Chapter 17

 The Lies Between Us

17 – Midnight

Jacey thought he's always the kind of person who will never regret nor rethink the decisions he made in the past. But seeing how his ex-best friend get wasted because of a boy, it made him look back and be sorry for his actions.

"Lisie, we should get you home." He sighed, worried about the people in the bar who wanted to get their nosy ears on their business.

"No way I'm going home. It's only 10 o'clock." The blonde hair-turned-black vixen snapped at him.

He sighed. Jacey blamed himself for letting Lis fall for another jerk yet again. He could never bring back the past because what's done is done and the damage was already there. He knew he was an asshole for meddling in between two close friends. He admit he wanted to play with them at first but he ended up falling head over heels in love with one of them.

Choosing Ronnie was the only thing that made sense to him up until now. But it doesn't mean he wouldn't try and be friends with Lis again. Somehow, he wanted to make up to her for all the pain he made her go through.

"It's already 3 in the morning." He sighed looking out for her.

"Oh boo you, give me another tequila!"

"This isn't healthy anymore. It's been a month."

When he overheard what the two bestfriends were talking about over Skype he thought he should step up. Since his girl was busy touring around the world and his next game was scheduled in West Lake it was the perfect opportunity to finally make amends with Lisie.

"Jacey if you're going to act like my dad then get the hell outta here." Lisie swatted his hand that was trying to stop her from getting her drink.

Shit.

If this goes on another day, his girl friend might kill him. Thankfully, no other guys dared to come and pick Lisie up since she started being a regular customer. At least for him he's doing a good job at keeping the boys away...for now.

Jacey sighed when his younger sister arrived. He raised an eyebrow when Ed Carter followed soon enough. Their hands quickly let go each other when she noticed he was eyeing them.

"What took you guys so long?" He inquired.

"We just sent my model friends out." Nira, his sister who just got back from Italy, answered softly.

"Nira! I missed you!" Lisie stood up nearly falling while trying to envelope Nira in a hug.

"I shouldn't have introduced you to Ed. He might be an asshole in the future like your brother and that guy..."

Nira giggled. "Lisie we almost always see each other these days."

"How much did she drink while we're gone?" Ed asked Jacey not minding his glares.

"Right now, she's on her 17th shot of tequila."

Ed let his head fall in distress. He tapped one of his waiters and reprimanded them about giving Ms. Moore a drink. "Didn't I tell you not to give her anymore drinks after the fifth shot?"

"Er, she threatened me that you guys are close and you'll get me fired if I don't give her a drink." The poor waiter answered quickly.

"Is she your boss or I am?"

"You are but sir...she's Lisette Moore and it's hard to say no to her."

"I'll fire you the next time you disobey me."

"Y-yes. I promise it won't happen again."

"Good."

Ed turned to his friends and found Lisie fast asleep on his girl friend's shoulder. Jacey was already talking to Saint on his phone about handling the media outside. When Saint managed to get enough bouncers, Jacey and Nira assisted Lisie to her car driving her home.

While they were inside the car, Jacey looked behind him to see Nira caressing Lisie's hair.

"I'm seriously getting worried." It was Saint who broke the silence. "We've only been friends for a couple of months but she's never acted this way. I don't think she's even the type to get drunk and not care about her image. Then there's the stalker issue we just discovered last week..."

"We're lucky the FBI got a lead on that, if not, I'd prefer it if Soo will hire at least five more security for Lisie."

Jacey understood where he was coming from. He knew Lisie to be very conscious about her reputation. So her getting all the media attention for being a party girl, on top of having a crazy stalker, not only troubles him but it also bothered Ronnie and Soo as much as well.

He was this close to confront Tait Kingston about it but doing so will only make things difficult for her. Lisie never opened up about it to him. He only talk a lot with girls so bringing Nira along with him is a good idea.

"Did she ever tell you what happened?"

Saint shook his head. "After Princetown's filming ended, it's like she transformed into her character. Like she took a piece of Vaia Winters in her then left the real Lisie Moore somewhere in the studio." He scoffed.

Jacey felt like punching someone at that moment. He thought Lisie never deserved to get treated like this. He only felt like a big jerk knowing that someone did something to her and no one was there to save her.

"Are you dating that abnormally tall schmuck?" Jacey asks his sister when they opened Lisie's door making her frown.

"Who said we were dating?" Nira retorted recalling the past if she's ever agreed being Ed's girlfriend and found none.

Jacey only shrugs.

When they settled Lisie on her bed, his sister assured them she'll stay with her up until morning.

Just two hours later, Lisie shifted uncomfortably in her sleep. It was getting normal for her to get a little to zero sleep. When she opened her eyes she felt numb like she's so little in this big world. She reached for her phone slamming it back down again on the corner table when she saw the notifications.

Since she started going out more, it seems like the paparazzi would always see to it that she's on the top trending list.

Matters got worst when one video from her past surfaced. It wasn't even that ground breaking. Her friends all know how she is when she gets too much alcohol and the music was sweet. She dances around so boldly like no ones watching her and some of her sexy dancing videos got published in social media making her way to the A-list even with Princetown under post-production.

Headlines like "Star Avenue's Bad Girl" were starting to go around in every corner of the city. Although Lisie was acquiescent about all the rumors circulating her, she wonders when the media will see the real her. And it interests her more about what they would think? Would they like her more or would they get bored if they see right through all these glitters?

She really couldn't care less.

The producers were happy about the attention she's getting since it gets the people hyped up about the movie but it got her friends worried.

They all think she's getting "wild" just because some guy broke her heart. Soo even accused her that changing her hairstyle was the most obvious proof it was true.

More days passed and Lisette Moore started becoming a household name. Her every move was documented and anyone who gets to see her wanted a piece of her limelight.

Her fame rose up from all over the world like stars slowly taking over the night sky. Whether it's her fashion sense, her innocent face and her mysterious love life, people just couldn't get enough of her.

"I'm so happy you guys agreed to campaign for my autumn line. I swear this fall's collection would be grandiose! I'm already preparing the ranch." Jane announced at the phone one day. If there's one thing Lisie was thankful for, it's Jane not mentioning anything that's got to do with her brother.

She's not completely healed from what happened and is far from that but Lisie would appreciate it if the cause of her heartbreak will remain as far away from her as he can.

"I don't think I can say no to you Jane." She giggles.

"Oh you're too sweet. So I guess I'll just see you after a week."

"Yes!"

"Perfect. Kisses!"

Lisie puts down the phone feeling accomplished. She was inside her hotel room in Paris reading her mails when Jane called. After she confirmed their schedule she wanted to go down to try the spa but her eyes drifted toward the bouquet of lilies settled on top of the center table.

She sighed thinking about what happened after the fashion show earlier.

A lot of people congratulated her for being Alexander McQueen's first face on the catwalk. She thanked everyone who came to the show. Some of her wealthy fans gave her gifts but one particular gift caught her attention.

Her eyes surveyed the lilac wrapped bouquet on top of her vanity mirror. Her eyebrows pushed together when she saw there was nothing attached to it – not it even a note.

Her fingers caressed the expensive wrap enveloping the lilies appreciating the quality and the color.

"Excuse me, did you see anyone leaving these flowers here?" She asked one of the staff.

"Oh I put that there, a young boy told me to give it to you. He said someone asked him to do it because his uncle didn't want to be known." The staff shrugged.

"Oh," Lisie bit her lip. Her thoughts drifting towards a man her heart knows so well. But maybe she's just overthinking it.

"I guess you have a French secret admirer," The staff teased.

"Well too bad he didn't have the balls to show up." Lisie only smiled. Maybe it was indeed a secret admirer she's never met before. It could be anyone.

Anyone but him, of course.

....

The next day Lisie flew back to Star Avenue to support Jacey in his home game on Friday night. She was accompanied by Nira in one of Jacey's biggest games of the year. He was playing against their main rivals which, in last year, didn't go as well to Jacey and team's favor.

As she was there cheering for her friend, she looked back at those days where she watches him play the sport he loves the most.

Lisie kind of wished Ross was here. Back then they used to scream their hearts out whenever Jacey scores then he'll look up to them sending them kisses from the field.

Right now, she couldn't even do that. She couldn't even enjoy the game because some cameras were capturing her every move and her every reaction.

Before when she thought she was in love with Jacey, she'd love it if there were rumors circulating about them dating. But now that he's clearly in love with her best friend and her heart still trying to forget someone else, she's getting tired of the tabloids publishing that the two of them are in an exclusive relationship.

"Oh my god!" Nira stood on her toes hands clasped as she prays for her brother to score a goal. Jacey's the team's striker and looking at his state right now, it's obvious he's hungry for victory.

The momentum was on Jacey's side and as he twists and dodged his opponents attacks, he landed a perfect goal.

It was like a climactic scene in a movie where the main protagonist did a reverse kick in slow motion hitting the target without any flaws.

Everyone on their side of the stadium cheered in harmony as they all capture the winning moment right before their eyes. Lisie couldn't resist and she shouted Jacey's name like a proud girlfriend. If only Ross were here, she thought.

"LET'S GO, JACEY!" Lisie put her hands up in excitement.

The paparazzi went wild with her reaction. She only ignored their questions about their relationship because whatever they think about them, it's most probably be false. She tried denying it once but they only managed to twist her words to their liking. Her efforts were useless.

When she and Nira followed Jacey to his personal locker room, she shook her head when she found the guy talking about his perfect goal to his real girlfriend.

"I didn't really think I would make it. But babe did you see that?" Jacey's eyes popped like a child talking to his mom about his achievements.

Lisie heard Ross giggling on the phone. She looked at Nira and they both understood what they should do at the moment. They decided to give space to the couple before intruding.

It's hard to interrupt especially since Jacey looked so happy seeing his girl.

"Oh man, I still couldn't believe we won."

"I'm so happy for you, Jace."

"I'll even be happier if you're here." Jacey's voice got softer. "I missed you, Ronnie."

Lisie tilted her head appreciating how Jacey got romantic when he's talking to her best friend. When she looked at his sister, Nira was rolling her eyes.

Lisie let out a chuckle.

"Oof I think we got company." Jacey was still smiling when he turned to see them.

Lisie pulled a strand of Nira's hair for being naughty. "Sorry Jacey, your sister's being a brat."

"Come here and give me a hug, baby sis," Jacey was still in his jersey when he attacked his sister with a tight hug and a kiss on the forehead. Nira struggled in disgusts as her brother gathers her to an arm lock than an embrace.

Lisie shook her head ignoring the siblings as she took over Jacey's phone waving at Ross.

"How's Norway, Veronica?" Lisie chuckled as she called Ross in her full name. Knowing her best friend, she's probably having the time of her life in her second most favorite country.

"I swear you're going to love it here, Lis." She listens attentively while Ross fangirls about Norway's food. She laughed nonstop when she told her about an embarrassing moment with a fan witnessing how much of a pig she eats at one restaurant.

"Ha, I hope she got a picture. That would be viral I'm sure of it." Jacey commented from the back.

"Least I'll still be more popular than you Mr. Striker." Ross snapped teasingly.

"Don't care about fame, long as you're my girl," he winked.

"Ugh. Gross. Lisie, let's get outta here." Nira jokes pretending to take Lisie away from the flirting couple.

.....

In celebration of Jacey's victory, the three of them plus Ed and Saint went out to attend the team's victory party. Because Lisie is a hot commodity, a lot of the athletes flock to her way just to say hi.

It put a lot of pressure to Saint and Jacey to prevent Lisie from going out with some guys.

Lisie didn't care about them honestly. She's out tonight to have a good time. She just laughed at how Saint and Jacey guard her like she's holy and different from these immortal men.

"I just want a selfie!" Jacey's teammate tried to get passed the two of them.

"Nope!"

"Come on man, I know she's your girl"

"She's not."

"Then why-"

"Do you want to get benched the next game or you're going back to your table?" Jacey threatened with a sly smile.

"Ugh what a sleaz."

"Shut up Frownman."

"Jacey would you stop being a big doofus because last I checked you were an athlete and not a bodyguard." Nira scolded her brother making Jacey the guys' laughing stock. "God I can't imagine how Ross is dealing with you. You're so possessive."

"Hey you, tall person," Jacey snapped her fingers to Ed. "Can you get her out of my sight please. My temper's at the limit."

"Cry baby!" Nira let out her tongue like a kid to her brother. Jacey did the same and if not for Saint, the siblings might gather a crowd for having such childish arguments. Ed took Nira's hand taking her away from their table.

Lisie only rolled hey eyes. She sipped her glass of long island iced tea when she remembers something.

She remembers how Tait could be protective of her. When they went out sometimes after shoot, he would see to it that he's the one walking on the outer side of the side walk so she'll not worry about the cars passing by.

He would also talk to her male fans first like he's screening them even before they get to talk to her in her free time on set. Sometimes when things get stagnant because the hours of filming stretched, he would act stupid on purpose just to annoy her.

Then she remembers how mad he got when she told him things about his past that made no sense even to her. She just wanted to see him pissed. All those memories they made together – though short and brief – had her in tears.

When she thought she was starting to forget him, he just finds his way back to her mind like he never left. Like he never broke her heart.

"I think it's more believable that she's dating Jacey Somers because Tait Kingston is still so much hung up on his ex."

Lisie's head turned automatically to the other table at the mention of his name.

"What's her thing with unavailable men anyway?"

"Oh my gosh, did she steal Jacey from Veronica Park? A bitch in heat indeed."

Some girls were eyeing their table in such envy because she was with some really good looking guys and they couldn't even get their own boyfriends to look at them while she's there.

But still, it didn't stop her to feel insecure. She knows the possibility that Tait getting back to his girl was high. Because what more reason is there? He already rejected her.

It sucks and she felt like a loser for being depressed on a Friday night. Lisie bit her tongue to keep her tears from escaping.

The moment she admitted to herself that she's in love with her bad boy costar was the moment she realized how cruel destiny is.

She knew she wasn't supposed to fall for a guy like him given his rep but she did – whole-heartedly and without any inhibitions.

Now she's faced with the reality that she may never forget him as easy as she thought it would be because her link to him wouldn't end just like that.

Lisie was now realizing the difficulty that she would face once promotions starts. She wouldn't want to think about faking her way through it when she's truthfully ashamed of what she's done.

She shouldn't have confronted him that day.

She should've listened to what everyone's saying.

Lisie pushed through coming in between Saint and Jacey. They didn't get to pull her back because she was forcefully trying to get away from them on her own will.

"Where are you going?" She heard Jacey called.

"Nowhere! Just don't follow me." She shouted seeing Tait inside her head.

It was slowly getting blurry for Lisie while getting out of the club. She's not that sure if its because of her unshed tears, the alcohol, or the flashes of light coming from the cameras swarming around her.

Maybe it's all of those things.

If she can get a hold of something that can make her forget him and her feelings then she'd gladly accept it.

Her tears won the fight, falling uncontrollably towards her face. One arm caught her in the middle of the dance floor taking her out of there.

She couldn't recognize the man holding her because of her clouded vision.

"Shh don't cry." The man hushed her down holding her wrist unbelievably tight. When she heard that voice she shook her head in fear. She couldn't recognize that voice. When she looked up at the man, she felt her hands cold when she realized he's her stalker.

At first she thought it was normal to feel that someone's always looking at her. But when Saint pushed an investigation and found there was indeed a stalker, she started to get anxious whenever she's alone walking out the streets.

"W-will you please let go of my hand. You're hurting me." She pleaded shaking not looking him in the eye. He looked like he couldn't hurt a fly. But the way he smiled at her made the tiny hairs on her arms rise like they know she's in trouble.

"Lisie...I waited a long time for this. I...I think you and I...we're perfect! You like bad boys right?" The man whispered eerily touching his lips to her ears. "I can be bad for you..."

Lisie flinched in disgust.

Is this the price of fame? She only wanted a piece of the spotlight but when she got the whole of it she couldn't tell if she can stay without completely breaking.

"B-but I don't know you." She tried to calm down even when the guy was wrapping an arm on her waist.

"Oh come with me and you'll know me better." He chuckled like a mad man.

Where's the paparazzi now that she needs a witness. She felt sorry for even shouting at her friends earlier. If things get out of control they will worry for sure!

Lisie panicked when the guy started dragging her towards a car. That's when she screamed for help.

................

Hayes was out that night to buy an egg carton at the convenience store where they sell goods cheaper than the mall price. With all his housemates gone and taking vacation, he needs to stock food for himself. He didn't know when they'll go back especially since both were actors so he thought he should take care and save up for himself and not rely on their stocks.

He didn't mind taking the long walk since he was saving money for a record label. He was listening to a rap song when his phone vibrated an alarm. He pulled his head set down tilting his head to see what the alarm was for.

"Happy Birthday Self?" Hayes was taken aback chuckling at the way Tait set an alarm for his own birthday. "I can't believe he's right! I totally forgot it's my birthday."

Hayes looked at his watch as 12:01 displays on the tiny screen. He was about to put his headset back on when he heard a scream.

"HELP! SOMEONE-"

Both his feet naturally sprinted towards the voice's direction. When he saw someone was getting kidnapped, he pulled his camera and video taped them, he tossed the egg carton on the guys head alerting them that he's there.

"Stop there, I'm on live! I'm sending this to the cops!" He shouted. His heart went out to the lady who fainted cold on the ground.

"YEAH THAT'S RIGHT! RUN YOU ASSHOLE!"

When Hayes was sure the guy was out of sight, he rushed towards the fainted girl. He shook his head as he took a strand of her hair away from her face.

"Poor girl."

To Be Continued....

A/N

Yep. Hayes is that guy in kdramas youd call the second male lead.. That's his purpose. He's such a sweetheart <3

Gawd. I remember when I saw Hobi up close in their concert in Manila... he's so gorgeous.

Also....Nira = ariN