Words From Brierly: I'm enjoying this story a lot so far, I've got a lot planned for it and I just love working in that winter setting, you know? I think it has so many cute possibilities, and hopefully you'll get to see nearly every one of them ;) Here's the second chapter, please review with your thoughts and comments!

STARSTRUCK CHRISTMAS

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Chapter Two: Farewell Kalamazoo Part II

Jessica stared out the car window as her parents drove through the small town that was near their cabin. It had been several years since they'd last come here for Christmas, but not much had changed. The town was still as Christmas-oriented as ever, with every tree decorated with colourful strands of lights.

"Jess? Are you listening?" Jessica turned to face her mother who had apparently been speaking.

"Sorry, what did you say?"

"I said, maybe tomorrow we can go pick up some new decorations for the cabin." Jessica's mom repeated, looking up into the rearview mirror at her daughter. Jessica nodded.

"Yeah, sure."

They arrived at their cabin several minutes later. After bringing everything inside, Jessica said good night to her parents and headed to her room.

Dropping her suitcase on the floor, Jessica walked over to the large picture window and looked out. In the distance, she could make out the Christmas lights shining from the town's stores and houses.

It's so pretty here, Jessica thought, smiling faintly. Peaceful. And it's going to stay peaceful for a full - week.

With that pleasant thought in mind, she changed into her pajamas and crawled into bed.

"I'm just sayin', this is our last night to chill before going to the middle of nowhere for the winter break. Do you really want to spend it with Alexis?" Stubby asked skeptically. Christopher sighed, pulling his jacket on.

"She's my girlfriend, Stubby, and she's not going to get to see me until after Christmas. I have to go."

"You say that like it's some kind of legal obligation. Just call her and say you can't go. I'll even dial for you," Stubby offered, as he grabbed Christopher's cell phone and began scrolling through the address book.

Christopher reached for his phone and pulled it out of Stubby's hands.

"Look, it's just for a few hours, it's not a big deal. You know I always make sure to make time for the people important to me, right?" Christopher added, pocketing his cell.

"Do you really consider Alexis important?" Stubby asked, disbelieving.

No, Christopher thought. But I'm supposed to.

"Look, man, you know Alexis. She's probably blogged, texted, and tweeted about this date already. You need to keep your face out of the paparazzi, that's the whole point of this winter getaway to nowhere." Stubby reminded him, crossing his arms.

How could Christopher forget? He'd met with a movie director that morning and was told that he was being highly considered for a role in his next movie. The only problem was that the movie's creators weren't so sold on the idea.

"Keep your face out of the press, good or bad."

"I know, but I promised her."

"Fine," Stubby sighed, giving in. "Just be careful."

"I will," Christopher promised, smiling.

When Christopher arrived at the club where he was supposed to meet Alexis, he saw her standing around outside looking for him. Christopher was just about to get out of his car to go see her when the black paparazzi vans showed up.

The reporters jumped out of their vehicles and began taking pictures in a frenzy of bright flashes. Christopher groaned; he had known that Alexis would likely have paparazzi not far behind her, but he'd been hoping to get into the club before that happened.

Sighing, Christopher pulled out his cellphone and dialled Alexis.

"Hello?"

"Hey Alexis," Christopher greeted, frowning.

"Christopher? Where are you? You were supposed to be here twenty minutes ago!"

"I know, I'm sorry about that, there's actually a small change of plans." Christopher said, sighing. There was a pause.

"What do you mean, 'small change of plans?'" Alexis asked suspiciously.

Christopher glanced out his car window again from the opposite side of the street and saw Alexis posing for the cameras.

"I can't have my face in the press for the next little while. I'm sorry, I have to cancel, but I already know how to make it up to you." Christopher added quickly, before Alexis could object. "It's a surprise, but I know you'll love it."

End Thoughts: I won't usually switch perspectives much, I'll mostly be sticking to Jessica's and on occasion Christopher's. Sorry this chapter's a bit short, I didn't want to go any further with the chapter title it has and I didn't want to force any unnecessary scenes in here either. Thanks to everyone whose been reading, reviewing, and/or lurking this story - I genuinely appreciate your interest and I hope I don't disappoint.

As a random note to tuck away for future reference, Christopher's surprise for Alexis will come into play much later in the story. What could it be? Feel free to guess, though I won't tell you yes or no!