The Dark Side

Chapter Nine.

Ariana's POV-

"Here's your caramel latte with soy milk, just as you asked." I smile, pushing the coffee cup towards her. She's slightly shorter than me with long blonde hair and bright blue, acrylic nails. Her makeup is perfectly done and she's gripping onto her iPhone with one hand like her life depends on it. I clear my throat and run a hand through my long dark hair, feeling insecure from this girls beauty. She barely glances up at me from her phone before taking her coffee.

"Thanks," she mutters, her tone a little rude. She drops one five pound note onto the counter before waltzing off, her heels clicking as she goes. I raise my eyebrows, any insecurities disappearing within a second. I may not be as beautiful as her but I definitely have better manners. I let out an exhausted sigh and place the note into the cashier, glancing around at the now empty cafe. It's ten to closing time and my feet hurt, my body aches and I'm craving my bed.

"Is it okay if I leave early Ariana? I'll let you lock up." Ben appears from the back, dropping his keys in front of me. I nod my head, giving him a small smile. 

"Awesome, see you tomorrow kid!" He grins before disappearing out the door. 

"See you tomorrow Ben." I respond, watching as he leaves. When he's gone, I treat myself to a chocolate chip cookie. The radio besides me begins to play my favourite song and I grin, turning up the volume.

"Excuse the mess it made, it usually doesn't rain in Southern California, much like Arizona." I sing loudly, biting into the cookie and wiggling my hips. I turn around to make sure all the coffee machines are turned off before I can leave. I can't help but smile at this song, despite how exhausted I feel from the day.

"My eyes don't shed tears but boy, they bawl when I'm thinkin' bout you. Oh, no no no. I've been thinkin' bout you. You know, know, know."

"Have you been thinking about me?"

I gasp and spin around, my eyes wide with surprise. "Justin," I smile, disappointment settling inside my stomach. Of course it's Justin, who else would it be?

"Hey baby," he purrs, walking over to me. He places a quick kiss on my lips before taking a bite of the cookie in my hand, demolishing it in two quick bites.

"Hey! That was mine," I pout, leaning my body against his. He chuckles quietly down my ear, his hands snaking around my waist.

"I have a surprise," he begins, pulling back and leaning his forehead against mine. My eyebrows widen in surprise and I feel excitement build up inside my stomach.

"A surprise, really? What is it?" I ask quickly, turning off the lights in the back.

"Mum and Dad agreed to let us stay at the cabin over the weekend. What do you say?" He grins, blue eyes lighting up.

"Justin, that sounds amazing but I can't this weekend. I'm checking out that apartment downtown. It's the only day I can get an appointment, I'm sorry." I apologise, feeling disheartened. I don't want to let him down but on the other hand, it's driving me insane living with my parents.

"Can't you re-schedule?" Justin asks, irritation in his voice. I let out a small sigh, feeling the beginning of an argument brewing. I shake my head, taking his hand in mine.

"I need to move out Justin and this apartment looks perfect. You can stay over whenever you want and we won't be disturbed either..." I say quietly, intertwining our fingers together. He lets out a sigh but I notice his eyes light up with the idea of getting me alone whenever he wants.