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[Het] [N'sync] [PG-13]
Steal My Heart
(One hour later, At Naomi’s House)
“Hi James...” JC smiled and shook Naomi’s brother’s hand warmly. “It’s been a long time.”
“It has indeed, Chase,” James smiled then turned to Justin. “I’m sorry I don’t know who you are because you’re probably very, very famous but I’m afraid I don’t listen to boy bands very much... neither do I go around trying to memorize their names, favourite colors, birthdays, etcetera... so please forgive my ignorance.”
Justin looked shocked, “Uh... that’s okay... sir. I mean, I don’t expect everyone to enjoy listening to our music. Um, did you know we were coming over for lunch or should we go? Oh, by the way, I’m, um, Justin Timberlake.”
“Oh...” James’ eyebrows were raised playfully. “So you’re the guy Alyssa was swooning over the other day. And don’t bother leaving since you’re already here. I know the appetite of a growing boy... but I think we have enough to handle it.”
James extended his hand and when Justin shook it, James smiled. “Now, young man, you haven’t done anything to my sister here, have you? For one, you look too young to try any ‘monkey business’, and if I allow anyone near my sister, he’s got to pass a few of my, um, tests first.”
Justin’s eyes were wide. He didn’t have a clue what was going on. JC couldn’t help but laugh at Justin’s bewildered expression. “Um, I... well, I think Naomi’s a nice girl, but I’m, um, dating someone else. And, um, I don’t think I’d be able to pass your, uh, tests. Whatever they are. And... she’s a bit, uh, old for my taste.”
“Old? She’s in her early twenties but she has the maturity of a kid younger than your age... but, I suppose you’re right... you wouldn’t pass my tests anyway.”
Naomi giggled, “James, you’re scaring him!” She chided her brother, and nudged him towards the kitchen. “I’m hungry. What did you cook for lunch, bro?”
“No kiss, no hello, just a ‘what did you cook for lunch?’. Right... am I supposed to respond with a sickly sweet smile on my face?” James pouted.
Naomi laughed and kissed her brother on the tip of his nose. “HELLO BROTHER! IT’S SO NICE TO SEE YOU!” she winked at JC, who chuckled, when she saw the look on her brother’s face. “Now can I have my lunch with these guys?”
James looked down at her, “Oh yeah. I, um, had a feeling we’d have company so I cooked a little extra.” James squeezed Naomi’s shoulder affectionately, “The spaghetti’s in the kitchen. Help yourself.”
Naomi gave a squeal of delight and kissed her brother on the cheek, “Thanks James! Yummy spaghetti!” Justin giggled at her and shook his head. He smiled a ‘thank-you’ at James before following Naomi into the kitchen.
JC watched the two of them go before turning to James, “Sorry James. The site for the photo shoot was kinda far away... so I couldn’t get her back here any earlier.”
James smiled and nodded, “Don’t worry about it. You used to hang out with her until midnight when you were in the ninth grade. And I never worried about it. You’re a good boy, Chase. And I trust Naomi when she’s with you. I remember the first time you dropped by our house. I didn’t even try testing you. One look at the way Naomi was smiling at you and I knew you were a trustworthy one.” James smiled in a brotherly way and ruffled JC’s hair. “It’s in your eyes. Oh, and by the way, where’s Alyssa?”
JC grinned and scratched his head. “Oh! Chris is taking her out for lunch with Joey and Lance...” JC giggled at James’ confused expression. “Um, they’re the other group members of N’sync. Come on James, you have to have some idea!”
“Sorry,” James shrugged helplessly. “I think I have a bit of boy band research to do. Go along to the kitchen and help yourself. I still remember how you used to love my cooking. Guess you still do, huh?”
“Oh yeah, baby!” JC laughed. “Mmm... your cooking’s the best! There’s no one who can cook like you can, James.”
James smiled. “Oh, and by the way, I may not know their names, but I have to hand it to you, Chase... your band members sing excellently.”
JC smiled and headed towards the kitchen. “Thanks a lot, James. But, well, I knew that all along.”
James chuckled and went upstairs to his room.
When JC got to the backyard, he saw Naomi setting three plates of spaghetti onto the table. He went to help her and she smiled, “Did you and James talk about the band? He probably told you he does know Justin, didn’t he? Even though he doesn’t remember the names of the members in the boy bands, he knows every detail about Britney Spears.”
Naomi giggled at JC’s surprised expression, “Oops!” she said. “Why do I get the feeling I’ve just told you something my brother doesn’t want you to know?”
JC was giggling when Justin joined them at the table. “What?” he looked at them curiously when he saw they were trying not to laugh at him. “Is there something on my face? In my hair? What is it? Why are you guys laughing?”
“N... nothing,” Naomi said in between giggles. She sat down and tried to spoon spaghetti into her mouth but her shoulders were shaking from silent laughter and the fork hung in mid-air, halfway from her mouth.
JC sat down next to her and bit his lip. He shoved a spoon of spaghetti into his mouth and almost groaned when James’ cooking attacked his taste buds. “Oh man...” he nudged Naomi. “You have got to tell James what a wonderful cook he is. Damn I’ve missed this stuff. Mmm... heaven!”
Naomi rolled her eyes and chewed on her own forkful of spaghetti, “Obviously his cooking still gets to you. For goodness’ sake Chase, can’t you cook?”
“Well, yeah, I can. But there’s no way I’m even halfway as good as James. His cooking is just-”
“FANTASTIC!” Justin interrupted, his eyes sparkling. “Oh my god! JC, I so understand why you’re in love with this guy. I may just dump Britney, go for surgery and come over here and seduce your brother all for his cooking, Choc. Mmm... this stuff is incredible!”
Naomi laughed, “Well, don’t choke on it. I’m sure there’s more where that came from. You don’t have to wolf it down, Justin. It’s amazing how different both of you are... I mean, Chase is actually savoring the food slowly but you... you, Justin, are just wolfing it down. You’ve either been starved for days or you just can’t get enough of this. And since I know you can’t have been starved by someone as sweet as Aunt Lynn, I take it you can’t get enough of the spaghetti. That’s really sweet, Justin, but isn’t there a less, um, messy way you can show your love for my brother’s cooking?”
JC laughed and choked on the spaghetti. Naomi thumped him once on the back and he smiled. “Thanks, that always works.”
Justin rolled his eyes and swallowed another mouthful of spaghetti. “Naomi you are a total moron for not enjoying your brother’s cooking. I’d be thanking God for this guy every morning if I were you!”
“Unfortunately, you’re not me. James and I take turns to do the cooking around here, so don’t worry. I help out, um, occasionally, and my cooking is just as good as his is. So don’t underestimate these precious hands of mine.”
Justin rolled his eyes but JC nodded, “It’s true J. Her cooking is, well, almost as good as James’.”
Naomi ate another fork of spaghetti with a sigh, “Well, I guess that will have to do. And don’t look at me like that Justin! Don’t you know Chase never praises me? I mean, he’s always criticizing me over any and every thing he can, so anything he says about me that’s nice you know it just absolutely has to be true.”
Justin looked at JC for confirmation. JC grinned and nodded, “Yeah. I remember there was this once she was writing an essay for school. Catch came over to my house and showed it to me after she was done. I told her she’d probably fail and she giggled. She said she hadn’t really tried her best. So I forced her to sit down and write a whole new essay. She wouldn’t let me read it but I watched her write it. And just by looking at the effort she put in, I knew she was going to get an A. The next day, she handed both essays to the teacher. And I was right. She failed the first one miserably but aced the other one.”
“We are just too honest with each other,” Naomi concluded. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Justin smiled at the both of them, “Sounds like you guys have a long, long history, huh? So Lance was right after all.”
Naomi and JC looked curiously at him, “What did you say, Justin?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing... nothing...”
JC and Naomi stared at Justin for a moment before turning to each other and shrugging. Justin almost laughed out loud. They had an identical look on their faces. Then his shoulders dropped and he chewed thoughtfully on his spaghetti. So who’s side am I on here? There is definitely something between JC and Choc. And they look so... good together. And they understand each other. But Lance... he is in love. Well, JC hasn’t said anything yet, so I’m going to worm it out of him. Maybe after I understand his side of the story, I’ll be able to see who’s side I should be on. Justin smiled when Naomi licked some tomato sauce off of her chin. Well, no matter who’s side I’m on, that guy better be able to bring Choc happiness. Because I’m not going to let anyone hurt her, no matter what.
(At Lance’s house)
“Hey Alyssa!” Lance called from the kitchen. “Can you help me set the table...? Sorry the other guys had to leave so suddenly, but I think they don’t like my apartment as much as you do. And they’re not all that keen on home-cooked food either. Or... maybe it’s just that they’re not too keen on my cooking.”
Alyssa giggled, “That’s okay.” She pulled the cupboard open and took two plates out of it. “That’s funny...” she mused. “This almost seems like home. Everything is put exactly like home...”
Lance emerged from the kitchen just as Alyssa finished setting the table. He smiled at her and put a piece of lasagna on her plate. “Sorry if it tastes a little burnt. I’m not the best cook in the world and... well, actually, this is micro-waved.”
Alyssa giggled, “Can micro-waved lasagna taste burnt?”
Lance grinned sheepishly, “Well, you’re talking to the famous N’sync klutz here, so... yeah, I think it can.”
Alyssa raised her eyebrows as Lance sat down opposite of her. “Don’t look so worried. It’s just lunch, Lance. Lighten up!”
Lance nodded but his face remained tense. Alyssa gave up trying to make him any less nervous and took a small bite, smiling because Lance was watching her nervously. He bit his lip when she grimaced. “Okaaaayyyy... Lance, I think I’m beginning to believe you when you say you can’t cook.” She forced a smile, trying to swallow the funny-tasting food in her mouth. “Look, why don’t I do the cooking next time round?”
“Next time round?”
“Yeah... you don’t think I’m going to let you off that easily for making me eat burnt, micro-waved lasagna, do you?”
Lance sighed and relaxed in his chair. Alyssa was enjoying the joke at his expense but at least he felt at ease. “At least it’s not going to poison you. Be grateful for that, Alyssa. There was once I, um, well, the other guys, uh, well, they had food poisoning after eating something I cooked.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened and she resisted the urge to spit out her food. “Um... okay... Lance, I think you shouldn’t have shared that bit of information with me.”
Lance giggled at her expression. “Don’t worry... it wasn’t burnt, micro-waved food that did it. It was, well... I was trying to cook spaghetti and...”
Alyssa choked on her lasagna. It was halfway down her throat when she started laughing. She laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. Lance watched her laugh and couldn’t help but giggle along with her.
“Oh... I’m so... sorry Lance... I... oh... the idea of you guys... getting food poisoning... because of spaghetti... oh, I’m... I’m sorry...” Alyssa was gasping and trying to get the words out of her mouth in between her laughing fit.
Lance shook his head, trying to stop his laughter. “Alyssa... your... laughter is... is really... contagious.” He gasped and inhaled a few deep breaths. “I’m sorry... I shouldn’t have said that. Maybe we should go out for lunch instead?”
“And risk the chance of you being mobbed by girls?” Alyssa shook her head. “Oh hell no! I want you all for myself today, even if it’s just for lunch. If those screaming girls take one step towards you, there’ll be no end to them.”
Lance blushed at Alyssa’s words and she almost kicked herself when she realized how dirty she sounded, “Uh-oh. I didn’t mean it that way, Lance. Don’t get the wrong idea. I just... oh man, this is embarrassing.”
Lance smiled at her stuttering. “It’s okay. I know what you meant. Yeah, it does get kind of crazy around here when the girls swarm to us... sometimes I just want to block it all out. You know, I want to be able to go to the park... or go for a swim... or something like that, without having to worry about being attacked by crazed females.”
Alyssa nodded, “I know you don’t believe me, but I know exactly what you mean. There are times I wish I could go to the beach, stretch out and relax without having to face the stares of about a thousand men, young and old, each time.”
Lance laughed, “Sounds like your life is pretty hectic as well.”
Alyssa chuckled, “Like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Try me.”
“Well, there were some students who actually came up to me and proposed. Can you beat that? I was amazed and a little scared by it all. Naomi had one or two suitors as well, but... I don’t know, I think her aloofness kept most of them at bay. And, well, I think she scared a few of them. I mean, you’ve seen her. She acts herself all the time. And sometimes that’s not how a teacher should act,” Alyssa giggled. “But she was a lot of fun. And the teachers got a lot of laughs at her expense. But sometimes... well, when she just acts as she likes, the students got scared. And I think that kept most of them attracted to me, rather than her. But underneath, she’s got a really good heart. Pure and innocent, that’s her.”
Alyssa smiled when she saw Lance’s interest. This boy has got it baaaaaddd, she thought to herself. Lance blushed when he realized how he must have looked. “I’m sorry. I know you probably think I’m crazy. In all honesty, I think I’m nuts too. I mean, I barely know that girl and... ha! Well, I barely know you and I’m spilling everything out to you. I think I should probably shut up now.”
“No!” Alyssa protested. “Please, go on. We may have just met, but I feel like I’ve known you since a long time back. Of course, there’s no way that is possible. I mean, how many people end up like JC and Naomi? But I, well, it just feels like I understand you. I know it sounds weird. But our tastes are so alike. My house looks almost the same as yours. I know where you kept all your plates and everything without even having to ask. It’s almost as if you were there in my life all along.”
Lance’s eyes widened, “Well, you see, I... I kinda like Naomi. It’s probably pretty obvious, but like you said, she’s innocent. I know she doesn’t get it. Well, you’ve probably told her everything, so she should know now that I’m paying her more attention than I probably should, but...”
“How do you know I told her?” Alyssa asked, amazed.
“I... I don’t know. I guessed. And I guess you asked her how she felt about JC too. Because if I’m not wrong, you care about her more than you will care about any other guy and you needed to know if she would mind if you started going out with him as... you know, more than a friend.”
“Dammit Lance... you’re really starting to scare me here.”
Lance laughed, “I’m scaring myself. But I could see so much of me in you. I mean, I’m definitely going to ask JC how he feels about Naomi before trying to go after her myself. But... I need to know something... if I asked her out in, say, a few weeks... would she agree, do you think?”
Alyssa sighed and shook her head, “I’m sorry, Lance. I can’t say for sure, but I seriously doubt she’s going to start dating anyone anytime soon.” Alyssa held up a hand when she saw Lance about to ask why. “I can’t tell you why, and I’m sorry. She’s getting over a few... um, problems now. She needs more time. You’ll be able to tell when she’s ready. And if you can’t, JC will be able to. Well, I guess he’ll be completely honest with you if you ask him about Mayo. And if I’m not wrong, he’ll say the same thing Mayo said to me.”
“What’s that?”
“That even if he likes her, you should go after her because as long as she’s single, you have a chance.”
“Naomi said that to you, huh?”
Alyssa nodded and sighed, “I’m not sure if she likes JC, but there was just something in her eyes... I could tell she wasn’t all that willing to see me and JC going out together. But, well, she’s not the selfish kind... and she not going to go out with anyone yet. I’m sorry Lance, but she isn’t ready to accept anyone in her life yet. If JC doesn’t tell you when she’s ready, I will. And then it’ll be up to you.”
Lance pressed his lips together and nodded slowly, sighing softly, “I understand. Thanks Alyssa. Well, let’s eat, okay?”
Alyssa nodded uncomfortably and took another small bite out of her piece of lasagna. “Um, Lance?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m sorry...”
“Don’t apologize... it’s not your fault.”
“I wasn’t talking about Naomi...”
“Huh?” Lance looked confused. “Then what-”
“I’M SORRY BUT CAN WE GO OUT AND GET SOMETHING ELSE TO EAT? I’m going to absolutely die if I have to swallow another mouthful of this stuff!” Alyssa burst out then bit her lip. “I’m sorry.”
Lance stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Come on Alyssa. Let’s go get some pizza.”
“Thank you Lance!”
(Two Fridays later, In James’ Jaguar)
Since the day they had spaghetti together, Justin and Naomi had become closer than ever and they would usually hang out together with JC. Lance and Alyssa were closer as well. Alyssa had told Lance how she felt about JC and the two of them were getting along very well. They were like best friends and already fast becoming inseparable. Alyssa was driving that morning, and for once, they didn’t have the music on. Their friendship was becoming a little bit strained and Naomi knew they would have to talk it out.
“Alyssa...”
“Naomi...”
Both of them spoke at the same time in the exact same tone.
Alyssa sighed and pulled over. “We need to talk.”
“Uh-huh,” Naomi agreed.
“Well... Mayo, you know that you mean more to me than anyone in the world, besides my parents. But lately, we haven’t been talking much. You’ve been busy with the guys and you’ve been hanging out with Justin and JC a lot lately.”
Naomi nodded, “And you’ve been going around with Lance a lot. So even though we sleep in the same room in the same bed at night, we’re just too exhausted or too embarrassed to talk anymore, that’s it, right?”
Alyssa bit her lip, “As much as I hate to admit it... well, yeah.”
Naomi took in a deep breath, “What can we do about it, Ally?”
“I don’t know. Let’s talk, Naomi.”
“Right here?”
“Right here.” Alyssa bit her lip, wracking her brain for something, anything to talk about. “What have you been doing with Justin and JC this week?”
“Well...” Naomi began. “I love hanging with them. Justin’s like the younger brother I never had. I mean, he and I are so alike. I just never knew it before. I think he and Britney are good for each other. She’s a nice girl... I’ve talked to her on the phone a few times... and she’s not petty at all. She doesn’t mind the fact that Justin and I are always out together, or that there are millions of girls throwing themselves at Justin’s feet. She trusts him completely and I can tell from her tone that she’s in love with him. And from the way his eyes shine every time he talks to or about her, I guess he’s really deeply in love with her too.”
Naomi paused, then continued, “We’ve become really close, me and Justin. And I know he’s the kind of person who would die to protect those he care about, because I’m like that too. And I can safely say that I’m one of those few lucky people on his list. And he’s on my list as well... my extremely short list. James, you, Chase, Justin... you guys are the few people I’ve let see inside of me. I know I’m healing really quickly now, and that’s good. I think I may even be able to summon the courage to tell them about Marcus soon.”
Alyssa smiled when Naomi said Marcus’ name without any hesitation. “I know you still like Chase, Ally,” Naomi told her best friend. “But I don’t understand why you’re not making any moves yet.”
“I’m going to, Mayo. Really soon.”
Naomi grinned when she heard the determination in Alyssa’s voice. “Well, I wish you luck,” she giggled. “And now, what have you and Lance been doing?”
Alyssa giggled when she heard Naomi’s mock stern tone. “Oh, I’ve been giving him cooking lessons.”
“You’ve been doing WHAT?”
“You heard me,” Alyssa laughed. “Cooking lessons.”
Naomi giggled, “Wow... does everything you do have to be associated with teaching, Ally?”
“Well, now that you’ve mentioned it... yeah.”
The two girls laughed and they knew their friendship was salvaged. With each word they had spoken, their bond had been rebuilt. And now they were even closer than before. Still laughing, Alyssa gunned the engine and sped the rest of the way to Jive.
When they reached Jive, Naomi jumped out of the car and waved to Alyssa as she went in search for a parking lot. Naomi turned and banged abruptly into someone’s chest. “Ouch! Sorry!” she looked up and blushed when she saw it was Lance. He was rubbing his chest and smiling sheepishly.
“Sorry,” he said. “I saw Alyssa and, um, I came to wait for her. And I saw you so I thought maybe I’d say hi.” He chuckled, “Well, I said ‘sorry’ but no hi. So... Hi Naomi!” Naomi giggled when Lance smiled brightly.
“Hi Lance,” Naomi smiled. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips before waving to Justin, who had just pulled up in front of Jive’s main entrance. He waved back, a huge grin on his face. “Well, I’ll catch ya later, Lance!” Naomi smiled as she ran over to Justin.
Lance smiled back, a stunned expression on his face. He ran his fingers gently over his lips, “Sweeeeeet,” he giggled.
Lance watched as Justin slung his arm carelessly around Naomi’s shoulder and they walked into Jive, side by side. He sighed but brightened considerably when Alyssa patted him comfortingly on the shoulder, “Hey big boy.”
“Hey yourself,” he smiled at her.
“I, uh, had a good talk with her this morning. She’s getting over the her problem. Maybe you can make your move in a month or so. She should be okay by then.”
Lance glanced at Alyssa apprehensively, “You think?”
“Definitely.”
Lance smiled, “Thank you, Alyssa. But why don’t you make your move on JC yet?”
Alyssa shrugged, “I want to wait till you’ve had that talk with him, Lance. I need to know how he feels about Naomi. I mean, I don’t want to butt in where I’m not wanted, you get what I mean?”
Lance nodded, “Mmhmm... okay, I think I’m going to have a good talk with the guy tonight.”
“Tonight?” Alyssa’s eyes were wide.
“Yep... well, part of it is so you can make your move, but the other part is so I can have peace of mind.” Lance admitted slyly.
“Ahh...” Alyssa giggled, the shock fading from her face. “Killing two birds with one word, eh? Smart, Bass. Real cute.”
Lance batted his eyelashes. “Why thank you, my dear. Now why don’t we get in there? Ladies first.”
Alyssa screamed and giggled when Lance hauled her up onto his shoulder. “Don’t dirty your feet now, darling.”
Alyssa was still giggling light-headedly when Lance set her down inside Jive. She linked hands with Lance and they marched into the recording booth, hand-in-hand. Alyssa almost screamed at the sight that met her eyes and Lance’s eyes were wide with shock.
Justin had Naomi in his arms. Her eyes were closed, her breathing was ragged and Justin was shaking her wildly. “Choc? Naomi? Wake up, girl! Don’t scare me like this! Come on! Wake up!”
“Justin! Justin, what’s wrong with her?” Alyssa screamed, rushing up towards them. She stroked Naomi’s face with shaking hands. “Lance... go get some water and a towel! Come on, hurry!”
Chris and Joey strolled into the room just as Lance pushed past them to get out. “Hey, what’s wrong with him?” Chris asked. Then he saw Naomi. Joey’s eyes were bulging and Chris went pale. “What’s wrong with her? Where’s JC?” Joey yelled.
JC walked into the room just in time to hear Joey’s shouts. He was tensed up at once, “What’s wrong Joey?” he took a few steps forward and saw Naomi lying, ashen-faced, in Justin’s arms. Justin was panicking and Alyssa was standing helplessly at a side. JC knew what to do. He pulled Justin down and Justin squatted, glad that JC was taking charge. JC rummaged through Naomi’s handbag, his fingers shaking. He pulled out a small bottle of smelling salts. The corners of his mouth twitched into a small smile as he waved it under her nose.
Naomi stirred and opened her eyes weakly just as Lance rushed back. He sighed and took a few steps back when he saw that JC had already woken her up. He leaned against the wall dejectedly. What am I thinking? It’s good that she’s awake. I’m just sore because I wasn’t the one who woke her. Is life always this ironic? I think I have a chance to play the knight in shining armor but - wham! - my chance is taken from under my nose.
No one noticed Lance as JC and Justin helped Naomi into a sitting position. She coughed and took a few deep breaths to steady herself. JC wiped the perspiration off of her face. He was worried when he saw the look of fear in her eyes. “What’s wrong, Catch?” he asked softly, pushed her hair out of her face.
Naomi was the colour of sour milk and just when Chris thought she couldn’t go any paler, she did. Alyssa watched Naomi with a growing worry. Anxiety with gnawing at her and she was on the verge of breaking down. She was glad when she felt Lance’s hand squeeze her shoulder comfortingly. She looked up at him with a small smile on her face but that disappeared when she saw the misery in his eyes. He sighed softly and tried to smile.
Alyssa wasn’t fooled for one second, but there was nothing she could do about it. At that moment, her focus was all on Naomi. “What’s wrong? Why...”
Justin shrugged when Naomi didn’t reply, “Please Choc... tell us what’s wrong... honey... we can’t help you unless you tell us.”
JC licked his lips nervously. He didn’t like what he was seeing. To him, it was obvious that Naomi was struggling not to burst into tears. There was a fear so intense in her eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to look at her. “There’s something serious going on here, I can see it in your eyes, Catch. Tell me... everything.”
Naomi gulped in some air. Her heart was pounding wildly against her chest and tears were quickly filling her eyes. She looked up and blinked a few times to get rid of the tears. Then she turned slowly to look at JC, then Justin, then Alyssa, and lastly, Lance. She bit her lip and tried to say something, but her voice stuck in her throat and she couldn’t get any words out. Alyssa squeezed her hand worriedly.
Naomi cleared her throat and tried again. Although she was pale, shocked and still dizzy, she managed to say, “I... I have something to tell JC and Justin. Can... can you guys go out for a while? I... I’ll tell you all everything when... after I’ve told these two. Ally! Wait... stay with me too.”
Naomi felt bad about telling the other guys to scram, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to say anything unless she had first told the three closest to her everything about everything. Lance sighed and went out with Chris and Joey at his heels. They smiled understandingly at Naomi and she was relieved to know that they understood she needed some private time with the three closest to her heart.
“Ally... I...” None of them prompted her when Naomi faltered. They knew she needed to calm down before she could actually tell them anything. “I... I saw Marcus. He’s here. He... he knows I’m here too.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened in shock, “WHAT?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. JC looked from one girl to the other and when he saw that even Alyssa was turning pale, his eyes widened in fear and worry.
Justin tightened his grip on Naomi and he hugged her tightly. “Calm down, Choc. Take a deep breath... good girl. Now back up a bit and tell us everything. Tell us who this Marcus is. And why you... collapsed... after seeing him. Take it slow, girl... now... tell us.”
“I... I don’t know how to start.”
“Why don’t I tell them for you?” Alyssa offered gently.
“NO!” all three voices shouted.
“Whoa... okay, okay... it was just, um, a suggestion. Okay, my lips are sealed. Naomi, you tell them.”
“If she can’t even tell us, how is she ever going to face up to this Marcus guy?” JC questioned and Justin nodded in agreement.
“I need to do this by myself,” Naomi whispered. “But Ally... I’m so scared. I don’t even want to think about it anymore. How am I supposed to relive it all over again. How can I tell them anything?”
Alyssa squeezed Naomi’s hand, “Look, let’s go for a drive. It’ll help to calm your nerves and we can be sure no one’s around.”
Justin nodded, “Okay. Let’s go in my car. JC, you drive.” Justin threw JC the keys as they supported Naomi out of the room.
Lance looked up when the door slowly opened. His face fell when he saw Naomi pale and weak. “Is she going to be okay?” he whispered to Alyssa, who nodded grimly back. “Where are you guys going?”
JC sighed, “We’ll tell you everything later, Lance. But right now, tell them we’ll have to record the stuff later. Right now, we’ve got something serious to settle. We’ll be back in a while, okay?”
Chris nodded on Lance’s behalf and Joey kissed Naomi on the cheek before rushing off to change the time of their recording.
Naomi smiled weakly at both Chris and Lance before she walked out of Jive with the help of Justin and JC.
Lance waved as they drove off in Justin’s car. A smile was plastered on his face but inside, he was breaking. He was worried about Naomi, and he felt torn that she couldn’t trust him as much as she did Justin and JC. His heart was breaking, his mind was spinning and if he had been alone at that very instant, he would have burst into tears.
Joey returned shortly and he mistook Lance’s anguished expression as one of worry. “Don’t look like that, Lance old boy. She’ll be okay. She just needs to get everything off her chest and then she’ll be able to tell us everything. It’s not our fault that she can’t open up to us as easily as she can to Justin and JC... but we never made the effort to learn more about her. And it’s okay. She looks up to us like we’re her brothers... but she needs to get a sense of calmness before she spills everything out to us. It’s amazing that she’s even going to share anything with us because she seems to be one to keep everything to herself... and it’s only been two weeks since we’ve known her.”
Lance looked at Joey and he forced a smile, “Thanks Joey. I know we’re all concerned about her but... oh, forget it.”
Lance went back into the recording booth and punched the door. “Dammit!” He cursed. He pushed the door shut and sank onto the floor.
Suddenly, he felt a very feminine touch on his shoulder. He looked up in amazement, and smiled when he saw it was Alyssa. “Hey.”
Alyssa knelt down next to him. “Hey.”
“I thought you went with them...?”
“I saw the look on your face, Lance, when Naomi told you guys to leave the room... and I saw the look on your face when she left Jive...” Alyssa wrapped her arms around Lance’s neck when she saw tears in his eyes. “I had to come back and be here for you, didn’t I? I had to lend you a shoulder to cry on when that’s what you need.”
Lance’s arms went around her and Alyssa felt comforted when he pulled her tighter to his hard body. “Thank you Alyssa,” he said huskily. His voice was cracking with emotion and Alyssa’s heart went out to him. “I know I’m being stupid... but I can’t help it. I mean, I’ve only known her for half a month or so, and I’m already feeling this way. It’s... I mean... what am I doing?”
Alyssa smiled despite herself, “You’re listening to your heart, that’s what. Lance, I never knew your feelings ran this deep for her. I thought she was just someone you cared about as more than a friend.”
“I think my feelings for her developed overnight. The first time I saw her in the lift, and when she fell into my arms... I just lost it. What do I do now?”
Alyssa stroked Lance’s hair and leaned her head against his shoulder, “Talk to JC later. Find out what you want to know. And then... go for it.”
Lance leaned back a little to look at Alyssa. “You mean she’s gotten over... her problems?”
Alyssa smiled grimly, “I think today’s episode is going to force her to realize what she’s missing. There’s been a lot of pain in her life... but she’s going to make it.”
“I... Alyssa, I don’t know how to tell her what I’m feeling. I can’t work up the nerve just to go to her and say, ‘Hey, Naomi, I like you’... and I don’t know if I just like her... or if it could be more than that. I mean, when I first saw her, I was... wow! And when I got to know her, even for that short period in the dressing room, I was already amazed. She was everything I’d ever looked for in a girl... and the looks were just a bonus. She was sweet, funny, nice, friendly... but most importantly, she was always just Naomi. She never tried to be anything she wasn’t. Yeah, she’s crazy, she’s innocent, she’s... wonderful, period. I think the world of her... but I don’t know how to tell her. She doesn’t look at me as anything more than a brother.”
Alyssa wanted to reach out and take away all the hurt and confusion in Lance’s eyes. “She knows there’s something between you two,” Alyssa said, sighing in relief when Lance brightened at her words. “She told me that. I think she thought of the time your eyes met directly for the first time. I remember seeing her blush and when I looked at you, there was a sort-of blush on your face as well.”
Lance smiled slightly, “Does this mean I have a chance?”
“Only if you make one for yourself.”
Lance drew Alyssa close once more before releasing her gently and getting to his feet. “Thank you Alyssa... thank you... for everything.”
(Meanwhile, In Justin’s car)
JC squeezed Naomi’s hand gently as he sped down the road. “I’m going to take you to the same place we went to earlier today. Will that help you to relax any, Catch?”
Naomi nodded and drew in a deep, shaky breath. “Yes... that would help me a lot, Chase. I just want to go where I can forget I ever saw... forget I ever saw him again. I... don’t really want to think about it right now. Actually, I don’t ever want to think about it. Not in this lifetime. I just want to forget everything that happened and move on. But... after today, I guess I’m going to have to tell you and trust that everything will be okay.”
Justin reached forward from his seat in the back and squeezed Naomi’s shoulders reassuringly. “Do you trust me, Choc?”
“With my life.”
“Then know this - everything will be okay. It has to be,” Justin’s eyes were narrowed in determination and he felt comforted when Naomi squeezed his hands. “From the day we ate spaghetti together at your house, I promised myself I would protect you at any costs. I’d lay down my life for you, Choc. And I’d go to the ends of the world just to make sure you don’t get hurt again. Please believe me.”
“I believe you, Justin. Thank you.”
JC looked at the road ahead as Justin turned to him and said, “And to do that, I have to clarify a few things with you too, JC.”
“I know, Justin,” JC turned to meet Naomi’s eyes briefly before looking back at the road. “I know.”
TBC
Steal My Heart
(One hour later, At Naomi’s House)
“Hi James...” JC smiled and shook Naomi’s brother’s hand warmly. “It’s been a long time.”
“It has indeed, Chase,” James smiled then turned to Justin. “I’m sorry I don’t know who you are because you’re probably very, very famous but I’m afraid I don’t listen to boy bands very much... neither do I go around trying to memorize their names, favourite colors, birthdays, etcetera... so please forgive my ignorance.”
Justin looked shocked, “Uh... that’s okay... sir. I mean, I don’t expect everyone to enjoy listening to our music. Um, did you know we were coming over for lunch or should we go? Oh, by the way, I’m, um, Justin Timberlake.”
“Oh...” James’ eyebrows were raised playfully. “So you’re the guy Alyssa was swooning over the other day. And don’t bother leaving since you’re already here. I know the appetite of a growing boy... but I think we have enough to handle it.”
James extended his hand and when Justin shook it, James smiled. “Now, young man, you haven’t done anything to my sister here, have you? For one, you look too young to try any ‘monkey business’, and if I allow anyone near my sister, he’s got to pass a few of my, um, tests first.”
Justin’s eyes were wide. He didn’t have a clue what was going on. JC couldn’t help but laugh at Justin’s bewildered expression. “Um, I... well, I think Naomi’s a nice girl, but I’m, um, dating someone else. And, um, I don’t think I’d be able to pass your, uh, tests. Whatever they are. And... she’s a bit, uh, old for my taste.”
“Old? She’s in her early twenties but she has the maturity of a kid younger than your age... but, I suppose you’re right... you wouldn’t pass my tests anyway.”
Naomi giggled, “James, you’re scaring him!” She chided her brother, and nudged him towards the kitchen. “I’m hungry. What did you cook for lunch, bro?”
“No kiss, no hello, just a ‘what did you cook for lunch?’. Right... am I supposed to respond with a sickly sweet smile on my face?” James pouted.
Naomi laughed and kissed her brother on the tip of his nose. “HELLO BROTHER! IT’S SO NICE TO SEE YOU!” she winked at JC, who chuckled, when she saw the look on her brother’s face. “Now can I have my lunch with these guys?”
James looked down at her, “Oh yeah. I, um, had a feeling we’d have company so I cooked a little extra.” James squeezed Naomi’s shoulder affectionately, “The spaghetti’s in the kitchen. Help yourself.”
Naomi gave a squeal of delight and kissed her brother on the cheek, “Thanks James! Yummy spaghetti!” Justin giggled at her and shook his head. He smiled a ‘thank-you’ at James before following Naomi into the kitchen.
JC watched the two of them go before turning to James, “Sorry James. The site for the photo shoot was kinda far away... so I couldn’t get her back here any earlier.”
James smiled and nodded, “Don’t worry about it. You used to hang out with her until midnight when you were in the ninth grade. And I never worried about it. You’re a good boy, Chase. And I trust Naomi when she’s with you. I remember the first time you dropped by our house. I didn’t even try testing you. One look at the way Naomi was smiling at you and I knew you were a trustworthy one.” James smiled in a brotherly way and ruffled JC’s hair. “It’s in your eyes. Oh, and by the way, where’s Alyssa?”
JC grinned and scratched his head. “Oh! Chris is taking her out for lunch with Joey and Lance...” JC giggled at James’ confused expression. “Um, they’re the other group members of N’sync. Come on James, you have to have some idea!”
“Sorry,” James shrugged helplessly. “I think I have a bit of boy band research to do. Go along to the kitchen and help yourself. I still remember how you used to love my cooking. Guess you still do, huh?”
“Oh yeah, baby!” JC laughed. “Mmm... your cooking’s the best! There’s no one who can cook like you can, James.”
James smiled. “Oh, and by the way, I may not know their names, but I have to hand it to you, Chase... your band members sing excellently.”
JC smiled and headed towards the kitchen. “Thanks a lot, James. But, well, I knew that all along.”
James chuckled and went upstairs to his room.
When JC got to the backyard, he saw Naomi setting three plates of spaghetti onto the table. He went to help her and she smiled, “Did you and James talk about the band? He probably told you he does know Justin, didn’t he? Even though he doesn’t remember the names of the members in the boy bands, he knows every detail about Britney Spears.”
Naomi giggled at JC’s surprised expression, “Oops!” she said. “Why do I get the feeling I’ve just told you something my brother doesn’t want you to know?”
JC was giggling when Justin joined them at the table. “What?” he looked at them curiously when he saw they were trying not to laugh at him. “Is there something on my face? In my hair? What is it? Why are you guys laughing?”
“N... nothing,” Naomi said in between giggles. She sat down and tried to spoon spaghetti into her mouth but her shoulders were shaking from silent laughter and the fork hung in mid-air, halfway from her mouth.
JC sat down next to her and bit his lip. He shoved a spoon of spaghetti into his mouth and almost groaned when James’ cooking attacked his taste buds. “Oh man...” he nudged Naomi. “You have got to tell James what a wonderful cook he is. Damn I’ve missed this stuff. Mmm... heaven!”
Naomi rolled her eyes and chewed on her own forkful of spaghetti, “Obviously his cooking still gets to you. For goodness’ sake Chase, can’t you cook?”
“Well, yeah, I can. But there’s no way I’m even halfway as good as James. His cooking is just-”
“FANTASTIC!” Justin interrupted, his eyes sparkling. “Oh my god! JC, I so understand why you’re in love with this guy. I may just dump Britney, go for surgery and come over here and seduce your brother all for his cooking, Choc. Mmm... this stuff is incredible!”
Naomi laughed, “Well, don’t choke on it. I’m sure there’s more where that came from. You don’t have to wolf it down, Justin. It’s amazing how different both of you are... I mean, Chase is actually savoring the food slowly but you... you, Justin, are just wolfing it down. You’ve either been starved for days or you just can’t get enough of this. And since I know you can’t have been starved by someone as sweet as Aunt Lynn, I take it you can’t get enough of the spaghetti. That’s really sweet, Justin, but isn’t there a less, um, messy way you can show your love for my brother’s cooking?”
JC laughed and choked on the spaghetti. Naomi thumped him once on the back and he smiled. “Thanks, that always works.”
Justin rolled his eyes and swallowed another mouthful of spaghetti. “Naomi you are a total moron for not enjoying your brother’s cooking. I’d be thanking God for this guy every morning if I were you!”
“Unfortunately, you’re not me. James and I take turns to do the cooking around here, so don’t worry. I help out, um, occasionally, and my cooking is just as good as his is. So don’t underestimate these precious hands of mine.”
Justin rolled his eyes but JC nodded, “It’s true J. Her cooking is, well, almost as good as James’.”
Naomi ate another fork of spaghetti with a sigh, “Well, I guess that will have to do. And don’t look at me like that Justin! Don’t you know Chase never praises me? I mean, he’s always criticizing me over any and every thing he can, so anything he says about me that’s nice you know it just absolutely has to be true.”
Justin looked at JC for confirmation. JC grinned and nodded, “Yeah. I remember there was this once she was writing an essay for school. Catch came over to my house and showed it to me after she was done. I told her she’d probably fail and she giggled. She said she hadn’t really tried her best. So I forced her to sit down and write a whole new essay. She wouldn’t let me read it but I watched her write it. And just by looking at the effort she put in, I knew she was going to get an A. The next day, she handed both essays to the teacher. And I was right. She failed the first one miserably but aced the other one.”
“We are just too honest with each other,” Naomi concluded. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Justin smiled at the both of them, “Sounds like you guys have a long, long history, huh? So Lance was right after all.”
Naomi and JC looked curiously at him, “What did you say, Justin?”
“Huh? Oh, nothing... nothing...”
JC and Naomi stared at Justin for a moment before turning to each other and shrugging. Justin almost laughed out loud. They had an identical look on their faces. Then his shoulders dropped and he chewed thoughtfully on his spaghetti. So who’s side am I on here? There is definitely something between JC and Choc. And they look so... good together. And they understand each other. But Lance... he is in love. Well, JC hasn’t said anything yet, so I’m going to worm it out of him. Maybe after I understand his side of the story, I’ll be able to see who’s side I should be on. Justin smiled when Naomi licked some tomato sauce off of her chin. Well, no matter who’s side I’m on, that guy better be able to bring Choc happiness. Because I’m not going to let anyone hurt her, no matter what.
(At Lance’s house)
“Hey Alyssa!” Lance called from the kitchen. “Can you help me set the table...? Sorry the other guys had to leave so suddenly, but I think they don’t like my apartment as much as you do. And they’re not all that keen on home-cooked food either. Or... maybe it’s just that they’re not too keen on my cooking.”
Alyssa giggled, “That’s okay.” She pulled the cupboard open and took two plates out of it. “That’s funny...” she mused. “This almost seems like home. Everything is put exactly like home...”
Lance emerged from the kitchen just as Alyssa finished setting the table. He smiled at her and put a piece of lasagna on her plate. “Sorry if it tastes a little burnt. I’m not the best cook in the world and... well, actually, this is micro-waved.”
Alyssa giggled, “Can micro-waved lasagna taste burnt?”
Lance grinned sheepishly, “Well, you’re talking to the famous N’sync klutz here, so... yeah, I think it can.”
Alyssa raised her eyebrows as Lance sat down opposite of her. “Don’t look so worried. It’s just lunch, Lance. Lighten up!”
Lance nodded but his face remained tense. Alyssa gave up trying to make him any less nervous and took a small bite, smiling because Lance was watching her nervously. He bit his lip when she grimaced. “Okaaaayyyy... Lance, I think I’m beginning to believe you when you say you can’t cook.” She forced a smile, trying to swallow the funny-tasting food in her mouth. “Look, why don’t I do the cooking next time round?”
“Next time round?”
“Yeah... you don’t think I’m going to let you off that easily for making me eat burnt, micro-waved lasagna, do you?”
Lance sighed and relaxed in his chair. Alyssa was enjoying the joke at his expense but at least he felt at ease. “At least it’s not going to poison you. Be grateful for that, Alyssa. There was once I, um, well, the other guys, uh, well, they had food poisoning after eating something I cooked.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened and she resisted the urge to spit out her food. “Um... okay... Lance, I think you shouldn’t have shared that bit of information with me.”
Lance giggled at her expression. “Don’t worry... it wasn’t burnt, micro-waved food that did it. It was, well... I was trying to cook spaghetti and...”
Alyssa choked on her lasagna. It was halfway down her throat when she started laughing. She laughed so hard that tears came to her eyes. Lance watched her laugh and couldn’t help but giggle along with her.
“Oh... I’m so... sorry Lance... I... oh... the idea of you guys... getting food poisoning... because of spaghetti... oh, I’m... I’m sorry...” Alyssa was gasping and trying to get the words out of her mouth in between her laughing fit.
Lance shook his head, trying to stop his laughter. “Alyssa... your... laughter is... is really... contagious.” He gasped and inhaled a few deep breaths. “I’m sorry... I shouldn’t have said that. Maybe we should go out for lunch instead?”
“And risk the chance of you being mobbed by girls?” Alyssa shook her head. “Oh hell no! I want you all for myself today, even if it’s just for lunch. If those screaming girls take one step towards you, there’ll be no end to them.”
Lance blushed at Alyssa’s words and she almost kicked herself when she realized how dirty she sounded, “Uh-oh. I didn’t mean it that way, Lance. Don’t get the wrong idea. I just... oh man, this is embarrassing.”
Lance smiled at her stuttering. “It’s okay. I know what you meant. Yeah, it does get kind of crazy around here when the girls swarm to us... sometimes I just want to block it all out. You know, I want to be able to go to the park... or go for a swim... or something like that, without having to worry about being attacked by crazed females.”
Alyssa nodded, “I know you don’t believe me, but I know exactly what you mean. There are times I wish I could go to the beach, stretch out and relax without having to face the stares of about a thousand men, young and old, each time.”
Lance laughed, “Sounds like your life is pretty hectic as well.”
Alyssa chuckled, “Like you wouldn’t believe.”
“Try me.”
“Well, there were some students who actually came up to me and proposed. Can you beat that? I was amazed and a little scared by it all. Naomi had one or two suitors as well, but... I don’t know, I think her aloofness kept most of them at bay. And, well, I think she scared a few of them. I mean, you’ve seen her. She acts herself all the time. And sometimes that’s not how a teacher should act,” Alyssa giggled. “But she was a lot of fun. And the teachers got a lot of laughs at her expense. But sometimes... well, when she just acts as she likes, the students got scared. And I think that kept most of them attracted to me, rather than her. But underneath, she’s got a really good heart. Pure and innocent, that’s her.”
Alyssa smiled when she saw Lance’s interest. This boy has got it baaaaaddd, she thought to herself. Lance blushed when he realized how he must have looked. “I’m sorry. I know you probably think I’m crazy. In all honesty, I think I’m nuts too. I mean, I barely know that girl and... ha! Well, I barely know you and I’m spilling everything out to you. I think I should probably shut up now.”
“No!” Alyssa protested. “Please, go on. We may have just met, but I feel like I’ve known you since a long time back. Of course, there’s no way that is possible. I mean, how many people end up like JC and Naomi? But I, well, it just feels like I understand you. I know it sounds weird. But our tastes are so alike. My house looks almost the same as yours. I know where you kept all your plates and everything without even having to ask. It’s almost as if you were there in my life all along.”
Lance’s eyes widened, “Well, you see, I... I kinda like Naomi. It’s probably pretty obvious, but like you said, she’s innocent. I know she doesn’t get it. Well, you’ve probably told her everything, so she should know now that I’m paying her more attention than I probably should, but...”
“How do you know I told her?” Alyssa asked, amazed.
“I... I don’t know. I guessed. And I guess you asked her how she felt about JC too. Because if I’m not wrong, you care about her more than you will care about any other guy and you needed to know if she would mind if you started going out with him as... you know, more than a friend.”
“Dammit Lance... you’re really starting to scare me here.”
Lance laughed, “I’m scaring myself. But I could see so much of me in you. I mean, I’m definitely going to ask JC how he feels about Naomi before trying to go after her myself. But... I need to know something... if I asked her out in, say, a few weeks... would she agree, do you think?”
Alyssa sighed and shook her head, “I’m sorry, Lance. I can’t say for sure, but I seriously doubt she’s going to start dating anyone anytime soon.” Alyssa held up a hand when she saw Lance about to ask why. “I can’t tell you why, and I’m sorry. She’s getting over a few... um, problems now. She needs more time. You’ll be able to tell when she’s ready. And if you can’t, JC will be able to. Well, I guess he’ll be completely honest with you if you ask him about Mayo. And if I’m not wrong, he’ll say the same thing Mayo said to me.”
“What’s that?”
“That even if he likes her, you should go after her because as long as she’s single, you have a chance.”
“Naomi said that to you, huh?”
Alyssa nodded and sighed, “I’m not sure if she likes JC, but there was just something in her eyes... I could tell she wasn’t all that willing to see me and JC going out together. But, well, she’s not the selfish kind... and she not going to go out with anyone yet. I’m sorry Lance, but she isn’t ready to accept anyone in her life yet. If JC doesn’t tell you when she’s ready, I will. And then it’ll be up to you.”
Lance pressed his lips together and nodded slowly, sighing softly, “I understand. Thanks Alyssa. Well, let’s eat, okay?”
Alyssa nodded uncomfortably and took another small bite out of her piece of lasagna. “Um, Lance?”
“Hmm?”
“I’m sorry...”
“Don’t apologize... it’s not your fault.”
“I wasn’t talking about Naomi...”
“Huh?” Lance looked confused. “Then what-”
“I’M SORRY BUT CAN WE GO OUT AND GET SOMETHING ELSE TO EAT? I’m going to absolutely die if I have to swallow another mouthful of this stuff!” Alyssa burst out then bit her lip. “I’m sorry.”
Lance stared at her for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Come on Alyssa. Let’s go get some pizza.”
“Thank you Lance!”
(Two Fridays later, In James’ Jaguar)
Since the day they had spaghetti together, Justin and Naomi had become closer than ever and they would usually hang out together with JC. Lance and Alyssa were closer as well. Alyssa had told Lance how she felt about JC and the two of them were getting along very well. They were like best friends and already fast becoming inseparable. Alyssa was driving that morning, and for once, they didn’t have the music on. Their friendship was becoming a little bit strained and Naomi knew they would have to talk it out.
“Alyssa...”
“Naomi...”
Both of them spoke at the same time in the exact same tone.
Alyssa sighed and pulled over. “We need to talk.”
“Uh-huh,” Naomi agreed.
“Well... Mayo, you know that you mean more to me than anyone in the world, besides my parents. But lately, we haven’t been talking much. You’ve been busy with the guys and you’ve been hanging out with Justin and JC a lot lately.”
Naomi nodded, “And you’ve been going around with Lance a lot. So even though we sleep in the same room in the same bed at night, we’re just too exhausted or too embarrassed to talk anymore, that’s it, right?”
Alyssa bit her lip, “As much as I hate to admit it... well, yeah.”
Naomi took in a deep breath, “What can we do about it, Ally?”
“I don’t know. Let’s talk, Naomi.”
“Right here?”
“Right here.” Alyssa bit her lip, wracking her brain for something, anything to talk about. “What have you been doing with Justin and JC this week?”
“Well...” Naomi began. “I love hanging with them. Justin’s like the younger brother I never had. I mean, he and I are so alike. I just never knew it before. I think he and Britney are good for each other. She’s a nice girl... I’ve talked to her on the phone a few times... and she’s not petty at all. She doesn’t mind the fact that Justin and I are always out together, or that there are millions of girls throwing themselves at Justin’s feet. She trusts him completely and I can tell from her tone that she’s in love with him. And from the way his eyes shine every time he talks to or about her, I guess he’s really deeply in love with her too.”
Naomi paused, then continued, “We’ve become really close, me and Justin. And I know he’s the kind of person who would die to protect those he care about, because I’m like that too. And I can safely say that I’m one of those few lucky people on his list. And he’s on my list as well... my extremely short list. James, you, Chase, Justin... you guys are the few people I’ve let see inside of me. I know I’m healing really quickly now, and that’s good. I think I may even be able to summon the courage to tell them about Marcus soon.”
Alyssa smiled when Naomi said Marcus’ name without any hesitation. “I know you still like Chase, Ally,” Naomi told her best friend. “But I don’t understand why you’re not making any moves yet.”
“I’m going to, Mayo. Really soon.”
Naomi grinned when she heard the determination in Alyssa’s voice. “Well, I wish you luck,” she giggled. “And now, what have you and Lance been doing?”
Alyssa giggled when she heard Naomi’s mock stern tone. “Oh, I’ve been giving him cooking lessons.”
“You’ve been doing WHAT?”
“You heard me,” Alyssa laughed. “Cooking lessons.”
Naomi giggled, “Wow... does everything you do have to be associated with teaching, Ally?”
“Well, now that you’ve mentioned it... yeah.”
The two girls laughed and they knew their friendship was salvaged. With each word they had spoken, their bond had been rebuilt. And now they were even closer than before. Still laughing, Alyssa gunned the engine and sped the rest of the way to Jive.
When they reached Jive, Naomi jumped out of the car and waved to Alyssa as she went in search for a parking lot. Naomi turned and banged abruptly into someone’s chest. “Ouch! Sorry!” she looked up and blushed when she saw it was Lance. He was rubbing his chest and smiling sheepishly.
“Sorry,” he said. “I saw Alyssa and, um, I came to wait for her. And I saw you so I thought maybe I’d say hi.” He chuckled, “Well, I said ‘sorry’ but no hi. So... Hi Naomi!” Naomi giggled when Lance smiled brightly.
“Hi Lance,” Naomi smiled. She gave him a quick kiss on the lips before waving to Justin, who had just pulled up in front of Jive’s main entrance. He waved back, a huge grin on his face. “Well, I’ll catch ya later, Lance!” Naomi smiled as she ran over to Justin.
Lance smiled back, a stunned expression on his face. He ran his fingers gently over his lips, “Sweeeeeet,” he giggled.
Lance watched as Justin slung his arm carelessly around Naomi’s shoulder and they walked into Jive, side by side. He sighed but brightened considerably when Alyssa patted him comfortingly on the shoulder, “Hey big boy.”
“Hey yourself,” he smiled at her.
“I, uh, had a good talk with her this morning. She’s getting over the her problem. Maybe you can make your move in a month or so. She should be okay by then.”
Lance glanced at Alyssa apprehensively, “You think?”
“Definitely.”
Lance smiled, “Thank you, Alyssa. But why don’t you make your move on JC yet?”
Alyssa shrugged, “I want to wait till you’ve had that talk with him, Lance. I need to know how he feels about Naomi. I mean, I don’t want to butt in where I’m not wanted, you get what I mean?”
Lance nodded, “Mmhmm... okay, I think I’m going to have a good talk with the guy tonight.”
“Tonight?” Alyssa’s eyes were wide.
“Yep... well, part of it is so you can make your move, but the other part is so I can have peace of mind.” Lance admitted slyly.
“Ahh...” Alyssa giggled, the shock fading from her face. “Killing two birds with one word, eh? Smart, Bass. Real cute.”
Lance batted his eyelashes. “Why thank you, my dear. Now why don’t we get in there? Ladies first.”
Alyssa screamed and giggled when Lance hauled her up onto his shoulder. “Don’t dirty your feet now, darling.”
Alyssa was still giggling light-headedly when Lance set her down inside Jive. She linked hands with Lance and they marched into the recording booth, hand-in-hand. Alyssa almost screamed at the sight that met her eyes and Lance’s eyes were wide with shock.
Justin had Naomi in his arms. Her eyes were closed, her breathing was ragged and Justin was shaking her wildly. “Choc? Naomi? Wake up, girl! Don’t scare me like this! Come on! Wake up!”
“Justin! Justin, what’s wrong with her?” Alyssa screamed, rushing up towards them. She stroked Naomi’s face with shaking hands. “Lance... go get some water and a towel! Come on, hurry!”
Chris and Joey strolled into the room just as Lance pushed past them to get out. “Hey, what’s wrong with him?” Chris asked. Then he saw Naomi. Joey’s eyes were bulging and Chris went pale. “What’s wrong with her? Where’s JC?” Joey yelled.
JC walked into the room just in time to hear Joey’s shouts. He was tensed up at once, “What’s wrong Joey?” he took a few steps forward and saw Naomi lying, ashen-faced, in Justin’s arms. Justin was panicking and Alyssa was standing helplessly at a side. JC knew what to do. He pulled Justin down and Justin squatted, glad that JC was taking charge. JC rummaged through Naomi’s handbag, his fingers shaking. He pulled out a small bottle of smelling salts. The corners of his mouth twitched into a small smile as he waved it under her nose.
Naomi stirred and opened her eyes weakly just as Lance rushed back. He sighed and took a few steps back when he saw that JC had already woken her up. He leaned against the wall dejectedly. What am I thinking? It’s good that she’s awake. I’m just sore because I wasn’t the one who woke her. Is life always this ironic? I think I have a chance to play the knight in shining armor but - wham! - my chance is taken from under my nose.
No one noticed Lance as JC and Justin helped Naomi into a sitting position. She coughed and took a few deep breaths to steady herself. JC wiped the perspiration off of her face. He was worried when he saw the look of fear in her eyes. “What’s wrong, Catch?” he asked softly, pushed her hair out of her face.
Naomi was the colour of sour milk and just when Chris thought she couldn’t go any paler, she did. Alyssa watched Naomi with a growing worry. Anxiety with gnawing at her and she was on the verge of breaking down. She was glad when she felt Lance’s hand squeeze her shoulder comfortingly. She looked up at him with a small smile on her face but that disappeared when she saw the misery in his eyes. He sighed softly and tried to smile.
Alyssa wasn’t fooled for one second, but there was nothing she could do about it. At that moment, her focus was all on Naomi. “What’s wrong? Why...”
Justin shrugged when Naomi didn’t reply, “Please Choc... tell us what’s wrong... honey... we can’t help you unless you tell us.”
JC licked his lips nervously. He didn’t like what he was seeing. To him, it was obvious that Naomi was struggling not to burst into tears. There was a fear so intense in her eyes, he couldn’t bring himself to look at her. “There’s something serious going on here, I can see it in your eyes, Catch. Tell me... everything.”
Naomi gulped in some air. Her heart was pounding wildly against her chest and tears were quickly filling her eyes. She looked up and blinked a few times to get rid of the tears. Then she turned slowly to look at JC, then Justin, then Alyssa, and lastly, Lance. She bit her lip and tried to say something, but her voice stuck in her throat and she couldn’t get any words out. Alyssa squeezed her hand worriedly.
Naomi cleared her throat and tried again. Although she was pale, shocked and still dizzy, she managed to say, “I... I have something to tell JC and Justin. Can... can you guys go out for a while? I... I’ll tell you all everything when... after I’ve told these two. Ally! Wait... stay with me too.”
Naomi felt bad about telling the other guys to scram, but she knew she wouldn’t be able to say anything unless she had first told the three closest to her everything about everything. Lance sighed and went out with Chris and Joey at his heels. They smiled understandingly at Naomi and she was relieved to know that they understood she needed some private time with the three closest to her heart.
“Ally... I...” None of them prompted her when Naomi faltered. They knew she needed to calm down before she could actually tell them anything. “I... I saw Marcus. He’s here. He... he knows I’m here too.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened in shock, “WHAT?” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. JC looked from one girl to the other and when he saw that even Alyssa was turning pale, his eyes widened in fear and worry.
Justin tightened his grip on Naomi and he hugged her tightly. “Calm down, Choc. Take a deep breath... good girl. Now back up a bit and tell us everything. Tell us who this Marcus is. And why you... collapsed... after seeing him. Take it slow, girl... now... tell us.”
“I... I don’t know how to start.”
“Why don’t I tell them for you?” Alyssa offered gently.
“NO!” all three voices shouted.
“Whoa... okay, okay... it was just, um, a suggestion. Okay, my lips are sealed. Naomi, you tell them.”
“If she can’t even tell us, how is she ever going to face up to this Marcus guy?” JC questioned and Justin nodded in agreement.
“I need to do this by myself,” Naomi whispered. “But Ally... I’m so scared. I don’t even want to think about it anymore. How am I supposed to relive it all over again. How can I tell them anything?”
Alyssa squeezed Naomi’s hand, “Look, let’s go for a drive. It’ll help to calm your nerves and we can be sure no one’s around.”
Justin nodded, “Okay. Let’s go in my car. JC, you drive.” Justin threw JC the keys as they supported Naomi out of the room.
Lance looked up when the door slowly opened. His face fell when he saw Naomi pale and weak. “Is she going to be okay?” he whispered to Alyssa, who nodded grimly back. “Where are you guys going?”
JC sighed, “We’ll tell you everything later, Lance. But right now, tell them we’ll have to record the stuff later. Right now, we’ve got something serious to settle. We’ll be back in a while, okay?”
Chris nodded on Lance’s behalf and Joey kissed Naomi on the cheek before rushing off to change the time of their recording.
Naomi smiled weakly at both Chris and Lance before she walked out of Jive with the help of Justin and JC.
Lance waved as they drove off in Justin’s car. A smile was plastered on his face but inside, he was breaking. He was worried about Naomi, and he felt torn that she couldn’t trust him as much as she did Justin and JC. His heart was breaking, his mind was spinning and if he had been alone at that very instant, he would have burst into tears.
Joey returned shortly and he mistook Lance’s anguished expression as one of worry. “Don’t look like that, Lance old boy. She’ll be okay. She just needs to get everything off her chest and then she’ll be able to tell us everything. It’s not our fault that she can’t open up to us as easily as she can to Justin and JC... but we never made the effort to learn more about her. And it’s okay. She looks up to us like we’re her brothers... but she needs to get a sense of calmness before she spills everything out to us. It’s amazing that she’s even going to share anything with us because she seems to be one to keep everything to herself... and it’s only been two weeks since we’ve known her.”
Lance looked at Joey and he forced a smile, “Thanks Joey. I know we’re all concerned about her but... oh, forget it.”
Lance went back into the recording booth and punched the door. “Dammit!” He cursed. He pushed the door shut and sank onto the floor.
Suddenly, he felt a very feminine touch on his shoulder. He looked up in amazement, and smiled when he saw it was Alyssa. “Hey.”
Alyssa knelt down next to him. “Hey.”
“I thought you went with them...?”
“I saw the look on your face, Lance, when Naomi told you guys to leave the room... and I saw the look on your face when she left Jive...” Alyssa wrapped her arms around Lance’s neck when she saw tears in his eyes. “I had to come back and be here for you, didn’t I? I had to lend you a shoulder to cry on when that’s what you need.”
Lance’s arms went around her and Alyssa felt comforted when he pulled her tighter to his hard body. “Thank you Alyssa,” he said huskily. His voice was cracking with emotion and Alyssa’s heart went out to him. “I know I’m being stupid... but I can’t help it. I mean, I’ve only known her for half a month or so, and I’m already feeling this way. It’s... I mean... what am I doing?”
Alyssa smiled despite herself, “You’re listening to your heart, that’s what. Lance, I never knew your feelings ran this deep for her. I thought she was just someone you cared about as more than a friend.”
“I think my feelings for her developed overnight. The first time I saw her in the lift, and when she fell into my arms... I just lost it. What do I do now?”
Alyssa stroked Lance’s hair and leaned her head against his shoulder, “Talk to JC later. Find out what you want to know. And then... go for it.”
Lance leaned back a little to look at Alyssa. “You mean she’s gotten over... her problems?”
Alyssa smiled grimly, “I think today’s episode is going to force her to realize what she’s missing. There’s been a lot of pain in her life... but she’s going to make it.”
“I... Alyssa, I don’t know how to tell her what I’m feeling. I can’t work up the nerve just to go to her and say, ‘Hey, Naomi, I like you’... and I don’t know if I just like her... or if it could be more than that. I mean, when I first saw her, I was... wow! And when I got to know her, even for that short period in the dressing room, I was already amazed. She was everything I’d ever looked for in a girl... and the looks were just a bonus. She was sweet, funny, nice, friendly... but most importantly, she was always just Naomi. She never tried to be anything she wasn’t. Yeah, she’s crazy, she’s innocent, she’s... wonderful, period. I think the world of her... but I don’t know how to tell her. She doesn’t look at me as anything more than a brother.”
Alyssa wanted to reach out and take away all the hurt and confusion in Lance’s eyes. “She knows there’s something between you two,” Alyssa said, sighing in relief when Lance brightened at her words. “She told me that. I think she thought of the time your eyes met directly for the first time. I remember seeing her blush and when I looked at you, there was a sort-of blush on your face as well.”
Lance smiled slightly, “Does this mean I have a chance?”
“Only if you make one for yourself.”
Lance drew Alyssa close once more before releasing her gently and getting to his feet. “Thank you Alyssa... thank you... for everything.”
(Meanwhile, In Justin’s car)
JC squeezed Naomi’s hand gently as he sped down the road. “I’m going to take you to the same place we went to earlier today. Will that help you to relax any, Catch?”
Naomi nodded and drew in a deep, shaky breath. “Yes... that would help me a lot, Chase. I just want to go where I can forget I ever saw... forget I ever saw him again. I... don’t really want to think about it right now. Actually, I don’t ever want to think about it. Not in this lifetime. I just want to forget everything that happened and move on. But... after today, I guess I’m going to have to tell you and trust that everything will be okay.”
Justin reached forward from his seat in the back and squeezed Naomi’s shoulders reassuringly. “Do you trust me, Choc?”
“With my life.”
“Then know this - everything will be okay. It has to be,” Justin’s eyes were narrowed in determination and he felt comforted when Naomi squeezed his hands. “From the day we ate spaghetti together at your house, I promised myself I would protect you at any costs. I’d lay down my life for you, Choc. And I’d go to the ends of the world just to make sure you don’t get hurt again. Please believe me.”
“I believe you, Justin. Thank you.”
JC looked at the road ahead as Justin turned to him and said, “And to do that, I have to clarify a few things with you too, JC.”
“I know, Justin,” JC turned to meet Naomi’s eyes briefly before looking back at the road. “I know.”
TBC