MJ's POV

"It's just you and me," I muttered to myself, looking at the beautiful navy blue convertible BMW in front of me with anxiety. I nervously spun the lanyard around my wrist as I chewed my bottom lip. Was this car really mine? I was afraid to even step towards it because I didn't want to break it. How was I going to explain all this to Dice? She would be pissed for sure and definitely tell me that I was a sell out for taking it, not that I really had a choice. I had tried for the past week now to get him to take it back, but he was not budging. Oh, hell MJ, suck it up, its hot as balls out here! Well, I guess I had two options. I could walk home in this 100 degree heat and avoid the whole showdown with Dice, or I could just suck it up and get in the car with air conditioning. Oh, who was I kidding? I was sweating from just standing here. I wasn't stupid.

I swallowed thickly as I unlocked the car door with the fob and opened the door. Was this real? The interior of the car was all black leather with navy trim and the center counsel looked like a digital masterpiece. It was obvious that Brian spared no expense and went with the luxury package. He had really outdone himself and there really was no way that I needed all this. Though I had to admit, I loved the car and couldn't believe that it was actually mine. This had to be some kind of sick and twisted dream."This cant be real..."

I slowly climbed into the plush leather seats, surprised to see that they were even more comfortable than the ones Brian car. Oh, I would kill him for all this because there was no way that this car was worth anything less than fifty grand. I closed my eyes and ran my hands over the leather steering wheel as my chest rose and fell rapidly. This was really my car? I couldn't believe it. Did I want Brian to take the car back? Yes, but I knew that he wouldn't. The stubborn ass. But did I love the car? Oh you bet your bottom dollar I loved this car!

"No fucking way," I hissed as my blue orbs spotted at card on the passenger seat. "I swear if this is anything more than a card I'm going to drive to that studio and make him take it all back!" And I was serious. No one in their right mind should spend so much money on me. I carefully ripped open the envelop, my anxiety ready to kill me at this point, and smiled at the small hand written note on the back of the card.

A beautiful car to match your beautiful eyes. Happy Birthday, MJ! - Brian

I felt a blush creep over my cheeks as I read the note three or four times, my stomach moving wildly with butterflies. Oh, it had happened and it had happened big time. I was falling hard and fast for the man with those stunning brown eyes. And when I turned on the car, the sound the filled my ears made it so I couldn't breath. Had he really recorded the Barbie Girl song he played for my birthday and put it on a CD in the car? I had to grip the steering wheel as I tried to control the wide range of emotions that flooded my system. How could someone be so thoughtful towards me when all anyone else ever did was warn me about him? This wasn't something someone malicious would do. This was...love? Did Brian love me? Did I love him?

I swallowed thickly at the thought, knowing that if I went down that road that there would be no turning back. I would turn into that blabbering and klutzy fool like I always did when I was in love. Brian didn't need to see me like that and I didn't even really know where I stood with him. Though, maybe the car and all the little details should give me some clues. Oh, and that oh-so amazing sex this morning. I leaned back in the most comfortable car seat known to man and closed my eyes, trying to sort the madness in my mind. "Relax, MJ. You dont love anyone...you just-just really-really-really like him? Oh, fuck!" I moaned, slamming my fist on the steering wheel. Hell, Dice told me if she saw me like this again that she would slap it out of me. Maybe that's what I needed?

Oh shoot, and how was I going to explain all this to Dice? She would be pissed for sure and definitely tell me that I was a sell out for taking it, not that I really had a choice. It was then that the most brilliant idea hit me and I reached for my purse and pulled out the huge stash of cash from last night. That night alone had earned me a good grand in tips, leaving me with my highest tip count yet. Okay, so I didn't get hit on a million times, but hell, if it was going to bring in dough like this? Bring it on! I just hoped Brain wouldn't mind. "I've got enough to pay my cut of the this month and last month, plus enough to get groceries," I said to myself with a huge smile, mainly because I knew Dice wouldn't stay mad at me if I walked in with a crap load of groceries!

I smiled as the car and it lightly purred when I pulled out of Johnny's. Oh, that sound was like music to my ears because it was finally starting to set in that this baby was mine. Though I still felt guilty about accepting it, I couldn't help but admit my undying love for the thing! I had some major thanking to do to Brain. Oh, maybe I could make him those dreadful lime tarts?

I was giddy and abuzz as I hopped out of my car, not caring that I was receiving looks for having what I assumed to be sex hair. In all honesty, I was on too much of could nine in happiness to even think about what other people thought of me. I knew they didn't know that I wasn't wearing any underwear and that though alone got me through the store. Twenty minutes later, I had paid for the heaping cart of groceries and made my way back to my new little beauty. Hmm...I think I'll call her Abby. I was so engrossed with my thoughts that I didn't even notice when I closed the trunk and bumped into a big muscular wall.

"Where did you get this pretty little ride? That douchebag pay your for your services?" I looked up to see Malcolm looking down at me with a wicked smirk on his face. It took me a moment of fast blinking to even register that he was blocking my drivers door.

"N-No, it was a gift," I stammered, feeling the fear rising inside of me. "What--"

"Oh, so that's what they're calling it these days. So where is pretty boy?" Malcolm looked around the busy parking lot as I nervously chewed my bottom lip. I knew that I couldn't fight him off if he tried anything. Hell, his biceps were bigger than my head. "He's not here is he?" That smirk was enough to make me feel like I was going to be sick.

"D-Dice is expecting me," I lied, reaching to pull my phone out of my pocket but Malcolm grabbed my hand and pinched it tightly. "Ow.."I whimpered as he twisted it back.

"Oh, I see that fucking bitch is trying to take me to court," he hissed, his face coming within inches of mine. "Call it off off, MJ." He twisted my wrist back further, causing me to cry out in pain. There would undoubtedly be a bruise there by how hard he was squeezing. "Call it off, or I swear you'll be sorry," and oh did I believe those manic eyes.

"I-I-I'll try," I gasped, trying not scream in pain because I knew that's what he wanted. "I will...just please!" I was surprised when he actually dropped my throbbing wrist, though he still had that psychotic look in his eyes. What the hell had I been thinking, falling in love with this guy? Oh right I wasn't, because I always listen to my heart instead of my gut. Was I doing the same thing with Brian?

Malcolm crossed his arms over his huge pecks and stared me down. "You better or else I'm coming for you and you wont like it, sweetheart." I nodded, griping my wrist as he turned and walked away. I gasped as I pulled open the door, got in, and locked it again as the tears welled in my eyes. There was no way I was going to tell Dice or Brian about this. I would just have to figure a way out of this mess on my own. I had already involved them all enough.

After I calmed myself down by taking one of those lovely little white pills in my purse, I drove home. I was surprised to find Dice passed out snoring on the couch with South Park blaring across the room as I brought in the groceries and put them away. Honestly, I was thankful that she wasn't awake because maybe I could avoid the whole car conversation today...and forever. Maybe I could park it on the street and say the guys were picking me up and dropping me off? No, she was too smart for that, right? Shit, I didn't want to tell her or talk about it even. Hell, I was still coming to terms with Abby!

I shook my head and looked at the the clock, feeling the urge to cook to sooth my Dice, Malcolm and Gate's induced anxiety. Okay, so now I had five hours until my shift started and thank god I was working the 8-3 shift tonight instead of the 4-3. Max did have a heart! I quickly moved over to the huge stack of bananas I bought and started to make them into banana pops. I peeled them, cut them in half, and dipped them in melted chocolate before throwing them in our nearly full freezer. It was so nice to have full cupboards, and that included the cigarette drawer and the liquor cabinet. And here comes that cloud nine buzz again as the anxiety washed away. I fucking loved cooking!

"What is that smell?" I looked up from chopping vegetables for Dice's favorite hot tamale chilli. I had to be covered with food at this point because in the two hours I had been home, I made the chocolate covered bananas, chocolate chip cookies for the Avenged Guys, stuffed jalapeno poppers, about three different kinds of salad for myself, and now this chilli.

With horror I watched as the person I thought to be my best friend got off the couch. Damn she looked like hell! Her face was pale white and about fifty different colors from bruises and cuts. Oh, that car wreck did a number on her, though he nose was only slightly bent at an awkward angle. "H-How are you feeling?" I asked her, chewing my lip as I moved to stir the pot of hot and spicy soup.

"Like someone threw me off a building," she put her head in her hands as she sat down at the island and eyed me through her fingers. "Where the hell did you get all this food?" she asked incredulous, looking around at the stocked kitchen. "Did you rob a bank? You were supposed to wait for me on that one, remember?" she teased though I suddenly felt nervous.

"I-I worked a really big wedding party last night. The tips were outrageous," I said, still not meeting her eye. Oh, hell, when I act like this she knows something is up. Why cant I just act cool about the car. Hell maybe she wont even see it and I'll buy myself another day. "By the way, there are chocolate covered banana's in the freezer." I couldn't help but laugh she flew off the stool, opened the freezer, and started eating one in the most sexual way possible. Good thing I was used to antics.

"You are a god!" she cried, throwing her head back in pleasure only to have to catch her balance on the island. "Okay, maybe not ready for the drama yet, but why are you stress cooking? You only make me chilli and banana's when you feel guilty or something happened."

"That's not true," I lied, turning my back to her and grabbing a cigarette. "I just thought you'd like your favorites to help you recover!"

Dice narrowed her eyes at me as she chewed a piece of banana. "Does it have to do with Gates?" Oh, god how does she always know? I started puffing on my cigarette quickly to feel that nicotine release that wasn't coming.

I bit my lip as she stepped in front of me and lit up too. Oh, those bright greens were watching and reading me like a hawk. I just prayed she didn't look out the window behind me and see Abby sitting happily in the driveway! "Y-yeah..." I bit my lip harder as her eyes got wide.

"Oh, I'm going to fucking kill him," she shook her head and moved away from me. Oh, god she knows! I am so screwed! I'll just have to beg on my knees with possibly a blow job to get him to take it back now. Shit...and I was really starting to like Abby! "How could he lead you on like this!"

"W-what?" What was she talking about? How was he leading me on by getting me a car for my birthday.

"Oh, dont act like I can read you like a book!" she hissed, blowing out a big cloud of smoke. "I can see it all over your face that you're fucking in love with that asshole!" My jaw dropped and my heart started to race. I gaped at her, shaking my head. No. No. No. I couldn't be, I didn't even admit it to myself yet. Fuck Dice, now the idea is there and I'm doomed. "Oh, and dont even act like your not. You've got that stupid look in your eyes. I should slap it out of you, if only it would work," she hissed. Why was she so pissed at me?

"How do you even know what love is?" I asked her, turning away. Knowing that she had never once spent hours crying over a broken heart. I didnt know how she did it. Some time I wondered if she was even human. I mean, could she be a robot? Wait a minute, now I'm starting to sound like Jimmy....

Dice narrowed her eyes angrily at me as she licked her lips. "Fuck you, MJ," she said and turned on her heel to go out the front door. No, please dont go out there! Fuck! She slammed the door only to open it slowly and point toward the driveway with most pissed off look I've ever seen. "What. The. Hell. Is. That?" she hissed through clenched teeth.

I opened and closed my mouth a few times as I tried to control my racing heart. Come on, why wasn't my anxiety medicine helping me today. I swear this shit will kill me! "I-It was a gift..." I said looking down at my bare feet on the kitchen tiled floor.

"A gift?" Dice laughed sarcastically. "A gift is a fucking card or a bottle of wine, you idiot! Did Gates buy this for you? Huh, did he?" I felt the tears well up in my eyes. I hated when she treated me like I was the stupidest person on the face of the earth. Sometimes she was worse than a bully because she was supposed to be my best friend.

I slowly nodded my head at her and she started to lose her mind. "What the fuck is he thinking?" she screamed. "You're too good for him and he is going to leave you broken and manged on the floor, and you know what? I'm not going to help you pick up the fucking pieces because I. Told. You. So!" she screamed, inches from my face. My lip quivered as tears rolled down my cheeks, oh but she was far from over. "You know what...I'll even do you another solid, MJ! I bet you when he goes back to his 'normal' self that he will come fuck me right after. And let me tell you what, I'll will fucking enjoy that magic cock inside me and we'll both laugh about you and your pathetic ways!"

I couldn't take it anymore, I reached out and slapped her as hard as I could across the face. Who the hell did she think she was talking to me like that? I just made all this stuff for her and she's mad because I'm falling in love? Because Brian cares about me? Was that what she was jealous about? Without uttering a word, I turned and flew up the stairs. I quickly jumped into the shower and packed a bag full of some clothes. I had no idea where I was going to go after my shift at Johnny's but I wasn't coming back until she apologized. Hell, I would sleep in my car if I had to.

As I walked through the kitchen, I grabbed my things off the counter, including my diner I had packed. I didn't so much as glance in Dice's direction, just took my lap top and iphone charger and headed for the door.

"Oh and MJ," Dice said as I opened the front door. "Dont bother coming home tonight unless you want to live." I took in a shaky breath before slamming the door as the tears started again.

The rest of my night was pure hell at Johnny's. I couldn't get a damned thing right and Max kept trying to talk to me about why I was in tears every five minutes. Well, if I thought a broken heart from a relationship was bad, it was nothing compared to hurt of losing your best friend. And to make matters even worse, by the time I closed, Brian hadn't called me.

"Great, now where am I going to go?" I said to myself as I put my head on the steering wheel. I knew I couldn't sleep in the parking lot with getting too many questions in the morning. Oh, hell, here goes the worst night of my life.

I put the car in drive and just drove for what seemed like hours. I didn't even realize when I pulled up to the Avenged Sevenfold studio and Jimmy came knocking on my window.

"Blondie? What are you doing here?" he nearly yelled, until he saw my tear-stained face.

"I-I got k-kicked out..."I cried, my last bit of strength going with those tears as I collapsed into his hug. I was exhausted and had no idea how I got here.

"Come on, sweetheart," Jimmy said, picking me up bridal style and carrying me into the studio. I could hear some killer guitar riffs coming through the speakers as Jimmy set me down on the couch next to Zacky.

"MJ? Are you okay?" Zacky asked as I cuddled into his side and cried some more. I didn't even notice Jimmy shaking his head furiously at Zacky. But what I did notice was seconds later when I felt those familiar calloused finger pulling my face out Zacky's armpit to meet those brown orbs.

"MJ?"

Notes