"Okay guys, that was our cover of love me harder by my personal favorite Ariana Grande featuring the weeknd", I said to the camera. The guys and I were shooting a video for our channel. We just finished a performance.
"Okay guys, that will be all for today. Don't forget to give a big thumbs up on this video and subscribe", Jordan said with a big smile on his face. "Later", we all waved before signing off. "That was great guys", Justin said getting up from his seat. "Yeah. We're gonna be famous soon", Jake added fist bumping his brother.
I took a drink of water and nodded. "Hey guys, you wanna go watch a movie or something?" Jake asked looking enthusiastic. "Uh sure", I agreed. Justin shrugged. Jordan was busy with his phone so he didn't reply. He had this goofy smile on his face as he watched the screen.
Then he seemed to realize that we were all watching him and he looked up. "What?" He asked seeming defensive. "We asked if you wanted to see a movie with us?" Justin responded with his arms crossed. "Actually no I can't. I've got somewhere to be". "Where?" I asked. "Somewhere", he said as he stood up and started walking out, "I'll see you guys later".
"Well that was odd", I said turning around and facing the twins. Lately Jordan's been acting all strange and weird. But this was on a whole new level. He's been going out without us a lot more often and he never really tells us where he goes.
"You guys have been noticing that Jordan's been acting weird right?" Justin asked with a raised brow. "Uh yeah. Definitely. I wonder what's up with him", I responded. "Well there's only one way to find out", Jake said. Both Justin and I turned to look at him. "And what's that?" We asked simultaneously. He had a cheeky grin on his face, "we spy on him".
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Here we are, an hour later all dressed in our spy gear from last time. So get this, Jake had an outfit for Justin. When he mentioned spy stuff, I thought he was gonna borrow Jordan's outfit. I really shouldn't have been surprised. I mean it's Jake we're talking about here. Of course he would get outfits for all of us. He said and I quote, "so the three of us can spy on you when you're on a date". I really should have seen that one coming.
Anyway, we traced Jordan to a restaurant but we got here as they were leaving. I saw him get in the car with a girl. I only saw her back and I saw a mass of blonde hair that looked vaguely familiar. But who am I kidding, blonde is a common hair colour.
You're all probably wondering how we tracked Jordan since we had no idea where he was going. Jake again on this one. He has a tracking app on his phone that let him track Jordan's phone. You should have seen me and Justin's faces when he told us about this. There's no argument that Jake is definitely weird.
On another occasion I'd probably be worried about him using this stuff against me but as at now I'm just glad I'm on his side. We were following behind him as he drove. "Wow, so this is how you guys felt when you spied on me and Mitchie. I totally forgive you guys. The feeling's great", Justin said from behind the wheel.
I scoffed at that, "please, it's not like you were actually mad at us". He just rolled his eyes, "whatever". Jake was quiet because he was concentrating on tracking Jordan to make sure we don't trail the wrong car.
I noticed the car started driving into a very familiar neighborhood. I'd been here before, a lot. But for some reason it wasn't quiet clicking. Then I felt the light bulb flicker on in my brain. Of course it's Maddy's neighborhood. But what would Jordan be doing here?
Maybe his mystery girl lived here. "Hey guys, this is Maddy's neighborhood", I said to the twins. "What would he be doing in Maddy's neighborhood?" Jake asked. He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. I shrugged in response.
Not long after I saw Jordan make a turn at the street of Maddy. I felt something settle at the pit of my stomach. Something told me I knew where they were going. "Hey guys. I think we should park the car here or we're gonna seem suspicious", I said.
"Why?" Justin asked turning to glance at me for a second. "Because I have an idea where they're going". "Where?" Jake asked looking up from his phone in confusion. I was starting to feel queasy though I dunno why. "Maddy's house", I gulped, "just stop the car. I know a short cut".
Justin parked the car and we got out. I lead them to the shortcut and my hunch was correct. The car parked right in Maddy's driveway just as we got there. We had our tree hats on and we hid behind a bush. We didn't need binoculars since they weren't too far from where we hid. Besides, we left the binoculars in the car.
I refused to accept the truth as I waited for the girl to come out of the car. I hoped there would be some kind of reasonable explanation. Maybe a cousin of Maddy who had her hair color. But deep down, my mind and the mind of the twins already knew the answer.
They got out of the car and I saw the vaguely familiar blonde hair. It went with the familiar blue eyes that belonged to my best friend Maddy. I wasn't really surprised anymore, I thought too soon. Because the next thing we knew Jordan had his arms wrapped around her and she had hers wrapped around his neck. Then she stood on her tippy toes as he leaned down and they kissed.
My mouth was open in shock. I looked to the twins to find them in the same state of shock. This couldn't be possible, these two hated each other. But then I started having flashes of the subtle moments they'd been having. How their fights suddenly reduced, how she used to blush around him, how he used to tease her. And suddenly it all made sense.
I expected something to be between them since we wound up at her house but I did not expect things to have gotten this far. I mean these were the people who argued yesterday over who got the last chocolate chip cookie and I ended up settling it by eating it myself even though I was full.
To say I was shocked was an understatement. I couldn't control what happened next. I got up from my hiding place ignoring pleas from the twins not to blow our cover. "What the hell?" I yelled. They pulled apart immediately just as the twins got up too. I wasn't really mad. I was just betrayed that two of my best friends were dating and they didn't tell me.
They had looks of surprise on their faces, then guilt when they saw the look of betrayal on mine. "Guys we can explain", Maddy said. Right now I didn't wanna hear it. I felt betrayed and I was upset. "Save it", I said holding up my palm. "Let's go guys", I said to the twins. They followed me without question.
"Are you okay?" Jake asked once we got in the car. I sighed, "I'm fine. That was just a lot to take in. Let's just leave". We arrived home and I just went into my room and stayed there. I ignored calls from Maddy and soon she stopped calling.
A while later Jordan knocked at my door. "Josie, it's me. Open up". "Go away", I replied. "Please just let me explain". I didn't answer again after that and soon I heard him sigh then leave.
A part of me couldn't help but think that I was overreacting. But the other part, the part that felt betrayed that two of her best friends would keep something as big as this away from her was bigger. I didn't come out to eat dinner and I fell asleep.
*************************
I woke up the next morning. It was a Thursday which meant Justin and Jordan were cooking. I took my time brushing my teeth and having a bath. When I was done I got dressed in a baby blue spaghetti strap top over a white flared skirt. I paired it with my white wedges.
I wore my hair in a bun, did my make up and grabbed my purse since most of my books were in my locker in school.
I headed downstairs. I met Jake dressed in a simple black v-neck tee, jeans and a pair of converses. He was eating waffles. All of our food were served on the table. "Good morning", he greeted with a mouthful. I smiled. "Good morning Jake". I went round to give him a kiss on the cheek and sat down to eat.
He raised a brow at me and smirked, "you seem to be in a better mood". I simply smiled and shrugged, "well I've calmed down a whole lot if that's what you mean and I am starving". "You should hear em out", Jake said between mouthfuls.
"Dude, chew and swallow, then talk". I had a look of mild disgust on my face. Then he swallowed and flashed me a cheeky grin that had me rolling my eyes and shaking my head at him. We made small talk while we ate and a couple of minutes later, Justin and Jordan walked in.
"Good morning", Justin greeted with a smile. I only waved in response since my mouth was full. Jake finished eating and got up. I could feel Jordan's stares but I didn't look up at him. It's not like I was mad or anything, I had come to terms with everything last night. I had forgiven them but I wanted to make him sweat a little.
"Good morning", he finally said. I mentally debated whether or not to reply but I figured I had already given him a hard time. I sighed and I looked up at him. "Good morning", I replied. "Look Josie about yesterday, I can explain..." He began.
I cut him off and sighed, "it's fine Jordan. I'm not mad at you anymore. I mean, did it hurt yesterday to find out that two of my closest friends were keeping a secret from me? Yeah it did. But I guess you two have your reasons".
Justin was eating his meal silently, we almost forgot he was there. I glanced at him and saw him concentrated on his waffles. I glanced back at Jordan who had remained speechless. "Aren't you gonna eat?" By then I had finished my breakfast. "Oh yeah", he said as he sat down and dug in.
I got out of my chair when I heard, "Josie for what it's worth I really am sorry for not telling you. All of you actually. You guys are my family and I shouldn't have kept something like that from you", from Jordan. I smiled then went to hug him. "I forgive you".
I saw Justin giving us a small smile but the moment was broken when we heard loud applause. We turned to see Jake. "Awwwwn, everybody's happy. Awesome". I smirked at him and Jordan gave him the finger. Jake grinned in response.
"I hate to break this up guys but we're gonna be late for school", Justin said. That seemed to snap us out of our daze. Justin stood up from his seat and Jordan wolfed down his food in a few seconds.
A couple of minutes later, we were in the car and we drove off to school. We made it just in time for first period. We were barely late and that was because Jake drove like a maniac. Class passed by in a blue and soon, it was lunch.
I hadn't seen Maddy all day and I knew I would see her at lunch. Jake and I were walking to the cafeteria when Justin and Jordan walked up to us. Justin had a big smile on his face and Jordan looked bored.
"Hey guys guess what?" Justin asked looking enthusiastic. Jake and I looked at each other in confusion. Jake raised a brow. "What?" He asked skeptically. "I signed us up for the talent show". My eyes widened in surprise. "What!!" I exclaimed. Jake smiled so wide I'm sure his cheeks hurt.
"That's actually really cool", he said fist bumping his brother. Jordan just looked like he wanted to be outta here. I looked at him with a worried expression, "how could you let him do that?" He shrugged, "it's not a big deal. I don't really care. The prize for the winner is one grand and it would really help boost our career. I dunno why you're so worked up about it".
I opened and closed my mouth not knowing what to say. Justin piped in, "besides it's not like you haven't performed in front of a crowd before". "Yeah. And the best part is we'll do it together. Plus we could use the cash", Jake chimed in.
I thought about it and they were right. We entered the cafeteria then and made our way to the line to buy our food. We didn't really need the cash, I mean the twins' parents were loaded, but it would definitely help. Aunt Cathy and Uncle Donovan gave each of us a large allowance every month. Also we made a little money from our YouTube channel so it's not like we were low on cash but a little extra never hurt anyone. "Okay guys", I said turning to them, "let's do it". "Awesome". "Yeah". "Cool".
I didn't see Maddy all break and till the end of the day. Well I guess I'll see her in practice. "So we'll catch up later?" I asked the guys. I was headed to cheer practice and the twins to basketball practice. There was a game tomorrow. Jordan was gonna watch the twins practice.
"Yeah. See you in about two hours", Justin replied. I nodded and we walked our separate ways. I arrived in the girls locker room. It was pretty much empty except for me. I didn't care much. I started changing into my practice outfit. I heard someone walk in and I turned to see Maddy with a guilty expression on her face.
She probably thought I was still upset. I thought of playing it up but nah I decided to throw her a bone. "Hey Madds", I greeted. She looked visibly surprised. I inwardly chuckled.
"Hey", she answered unsurely. "I didn't see you at lunch, where were you?" I asked. She raised a brow, probably at how I was being so normal. "Uh I was busy so I couldn't make it". I nodded. I engaged her in small talk and soon she relaxed. She must have thought I'd gotten over it or I'd forgotten since neither of us brought it up.
"Want me to braid your hair?" I asked with a smile. She smiled in return. "Sure". We were quiet for a few seconds while I worked on her hair but the silence was soon broken by me. "So, you and Jordan huh?" I felt her stiffen and I saw her face turn a bright shade of red.
I smirked, "relax it's fine. I'm not upset". I saw her release a breath at that. "So what's up with you two?" I continued. She raised up her head to look at me. "You're not into him, are you?" She asked very nervously. I scrunched up my face. "What? No. Eew. He's like my brother and besides you know I like Tony. I was upset yesterday not because I was jealous but because I felt betrayed that you two would keep such a big secret from me".
She sighed, "I'm sorry Jo. You're right we should have told you. I guess we were just embarrassed". I raised a brow at that, "embarrassed to be dating?"
"It's kinda complicated"
"You know I'm still confused. You guys hated each other. When did you turn from arguing about everything to making out on your front porch?"
She blushed at that. "It's complicated really. We did hate each other but then we were stuck together alone for a few hours and something just clicked. He didn't seem as annoying as he used to be. I found out he's actually pretty awesome, sweet and he's fucking hot" she finished with a laugh.
I had finished braiding her hair by then and I sat beside her. I made a mental note to ask her about when they were stuck together because we had to get ready for practice soon. "Well I hope you guys get official soon because you guys look good together", I smiled. She beamed, "you really think so?"
I nodded, "Do you like him?". She nodded still smiling. "I think he likes you too. Team Jordy for the win". She scrunched up her face at that. "Uh no. We'll keep working on a ship name". "Yeah", I agreed as we burst out laughing. We walked into the gym to find everyone waiting for us. Maddy immediately went into captain mode. "Alright everyone listen up ...."
A/N: This has got to be my longest chapter yet. About 3000 words.
Anyway who else saw Jordan and Maddy as a couple coming? Because I definitely didn't. Did you think Josie was unnecessarily upset? Maybe just a little. She should have known they had a good reason for not telling her. Oh and it looks like there will be a talent show soon. Can't wait to see how that goes.