Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN! - Fan Fiction

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Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

2/9/2009 6:08 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Okay. Just before I start I'd like to let everyone know that This is not the first thread for this Fanfic!

It's actually the third. I'm just clarifying this so people don't think that I've gotten no comments at all.

So to everyone that was reading this FF before it's up and running again now at this location!

And to new readers yay! Please comment!

Okay. I'm going to now post all the chapters I've posted so far in new posts.

Laura xxx

^^^ Banner by Momo PM me at Falling4Joe Please read my Joe FF: Just Friends

^^^ Thanks for the ba

2/9/2009 6:10 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Re: Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Chapter 1: Surprise meeting

Layla tied up her grubby running shoes. She grabbed her keys and iPod, put them into her hoodie pocket and set off to do her 7 pm run. She ran when it had cooled down from the hot summer heat of the day, yet it wasn’t too cold. She pushed herself further, enjoying the strain it put on her muscles. Layla wasn’t an overly social person. Sure she went to parties every now and then with a couple of friends but she preferred to spend her Friday nights running, where she was left alone to think about things. She pushed a strand of her curly red hair that had fallen out of her ponytail behind her ear and kept running.

Finally they were home! Joe breathed a sigh of over dramatical relief. His mom shot him a look but he merely smiled innocently back at her.

“Whoa! It sure is great to finally have the tour done with!” Kevin said, as he came into the house carrying a bag full of clothes. “Though unpacking sure is a pain.” He mock grimaced at Joe, who punched him lightly on the shoulder on his way past. Joe knew that even though Kevin was glad the tour was over he loved to perform music. They all did in fact. No matter how much Kevin or Nick complained he knew they loved it, and so did he.

“I’m going to walk Elvis!” Joe called to his mom. He and his brothers took turns walking the family dog and today it was Joe’s responsibility. Poor Elvis had been cooped up in a carrier all day as they’d made their way back to New Jersey from their final tour stop. Joe clicked a leash onto Elvis’ collar and shut the door behind him as he walked out. The air was perfect, it wasn’t too hot but there was a slight warm breeze. He started walking along the street, giving both Elvis and himself a chance to enjoy the great summer night. Elvis had to make a short stop so Joe leant his head back and took a sniff at the fresh Summer air. He closed his eyes and relaxed…

“Joe?” A sweet, feminine voice startled him out of his reverie and he looked across the street to see a slim girl with red, curly hair. Recognition hit him after a few seconds.

“Layla?” Joe asked, not quite sure if it really was her, she looked so different.

“Yeah it’s me.” Layla answered. She quickly checked for cars and then jogged across the street. It’s Joe! Layla rejoiced in her mind. She had been friends with Joe and his brothers long before they’d become famous, and had secretly always had a special liking to Joe. Then her parents had gotten divorced and she’d gone to Boston with her dad and when she’d come back to live here with her mom just recently, him and his brothers were already on tour. Of course she’d never talked to him about her feelings, she was far too shy around guys. She’d pretty much gotten over them while she’d been living in Boston. Still, it was so great to see Joe again! “How are you?” She asked, “How was the tour?” she added.

“Really good!” Joe said. Layla could see in his eyes how much music meant to him. It was so sweet how much effort he put in and how much he cared about his career.

“That’s great.” Layla replied. Joe was so shocked to see her! She’d been a best friend to all three of the brothers until her parents had divorced and she’d moved up to Boston with her dad. They’d all been pretty upset about it but had dealt with it; life went on. Then they’d started focusing on their musical career. It seemed that Layla had moved back to New Jersey while they’d been performing to crowds of millions all around the world. Wow, she sure had grown up. She was only a couple of years younger than him, and a couple of years older than Nick. He studied her physical changes, trying to be subtle about it. She’d let her auburn hair grow out and it was now tied back in a slightly messy ponytail, her corkscrew curls bouncing as she talked. Her face had lost its chubbiness from childhood and had become more angular. Her almond shaped brown eyes stayed the same though, he remembered looking at them many times when Layla had talked to him, before, when he hadn’t been part of The Jonas Brothers. She looked…pretty. Joe shook himself mentally. This was Layla, His Kevin’s and Nick’s childhood friend, he didn’t have these kinds of other feelings. He must just be tired from the tour.

“So when did you move back here?” Joe asked curiously.

“A few weeks ago. I missed New Jersey so much, I had to come back.” Layla smiled and showed a set of pretty white teeth. Joe fought to think clearly.

“Kevin and Nick will be so pleased to hear you’re back, you’ll have to come around some time.” Joe said. ”What’s your number?” he whipped out his mobile and tapped in Layla’s mobile number as she told it to him.

“Well, I’d better be getting home,” Layla said, “You know, I need my beauty sleep.” She laughed lightly, her face turning red in embarrassment.

“Sure. I’d better get Elvis back home too.” Joe indicated Elvis who had waited rather patiently through the entire conversation. “I’ll talk to you soon okay?” He promised.

“Yeah. Goodnight Joe.” Layla said.

“Enjoy your beauty sleep.” Joe teased. Then he set off back towards his house, Elvis in tow. Layla turned around and started to jog home, thinking about everything that had just happened. Beauty sleep? She chastised herself for saying that one to Joe. No doubt he’d be running to repeat it to Kevin and Nick right now. Layla still couldn’t believe she’d just talked to Joe, someone she’d cared about since was a little girl. She couldn’t wait to see him again, and the rest of his family. Kevin and Nick had been good friends of hers as well. She smiled as she drifted off to sleep.

^^^ Banner by Momo PM me at Falling4Joe Please read my Joe FF: Just Friends

^^^ Thanks for the ba

2/9/2009 6:11 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Re: Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Chapter 2: Guess What?

“Guys!” Joe yelled as he ran down the hall to where his, Kevin’s and Nick’s bedrooms were. He reached Kevin’s first and wrenched the door open, to find Kevin and Nick sitting on Kevin’s bed.

“Dude! Where’s the fire?” Kevin asked teasingly. Joe walked across the room and jumped onto the bed.

“You will not believe who I just ran into while I was walking Elvis!” Joe exclaimed. Kevin opened his mouth to make another smart remark but thankfully Nick cut him off.

“Who’d you see Joe?” Nick asked. Joe seemed pretty excited, Nick couldn’t imagine him getting that excited over just seeing someone.

“Layla! You know, our friend from forever ago!” Joe burst out.

“Layla? Are you serious?” Nick asked. The three of them and Layla had practically been joined at the hip when they were younger. He remembered how crushed they’d all been when she’d moved away.

“Awesome!” Kevin exclaimed. “Didn’t she move up to Boston with her dad?” he asked.

“She did. But apparently she missed New Jersey so much she decided to move back here with her mom.” Joe was grinning from ear to ear; happy to share the news with people whom he knew appreciated the enormity of it.

“That’s great man. We’ll have to catch up soon.” Nick said. He distantly remembered a short chubby girl with vibrant red, curly hair. It would be great to see Layla again, they had heaps to catch up on. Layla was one of the few people who had known them before they were famous, who liked them for who they were as people not for their fame and musical talent.

“Ah, little carrot top Layla.” Kevin grinned. “You seem eager to share the news Joseph.” He raised an eyebrow questioningly at Joe.

“Well…uh, she’s our…uh friend.” He stammered nervously.

“Looks like little Joseph has a little crushie!” Kevin sang as he ducked to avoid a pillow Joe threw at him. Nick began a chorus of ‘Joe and Layla sitting in a tree…”.

“Shut up you guys!” Joe grumbled, too happy to get really upset. “I’m going to tell mom and dad the news.” Joe said, hopping up off Kevin’s bed dodging a pillow aimed at him as he shut the door behind him.

Denise and Kevin Sr. were sitting at the kitchen table, relaxing after finally unloading all of the luggage that had been taken on tour. They heard pounding footsteps as Joe came running into the kitchen.

“Joe? What are you doing?” Denise asked.

“Yeah. What was that singing we heard coming from Kevin’s room. Are you guys practicing?” Kevin Sr. asked with a smile.

“Ha ha dad. Very funny.” Joe rolled his eyes. “I just came to tell you guys something.” He sat down at one of the unoccupied chairs at the table. “Guess who I ran into while I was walking Elvis?” he asked.

“Um…wait! I know this one!” Kevin Sr. said. Denise gave him a reproving look, it was from his dad that Kevin had gotten his comedic side.

“Layla! You know, our friend from when we were little kids!” Joe said.

“Layla? Oh yes, she was a friend of yours.” Denise said. She remembered her first three sons running around with that little redhead girl from down the street. Denise studied Joe from across the table. His face was flushed and his eyes were sparkling in excitement. He seemed really excited about Layla coming back.

“That’s great son.” Kevin Sr. said.

“I know!” said Joe.

It took Joe a while to get to sleep that night. He lay in his bed, running over his conversation with Layla and his brothers’ assumptions. Do I really have a crush on her? He asked himself. No. It was just great to see her again. That must be it. He thought fervently. Still, as a finally started to fall asleep Joe couldn’t help thinking about a pair of pretty almond shaped brown eyes.

^^^ Banner by Momo PM me at Falling4Joe Please read my Joe FF: Just Friends

^^^ Thanks for the ba

2/9/2009 6:13 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Re: Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Chapter 3: Reminiscing

Layla woke the next morning feeling happy and refreshed. It was summer break and soon she would be able to catch up with some of her most favourite people in the world. She got downstairs and poured herself a bowl of cheerios, whistling all the while. Her mom Nikki came in and picked up on Layla’s mood.

“Feeling happy today are we honey?” she asked, ruffling Layla’s messy hair slightly as she went past.

“Yup. I have a feeling today’s going to be a good day. It’s summer, no school; I’m back in New Jersey. What’s not to love?” Layla asked rhetorically.

“Well it’s good to see you feeling happy sweetie.” Nikki said. “Listen. I have to drop into work for a while. You’ll be right here by yourself?” she asked.

“Mom! I’m 17 years old. I’m sure I’ll be fine.” Layla said. “Besides, I might catch up with some friends today.” she smiled at the thought.

“Okay honey. I’ll see you later.” Nikki called as she left for work.

Joe was sitting in the lounge room with Nick and Kevin, watching a rerun of some sitcom. He was hardly paying attention instead wondering when it would be okay to call Layla.

“Daydreaming about Layla are we?” Kevin guessed, making kissing noises.

“No.” Joe said hotly. “I was actually thinking that maybe we should have her over here for lunch.” He said.

“Great idea!” Nick said enthusiastically.

“Okay. I’ll go call her.” Joe got up and walked to his room, taking out his mobile as he went.

Layla was sitting on the front porch reading a book when her mobile rang. She pulled her phone out of the front pocket of her shorts and checked the caller ID. It’s Joe! She thought cheerfully as she answered.

“Hello, Layla speaking.” She said.

“Hey Layla! It’s Joe.” Layla smiled at the sound of his voice. “Me and the guys were just wondering if you wanted to come around for lunch today?” he asked.

Definitely! She thought. Out loud she said. “Thanks, that’d be great. What time do you want me there?” she asked.

“Whenever. Now if you want.” Joe answered.

“Cool. I’ll see you in five.” Layla hung up the phone and quickly went to put her book inside. Then she put on her sunnies and started walking.

“Layla’s coming.” Joe announced to Kevin and Nick, who had switched the channel to a football game.

“Cool.” Nick said. He straightened up on the couch.

“This is gonna be fun.” Kevin said with an evil grin. Joe walked right up to Kevin and

Looked down at him threateningly.

“Do. Not. Say. One Word.” Joe said. “I don’t know what crazy idea you have but say

anything when Layla’s here and you’re dead.” He smiled casually and sat

down next to Nick on the couch. Not long after the doorbell rang.

“Layla!” Nick yelled, giving her a humungous hug before she was even inside the

door. “It’s so great to see you!” he said, letting her go.

“It’s great to see you too Nick.” Layla said. And it was. She really loved these guys; it

was so fun to see them again! Nick led Layla into the lounge room where Kevin and

Joe were sitting, a football game playing on the television.

“Hey! Nice to see you again Layla.” Kevin said, getting up for his own hug.

“Aww Kevin, I’ve missed you!” she said. Joe got up then. Layla’s heart pumped

harder as he came towards her but she tried to ignore it.

“Layla. We meet again.” Joe said, smiling. He came forward and enveloped her in an

affectionate hug. Layla squeezed him tight, all her memories of him flying through

her mind. It was over all too quickly, they broke apart and headed to the kitchen

where Denise was just setting down plates of fresh sandwiches on the table. She

looked up when they came in and smiled warmly at Layla before giving her a hug.

Denise had been like another mom to Layla when she’s been little and it was nice

to see her again.

“I made you guys sandwiches for lunch.” She said. “And I cut off the crusts for you

Mr. Picky.” She said to Nick.

“Thanks mom.” Nick smiled appreciatively at her. She left then, as they sat down at

the table, Nick and Kevin sitting on one side, leaving Layla no choice but to sit next

to Joe. Joe shot the two of them a look Layla didn’t understand as he sat down.

All afternoon the three of them and Layla talked about what they’d done since they’d

Last seen each other. Layla talked about life in Boston while Joe, Kevin and Nick

Filled her in on how their music was going and what the tour had been like. Joe

smiled, thinking about how much he was enjoying this. Conveniently Kevin and Nick

had made him sit next to Layla but hey! He wasn’t complaining. He watched the

amusement in her eyes and listened to the tinkling of her laugh as she laughed at

something Kevin said and let himself for just a moment imagine how things could be.

Then he came back to reality and joined into the conversation, all the while watching

The beautiful girl seated next to him.

^^^ Banner by Momo PM me at Falling4Joe Please read my Joe FF: Just Friends

^^^ Thanks for the ba

2/9/2009 6:14 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Re: Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Chapter 4: Sudden chance

Layla smiled happily. And it was true, she was happy. Happier than she’d been for ages. She’d spent most of the day at the Jonas household and now the sun was setting, painting the sky pink, red and orange. She’d called her mom and let her know she wouldn’t be home for dinner, so that she could enjoy a delicious meal cooked by Denise with the rest of the Jonas family. They didn’t seem to mind having her there at all, which she really appreciated. She didn’t want to be intruding into their personal life. She’d been excited to meet Frankie, who hadn’t been around yet when she’d been living in New Jersey. He was such a sweet little kid. Now, Nick and Kevin were inside, watching TV with Frankie and Denise and Mr. Jonas were discussing something I the kitchen. Layla however was outside on the deck with Joe, watching the sky.

“It’s beautiful.” Layla said, mesmerized by the colours.

“Yeah it is.” Joe agreed absentmindedly. Layla wondered what was bothering him. “Do you mind if I ask you something?” Joe asked suddenly, interrupting Layla’s train of thought.

“Sure.” Layla said.

“Why’d you really move back to New Jersey? I mean apart from missing it so much.” Joe smiled a little at the last part but he knew there was more to the decision than that.

“Well.” Layla started, thinking of how to go on. She hadn’t told anyone the whole truth, hadn’t been able to. But she felt that she could with Joe. “My dad got married again. Her name’s Caroline. She’s sweet and caring whenever my dad’s around, but when he’s not there then she changes completely. Layla paused, not sure how to go on.

“Changes how?” Joe asked gently. She looked up and saw him looking concerned. She took a deep breath and went on.

“She makes me feel like I don’t have a place there anymore. She’s always talking about how much stuff for me costs, how little I do around the house and other petty things like that….” Layla felt a sob rise up in her throat. “She makes me seem like an outsider to the family…She threatens me by saying she’ll tell my dad all these awful lies about me, and he’ll believe her, he always does…And now… she’s pregnant with my dad’s baby and everything’s going to be that much harder… I decided that since I didn’t belong there anymore I’d move back here…” By the end Layla was almost in hysterics. A small in control part of her mind thought about how embarrassing this all was, but her emotions overpowered every other thought.

“Hey now!” Joe said soothingly, pulling Layla against him. “Don’t ever think you don’t mean something to your dad. You should talk to him about uh…Caroline. I’m sure you guys could sort it out.” He said, rubbing her back. “If you think you have nowhere else to go just remember you’ll always have a place here with us.” He smiled kindly to Layla and kissed the top of her head.

Joe tilted his head a little, so is face was in line with Layla’s. Then, without thinking he leant forwards, toward her. A part of his brain was trying to warn him against this action but he ignored it. Layla looked into his eyes and slowly inclined her head upwards slightly. Their faces where only a few centimetres apart, Joe prepared to close that final distance…

“Guys?” Frankie asked, walking over to where they were sitting in the almost darkness. “What are you doing?” He asked. Joe quickly leant away and Layla turned her head to Frankie.

“Hey Frankie. We were just, um playing Chinese whispers.” Joe said lamely.

“Okay.” Frankie said. “Mom said that it’s getting late, Layla may want to get home before it gets pitch black out here.” Frankie said.

“Let’s go.” Joe said, getting up and then holding out a hand to Layla to help her up. She took it and looked at him with a mixture of hesitation and something else. They walked back to the house with Frankie, trying to avoid one another’s eyes.

“Okay. Tell us exactly what you saw. This is very important.” Kevin said, looking determinedly at Frankie.

“Well, uh I don’t know…” Frankie stammered, suddenly unsure whether he was getting Joe in trouble or something.

“Frankie. Joe’s not going to hate you if you tell us what you saw him and Layla doing outside.” Kevin said, guessing the reason behind Frankie’s indecision.

“Okay then. They were close to each other, I mean really close. And when I asked what they were doing Joe said they were “playing Chinese Whispers”.” Frankie blurted. He shook his head. How Joe thought he was that gullible he didn’t know. He may only be eight but he wasn’t stupid.

“Thanks a lot Frankster. You’ve been a big help.” Kevin said, grinning and handing Frankie the chocolate bar he’d promised him. “Now don’t let mom see it!” he cautioned as Frankie left.

“What’s this I hear that you and Layla were close to each other, really close?” Kevin asked teasingly as he came into Joe’s room. Joe had been lying on his bed thinking.

“Okay! I admit it! I’m in love with Layla! Are you happy now? Go away!” Joe moaned into his pillow.

“No duh!” Kevin said, patting Joe on the head. “We were just waiting for you to figure it out dude.” He said, trying to keep a straight face.

“This downright sucks!” Joe said. “I can’t feel this way about her, I mean we’re supposed to be friends.” Joe sighed, thinking of how close he’d gotten to kissing Layla that evening. He couldn’t be sure, but for a moment he thought that was what Layla had wanted as well.

“Some things you just can’t plan for man.” Nick smiled sympathetically, coming in. “But maybe you should just let things continue. You don’t know what’ll happen.” He said.

Layla skipped around the house getting ready for bed. I almost kissed Joe! She almost sang out loud, but decided that she wouldn’t inflict that torture on anyone. If only Frankie hadn’t interrupted. Sure she loved the little guy but if he’d waited just a second longer…

As he lay in his bed that night Joe thought about what Nick had said. Would it really be okay to see how things went? What if Layla didn’t want the same things as him? Ah well, he thought to himself I guess you got to see how things go.

^^^ Banner by Momo PM me at Falling4Joe Please read my Joe FF: Just Friends

^^^ Thanks for the ba

2/9/2009 6:16 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Re: Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Chapter 5: Girl time!

I’m hot. You’re cold. You go around like you know, who I am… Layla grumpily rolled over and grabbed her mobile off the table beside her bed. She’d changed her ring tone last night since she’d been in such a Jonas-y mood. She checked caller ID but it was a Private number. Confused, she answered.

“Hello?” she said groggily, still half asleep.

“Hey! Is this Layla?” an animated girly voice asked.

“Yes. Can I ask who I’m speaking to?” Layla asked, still thoroughly confused. She didn’t recognize the voice.

“Oh sorry! It’s Selena. Gomez. Nick’s girlfriend.” Selena said.

“Oh, hi!” Layla said quickly. She’d seen a few photos of Selena but never met her before.

“I know this is really out of the blue since we don’t even know each other but we were wondering if you’d like to come shopping with us? You can say no if you want but Nick suggested it since you just moved back and may want some girly time. Plus, the guys are doing some interview so they’ll be out most of the day.” Selena finished.

“Wow, um sure. That’d be great.” Layla said, surprised. It sucked that the guys were busy but Nick was right, she was totally in the mood for some girly time. “Who’s we?” she asked curiously. She hadn’t missed the plural.

“Me and Isabella, Kevin’s um friend.” Selena sighed at a comment from close by her. “We’ll come pick you up. What’s your address?” She asked. Layla gave it to her and Selena wrote it down.

“I’m still in my pyjamas actually.” Layla said sheepishly. “So could you pick me up in about 20 minutes?” she asked.

“Sure! We’ll see you then, Bye!” Selena said, hanging up the phone. Layla stood there for a moment, in absolute disbelief. Then she rushed to go get ready.

An hour later Layla was walking around the mall with Selena and Isabella. Isabella was a sweet girl, who chattered a lot. She had waist length dark blonde hair and blue eyes. It was pretty obvious she was a little more than Kevin’s friend the way she talked about him. Layla now understood Selena’s use of heavy sarcasm on the phone earlier. After only spending a small amount of time with the girls Layla felt as though she’d known them her whole life. Selena was very energetic and loved to shop. Occasionally someone would recognize her and ask for a photo or autograph and she’d do so happily. Isabella was into the whole hippy style and had stopped them a few times already to look at long brightly coloured skirts. Selena on the other hand was into anything glamorous. She loved sparkly tops and short skirts.

“So Layla.” Selena said as they sat down at a café for lunch. “What’s the deal with you and Joe?” she asked curiously.

“With me and Joe?” Layla asked. She wasn’t sure what the deal was but she told them what she knew. “Last night we kinda almost kissed.” She admitted embarrassedly as Selena and Isabella squealed excitedly.

“Are you serious? That’s so great!” Selena gushed.

“Definitely.” Isabella agreed, smiling. “Do you like him?” She asked Layla.

“Um…yes.” Layla said. “But I’m not sure if he likes me.” She added as an afterthought.

“Come on girl! Who wouldn’t like a girl like you?” Selena asked. “You should definitely talk to him about it, find out how he feels.” Selena said.

“Maybe.” Layla said, encouraged by Selena’s optimism.

“Speaking of talking to him about it.” Selena turned her head in Isabella’s direction. “When are you and Kevin going to discuss your relationship?” she asked.

“Well, I was going to tell you this before but Kevin actually asked me to dinner tonight!” Isabella exclaimed happily.

“Finally things are happening for you guys!” Selena said excitedly. Turning to Layla she said “Trust me, it’s been a long time coming.” She rolled her eyes dramatically.

“Congratulations Isabella.” Layla said warmly.

“You’re coming over tonight right?” Selena asked Layla.

“What?” Layla asked, confused.

“Isabella and Kevin are going out but Nick, Joe and me are babysitting Frankie while Denise and Mr. Jonas are going to dinner as well. I’m sure you’re invited.” Selena said.

“Sure, I’d love to.” Layla said.

“Now let’s go find you something to wear to your date tonight!” Selena said to Isabella. The three of them set off again.

^^^ Banner by Momo PM me at Falling4Joe Please read my Joe FF: Just Friends

^^^ Thanks for the ba

2/9/2009 6:17 AM

Laura

Joined: 9/20/2008

Posts: 1289

Re: Just Friends [A Joe Fanfic] - NEW THREAD AGAIN!

Chapter 6: Long Time Coming

Layla shrugged off the jeans and T-shirt she’d been wearing that day. After spending the rest of the afternoon at Isabella’s house getting her ready for her date with Kevin, Selena had dropped Layla home so that she could get changed and then meet her at the Jonas house. Layla smiled at how happily Isabella had waved them goodbye that afternoon, she’d looked so happy. Layla really hoped things worked out for her and Kevin. Layla had had a great time shopping with the girls but now she was really excited to see Joe again. She wondered if he would say anything about what had happened (Or well, almost happened) last night.

“Hey Selena.” Joe said, moving aside to let Selena into the house. Nick, Kevin and himself had been out all day, at an interview. He was glad that he could finally relax.

“Hey Joe. Oh and by the way, I invited Layla over as well. I’m sure you don’t mind.” Selena smiled an innocent smile at Joe.

“That’s great.” Joe said, trying to remain ignorant of what Selena might know. They walked into the lounge room.

“Hey baby.” Nick said, coming over and giving Selena a kiss. Selena returned the kiss eagerly. Joe shook his head, rolled his eyes and went into his room. He hadn’t been looking forward to spending time with those two all evening, but the fact that Layla was coming made it much better. He pulled on a clean shirt and then the doorbell rang.

“Hey Layla!” Selena said as she opened the door. She looked at the outfit Layla had on – a fairly short white dress that was simple yet pretty – and grinned. She knew why Layla was dressed up.

“Hey Selena.” Layla smiled back. Selena led Layla to the lounge room where Nick and Frankie were watching TV, Joe nowhere in sight. Then he walked in, looking absolutely amazing, as usual. Layla smiled at him and he winked back, walking over.

“Hey Layla. You have fun today with the girls?” Joe asked, pulling Layla into a hug.

“Yeah, they’re so great to hang out with.” Layla said honestly, returning the hug. She was so happy to see Joe again. It had been fun with the girls but she’d really wanted to talk to him about what had happened.

“Layla!” Frankie shouted, running over for a hug of his own. Layla bent down and gave him a hug.

“Hey Frankie.” Layla greeted him warmly.

“Okay, dinner’s on its way!” Nick called. He walked down the hall back into the lounge room. He noticed all the curious eyes focused on him. “What? I ordered pizza!” he said.

After all the pizza had been consumed and little Frankie had finally been coaxed into going to bed (With the help of a little chocolate ice cream) Joe and the others were picking out a DVD to watch. After picking out some recent comedy they all sat down and relaxed. Nick and Selena sat together on one couch so Joe and Layla sat together on the other. A few minutes into the film Layla became aware of the fact that Joe was playing with her hair. She turned slightly to look at him questioningly.

“You grew your hair.” Joe said, as if that explained his actions. Layla shrugged. She was hardly one to discourage this kind of behavior from Joe. As the evening dragged on Layla found her eyes getting a little tired. She’d had a long day, what with shopping with the girls and then hanging out with Frankie. Cautiously she snuggled up against Joe on the couch. She peeked up at his reaction, to see if it was okay. Joe looked a little shocked but then he recovered. He placed and arm around Layla, as if holding her there. Layla smiled, pleased. Maybe she should talk to Joe about last night. But she didn’t dwell on that for too long because at the moment she was feeling incredibly comfortable. She actually felt as though she belonged here. It was nice to get back these feelings she’d been missing for so long.

When the movie finished Joe pulled his arm back and Layla got up and stretched. It had been so comfortable but man she was tired!

“I guess I should be getting home.” She said, stifling a yawn. “Thanks so much for having me. And thanks for inviting me with you today Selena, it was so much fun!” Layla smiled at Selena.

“No Problem! We should catch up again soon.” Selena smiled back.

“I’ll walk you home, it’s getting pretty dark out there.” Joe said to Layla. Layla knew she’d be fine on her own but didn’t object to Joe’s offer.

Joe inhaled the fresh air; glad it made him more ; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA">“I’ll call you tomorrow!” he called. Then with one final joyous wave he was out of sight. Layla unlocked the door, barely noticing where she was going. She had her head in the clouds the whole way up to her room. Things had finally happened! All that she’d dreamed of for so long had come true! Joe actually liked her; in the same way she liked him. She was still smiling widely as she turned off the light.

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