So uh... it's been... interesting hanging with the boys. I'm still a mess with the dancing, the singing was a challenge. I pleaded with Gustavo to let me stay longer and he admired my ambitions but still said no but Kelly made him change his mind. I just finished trying to practice and I'm sitting here almost defeated.

"Hey..." James appeared out of the shadows. Scaring me half to death.

"I thought you'd be at the Palm Woods?"

"Kelly said to have one of us shadow over you and I pleaded them to pick me."

I rolled my eyes before I grabbed one of the list of the songs.

"You know... I want to ask,"

James was getting excited.

"Just... why go through all the trouble? It's like ever since I stepped foot here you've been..." my voice trailed off.

"It's because you're gorgeous."

"James Diamond. I've known you and others from the start you're a womanizer and I can't see myself with someone who plays with my heart like a fiddle!"

He got confused at the word fiddle.

"It's a instrument." I added.

"I just can't do this, James."

"Yes you can! I believe in you!"

"Are you sure? You're only saying that because you're in love with me!"

Then out of the corner of my eye: I saw Kelly and Gustavo watching.

"How long have you been watching?" I asked the two directly.

"Long enough." Kelly said.

"DOG! WHAT DID I TELL YOU?!" Gustavo yelled.

"I can't help it. She's so beautiful." James said flirtatious.

"Gustavo... Kelly. Can I speak to you guys for one moment? Thanks."

I went to the booth.

"Guys. There's something I need to tell you." I paused.

"James invited me to his room last night so I can avoid my crazy aunt."

"What?!" The two said in synch.

"I don't know what to do. I... kissed him."

"What?!" They repeated.

"I panicked okay?!" I said in a freaked out voice.

"Plus before it he was actually trying to help and show that he does care about me..." I went on.

They were both still speechless.

"I feel like I hid the truth from not just him but everyone..."

I really don't talk about it. I felt tears coming on.

"I got this, Gustavo." Kelly says as she pulled me outside where James was.

"Whoa are you crying?" James asked.

"Not now James, she just needs a little girl talk."
Kelly said as I slowly nod in agreement.

"Ok. But you tell me this instant after!" James commands.

"James-"

"No... I'll just say it." I said.

"James... Kelly..."

"I had a very very messy breakup a month ago before I got here." I finally admit.

"How messy?"

"Let's just say a tornado mess kind."

Kelly and James looked at each other with sad and worried glances.

"Kelly...? Can I be alone with James?"

"Of course, I'll relay to Gustavo..." Kelly's voice trailed off, "I don't know what he would say though."
I nod as she left.

"James... that's why I kept pushing you away and react like a jerk towards you. I'm not just ready for a relationship... at least not yet."

James took a deep sigh before he puts his hands on my shoulders.

"I guess I'll be stuck in the friend zone for now. Unless whenever you're ready."

I half chuckled.

"I admire your ambition." I joked.

"I am James Diamond after all."

I chuckled as I can hear gustavo's yelling. And it doesn't sound good at all. It's probably because I'm not prepared as a singer... maybe... My smile fades.

"Hey why the long face now?"

I didn't say anything, hearing Gustavo yelling.

"Hey! Don't mind Gustavo. He may be a jerk but deep down he cares. Just for me and the "dogs," he calls us."

"Anyways you need a ride?"

"Mhmm... My aunt Melissa is handling some business right now."

He nods as we walked down and outside together... as friends.

Back at the Palm Woods...

James invited me over again to his place.

"Welcome back." The boys said towards James.

"Hey guys... James invited me again."

The 3 guys all looked at each other with oh no. James went to the other room to do something while I sat and caught them up.

"Ohhh... so that's why James is in his room." Carlos said.

"First time of him being friend zoned?"

"Not exactly." Kendall paused.

"One of the Jennifers did dump him before he could."

I feel bad in a way. Although it wasn't me dumping him... just me telling him I'm not ready yet.

"James blabbers on how pretty, cute, kind, caring person you are."

"Carlos!"

"Sorry."

I chuckled.

"Is that what he really says?"

"Oh man he goes on about you."

"Should we help him?"

"I'll handle it. I mean Jo friendzoned me first." Kendall says as he left.

I went to check up on James as he was groaning in a sad voice. The boys come rushing in as I watched.

"I'll handle this... it's my mess." I told them as they backed off.

"James?"

He didn't say anything. The guys left me alone with James.

"Look... what I said back there I really can't find anyone right now." I said.

"My ex really treated me badly... I caught him cheating with some girl. And..." I didn't say anything.

I felt like I was making things worse.

"I just don't want to get hurt again..." I admit as he still didn't move.

"I'm sorry..." I admit as I got up and was about to head out and tell the boys.

"No." He finally said.

"I am the one who should be sorry to make you worry over me." He paused, "I got caught up in myself... I... I never thought I'd ever be crazy about a girl. I know I'm the player type but-" James was rambling.

For some odd reason my heart felt warm when he said that.

"And that kiss confused me even more."

"I'm so sorry."

The guys walked in to see me hugging James.

"So you guys finally dating yet?" Carlos asked.

I pull away from James.

"Oh heavens no!" I said as James was flustered some and cleared his throat.

"No. We're not she just was comforting me as a friend and it worked." James said as I looked to him and smiled.

My phone goes off and it was Ashlyn.

"Sorry guys it's my best friend."

"Hello?" I answered.

"Heyyyy guess what?"

"Uhh... what?" I said in awkward tone.

"Bad timing?"

James and others looked over nosily.

"One second." I said as I walked outside.

"Sorry I was with the boys-"

Then I heard that scream. The boys heard it from their hotel room as they came out.

We all walked out to see Ashlyn.

"Helloooo?" She said.

"ASHLYN!" I cried out.

She heard her name and looked towards me and I bolt to her hugging.

"You're here... oh my god..." I said as I was actually crying... my bff... she's really here!

The boys got closer.

"Who's this, Melody?" They asked.

I noticed Carlos was dead staring at Ashlyn.

"This is my best friend Ashlyn."

"Hi I'm Carlos!" Carlos said as Ashlyn smiles as she whispered.

"Permission to scream again later?" She whispered towards me.

"Yes." I whispered back.

"Anyways I'll help ya move in your room."

"Actually: I convinced the apartment guy that I'd move in with you!"

I excitedly smiled.

"Can I help?" Carlos eagerly asked.

"Uh... Carlos I think the girls want to catch up."
Logan adds as I nod towards Logan.

"I wouldn't mind the extra help but he's right. I wanna catch up with my bestie." Ashlyn said.

Carlos looked looked like he's smitten... I looked at the boys before I went to help Ashlyn.