Chapter 8

"I've got a plan," Justin sat with me in my bedroom as I closed the shades.

This was the first time he's ever been in my room, which is weird since he's here all the time. It's not that I cared, it was just a weird feeling to have him sitting on my bed.

"Alright," I replied and sat down somewhat close to him.

"Don't freak out," he said. "Just listen first."

I nodded, hoping his plan wasn't too crazy.

"Here's the thing: the police are looking for you. They're eventually going to find out where you live. I mean, c'mon, Jess, you said it yourself. It's a small town, they don't have that many places to look."

I nodded, because he was right.

"And they could seriously walk up to anyone and ask about you, which again, small town. There's people who know where your house is, and will have no problem telling the police that location." He continued.

"What's the plan exactly?"

"Okay, again, don't freak out. Listen first." He raises his eyebrows a little bit, almost as if saying 'deal?'

I nodded, and stared at him even though there wasn't much distance between us on the bed.

We stayed that way for a second, and that's when I knew he was scared to tell me what he was thinking.

He sighed a little bit, then looked me straight in the eye. "Live with me."

My eyes widened as I partially looked away, a little surprised.

"Think about it, Jess. I have a guest room there, and you could stay as long as you need. And, no one knows you're associated with me. I mean, you haven't even told Morgan we've practically been hanging out daily." He looked into my eyes, and gave me a look of hope. "The only people who would know is us."

He said the last part a little quieter, which made my pulse accelerate.

He kept looking at me, his eyes practically begging for me to say yes. It was kind of cute actually, but I was more focused on the decision I had to make.

"I just-" I paused once I saw him slouch, a look of disappointment evident on his face. "I just don't want to put you through that," I continued. "You just moved here, I don't want to ruin this for the both of us."

"You can't worry about me right now. I should be the least of your worries." He grabbed my hand a little bit, which made me jump.

I looked at him, then our hands, then back to him. "You should let it go," I finally said quietly.

"Let what go?" He almost seemed irritated now.

"This," I gestured with my arms. "What ever happens, happens. There's really nothing either of us can do to change that."

I wasn't wrong. If I got arrested, I probably deserved it. Justin didn't do anything to cause anyone harm.

"I'm doing this because I want to," he finally said.

We both stared at each other, and for a second, I got so lost in his eyes I forgot what we were talking about. I snapped out of it once he stood from my bed.

"Pack up your stuff," he said as he walked towards the door.

I raised my eyebrows at him, since he was bold enough to let me know I didn't have a choice.

"I'll pick you up in two hours, and this time I'll have a car." He flashed his bright smile and grabbed the knob. "I'll see you soon."___________________________

I brought my last suitcase downstairs and in front of the door. I sighed. There were 8 suitcases total, but I didn't regret a thing. If I was going to live somewhere else, I needed everything.

What was it going to be like?

I tried not to work myself up. I looked around my living room a little, not wanting to leave. I knew I'd be back, but it was sad to leave. I had the cutest and most perfect house. It reminded me of something out of a magazine. It was small but had up-to-date things inside. I looked at the white chandelier that hung over the dining room table. Living with Justin was going to be different. Especially because we have different tastes with things like this. For instance, my home is completely modern, and his looks more like a log cabin. It was all wood on the inside, and reminded me of the olden days. Not in a bad way, it's just not what I was used to. I was almost scared that I wouldn't get used to it, since it would be so different.

Not to mention my backyard was the ocean. It'll be weird not getting up every morning to go sit on the back balcony. That's usually one of the first things I do in the morning, just because it's relaxing. And relaxation is definitely something I need right now.

I thought of how selfish I was being. Justin just offered me his own home to stay in, and I was sad to leave. I guess that's normal though.

I heard a car outside, which I could probably hear from a million miles away since no one drives cars around here.

I opened the front door and justin stared at me. "You ready?"

I nodded slightly. I wasn't ready.

Justin obviously noticed this when I started to grab a suitcase, because he hugged me from behind.

"I know it's hard," he whispered in my ear, sending chills down my spine. "I'm still here for you, okay?"

I nodded again, speechless. I turned in his arms a little, and he gave me a real hug. I squeezed him tight, not wanting to let go.

"Let's get your stuff in the car," he finally said, releasing his grip.

We both had a bag in each hand, bringing them to Justin's already open trunk.

After grabbing the last bag, he laid his hands on the top of the trunk. "Got everything?" Once I nodded, he closed it.

Sitting in the front seat, it almost felt weird. Not only had I not been in a car in a really long time, but I hadn't been in a car while in Hampstead ever. No one had.

"Um," I started. "I don't really know how to thank you for all this."

"Don't," he said quietly. "This ones on me." He looked over at me and sent me his bright white smile, and grabbed my hand.

I felt my stomach drop at the sudden contact. I eyed our hands and glanced at him. He was looking straight ahead, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other one interlocked with mine.

I smiled to myself. I forgot how peaceful it was to have someone who cared about you. Justin made me relaxed, and he doesn't even try to. Just his presence can be the most relaxing thing.

"Let's do something," he said and looked at me.

I looked at him like he was crazy.

"I mean, somewhere else," he clarified.

I still looked at him like he was crazy.

"C'mon, we're already in a car, let's take you away for awhile. I know you haven't been out of the house lately. You should live a little." He gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

I sighed. "I'd love that."___________________________

We were in Justin's house because he said he needed to make a stop before we left. Finally, he came out of a room in the hallway with a small suitcase.

"I thought we were just 'doing something'" I air quoted. "God, how long will we be staying?"

He chuckled. "Don't worry about it."

We went back to the car where he dramatically opened my door for me which made me laugh.

He hopped in the other side and reversed out of the driveway. I looked out of my open window at the tress that mended together over the open road ahead. Leaves slowly scattered from the small wind and the sun barely peeked through the branches. Life can be so perfect.

I rested my head against the headrest and closed my eyes, taking a deep breath. The saltiness of the air always made me smile, just because it's what I've been around my whole life. I loved this place.

"So," I shifted a little. "Are you ever going to tell me where we're going?"

"Nope," he smiled, glancing at me. "You'll have to wait and see."

I groaned. I had never been out of Hampstead before so leaving was kind of exciting, but only if I knew where I was going.

"Is it a long ways away?" I asked after a few moments.

He chucked. "Enough with the questions."

"I need to know," I grabbed his upper arm and batted my eyelashes.

He shifted a little, clearing his throat. "Stop it."

"Why? Am I making you uncomfortable?" I giggled and sat back in my seat, knowing he wasn't going to budge.

"Yes," he laughed. "Now take a nap or something, it's gonna be awhile."

"Nah. I can't sleep in cars. Guess you'll have to put up with me," I said, looking at my nails.

He laughed again. "Fine by me."___________________________

We spent the majority of our time in the car goofing off. I don't think I've laughed so hard in my life. It was amazing to see how someone can truly bring out the best in you.

After 3 hours of driving, we arrived at a resort on the ocean. It wasn't extremely fancy, it was modern. It was perfect.

"You took me here?" I whispered.

He leaned against the car and nodded. I looked at him breathless. Not because of the resort, but because someone was actually kind enough to do something like that for me.

"Don't you need reservations or something?" I turned to him.

"Already have one," he winked.

"How?"

He leaned closely into me. "The night you told me you killed Jake, I called down here. It was the best I could find."

My heart stopped when he mentioned the fact that I murdered Jake. I know I told him, but we never discussed it. I still couldn't believe how thoughtful this all was.

Without another word, I wrapped my arms tightly around his neck. "Thank you."

He slowly wrapped his arms around my waist, squeezing me a little. "You're welcome," I could feel his smile. ___________________________

Once we checked in, we headed to our room. Realization kind of dawned on me that I'd have to be sharing a room with Justin, but then I reminded myself that I was going to be living with him for awhile now, so I might as well get used to it.

By the time we opened the door to our room, it was 11:14. I was so tired from today, and I didn't even know why.

Not even looking at our room, I headed straight for the bathroom to get ready for bed. I changed my clothes, and brushed my teeth. Putting my hair in a bun, I started walking out of the bathroom where I found Justin fast asleep on the floor.

Looking around, I realized there was only one queen sized bed. My heart sank.

He gave me this amazing trip, this amazing vacation and he ends up sleeping on the floor. I felt extremely guilty.

I would've let him have it, but I didn't want to wake him up. He was just as tired as I was.

Walking to my bed, I grabbed the two pillows that were available and the comforter from it. I may get the bed, but that's really all I'll be getting. Since he was laying on his side, I put one of the pillows under the side of his head and the other in front of him, incase he rolled over. I then took the comforter and draped it over him, readjusting it a little.

Crawling on the bed, I lay there under a thin sheet. I hope Justin has a better night sleep than I will.___________________________

NOTE: omg. i can't wait for these next couple chapters. this one was definitely the cutest, which i love stuff like that. hope you guys liked it! thanks for reading.

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