringing 
his friends along. So you'll get to meet them".

	"That's nice, Anna", Drew said. He didn't really mean it, 
though. If Fuckhead's friends were anything like him, Drew didn't want 
to go near them.

	Drew thought back to prom night, junior year. 'I kissed her', 
he thought. 'I kissed her good, twice. But she felt nothing...even 
after I told her I was in love with her. I just need to shake it off. 
Besides, I'm with GiGi now. She's okay, but she's no Annabelle. Uh! I 
gotta get thoughts like that outta my head'.

	"Hey Annabelle?", Drew said out loud.

	"Yeah".

	"Do you know school starts in less then a month?".

	"I know. It's so creepy. We're gonna be college students. I'm 
so excited. It's a way different experience, don'tcha think?". Drew got 
up and walked into his room. "Well, that was rude", Annabelle said 
annoyed.

	"Drew's so stupidly absent minded sometimes", Nick 
explained.

	"I know that...but still".

	"Still what?".

	"Don't you think it's kind of strange that he started the 
conversation but left when I answered his question?".

	"Maybe he's trying to be unpredictable".

	"I seriously doubt that", Annabelle said with a sigh. 
"Something is wrong with him".

	"Then go talk to him and see what's up".

	"Okay". Annabelle went to Drew's door and knocked softly.

	"Enter at your own risk", Drew greeted in his usual manner. 
Annabelle opened the door, stepped inside the room, then closed the 
door behind her.

	"Hey", Annabelle said with a smile. "What's up?".

	"Nothing".

	"Then why'd you walk away while I was talking to you?". Drew 
let out and aggravated sigh.

	"How do you know me so well?".

	"I've known you a long time, Drew".

	"Yes, I guess you have...so...how's everything?".

	"Don't change the subject", Annabelle lectured. "Now tell me 
what's wrong". Annabelle sat next to him on his bed.

	"I think I'm going to break up with GiGi".

	"Oh that's too bad", Annabelle lied. She didn't want Drew to be 
seeing that chick anyway. "Why?", she asked. Her voice dripped of 
concern. She was concerned for Drew. Even though she liked the fact he 
wanted to break it off with the fluffy dog.

	"I'm just not seeing a future between us. I figure if we stay 
together much longer I'll only break her heart. The break up is 
ineviteable. Besides I'm in love with someone else. GiGi can't even 
compare to her". Annabelle felt herself grow depressed. Drew was in 
love with some girl. Some girl who wasn't her. That meant he would 
never wanna be with Annabelle again. Annabelle wanted to cry 
desperately. She didn't love Drew. She just wanted to keep him for 
herself. She wanted someone wo be secretly in love with her, right? 
Feelings for Drew hadn't even crossed her mind before. But now they 
were running around her mind thickly. Why was this all happening 
now?

	"Who is she?", Annabelle asked softly. Drew mistook her sadness 
as support.

	"You don't know her", Drew fibbed. How could he tell Annabelle 
he was still in love with her after all this time? How can their 
friendship last when this gigantic secret gets released? It happened 
once, but two times was really pushing it. Drew mentally slapped 
himself for being so stupid. 'Why did I even bring up being in love?', 
he asked himself.

	"Well, I hope everything works out alright", Annabelle said as 
she stood up.

	"Hey Anna, wait. Can we spend the afternoon together tomorrow? 
Just us. We could hang out in the park. I kind of neglected you before. 
So, I gotta make it up to you".

	"Alrighty. I'll see you tomorrow. G'night". Annabelle left the 
room and went to bed completely forgetting about dinner.

	The next day she awoke at 10:30. She showered, then spent an 
hour on deciding what to wear. 'I'm such a moron', Annabelle thought to 
herself. 'This is just Drew. I don't need to dress up special for my 
best friend. Cuz that's all he is. Just my best friend. I have no 
feelings for him whatsoever. The problem is that his feelings are 
mutual. Oh how I wish Drew still loved me. But he doesn't have to. It's 
not like I love him'.

	Annabelle had been having the same conversation with herself 
since last night. She had convinced her mind that her feelings for Drew 
were in the boundaries of a love of a good friend. But her heart just 
couldn't put the two and two together.

	At noon Annabelle knocked on Drew's bedroom door.

	"Enter at your own risk". Annabelle came inside.

	"You should get a sign that says that and get a better 
greeting".

	"Thanks for the advice", Drew said sarcastically.

	"You're welcome. Are you ready?".

	"Yep. Let's get going". The two left the room and the 
apartment. They took a walk down the street to a little park. The trip 
was silent.

	When they arrived at the deserted park Annabelle and Drew sat 
down on the swings.

	"We're supposed to be talking, right?", Annabelle asked in a 
silly tone.

	"I believe so".

	"Okay...hmmm...let's go sit in the sandbox". Annabelle stood up 
and Drew followed her to the sandbox. They started playing in the sand. 
Suddenly Annabelle poured sand on Drew's head.

	"Hey!", he said in mock anger.

	"Hay is for horses, beef is from cows". He poured sand on her 
head. The situation soon got out of control as they launched into a 
massive sand fight.

	Annabelle had a fistful of sand to throw at Drew when their 
eyes met. Annabelle dropped the sand in her hand and plowed into Drew. 
He fell over and she landed on top of him. Annabelle's face lowered 
towards Drew's and she started kissing him with mad desire. At first 
Drew was shocked, then he loosened up quickly and responded to the 
kiss. While kissing Annabelle pulled Drew into a sitting position, so 

she now sat on his lap straddling around him.

	Annabelle heard a gasp and pulled away. A woman and two young 
children were standing there with wide eyes. The woman pulled her 
children away and they left quickly. Annabelle looked at Drew. While 
they were making out Annabelle had run her fingers through his hair 
making it stick out in weird places.

	"Whoa...um...I'm sorry, Drew...I...I...I dunno".

	"It's okay, Anna. Let's go home". Annabelle marveled at his 
acceptance. Drew stood up and reached a hand for Annabelle to take. She 
took his hand and he pulled her up. They shook off the sand and walked 
back to the apartment.

	"What happened to you hair?", Jeff asked Drew when Drew and 
Annabelle entered the apartment.

	"We got into a sand fight and I messed up his hair", Annabelle 
spouted quickly.

	"Okay". Jeff held a puzzled look.

	"Oh, hey Jeff".

	"Yeah".

	"Where were you?".

	"When?".

	"Last night when Nick and I came home you were gone. We were 
going to ask Drew or J but didn't get around to it".

	"I had something to do". Jeff looked down. Drew burst out 
laughing.

	"You mean someone, Jeff", Drew said still laughing. Jeff's face 
turned bright red and Annabelle looked confused.

	"What?", Annabelle asked. Drew stopped laughing.

	"Maybe you should ask Jeffyboy", Drew said with a smirk. He sat 
down on the couch, put his feet on the table and crossed his 
ankles.

	"Jeff...", Annabelle inquired.

	"You know that woman in the next building?".

	"The naked chick?".

	"That would be her...you know how it's been bothering me that 
she's been naked...well". Drew cut him off.

	"Jeff got his groove on". Annabelle looked shocked.

	"You slept with the naked chick?".

	"Yeah".

	"Why?".

	"Well, I went over there to give her a piece of my 
mind...".

	"Verbal thrashing", Drew mumbled. Jeff gave him a dirty look, 
then continued.

	"So I knocked...and she answered naked".

	"You just started fucking?".

	"No! Well, sort of...it's not like she walked over and I 
started jumping her bones, Annabelle. She kissed me, and I got wrapped 
up in the moment".

	"And that's it?".

	"No. We talked afterwards. She's really a wonderful person". 
Jeff smiled. "I'm really excited, we're going out later. She's so smart 
and enlightened".

	"Not to mention naked", Drew murmered. Annabelle hit his 
arm.

	"Be nice, Drew". Their eyes met briefly and they held the gaze 
for a moment. They then looked down. Jeff didn't notice the 
awkwardness.

	"What's her name?", Annabelle asked breaking the short moment 
of silence.

	"Deidre".

	"Oh, that's pretty".

	"I know. I'm gonna go get ready. See you guys later". Jeff left 
the room. Annabelle and Drew exchanged a look.

	"I...uh...I...I wonder where Nick and J went", Drew 
mumbled.

	"Yeah. It's sort of odd here without them". The two locked 
eyes. Drew walked over to her. He placed his hands softly on her 
cheeks. Their mouths were drawned together like magnets. The two walked 
over to the couch and sat down. Eventually Annabelle was leaning on the 
armrest with Drew on top of her. Suddenly she pulled away.

	"Drew, this isn't a good idea". He began kissing her neck. 
"Mmm...Drew", she moaned. "No...no...this is really wrong...mmm...we 
gotta stop".

	"Okay". Drew stopped and sat up.

	"Why'd you stop?". Drew bent over and kissed her one more 
time.

	"Anna, we can't do this. You're in love with Justin. He'll be 
here in two days. You chose him over me before and you are going to do 
it again. Please don't get involved with me. It'll only break my heart 
even more. I love you, Anna". He patted her hand then left the room. 
Drew went into his room and layed on his bed. He cried.

	Drew fell asleep after ten minutes. The rest of the day he 
spent in his room sleeping, reading, watching tv, or anything else he 
felt like doing.

	The next morning Drew woke up and did his usual routine. Then 
he went to the kitchen and had some cereal.

	"Hey little bro", Nick greeted as he entered the kitchen. 
"What's up?".

	"Nothing much".

	"Okay, cool". Nick ate breakfast. Soon everyone else was in the 
kitchen munching on something.

	"I'm going to visit Russ today. Maybe he'll come over later to 
catch up. I haven't seen him in a few months", Drew mentioned.

	"I haven't seen him in a while either", Annabelle said with a 
hopeful grin. She needed Russ' advice on her problems with Drew. Russ 
was a good friend.

	Suddenly Jeff came in wearing the same clothes as the night 
before.

	"Did your date with Deidre go well?", Annabelle asked with a 
grin.

	"Hey guys, morning", Jeff said while looking around. "My date 
with Dee went excellent".

	"Usually when you come home the next morning wearing the same 
clothes, the date goes very well", Annabelle said still smiling.

	"So, she's a wonderful, intelligent girl, eh Jeff?", Drew said 
with a laugh.

	"Shut up, Drew! My personal life is none of your 
business".

"Touchy".

	"Hey Jeff, when are we going to meet Dee?", Annabelle asked 
sweetly.

	"As soon as possible. I think I'm in love".

	"Atleast part of you is in love", Drew said slyly. Annabelle 
and Jeff ignored him.

	"That's great Jeff! I'm so happy for you!". Annabelle gave him 
a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

	"Yeah, congrats, man", Nick said giving Jeff a hug. Justin did 
the same.

"I'm glad I have your support guys". Drew gave him a hug.

	"Hey man, you know I'm happy for you. I just like to tease", 
Drew explained.

	"I know, dude. I wish you'd show it better".

	"Sorry".

	"So, are you going out with Dee today?", Annabelle asked 
Jeff.

	"Yep".

	"Cool. I'm gonna go clothes shopping today. I want to look nice 
when Justin comes tomorrow". Annabelle felt guilty for saying her plans 
when she noticed Drew's expression. But she had to continue with her 
life. Drew didn't even want to give them a chance. So what could she 
do?

	"Hey. Tomorrow I'll bring Dee over. She can met everyone then", 
Jeff suggested.

	"That'd be great".

	"Guys, I gotta head out", Nick said as he stood from the table. 
"I'm gonna hang out with Jess all day today".

	"It's been awhile, huh?", Annabelle asked.

	"Yeah. She has that summer internship thing. She's afraid there 
won't be anymore oppertunities, but I keep telling her she has two more 
years of college".

	"Hey, Nick. You know what that means?", Drew said.

	"Huh?".

	"You have one more year of college. You're a senior, 
wow".

"Weird. Okay, I'm outta here. Bye". Nick left the apartment.

	"I gotta go pick up Russ", Drew took one last sip of his coffee 
and exited the apartment.

	"What are you doing today, J?", Jeff asked Justin.

	"I'm gonna loaf around and watch tv".

	"Cool".

	"Well, I'm gonna leave now...bye", Annabelle said as she got up 
and left for her room. She changed her clothes, brushed her hair, and 
then exited the apartment to travel to the department store.

	Soon after Annabelle left, Jeff went to Deidre's house. Justin 
layed on the couch and watched tv.

	The next morning Annabelle woke up at 6:30. She was too excited 
to sleep late, but she was also really nervous. So, she decided to take 
a bubble bath to make her more relaxed. About twenty minutes into the 
bath she fell asleep. By then there were no more bubbles.

	Drew woke up that morning at seven o'clock. He yawned, then 
stretched, then got up to go to the bathroom. He wasn't fully awake so 
he didn't see the sleeping figure in the tub...yet. Drew walked over to 
the toilet and unzipped his pants (He hadn't changed from last night) 
and did his business. When he was done he washed his hands and left the 
bathroom.

	About five minutes later he came back in wearing clean clothes. 
Then he took his toothbrush and brushed his teeth. He spit, then heard 
a noise that sounded like someone moving in water. He turned around and 
saw Annabelle naked in the tub.

	"Oh my god", Drew whispered softly. He was amazed by her 
beauty. The amazement swiftly turned into a hard-on and Drew left the 
bathroom.

	A couple of minutes later Annabelle woke up. She got out of the 
tub, afraid she'd fall asleep again and wrapped a towel around herself. 
Then she went into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. Annabelle 
then changed into the outfit she bought the day before.

	Annabelle walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. She 
found Drew sitting at the table reading the newspaper and drinking a 
cup of coffee. Annabelle went to the pot and poured some of the liquid 
into her mug. She took a sip then made a disgusted face.

	"Yuck, Drew. This is that Folgers coffee shit that you like. 
Why didn't you make the usual coffee?". Drew looked startled. He hadn't 
even noticed that Annabelle was in the room.

	"Jeez! Don't yell! You scared the crap out of me", Drew 
scolded. Then he looked at Annabelle. Thoughts of her in the bathroom 
clouded his mind. Suddenly he was staring at her lustfully. Quickly he 

realized what he was doing and looked away. Luckily Annabelle hadn't 
even noticed.

	"Sorry. So, what'd you and Russ do last night?", Annabelle 
asked sweetly. She sat down next to Drew.

	"We went to a club and Russ got smashed. I had a couple but 
didn't get drunk. I drove us here. He should still be sleeping on the 
couch".

	"I'll have to say hi to him when he wakes up. Wait a 
second...they didn't card you?".

	"Nope...morons". Drew laughed then left the room.

	'What's his problem?', Annabelle wondered to herself. 'He 
couldn't even look at me. Is he mad that Justin's coming over? 
Hmmm'.

	At 3:00 that afternoon Annabelle sat at the airport waiting. 
Justin's flight was to come in at 3:30. Annabelle thought to herself 
about Justin.

	'I wonder if he's changed any. I hope he likes my new dress. 
Oh, I hope he missed me. I hope it's not awkward when I see him. What 
if he's found someone else?', Annabelle's worried thoughts continued 
until the loud speaker announced the arrival of Justin's flight. She 
really shouldn't worry that much. It was the same thing everytime 
Justin came back from going away. The girl was paranoid.

	Annabelle stood up as she saw people come off the ramp. She 
couldn't see Justin and got worried. Then she saw him. Annabelle stood 
speechless until Justin approached her. Then he hugged her tight.

	"I missed you so much!", they both chanted. Then they kissed 
the way only recently parted lovers could.

	When they parted Annabelle saw four guys not far behind 
Justin.

	"This is like a really good dream, except it's reality", 
Annabelle said grinning.

	"I agree". Justin and Annabelle gazed into each others eyes and 
went off into another world, of their own. Then somebody tapped 
Justin's shoulder. He ignored the feeling and continued to stay in his 
happy world. After a while the light taping turned into a beating.

	"Oh hey guys, I forgot you were here", Justin said as he turned 
to the men.

	"So we noticed", one of the guys said bitterly.

	"Guys, this is Annabelle. Annabelle, this is Joey, JC, Lance, 
and Chris". He pointed to each guy while saying their names. The guys 
all shook Annabelle's hand and said hello.

	"Well, let's get your luggage", Annabelle said to the five 
guys. Then they all went to baggage claim. Justin and Annabelle were 
holding hands. Then they went to the parking lot.

	"Well, Justin and two more of you guys can fit in my car. The 
rest of you will ride with J when he gets here".

	"J?", JC questioned.

	"Justin".

	"Justin's already here", Lance said in a confused tone.

	"No. See Justin is one of my room mates. I guess your mixing 
the two of them up".

	"Okay. I thought you might be losing it for a moment there", JC 
said with a chuckle.

	"That's okay". The group talked for the next ten minutes, 
waiting for J.

TO BE CONTINUED...
(AN: Okay, weird place to end it, sorry. I don't feel like typing 
anymore. Just so you know, from now on I'll be calling Justin Jeffre J. 
It's easier to type and creates less confusion.)