Beautiful ONESHOT

As the crowd stepped to the next hall, she lazily pulled the string from her hair and let her long brunette hair cascade on her porcelain face. She scanned the statues standing before her and shrugged unbelievingly at the paintings plastered on the wall. "Gays." She mumbled and turned the iPod's volume up as she pushed her earphones even more to her ears. A painting of a man caught her eyes as she was about to follow her professor and all the bunch of kids from her History class in the next hall.

"Whoa." She let out a puff of air. "Hot stuff there, sex God." She blinked and turned around to walk away but a face met hers. She stopped dead as she took in the features of the face just inches away from her own. He was dressed in a metal armor she'd only seen from historical movies. "You...you're the-"

She was not able to finish the sentence when the man before him touched his lips to hers. They both stood still for a minute until he stepped back and tilted his head to study her. "My apologies, my lass. I was merely curious."

She blinked twice before exploding. "You jerk! You can't just appear as if you're a smoke and kiss people just because you're CURIOUS! You're insane. I'm calling security." She glared at him and grabbed his hand to report what he just did but minutes passed and she realized they were the only people inside the museum.

"Where did everybody go?" She spoke softly and dropped his hand.

"Pardon, lass but I canna comprehend any of the words you are addressing. Tell me, are you from the underground?"

She stared at him in disbelief. "What the FUCK?"

He shook his head then revealed a sword and pointed it at her. "I do not realize what you are telling me, lass but I partly believe that you are stating a spell on me. Now, I command you to drop all your weapons."

"Are you kidding me? Am I being punked?"

"I told you to drop everything." He stepped forward.

"You want me to strip down? Drop dead, retard." She turned around and the blood from her face drained as she heard his next words.

"I'm Percy from Mount Olympus. Reveal yourself!"

She slowly turned to face him, looking back at the painting on the wall and back to him again. "You're the God in the painting?" She pointed out.

He followed the direction of her finger and stared at the painting in awe. "How is that possible?"

"I'm Jessica,15 years old, a normal high school student. It's 2010 and you're supposed to be in that painting, not here....pointing a sword at me."

"You are beautiful." He breathed out. He smiled at her and touched her hand with his. "I'll be seeing you."

Jessica furrowed her eyebrows together. "What?"

"Now, open your eyes."

"Again....what?" She was even more confused now.

"JESSICA, wake up!" Her bestfriend shook her shoulders.

Jessica stirred and rubbed her eyes. "Jimmy? What are you doing?"

"What are YOU doing?" Jimmy asked her as he helped her up. "You're supposed to be enjoying the field trip but now, we have to go."

"Go?"

"The trip is over. We're going home, sleepy head." He shrugged. "I can't believe you slept on a museum, Jessica. That's just.....way over the top."

She was still for a moment as she stared at Percy's portrait. Jimmy noticed it. "Don't tell me you're thinking of jumping on that Greek God. Control your hormones, woman."

She hit her shoulder. "You won't believe what I just dreamed about. It was...so insane."

"Bestfriend, insane is normal for you."

"Ugh. I love you too, Jimmy." She hugged him and pulled away abruptly as she caught a sight of a man and followed him on the next hall.

"Seriously!?" Jimmy shouted after him as he picked up Jessica's things.

The man's back was on hers when she cleared her throat. He then turned around to face her. Jessica stopped breathing for a second when he smiled. "Percy?" She couldn't stop the shakiness in her voice.

"Uhhh...that's a weird name." The man chuckled. "Sounds gay for me."

She just stared at him. "I'm sorry. I guess I have the wrong person."

"Oh well, that won't stop me. I'm Logan. And you?"

"I'm...-"

"You're beautiful." He smiled genuinely at her.

"Fuck Shit." Jimmy whispered from behind.

Come Back

I smiled as I watched the waves hug my legs. At the age of 55, I still love this place, the memories it brings back to me.

I was spending my last week of summer vacation with my friends at the Carolina Beach when my body decided to ache. So, I had to rest for the whole day and be left alone in the beach house. I went through my emails and saw messages from my employer. Gosh, can't she take a break?, I thought to myself. Then, I heard a car pull over.The next thing I heard was the turning of the door knob and the heavy steps from a man, slowly coming close to my room. I winced and grabbed a baseball bat, ready to hit whoever the stranger was. The door slowly opened, I closed my eyes and hit whatever I could hit.

"Jesus Christ!" a panicked scream came from him as I heard his butt fall on the floor.

I quickly opened my eyes and took a step back as I took in his face in my mind. Suddenly, everything seemed black. It has been 5 years since I've seen him in this very same beach, where he broke my heart, where he chose to leave everything behind, where all our memories went away with the wind.

He looked up at me, titled his head and a recognition crossed his face as he smiled at me. "Selena?"

"What do you think you're doing here?" I scowled down at him, with the bat still on my hand.

"Well, I'm Joe Jonas! Demi invited me. This is all our beach house anyway. We all built this together. Besides, I'm part of the group." He grinned and stood up. "Happy Summer!"

"It was." I snorted and turned my back at him. "I'm going to the beach. I think you're going to have to sleep on the boys' room." I grabbed my things and walked past him. "See you."

"Just a second!" He grabbed my arm and I winced at the feeling of having his skin against mine.

"What?" I scowled again.

"Can I come with?" He smiled.

"No." I fake smiled. "Now, let go." I wiggled off his hand but he only held on tighter. "What do you want?"

"A peaceful afternoon at the Carolina beach with my bestfriend." His eyes bore into mine and I realized my knees were getting jelly-like.

"You're bestfriend is long gone." I rolled my eyes and felt his hand fell from my arm. "You killed her, Joe." With that, I left him. Or at least, that's what I thought. The next thing I knew, he was trailing me off as I walked down the beach. I decided to ignore him for at least half an hour. But he just stayed there, watching me. I walked up to him and nearly screamed. "I thought I told you to leave me alone?"

"I thought I told you that things should never change between us?" His eyes were so sincere it made me want to hug him at that moment.

"You changed everything, Joe. You ruined it. Right here, at this beach. You left me. You left us." I told him with stress on every word. "So now, don't go charging up on me with those brown soulful eyes. I don't like them!" I saw a hint of smile from him right after I said that, and I realized he hasn't changed a thing. Same old Joe. "Don't do that." I told him with a straight face.

"Do what?" He asked.

"That little smile with the sparkling eyes." I pointed out.

"What?" He asked as he did the little smile and sparkiling eyes.

"Fuck you, Joe."

He laughed for a second and then, he smiled sadly. "I'm sorry I did what I did. I truly am. I never should've walked away, just like that. I was just afraid of disappointing everyone if I stay here in Carolina. You know how my parents compare me to my perfect brothers. But that separation with you made me realize how much you truly meant to me. I loved you more than anyone or anything, Selena."

"Loved..." I whispered. "You loved me." I gave stress to the past tense.

"I'm engaged, Selena." He cupped my face. "But you...you will always be my bestfriend. My first love. My first kiss. You will always have this special place in my heart which no one will ever know how special that place is."

Tears started to fall when I saw the same drops coming from his eyes. He was saying goodbye again. At the very same place. "Joe..."

"This lifetime...this isn't for us. We'll find a way. I promise, baby." He kissed my forehead. "I love you. I still do. But I will just keep on hurting you with the life I have. And I don't want that."

"You keep hurting me, no matter what you do." I wiped my tears away before turning my back to him and taking the heaviest steps in my life..

"Selena! What do you think you're doing?" Joe almost screamed.

"Remember what happened at this beach five years ago?" I asked him with blurry eyes.

He looked at me with sad eyes. "I left you."

"Yeah." I wiped my tears again. "But this time...I'm the one walking away." I turned my back on him and never looked back...ever again. Ever.

As I felt every step I took in the cold sand, I heard a voice saying, "If you love something, let go. If it's meant to be, it will come back." My heart twinged as I took in the thought. I waited and waited and waited for so many years but the only person I loved.....never came back.

Well, at least not until I was gone. Joe did come back....to watch my body being buried under the ground.

Who am I to Say;8

"I smell pancakes." Joe sniffed his way to his kitchen. He went behind her back and hugged her. "Wanna know something?"

"Suprise me." She grinned as she turned her head to him.

"I love when you sleep over and when I wake up, you're ONLY in my sweat shirt." He smelled her hair. "And you smell like my shampoo."

She chuckled as he removed his arms around her waist and set the plates on the kitchen counter. "I love your shampoo. Strawberries and Wine."

"That explains why you always play with my hair, stalker." He smirked as he helped her set the food.

"Where are the utensils?" She turned to him in confusion. "Last time I was here, it was in this drawer."

"Oh. That was a month ago, bee. I had some changes made last week. I think I put them in the pink cupboard. There. Upward." He pointed. "I don't eat much here so I decided to kept them somewhere."

"I know. Your meals are always free. Thanks to me." She teased as she tiptoed to reach up on the cabinet. As she reached for the utensils, Joe shifted his gaze on the sweat shirt raising up too, revealing the upper half of Selena's legs. She gave him the dead stare. "Are you gonna stay there, just looking at me?"

He blinked twice and sighed a relief, knowing she didn't notice he was staring at her legs. "You didn't ask for help, you know." He mumbled as he reached up for the utensils with ease. "Here. Just like that." He looked at her from head to toe. "You should've drank vitamins when you were a kid to make you tall."

"Thanks for the advice. Not that it would matter now, would it?" She scoffed and transferred the pancakes from the pan. "Did your mom made you drink them when you were little?"

"Sure she did." He nodded and clasped his hands as he waited for his breakfast. He practically snagged the pancakes from her and poured the blueberry paste all over. He took his first bite and then the second and then the third.

"And you turned out the way you are now?" She asked with a smile. "I'm glad my mom doesn't love me too much to give me those vitamins. I would not want to be like you. Trust me."

"Hey!" He raised his fork. "That's offensive."

"That was the main purpose, dummy. And why did you put blueberry all over them? You know I want plain butter!" She shrieked as she pointed out the pancakes. "You're my best friend. You should know that."

"I know that, girlfriend. Just try something new." He grinned as he sliced a pancake for her and brought it into her mouth. "Just like me, I love to try out new things."

"You mean new girlfriend every week, right? I know you too well, Joseph."

"Well at least I don't get my heart broken by legit jerks." He crooked a smile.

She narrowed her eyes at him. "I told you never to bring that topic up."

"So it's fine to diss me for dating many girls but it's restricted to talk about you who dates for like months and months and ends up being dumped by guys who don't even deserve you?" He shook his head. "It's nice to know how things go around here."

She stood up. "I hope you liked your meal coz it's the last time you'll taste something I made." She turned and left for the guest room. After some minutes, she came back and Joe was still eating the last of the meal. He looked up with blueberry paste on the corners of his mouth. "Where are my clothes? I'm pretty sure they were there last night before I took a shower."

"Well, I tucked you into bed then I picked them up, put them in the laundry machine. Haven't got the chance to get them.They're still wet, I guess."

"You guess? Ugh. You're unbelievable." She paced around. "Well, you do have a dryer, don't you? I want to leave now."

"If I have a dryer, how will you get home? You don't have a car, bee."

"I'm in the 21st century and they have this thing called cabs. Heard of them?" She mocked as she rolled her eyes.

"Oh come on." He stood up and shook her shoulders. "You know I'm not a morning person and my mood tantrums are not the best thing ever...you should know that I did not mean those things I said."

She stared at him with intense eyes and he sighed. "Fine. I meant those but that's my opinion. You never listened to me when it comes to your heart. We both know that." His hands fell on his side and inserted them on his front pockets.

"Joe, you never approved of any guy I dated." She pointed out. "Whenever I tell you I met this amazing guy, you manage to ignore all the good things about him and just see the negative side. Remember the last time I brought a guy on a dinner with you? He had a trauma from you and he stayed in the hospital for a week. The guy won't even look at me."

"Well on my defense, he had blue eyes. You told me you love brown eyes. In fact, you owed me from falling for that guy."

"That's out of the question. And that's really immature of you."

"You never liked any of my girls." He mumbled.

"They were too many to remember!" She screeched. "You never stuck to one."

"How about Taylor? I've been asking her out for months and weeks."

"Well, except her I guess." She paused then frowned. "But the girl is a bitch, bay. I don't like her...at all."

"How about Camilla?"

"She's my sister. Drop it."

"But she's gorgeous. You know she likes me too. The last time she came back from college, she keeps on giving me 'the look'." He grinned as he reminisced.

"That's because she knows you're all over her beauty. And Joe, we're adults already. Stop playing games on girls."

"I'm not. I like each and everyone of them." He shrugged.

"Did you ever love any of them?" She bit her lip as he asked him.

He stared at her for the longest time and gave a fake chuckle. "Why are we even talking about that? You're my girlfriend now. Fake girlfriend, that is." He smiled. "So, are we fine now?"

"In one condition."

"What?"

"Take a day off and spend it with me."

He grinned. "I'll even quit my job for you. In fact-" He trailed off as a knock came on his door. "Who do you think that is?"

"It's your house. You should know. If it was mine, I-"

"About that, when are you gonna move out of your parent's house?"

"Soon?" The knock then turned into pounding.

"In a minute!" Joe shouted as he opened the door. "Nick?"

Nick smiled and revealed his company. "And Miley, Demi and David."

"Hey." They chorused.

"What the hell are you doing here?" He asked with urgency.

"Nick wanted to check on you because you just vanished from the party last night." Miley paused as she eyed him. "I notice you look like you have sex hair." She pointed out.

"It's morning hair, Mi." He corrected.

"Bay! Who's at the door?" Selena shouted from the kitchen.

Their eyes widened. "There's only one person who calls you that." Demi covered her mouth.

"Who?" Nick questioned.

"YOU." Miley rolled her eyes at Nick.

"It's Selena, isn't it?" David asked.

"I thought it was me?" Nick chimed in.

"Ugh." Miley and Demi whined.

David pushed the door and came running to the kitchen, followed by everyone except Joe who was just standing at the door.

Selena turned around to see her friends with their jaws dropped and eyes widened.

"Oh it's you guys." She smiled.

"Why are you in Joe's shirt?" Demi choked.

"With no shorts or whatsoever?" Miley added.

"Oh it sure isn't me." Nick sighed and everyone gave him the dead stare.

"I can't believe you guys moved so fast. You're supposed to be taking this slow." David shook his head.

"What do you mean?"

"Joe took your virginity, didn't he?" Miley almost cried.

"That's-" Selena started but Joe stood beside her, interrupting her.

"Anything wrong with me and my girlfriend sleeping together?" He asked as he put his right arm on her waist. "She wanted something loose so I gave her my sweat shirt. No worries. I did not take anything from her but we did sleep in the same room."

Selena looked at him to protest but she remembered that they were supposed to pretend. Besides, their friends are around now to watch the show.

"So you guys want pancakes? Bee makes the best of them."

"We just had donuts at Krispy Kreme." David pointed out.

"Oh. Okay then." Joe shrugged as he trailed Selena's cheeks with soft kisses.

"You guys should get a room." Nick pointed out with disgust.

"Shut up. I think they're so cute." Miley elbowed him.

"It's about time, you know." Demi mumbled as she got a bite from Joe's pancake.

"Well, we're taking a day off. Wanna hang out?" Selena asked with enthusiasm.

Who am I to Say [7]

Selena tapped her finger as she waited for her drink. Then someone poked her from the back. "Still no sign of Joe?" Nick asked worriedly.
"It is as if he never existed. No text messages nor phone calls."
Nick gave her a confused look. "Are you guys even together? Coz a normal boyfriend would tell his girlfriend if he cannot go to a party with her."
"Yep. A normal one. Joe is just not that normal." She shrugged him off as she adjusted her outfit.
"So, Pocahontas...can I be your John Smith for tonight instead of Mr. Invisible?"
"Psssh. Why are you dressed like that?"
"I'm Jack Sparrow but John Smith sounds stupendous." He smirked.
"Nick Jonas, when did you get so adorable?" She slapped him playfully.
"Err. Since forever?" He teased back.
"Yeah, right. And I'm ugly since forever too."
"Your words really hurt, Selena Gomez."
"Very well." She drank the wine with difficulty as Nick watched her. He looked away the moment she looked his way and saw Joe running to them. "Looks like he's not that invisible at all."
"What?" She asked with no clue at all. He pointed at Joe as he approched them.
"Bee!" Joe exclaimed before he hugged her just too tight.
Selena pushed him away and studied him. "Explain now."
"Okay. I was totally excited about this and all then Chelsea called that she needed a date at an exclusive party. You know I can't say no to her. I planned to be there for only an hour then I totally lost track of time. I just ran away from that party and got dressed in my truck. And now, I'm here...panting and explaining everything to you." Then he flashed a puppy dog's face.
"Just like that?"
"Yep. Just like that."
"You ditched me for that blonde?"
"Bee, you have to understand."
"You know what? Just drink here with your brother." She jumped off the chair. "See you later, Nick." Then walked away from them.
"What is wrong with her?" Joe asked Nick as he watched her figure fade off.
"Try waiting for your date for 3 hours on a party and you'll know what's wrong with her. Good Luck with that."
"3 hours? I've been late for 3 hours?"
"I think I just said that."
"But when we have parties, it's fine with her if I'm late for 5 hours but now..."
"Joe, this time you are her date. She was expecting you to pick her up then you called me to do such thing. I mean, no boyfriend does that. You guys are together now."
"Ohh. Well, I think I'll go talk to her. Thanks, bro." He patted his back before taking the steps toward Selena's direction. He walked past through the party people, searching for the familiar face he's grown with for the past years. He found the figure he used to wrestle with at the back porch all alone. He took the steps with a gulp. She turned around to see him looking through her.
"Bee, I'm really sorry."
"Yup. That fixes everything."
"What do you want me to do? That is the least and most that I can do!"
"Oh. Now, it's my fault? You're the one shouting now?"
"I'm sorry. It's just that you're messing my thoughts up."
"Go figure yourself, Joe. I don't even know you right now." She walked past through him but he caught her arm.
"Selena, we're not even together in reality so why are you making such a big deal out of this?"
"So, that's the thing right? I'm not your girlfriend. That's why you're playing with me."
"No. That's not what I meant. We agreed to pretend but we also agreed not to interfere when it comes to the dating side."
"Fine. I will not interfere but you ditched me. You offered to pick me up then Nick comes running to me, making excuses for you. I'm not stupid, Joe. I know you intended to be late for 3 hours. You went here after the exclusive part ended. It's frigging 11:30 pm!"
"Bee..."
"Don't you call me that. I told you I don't even know you right now! Try waiting here for your date with everyone looking at you, feeling sorry for you, whispering to each other how merciful you are being all alone at the bar drinking yourself out!"
"They did that to you? Who are they?"
"It's not even important."
"No. I'm not the perfect boyfriend but when someone does that to my best friend, I'm going to do something."
"Just stop. Let's stop this right now."
"What do you mean?"
"The pretending. I can't do it anymore. I don't want to ruin our friendship over fights like this."
"But...what about our friends? What are they gonna say?"
"I don't know. I don't even care."
"How about for a month?"
"Huh?"
"Let's make this last for a month. I mean, they're all gonna think why we lasted for only a day."
"But..."
"Bee..."
"Fine. No dates anymore."
"Thanks." He paused as he heard her ring tone. "Look,your phone is ringing."
"Excuse me." She turned away as she answered the phone. "Nick? Yeah? First dance? You'll be too lucky to get mine. Fine. I'll get there in a moment. see you.." She turned to Joe with a smile.
"Was that Nick?"
"Yep. He wants to be my first dance for tonight."
"You haven't danced tonight?"
"Nope. Not yet anyway. Well, I gotta go. He's waiting for me and he's pretty stoked." As she was just about to turn, he held her hand.
"Don't. Please don't."
"What? You've got to let go, Joe. Nick is waiting for me. The sweet song is gonna end real soon."
"How do you know?"
"He told me so. I'll talk to you after."
"I wanna talk now."
"Joe, don't be such a baby."
"I want you to dance with me."
"You're crazy."
"I'm your date after all."
"Since when? 5 minutes ago? Nick stayed with me tonight."
"I've been with you through the years. I'm your Bay. Or did someone replace me now?"
"No. It's just that..."
He placed her arms around his neck as he placed his around her waist.
"We can't even hear the music from here."
"I hope it's fine to dance with no music playing." He smiled that familiar smile she's seen.
"I hate how you make everything fine for me." She smiled back as she leaned her head on his chest and danced with him.
"Wanna know something?"
"What?"
"I've missed you already on the 5 minutes that we were fighting. As I was watching you shout to me and about to dance with Nick, I knew I had to get you back. At those 5 minutes, I was losing you and I cannot deal with that. Can you believe that? I can't even imagine being without you."
"You do have nice words."
"I'm serious here, you know."
"I know. It's just queer."
"I've always been weird."
"Good thing you know that. I sometimes wonder how we became best friends."
"Really? You wonder about that? But me, I wonder in a different way."
"In what way?"
"I wonder how I never got you as my girlfriend."
"Hey, I am your girl friend."
"I mean...a real one. Like we are in love."
"Joe..."
"I know. Past is past. I thought it's the end of everything when the girl I'm in love with broke my heart but then she became my best friend. I'm not sure which is better. Being lovers to friends or being friends to lovers?"
"Stop that. You know I love you." She looked up. "You're the best thing that happened to me. You're the best friend I've ever had."
"You're the only good thing that has happened to me. And I love you too."
"Then why haven't you kissed me yet? Isn't a dance supposed to end with that?"
"Really?I didn't know that."
"Of course I'm just kidding."
"But we can make it real, right?"
"What?" She asked as his face came closer only to rub his nose to hers. She giggled. "What's up with the rubbing noses?"
"I think it's cute."
"And you're being cute right now."
"Anything to rub noses with you, Bee."
"Fine. Just don't sneeze at me." She warned just before he did so. "Eww."
"I'm sorry. You know what? I have something for you in the truck. It's something you can put your things into...like a small sack."
"You mean, like a bag?"
"Oh, yes...that!" He grinned as he tightened his grip on her and kissed her forehead.

Who am I to say [6]

Selena pulled away from him hesitantly then looked up, expecting a weird expression on his face but instead, she saw big grin plastered on his perfect face.
"Why are you smiling like that?" She asked as her voice creaked.
Joe gave a chuckle and caressed her cheeks. "Bee, just smile. It's the second best thing you can do with your lips."
She tilted her head, waiting for him to continue. "What's that supposed to mean? Second? What's first?"
He smiled mischievously. "Do I really have to show you?"
She shrugged. "What do you mean? Did I los--" She was not able to finish because he immediately brushed his lips against hers and kissed her softly.
He pulled away with the same smile. "That's the best thing you could do with your lips." He then hopped off the car and opened the door for her. She slipped her arm in his as they approached them. Before they could reach them, Miley and Demi were hugging both of them.
"OMG. I can't believe this is happening." Miley squealed.
"What did we miss?" Demi asked quickly.
"Last time we checked, you were shouting at each other." Nick added.
"We almost lose hope." David chipped in.
"So...what happened?' Cody asked.
Selena looked up at Joe. He just smiled then sighed. "We talked about things last night and we came up with this. We decided to give it a try. You guys wouldn't mind that,right?"
"Of course not,silly." Miley giggled.
"We're taking it slow though." Selena added.
"That's good. Really good." Demi grinned.
"Anyway, let's not make a big fuss about this. Let's go in." Joe lead the way. . They spent an hour inside. While the guys were getting the cars from the parking lot, Demi nudged Selena. "How is Joe as a boyfriend?"
She cleared her throat. "He's amazing."
"We told ya." Miley snickered. "When we were together, he was really sweet. Except that when you pass by, he will just leave me alone and forget that I'm his girlfriend. Worst times of the whole relationship."
Demi laughed. "When he was mine, he would call at night to check on Selena. I brushed it off at first until he cheated on me with Miley."
"I'm sorry 'bout that, D." Miley looked down. "I couldn't resist his cute smile and that wavy brown hair."
"No prob. That's just Joe. The Casanova."
Selena sighed. "I'm sorry for whatever he's done to you. He's just like that but he's really one of a kind."
"We know. That's why you love him,right?"
"Right." The guys then showed up. Demi and Miley rode with Nick and the other guys while Selena with Joe. She shifted on her seat.
"Bee?" Joe asked halfway the ride.
"Uhm?"
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Actually, No. This is weird. Really weird. Us kissing."
"Yep but we agreed on this so they won't push us anymore. Didn't you notice that for once in our lives, they didn't push us?"
"I did and it was so cool."
"See?"
"I guess I was just--"
"Surprised that I'm a good kisser?" He teased.
"Shuddup." She groaned.
"Really, Bee. What did you think of our kiss?" He looked at her at the corner of his eye.
"I guess it was fine."
"Me too...No. I think it was fantastic." He looked at her and smile, reassuringly as he squeezed her hand. "So, are we joining them at lunch?"
"Do you want to?"
"Uhm. Do you want to?"
"I bet you have a date today." She eyed him.
"Yeah. Well, I can cancel it if you want to join them."
"No. Don't, please. I don't want to ruin your date again."
"No. Really."
"No. I'll call them later to tell that we want some time on our own." She smiled.
"Thanks, Bee."
"So, who is she?"
"Uhm. Taylor Swift."
She choked. "What?"
"It needed a bang flip and a smile to get her to say yes."
"Cheap woman."
"Hey."
"Sorry but she really is. Who would agree on a second date with a guy who ditched her on the first date? Tell me."
"Taylor."
"Ugh."
He chuckled. "Anyway, should I pick you up for work tomorrow?"
"Yeah. You should."
"Okay then. Skirts later at night?"
"Yeah. Mohawk?"
"Deal. Anyway, do you know the theme of the party? I dunno what to wear."
"I heard it's Disney."
"What? What is he? A kid?" He choked.
"Cody likes to think he is."
"Should I go as Tarzan?" He teased.
"To show your belly? Oh please."
"Hey. I don't have any. Besides, my new hair would not fit."
"How about I go as Kim Possible?" She suggested.
"Then you won't wear a dress. No. Nice try though."
She pouted. "I'll look stupid with a dress."
"OH! Let's go as Pocahontas and John Smith."
"What? Her dress is too short!"
"At least it won't be to bubbly like Cinderella's."
She narrowed her eyes. "This is unfair."
"No. It'll be fine. I'll pick you up at 7 tomorrow night?" He said as he pulled over in front of her house.
"Yeah. But don't mind picking me up tomorrow for work."
"Why not?" He pouted.
"Nick just sent me a message and says he needs my help. So, we'll hit Starbucks tomorrow morning before work. He'd probably drop me off."
"He should."
"Alright. Goodbye, Bay." She leaned to kiss him on the cheek but he faced her, just to make her kiss his lips. She immediately pulled away.
He looked down. "Sorry about that. I was just--"
"Never mind. Enjoy your date today and don't forget to pick me up tomorrow night, John Smith." She smiled then hopped off. "You're the best fake boyfriend."
"Thank you although I doubt that because I'm going on a date with another girl."
"Pssh. Don't make our fake relationship stop you from having fun."
"Bee, you do know that I am in my happiest state when I'm with you, right?"
"I know."
"Good. Coz you might be jealous and mad again."
"I'm not."
"Yep. There's no reason to be, coz you'll always be number one."
She raised her eyebrow. "So, that means that you have a number 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on."
He chuckled. "Alright. You're the only one." he smiled.
"Good to know coz the same goes with you." She smiled.
"Thank you but I should go now."
"Okay. Off you go."
"Bye."
"Bye."
Then he drove off as he waved outside the window. She smiled as she watch him disappear in the dust and sighed at the thought of Joe being with Taylor in just minutes.

Who am I to say [5]

Selena snapped her head quickly and turned to him. "Did I just heard what I think I did?"
Joe stood up and smiled. "Look, it will be simple. It's just a dress,Bee. Please?"
She simply shrugged. "I'm not doing this."
"Pretty Please? Oh c'mon,Bee. This is one thing I'm asking you to do for years now. Pretty pretty pretty pretty pretty..." Then Selena covered his mouth with a sock. He simply put it away. "..Please?"
"I'll do it if..."
"Yeah?"
"Get a Mohawk hairstyle.NOW." She batted her eyelashes.
He groaned then gave in. "Fine. I'll do it. We'd be two completely different people today in church."
She studied him. "You'll actually do it?"
He went to study himself in the mirror and adored himself. "Yeah. Actually, I've been thinking to have my haircut one of these days. I never taught of the Mohawk that I had in '06 but I'm glad you mentioned it. It's a great idea. Besides, I need to get hotter since I lost Taylor." He gave him a knowing look.
She then groaned. "Ugh. Why will you do it? Just forget that I ever offered you that and the dress idea."
"Look,Bee. It'll be awesome to have something new eventually. Let's do it. They're jaws will sure drop."
"Bay,you know I'm not comfortable at dresses and skirts. I'm sure they'll laugh at me if I ever wear one at church."
"We both know that's not true."
"Not now,please?"
"Fine. How about tomorrow? I'll pick you up for work. It's Cody's birthday,right?"
"Yeah. There'll be a party tomorrow night."
"Okay. Mohawk for me and a dress for you tomorrow night." He grinned. "C'mon. You're not a high school student now to wear ragged jeans at a party."
She looked up. "Fine. Now, let's go or they'll kill us." She then left for her closet while Joe continued admiring himself in the mirror.
____________________________________________________
At the car, Selena dug into Joe's tapes. "Where's the Paramore CD that I made you buy?"
"It's somewhere in there. Taylor fixed them when I picked her up and she wanted to listen to Tim McGraw."
Selena looked at him with a disgusted face. "Are you kidding me? Paramore is like the legit shi*."
"Hey, careful with your words. And can we listen to Michael Buble this time?"
"Jazz music?"
"Yeah...something wrong?"
"Nope. I've always thought that his music is soothing." She smiled.
"Good." He returned a smile while they listened at 'Haven't met you yet' silently then Joe suddenly spoke up. "Did I mention to you that I love the song 'Who am I to say'?"
"Who am I to say?" She nearly choked out the words.
"Yeah..I used to listen to it when you dumped me back in Junior High School." He chuckled softly.
She laughed. "You never told me that. What does the song say?"
"Nothing. Find it yourself."
"Okay. I'm sorry about that. I never knew you had feelings for me back then. I mean, look at me."
"Don't worry. I'm over it."
"Really?" She teased him with a husky voice.
"So over it."
She snorted out a laugh. "Fine. And I'm glad you mentioned that."
"Why?" He asked as they turned to a curve.
"While we were having that stupid fight, the gang practically bailed out on me."
"Huh? They were on my team?"
"No. They were neither on our teams. They were on their own team."
"What?"
"I mean, they kept on throwing me to you. They're like 'Just tell J that you love him','You guys are practically meant to be'. I mean, come on!"
He laughed as she mimicked Miley's and Demi's voice. "Didn't they tell you that you're jealous of Taylor?"
"Oh yeah! I almost forgot."
"I bet you were really annoyed."
"Yeah. I wanted to burst into tears because they can't get the point. I mean, we've been trying to explain it to them and they won't stop throwing us together like that. It seems like there's no point at all in explaining it to them. I'm just so tired of this. You know, things might get awkward for us later. I don't want to lose you all over again like I did when you told me that you like me. We're over that. I can't lose you." She sighed.
"You don't have to." He squeezed her hand. "You know, I have this idea in my mind for a long time already but you might not like it."
"What is it?" She asked,his hand still on hers.
"No." He blushed a little.
"C'mon. Anything will help us in this situation." She pleaded.
"Fine. But promise me you won't get mad at me." He looked at her.
"I promise."
"Okay..."
"Hmm?"
"Let's pretend that we're dating." He dared not to look at her expression. Selena choked on what she heard from her own best friend.
"Wha-what did you just say?" She stammered at her own words.
"See? I knew you'll freak out. But don't mind that idea." He waved her off.
She looked out the window then focused on Joe. "You know what? That's a great idea."
Joe studied her. "You're kidding me,aren't you?"
She shrugged. "No. I mean, we're best friends. We'll never develop feelings for each other, not like all the stories on novels. That will stop our so called 'friends' from pushing us to each other. When they finally stop, we can tell them that it was just a prank to stop them."
"Bee, there's no going back if we start this."
"I know. There's nothing to be scared about,Bay. I mean, unless you still have those cute feelings for me." She said smugly.
"Ha! Fine. Let's do it. Now."
"Now? Today at church?" She asked with unbelieving eyes as the car stopped and she saw everyone at the doorstep, waiting for them.
"Yeah...as you said, there's nothing to be scared about. And as they say, don't start tomorrow or later, start today."
"I mean, we can start tomorrow at Cody's birthday party."
"There's no better time to start than now. Look, they're watching."
"What are we gonna do?" She asked as she panicked.
"Let's start now. Just follow my lead, Bee." Then he leaned over to her.
Selena could feel Joe's hot breath and the sweat forming at her back. Joe could feel the tension between them. The last time he kissed his best friend was in 3rd grade when they were walking home from school and Selena was crying because she saw her crush kiss another girl. Before, it was easy because he just wanted to make his best friend feel better but now, they were both doing it for themselves and they both have developed feelings for each other in the past years which are still undiscovered.
He pulled Selena into him and closed the distance between them by placing a firm and soft kiss on her lips. Selena's first instinct was to run away and tell Joe that it was a bad idea because it disgusts her too see her Bay kissing her but it was both a surprise to them that their little kiss was the most natural thing they have done in their lives. Joe's arms came around her waist as Selena wrapped hers around his neck. Out of the corner of their eyes, they could clearly see Demi, Miley, Nick, David and Cody with their jaws dropped dead.

Who am I to say [Chapter 4]

Joe could still hear Taylor's tiny voice echoing in his head. He flipped open his phone carelessly and called Demi.
"D." He stated directly.
"J?" She answered sleepily. "What would Joe Jonas want to talk about at the middle of the night?"
"D, it's weekend. You don't have work tomorrow. Why would you sleep early?"
"Because we're all going to church and the movie we watched made me tired."
He coughed. "Are you trying to make me jealous?"
"Not really. What do you need anyway?"
"Pssh. What made you think that I called you just to ask you something?". He hissed. "You're my friend. We dated before and I wanted to know what you're up to."
Demi sighed. "Don't bring those stupid memories again, J. You dated both Miley and I. You dated everyone. And don't try to make me stupid. This is about S, isn't it?" She snickered.
Joe sighed. "I'm desperate,fine. But I want to know if she was really fine about me going out with Taylor."
"Why don't you ask her?"
"Do you really think she'll talk to me after what I've done?"
"No. But at least you tried,right? You'll never know."
"I don't want to go there and get slammed by the door."
"Then don't."
"Won't you convince me even more? Please do."
"J, just do it. And aren't you on the road?"
"Yep. I am."
"Then why are you on the phone?"
"I have my ways, Demetria."
She chuckled. "Then use them this time, Joseph. Now, let me get some sleep."
"Okay. I'm sorry for the trouble. Thanks for everything."
"You're always welcome."
"Wait."
"Huh?"
"Wanna know a secret?"
"What?"
"I dated Miley while I was with you." He chuckled. "You guys were on war at that time so you didn't know. Bee did."
"Jerk!" She squealed.
Joe hung up with a chuckle and turned to the corner where Selena's house stands. He quickly jumped out of his car and walked swiftly at the porch. He practiced the things he will say before he knocked on the door.
"Anyone?"
A minute later, Selena's mom showed up. "Joseph!" She grinned and wrapped Joe in her arms."Why didn't you come for the barbecue dinner?" Joe jerked out of her grasp and faked a smile.
"Good evening, maa'm. I'm sorry but I had a rough night. I just wanna talk to Selena."
"Oh. The girl. She was acting weird when she got home and she won't get out of her room. Her dad went to check on her but she was not in there. I guess she sneaked out but I'm sure she'll be back before dawn breaks. Would you want to wait inside?"
Joe was crestfallen. He sure can't sleep if he won't talk to Selena tonight. He shrugged. "No, but thanks. I'll just find a way about it tomorrow.Good night."
"Good night." Then the door slammed shut.
Joe turned to the road. He sighed and looked down at his shoes while he walked towards his car. He suddenly saw familiar small toes with ragged flip-flops.
He looked up and saw a wondering face studying him. His face lit up instinctively. "Bee?"
Selena ignored him and walked past him. Joe caught her arm immediately. "Don't walk away from me."
"Who are you to order me?" She snapped.
"I'm your best friend." He said bluntly.
"To hell, you're not!" She exclaimed.
"Bee, we're not in high school anymore. We're frigging adults with different jobs. We should stop with this stupid fight!"
"You call this stupid? You are stupid. What are you doing here anyway?"
"Bee, let's just end this and get over it."
"Answer my question. Why aren't you in bed with Taylor,huh? She must be really bored waiting for you at the Ritz Hotel!"
"Selena! Will you stop that crap? Nothing happened and nothing will."
"So sure about that,huh?"
"Why are you making a big deal out of this?"
"I am not. I'm just trying to make my point here."
"Then what's your point? Coz Bee, I can't seem to get it." He said with sad eyes. "I'm here apologizing to you. I'm really sorry that I made you upset. I didn't know that it was wrong to go on a date with someone you really like."
Selena looked up. "You really like her?"
"Yeah. But I'm sure she won't give me a chance this time. I ditched her..." He trailed off and looked in her eyes. "...for you, Bee." And then that came his trade mark smile.
Selena gave him a straight expression which later on broke into a smile. She then hit his arm. "I hate that smile."
"Really? Demi and Miley fell for it." He smiled again.
"Stop that and just give me a hug." She opened her arms.
"I was planning on that." He wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her until she begged him to pull away. "I won't stand to lose you. I love you, Bee. Do you love me?"
She smiled. "You have no idea how much I do." She then ruffled his now curly hair. "Ya know? I miss your straight hair with your bangs in your eyes."
He smiled. "Why? I think my curly hair makes me a lot hotter."
"I dunno about you but with your straight hair, I can wave it off with my own hands from your eyes."
He chuckled. "I'd like to do what you want but it takes a long time to straighten it every morning."
"Bay, even without straightening your hair, you take so long to get ready in the morning."
"I don't take that long. And FYI, I was scared you wouldn't call me 'Bay' ever again."
She made a serious face. "Actually, I was planning on that." And later on laughed. "Your face looks funny when I told you that."
Joe winced. "It's not funny, okay?" He then turned away from her.
She caught his arm and walked in front of him. "C'mon. Admit it. It was funny." She whined.
"Fine." He fixed her sweater for her and patted her head. "Now, go to bed. It's past your bed time."
"Wow. Thanks, dad."
He laughed. "Seriously, it's late Bee. You should go in. It's frigging cold."
"How about you? Can you drive home safely at this time?"
"Bee, there isn't time where accidents happen. Accidents are accidents. If I am meant to die tonight, I will."
She hit him. "Don't say things like that!"
"Fine." He hugged her and kissed her cheek then walked away.
Before the car window rolled up, she called out. "Call me when you get home,Bay!"
_______________________________________________________
Selena opened her eyes when she heard her window open and a sound of someone tripping on the floor then smiled at the familiar sound. "Bay?"
Joe slowly get in her blanket with her and grinned. "Rise and Shine, Bee."
She smiled. "Why are you here? It's so early."
"We're going to church with everybody, remember?"
"Yeah." She then scanned him. "Why are you wearing a hat?"
"Coz this is my surprise for you."
She raised her eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
He stood up then revealed what he's been hiding. Selena's jaw dropped. "Your hair is straight!"
"Just for now, at least."
"Aww. You look good. I remember the old days in school."
"Yep."
She hugged him. "And you smell good." She then gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Wait there. I'll just take a shower and we can hit the road." She walked towards her pile of clothes.
He sat on her bed. "Bee,can I ask you a favor in exchange of my straight hair and the fact that I'm early today and I ditched Taylor?" Joe asked from behind her as she dig on her closet.
She turned to him with black slacks on her hands. "I'm guessing this will be a big one since you stated a lot of good things and you have that stupid smile on your face."
He looked down. "Yeah. But promise me you'll say Yes no matter what it is."
"Fine. I promise." She sighed.
He then looked up with a grin. "Wear a dress today."