~ Chapter 62: What Ever Happened To That Girl ~

[ Justin’s POV: ]

After we arrived inside the hotel that mom, Alfredo and I were staying at, I opened the door with the hotel key and grabbed Jackie’s hand, pulling her inside with me before shutting the door.

“I hope your mom’s still awake,” Jackie whispered, squeezing my hand.

“She is, trust me,” I chuckled softly, knowing my mother more than she knows herself. She wouldn’t come randomly visit me and not wait for me to come back after I told her I’ve got plans for tonight.

As I led Jackie down a rather long hallway, I began wondering if Alfredo made it back already.

“Mom, I’m back,” I called out, knocking on her door.

“Great! Come in!” I heard her say in excitement. I glanced over at Jackie, who couldn’t help her smile.

“I also brought someone I’d like you to meet,” I added, opening the door to reveal both Jackie and myself standing at the doorframe.

Mom looked at us, blinking a couple of times as if to make sure Jackie was really standing there.

“Wait…” Mom paused. “That’s Jackie.. Right? Jackie Miller?” Jackie’s eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe my mother knew who she was. “It’s so nice to meet you!”

Mom stood up and walked over to us, embracing Jackie into a tight hug. “I’m Pattie,” she smiled at her.

Jackie was frozen, still processing the fact that my mom was right in front of her. I couldn’t help but find it adorable.

“I know that, obviously,” Jackie laughed. “But how do you know me?”

“Oh, well Alfredo told me all about you, honey. He said Justin’s head over heels in love with you so how could I not know who you are? You’ve got my son’s heart in your hands,” she teased, glancing at me. I did a double take.

“Whoa, what? Alfredo told you that?” my cheeks turned red. Damn him…

“Of course, considering you wouldn’t. Mr. I’m-Too-Busy-To-Call-My-Mother,” she glared playfully at me.

I nervously scratched the back of my head. “Yeah, well.. I’m sorry. I just had a lot going on.”

“Well I’m glad it’s working out with someone you love. I’m sure Jackie’ll be good for you,” Mom winked, causing me to blush even harder. “And how did you guys work this out? What ever happened to that other girl? What was her name?” She paused for a second. “Oh yeah! What happened to Katie?”

My heart stopped at the sound of her name.

What did happen to Katie?

What if she was telling the truth.. when she said that Scooter lied to protect my image? What if she was right and I let her down?

Jackie slowly turned and locked gazes with me, slightly squinting her eyes.

“What did happen to Katie, Justin?” Jackie asked, her tone a bit disapproving.

There was silence in the room as I dug my brain for ways to answer that question.

“She’s… Gone,” I spoke softly. As more silence filled the room, I cleared my throat. “I’m gonna go see if Fredo made it back yet.”

And without another word, I exited the room.

-

[ Jackie’s POV: ]

I watched as Justin left the room without even so much as another glance at me or his mother. I turned back around so I was facing Pattie again, and found she was looking at me apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Jackie,” she said. “I didn’t realize you two haven’t discussed this matter yet. I thought everything was resolved. I guess relationships really are cruel to my son…”

“It’s alright, Pattie. I’m sure we’ll work something out. I’m glad I got to meet you, though,” I smiled at her.

“Same here,” she nodded, before taking a short pause. “Are you hungry?”

I shook my head. “Justin and I ate dinner not too long ago, so I’m good.”

Pattie eyed me up and down. “You guys went to the beach didn’t you?” she asked.

I looked down at myself and remembered I was still a bit wet from the swim we had.

“Yeah..” I whispered.

Pattie’s lips twisted into a small smile. “Justin always told me that when he found someone he really loves, he’d really like to take her out to the beach late at night and just do stuff with her,” she told me. “I guess he must really love you, huh?”

I stared at the floor, avoiding her teasing gaze as I felt myself blush.

“I.. I love him too,” I mumbled. “A lot.”

“Then go to him and find out what’s wrong,” she nudged my shoulder. “Because something obviously is. I’m going to go to sleep now. See you guys in the morning, okay?”

“Okay,” I shot her a big smile as I felt a warm feeling inside my heart.

Pattie’s already beginning to feel like a second mom to me.

I gave her one last hug before exiting her room so she could sleep in peace. I walked down the hallway and into the living room, which I quickly noticed was empty. I realized there was a shorter hallway on the other side of the room and I mindlessly began walking down its path. Within a matter of seconds, I reached a doorway and realized that the door was slightly opened, voices coming from inside the room.

I peeked inside and saw that Justin and Alfredo were talking to each other. I slowly reached up and knocked on the door so they knew I was here. Their eyes were on me as I walked inside their room.

“I’m glad you made it back safe, Fredo,” I smiled at him. I glanced at Justin to see he was staring at me.

“Yeah, I’ve been here since before midnight,” he nodded, returning a smile. “Are you staying the night?”

“Uh.. Yeah,” I brushed a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“I think you should at least get a room so I’ll sleep on the couch,” he offered. Justin turned to look at him.

“Bro, you don’t have to do that,” he said. “I can sleep on the couch instead. I’m the one who brought her here.”

“No, seriously, it’s fine. You two can sleep here and I’ll just crash on the couch,” he shrugged as if it was no big deal. “I don’t mind sleeping on couches anyways.”

“You sure?” I asked him, feeling guilty.

“Yep, now I’m gonna go take a shower and go straight to sleep,” he waved, picking up some clothes and a towel. “See you guys in the morning.”

Alfredo and Justin did a handshake before Fredo disappeared from the room and it was now just Justin and I.

It was silent for a moment before Justin picked up another set of clothes and handed them to me.

“Here,” he said. “They’re just sweatpants and a t-shirt but they’ll do, right?”

“Yeah,” I whispered, taking them. “Thanks.”

“You can just wait until Fredo is done with his shower, he won’t take long.” Justin walked over to me and butterflies swarmed my stomach when he kissed my cheek.

I looked up at him, my lips shaking as they contemplated whether or not to ask him the question that’s been killing me.

“Justin?” I called out softly. His gaze was still on me. “What are we?”

He let out a long breath and rested his hand on my waist. “What do you mean?”

I looked down at our feet, avoiding his gaze. “Just that.. We had our first date and everything but I’m still wondering… What are we? Are we.. Idol and fan? Friends? Or.. are we a couple?”

Justin’s mouth tightened and he released his hand from my waist. The room fell silent and now we were both staring at our feet.

“I love you,” Justin’s soft voice rang loud inside my ears, and my heart skipped a beat. “That’s my answer to your question.”

I froze.

So is it official? Am I really in a relationship with Justin Drew Bieber?!

“I… love you too,” a huge smile began spreading across my lips, but then I remembered why I brought this up in the first place. “But if we really are a thing, then.. Don’t avoid the situation,” I added.

“What situation?” Justin blinked in confusion.

I sighed. “What ever happened to Katie?”

Justin paused, unsure of how to answer my question.

“I-I told you.. She’s gone,” he narrowed his eyes at me.

“But I wanna know exactly what happened. Was she lying about the baby?” I asked.

“I—”

“Don’t avoid the question, Justin,” I crossed my arms.

Justin let out a frustrated sigh and ran his hands through his hair. I waited patiently until he started explaining.

Of course, assuming he would explain, that is.

***************************

First day of school tomorrow :(

Not only does that suck for me, but also for you guys because this year is gonna be pretty busy and I need to focus on my work so I can’t work on my stories as efficiently as I wanted to for you guys. So I apologize in advance.

But anyhow,

What did you think of today’s chapter?

For everyone who’s also starting school (or who already started) good luck on putting up with everyday bullshit :)

- Nina xx