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[Het] [N'sync] [PG-13]
Steal My Heart
Naomi’s eyebrows were raised in surprise and it took her a second to catch her breath, “Phew! Chase, when did you start driving like JUSTIN? In other words, when did you start driving like a LUNATIC?”
JC smiled sheepishly and hopped out of the car. He helped Naomi out of the car before leading her down a path. After they walked for a few minutes in silence, Naomi finally realized where they were heading. “Chase... this... it’s the-”
JC nodded before she could finish her sentence. “The exact place, Catch.”
“Oh my god!” Naomi covered her mouth with her hand. “Chase, it’s seems like forever since we were last here...”
JC smiled at Naomi’s shocked expression. They were at a deserted beach. There wasn’t a soul in sight. The sand seemed to sparkle in the moonlight and the waves were gently lapping against the shore. A light breeze blew gently over the surface of the water, and white foam appeared. The serenity of the atmosphere was something JC had sorely missed. His life was a whirl of buzz and excitement and most of the time he wished he could just hide from the rest of the world till he had gotten enough time to clear his thoughts.
Naomi tugged at his arm, hurrying him along. JC smiled at her impatience and innocence. “Okay, I’m coming, I’m coming...”
Naomi giggled as the breeze flirted with her hair and her soft curls tickled her neck. She felt so at ease with the world and she smiled at JC. “Thank you Chase. This is... it’s just so... it’s too good to be true.”
JC ruffled her hair and grinned, “Any time, Catch. Any time.”
Naomi grinned at her own words. She pulled JC and they fell in a laughing heap onto the soft sand. They wrestled playfully for a few minutes, rolling over each other in the sand. JC managed to pin Naomi under him and they laughed as Naomi squirmed under his grasp. His eyes met hers and abruptly, they stopped laughing. The beach sounded strangely quiet as their laughter was carried away by the wind.
JC’s breath stuck in his throat. His eyes traveled over Naomi’s hands, up her arms, over the necklace he had given her so long ago, to her beautiful face, to her lips and finally his eyes slammed into hers. Naomi was breathing heavily, and it wasn’t because of the playful wrestling match she had just had with JC, but instead, because of the way his eyes seemed to be searching hers... he seemed to be searching deep into her soul...
Naomi gazed up at JC and suddenly realized his nearness. Her hands were pinned tightly to her side and his grip on her made her gulp. Her eyes wandered over his chest as it heaved up and down, his face, his lips... and finally they rested on his intense blue eyes. She could hear him panting and his breath felt strangely warm against her cheek.
They stayed like that for what seemed like eternity. Then, slowly, JC lifted his hand and stroked her cheek, brushing a few curls of hair away from her face. Naomi felt a tingle rush down her spine at his touch and her cheeks burned. Slowly, almost nervously, JC leaned closer and closer to Naomi. She swallowed nervously, tilting her head so he would have easier access to her lips. Both of them drew in their breaths and waited for the magic moment when their lips would meet. His lips were hovering only centimeters above her own.
Naomi closed her eyes, waiting expectantly, almost impatiently, for what she knew was about to come...
“Hey! This looks like the perfect place! Come on!”
JC opened his eyes and jerked back quickly at the noise. What was I doing? What was I thinking? How could I just... I was using her vulnerability! I... how could I? He almost kicked himself for his stupidity. He got off of Naomi quickly and dusted himself.
A group of youngsters were making their way across the sand. They were laughing and joking and didn’t seem to have noticed either of them. JC hoped they wouldn’t recognize him. He bit his lip, extended his hand and helped Naomi up, brushing the sand off of her clothes. She looked as embarrassed and uncomfortable as he felt. “Um...”
“It’s okay,” Naomi quickly stopped him before he could continue. “I mean... you don’t have to explain anything. What happened just now was... all a mistake. We... I... just don’t bring it up in front of the others.” Naomi forced a smile, “You know what they’re like. We’ll be teased like hell.”
JC forced a weak chuckle, “Yeah.”
Naomi licked her lips and sat back down on the sand. “Um...”
“Do you remember when we first came here?” JC asked, sitting next to her, but putting some distance between them. He was trying desperately to get her mind off of the awkward moment. What had started out as an innocent outing was now ruined. And all because of one stupid move on his part.
JC relaxed a bit and sighed thankfully when Naomi’s childish excitement returned and the uneasiness on her face disappeared. “Yeah,” she smiled. “I’ll never forget that day. We were sitting here and talking...”
“Chase, why did you bring me here?”
“Well, I’m leaving for High school soon, Catch,” JC sighed softly when Naomi leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I don’t want you to go, Chase.”
“I don’t want to go either, Catch. But... I have to.” Naomi was on the verge of tears and JC could feel tears coming to his eyes. He pretended to wipe his face with his hand as he swiped his tears away. He couldn’t and wouldn’t cry. Fifteen year-old boys never cried. And he didn’t want Naomi to see how miserable he was feeling. He didn’t want her to know that her friendship was the most important thing in his life because that would be admitting that he was weak when she wasn’t around. And he didn’t want her to know that there was nothing he wanted more than to be able to spend each and every day of his life with her.
Naomi’s lips were trembling when she next spoke, “Will... will you forget me when you go, Chase?”
JC shook his head vehemently. “No! I’ll... I’ll never forget you, Catch. I promise.”
Naomi smiled when JC wrapped his arms around her and wiped her tears gently away. “I’ll miss you, Chase.”
“I’ll miss you too, Catch.”
Naomi pressed her lips against JC’s cheek and laughed at the stunned look on his face. She was only twelve, but she had already grown attached to JC. And she was more mature than anyone knew. She was childish in some ways but she knew, deep down, that she was more mature than anyone believed her to be. Most girls her age would believe in promises like the one JC had just made her. But Naomi knew, with a sinking heart, that promises like those were hard to keep. JC would make new friends, and there was a high chance that she would be forgotten after a few months.
She sighed and her tiny hands squeezed JC’s larger ones. JC smiled despite his sadness and tilted his head to look at Naomi. “I’ve got something to give you,” he told her, hoping to lift her spirits. He was relieved when her eyes brightened and she smiled. He pulled two necklaces out of his pocket and handed one to her.
Naomi stared at the heart and then turned to JC and looked funnily at him. “Why’s the heart broken, Chase? I don’t want a broken heart. When your heart is broken, you cry. I don’t want you to cry, Chase.”
JC smiled at her childish innocence. That was what he loved about her. She never failed to brighten his day with a silly comment and one smile from her was all he needed to make it seem like everything would be okay. She was his lifeline and his hope, and she would always be there for him. Just like he would always be there for her.
“Look at this, Catch,” he told her, joining both necklaces together. The broken hearts fitted together and the bears on either side seemed to be reaching out to each other with big smiles on their faces. “When we’re apart, I’ll be really sad. But I just have to look at this and think of you, and all my sadness will be wiped away. When we’re apart, I feel broken. But when we’re together, everything feels right again.”
Naomi smiled. She knew JC didn’t expect her to understand a word he was saying, but surprisingly, she did. “I like this necklace, Chase. I’m going to keep it with me everyday and it will remind me of you. So I won’t feel so lonely or lost anymore.”
JC looked at her with a genuine smile on his face, “Do... do you really understand what I’m trying to say, Catch? That I really mean it when I say I won’t forget you? And that this necklace is like a symbol of our love for each other?”
Naomi nodded solemnly. “I understand, Chase. I know you don’t think I’m old or mature enough, but I understand. Truly.”
JC tightened his grip on her shoulder and swallowed painfully. There was a lump in his throat and he kissed Naomi’s head. “Thank you for everything you’ve given me, Catch. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t thank me, Chase.” Naomi’s eyes closed and a peaceful expression spread slowly across her young face. “I didn’t do anything to deserve a friend like you. I didn’t do anything to deserve the love, encouragement and help you’ve given me. I didn’t do anything to deserve the-”
“The hurt you’re feeling because I’m leaving. You didn’t do anything to deserve the pain and bewilderment that you’re too young to understand and comprehend. You didn’t do anything to deserve the fear that I’m going to forget you.” There was a pain so intense in JC’s voice that Naomi flinched when she heard it.
“Don’t worry about me, Chase,” Naomi tried to reassure her best friend, but when he looked at her and she saw the lost look in his eyes, tears began falling down her cheeks. “Yes, I’m scared and I’m worried and I don’t understand why the people I love seem to be leaving me one by one, but...”
JC knew that Naomi meant the death of her parents and his leaving for high school, but he was worried, not only by her tone of voice, but also, by her choice of words. “I swear I’m not leaving you, Catch. I’ll may not be with you everyday, but I’ll always be in your heart, remember that.”
Naomi shook her head. “But I’m scared. I don’t think I can keep going on without you Chase. You’re the one who’s made me try my best through everything terrible, and I’m scared that once you leave, I’ll give up.”
“No!” JC protested wildly, “You can’t ever give up, Catch! Promise me... promise me that no matter how hard it seems, you won’t give up.”
Naomi looked so young and frightened that JC closed his eyes and pulled her to him tightly before gently releasing her and looking into her pale blue eyes. “Come on, Catch, please. Promise... me...”
Naomi opened her mouth and the words came out so softly JC had to lean forward to hear her. “I promise, Chase.”
He smiled in satisfaction and held her close, burying his face in her long, wavy hair. “Good. Then there’s nothing to worry about.”
Naomi nodded, “I’m going to do my best... and the necklace is going to help me. Because then I’ll know that you’re always with me, even though you’re far, far away.” Naomi knew her words didn’t make any sense, but she also knew that JC understood perfectly what she was trying to say.
She smiled at him, fitting the necklaces together again. Her smile grew even wider when she read the completed message on the hearts. “Love... ya... forever...” Naomi smiled as she added in a final word of her own. “JC.”
He smiled and hugged her, “Love ya forever... Naomi.”
JC smiled, the memory imprinted deep in his mind. He knew, without a doubt, that the promise she had made to him was what had kept her going throughout everything. Naomi hugged herself and thought back to all the tough times she had been through and survived... survived because the one person she had always counted on, the one person who she knew would always love her, he had always... been... there...
JC reached into his jeans pocket and felt an uncanny sense of calm when he felt the necklace still lodged there. The only time he had worn it was the day he had given the other half to Naomi. It just wasn’t right for a growing boy to be seen wearing a necklace with a bear and half a heart hanging off of the chain. But he had carried it around with him everywhere he went. No matter what the event, the necklace had always been somewhere close to him. And it had always given him the reassuring feeling that no matter what, Naomi would always be there for him.
Naomi smiled when she saw JC reaching into his pocket. She saw his fingers tighten around something and knew at once what it was. She was smiling at him when he pulled his hand out of his pocket and turned to face her. “What?” he asked quizzically, puzzled by the knowing, impish look on her face.
“Have you ever taken that necklace out of your pocket?”
JC grinned roguishly at Naomi’s evil question. “Oh yeah... but only to put it into another pocket.”
He smiled at Naomi and she smiled back. The uneasiness of the moment was gone and he sighed in relief when she leaned her head against his shoulder. His arm went around her shoulders and he pulled her tighter to himself. She sighed contentedly and stared out at the waves, smiling softly when JC gently placed a beautiful coral in her palm.
“Thank you Chase.”
JC only smiled in reply. Naomi shivered a little when the wind blew a mite stronger. JC grinned at her and shrugged off his jacket. He planted it firmly on her shoulders and looked sternly at her when she started to protest. “Shut up, Catch. I’m a big boy now and you’re gonna catch a cold if you don’t keep warm.”
Naomi grinned at JC’s words. She shrugged and said, “Whatever you say, boss... whatever you say.”
JC and Naomi stared at the open waves for a few minutes before Naomi sighed. JC looked at her tenderly. “What’s wrong, Catch?”
“I... I was just worrying.”
“About what?”
“About... Lance.”
JC inhaled sharply and bit his lip. “Oh... Lance... right...” JC wanted to slap himself. How could I forget that Lance likes Catch? I almost kissed her, for crying out loud! And... what am I feeling for Alyssa now?
Naomi and JC were wrapped up in their own thoughts as they continued to stare out into the waves. Naomi sighed softly a few times and began to sway slightly to the motion of the waves. Up... down... up... down... the rhythmic movement of the waves and of JC’s breathing soon lulled her into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
JC smiled down at her tranquil face and forgot all about Lance and Alyssa for a minute. He leaned his cheek gently against her head, glad that she had finally managed to drift to sleep. He couldn’t help noticing how beautiful she looked. Her wavy hazel hair was blowing in the breeze and a few soft ringlets were curling gently against her cheek. Her eyes were closed peacefully and her breathing was deep and even. JC sighed comfortably, closed his eyes and finally gave in to the exhaustion that had been gnawing at him all day.
Up... down... up... down... the teenagers watched the couple breathing peacefully and in time in front of them. They looked so peaceful together, lying in each other’s arms. “When I grow up, I want a boyfriend to hold me exactly like that,” whispered one of the girls, a dreamy, love struck expression on her pretty face.
And slowly, an arm crept protectively around her shoulders.
TBC
(The next morning, At Naomi’s house)
“Where the hell is she?” Alyssa ranted, nervously chewing on her fingernails. “Her bed looks like it’s been slept in and that’s what worries me! When was the last time she left her bed unmade, James?”
“Once when she was late for school in the first grade.” James replied with an equally worried expression on his face. “And she didn’t even bring her cell phone, for crying out loud! Where could she be?”
Lance licked his lips nervously, “Uh... I know I probably seem like an outsider in all this but... did you guys try JC’s phone?”
James’ eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. He looked about ready to kiss Lance. “Lance, thank God you’re here!” James practically ran to pick up a phone and dialed JC’s number.
A very sleepy JC picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“JC?”
“Uh... who is this?”
“It’s James!” James was on the verge of cracking. Waking up to find Alyssa screaming about Naomi’s unmade bed was not his idea of a good start to the morning. “Do you have any idea where Naomi is?”
There was a pause. “Uh... James... I know this is gonna sound bad but...”
“WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU TWO?”
JC flinched at the sound of James’ fury. “Um... we... well, we kinda went out last night and...”
“I don’t want explanations! It’s six fifty-five in the morning!” James roared, pacing the floor agitatedly. “I want Naomi back here in one piece and I want her back here in fifteen minutes! Can you manage that? Because if you can’t, you’re going to have to manage living without your head for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!”
Alyssa was giggling and Lance couldn’t hide a chuckle. “Um... why did you call me, Al? This is really none of my business and...”
“None of your business?” Alyssa hissed. “This was a chance for you to play hero! And you did! James is gonna love you, sweetie. You found Naomi! Hello in there? Do you have any idea how grateful James is gonna be?”
“Yeah, I guess, but...” Lance shrugged. “This is wrong, Al.”
“Hey, did anyone say Robin Hood was wrong when he stole from the rich to give to the poor?” Alyssa challenged.
“Uh... no, but I don’t see what wealth has to do with this.” Alyssa almost laughed at Lance’s amused expression.
“So it doesn’t... history was never my thing anyway.” Alyssa shrugged and Lance giggled. “But what I’m trying to say is that... well, grab the opportunity. If James trusts you with Naomi, you’re on a quick road to success, honey.”
James was still ranting at JC when Lance sighed and shook his head. “Poor JC. He’s probably going to have a sore ear by the time James is through with him.”
Alyssa giggled and nodded, “Mmhmm.”
James was hollering into the phone, “And if you EVER, I repeat, EVER, do this again, I am going to ban you from ever seeing Naomi.”
Alyssa’s head whipped up at James’ comment and Lance almost did a double-take. JC was quite sure he was having a heart attack and Naomi was white with shock. She snatched the cell phone from JC’s frozen hand and screamed at her brother, “JAMES! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING?!”
“What am I saying?” James snorted. “What’s wrong with you? That’s what I want to know. Leaving the house in the middle of the night without even telling me where you’ve gone... do you know how worried I was about you? Alyssa was so worried she called Lance and he drove over here at SIX THIRTY in the morning!”
Naomi’s eyes almost popped out of her head. “Alyssa was up so early?”
“I, um, I used your food tactic.” James admitted.
At the same time, Alyssa’s eyes were wide with victory, “He remembers your name, Lance! Oh my god! There is, like, so much hope for you!”
Lance shrugged and grinned, “And here I thought I was famous.”
“Well, you are...” Alyssa admitted. “Just not in James’ book.”
“But that’s beside the point!” James was saying. “I mean, how can you just walk out of the house at twelve forty-five in the morning and spend the ENTIRE night at a beach with a guy? People could get the wrong idea!”
“What idea?” Naomi almost laughed. “Why would they even bother trying to concoct stupid ideas like that about me? For crying out loud, James! The only other people who were at the beach were a bunch of teenagers!”
“Oh.”
“What do you mean ‘oh’?” Naomi demanded. “What the HELL do you mean ‘oh’?” Naomi took a few deep calming breaths when JC patted her reassuringly on the shoulder. “Look James, I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry I left like that last night, but I didn’t think we would take the WHOLE night.”
Naomi’s cheeks turned red when she realized what it sounded like she was saying. JC’s eyes were wide with fear and he used his finger to draw an imaginary line across his neck. “What do you mean you didn’t think it would take the whole night? What the hell did you and him do at the beach?”
“I meant that I didn’t think we would fall asleep at the beach after talking. I thought we’d go for a drive and then go home!” Naomi’s cheeks were slowly losing their red colour and she quickly thought of what to say.
“Well... in all honesty, I don’t really care what you thought you were going to do and I’m not really sure I want to know. What I do need to know is what you actually did at the beach last night.” James’ voice had a dangerous edge to it and Naomi knew he was losing his patience. Both of them had very short tempers when it came to protecting each other and although Naomi knew he was doing it for her well-being, she couldn’t help feeling angry.
“Fine. You will get the explanation when we walk in that door. Until then, goodbye!” Naomi clicked off the phone and threw it back to JC who caught it and dumped it in the back of his car.
“I swear I will never pick up another phone call from James again!”
Naomi sighed. “Oh yeah... and I think you’re right about the ‘we-are-so-dead’ thing.” Both of them drew an imaginary line across their necks and shook their heads. “I just hope he’s cooled down before we get back... for his sake.”
James slammed down the phone when he realized Naomi had hung up. “Dammit! I am going to kill that girl!”
Alyssa smiled sweetly and said, “Um... now that we’ve found her, I guess everything’ okay. So, uh, maybe you should relax a little, James.”
“Relax?” James chuckled bitterly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “You were the one screaming about Naomi’s bed being unmade.”
“Well, yeah. But now I know she’s okay. So I’m cool.” Alyssa patted James gingerly on the shoulder. She was acting like he was a live bomb expected to go off at any second. And in truth, he was something like that.
“Um, why don’t we... grab a bite to eat?” Lance suggested, hoping to ease James’ anger, which he did very successfully. James smiled and nodded, saying, “I heard you’re taking cooking lessons from this young lady here. Well, I doubt her cooking could be half as good as mine, but you’re welcome to give it a shot.”
“What?” Lance was astonished. “Me? Cook? Here?”
Alyssa nodded and laughed, “Yep. You... cook... here.”
“Uh...” Lance blushed modestly. “Well, I don’t think I should. I mean, I may just wreck your kitchen, James.”
James laughed, “I doubt that’s even virtually possible, Lance. Naomi does about as much damage as an elephant in there... so you can’t really hurt it much.”
“Uh... well... if you’re sure...”
“Come on, Lance! Show me some spirit! Get in there and cook me a few dishes!” James chuckled, nudging Lance in the direction of the kitchen.
“Oh okay.” Lance said reluctantly as he entered the kitchen. He picked up a pot and looked at it in surprise. He stuck his hand through the hole at the bottom and pulled his hand out again. He held the pot up to his face and Alyssa giggled when she saw his surprised expression through the hole at the bottom. “Uh... James?”
“Mmhmm?”
“Why is there... a... a hole... in the bottom of the pot?”
James looked up quickly from the newspaper he was reading. “Oh! That!” James giggled nervously and a pink tinge appeared on his cheeks. “Um, well, I... Naomi made me do that!” James declared and then held up the newspaper again, in case Lance started asking any other embarrassing questions.
“Uh... James?”
“What now, Lance?”
“You’re reading the newspaper upside-down.”
“Oh.” James smiled brightly at the two giggling youngsters as he turned the newspaper
the right way around. “It’s always good to test your IQ in the morning. Don’t laugh. It’s true. You try it sometime.”
Lance simply smiled sweetly, batted his eyelashes and nodded. Alyssa was so overcome by giggles that she had to sit down and catch her breath. After finding some unharmed cookery, Lance proceeded to beat the eggs.
Alyssa looked at James with an impish grin on her face. “Oh James...?”
James looked up at her and knew from the expression on her face that he was not going to like what she had to say. “Uh... yes?”
“About that broken cookery...”
“Uh-huh... what about it?”
“It wouldn’t happen to be the pots and pans that CLATTERED NOISILY when Naomi told you you would never be able to figure women out, would it?” Alyssa smiled a sickly sweet smile and looked at James expectantly.
James looked totally freaked out and Alyssa resisted the urge to giggle when she saw his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he tried to swallow. “Uh... Alyssa?”
“Mmhmm?”
“You’re really scaring me here.”
“I know, James.” Alyssa cackled wickedly. “It’s my job.”
James shuddered and practically ran back to his room. “Call me only when Lance is done!” he yelled.
Alyssa laughed and turned back to watching Lance as he carefully poured the eggs into the frying pan. She shook her head and giggled when he yelped, “The bacon is burning!” She ran into the kitchen and took the saucepan off of the cooker, burning her finger in the process. Lance looked at her and grinned sheepishly, “Sorry.”
Alyssa shook her finger and shook her head, “It’s okay. Everyone makes blunders once in a while.”
Lance grabbed her hand and looked at her finger, examining it carefully. Alyssa bit her lip, smiling slightly when she saw the frown creasing his forehead. He pressed some salt over the burn and Alyssa flinched when the pain increased tenfold. Lance gripped her hand tightly then rubbed the salt carefully around her burn before cautiously wiping it off.
“Sorry,” he apologized again.
She shook her head, “It’s okay, Lance. Stop apologizing before you turn into a broken record.”
Lance giggled. Alyssa couldn’t help thinking how gorgeous he looked. The intense look on his face as he treated her burn... Lance noticed her expression and lifted her chin gently so her eyes met his. “What’s wrong, Al?”
“I... nothing.” Alyssa shrugged it off. “I was just...”
Alyssa broke off when Lance’s eyes locked on hers. They stayed gazing into each other’s eyes and Alyssa lost herself in the moment. His green eyes had never looked as beautiful to her as they did then. Just as Alyssa was about to reach up and brush his hair out of his face, James ran into the kitchen, screaming, “What’s that burning smell?!”
Lance snapped out of his daydream and turned to find the eggs burning over the stove. “Not the eggs too!” he wailed and Alyssa giggled at his distraught expression. “I’m so sorry, James! But I did warn you.”
James opened and shut his mouth in disbelief. “Honestly, Lance...” he managed to mutter. “You are the one and only guy I’ve seen who’s managed to BURN scrambled EGGS! Especially when your cooking teacher is this very special lady who claims to have better cooking skills than even I do! And the fact that she’s a teacher... honestly, Alyssa... after this episode, I’d hate to see how your students in college turn out!”
Alyssa pretended to pout as Lance washed the mess and threw away the burnt food. “It’s not his fault! And it’s not my fault either! Blame it on your broken cookery!”
James shrugged, a smirk on his face. “A bad workman always blames it on his tools...” he told her.
Alyssa giggled. “Only thing is, we’re not workmen.”
James groaned. “WHATEVER Alyssa. Why don’t you and Lance go outside and play while I prepare a little something-”
He was interrupted by the ringing of the door bell. James’ eyes widened when he remembered Naomi. He ran out to open the door like his life depended on it. “Naomi?” he hugged his sister so tightly that she couldn’t breathe, much to the others’ amusement. “Oh, it’s good to see you. Are you okay?”
Naomi straightened herself and smiled anxiously, “Uh... yeah, I’m fine... um, listen James, about last night...”
JC stepped forward but still remained outside the house. He looked nervous about going in, especially since he wasn’t sure if James had forgiven him. Or if he was even welcome inside anymore. James didn’t invite him in, but he didn’t turn him away either. “So... what do you have to say for yourself, young man?”
“Um, I’m sorry I took Catch out last night and worried all of you... but nothing happened, honestly! We went to the beach and we talked about Marcus...”
James looked in disbelief at Naomi. “You told him everything you were feeling? You stopped bottling it inside of you?”
Naomi nodded, smiling. “Yes... and I feel much better after getting everything off my chest.”
“You see, you really didn’t need to worry about us, sir.” JC spoke respectfully, still worried about James’ temper. “And... well, I intended to bring her back once she fell asleep, because I didn’t think she’d be able to get any sleep at home... but I, um, I fell asleep as well. I’m sorry.”
James sighed and shook his head. He placed his hand on JC’s back and pushed JC into the house, closing the door behind him. JC sighed with relief and thanked James. “Just make sure you leave a note at least the next time you try this.”
Naomi smiled and jumped up to hug her brother. “Thank you James!”
James couldn’t resist a smile, “You are a headache, Naomi! A big headache I can’t wait to get rid of!”
Everyone knew James was kidding. Naomi was all he had in the world and there was nothing he wanted more than to hold onto her for as long as he could. James dropped a kiss on Naomi’s forehead before shuffling into the kitchen to cook breakfast for them all.
The four of them crowded around the table in the backyard and talked as they waited for James to finish. Alyssa plopped down next to JC and kicked Lance, signaling for him to grab the chance to sit next to Naomi. Although she was still a bit dazed by the moment they had shared a few minutes ago, Alyssa knew Lance was dying to talk to Naomi and she didn’t blame him in the slightest.
JC and Naomi looked shyly at each other for a second before sighing and turning to talk to the two sitting next to them. Naomi hadn’t been able to completely shake the feelings raging in her when she had woken up and found herself leaning comfortably against JC. And the kiss they had almost shared the night before... it kept replaying over and over in her head. Naomi tried to forget about it... but it just wasn’t possible.
“Are you feeling okay, Naomi?” Naomi glanced up when she heard the concern in Lance’s voice. His tone made her feel warm and tingly all over. When their eyes met, she quickly looked away, feeling the blush rising to her cheeks again.
“I’m fine, thank you Lance.”
“Um, Naomi... I was wondering... do you think maybe one day we could... you know, go out for lunch together?”
Naomi’s head jerked upwards when she heard Lance’s words. “Are... are you asking me out on... on a date, Lance?”
Lance licked his lips nervously and forced a smile. Her expression sent a tingle down his spine and he gulped as he said, “Uh... yeah, I guess I am.”
Naomi’s mouth went dry and it felt like someone had just stuffed cotton into it. “I...” she was about to turn him down when she saw the hope radiating out of his eyes like sunshine. Then she remembered what she said to Alyssa. ‘...he’ll know that I’m open for challenges now... So if he asks me out on a date, I’m going to say ‘yes’...’
“I would love to, Lance,” Naomi wondered if she was lying for a moment, before realizing she really would like going out to lunch with him. She liked him, as she had said before, because he was nice. But she wasn’t sure if she liked him that way.
Lance brightened at her words and amazement shone from his eyes. Naomi had to hide a smile with her hand. He was so different from her, she realized. He was so open with his emotions that he found it difficult to hide what he was feeling while she... she had never been able to express herself through her face. Somehow, her facial features seemed to be glued into place and it just didn’t feel natural for her to frown, cry or show emotion as easily or as frequently as she wanted to.
Naomi smiled at Lance and he smiled back. He couldn’t believe his luck. I can’t believe it! Naomi actually agreed to go out with me... on a date! Thank you Alyssa! I owe you big time, girl!
Lance glanced over to where Alyssa was talking to JC. He giggled when something Alyssa said made JC blush. Naomi kicked Alyssa under the table, clearly warning ‘watch it, Ally. You’re not doing this right.’ Alyssa raised her eyebrows, pursed her lips and then brightened and said, “Was Mayo a good girl last night?”
JC blushed and Alyssa couldn’t help thinking how handsome he looked. “Uh... no comment.”
Alyssa grinned, “Come on, JC, I’m not interviewing you. Relax. I seriously think you’re too stressed up to understand the meaning of fun.” She pretended to pout, “I think we might even have to send you for therapy. Don’t worry, I’m a good doctor. I can do more then just, um, mess with the mind.” Alyssa winked and JC’s eyes widened as he grinned back.
“I have no qualms about your medical skills whatsoever, Alyssa,” JC smiled serenely at her, acting completely innocent to her double meaning. “I’m sure your, uh, physical skills are, um, in top condition.”
Now it was Alyssa’s turn to blush. She giggled and crossed one leg over the other. “Ahh... am I sensing a hint of sarcasm here?”
“Oh no... no sarcasm at all.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened when she caught JC’s double meaning. Naomi looked surprised, and in all honesty, a little disgusted. “I’m sorry...” she said quickly when she caught both JC and Alyssa’s reaction to her expression that only they could see. “I don’t mean it like that. I think I’m just too, um... naive. I...” Naomi shrugged guiltily. “Sorry.”
Alyssa grinned and blew her fringe out of her eyes. “Naomi, you are far from innocent if you caught our double meanings. And this is all done out of fun and good-will so don’t worry your pretty little head over it, okay?”
Naomi nodded, grinning widely. “Just pretend I’m not even here and I’m going to pretend I don’t hear a word.”
Lance nodded, “I’m with you,” he told Naomi.
Alyssa shrugged. “Aww... come on, Lance. Naomi I can understand. But you? This is just a little fun and sarcasm in the morning. Lighten up, you two!”
JC laughed, “Forget it, Alyssa. I don’t think it’s such a good idea having an audience watch our little act of stupidity.”
Alyssa grinned and was just about to say something when James emerged from the kitchen. “Breakfast is served,” he said, handing plates of eggs, bacon and sausages to the four hungry people in front of him.
“As you can see, none of it is burnt.” James said slyly as they started eating. Lance blushed and Alyssa giggled.
“Don’t you bully him, James.” She warned. “He is my student and it was just a slip-up just now.”
James shrugged, “WHATEVER Alyssa.”
Naomi giggled, “I think that’s becoming a favourite line of his, Ally.”
JC laughed, “You and James really sound alike, don’t you? I mean, that sounds like what you always say to me, Catch.”
Naomi grinned and shrugged, “Whatever you say, boss... whatever you say.”
“There, you see?”
They were all laughing when Justin burst into the backyard. “GOOD morning!” he smiled sweetly at the four shocked faces and one smiling face that met him. “I just followed my nose and sniffed some bacon and sausages. I’m starving, James. Do you think you’ve got any leftovers? I wouldn’t even mind licking the plates clean!” Justin offered.
Naomi smiled at him and giggling, “Have a seat, Curls. James, I forgot to mention I lent Justin the spare keys to our house the other day. Now I see why you were begging for them, Justin. You wanted to bless us with your, um, long awaited presence. And grab a bite at the same time! Am I right?”
“You know me far too well, Choc,” Justin beamed at her.
James sighed loudly in mock disappointment, “Well, there goes the food supply in this house.”
They started laughing as James trudged back into the kitchen.
(One hour later, In Justin’s car.)
“Choc... how was your, um, outing with JC last night?”
Naomi turned to glare at him. “Oh, I get it... you purposely pushed Lance out of your car just now so you could get the details out of me! Well, you can jolly well stop the car and let me get out, Justin, because I’m not telling you anything.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing.” Naomi gave him a mock angry look. “So don’t you even try worming anything out of me, you little sneak!”
“Sneak! Me?” Justin looked flabbergasted and Naomi laughed. “I would never try to pry into something this important, Choc. I just thought maybe you’d want to share your, um, exciting night out with me. I’m sorry if I offended you. Friends?” Justin gave her a penitent smile and Naomi giggled.
“Justin, you sucker.”
“Oh, now I’m a sucker, am I?” Justin pretended to pout and Naomi stifled a giggle. “Fine Choc. You-”
“Justin, what is it you want to know exactly?” Naomi questioned, giggling when Justin raised his eyebrows.
“Wow... Choc, do I get the answers out of you so easily?”
Naomi sighed. The truth was, she really wanted to sort out her feelings. And this time, talking to JC would be out of the question. “I made him promise he wouldn’t say a word but I need to sort this out with you. But you have to promise you don’t mention a word to anyone. I know this will probably be nothing more than a piece of interesting news to you... but to me, it means a whole lot more.”
Justin was a little unnerved at her seriousness. “I... okay, I promise I won’t mention this to anyone.”
“Um, well... last night, I... well, Chase and I... we almost kissed.”
“Almost kissed?” Justin asked, confusion written all over his face. “How do you almost kiss?”
Naomi clutched Justin’s arm as he swerved in and out of the stream of cars, trying to make a quick turn. “Slow down, Justin! Do you want to get us killed? How am I supposed to tell you this if you’re trying to fling me out of a car window at the same time?”
“Sorry!” Justin held his hands up in apology, almost swerving into the car next to them. He gulped when the driver gave them a menacing look and held up a fist. “Sorry again!” he yelped when he felt Naomi’s long fingers pinch his skin.
Naomi relaxed in the seat when Justin slowed down. “I can’t help it!” he told her, by way of apology. “I just have to drive over the speed limit or I feel like I’m going at tortoise speed! The guys know how crazy my driving is, but I forgot this was one of your first times in a car with me behind the wheel.”
Naomi sighed, “As long as I’m in a car with you, you’re as sure as hell not going to drive at a hundred and sixty miles per hour! That’s crazy driving, Justin!”
Justin bit his lip and pulled a face, “Aww but-”
“NO Justin!”
“Okay, okay!” Justin looked at her curiously. “Tell me again, how did you and JC almost kiss?”
“Well, we were wrestling in the sand and... and he kind of managed to pin me down under him... then... well, we were staring at each other and it was just before we... kissed... when a group of kids came along. And then, he jerked back. It was like he had been slapped in the face. At least, that’s how I felt. And I don’t know how I feel about him. I think maybe being alone with him at the beach has a bad effect on me.”
Naomi looked so guilty that Justin reached over impulsively and squeezed her hand, “Look Choc, just listen to your heart. It seems as though you and Lance are a bit closer too, huh? I saw the way you kept sneaking glances at him through breakfast.”
Naomi’s face turned red, “I... he asked me out on a date. He said maybe we could go for lunch one of these days...”
“And?”
“And I accepted.”
“You WHAT?”
“I know, I know!” Naomi bit her lip in frustration. “I shouldn’t have done that since I’m still not clear on my feelings for him...”
“No, I didn’t mean that! I meant you WHAT? You ACCEPTED? I never thought I’d live to see the day! This... this is incredible! I’m so proud of you, Choc!” Justin was positively beaming and Naomi couldn’t help but laugh.
“I think, though, that you are all being a bit too, um, perspective about this. You know, you’re being too practical about it. There are no reasons for people to fall in love. Have you ever wondered why I’m the only one with a girlfriend? And I’m the youngest in the group!” Naomi nodded and Justin chuckled as he went on, “I think it’s because I’m rash and impulsive and I don’t use my head so much.”
“That’s obvious,” Naomi giggled when Justin threw her a dirty look.
“As I was saying, love can’t be analyzed, Choc. When you fall, you fall. When it hits you, it hits you. There’s no reasoning and there never will be. Just enjoy this roller coaster ride... who knows? You may come out realizing you never had a fear of heights! You may realize that the person you thought was the one... may not be the one after all.”
Justin’s words hit Naomi’s like an arrow through the heart. “You’re talking about Marcus, aren’t you?”
Justin smiled and nodded, “Sweetie, you can’t hide from your feelings forever. I just wish JC and Lance could figure that out as well. You are the most innocent girl I’ve ever met, considering your age... and I know these words will do something for you. For the others, they may just forget, or read too deeply into them. I know you will take them as they’re meant. I don’t mean that I know who the right one is, but you know. Your heart knows. Stop thinking so much and start feeling.”
Naomi smiled, “You know something, Justin? You’ve got more brains than they give you credit for.”
Justin smiled slyly at her, “Ahh... but you’re not as innocent and childish as they think you are.”
Naomi grinned at him, “I wonder if we really aren’t blood siblings. I think I’m letting you read far too deeply into me, Justin.”
“Ahh... but now I’m in, there’s no way you can force me out.”
“Thank you Justin.” Naomi smiled at him, “I know you mean well.”
Justin squeezed her shoulder affectionately, “Think nothing of it, Choc. You’re like an older and younger sister to me. Sometimes I wonder if you’re really as old as you claim to be. There are times you are so trusting... and yet, at other times, you give matters so much thought and you consider other people’s feelings so carefully that... you seem older than you really are.” Justin studied her reaction intently. “Just which one is the real you?”
Naomi smiled, “I think the real me varies in the middle of those two extremes.” Justin smiled back at her.
“Choc, I’m beginning to wonder if we really are related.”
And they giggled.
(Ten minutes later, At Jive.)
“Morning, Joey,” Naomi greeted as he planted a kiss on her cheek.
He gave her a lopsided grin and said, “Good morning pumpkin.”
Chris waved at them and giggled when Naomi kissed the tip of his nose, “Joey was right! Hell, I could get used to this morning routine thing!”
JC grinned and smacked Chris on the back of his head, “Could you get used to that too? About one thousand times a day?”
Chris pouted and rubbed his back sorely, “JUSTIN! Ask JC for a PIGGYBACK ride and make sure you dig your CLAWS into him!”
Justin laughed and held his hands up in front of him, “No way am I getting into this fight, man. JC can be vicious.” Justin winked at Naomi and she resisted the urge to punch the naughty look off of his face.
“Justin...” she said in a warning tone.
Justin shrugged and hid behind Joey as she advanced menacingly towards him. “I didn’t mean anything. Joey, save me!”
Joey looked from Justin to Naomi, to Justin again. “Uh... I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I do know that I don’t want to get mixed in the middle of it because she looks wicked and I like my head exactly where it is, thank you.”
Justin looked pleadingly at Naomi, “I swear it was an innocent remark. I’ll never make fun of JC again, honest!”
Chris grinned, “Naomi, sweetie, apple of my eye, could you make him swear the same thing about me?”
“Go to HELL, Chris!” Justin shouted.
Chris shrugged, “I was only asking.” He turned back to Naomi quickly with an evil smile on his face, “So how about it?”
“Chris...” Justin threatened menacingly.
“Okay, okay!” Chris jumped up and fell into a karate stance. “Don’t try any funny business, J-man, I know karate!”
Naomi giggled and wagged a finger in Chris’ face, “Chris, honey, don’t do anything to Justin or I’ll have to hurt you. You know I don’t want to have to harm a single hair on your head, don’t you? So don’t make me get nasty.”
Justin poked his tongue out at Chris, “I’ve got Choc on my side, Chris-y boy. So don’t even think about hurting me.”
“Justin, I’ll finish with you later.”
Justin gulped and made a face when Naomi’s words rang loud and clear. Chris yelled with laughter, “Oh Naomi, you are absolutely the best woman I’ve ever met in my life.”
Naomi smiled and blinked innocently, “Did I do something nice, Chris?”
“Oh yeah, baby!” Chris hooted. “You are the absolute best!”
Joey giggled and Lance grinned. JC shook his head at them, “Come on, guys, we need to get started on our recording.”
The other guys groaned and shuffled dejectedly into the recording booth. “Another day of torture...”
“Another day of pain...”
“Another day of sacrifice...”
“Another day of JC!”
Naomi giggled at Joey’s remark, “Come on, guys. Chase just wants everything to be perfect.”
“Too perfect!” Chris muttered. “A perfectionist, that’s our JC.”
Alyssa giggled and Naomi jumped. Alyssa had been so quiet during the whole conversation that Naomi had almost forgotten she was there. The two girls settled quietly onto the couches and once more, Naomi was entranced by the way the guys sang. They had the passion, the life and the love for music that Naomi once thought only JC had. She knew exactly why the five guys had become that famous - obsession. It was their obsession for music and determination to strive that they had come as far as they had.
Naomi smiled, JC had been right after all. The guys were treating her as usual, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Alyssa sighed and Naomi turned to look at her, “What’s wrong, Ally? You’re never this quiet. Is... did something happen in the car?”
Alyssa looked at Naomi and said, “No. That’s the whole problem. He’s not exactly responding the way I thought he would be.” Then a dreamy expression came over her face. “But at least he agreed to take me out on a date one day.”
“You asked Chase out? Or he asked you?”
“He’s so... reserved. It’s obvious I had to do the asking.” Alyssa sighed, “I wish he could be as direct as Lance is. I mean, I know I was sending mixed signals for a while there, but that was because I was waiting for you to get over Marcus and all. And now he’s the one blowing hot and cold. One minute, he’s flirting with me and playing that double-meaning game that you absolutely can’t stand and the next... the next he acts like we’re just friends. But he accepted my invitation for the date! That’s a sign, isn’t it?”
Naomi pondered over Alyssa’s question for a while before answering, “Definitely. I mean, Chase never goes on blind dates and he never does something without a reason.” Naomi smiled, “Good luck to you.”
“You too, Mayo.”
The girls waited patiently as the guys sang the same part of the song over and over again till it was absolutely perfect. When they were finally done with the part, the door opened and Lance came out of the room first, coughing. He shook his head and cleared his throat. But then he just started coughing all over again. Naomi’s eyes were wide with concern. She offered him a strepsil and he accepted it with a weak smile.
Justin helped him to a chair and Naomi pressed a hand anxiously against his forehead. “You don’t look good and you are absolutely burning up. Come on Lance, you should go home and get some rest.”
“I can’t,” Lance insisted in between his coughing. His eyes were red and his voice was hoarse. “We haven’t finished.”
Naomi rolled her eyes, “You are pale, your voice is hoarse, you can hardly stand and you want to finish the recording? Right Lance... you’re going to get a lot done in this condition, aren’t you?”
JC rested a hand on Lance’s shoulder, “The girl’s got a point. Go home, Lance, and we’ll finish up tomorrow, okay?”
Lance looked up and tried to smile when he saw the concern in Naomi’s eyes. “Okay.”
Naomi sighed in relief, “I’ll drive you home. Come on, Lance.”
Justin and Naomi helped Lance into the passenger seat of Justin’s car and he smiled at Naomi when she closed the door gently. He gave her a thumbs-up sign and ran back into Jive as she slid into the driver’s seat.
Naomi took one look at Lance’s pale face, gunned the engine and sighed, “I’m going to take Justin’s advice,” she whispered softly to herself. “I’m going to stop thinking with my head and start feeling... with my heart.”
TBC
Steal My Heart
Naomi’s eyebrows were raised in surprise and it took her a second to catch her breath, “Phew! Chase, when did you start driving like JUSTIN? In other words, when did you start driving like a LUNATIC?”
JC smiled sheepishly and hopped out of the car. He helped Naomi out of the car before leading her down a path. After they walked for a few minutes in silence, Naomi finally realized where they were heading. “Chase... this... it’s the-”
JC nodded before she could finish her sentence. “The exact place, Catch.”
“Oh my god!” Naomi covered her mouth with her hand. “Chase, it’s seems like forever since we were last here...”
JC smiled at Naomi’s shocked expression. They were at a deserted beach. There wasn’t a soul in sight. The sand seemed to sparkle in the moonlight and the waves were gently lapping against the shore. A light breeze blew gently over the surface of the water, and white foam appeared. The serenity of the atmosphere was something JC had sorely missed. His life was a whirl of buzz and excitement and most of the time he wished he could just hide from the rest of the world till he had gotten enough time to clear his thoughts.
Naomi tugged at his arm, hurrying him along. JC smiled at her impatience and innocence. “Okay, I’m coming, I’m coming...”
Naomi giggled as the breeze flirted with her hair and her soft curls tickled her neck. She felt so at ease with the world and she smiled at JC. “Thank you Chase. This is... it’s just so... it’s too good to be true.”
JC ruffled her hair and grinned, “Any time, Catch. Any time.”
Naomi grinned at her own words. She pulled JC and they fell in a laughing heap onto the soft sand. They wrestled playfully for a few minutes, rolling over each other in the sand. JC managed to pin Naomi under him and they laughed as Naomi squirmed under his grasp. His eyes met hers and abruptly, they stopped laughing. The beach sounded strangely quiet as their laughter was carried away by the wind.
JC’s breath stuck in his throat. His eyes traveled over Naomi’s hands, up her arms, over the necklace he had given her so long ago, to her beautiful face, to her lips and finally his eyes slammed into hers. Naomi was breathing heavily, and it wasn’t because of the playful wrestling match she had just had with JC, but instead, because of the way his eyes seemed to be searching hers... he seemed to be searching deep into her soul...
Naomi gazed up at JC and suddenly realized his nearness. Her hands were pinned tightly to her side and his grip on her made her gulp. Her eyes wandered over his chest as it heaved up and down, his face, his lips... and finally they rested on his intense blue eyes. She could hear him panting and his breath felt strangely warm against her cheek.
They stayed like that for what seemed like eternity. Then, slowly, JC lifted his hand and stroked her cheek, brushing a few curls of hair away from her face. Naomi felt a tingle rush down her spine at his touch and her cheeks burned. Slowly, almost nervously, JC leaned closer and closer to Naomi. She swallowed nervously, tilting her head so he would have easier access to her lips. Both of them drew in their breaths and waited for the magic moment when their lips would meet. His lips were hovering only centimeters above her own.
Naomi closed her eyes, waiting expectantly, almost impatiently, for what she knew was about to come...
“Hey! This looks like the perfect place! Come on!”
JC opened his eyes and jerked back quickly at the noise. What was I doing? What was I thinking? How could I just... I was using her vulnerability! I... how could I? He almost kicked himself for his stupidity. He got off of Naomi quickly and dusted himself.
A group of youngsters were making their way across the sand. They were laughing and joking and didn’t seem to have noticed either of them. JC hoped they wouldn’t recognize him. He bit his lip, extended his hand and helped Naomi up, brushing the sand off of her clothes. She looked as embarrassed and uncomfortable as he felt. “Um...”
“It’s okay,” Naomi quickly stopped him before he could continue. “I mean... you don’t have to explain anything. What happened just now was... all a mistake. We... I... just don’t bring it up in front of the others.” Naomi forced a smile, “You know what they’re like. We’ll be teased like hell.”
JC forced a weak chuckle, “Yeah.”
Naomi licked her lips and sat back down on the sand. “Um...”
“Do you remember when we first came here?” JC asked, sitting next to her, but putting some distance between them. He was trying desperately to get her mind off of the awkward moment. What had started out as an innocent outing was now ruined. And all because of one stupid move on his part.
JC relaxed a bit and sighed thankfully when Naomi’s childish excitement returned and the uneasiness on her face disappeared. “Yeah,” she smiled. “I’ll never forget that day. We were sitting here and talking...”
“Chase, why did you bring me here?”
“Well, I’m leaving for High school soon, Catch,” JC sighed softly when Naomi leaned her head on his shoulder.
“I don’t want you to go, Chase.”
“I don’t want to go either, Catch. But... I have to.” Naomi was on the verge of tears and JC could feel tears coming to his eyes. He pretended to wipe his face with his hand as he swiped his tears away. He couldn’t and wouldn’t cry. Fifteen year-old boys never cried. And he didn’t want Naomi to see how miserable he was feeling. He didn’t want her to know that her friendship was the most important thing in his life because that would be admitting that he was weak when she wasn’t around. And he didn’t want her to know that there was nothing he wanted more than to be able to spend each and every day of his life with her.
Naomi’s lips were trembling when she next spoke, “Will... will you forget me when you go, Chase?”
JC shook his head vehemently. “No! I’ll... I’ll never forget you, Catch. I promise.”
Naomi smiled when JC wrapped his arms around her and wiped her tears gently away. “I’ll miss you, Chase.”
“I’ll miss you too, Catch.”
Naomi pressed her lips against JC’s cheek and laughed at the stunned look on his face. She was only twelve, but she had already grown attached to JC. And she was more mature than anyone knew. She was childish in some ways but she knew, deep down, that she was more mature than anyone believed her to be. Most girls her age would believe in promises like the one JC had just made her. But Naomi knew, with a sinking heart, that promises like those were hard to keep. JC would make new friends, and there was a high chance that she would be forgotten after a few months.
She sighed and her tiny hands squeezed JC’s larger ones. JC smiled despite his sadness and tilted his head to look at Naomi. “I’ve got something to give you,” he told her, hoping to lift her spirits. He was relieved when her eyes brightened and she smiled. He pulled two necklaces out of his pocket and handed one to her.
Naomi stared at the heart and then turned to JC and looked funnily at him. “Why’s the heart broken, Chase? I don’t want a broken heart. When your heart is broken, you cry. I don’t want you to cry, Chase.”
JC smiled at her childish innocence. That was what he loved about her. She never failed to brighten his day with a silly comment and one smile from her was all he needed to make it seem like everything would be okay. She was his lifeline and his hope, and she would always be there for him. Just like he would always be there for her.
“Look at this, Catch,” he told her, joining both necklaces together. The broken hearts fitted together and the bears on either side seemed to be reaching out to each other with big smiles on their faces. “When we’re apart, I’ll be really sad. But I just have to look at this and think of you, and all my sadness will be wiped away. When we’re apart, I feel broken. But when we’re together, everything feels right again.”
Naomi smiled. She knew JC didn’t expect her to understand a word he was saying, but surprisingly, she did. “I like this necklace, Chase. I’m going to keep it with me everyday and it will remind me of you. So I won’t feel so lonely or lost anymore.”
JC looked at her with a genuine smile on his face, “Do... do you really understand what I’m trying to say, Catch? That I really mean it when I say I won’t forget you? And that this necklace is like a symbol of our love for each other?”
Naomi nodded solemnly. “I understand, Chase. I know you don’t think I’m old or mature enough, but I understand. Truly.”
JC tightened his grip on her shoulder and swallowed painfully. There was a lump in his throat and he kissed Naomi’s head. “Thank you for everything you’ve given me, Catch. Thank you so much.”
“Don’t thank me, Chase.” Naomi’s eyes closed and a peaceful expression spread slowly across her young face. “I didn’t do anything to deserve a friend like you. I didn’t do anything to deserve the love, encouragement and help you’ve given me. I didn’t do anything to deserve the-”
“The hurt you’re feeling because I’m leaving. You didn’t do anything to deserve the pain and bewilderment that you’re too young to understand and comprehend. You didn’t do anything to deserve the fear that I’m going to forget you.” There was a pain so intense in JC’s voice that Naomi flinched when she heard it.
“Don’t worry about me, Chase,” Naomi tried to reassure her best friend, but when he looked at her and she saw the lost look in his eyes, tears began falling down her cheeks. “Yes, I’m scared and I’m worried and I don’t understand why the people I love seem to be leaving me one by one, but...”
JC knew that Naomi meant the death of her parents and his leaving for high school, but he was worried, not only by her tone of voice, but also, by her choice of words. “I swear I’m not leaving you, Catch. I’ll may not be with you everyday, but I’ll always be in your heart, remember that.”
Naomi shook her head. “But I’m scared. I don’t think I can keep going on without you Chase. You’re the one who’s made me try my best through everything terrible, and I’m scared that once you leave, I’ll give up.”
“No!” JC protested wildly, “You can’t ever give up, Catch! Promise me... promise me that no matter how hard it seems, you won’t give up.”
Naomi looked so young and frightened that JC closed his eyes and pulled her to him tightly before gently releasing her and looking into her pale blue eyes. “Come on, Catch, please. Promise... me...”
Naomi opened her mouth and the words came out so softly JC had to lean forward to hear her. “I promise, Chase.”
He smiled in satisfaction and held her close, burying his face in her long, wavy hair. “Good. Then there’s nothing to worry about.”
Naomi nodded, “I’m going to do my best... and the necklace is going to help me. Because then I’ll know that you’re always with me, even though you’re far, far away.” Naomi knew her words didn’t make any sense, but she also knew that JC understood perfectly what she was trying to say.
She smiled at him, fitting the necklaces together again. Her smile grew even wider when she read the completed message on the hearts. “Love... ya... forever...” Naomi smiled as she added in a final word of her own. “JC.”
He smiled and hugged her, “Love ya forever... Naomi.”
JC smiled, the memory imprinted deep in his mind. He knew, without a doubt, that the promise she had made to him was what had kept her going throughout everything. Naomi hugged herself and thought back to all the tough times she had been through and survived... survived because the one person she had always counted on, the one person who she knew would always love her, he had always... been... there...
JC reached into his jeans pocket and felt an uncanny sense of calm when he felt the necklace still lodged there. The only time he had worn it was the day he had given the other half to Naomi. It just wasn’t right for a growing boy to be seen wearing a necklace with a bear and half a heart hanging off of the chain. But he had carried it around with him everywhere he went. No matter what the event, the necklace had always been somewhere close to him. And it had always given him the reassuring feeling that no matter what, Naomi would always be there for him.
Naomi smiled when she saw JC reaching into his pocket. She saw his fingers tighten around something and knew at once what it was. She was smiling at him when he pulled his hand out of his pocket and turned to face her. “What?” he asked quizzically, puzzled by the knowing, impish look on her face.
“Have you ever taken that necklace out of your pocket?”
JC grinned roguishly at Naomi’s evil question. “Oh yeah... but only to put it into another pocket.”
He smiled at Naomi and she smiled back. The uneasiness of the moment was gone and he sighed in relief when she leaned her head against his shoulder. His arm went around her shoulders and he pulled her tighter to himself. She sighed contentedly and stared out at the waves, smiling softly when JC gently placed a beautiful coral in her palm.
“Thank you Chase.”
JC only smiled in reply. Naomi shivered a little when the wind blew a mite stronger. JC grinned at her and shrugged off his jacket. He planted it firmly on her shoulders and looked sternly at her when she started to protest. “Shut up, Catch. I’m a big boy now and you’re gonna catch a cold if you don’t keep warm.”
Naomi grinned at JC’s words. She shrugged and said, “Whatever you say, boss... whatever you say.”
JC and Naomi stared at the open waves for a few minutes before Naomi sighed. JC looked at her tenderly. “What’s wrong, Catch?”
“I... I was just worrying.”
“About what?”
“About... Lance.”
JC inhaled sharply and bit his lip. “Oh... Lance... right...” JC wanted to slap himself. How could I forget that Lance likes Catch? I almost kissed her, for crying out loud! And... what am I feeling for Alyssa now?
Naomi and JC were wrapped up in their own thoughts as they continued to stare out into the waves. Naomi sighed softly a few times and began to sway slightly to the motion of the waves. Up... down... up... down... the rhythmic movement of the waves and of JC’s breathing soon lulled her into a peaceful, dreamless sleep.
JC smiled down at her tranquil face and forgot all about Lance and Alyssa for a minute. He leaned his cheek gently against her head, glad that she had finally managed to drift to sleep. He couldn’t help noticing how beautiful she looked. Her wavy hazel hair was blowing in the breeze and a few soft ringlets were curling gently against her cheek. Her eyes were closed peacefully and her breathing was deep and even. JC sighed comfortably, closed his eyes and finally gave in to the exhaustion that had been gnawing at him all day.
Up... down... up... down... the teenagers watched the couple breathing peacefully and in time in front of them. They looked so peaceful together, lying in each other’s arms. “When I grow up, I want a boyfriend to hold me exactly like that,” whispered one of the girls, a dreamy, love struck expression on her pretty face.
And slowly, an arm crept protectively around her shoulders.
TBC
(The next morning, At Naomi’s house)
“Where the hell is she?” Alyssa ranted, nervously chewing on her fingernails. “Her bed looks like it’s been slept in and that’s what worries me! When was the last time she left her bed unmade, James?”
“Once when she was late for school in the first grade.” James replied with an equally worried expression on his face. “And she didn’t even bring her cell phone, for crying out loud! Where could she be?”
Lance licked his lips nervously, “Uh... I know I probably seem like an outsider in all this but... did you guys try JC’s phone?”
James’ eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. He looked about ready to kiss Lance. “Lance, thank God you’re here!” James practically ran to pick up a phone and dialed JC’s number.
A very sleepy JC picked up the phone. “Hello?”
“JC?”
“Uh... who is this?”
“It’s James!” James was on the verge of cracking. Waking up to find Alyssa screaming about Naomi’s unmade bed was not his idea of a good start to the morning. “Do you have any idea where Naomi is?”
There was a pause. “Uh... James... I know this is gonna sound bad but...”
“WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU TWO?”
JC flinched at the sound of James’ fury. “Um... we... well, we kinda went out last night and...”
“I don’t want explanations! It’s six fifty-five in the morning!” James roared, pacing the floor agitatedly. “I want Naomi back here in one piece and I want her back here in fifteen minutes! Can you manage that? Because if you can’t, you’re going to have to manage living without your head for the REST OF YOUR LIFE!”
Alyssa was giggling and Lance couldn’t hide a chuckle. “Um... why did you call me, Al? This is really none of my business and...”
“None of your business?” Alyssa hissed. “This was a chance for you to play hero! And you did! James is gonna love you, sweetie. You found Naomi! Hello in there? Do you have any idea how grateful James is gonna be?”
“Yeah, I guess, but...” Lance shrugged. “This is wrong, Al.”
“Hey, did anyone say Robin Hood was wrong when he stole from the rich to give to the poor?” Alyssa challenged.
“Uh... no, but I don’t see what wealth has to do with this.” Alyssa almost laughed at Lance’s amused expression.
“So it doesn’t... history was never my thing anyway.” Alyssa shrugged and Lance giggled. “But what I’m trying to say is that... well, grab the opportunity. If James trusts you with Naomi, you’re on a quick road to success, honey.”
James was still ranting at JC when Lance sighed and shook his head. “Poor JC. He’s probably going to have a sore ear by the time James is through with him.”
Alyssa giggled and nodded, “Mmhmm.”
James was hollering into the phone, “And if you EVER, I repeat, EVER, do this again, I am going to ban you from ever seeing Naomi.”
Alyssa’s head whipped up at James’ comment and Lance almost did a double-take. JC was quite sure he was having a heart attack and Naomi was white with shock. She snatched the cell phone from JC’s frozen hand and screamed at her brother, “JAMES! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU SAYING?!”
“What am I saying?” James snorted. “What’s wrong with you? That’s what I want to know. Leaving the house in the middle of the night without even telling me where you’ve gone... do you know how worried I was about you? Alyssa was so worried she called Lance and he drove over here at SIX THIRTY in the morning!”
Naomi’s eyes almost popped out of her head. “Alyssa was up so early?”
“I, um, I used your food tactic.” James admitted.
At the same time, Alyssa’s eyes were wide with victory, “He remembers your name, Lance! Oh my god! There is, like, so much hope for you!”
Lance shrugged and grinned, “And here I thought I was famous.”
“Well, you are...” Alyssa admitted. “Just not in James’ book.”
“But that’s beside the point!” James was saying. “I mean, how can you just walk out of the house at twelve forty-five in the morning and spend the ENTIRE night at a beach with a guy? People could get the wrong idea!”
“What idea?” Naomi almost laughed. “Why would they even bother trying to concoct stupid ideas like that about me? For crying out loud, James! The only other people who were at the beach were a bunch of teenagers!”
“Oh.”
“What do you mean ‘oh’?” Naomi demanded. “What the HELL do you mean ‘oh’?” Naomi took a few deep calming breaths when JC patted her reassuringly on the shoulder. “Look James, I’m sorry, okay? I’m sorry I left like that last night, but I didn’t think we would take the WHOLE night.”
Naomi’s cheeks turned red when she realized what it sounded like she was saying. JC’s eyes were wide with fear and he used his finger to draw an imaginary line across his neck. “What do you mean you didn’t think it would take the whole night? What the hell did you and him do at the beach?”
“I meant that I didn’t think we would fall asleep at the beach after talking. I thought we’d go for a drive and then go home!” Naomi’s cheeks were slowly losing their red colour and she quickly thought of what to say.
“Well... in all honesty, I don’t really care what you thought you were going to do and I’m not really sure I want to know. What I do need to know is what you actually did at the beach last night.” James’ voice had a dangerous edge to it and Naomi knew he was losing his patience. Both of them had very short tempers when it came to protecting each other and although Naomi knew he was doing it for her well-being, she couldn’t help feeling angry.
“Fine. You will get the explanation when we walk in that door. Until then, goodbye!” Naomi clicked off the phone and threw it back to JC who caught it and dumped it in the back of his car.
“I swear I will never pick up another phone call from James again!”
Naomi sighed. “Oh yeah... and I think you’re right about the ‘we-are-so-dead’ thing.” Both of them drew an imaginary line across their necks and shook their heads. “I just hope he’s cooled down before we get back... for his sake.”
James slammed down the phone when he realized Naomi had hung up. “Dammit! I am going to kill that girl!”
Alyssa smiled sweetly and said, “Um... now that we’ve found her, I guess everything’ okay. So, uh, maybe you should relax a little, James.”
“Relax?” James chuckled bitterly, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. “You were the one screaming about Naomi’s bed being unmade.”
“Well, yeah. But now I know she’s okay. So I’m cool.” Alyssa patted James gingerly on the shoulder. She was acting like he was a live bomb expected to go off at any second. And in truth, he was something like that.
“Um, why don’t we... grab a bite to eat?” Lance suggested, hoping to ease James’ anger, which he did very successfully. James smiled and nodded, saying, “I heard you’re taking cooking lessons from this young lady here. Well, I doubt her cooking could be half as good as mine, but you’re welcome to give it a shot.”
“What?” Lance was astonished. “Me? Cook? Here?”
Alyssa nodded and laughed, “Yep. You... cook... here.”
“Uh...” Lance blushed modestly. “Well, I don’t think I should. I mean, I may just wreck your kitchen, James.”
James laughed, “I doubt that’s even virtually possible, Lance. Naomi does about as much damage as an elephant in there... so you can’t really hurt it much.”
“Uh... well... if you’re sure...”
“Come on, Lance! Show me some spirit! Get in there and cook me a few dishes!” James chuckled, nudging Lance in the direction of the kitchen.
“Oh okay.” Lance said reluctantly as he entered the kitchen. He picked up a pot and looked at it in surprise. He stuck his hand through the hole at the bottom and pulled his hand out again. He held the pot up to his face and Alyssa giggled when she saw his surprised expression through the hole at the bottom. “Uh... James?”
“Mmhmm?”
“Why is there... a... a hole... in the bottom of the pot?”
James looked up quickly from the newspaper he was reading. “Oh! That!” James giggled nervously and a pink tinge appeared on his cheeks. “Um, well, I... Naomi made me do that!” James declared and then held up the newspaper again, in case Lance started asking any other embarrassing questions.
“Uh... James?”
“What now, Lance?”
“You’re reading the newspaper upside-down.”
“Oh.” James smiled brightly at the two giggling youngsters as he turned the newspaper
the right way around. “It’s always good to test your IQ in the morning. Don’t laugh. It’s true. You try it sometime.”
Lance simply smiled sweetly, batted his eyelashes and nodded. Alyssa was so overcome by giggles that she had to sit down and catch her breath. After finding some unharmed cookery, Lance proceeded to beat the eggs.
Alyssa looked at James with an impish grin on her face. “Oh James...?”
James looked up at her and knew from the expression on her face that he was not going to like what she had to say. “Uh... yes?”
“About that broken cookery...”
“Uh-huh... what about it?”
“It wouldn’t happen to be the pots and pans that CLATTERED NOISILY when Naomi told you you would never be able to figure women out, would it?” Alyssa smiled a sickly sweet smile and looked at James expectantly.
James looked totally freaked out and Alyssa resisted the urge to giggle when she saw his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he tried to swallow. “Uh... Alyssa?”
“Mmhmm?”
“You’re really scaring me here.”
“I know, James.” Alyssa cackled wickedly. “It’s my job.”
James shuddered and practically ran back to his room. “Call me only when Lance is done!” he yelled.
Alyssa laughed and turned back to watching Lance as he carefully poured the eggs into the frying pan. She shook her head and giggled when he yelped, “The bacon is burning!” She ran into the kitchen and took the saucepan off of the cooker, burning her finger in the process. Lance looked at her and grinned sheepishly, “Sorry.”
Alyssa shook her finger and shook her head, “It’s okay. Everyone makes blunders once in a while.”
Lance grabbed her hand and looked at her finger, examining it carefully. Alyssa bit her lip, smiling slightly when she saw the frown creasing his forehead. He pressed some salt over the burn and Alyssa flinched when the pain increased tenfold. Lance gripped her hand tightly then rubbed the salt carefully around her burn before cautiously wiping it off.
“Sorry,” he apologized again.
She shook her head, “It’s okay, Lance. Stop apologizing before you turn into a broken record.”
Lance giggled. Alyssa couldn’t help thinking how gorgeous he looked. The intense look on his face as he treated her burn... Lance noticed her expression and lifted her chin gently so her eyes met his. “What’s wrong, Al?”
“I... nothing.” Alyssa shrugged it off. “I was just...”
Alyssa broke off when Lance’s eyes locked on hers. They stayed gazing into each other’s eyes and Alyssa lost herself in the moment. His green eyes had never looked as beautiful to her as they did then. Just as Alyssa was about to reach up and brush his hair out of his face, James ran into the kitchen, screaming, “What’s that burning smell?!”
Lance snapped out of his daydream and turned to find the eggs burning over the stove. “Not the eggs too!” he wailed and Alyssa giggled at his distraught expression. “I’m so sorry, James! But I did warn you.”
James opened and shut his mouth in disbelief. “Honestly, Lance...” he managed to mutter. “You are the one and only guy I’ve seen who’s managed to BURN scrambled EGGS! Especially when your cooking teacher is this very special lady who claims to have better cooking skills than even I do! And the fact that she’s a teacher... honestly, Alyssa... after this episode, I’d hate to see how your students in college turn out!”
Alyssa pretended to pout as Lance washed the mess and threw away the burnt food. “It’s not his fault! And it’s not my fault either! Blame it on your broken cookery!”
James shrugged, a smirk on his face. “A bad workman always blames it on his tools...” he told her.
Alyssa giggled. “Only thing is, we’re not workmen.”
James groaned. “WHATEVER Alyssa. Why don’t you and Lance go outside and play while I prepare a little something-”
He was interrupted by the ringing of the door bell. James’ eyes widened when he remembered Naomi. He ran out to open the door like his life depended on it. “Naomi?” he hugged his sister so tightly that she couldn’t breathe, much to the others’ amusement. “Oh, it’s good to see you. Are you okay?”
Naomi straightened herself and smiled anxiously, “Uh... yeah, I’m fine... um, listen James, about last night...”
JC stepped forward but still remained outside the house. He looked nervous about going in, especially since he wasn’t sure if James had forgiven him. Or if he was even welcome inside anymore. James didn’t invite him in, but he didn’t turn him away either. “So... what do you have to say for yourself, young man?”
“Um, I’m sorry I took Catch out last night and worried all of you... but nothing happened, honestly! We went to the beach and we talked about Marcus...”
James looked in disbelief at Naomi. “You told him everything you were feeling? You stopped bottling it inside of you?”
Naomi nodded, smiling. “Yes... and I feel much better after getting everything off my chest.”
“You see, you really didn’t need to worry about us, sir.” JC spoke respectfully, still worried about James’ temper. “And... well, I intended to bring her back once she fell asleep, because I didn’t think she’d be able to get any sleep at home... but I, um, I fell asleep as well. I’m sorry.”
James sighed and shook his head. He placed his hand on JC’s back and pushed JC into the house, closing the door behind him. JC sighed with relief and thanked James. “Just make sure you leave a note at least the next time you try this.”
Naomi smiled and jumped up to hug her brother. “Thank you James!”
James couldn’t resist a smile, “You are a headache, Naomi! A big headache I can’t wait to get rid of!”
Everyone knew James was kidding. Naomi was all he had in the world and there was nothing he wanted more than to hold onto her for as long as he could. James dropped a kiss on Naomi’s forehead before shuffling into the kitchen to cook breakfast for them all.
The four of them crowded around the table in the backyard and talked as they waited for James to finish. Alyssa plopped down next to JC and kicked Lance, signaling for him to grab the chance to sit next to Naomi. Although she was still a bit dazed by the moment they had shared a few minutes ago, Alyssa knew Lance was dying to talk to Naomi and she didn’t blame him in the slightest.
JC and Naomi looked shyly at each other for a second before sighing and turning to talk to the two sitting next to them. Naomi hadn’t been able to completely shake the feelings raging in her when she had woken up and found herself leaning comfortably against JC. And the kiss they had almost shared the night before... it kept replaying over and over in her head. Naomi tried to forget about it... but it just wasn’t possible.
“Are you feeling okay, Naomi?” Naomi glanced up when she heard the concern in Lance’s voice. His tone made her feel warm and tingly all over. When their eyes met, she quickly looked away, feeling the blush rising to her cheeks again.
“I’m fine, thank you Lance.”
“Um, Naomi... I was wondering... do you think maybe one day we could... you know, go out for lunch together?”
Naomi’s head jerked upwards when she heard Lance’s words. “Are... are you asking me out on... on a date, Lance?”
Lance licked his lips nervously and forced a smile. Her expression sent a tingle down his spine and he gulped as he said, “Uh... yeah, I guess I am.”
Naomi’s mouth went dry and it felt like someone had just stuffed cotton into it. “I...” she was about to turn him down when she saw the hope radiating out of his eyes like sunshine. Then she remembered what she said to Alyssa. ‘...he’ll know that I’m open for challenges now... So if he asks me out on a date, I’m going to say ‘yes’...’
“I would love to, Lance,” Naomi wondered if she was lying for a moment, before realizing she really would like going out to lunch with him. She liked him, as she had said before, because he was nice. But she wasn’t sure if she liked him that way.
Lance brightened at her words and amazement shone from his eyes. Naomi had to hide a smile with her hand. He was so different from her, she realized. He was so open with his emotions that he found it difficult to hide what he was feeling while she... she had never been able to express herself through her face. Somehow, her facial features seemed to be glued into place and it just didn’t feel natural for her to frown, cry or show emotion as easily or as frequently as she wanted to.
Naomi smiled at Lance and he smiled back. He couldn’t believe his luck. I can’t believe it! Naomi actually agreed to go out with me... on a date! Thank you Alyssa! I owe you big time, girl!
Lance glanced over to where Alyssa was talking to JC. He giggled when something Alyssa said made JC blush. Naomi kicked Alyssa under the table, clearly warning ‘watch it, Ally. You’re not doing this right.’ Alyssa raised her eyebrows, pursed her lips and then brightened and said, “Was Mayo a good girl last night?”
JC blushed and Alyssa couldn’t help thinking how handsome he looked. “Uh... no comment.”
Alyssa grinned, “Come on, JC, I’m not interviewing you. Relax. I seriously think you’re too stressed up to understand the meaning of fun.” She pretended to pout, “I think we might even have to send you for therapy. Don’t worry, I’m a good doctor. I can do more then just, um, mess with the mind.” Alyssa winked and JC’s eyes widened as he grinned back.
“I have no qualms about your medical skills whatsoever, Alyssa,” JC smiled serenely at her, acting completely innocent to her double meaning. “I’m sure your, uh, physical skills are, um, in top condition.”
Now it was Alyssa’s turn to blush. She giggled and crossed one leg over the other. “Ahh... am I sensing a hint of sarcasm here?”
“Oh no... no sarcasm at all.”
Alyssa’s eyes widened when she caught JC’s double meaning. Naomi looked surprised, and in all honesty, a little disgusted. “I’m sorry...” she said quickly when she caught both JC and Alyssa’s reaction to her expression that only they could see. “I don’t mean it like that. I think I’m just too, um... naive. I...” Naomi shrugged guiltily. “Sorry.”
Alyssa grinned and blew her fringe out of her eyes. “Naomi, you are far from innocent if you caught our double meanings. And this is all done out of fun and good-will so don’t worry your pretty little head over it, okay?”
Naomi nodded, grinning widely. “Just pretend I’m not even here and I’m going to pretend I don’t hear a word.”
Lance nodded, “I’m with you,” he told Naomi.
Alyssa shrugged. “Aww... come on, Lance. Naomi I can understand. But you? This is just a little fun and sarcasm in the morning. Lighten up, you two!”
JC laughed, “Forget it, Alyssa. I don’t think it’s such a good idea having an audience watch our little act of stupidity.”
Alyssa grinned and was just about to say something when James emerged from the kitchen. “Breakfast is served,” he said, handing plates of eggs, bacon and sausages to the four hungry people in front of him.
“As you can see, none of it is burnt.” James said slyly as they started eating. Lance blushed and Alyssa giggled.
“Don’t you bully him, James.” She warned. “He is my student and it was just a slip-up just now.”
James shrugged, “WHATEVER Alyssa.”
Naomi giggled, “I think that’s becoming a favourite line of his, Ally.”
JC laughed, “You and James really sound alike, don’t you? I mean, that sounds like what you always say to me, Catch.”
Naomi grinned and shrugged, “Whatever you say, boss... whatever you say.”
“There, you see?”
They were all laughing when Justin burst into the backyard. “GOOD morning!” he smiled sweetly at the four shocked faces and one smiling face that met him. “I just followed my nose and sniffed some bacon and sausages. I’m starving, James. Do you think you’ve got any leftovers? I wouldn’t even mind licking the plates clean!” Justin offered.
Naomi smiled at him and giggling, “Have a seat, Curls. James, I forgot to mention I lent Justin the spare keys to our house the other day. Now I see why you were begging for them, Justin. You wanted to bless us with your, um, long awaited presence. And grab a bite at the same time! Am I right?”
“You know me far too well, Choc,” Justin beamed at her.
James sighed loudly in mock disappointment, “Well, there goes the food supply in this house.”
They started laughing as James trudged back into the kitchen.
(One hour later, In Justin’s car.)
“Choc... how was your, um, outing with JC last night?”
Naomi turned to glare at him. “Oh, I get it... you purposely pushed Lance out of your car just now so you could get the details out of me! Well, you can jolly well stop the car and let me get out, Justin, because I’m not telling you anything.”
“Nothing?”
“Nothing.” Naomi gave him a mock angry look. “So don’t you even try worming anything out of me, you little sneak!”
“Sneak! Me?” Justin looked flabbergasted and Naomi laughed. “I would never try to pry into something this important, Choc. I just thought maybe you’d want to share your, um, exciting night out with me. I’m sorry if I offended you. Friends?” Justin gave her a penitent smile and Naomi giggled.
“Justin, you sucker.”
“Oh, now I’m a sucker, am I?” Justin pretended to pout and Naomi stifled a giggle. “Fine Choc. You-”
“Justin, what is it you want to know exactly?” Naomi questioned, giggling when Justin raised his eyebrows.
“Wow... Choc, do I get the answers out of you so easily?”
Naomi sighed. The truth was, she really wanted to sort out her feelings. And this time, talking to JC would be out of the question. “I made him promise he wouldn’t say a word but I need to sort this out with you. But you have to promise you don’t mention a word to anyone. I know this will probably be nothing more than a piece of interesting news to you... but to me, it means a whole lot more.”
Justin was a little unnerved at her seriousness. “I... okay, I promise I won’t mention this to anyone.”
“Um, well... last night, I... well, Chase and I... we almost kissed.”
“Almost kissed?” Justin asked, confusion written all over his face. “How do you almost kiss?”
Naomi clutched Justin’s arm as he swerved in and out of the stream of cars, trying to make a quick turn. “Slow down, Justin! Do you want to get us killed? How am I supposed to tell you this if you’re trying to fling me out of a car window at the same time?”
“Sorry!” Justin held his hands up in apology, almost swerving into the car next to them. He gulped when the driver gave them a menacing look and held up a fist. “Sorry again!” he yelped when he felt Naomi’s long fingers pinch his skin.
Naomi relaxed in the seat when Justin slowed down. “I can’t help it!” he told her, by way of apology. “I just have to drive over the speed limit or I feel like I’m going at tortoise speed! The guys know how crazy my driving is, but I forgot this was one of your first times in a car with me behind the wheel.”
Naomi sighed, “As long as I’m in a car with you, you’re as sure as hell not going to drive at a hundred and sixty miles per hour! That’s crazy driving, Justin!”
Justin bit his lip and pulled a face, “Aww but-”
“NO Justin!”
“Okay, okay!” Justin looked at her curiously. “Tell me again, how did you and JC almost kiss?”
“Well, we were wrestling in the sand and... and he kind of managed to pin me down under him... then... well, we were staring at each other and it was just before we... kissed... when a group of kids came along. And then, he jerked back. It was like he had been slapped in the face. At least, that’s how I felt. And I don’t know how I feel about him. I think maybe being alone with him at the beach has a bad effect on me.”
Naomi looked so guilty that Justin reached over impulsively and squeezed her hand, “Look Choc, just listen to your heart. It seems as though you and Lance are a bit closer too, huh? I saw the way you kept sneaking glances at him through breakfast.”
Naomi’s face turned red, “I... he asked me out on a date. He said maybe we could go for lunch one of these days...”
“And?”
“And I accepted.”
“You WHAT?”
“I know, I know!” Naomi bit her lip in frustration. “I shouldn’t have done that since I’m still not clear on my feelings for him...”
“No, I didn’t mean that! I meant you WHAT? You ACCEPTED? I never thought I’d live to see the day! This... this is incredible! I’m so proud of you, Choc!” Justin was positively beaming and Naomi couldn’t help but laugh.
“I think, though, that you are all being a bit too, um, perspective about this. You know, you’re being too practical about it. There are no reasons for people to fall in love. Have you ever wondered why I’m the only one with a girlfriend? And I’m the youngest in the group!” Naomi nodded and Justin chuckled as he went on, “I think it’s because I’m rash and impulsive and I don’t use my head so much.”
“That’s obvious,” Naomi giggled when Justin threw her a dirty look.
“As I was saying, love can’t be analyzed, Choc. When you fall, you fall. When it hits you, it hits you. There’s no reasoning and there never will be. Just enjoy this roller coaster ride... who knows? You may come out realizing you never had a fear of heights! You may realize that the person you thought was the one... may not be the one after all.”
Justin’s words hit Naomi’s like an arrow through the heart. “You’re talking about Marcus, aren’t you?”
Justin smiled and nodded, “Sweetie, you can’t hide from your feelings forever. I just wish JC and Lance could figure that out as well. You are the most innocent girl I’ve ever met, considering your age... and I know these words will do something for you. For the others, they may just forget, or read too deeply into them. I know you will take them as they’re meant. I don’t mean that I know who the right one is, but you know. Your heart knows. Stop thinking so much and start feeling.”
Naomi smiled, “You know something, Justin? You’ve got more brains than they give you credit for.”
Justin smiled slyly at her, “Ahh... but you’re not as innocent and childish as they think you are.”
Naomi grinned at him, “I wonder if we really aren’t blood siblings. I think I’m letting you read far too deeply into me, Justin.”
“Ahh... but now I’m in, there’s no way you can force me out.”
“Thank you Justin.” Naomi smiled at him, “I know you mean well.”
Justin squeezed her shoulder affectionately, “Think nothing of it, Choc. You’re like an older and younger sister to me. Sometimes I wonder if you’re really as old as you claim to be. There are times you are so trusting... and yet, at other times, you give matters so much thought and you consider other people’s feelings so carefully that... you seem older than you really are.” Justin studied her reaction intently. “Just which one is the real you?”
Naomi smiled, “I think the real me varies in the middle of those two extremes.” Justin smiled back at her.
“Choc, I’m beginning to wonder if we really are related.”
And they giggled.
(Ten minutes later, At Jive.)
“Morning, Joey,” Naomi greeted as he planted a kiss on her cheek.
He gave her a lopsided grin and said, “Good morning pumpkin.”
Chris waved at them and giggled when Naomi kissed the tip of his nose, “Joey was right! Hell, I could get used to this morning routine thing!”
JC grinned and smacked Chris on the back of his head, “Could you get used to that too? About one thousand times a day?”
Chris pouted and rubbed his back sorely, “JUSTIN! Ask JC for a PIGGYBACK ride and make sure you dig your CLAWS into him!”
Justin laughed and held his hands up in front of him, “No way am I getting into this fight, man. JC can be vicious.” Justin winked at Naomi and she resisted the urge to punch the naughty look off of his face.
“Justin...” she said in a warning tone.
Justin shrugged and hid behind Joey as she advanced menacingly towards him. “I didn’t mean anything. Joey, save me!”
Joey looked from Justin to Naomi, to Justin again. “Uh... I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I do know that I don’t want to get mixed in the middle of it because she looks wicked and I like my head exactly where it is, thank you.”
Justin looked pleadingly at Naomi, “I swear it was an innocent remark. I’ll never make fun of JC again, honest!”
Chris grinned, “Naomi, sweetie, apple of my eye, could you make him swear the same thing about me?”
“Go to HELL, Chris!” Justin shouted.
Chris shrugged, “I was only asking.” He turned back to Naomi quickly with an evil smile on his face, “So how about it?”
“Chris...” Justin threatened menacingly.
“Okay, okay!” Chris jumped up and fell into a karate stance. “Don’t try any funny business, J-man, I know karate!”
Naomi giggled and wagged a finger in Chris’ face, “Chris, honey, don’t do anything to Justin or I’ll have to hurt you. You know I don’t want to have to harm a single hair on your head, don’t you? So don’t make me get nasty.”
Justin poked his tongue out at Chris, “I’ve got Choc on my side, Chris-y boy. So don’t even think about hurting me.”
“Justin, I’ll finish with you later.”
Justin gulped and made a face when Naomi’s words rang loud and clear. Chris yelled with laughter, “Oh Naomi, you are absolutely the best woman I’ve ever met in my life.”
Naomi smiled and blinked innocently, “Did I do something nice, Chris?”
“Oh yeah, baby!” Chris hooted. “You are the absolute best!”
Joey giggled and Lance grinned. JC shook his head at them, “Come on, guys, we need to get started on our recording.”
The other guys groaned and shuffled dejectedly into the recording booth. “Another day of torture...”
“Another day of pain...”
“Another day of sacrifice...”
“Another day of JC!”
Naomi giggled at Joey’s remark, “Come on, guys. Chase just wants everything to be perfect.”
“Too perfect!” Chris muttered. “A perfectionist, that’s our JC.”
Alyssa giggled and Naomi jumped. Alyssa had been so quiet during the whole conversation that Naomi had almost forgotten she was there. The two girls settled quietly onto the couches and once more, Naomi was entranced by the way the guys sang. They had the passion, the life and the love for music that Naomi once thought only JC had. She knew exactly why the five guys had become that famous - obsession. It was their obsession for music and determination to strive that they had come as far as they had.
Naomi smiled, JC had been right after all. The guys were treating her as usual, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
Alyssa sighed and Naomi turned to look at her, “What’s wrong, Ally? You’re never this quiet. Is... did something happen in the car?”
Alyssa looked at Naomi and said, “No. That’s the whole problem. He’s not exactly responding the way I thought he would be.” Then a dreamy expression came over her face. “But at least he agreed to take me out on a date one day.”
“You asked Chase out? Or he asked you?”
“He’s so... reserved. It’s obvious I had to do the asking.” Alyssa sighed, “I wish he could be as direct as Lance is. I mean, I know I was sending mixed signals for a while there, but that was because I was waiting for you to get over Marcus and all. And now he’s the one blowing hot and cold. One minute, he’s flirting with me and playing that double-meaning game that you absolutely can’t stand and the next... the next he acts like we’re just friends. But he accepted my invitation for the date! That’s a sign, isn’t it?”
Naomi pondered over Alyssa’s question for a while before answering, “Definitely. I mean, Chase never goes on blind dates and he never does something without a reason.” Naomi smiled, “Good luck to you.”
“You too, Mayo.”
The girls waited patiently as the guys sang the same part of the song over and over again till it was absolutely perfect. When they were finally done with the part, the door opened and Lance came out of the room first, coughing. He shook his head and cleared his throat. But then he just started coughing all over again. Naomi’s eyes were wide with concern. She offered him a strepsil and he accepted it with a weak smile.
Justin helped him to a chair and Naomi pressed a hand anxiously against his forehead. “You don’t look good and you are absolutely burning up. Come on Lance, you should go home and get some rest.”
“I can’t,” Lance insisted in between his coughing. His eyes were red and his voice was hoarse. “We haven’t finished.”
Naomi rolled her eyes, “You are pale, your voice is hoarse, you can hardly stand and you want to finish the recording? Right Lance... you’re going to get a lot done in this condition, aren’t you?”
JC rested a hand on Lance’s shoulder, “The girl’s got a point. Go home, Lance, and we’ll finish up tomorrow, okay?”
Lance looked up and tried to smile when he saw the concern in Naomi’s eyes. “Okay.”
Naomi sighed in relief, “I’ll drive you home. Come on, Lance.”
Justin and Naomi helped Lance into the passenger seat of Justin’s car and he smiled at Naomi when she closed the door gently. He gave her a thumbs-up sign and ran back into Jive as she slid into the driver’s seat.
Naomi took one look at Lance’s pale face, gunned the engine and sighed, “I’m going to take Justin’s advice,” she whispered softly to herself. “I’m going to stop thinking with my head and start feeling... with my heart.”
TBC