17 Seventeen

"Oh," began Bella, "who're you?"

"As Christa mentioned earlier, I'm Shay. I used to be one of her coworkers from her previous job." She said kindly. Christa moved closer to Bella. She didn't like the lack of menace in Shay's voice, it was almost as if she hadn't done anything to her.

"We'll girls, I'll leave you to chat. I'm going to the grocery store to buy a few things." Said Christa's mom, seemingly unaware of the tension that filled the room.

"Yeah, we'll see you!" Piped Christa. Her mother grabbed her purse and left the house.

"So, Christa," said Shay dryly, "I heard that you and, Isabel, here are dating."

"Y-yup. That's right..." Answered Christa nervously.

"How 'bout we all sit on the couch and get a bit more comfortable?" Suggested Shay.

"Sounds good." Said Bella. Christa sat herself down, and Bella and Shay sat on both sides of her. Shay pushed herself uncomfortably close to Christa as they began to chat.

"So, how's a life of fame been treating ya?" Asked Shay.

"Oh, it's not that big of a deal. No one even knows who I am." Said Christa.

"Well, if you ever get tired of that lifestyle, you can always come visit me." Smiled Shay.

"I might take you up on that offer." Replied Christa, trying to sound sincere.

"I'm going to go use the restroom." Bella said suddenly.

"It's down the hall on the left. Should I come wi-" Shay cut her off.

"Okay, we'll be waiting here!" She wrapped one arm around Christa's shoulder. Christa wriggled uncomfortably as they watched Bella turn the corner, "So," began Shay, "why'd you leave me?" She pulled Christa closer, "Is it cuz of that little kiss? I can be more gentle if you want." She kissed Christa's forehead and caressed her cheek.

"S-stop it!" Exclaimed Christa in a hushed tone.

"Why should I?" She kissed her forehead again, "You left me to be with a rich model. You owe me."

"No I don't. I didn't do anything wrong."

"Oh, my sweet," said Shay sweetly, "leaving me for someone just because of their wealth and good looks is quite selfish on your side." She tipped Christa's face up, "If you come live with me instead, I'll forgive you. I'll make sure you're always happy, and well taken care of. You can forget about all of the bad things you did to me, and repay me for the suffering that you caused me." She stopped and waited for Christa to reply.

"I really didn't mean to offend you..." Said Christa, suddenly wondering if she had done the right thing by leaving. She stopped trying to get out of Shay's hold.

"Don't worry about that, you can make up for it. You can help make me feel better."

Shay began to close the distance between them, she was about to lean in for a kiss, when Bella rounded the corner, furious, "What do you think you're doing?" She pulled a shocked Christa away from Shay.

"Christa was just having second thoughts, that's all." Began Shay.

"Oh," said Bella, a flame burning in her hazel eyes, "don't you even dare try to pull that bull$hit with me! I heard your little conversation, what did you do to her?!?!" Christa grabbed the side of Bella's shirt and leaned on her.

"It's all my fault." Whimpered Christa, "I made her feel bad when I left to go live with you."

"See, she started it, and she wants to take responsibility." Said Shay calmly.

"It's not your fault Christa, don't worry about it." Bella hugged her close to her chest, "Whatever she did to you was her choice, and she could have controlled herself." Bella glared over at Shay, "You need to stop treating people like sh!t whenever you feel like it! You also need to get the hell out of this house!"

"You can't make me," began Shay, "this isn't your house."

"Oh really?" Said Bella threateningly, "I could break every bone in your body, and still pay for lawyers to get me out of it, would you like to see?"

Shay slunk back towards the door, "This isn't the end. Christa and I are in love, and you can't get in our way." She said hysterically.

"Sure you are! Last time I checked, I'm her girlfriend, so p!ss off!" Shay slammed the door behind her.

"Christa are you okay?" She looked down to see Christa sobbing in her arms. She hugged her closer, "It's okay, she's gone." She pat Christa's head gently, "I'm here for you, don't worry."