Chapter Five
Howie and AJ were supposed to pick Dovie up at four, and by a quarter till, she was ready to go. She was waiting at the bottom of the stairs when Justin approached her.
�Dovie?� he asked quietly.
She looked up at him, somewhat startled by his seriousness. �Yeah, Justin?�
�Can I talk to you for a minute?�
�I guess so,� she answered slowly. �Justin? Is everything all right?�
�Yeah.� he said, sitting down next to her. �I just wanted to make sure you know how much you mean to me.�
She smiled, still confused as to where Justin was going with this. �I know, Justy,� she answered. �But why are you so serious-looking? You're worrying me.�
�Don't worry.� he smiled at her. �I just... I had another weird dream last night, and I needed to tell you that. I love you.�
�Another dream?� Dovie echoed. �What happened?�
Justin shook her questions off. �It was nothing, Dove.�
�Justin, the first time was something, and for you to be so solemn...�
The sound of the doorbell interrupted her. Justin grinned. �That's your ride. Have fun, D. We'll talk about this more later if you want.�
�I want.� she replied, watching as he went to answer the door.
�Hey guys.� he greeted them politely. �Come on in.�
Dovie had to smile when AJ and Howie entered the house. Although Howie was dressed normally, AJ was decked out in neon green and orange swim trunks, with a matching floral Hawaiian-print shirt.
�AJ!� she laughed. �Nice shirt.�
�Isn't it though?� he grinned, then came over and gave her a hug. �It's good to see you again, girl.�
�You too.� Dovie turned her attention to Howie. �Hey Howie. How are you?�
�I'm good, Dovie.� he said, following AJ's example and giving her a hug. �How are you?�
Dovie briefly glanced up at Justin, who was smiling at her, then looked back at Howie. �I'm great!�
�Great!� AJ replied enthusiastically. �Well, we'd better get going. Brian said he'd better be giving you a hug by 4:30, and it takes fifteen minutes to get to his house from here. If we leave now, we'll be early!�
�Why are you so excited to be early?� Dovie asked.
�Because AJ has never been early for anything before in his life.� Howie answered, grinning slyly, then quickly ducked behind Dovie to avoid getting slapped by AJ. They began laughing, but were interrupted by the door flying open and the four other members of *N Sync vaulting into the room. Startled, Dovie jumped back as Justin stepped forward.
�What on earth are you guys doing?� Justin asked, shouting to be heard over their laughter. Justin was ignored as Chris shot out from behind Lance and JC and ran to Dovie.
�Dove! Guess what?� he yelled, throwing her over his shoulders and twirling her around
�I don't know, Chris!� she laughed. �But put me down!�
�Nope!�
Dovie looked to her boyfriend for help. �Lance, help!�
Grinning, Lance stepped forward. �Come on, Chris, put her down.�
Chris stopped spinning long enough to stick his tongue out at the group, and then darted up the stairs, taking Dovie along with him. The remaining six men glanced at each other for a split second before darting up the stairs after them. They all stopped at the top, trying to figure out where Chris had taken her.
�Chris!� Lance yelled. �Come on! Dovie's got a barbeque to go to!� Silence was Lance's only reply.
�Come on Chris! Let my cousin go!� Justin shouted, beginning to get irritated.
This time, they were answered by a muffled scream from Chris's bedroom. Once more brief glance and they all took off towards the door. JC was the first to reach it, only to find it locked.
�Chris! Unlock the door.� JC called, hearing a scuffle going on inside. �Chris!� Another muffled shriek caused both Justin and Lance to lose the last of their patience.
�Chris!� Justin yelled, pounding on the door. �This isn't funny anymore. Open the door.�
�Chill out, Curly!� Chris called. �I'm just getting her ready for tonight.� His statement was followed by a loud thump and yet another muffled cry. The boys relaxed a little, though, hearing a hint of laughter in it.
"Dovie?� Lance said. �Are you okay?�
�Lance! Help!� she screamed, laughing.
Howie and AJ looked at each other, amused at the group's antics. Glancing at his watch, Howie noticed it was getting late. �Um, guys, not to interrupt, but we really need to get going.�
Nodding, JC once again shouted through the door. �Hear that, Chris? Howie and AJ need to go. Are you going to let Dovie out?�
Slowly, the door opened, and Chris's grinning face greeted them. He only allowed the door open a few inches. �May I help you?�
�Very funny, Chris.� Justin cracked.
His grin got bigger. �I thought so.� Suddenly, he doubled over and fell to the side. Dovie took advantage of his momentary loss of balance and darted out the door, into Lance's waiting arms.
�Hey, sweetie.� she giggled.
�Mind telling us what on earth just happened?�
�Sure.� she grinned. �After Neanderthal Man dragged me up to his cave, he started throwing all his clothing rejects at me. He was muttering something about you and Joey.�
�What did he tell you?� Joey asked, mysteriously turning red.
�Nothing.� Dovie answered slowly. �But I have the feeling that I'm missing something.� Joey's red face turned even redder, and Lance's was beginning to as well. �Lance...� she began. �What's going on?�
Still red-faced, Lance tried to change the subject. �Nothing, sweetie, go on with your story.�
�Anyway, when he opened the door, I rushed him and he fell over!� she said gleefully. All six men began laughing with Chris joining them, still rubbing his side.
�Geez, Dove, how'd you learn to do that? Are you with the NFL or something?� he whined.
Dovie rolled her eyes at him. �Please, Christopher, do you forget that I grew up with Justin, not to mention my dad and brothers? I do know how to play football!� She laughed, and then turned to Howie and AJ. �Sorry, AJ. It looks like your record stands. If it helps, you can tell Brian and Kevin it was all my fault.�
�Nah.� AJ said, grinning. �They'd never believe you anyway.�
Laughing, she led the two outside to Howie's car. Dovie paused just long enough to plant a small kiss on Justin's cheek and Lance's lips. They got into the car silently and drove over to Brian's. Dovie noticed how quiet the car had become and glanced up at Howie.
�Howie?� she asked quietly. �Is there something wrong?�
Glancing at her quickly, he smiled. �No, everything's fine.�
AJ leaned up from the backseat. �Can I ask you a question, Dovie?�
�Sure, AJ.�
�The guy you're seeing--is it Lance?�
�AJ!� Howie interrupted. �Don't ask her that! You don't have to answer that, Dovie.�
�It's okay, Howie.� she replied before turning to AJ. �Yes, Lance and I are together. Why do you ask?�
He shrugged. �I was just wondering. Howie said you were seeing someone, and I heard him call you �sweetie� at the house. Are you happy with him?�
Dovie smiled, thinking of Lance and how well he treated her. �Yes, I'm very happy.�
They pulled into Brian's driveway, and Howie leaned over and touched her arm gently. �I'm glad you've found someone you're happy with, Dove. If you ever need anything, just give me a call.�
�Thanks, Howie.�
AJ opened the door and helped Dovie out of the car. Howie came around and joined them, and together they walked to the door. Even before Howie could ring the bell, the door opened, and the smiling face of Nick popped into view.
�Hey, guys.� he said. �Come on in, we've been waiting for you. Dovie, nice to see you again.�
�You too, Nick.� she smiled.
Nick escorted them through Brian's rather impressive house, and they quickly came upon a sliding glass door leading to the pool area. Once outside, it took Kevin and Brian only seconds to notice their new arrival. Brian immediately walked over to her as Kevin climbed out of the pool.
�Hey, Dovie! How are you doing?�
�Just great, Brian. How are you?�
�Good.� he grinned. �I'm glad you decided to come. Kevin and Nick have been anxious to get to know you better.
�Sounds good.� she answered, smiling as Kevin walked up to join them.
�Dovie,� Kevin greeted her, his hand extended. �Nice to see you again.�
Dovie shook his hand firmly. �You too, Kevin.�
�Well, Dovie, feel free to make yourself at home. There are drinks in the cooler and food on the table. Did you bring your bathing suit?� Brian asked.
�Yeah, I remembered it.� she answered. �Where can I change?�
�I'll show you.� Howie offered. �It's this way.�
After changing and making sure her waterproof bandage was secure, Dovie joined the guys in the pool. They swam for a few hours, and then got out to eat dinner, which the guys had cooked on the grill. Dovie enjoyed talking and laughing with them. Like *N Sync, they made her forget about all her problems. Glancing up from her plate, she noticed Kevin looking at her strangely.
�Kevin? Is something wrong?� she asked. Startled, Kevin blinked and looked away quickly. �Kevin?� Dovie repeated.
�I'm sorry. I didn't mean to stare.�
Sensing something was bothering him, Dovie pressed him for an answer. �Was there something you wanted to ask me, Kevin?�
Kevin's face was a mixture of embarrassment and concern. �Well, it's not really any of my business, but...�
�Yes, Kevin?�
�Um, what happened to your wrist?� he asked quietly. Dovie quickly hid her bandaged wrist under the table, feeling her face heat up. She tried frantically to think of a reasonable excuse for the Boys.
�Dove?� Brian asked, now concerned for his friend.
Unable to look at them, Dovie quickly excused herself and stumbled into the house. She tried to remember where the bathroom was so she could change back into her clothes. Before she could, she heard the Boys enter behind her and felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to face a very worried Howie.
�Dovelyn, what's wrong?� he asked urgently.
�Nothing.� she answered nervously. �I... I just remembered that I have to go. I told Justin I wouldn't stay long.�
�You're lying to us, Dovie.� AJ said. �That's one thing I can't stand.�
Dovie was close to tears. �AJ... Please, I need to go home.�
�Okay, we'll take you home...just as soon as you tell us what happened to your arm.� Looking at the guys around her, she wished suddenly that Justin or Lance were there to explain things for her.
�Dovie, please tell us what happened.� Nick pleaded.
�I...� Dovie had no idea who to tell them. �You see, I... I had an accident at home.�
�An accident?� Brian echoed in disbelief. �What kind of an accident?�
�Well, um...�
�If you don't mind my saying so,� Kevin began. �That doesn't look much like an accident, Dovie.�
Dovie felt a tear slide down her cheek as she finally raised her eyes to meet theirs. �So it wasn't an accident,� she said simply. �Now may I go?� The five men stared at her in silence. Shock and uncertainty from people she could stand, but when the looks in their eyes began to resemble pity, Dovelyn could no longer stand it. �Don't look at me like that!� she screamed.
�Like what?� asked Nick. �Like you feel sorry for me! Don't ever feel sorry for me!�
Howie reached out and gently took hold of her good arm. �I don't understand, Dove. You said you were happy. Why would you do that to yourself if you were really happy.�
�This was before.� she insisted. �I did this the last day at my aunt's.�
Brian looked at her sorrowfully. �Will you tell us what happened?�
She sighed softly. �I... I'd had a fight with my uncle. He said some things, and I guess... I guess I just remembered everything Matt had always told me and decided it would be better for everyone if I...� Dovie trailed off, seeing the horror in their faces.
�Matt?� AJ asked.
�My old boyfriend.�
They stood there for a moment, then stepped forward and hugged her close. �I'm so sorry, Dovie. I wish I could've been there for you.�
�Thanks, Howie.� she whispered.
�Are you all right now?� Nick asked gently.
She smiled softly at him. �Yeah, I'm fine now. I moved in with Justin, JC, and Chris. I'm a lot happier and they're taking good care of me.�
�If you ever need anything...� AJ began.
�I have your numbers.� Dovie finished. �I'll be sure to call one of you.�
Brian declared a group hug, then they returned to their now-cold dinner. The six friends spent the rest of the night talking and laughing at the stories the guys told of each other and their antics on tour. Time passed quickly and soon it was eleven, and time for Dovie to return to her home.
�It was so nice to see you all again.� Dovie told them as Brian helped her into the car. �I hope we can do it again soon.�
�That would be great.� Nick replied enthusiastically.
She grinned at him slyly. �Maybe next time we can have it at my place.�
The boys looked at her uncertainly. �As in, Justin's place?�
�Of course.� she replied easily. �If there's one thing you guys need to learn, it's that I like my friends to get along with each other. All of my friends.� she added pointedly. Laughing, they all said their goodbyes, and Howie drove off. When the two pulled up beside the house a little while later, Howie parked the car and turned to face her.
�Listen, Dove, what I said earlier still stands.� he said seriously. �If you ever need anything, you just pick up the phone. One of us will be here as soon as possible.�
�I know, Howie. Thank you for everything.�
He smiled at her. �Anytime, sweetie.� he replied, kissing the top of her head. �I'll talk to you soon, okay?�
�Okay.� she replied, leaning over to give him a hug. �Bye.�
�Bye.�
She left the car and swiftly made her way to the front door. Opening it, she walked inside and shut the door behind her, watching as Howie drove away. Smiling, she turned to go upstairs when she noticed the light on in the den. Curious, she walked into the room and was startled to see all five members of *N Sync sitting on couches and chairs around the room. Exhaling slowly, she made her presence known to the men. �Guys.� she greeted them quietly. �Man, why do I have the feeling I'm not going to like this?�
�Sit down, D.� Justin said gently, getting up and helping her to sit down next to him.
�Justin, what's wrong?� she asked. �You're scaring me.�
�Sorry,� he whispered.
Dovie's eyes scanned the boy's faces rapidly. She knew something was wrong and she reached for Justin's hand. �Justin, what is it?� she begged. �Please, tell me what's happened.� Justin looked to his friends for support before taking a deep breath and hugging his cousin fiercely. Dovie pulled away and studied him. �Justin?�
�Do you remember what we were talking about earlier?�
Apprehension settled on her features. �The dream?� Silently, he nodded. �What about it?� she whispered.
�The guys and I were talking, and... Well, we think you need to know about it.� he replied gravely.
Anxiety and fear laced her voice. �Was it bad?� Justin's eyes filled with tears, and he looked away from her.
JC helped him to answer. �Yeah, baby-girl, it was.�
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, Dovie looked up to see Lance's troubled face. She leaned into his embrace for comfort as Justin tried to compose himself. When it became clear that he would not be able to continue, JC kneeled down in front of Dovie.
�Sweetheart, Justin dreamt that Matt came after you,� he explained quietly. �He... Well, all of us really, are concerned about it. We don't want anything to happen to you, baby, and Justin's last dream was right.�
Dovie swallowed hard and looked at all of her friends as dread lodged itself in her throat. If Matt were to find out that she was not only friends with *N Sync and the Backstreet Boys, but that she was living with Justin, JC, and Chris and had a new boyfriend in Lance... Well, she shuttered to think of what would happen.
Getting to her feet unsteadily, Dovie took a deep breath. �Well, it's been a long day, and nothing will happen tonight. I'm going to bed. We... We can talk more about this tomorrow.� She began walking toward the stairs, then stopped and turned back to look at the men still sitting on the couch. She felt unexpected tears rush to her eyes, and ran back to the couch and into her cousin's waiting arms. Justin held her until her tears subsided. When she was calm, he gently and silently helped her upstairs and into her bed, holding her hand until she drifted into an uneasy sleep. He then made his way back downstairs to his friends.
�She's asleep.� he announced quietly to the group, then turned his attention to Lance and Joey. �Are you two staying here tonight?�
�Yeah.� Joey answered softly.
Justin nodded absently. �Well, you know where the extra blankets and pillows are. I'm going to bed myself. I'll see you guys tomorrow.�
�Is she gonna be okay, Justin?� Chris asked quietly.
Justin sighed. �I hope so, Chris,� he said tiredly. �I really hope so.�
Dovelyn awoke in the middle of the night after having yet another Matt-related nightmare. She realized she was trembling and took a few deep breaths to try to calm herself. She stood and made her way to the window, gazing out into night without seeing. Finally, she focused her eyes on the pool and a small smile touched her face. Dovie remembered all the fun times she'd had swimming and goofing off with Justin and her brothers in the family pool when she was younger. Deciding being by the pool would calm her, she left her room and made her way downstairs.
Stopping on the landing, she heard soft snores coming from the couch. Dovie peered into the darkness and realized that Joey had stayed over. Trying not to get her hopes up, she glanced toward the other couch. Her face lit up with a smile when she saw Lance sleeping soundly. Dovie looked from Lance's sleeping form to the pool outside and chose to go ahead with her original plan and let Lance sleep.
The crickets were the only things to break the silence outdoors. Dovie carefully made her way to the side of the pool and sat down, dangling her bare feet into the cool water. Gentle tinkling sounds could be heard as she gently raised her feet out of the water, and then allowed them to drop back in.
The sound of the backdoor opening a few minutes later startled Dovie from her daydreams. �Dove? Are you okay?� JC's concerned voice floated to her from behind.
�Yeah, Jace. I'm fine,� she whispered. �I was just thinking.�
JC sat down next to her. �What about?�
�When I was little, there was nothing I loved more than going swimming with Justin and my brothers.�
�Except singing.� JC pointed out softly.
Dovie smiled. �Yeah, except singing.�
JC glanced up at his friend and spoke his next words hesitantly. �Will you sing for me now?�
Immediately, Dovelyn blanched and backed away. �JC, please...� she began.
He reached out to take hold of her arm soothingly. �Wait, listen to me, please. You love music, Dove. You always have and always will, and not even Matt can change that. You sing beautifully, no matter what Matt has led you to believe. Dovie, please sing again.�
�I don't think I can,� she whispered softly, standing and turning away from him to face the backdoor.
He stood and took her arm, forcing her to turn and look him in the eye. �Dovelyn, don't you see? If you never sing again, Matt's won. All he wanted to do was control everything about you. Don't let him do it anymore, sweetie. Don't let him win.�
�Jace, I...� Dovie had to stop when tears overwhelmed her.
JC put his arms around Dovie and drew his friend close to him. �Shh... It's okay, baby-girl. Everything will be all right now, it's okay.� Sniffling, she nodded and managed a smile. �That's my girl,� he whispered.
Moving shadows behind Dovie briefly caught his attention, and JC realized they had gathered a full *N Sync audience. He smiled, and then looked down to make sure Dovie hadn't noticed their new arrivals. Seeing that she hadn't, he continued. �So, how about that song, Miss McKenzie?� She still appeared incredibly nervous, but JC could see the hint of a smile on her lips.
�Anything in particular, Mr. Chasez?� she asked somewhat coyly. JC grinned. �Hmm, let's see... I seem to recall a certain song that you used to love to wow everyone with. What was that title?�
Playing innocent, Dovelyn shrugged her shoulders. �Don't know.� she laughed. �Maybe you could give me a few more details. I mean, I did wow everyone with a lot of songs.�
�Well, then.� JC laughed, thrilled to hear the fake conceit in her voice that she used to love to tease him with. �It seems that one of those really cool boy-bands did their own version of this particular song on their debut American album.�
An evil glint appeared in her eyes and JC prepared himself for attack. �Oh, yes, I remember. Now, which one is that...Invisible Man or Quit Playing Games?�
Trying not to laugh, JC clutched his chest and groaned. �Ohh... Now, Dovelyn, that one really hurt!� he paused for a moment to wait for her to stop laughing, then continued. �Seriously, Dove, will you?� he asked quietly.
�Sailing?�
�Please.�
JC watched as she momentarily closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Before she began, she looked into JC's blue eyes. �I'll sing that one in a second, okay, Jace?� she whispered. �There's something else I need to sing first.�
�All right, Dove. Whatever you want.� he replied easily. Dovelyn kept her eyes closed as she began to sing.
Uncle Slim had let her know she couldn't ride that horse
He was the one that was only meant for men
She waited around till way after dark
Rode that horse with all her heart
And in the night how she rodeSomehow she always knew she had the strength inside
And even if she fell she'd survive
In spite of all the tears she may cry
This is how she has to live her life
As hard as it may be, she has to find out for herselfMama and Daddy told her from the start he was no good
They'd seen how he'd treated the other girls
She waited around till the sun went down
Slipped out of the house not makin' a sound
And in the night, oh how they rodeSomehow she always knew she had the strength inside
And even if she fell she'd survive
In spite of all the tears she may cry
This is how she has to live her life
As hard as it may be, she has to find out for herselfIf was fifteen years to the day he became a stranger in her eyes
In the coldest words of anger
He said without me you won't surviveThere's a suitcase in the closet she had packed six months ago
She don't leave a note that's not her style
So she waited around till way after dark
Left that man who broke her heart
Now she's gone, oh she's goneSomehow she always knew she had the strength inside
And even if she fell she'd survive
In spite of all the tears she may cry
This is how she has to live her life
As hard as it may be she has to find out for herself
Yeah, she's gotta find out for herselfTears were flowing freely down both their cheeks by the time Dovelyn finished the song. She had always loved Reba, but lately that song had taken on a new meaning for her. Loud clapping from behind her made Dove jump. Embarrassed and a little frightened, she whirled around and looked into Justin's tear-filled eyes.
�Dovelyn, I...� he began softly. �I'd almost forgotten... That song was beautiful. What was it?�
�For Herself.� Lance answered quietly, his pale-green eyes betraying his astonishment at the beauty of his girlfriend's voice. �It's by Reba McEntire.�
Dovie shyly glanced from one man to another, still not quite able to believe that she really could sing. �It was probably really rough. I haven't sung in years. Was I okay?� she asked hesitantly.
�Rough?� Chris piped up from the back. �Rough? Dovie, if that was rough, I don't think I could handle polished. You made all of us cry as it is.�
Lance hugged her tightly. �If you weren't my girlfriend, I'd sign to you FreeLance in a heartbeat.�
�Really?� she whispered.
�Really.�
�But,� said Joey confidently. �I'm sure we can hook you up at Jive.�
She smiled and gave him a hug. �Thanks, Joe, but I don't know if that's what I want or need in my life right now.�
�Hey, the offer stands whenever you want to take us up on it.�
�Thanks.�
Justin's eyes sparkled. �Dove, you owe us another song, I believe.�
She focused confused blue eyes on him. �Huh? Another song?�
�Sailing?�
Embarrassed, she pointed her finger at him. �Exactly how long were you guys standing there?� she demanded.
�Joey woke up when JC came downstairs. He woke Lance up, who woke up Chris and I.� Not stopping long enough for her to give him a lecture, Justin continued. �So, on with the show. These guys haven't heard your version of Sailing yet.�
She had to grin at the excited expressions on her friends' faces. �Oh, all right, if you'll all shut up about it!� They laughed and settled down in patio chairs nearby and readied themselves for Dove's song.