I met Justin Dallinus when I was in the seventh grade.

We were both sitting on the curb of our middle school, one fall afternoon, waiting for our parents to come pick us up; he was the mysterious transfer, I was the girl who was friends with everyone. So, to live up to my reputation, I made sure we swapped names and hesitant smiles.

I soon got to know Justin better, learning that he was from Georgia and that he didn’t know why he moved to Mississippi. I also learned his favorite things, his least-favorite things, and the secrets he didn’t tell anyone. He trusted me, and from that moment on, he became the person I looked forward to seeing everyday.

Well, we tackled the first year of high school together, both of us unexpectedly going to the same schools. I was going to a high school that I didn’t think any of my middle school friends were going to, but on the third day, I accidently ran into someone on the way to P.E. And before my eyes, there Justin was, smiles and all.

After that, we became the best of friends, becoming inseparable after we figuring out we had the same classes together. We had the most random conversations, the most unnecessary arguments, and most memorable times, and the most whole-hearted laughs. I trusted Justin with all of my heart, learning to love him with his flaws and without, and I always knew he felt the same.

--

I hadn’t invited him, he just came.

Justin walked through the front door, up the stairs, into my room, and sat on my bed — all of this happening while I was in the shower.

After stepping around the shower curtain, I stepped into my sweat-pants and a tank-top, slipping into my junior year jacket, hastily wrapping a rubber band messily around my wet brown hair. I somehow turning it into some sort of bun thing without even looking, just trying to get ready for the new day. (My mom says it looks like I have a rat’s nest attached to my head, but I like it; my hair’s out of my face and it’s not in a regular ponytail.) After studying my green eyes, I out of my bathroom and into my bedroom. And when I did, I jumped at the sight of Justin sitting on my bed, and when I recovered, I leaned against the door frame, just watching him.

He sat there, resting his elbows on his knees. He had his face dug into his hands, not moving at all. I stood above him, leaning against my bedroom wall. Justin wouldn't budge; he was so still it looked like he wasn’t even breathing. I just watched him, unsure of what to do. Suddenly, Justin raised his eyes to mine.

My heart broke in two, right then and there.

I'll be right here when you need me.
Anytime, just keep believing.
And I'll be here.

Justin had circles under his blue eyes, his focus unusually distant. His almond-colored hair was so messy, it looked like he didn’t even own a brush. It was all in his face, one of the things he usually cared not to have happen. Justin’s t-shirt was all wrinkled – it looked like his came straight out of his dirty clothes hamper –, and his jeans were stained at the ankles.

He looked like he hadn't slept at all, these past few days.

After taking his appearance in, I studied Justin’s pale face. And right away, I could tell he was sick. Sick of love, sick of feeling miserable... Just sick of everything.

He was a mess.

And it was all because of her.

If you ever need a friend,
someone to care and understand,
I'll be right here.

Justin watched as I tried to comfort him with a caring smile. “Jazz,” he breathed.

All you have to do is call my name,
no matter how close or far away . . .
Ask me once,
and I'll come.
I'll come runnin'.

I walked over to my bed, not once taking my eyes away from his gaze. He continued to stare at me until I sat next to him, my heart still hurting inside of me. Immediately, Justin rested his head on my shoulder as I wrapped my arms around him. Rocking us back and forth slowly, I whispered, "Yes?"

And when I can't be with you,
dream me near.
Keep my in your heart and I'll appear.
All you gotta do is turn around,
close your eyes, look inside.

I'm right here.

He took my hand in his, closing his eyes. Justin entwined our fingers, his face scrunching up a little bit more, as if in pain. I watched him silently, smoothing his hair out of his face, as he relaxed for a few moments in my arms.

I quietly scowled to myself as I began to think.

Valerie.

Just the sound of her name made me angry.

Valerie Dempsky was another one of the school sluts, the one who put themselves out there for all the guys to fall for. Sure, she was very pretty, having those silver cat eyes, full lips, and the body every guys wanted..but she also knew that. She was fully aware.

She used her appearance as her bait, her way of getting her love and affection — which was usually fake. Obviously, however, it didn’t matter to Valerie...as long as she got what she wanted, she was fine.

Valerie hurt my best friend; she was just another girl who was looking for only one thing, and we all know what that is...

One day, the girl fixated her gaze on Justin, finally seeing his good looks and personality, seeing only the looks, mostly — having him being the only one she wanted for a while. She teased him, flirting unceasingly, just playing his little heart like it meant nothing to her...like he was just a little puppet she used when she wanted to feel good. And then, when Justin finally gave in to her little charade, she snapped the trap shut, hurting my best friend like all the other guys she decided to toy with.

And now here Justin was, laying in my arms, looking for comfort.

Because of her.

Valerie.

Suddenly, Justin inhaled sharply, squeezing my hand. I looked over to see a speck of the heartbroken expression flicker across face, making my heart become even heavier.

“Jazz,” he begged once more.

“Yeah?”

He looked at me with those icy blue eyes, not even knowing how sharp they cut threw my soul. “Thanks.”

“For what?” I asked, puzzled.

Justin squeezed my hand once more. “You know what I'm talking about.”

Isn't it great that you know that
I'm ready to go wherever you're at?
Anywhere, I'll be there.

He wrapped his arms around me, enclosing me in a warm embrace. I could feel myelf melt in Justin’s arms, my heavy heart drifting away with all feeling. I loved the feeling of that moment, wanting nothing more but to stay like that forever.

See, I’m not sure if I forgot to tell you, or whatever, but I kinda sorta maybe in love my best friend...

Been in love with him since I met him, actually.

But, shh.

He doesn’t know, and I intend on keeping it that way.

Anyway, I soon snapped back to reality, feeling his arms squeezing around me tighter. I soon became conscious enough to hug him back, a small smile playing on my lips.

All you have to do is call my name,
no matter how close or far away . . .
Ask me once,
and I'll come.
I'll come runnin'.

And when I can't be with you,
dream me near.
Keep me in your heart, and I'll appear.
All you gotta do is turn around,
close your eyes, look inside.

I'm right here.

Even though he would be so oblivious to how I feel for him, I wouldn't mind being there to comfort Justin. I know he can be an idiot, sometimes, like falling for those shallow girls every guy does...but he's my idiot.

Just another one of those things I love him for.

“Jasmine Marie...” Justin murmured, resting his chin on my head.

I closed my eyes to the sound of my name, leaning my head against his chest. Justin hugged me harder, pulling me closer to him. I sighed quietly, inhaling his cologne and shampoo mix, the wonderful smell so familiar.

“Yeah?” I mumbled into Justin’s shirt, my eyes still closed.

“Thank you,” he whispered into my ear, his lips brushing past my cheek.

“For what?” I asked in innocence, my face still pressed against Justin’s t-shirt. My best friend rested his chin on my head once more, probably closing his eyes, as well. We sat like that for a while, no one saying anything.

“For always being right here...” Justin kissed the top of my head, before placing his chin on my head again. “...with me.”

And then we sat there, on my bed, in each other’s arms, for the rest of the afternoon, no one needing to say anything.

The both of us were fine just being with one another.