Chapter One: The Way We Are
Author’s Note: Chris Brown’s name will be written as CB so that Chris K. isn’t confused with him.

“Alright so I’m thinking maybe someone can do this test for me.” Justin said glancing over at one of the cheerleaders. The whole team squealed except the girl in the corner. "Fine I ain’t need ya help anyway, just for that, getcha ass over here." He pointed with the end of the pencil toward her. She didn’t respond. “So you didn’t hear me?”

“Oh I heard you.” She got up and walked up to him. “But I’m not your bitch.”

"I don't have bitches baby. I only have lovers. And you know you want it." She clenched her throat struggling to breathe.

"Someone help, I'm choking on his ego."

“Oh how cute.” He moved away from her, going to the other end of the classroom sitting in the back next to his friend.

“Rejected!” Chris said with an amused grin.

“Shut-up! At least I’ve had someone. You’ve been single since you got here! That was 3 years ago you asshole.”

“That is indeed a treat.” Their friend Victoria said coming over with Steven, who sat down just as she was and patted his lap.

“And you should indeed stop talking.” Justin said with a grin. He always messed with her like that. Steven would usually say something to him about it, but he was a little out of it today.

“Chris Brown is in the buidling!!!” De’Shawn said coming into the classroom with CB. Johnny scoffed.

“I feel like if I see this kid one more time I’m gong to die.” Victoria said.

“You too?” Johnny rolled his eyes, and Justin found that to be the perfect time to say something girly.

“Like OH MY GOD CHRIS I LOVE YOU!” He said in a high pitched. Everyone turned to him and he was grinning. “I just wanted to know what it felt like to be me.” Everyone frowned, then realizing that girls always screamed his name.

“Interesting.” Amanda laughed, laying her head on Chris’ shoulder. CB went in sat In the front corner where he spotted his adopted sister.

“Okay so I’m just wondering why the hell Dr. Fisher thinks he can give us a test all willy nilly on our asses yo!” Joey said causing Jasemine to laugh.

“You’re so crazy.” She giggled, and Johnny turned to her, loving the sound of her laugh.

JC was staring at Amanda, so Lance hit him on the back of the head.

“She’s not the test that just landed on your table.”

“Shut the hell up man I’m well aware of what what is.”

“Of what what is?” Dr. Fisher questioned, and Victoria rolled her eyes.

“Keep it movin’ sir.” Justin spoke up.

“Ayo Fish!” CB yelled from the corner. “My sister not feeling too good.”

“You’re sister should man up.” Justin said, and CB sent a cold look his way.

“Man you don’t want this, stay yo white ass ova there.”

“Treated AGAIN! So many treatments going around, I think we about to start an epidemic.” Victoria laughed, being hushed soon after.

“Alright class. Let’s begin, Chris you can take your sister to the nurse but make it quick.”

“Ight.” He said hopping out of his chair. “Let’s go.”

~*~

Amanda looked at Jasemine then looked down again. It was lunch time, and she was hungry, but she wasn’t hungry for the guy Jasemine said had been eyeing her all of Math class.

“I’m serious Manda.” Jasemine vouched for JC as if they were friends. “Plus, Joey told me that JC had a thing for you since…8 am this morning.” She laughed.

“This isn’t even funny.”

“Yes it is.”

“Well you know the shaggy haired guy that that Justin Timberlake boy hangs with?”

“Johnny?” Jasemine frowned and Amanda smiled.

“He’s been doing the same to you.”

“Oh my god. Now that’s not funny.” Jasemine shook her head.

“Well I thought you wanted to play the WHO’S WATCHING YOU game with me.” Amanda scoffed.

“Hey I have a question. Where’s my cousin?”

“That is a good question.” She said just as CB came over.

“My sister is sleeping in the nurse’s office.”

“Awww, what’s wrong with her?” Amanda asked.

“Migraine, Ma’s gonna come and get it.”

“Good.” Jasemine nodded. “Oh oh, did you go check with Fish?”

“Check with him…for why?” He titled his head, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“He’s pissed you didn’t come back.”

“Well he can suck my-“

“Hey now Chris, none of that.” Amanda spoke up.

“Lollipop.” He blurted.

“Wow …So homo…” Jasemine looked down. “Awkward moment…”

CB laughed. “Haha, you girls are so easy. And you know, this two white dudes keep lookin’ at ya’ll. I’ll be amazed if one of you talk.” He smirked, walking away.

“I’ll be amazed if he ever made it in the industry.” Amanda said coldly, as Victoria came by.

“How many treats does it take to treat a bitch? One!!!” She chuckled walking past. Once she got to the table with Justin, Chris, Joey, Lance, JC, Johnny, and Steven she grabbed Justin’s milk.

“No fuckin’ way, that’s’ my milk!!!!!!!” He whined, and the whole table erupted in laughter.

“Awww poor baby.” She tossed it to him and Steven just gave her his. “Thank you baby.” They kissed each other quickly on the lips before turning their attention back to the table.

“So who’s gonna talk to who?” Justin asked looking between JC and Johnny. “Life’s too short to wait for sexiness. I say you just go get that shit and have fun with it.”

“I say you just shut up and mind ya own business buddy. Shit.” Johnny reached down and grabbed his pop out of his bookbag.

“Why’s everyone so hostel?” Lance questioned.

“Because that’s just the way we are.” Joey laughed. “Woooooooooooo I can’t wait till the end of the day.”

“Who you tellin?” JC mumbled.

“The world.” He grinned and JC chuckled softly.