Chapter 3

Stella’s POV:

“We’re here.” Jacob says.

I dont reply and i can hear him sigh as i open my door. The bright sunlight hits my face like a warm blanket as i step onto the pavement. When my eyes adjust to the light i see a nice little cafe with a light blue canopy hanging over the doorway and two small wrought iron tables in front.

“Welcome to Cafe de’ A Leizure,” a steward at the door greets us and hands us two menus.

The cafe is small and welcoming with an aroma of coffee and chocolate. The steward leads us to a table and leaves us to decide what we want to eat. The air between Jacob and i is cold and harsh. It’s only the first day and i’ve already messed everything up. I cant spend the whole week like this. I spend what seems like forever deciding whether or not i should speak. In the end i decide that its better to get this over with in public so that it wont get too dramatic.

“Jacob,” I whisper.

No response. Maybe he didnt hear me.

“Jacob.” I say louder.

He looks up, confirming that he is listening.

“I… im sorry about earlier. Its just, i, i dont want to mess this up.” I say.

Nothing.

“Jacob?” I ask hesitantly.

“Its ok, its my fault. I guess i just, i really want to have something with you. And it annoys me that i cant because of Estelle and my fans.” He says.

I am amazed. He wants to have something with me? But im so… normal. And he’s so, not normal. He’s famous, he’s hot, his dreams came true. And im just a girl, not very pretty, not popular, just me. Nothing special, but he is special, he’s more than special. He’s perfect.

“Are you ready to order?” A waitress asks, pulling me out of my whirlwind of emotions.

“Oh umm yeah.” I say.

“Alrighty then, what do you want?” She asks.

“Can I just have the petit oiseau with orange juice?” I ask.

“Sure hun.” She says.

“I’ll have the homme qui a faim with a cup of coffee.” Jacob says.

“Alright then, I’ll go and get that started for you and bring your drinks.” She says and then walks away.

“You like coffee?” I ask Jacob.

“Yeah, I love it.” He replies.

I make a disgusted face and stick out my tongue causing him to laugh.

“And im guessing you dont?” He says.

“I hate it, its just so...not yummy.” I say.

“What about tea?” He asks.

“Even worse!” I exclaim.

“What do you like?” He says.

“A lot of stuff, just not tea or coffee or peas or spaghetti and there’s more but i dont think you want to hear all of them.” I say.

“No, no i dont.” He says.

It looks like he is going to continue talking but our conversation is cut off by the appearance of the waitress. She sets down our drinks and then leaves to take care of other customers after telling us that our food will be out soon. Jacob and I sit awkwardly for a few minutes until she comes again, but this time with our plates of food. And can i just say, food is a welcome sight because i am STARVING.

We eat the food like we are Noo Noo and we are done within about ten minutes. Then we rush out of the front door and into the waiting car. Everyone goes into panic mode as we set off across the city to get Jacob to his signing that starts in thirty minutes. Theres loads of traffic, but when we finally get there, there is a line of girls wrapping around the block waiting to enter the building and get their CDs, posters, shirts, and faces signed by Jacob. I think to myself that it’s crazy how obsessive they are but then i realize that im the exact same way so i really shouldn’t be judging.

Jacob jumps out of the car and runs into the building with a few bodyguards through the back door and leaving me to wonder what the heck im supposed to do. Thankfully some sort of planning person opens my door and leads me into the building. As I follow him down the bright hallway i can hear the screams of the crazed fans on the other side of the wall. They’re so lucky, they get to meet their hero. They get to see his smile in person and hear his beautiful laugh while a bunch of other girls sit in their rooms and daydream about him knowing that they will never get to meet him and that he will never even know that they exist.

This thought only makes me feel even worse about the fact that I get to spend a whole week with him. All those girls, they love him even though they know he could never love them back. They spend their time looking at pictures of him instead of doing homework. They get made fun of for caring so much about him. And I just like his music. They prayed for months on end, and I didn’t make an effort to hope that I would win. Out of all those people, he picked me, and I don’t even deserve it.

Wait a second, out of all those people he picked me. Me. Why me? Like, seriously. Why the heck did he pick me? What kind of person picks me, out of a million other beautiful girls, to spend a week with them? I honestly think that he is insane. I shake my head in disbelief as I sit down with my back against the wall. It’s not the most comfortable position, but there doesn’t seem to be any seats in the small hallway so I have to settle for it.

I spend what seems like hours sitting in that hallway, texting Kylie, quietly singing to myself, and trying to not fall asleep. As my eyelids start to droop, for what seems like the twentieth time, i hear loud voices bouncing off the walls of the corridor. I look around frantically but i calm down when i see that it’s just a group of five or six girls wearing “I <3 JACOB STAR” shirts.

One of them looks directly at me and screams, “OMG IT’S STELLA!!!!!!”

Her shout sends a shockwave up and down the hallway and sends the rest of her friends into a spazz attack. Their eyes widened and their mouths agape, they stare at me in disbelief.

“What?” I ask, extremely confused.

My question snaps them out of their frozen state and they run down the hallway to stand above me while screaming like demented monkeys. I quickly scramble to my feet and start trying to calm them down.

“CALM DOWN!” I yell.

It takes a second, but eventually they all calm down.

“What is wrong with you guys?” I ask.

“It...it’s...it’s you!!!!!!” One of them screams.

“What the heck do you mean?” I say.

“It’s you! Stella Valerio! Like OMG!!!!” Another one yells in my ear.

“I know what my name is, but what’s so special about it?” I ask. These girls are giving me a headache.

“You’re the girl that gets to spend a whole week with Jacob, and YOU’RE SO PRETTY!!! AND OMG JALLA FOREVER!!!” She shrieks.

“What the heck is Jalla? And thank you.” I say.

“Jacob + Stella = Jalla, the ‘Ja’ from Jacob and the ‘lla’ from Stella.” They explain.

“Oh...wait. Is that a ship name? WE ARE NOT DATING.” I almost say, almost yelling.

“Not yet.” One girl says with a wink.

“Can we get a picture with you?” Another one asks.

“Sure.” I say hesitantly.

They all get out their phones and I realize that this is going to take a while.

****

After i finish taking pictures with the girls (who seem to multiply by the second), a
large man comes and tells them that they need to leave. Once they are all gone he leads
me down the hallway and out into a large carpeted room. On the other side of the room there is a small stage with a table on it and and a big poster of Jacob’s face.

“Hey!” Jacob says, scaring the crap out of me.

“Where did you come from?” I ask him.

“Oh, excuse me, i didnt know i wasnt wanted here.” He says, looking seriously hurt.

“No, no, thats not what i meant. You just scared me.” I say quickly.

“I was just kidding.” He says with a laugh.

“How was the signing?” I ask.

“It was good, i heard that you got mobbed in the hallway.” He says jokingly.

“Yeah, that was fun.” I say sarcastically.

“Were any of them mean?” He asks.

“No, they were actually really nice.” I reply.

“Thats good, and surprising actually.” He says.

“Yeah, i would have thought they would have tried to murder me or something.” I say with a small laugh.

“You shouldnt laugh about that, some of them might actually try.” He says seriously.

His comment kind of kills the conversation and we stand there awkwardly until the large man from earlier tells us we need to leave. As we walk towards the exit door Jacob tries to grab my hand but i flinch away from his touch. I dont mean to make him feel like it’s wrong for him to like me, but im just afraid of what could happen. He literally just said that some people may try to kill me. And if thats just because i won the contest, i cant even imagine how angry some of them would be if we were together. And plus, im just not ready yet.

I’ve never had a boyfriend, never had my first kiss, and it’s scary. Especially with someone like him. He could have any girl he wants. They’re all tripping over their own feet just to say hi to him. He could change his mind within a second, and that second would be all it takes to rip my heart to shreds.

****

Im blinded by the brightness of the sun as we step out of the exit door and onto the pavement. When my eyes adjust to the light i look over at Jacob, he looks upset. I hate to deny the fact that im falling for him fast, but i have a feeling that as soon as i admit that i love him, something will go terribly wrong. And knowing me, it will probably end up being way worse than i expect.

****

Jacob’s POV:

When the car pulls up i open the door for Stella to get in. She steps inside and sits quietly in her seat, avoiding eye contact with me. I make a show of noisily closing the door and jamming the seat belt into the latch. It’s frustrating that she wont just go with it. Any other girl would have been begging for this. But, no, we had to choose her because she’s my “childhood sweetheart”.

If she doesnt cooperate soon i dont know what im going to do. I have to admit, i thought this was going to be a lot easier. Little did i know that she has a problem with falling in love. And her problem is ruining the plan.

I glare out the window at the passing cars and buildings until we drive into the parking lot of a large hotel. The entrance is flooded with paparazzi and i can just barely see the name “ Hotel de’ Sol” painted in gold letters on a dark red sign. We pull up to a sign that says “Valet Parking” and i open the door. This time it’s not only the light of the sun that causes me to squint my eyes, cameras flash everywhere, capturing my every move.

Stella and my body guards appear at my side and we push our way through the oceans of paparazzi. Once we finally make it inside, the manager greets us and leads us to our suite. The door is made out of dark wood and has the number 748 etched into it.

“I hope your stay here is nice and comfortable, if you have any problems just call the front desk.” The manager says.

I nod and he turns to walk down the hallway. After i tip the bell boy i turn the solid gold handle on the door and open it. I usher Stella into the room then grab my bags and walk in myself. Sunlight streams through a large glass window and spills on the floor around me. There’s a flat screen TV in the wall and a black couch with peach and maroon pillows on it. Near the window, there is a small light blue chair and a side table.

Stella stands silently as i walk around the rest of the suite. There’s a small kitchen that branches off the living room, a bedroom with two large white beds that has a balcony, and a big bathroom. When i walk back into the living room Stella is still standing there.

“So, you wanna get some lunch?” I ask her.

“Sure.” She replies softly.

For some reason i find it hard to stay mad at her. One second she makes me want to scream and the next she makes me think that i actually am in love with her, instead just acting like i am. Maybe it’s how fragile she seems, like if you touch her she will turn into dust and float away in the wind. I dont know. I shake the thoughts from my head and open the door. Stella stands there, waiting for me to go into the hallway.

“After you.” I say.

She slips quickly out into the hallway without a sound and i follow after her. My hand starts to inch towards hers as we walk but i think better of it, maybe i need to take it slow. Maybe thats the way to get her. Take it slow, take it slow. I think, How do i start? I’ve never done it like this before, it’s never been a struggle. All of the other girls I’ve dated practically threw themselves at me, i didnt need to take it slow. It was just, hold hands, kiss on the first date, make a big show for publicity and then break up.

Talk, that was it, i just needed to start by talking to her. Get to know her better, let her find out more about me, build up her trust, and then go from there. So as we stepped out of the hotel and into the waiting car, i set my plan into motion.

****

“So, Stella, are you having fun?” I ask her.

“Yeah.” She replies bluntly.

Well that worked well, i think sarcastically.

“Are you okay with eating at Mcalister's Deli? I remember it being your favorite restaurant when we were younger.” I say.

Her face breaks into a wide grin and her eyes light up.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” I say with a laugh.

“Of course!” She says.

We spend the rest of the drive talking about what has happened at home since i left and weird things we used to do when we were little kids. Eventually we make it to the Mcalister’s Deli and i hop out of the car and onto the pavement of the parking lot. I run around to Stella’s side of the car and open her door.

“You didnt have to do that you know.” She says as she steps out of the car.

“I know, im just a gentleman.” i say sarcastically with a wink.

She laughs, Maybe humor is the best way to win her over, i think. Thankfully no one has found out about our excursion for lunch yet, so there are no screaming fans or paps. When we step into the restaurant im hit with a wall of cool air, it’s always cold in this place for some reason.

“I already know what im getting, and i know what you’re getting too.” I tell Stella.

“You remember after all that time?” She asks me.

“Of course, you got the same thing every time!” I exclaim.

“Hey! Dont blame me, it tastes really good.” She says.

I laugh and walk up to the register. The employee looks up, her eyes widening in fear. Her mouth opens slightly then snaps closed.

“Welcome to Mcalister’s Deli.” She squeaks.

“Hey, umm, she’s gonna have the Bacon Spud and i’ll have the King Club.” I say with a warm smile.

“O-ok.” She stutters.

Her hands shake as she types in our order with blushing cheeks.

“And to drink?” She asks quietly.

“I’ll have a sprite and she’ll have some root beer.” I say.

She types that into the register and grabs two cups to pour our drinks in. Her hands never stop shaking as she puts lids on our cups and hands me them along with our table number.

“Thanks.” I say.

She nods her head quickly and i turn back to Stella.

“Where do you want to sit?” I ask her.

Her eyes roam around the large room until they settle on a table, in a patch of sunlight, near the window.

“There.” She says.

We walk over to the table quietly and sit down. Stella sticks our table number into its stand then puts her hands lightly in her lap.

“So…”

“Well…”

“Uhm…”

She laughs quietly, and it grows louder and louder until we’re both cracking up and i almost wish for a second i didn’t have to fake this whole thing because i really do think her laugh sounds like music. Our faces start to turn red and when we are finally done im gasping for air.

“Im...going to try...to find the…bathroom.” She says, breathing heavily.

I nod, still not able to speak, and she stands up from her chair. I watch as her eyes search the restaurant before they settle on the bathroom door and she sets off towards it. As soon as she disappears into the ladies room i pull out my phone and tap in my manager's number.

“Hello.” A low voice says.

“Hey.” I say.

“Oh, it’s you Jacob. How’s it working out?” He asks.

“Well...not exactly how i had hoped but she’s warming up to me.” I reply.

“Is she being difficult?” He says.

“Yeah, i thought this was going to be a lot easier.” I say.

“Well, you need to try harder Jacob. You only have a week to get this girl to fall in love with you. I have to go now.” He says before abruptly ending the call.

I put my phone away while muttering cuss words under my breath. He always finds some way to frustrate me. Why cant he see that im doing the best i can? It’s not my fault anyways, it’s Stella’s. It’s like she scared of being in love and it’s starting to get on my nerves. I see movement out of the corner of my eye and look up as Stella sits down.

“How was the bathroom?” I ask jokingly.

“Fun.” She says with a laugh.

We are interrupted by the arrival of our food and once the waiter leaves i start laughing.

“What?” Stella asks innocently, “What?”

“Her face when she gave you the potato, she looked so surprised.” I say.

“Most people have an issue with the fact that i can eat so much, it’s not like it’s weird or anything. I JUST LIKE TO EAT FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!” She exclaims, throwing her hands in the air.

I laugh loudly and she smiles. We spend about seven minutes in silence, just eating, before i decide to say something.

“Why did you sit over there?” I ask.

“What do you mean?” She says, confused.

“Like, why did you sit on that side of the table? Why didn’t you sit next to me?” I explain.

“Because i did…” She says. “You know, you’re extremely forward.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I ask.

“Like, most guys wouldnt be as direct with the fact that they like someone. They would drop hints here and there, but you’re just blatantly obvious. And it’s kind of annoying me.” She says.

“I’m annoying you?” I almost scream.

“S-sort of.” She says uncertainly.

“ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?” I yell, shooting out of my chair. “I DIDN’T EVEN DO ANYTHING WRONG! YOU’RE THE ONE ANNOYING ME! SO WHAT IF I THINK YOU’RE BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING AND IM PRACTICALLY IN LOVE WITH YOU? I CANT HIDE IT OKAY! YOU COULD AT LEAST TRY TO GO WITH IT AND BE A LITTLE NICER! I CANT EVEN STOP YOU FROM FALLING DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS WITHOUT YOU FLIPPING OUT ABOUT HOW YOU JUST WANT TO BE FRIENDS!”

Her face grows white with fear and i can see tears forming in her eyes making them look like blue crystals.

“Sit. Down.” She says through gritted teeth. “You’re making a scene.”

“DOES IT LOOK LIKE I GIVE A SHIT? I DONT CARE HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT ME STELLA, BUT THERE IS ONE THING THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. I AM IN LOVE WITH YOU OKAY?” I scream before storming out the front door.

****

Stella’s POV:

Jacob stomps out of the restaurant leaving me to sit stunned. I really underestimated his anger issues, and how much he cared. I sit for a moment, contemplating what to do, before standing up. The chair makes a hollow scraping sound on the floor, filling up the quiet restaurant with noise. My cheeks turn red as i feel people staring before i walk out of the door.

The smell of exhaust hits me like a wave as my shoes touch the pavement. My eyes scan my surroundings until i find Jacob. His face is turned away from me and he is leaned against the brick wall of the deli. Suddenly he slams his fist against the wall a curses loudly. Despite my first instinct to leave him alone, i find myself walking silently towards his heaving body.

“J-Jacob.” I whisper.

He spins around to look down at me. When he sees my frightened expression his eyes soften and he pulls me into his arms.

“Im sorry, i wasnt trying to scare you. I just… i cant help but love you Stella. And i know i have a girlfriend and that you dont like me but everything about you, is just so… beautiful. And i need you Stella, more than you will ever know.” He whispers into my ear.

“No, im sorry. I shouldnt have been so hard on you. Im just scared, i’ve never actually had a boyfriend or anything. And i have no idea what to do about Estelle, she hates me enough already.” I reply.

“I never liked her anyways.” He says with a hinting tone.

“What?” I say, pulling out of his embrace.

“I mean, she just really, fake. You know?” He says.

“Yeah, but, were you implying what i think you were implying?” I ask him.

“Well, maybe. If you want me to be implying that.” He replies hesitantly.

“I dont really have a problem with it, if thats what you mean.” I say.

“Then i guess it’s settled. Goodbye Estelle, hello to my beautiful perfect Stella.” He says, pulling me back into his arms.

“But what will she say, what will your fans think, what about the press?” I ask, suddenly terrified.

“It’s going to be ok, just trust me.” He says.

And even though i should be worried sick, his soothing voice and the sound of his beating heart send my stress flying out the door.

****

“What are you doing?” I ask Jacob when he pulls out his phone.

“Calling Estelle.” He says.

“Wait, you’re going to break up with her over the phone?” I ask incredulously.

“Yeah…” He says unsurely.

“What the heck! You cant do that!” I exclaim.

“Why not?” He asks.

“Are you serious? She’s been your girlfriend for like a whole year and you’re just going to break up with her with a phone call? She at least deserves to have you break up with her in person.” I say.

“I wouldn’t really say that… but i guess you’re right.” He says.

I smile at him but my smile fades when i look out the window.

“Holy shit.“ Jacob mutters.

Apparently his fans found out where our hotel is and now there’s a giant ocean of them crowded around the car. I let out a yelp as one of them throws their face against the car window.

“I love you Jacob!” She screams.

I can’t help but stare as her face slides against the window as we drive away.

“Wow.” I say, “Just, wow.”

“You get used to it...sort of.” He says.

“Well, how are we going to get in?” I ask.

“We have to get as close to the door as possible and then we run for it.” He says.

“We just, run?” I ask.

“Yup. If someone takes your shoe, keep going. If someone pulls out half of your hair, keep going. There’s no turning back. Just keep running until you get to the door.” He explains.

“Soooo, we’re in the Hunger Games now?” I say.

“Exactly.” He says jokingly.

I nod my head solemnly and turn to look out of the window.

“I dont think we can go any farther without crushing people.” I say.

“IT’S GO TIME.” He shouts before reaching over me and throwing the door open.

He bolts out the door, grabbing my hand, and dives into the sea of screaming girls dragging me behind him. Multiple hands pull at my clothes, and unfortunately my face, and before i know it i’ve lost hold of Jacob’s hand. Suddenly im pulled off of my feet and onto someone’s back. I look down to find that Jacob is carrying me piggyback style. He looks up at me, grinning wildly.

“We’re almost there!” He yells.

He breaks through the last of the girls and bursts into the hotel. We both fall on the floor laughing.

“That was awesome.” I manage to say.

Im sure that by now the hotel employees and guests are staring, but i really dont care. This day has turned out a lot better than i thought it would, i think to myself, before rolling onto my side to look at Jacob.

“Hi.” He says with a smile

Notes

Hi guys! Sorry it took so long for me to update. I've had a lot of homework and stuff. And I also didn't want the chapter to be too short. Thanks for continuing to read, please rate and comment and subscribe and vote and all that stuff :)