Chapter 6
~*1 Month Later*~
�Hello?�
�J?�
�Vi? Why you callin� JC�s cell?�
�Oh, uh. I just wanted to talk to him. Ya know, it�s been a while since I talked to him.�
�Are you ok, Vi?� Justin could tell something was up. He could hear it in her voice.
�I�m fine.�
�Uh huh. Not buyin� it. What�s up?�
�Nothing Justin. Why are you answering JC�s cell phone anyway?�
�Don�t change the subject. And he�s in the bathroom right now while we�re on break.�
�Oh, well I have to get ready for work anyway. Just have him call my cell when he�s
available. Love yas, bye.� She didn�t even give him a chance to speak before hanging up.
Justin looked at the phone while shaking his head. �Weird.�
�What�s weird?� JC came bouncing in.
�Oh, uh Vi called your phone. She just hung up on me really quick. Said for you to call
her when you got a chance.�
�Oh ok, thanks Justin.�
�No prob. I�m gonna go make sure Joey and Chris aren�t killing Lance. Or trying, again.�
�Ok. See ya after the break. I�m just gonna call her really quick.�
�Ok. Hey, Jace?�
�Yeah?�
�I think something�s up with her but she ain�t talking. Can you try and get it out of her?
I�m worried.�
�Yeah, no problem J.�
�Thanks. See ya later.�
~*~
�Hello?�
�Hey, Vi.�
�Oh, hey. What�s up?�
�Uh, not much really. We have the day off so we were gonna go shopping or something.�
�Oh god. You�re gonna go shopping with J? Good luck.�
�Yeah, I�m afraid I�ll need it.� JC let out a soft chuckle any girl would melt over. �So
what�s up with you?�
�Not much. Just sitting out in J�s backyard tanning.�
�He trusts you with his house? Big no-no.�
�Oh it�s not like I�m gonna blow it up or something!�
�Yeah, I guess he could trust you.�
�Yes he can! No guesses about it.�
�Alright, alright.�
�So, how�s the tour going?�
�Oh it�s so awesome. When you coming to spend some time with your favorite guys?�
�When I get a favorite guy.�
�I�m hurt.�
�Oh did lil� ol� me take a blow to your big fat ego? Boo hoo.�
�You�re mean!�
�I am not. I just have some really great come backs.�
�Yeah, yeah.� JC�s smile turned into a frown as he remembered why he had called her
back. He had to find out if she was ok or not. Was she? He didn�t know. He didn�t think
so either. �So how you doin�?�
�I�m fine.�
�Why don�t you tell me the truth?�
�Excuse me?� Who was this man? How would he know if she was lying about being fine
or not? That�s Justin. Not JC. Which is why she had barely spoken to him lately. He
would see right through her little act.
�Justin told me he thinks something�s up with you and you�re not talking to him as much
anymore. That�s not like you. Whenever either of you guys has a free moment you spend
it on the phone with each other. So why don�t you tell me what�s up?�
So that�s how he knew. Justin. It always ended with Justin didn�t it? She should have
known Justin would sick JC after her. They talked a lot more lately. He should get to know her better. But she just did not want any man to be able to read her like an open book. Unless that man was Justin Timberlake. He would be the only man she would ever trust again. So why was she avoiding him? She could tell him anything, couldn�t she? Not this. He just wouldn�t understand. JC�s the only who knew. The only one who knows what she does to herself to make the pain go away. Although, how hurting yourself makes the pain go away he had no idea. She didn�t want Justin to think she was a cutter.
I�m not. She thought stubbornly. There�s a difference between a cutter and someone who just needs to vent once in a while and that�s the only way she knows how. Telling people would just put a burden on them. They didn�t need that.
�I don�t want to burden anybody with my problems. You don�t deserve that problem hanging over your heads. I can take care of myself. I�m doing just fine.�
�Is that what you think? That its a burden to us? Violet, you are our friend. We love you very much and any problem of yours is a problem of ours. We�ll try to help you in any and every way possible. I think you need to call Justin. I would help you but I don�t know everything that went on back in Tennessee. He does. He can help you better than I ever could. And I know you�re afraid of getting put into a hospital or something, but Justin, nor I, would never do that to you. Unless you needed help from professionals that badly.� JC took a deep breath and his voice took on a much calmer tone. �Look, Vi, you can trust us. You can trust me.�
Violet exhaled as a tear rolled down her cheek. �I�ve heard that before. And I can trust no one.� JC heard a click in his ear and knew she had hung up on him.
Apparently she had said all she needed to. Was he pushing her? He certainly didn�t feel like he was. She just showed him she could trust him that one day she had confided in him about the cutting. At least, it seemed like she had trusted him.
Chapter 7
~*1 Week Later*~
�Come on D! I am so bored!�
�Well I�m tired!� Danni rolled over in her bed to block her head from the annoying girl
bouncing on her bed.
�D!� Violet whined. �If you didn�t go out with him last night you wouldn�t be tired.
Please.�
�Don�t even start the pout!� Her arm came out from under her and she pointed a finger at
her. She didn�t even have to look at the girl to know she was pouting.
�Well if you�d just come with me without putting up a fight I wouldn�t have to pout!�
Come on Danni. You know you want to go.�
�God I feel like I�m in high school all over again.� Danni rolled over and looked at the
pouting girl beside her on the bed. �Let me at least take a shower.�
�Yey! I love you D.� Violet leaned over and gave her friend a sloppy kiss on her cheek.
�Yeah yeah!� Danni had to smile to herself as she watched Violet bounce out of her room
and down the hall to her own.
She hadn�t seen Violet act like this in a long time. Too long if you ask her. It was nice to
see she could still get into happy moods. However, rare, very rare to see her so excited
about wanting to go shopping. She hated shopping most of the time. Especially when
with Justin. It was enough to be out shopping in the mall or in the downtown plaza by the
beach. But out with Justin, she just couldn�t handle it unless she was in one of these
moods. He would drag her all over the place and into every single store. Half of the time
he wouldn�t even buy anything. He�d just look around for an hour, bugging the hell out of
Violet just to turn around and say, �I don�t like anything in here.� That pissed her off the
most.
But she was happy for some strange reason, Danni would not be questioning, so she
hopped out of bed and into the shower. She could use some new clothes, too. That was
another reason she�d decided to go.
~*~
�I can�t believe that lady wouldn�t give up until you threatened her life!� Danni laughed, not being able to get over her friend�s fixation with her hair.
�If she would have gotten the hint when I said �No! I will NOT cut my hair� then I wouldn�t have had to threaten her life! Ok?�
�Sorry. It�s just funny.�
During their shopping spree, Violet and Danni had gone into a beauty parlor because Danni decided to get a hair cut. But what she came out with was all her little friend�s doing. But it actually did look good on her. Violet could offer advice on her hair anytime. It was now just below her earlobes and a deep red with blonde highlights. It really accentuated her tan.
�Whatever. Ooh! Come on, D!� Violet grabbed Danni�s hand and practically dragged her to the little tattoo parlor across the street they had been walking down.
�No, no, no.�
�Why not?�
�Because, I already have one and I�m not happy with it so why on god�s earth would I
want another?�
�Because, you don�t like that one and you were forced to get it by your ex-best friend. Get
one that you like.� Danni let out an exaggerated sigh as she looked around the place.
�I have a question, what�s worse to get pierced, your naval, or eyebrow.�
�Your navel�s the worst thing to get pierced. It�s the most painful.�
�Really?�
�Yep.�
�Even worse than a girl�s...um, clitoris?�
�Actually, I think they�re about the same. I obviously wouldn�t know. But I have a friend
who has them both done.�
�Huh. Ok.�
�Why, you thinking about getting it done?�
�Yeah, maybe. It�d be different. That�s for sure.�
�Yeah. How many piercing you got?�
�Ten.� She answered simply, looking at different tongue studs.
�Tongue, naval, nose, and ears?�
�Gee how could you tell?� Her voice dripping with sarcasm.
He let out a soft laugh. After getting a good look at the guy, Violet noticed he was quite
attractive. Tall, dark, green eyes, wild brown hair that hung around his face you just died
to touch to scoop it back away from his face. And he wasn�t one of those tattooists who
had tattoos all over themselves. From what you could see, he had one on his left arm, his back, and his calf. Hmm, remind you of anyone? It certainly did her. She immediately pushed the thought out of her mind of what Justin would think and looked back at the man.
�So, how much for both peircings?�
~*1 Month Later*~
�So how�s it going with the new managers?�
�Don�t even get me started on those guys! Ok, so Sarah�s not that bad. She�s actually
catching on quite nicely. Just a few slip-ups here and there. She�s really nice too. Polite,
dresses preppy or whatever you wanna say, drinks once in a while. And only her ears and
belly button are peirced so I guess you could say she�s quite innocent. Very easy to get
along with and fesses up to it when she makes a mistake. Now Dale on the other
hand...Holy shit! That man is so uncoordinated. Why they gave me someone who can�t
even balance a fuckin� tray on one hand is beyond me! Ok, he�s smart, I�ll give him that. Cute too even. But he is just so stupid!� Violet paused for a moment only to receive laughter from the other end. �Hey, it�s not funny!�
�Oh but it is! I�m sorry Vi.� Justin tried to calm himself.
Violet definitely didn�t like it when someone laughed at something being screwed up at her club. Or in her case, someone.
�Will you find it funny when I kill the guy?� She mumbled into the phone. She really
wasn�t finding it too humorous. �Now how would you like it if you had someone working
on the tour who had no idea what the hell they were doing and they screwed up
everything they touched?�
�That is not even funny!� Justin got serious. If there was one thing he never found funny,
that was it. And Violet knew it. If anything ever got screwed up on tour, they would all be
very, very pissed at the person who screwed it up. Especially Justin and Jc. They were the
ones who took it very seriously.
�See how it feels?�
�Sorry Violet.�
�It�s ok. Just don�t do it again.�
�I won�t. Promise.�
�Good.�
�So I�m guessing that means no taking time off to come visit us anytime soon, huh?�
�Yeah. I�m sorry, J. You know how bad I want to go on tour with you. And closing the club for a few days would kill my business. And I just can�t do that.�
�I know. It�s ok. We�ll get used to it. We just would like to see you.�
�I know. I wanna see you all too. It�s too boring around here without the bunch of schmucks here to bug me at the club.�
She laughed into the phone. Justin knew it was a little forced but mostly a true laugh. He noticed she wasn�t being herself lately. Well, she was, but it was her old self she was acting like. And that�s what he was afraid of. He swore after Scott left he would help her break out of her shell and become confidant in herself, and he succeeded. But he�d be damned if he let that all go away so quickly. She was doing so well lately. What could have possibly happened to make her go back to that? He didn�t know the answer to that, but he had a feeling Jc may have. Well, at least she was talking to him again, right?
�Well, it�s been a blast talking to you and all, Justin. But I gotta finish getting ready. It�s really not too fun sitting here in my bathrobe and soaking wet hair talking on the phone.�
�Dang girl! You gotta give me that image, huh?�
Violet blushed, and she didn�t blush crimson too easily either. It was just the thought of
Justin seeing her like that. Actually, he had seen her naked before so she shook the creepy
feeling off. �Sorry Justin.�
�It�s ok. Call me tomorrow.�
�I will. See ya later.�
�Bye.�
Violet heard the click in her ear and hung up her phone. Sighing, she got off her bed and
went into her bathroom to dry her hair and do her make-up. She had to be at the club in a little over an hour.
She missed him. Not just Justin, but Jc and the rest of the guys too. They were really her
only friends, besides Danni. Maybe with a few more nights practice and training, Violet
would feel perfectly comfortable leaving for a few days with Sarah in charge. She really
was a quick learner. Just a few things here and there she couldn�t get. Maybe Violet could work her on those sections just a tad bit harder. Hopefully she�d get it. She really wanted to see them. She�d just be sure to leave on like a Monday and return Thursday. Those were the slower nights.
~*~
�So when were you thinking of going?�
�Uh, next week actually. Do you think you�d be ready to run the place by yourself by
then?�
�Yeah, I think I�d be ok by then. I mean, between now and Monday there�s what? Four days? You can teach me the rest in that time.�
�Yeah. You have most of it down already. And I trust you with my club way more than the lug head.� They both had to laugh at that. Dale really was a lug head.
�And I�d only be gone a couple of days and they�re the slower ones so it shouldn�t be way too hard on you, ya know?�
�Yeah.�
�Hey, how about, tomorrow I�ll let you manage the place? I mean, I�ll be here obviously.
But I mean for actual practice let you try doing the paper work shit and handling everything out on the floor.�
�That sounds good. Besides, you�ll be here then so you�ll see if I�m really ready to manage this place alone.�
�I don�t need to have you manage the place to know. You�re ready Sarah. And you�ll do great while I�m gone. Besides, you�ll have my guys lookin� after you and helping you out.�
�Yeah. Thanks for giving me a shot, Violet.�
�No problem. I had to have a few days off a week besides Sunday, ya know?� Sarah
smiled at the young woman in front of her.
�So where are your friends, if you don�t mind me asking.�
�Oh not at all. I think right now they�re in....London? I don�t know, is that even in the
UK?�
�Uh, no I don�t think so? I don�t know!�
�Well they�re in the UK so...somewhere. I�ll find out tomorrow.�
�They always travel without you?�
�No, not always. I used to go with them a lot. But then I opened my club so I couldn�t go
so often anymore. And man do I miss it. All the sights they get to see. It�s so great. The
farthest I�ve been with them was Germany. But that was a long time ago.�
�Boy they must be rich.�
�You have no idea. Next time they�re in town I�ll have them meet you. They�re always
here anyway. Just buggin� me. So it shouldn�t be too hard to get them around you.�
�I think that�s sweet.� Sarah giggled.
�You don�t know them! Chris is just crazy. He likes to play way too many tricks on me.
And it is so not funny.�
�Prankster?�
�Big time.� She laughed at all the memories of him pranking her. As much as it pissed
her off then, it made her smile now.
�I know you say they�re just your friends, but there�s always one that�s the exception.
You like any of them?�
�No. Well, J�s my best friend in the whole wide world. He knows everything about me
and helped me out a lot when I was younger. I love him so much. But just as a friend. I�ve thought about it before with him, but I don�t have feelings for him in that way.� Sarah nodded in understanding.
�But Josh? I don�t know. He is so gorgeous, the nicest man you could ever meet, a killer
dancer, a little fashion suicidal I�ll admit.� She laughed. �And he really cares about me. I
haven�t known him as long as J, but he�s a great friend. But lately, I don�t know. I totally
broke down in front of him and he found out my secret.� Violet�s voice was just barely
above a whisper now. She was in serious mood and Sarah knew it. Violet hardly ever
vented to anyone, especially someone other than Justin, but when she got started, there
was no stopping the girl.
�I thought he�d run off scared, not knowing what to do �cause he never saw me like that
before. I try not to show emotion like that in front of anyone other than J.�
�Why him?�
�Because he knows everything I�ve been through. He knows what�s really in here, why I won�t let anybody in really.� Sarah watched as Violet patted her chest over her heart.
She really wanted to cry out for this woman. It seemed like she had taken so much in her life and now she was paying for it, along with anyone who wanted to get inside. To know the real Violet Emerson. But maybe, just maybe, this Josh guy was the key.
Chapter 8
The tall, burley man stood in the middle of the airport looking for the girl he was supposed to be picking up, hoping some little teeny bopper didn�t notice him. �Where is she?� He mumbled to himself. The plane wasn�t delayed so he knew she should be around here somewhere, but where? Maybe she�d be at baggage claim. �Lonnie?� The man spun around and looked at the little blonde standing at his side with a big smile on her face. She laughed as he scrunched up his nose to think who she was. �It�s me. Violet.�
�Vi? Dang girl what did you do?� Lonnie immediately scooped the girl up in a big embrace.
�I was ready for a change. It�s not permanent though. I just wanted to know what it felt like to be a blonde.
�Well you make an incredibly cute one.�
�Thanks.� She felt herself blush. �It�s good to see you big guy.�
�You too. You ready?�
�Yeah. Let�s go.� Violet looped her arm through Lonnie�s as he carried her bag and
escorted her through the airport and out to the van. �They expecting me?�
�Nope. Didn�t tell them you were coming.�
�Good. I get to surprise them instead of them always surprising me.� Lonnie just laughed.
They were all in for a shocker when they showed up at the arena for rehearsal/sound
check. �Justin was throwing a fit because you weren�t picking up every time he called. JC
too. Well, basically all of them.�
�Yeah, I don�t think I can go two days without all of them calling me at least twice.�
�That�s Nsync for ya.� Violet laughed as they pulled up to the hotel they�d be staying at.
She got her key from Lonnie and went up to her room to unpack, shower, and change.
~*~
The fab five known best as Nsync walked into the arena to prepare for sound check. One by one, they all slipped away from the discussion to stare at the blonde on stage talking to Wade. Suddenly, he leaned over and hugged the woman.
�Yo, anyone know who that is?�
�I don�t. But she looks hot as hell!�
�Go talk to her, C.�
�Why do I gotta?�
�Well, we all got a woman.�
�Whatever.� He rolled his eyes and made his way onto the stage and over to the woman
whose back was turned to him.
�Hey sexy. I like your pants. But I think they�d look better on my bedroom floor.�
Violet smiled, trying her damndest to hold back her laughter. �Nice pick-up line. Now I
know you don�t kiss your momma with that mouth.� Violet turned around slowly and JC
turned bright red in embarrassment.
�Violet?�
�Well no need to be so shocked. �Cause I know you wouldn�t actually walk up to a girl
and use that line, mister.�
�I...I knew it was you.� He tried to play off coolly.
�Uh-huh. Whatever.� She watched him squirm and she couldn�t hold it back anymore. A
big laugh came out of her mouth as she threw her arms around his neck.
JC relaxed and hugged her back, whispering in her ear. �It�s good to see you Vi.�
�Good to see you too, JC.�
The guys saw this and ran up on stage.
�Violet? Dang girl look at you!�
�Well I would but I don�t have a mirror handy.�
�Shut up and hug me!� Joey smirked, wrapping his arms around her.
Justin looked as Violet hugged and greeted everyone. God, she looked so thin. What was
going on with her lately? JC said something was going on, but she was doing fine, he
made sure of it. But they obviously couldn�t watch her twenty-four-seven. Or else maybe
she�d be eating, she certainly didn�t look like she had been.
�Hey you. Why you standing all the way over here? I missed your butt. You better get
over here and hug me.� Justin laughed at his friend. He definitely wouldn�t be himself
without her. She brightened his day and was his best friend.
�It�s good to see you, Vi.� He whispered sincerely.
�You too, J.�
The group spent the whole day together just hanging out. Violet watched as they
continued their rehearsal then they all went out for some lunch. Violet was getting quite annoyed and the guys constantly making sure she was eating her food. Ok, so she had lost a little weight. It didn�t mean she was fricken anorexic for Christ�s sake!
After they had lunch, they went back to the arena and just laid around lazily hanging out. Chris, Joey, and Justin were playing video games, Lance was on the phone with business, as usual, and Violet and JC were sitting around talking.
�God, I really missed this.�
�What?�
�This. Just hanging out with you guys. It�s really too boring in LA without you guys
there.� Violet explained, popping another combo in her mouth.
�It�s not the same without you with us either.�
�I�m just one person JC. It�s hard to believe its not the same without me.� JC shook his
head. She could never take a compliment could she? She always had to say something to
get herself down, didn�t she? Leaning forward, JC looked into Violet�s eyes.
�How have you been? And don�t lie to me.� JC said in a low voice. He knew Violet
wasn�t great, but hopefully she wasn�t as bad as when they had left.
Just as JC suspected, she wasn�t ok. She leaned forward and put her face in her hands.
Well, at least she wasn�t hiding it anymore.
�I�ve been ok I guess. Not great, at all. But I�m alive.�
�You don�t sound too convincing.�
�I know.� She sighed. Was it just him, or had she been doing that a lot lately? �I�m not
lying when I say things have been going well, because they have. I actually have had
some moments with Sarah and Danni where I was really happy. But like I told you back
home. Sometimes I just get in moods where nothing can bring me up from a down, you
know?�
�Yeah, I know. Even I get like that once in a while. But you really haven�t been seeming
too happy lately.�
�I know.�
�Do you wanna talk about why?�
Violet thought about it for a minute. She did know why she�d been feeling down lately,
but could she tell JC? He had said she could talk to him about anything, so why not?
�I want more.�
Well, how confusing was that? What does she mean, she wants more?
�More from what?�
�JC, I�ve had oh how many guys in the past?�
�Oh.� So now he knew what she meant. She wanted more in her love life. Well that made
sense. She hadn�t had a boyfriend in god knew how long.
�Exactly. Maybe I�m just lonely. And I see all you guys, Danni, and Sarah, everyone I
know with someone. I just want one. One that can make me feel what it�s supposed to be
like in a relationship.�
�What do you mean?� Why did she say anything? Justin was the only one who knew
anything about what had happened those years ago. Why must she always open her big fat
mouth to JC? Because he was the sweetest, easiest man to talk to. It was very common for any girl to find herself falling for that man.
Whoa! Where the hell had that thought come from! Violet�s head screamed. She was in no way falling for JC. He was one of her best friends for crying out loud. No way in hell would she allow herself to feel anything remotely romantic for that man. Nothing could happen with them. Even if she did let herself believe she even liked him that way, she�d only get herself hurt in the end. There was no way he could ever be with someone like her. It was impossible.
�Nothing. Forget I said anything.�
Chapter 9
�You going out with us tonight?�
�Of course!�
�Well I didn�t know since you said earlier that you were dead tired.�
�Justin, you know for a fact that I say that every damn day. I�m a night owl, everyone who
knows me knows that. Which is why I own a night club.�
�Sorry Vi.�
�It�s ok. Just don�t let it happen again.�
Violet had been on tour with the guys for three days now and tomorrow was her last day
with them. She had talked to everyone at the club and apparently everything was fine
there and going well. She was seriously contemplating on staying a few more days.
At ten O�clock, on the dot as always, there was a knock on Violet�s hotel room door. Looking through the peep hole, just as she suspected it was Justin. Not opening the door, she yelled to him.
�Go on without me. I�m running a little late. I�ll meet ya�ll there.�
�Are you sure?�
�Yes! Lonnie said he�s gonna come back and pick me up. I�ll see you a little later.�
�Alright. Bye Violet.�
�See ya!� About twenty minutes later, Violet was looking at her reflection in the mirror.
Never in her life had she worn something so revealing, so racey, so gorgeous. She was
nowhere near having a lot of confidence so it took a lot for her to say she looked hot. For
once in her life, she felt like a true beauty. One that actually did have a chance with JC
Chasez.
�Forgive me father, for I have sinned.� She smiled coyly at the girl in the mirror.
She had on a long black skirt, but there were slits all the way up the legs. stopping at her
hips. Her top was also black, criss-crossing over her chest just in time to cover her
breasts. It wrapped around her neck and mid-back, bearing her stomach and most of her
back. Her hair was down with curls in it and she had on her hoop earrings with make-up.
Enough to make her look good, but not enough to make her look cheap. Putting on her
black coat, she grabbed her little purse and headed out. Just as Lonnie had said, he was
waiting for her outside of the door. He took her to the club and walked her in the club,
attempting to lead her to the VIP section to find the guys. Once up in VIP, Violet was on
her own. She wanted to walk up to the guys without the escort.
Landing her eyes on the guys, Violet suddenly was very aware of her choice in outfit.
What was she doing? This is the kind of thing celebrities go after. Girls bearing skin that
they can leave behind after one night of hot sex. Why was she doing this? Was she that
desperate for JC to pay attention to her? No, that couldn�t be it. Since when did she care if
guys looked at her like that? She was use to guys waving her off as just another girl they
wouldn�t look twice at.
Taking a deep breath, Violet made her way over to the table the guys had occupied. �Hey
guys!� She called to them over the loud music.
�Vi!� Chris jumped up and hugged the girl.
�Aren�t you hot in that jacket?� JC asked her.
�No.� She answered, shaking her head a little faster than she probably should have.
�O-k. Well have a seat girl! Let me buy you a drink!� Violet sat down next to JC and
across from Joey and Joey bought her a drink first. After a few drinks, Violet was burning
up, and everyone could tell.
�Vi, it�s obvious you�re dying. Why don�t you just take off your jacket?�
�Because I don�t like my shirt.� She answered lamely. Truth be told, she loved her top.
She was just afraid of what the guys would think of her if they saw it. Especially Justin.
�Oh come on.� Justin said. �It can�t be worse than that!� Violet looked in the direction
Justin was pointing. Her face contorted into one of horror. He was pointing at a girl on
the dance floor wearing a very short skimpy white skirt and the same top as her. Only it
was striped white, teal, and blue. Great. Justin thinks it�s horrible already. How was she
supposed to take off her jacket now? Maybe with a few more drinks.
A little while later, Violet couldn�t take it anymore. Standing up, she told the guys she
was going to the ladies� room and would be right back. Once she made it inside the room,
Violet practically ripped off her jacket. She felt so much better. Fixing her make-up a
little, she took a deep breath and went back to the table. She started feeling more
comfortable so she figured the alcohol was working. Smiling, she decided to go for it and
ask JC to dance when she got back to the table.
Standing next to the table with her hands on her hips, Violet spoke loudly to JC so they could hear her.
�JC, would you like to dance?� All the guys looked to the girl asking him and Violet wanted to run and hide when she saw all their mouths drop. Trying not to let it get to her, she asked �Well?�
�Huh? Oh, yeah. I�d love to.� JC said, breaking out of his trance and standing up. This girl never seized to amaze him, or the other guys for that matter. But come on, was she trying to get the nasty JC to come out? He sure thought so. As they made their way out to the dance floor, Joey leaned back to the guys. �Is it just me, or have none of you seen her wearing something that revealing before either?�
�I have never even seen Violet wear a bikini.� Lance stated.
�What�s with the outfit? I�ve never known Vi to wear something that racey.� Chris said,
adding a whistle to the end.
�That�s because she doesn�t wear stuff like that. What was she thinking? Like every guy
in here is gonna be drooling all over her.�
�And that�s a problem because?� Joey didn�t see the big deal. Violet felt like she wanted
to wear something so she did. And man did it ever make her look sexier than she already
did. What did it matter if some stupid guys in a club thought she was hot?
�What do you know?� Justin said before stomping off somewhere.
�Evidently not a whole hell of a lot.� Joey retorted.
�Dude, I don�t care. Violet�s hot.�
�That she is Chris. That she is.�
Once on the dance floor, JC and Violet began dancing to the upbeat Yeah by Usher. No
one noticed Justin glaring at the two from the bar.
Once the song slowed down and they could talk, JC said, �You look really great Violet.�
�I look like a slut.� She laughed as they swayed.
�But a hot slut.� Ok, so that she hadn�t been expecting. He thinks she�s hot? Since when
is she hot slutty Violet rather than perfect innocent little sister Violet?
�You too might I add Mr. Chasez.�
�Why thank you Ms. Emerson.� He smiled at her. �I�ve never known you to wear
something like this.�
�That�s because I don�t normally. But hey, it�s a club. You�re supposed to look sexy.�
�Well you definitely got that down.� Feeling the blush on her face, Violet changed the
subject.
�So I was thinking.�
�Oh yeah? Did it hurt?�
�I cannot believe you just said that!� Violet said, slapping JC�s arm playfully.
�Sorry Vi.�
�Anyways, I think I might stay for a little while longer instead of leaving you guys
tomorrow.�
�Really?� JC asked hopefully. He was really starting to get close to this girl and call him
selfish, but he wanted to know more.
�Yeah. I just talked to everyone today and they don�t really need me. Sarah�s been doing a great job apparently and there hasn�t been any major problems other than the usual punks acting up there.�
�That�s cool. How much longer you thinking about staying on tour with us?�
�I don�t know. That depends on how much of me you guys can take.� She laughed.
�We love you Vi. You know we can take every little bit of you.�
After a few more songs, the two made their way back to the table to order more drinks.
After three more beers, Violet was way out of it. Laughing at every little thing, flirting
immensely with JC yet again, the guys were starting to get suspicious, and falling over
with the tiniest touch. She was definitely being a lot louder than they ever heard her too.
Violet was now out on the dance floor with some guy who had approached her. The guys
all watched as he seemed to get a little too touchy with her. Justin knew fully well that
that was the one thing Violet hated. It brought back too many memories. Justin started
walking over to his best friend and the creep when he heard her.
�Will you stop?!�
�Come on baby! You know you want it.�
�If I wanted it I�d be getting it!� She yelled, slapping his face, hard. Violet could really hit
hard. Justin knew that for a fact. He pissed her off one too many times before and got a
bruised cheek because of it. The only problem now was she was drunk, which meant her
ability to defend herself was definitely impaired.
�Stupid bitch! That hurt!� The guy yelled, slapping her back.
�Hey! What the fuck do you think you�re doing man?� Justin said, pushing himself
between Violet and the creep.
�Teaching this bitch a lesson!�
�I think someone needs to teach you a lesson.�
�Oh yeah?�
�Yeah.�
�Just try it.� Just when Justin was ready to kick the guy�s ass, two security guards came
up and threw the guy out. One stayed behind to make sure Violet was ok first. She was so
shaken up all she could do was nod her head.
�You ok Violet?� She nodded again.
�He just scared me.�
�I know.�
�God, why do I attract creeps?� She asked rhetorically.
�Maybe if you didn�t dress like a slut they wouldn�t bother you so much.� Justin said
harshly. Violet couldn�t believe her ears. She was more than aware now and was fully
ready to kill this guy she called her best friend.
�Is that what I am to you Justin? A slut?� Man, if looks could kill, Justin would be dead.
�You certainly look like it right now.�
Getting all up in his face, Violet spoke to him so low it would give anyone the chills.
�Excuse me for wanting to let loose for one night and have a little fun. But I guess that�s
too much for you to handle. Sorry I�m not little miss innocent but this is who I am Justin.
You�re right though. I don�t dress like this. Maybe tonight, I just wanted a little attention.
But if you ever call me a slut again, I will pummel your ass. And you know I can do it
too.�
�You wouldn�t.� Looking away for a few seconds she nodded briefly before punching
him square in the eye causing Justin to lose his balance.
�You are the biggest asshole on the face of the earth Justin Timberlake.� She was on the
brink of tears and ran out of the club as fast as she could before anyone saw her cry. It
was one thing to cry in front of a close friend or in the confinement of your own room.
But in front of all these people because your friend was being an ass? Violet just could
not do that.
When she made it outside, she started walking down the street, tears falling freely down
her face. She was down a little ways when she heard someone calling her name. Stopping and turning around she said, �What do you want JC?�
�I thought you might like these.� He said softly, handed Violet her jacket and purse.
�Thank you.� She whispered, taking her things from him.
Hearing her sniffle again, JC asked, �Are you ok, Vi?�
�I�ll be fine.�
�But you�re not now.�
�No.� Violet wiped her eyes.
�Come on, let�s go back to the hotel.�
�You know what? I think I�d rather walk. I�ll meet you there.�
�Uh uh girl! You ain�t walking back alone at one in the morning. I�ll walk with you.�
�Thanks JC. You�re a true friend. Unlike Justin.� JC wrapped his arm around her waist as
she did his. Resting her head on his shoulder they began walking. �God he is such an
ass.�
�He�s just overprotective, Vi. You know how he is.�
�Overprotective was saving me from that guy. Asshole is saying what he did to me. I
know it�s mean, but I hope he has a black eye tomorrow.�
JC chuckled a little at that. He probably shouldn�t have, but he couldn�t help it. A part of
him hoped Justin�s face would be bruised too. Anyone who knew Violet Emerson knew
she had a mean hand. It would leave a mark on anyone if they screwed with her.
About twenty minutes later the two walked into the hotel. JC, being the gentleman that he is, walked Violet to her room. �Good night Violet. I�ll see you in the morning.� Violet smiled at him and closed her eyes as she felt his soft lips on her forehead.
Turning to walk away, Violet called out to him. �JC?�
Turning back to face her JC replied. �Yeah, Vi?� He noticed she looked a little nervous and knew what she wanted.
�Um, could you...?�
�Of course.� He walked back to the young woman and hugged her. She hugged him back
gratefully.
�Thank you. I just don�t really want to be alone right now.�
�I know. Come on.�
They walked into the room and Violet sat on the back of the couch. �Are you tired? Did
you wanna go to bed?�
�Not really. I just didn�t want to be alone if I stayed up. You don�t mind do you? We can
sleep if you�re tired.�
�No that�s ok. I�ll stay up with you if you want me to.�
�Thank you.� JC sat down beside her a bumped into her with his shoulder.
�So whatcha wanna do?� Violet had to giggle at that.
�It feels like Joey�s nineteenth birthday party all over again.�
�I know. I remember that was the first time you drank.�
�We were in Canada and you bought alcohol for everyone. Me and Justin got so sick.
And it�s all your fault!� She said, pointing to JC.
�Hey, you didn�t have to drink.� JC shrugged.
�Oh, like I was gonna be the only one not drinking.� They smiled at each other and JC
felt his heartbeat quicken, as did Violet. �You know, if I remember correctly, you still
owe me a dance from that night.�
�Do I?�
�Yes, you do.�
�And we haven�t made that up between the last time we went clubbing and tonight?�
�Nope.� She shook her head cutely.
�Very well.� JC stood up and held his hand out to her. �Violet, may I have this dance?�
�You may.� Taking his hand, JC led her over in front of the stereo. Turning on some music, they began to sway in rhythm.
Oh baby, Oh baby
Oh baby, Oh baby
In love nor belief
Never found inside of me
Built these walls up so high
Needed my room to breathe
Oh baby, oh baby
You tear them down
Can�t believe you changed my mind
Oh baby, oh baby
I saw you smile
Stay with me a while
Violet smiled as she and JC danced. She truly felt happy when around him. He could brighten the darkest day and make the sun shine. Picking up the tempo, JC began to twirl her around the room. Listening to the words of the song, Violet�s heart began to quicken. She had built walls around her heart so no one would ever be able to get in and break it. Could JC be the one who holds the key? Every time she was with him, Violet felt those walls being torn down one brick at a time. And if she wasn�t careful, all four walls would be down sooner than she thought.
All things fall into place
My heart it feels so safe
You are my melody
That�s where you take me
With you I get so high
Lost in the crystal sky
You are this melody
That�s where you take me
I never fell before
How did you find the door?
The key to my soul
To you forever more
Oh baby, oh baby
You make me rise
And never did I once think twice
Oh baby, oh baby
You make me smile
Stay with me a while, oh
Violet found herself falling more and more for this man who was supposed to be like a big brother to her. Who had been since they met. So what was different? She felt so safe with him. He was what made her shine. Without JC Chasez, there probably would be no Violet Emerson. And that scared her to death. She had never fallen for a man before, what was she to do? All these feelings and emotions were new to her. She had to talk about it with him, but how? And when? She certainly didn�t feel like she could do it now. But she might have to. If she didn�t tell him how she felt now, Violet knew she never would. Hopefully he planned on staying a while. She certainly hoped so.
All things fall into place
My heart it feels so safe
You are my melody
That�s where you take me
With you I get so high
Lost in the crystal sky
You are this melody
That�s where you take me
Afraid to let it all inside
Oh how I wanna hear you�ll stay with me awhile
(stay with me a while)
La la la la la la (la la la la la)
La la la la la la (la la la la la)
La la la la la la
La la la la la la
That�s where you take me
All things fall into place
My heart it feels so safe
You are my melody
That�s where you take me
With you I get so high
Lost in the crystal sky
You are this melody
That�s where you take me
The song ended and a much slower one began. It was Heaven by Bryan Adams. It was the first song she and JC had ever slow danced to.
�We can�t stop now can we?�
�Not at all.� Violet smiled, wrapping her arms around Jock�s neck and resting her head on his shoulder. God this just felt so right to her. This felt just like heaven to her. And Violet was almost positive this is where she belonged. Now if only JC felt the same.
�JC?� He heard her soft voice. She had to ask. She needed to know how he felt about her and whether or not this was all just a mood point.
�Yes?�
�Can I ask you something?�
�You can ask me anything, Vi.�
After a brief pause she went for it. �Have you ever felt anything for me?�
�What do you mean?�
�I mean felt anything for me. Anything more than friends, or brotherly.�
Stopping, JC pulled Violet away from their embrace and put his hand on her face making
her look straight at him. He couldn�t remember a time when she had ever looked so scared.
�Violet, I have never had feelings for you,� Oh god. Her head screamed. He was going to
totally shoot her down and make her feel like a complete moron. �that would make me
see you as only a sister or a friend.�
Ok, so now she felt stupid. Did this mean he saw her in the same light as she did him?
�Are you serious?�
�Look into my eyes, Violet.� And she did. They were such beautiful eyes. Violet found
herself captivated by him at the quickest glance of them. �Do you see it?�
�See what?� She was confused. What did he mean?
�What you mean to me.�
�I think so.� She smiled weakly as she realized he was quoting �their� song.
Suddenly she realized his face was moving closer to her own. He was going to kiss her.
And there�s nothing Violet wanted more than to feel his soft lips upon her own.
JC pulled away from Violet and put his head beside hers. Softly singing into her ear, he
said, �Baby you�re all that I want, when you�re lying here in my arms. I�m finding it hard
to believe, we�re in heaven.�
Chapter 10
Violet stirred in her sleep. Not being able to shut out the light shining on her face, she opened her eyes to be greeted by the bright sun. rolling over in her bed, Violet found that she was now alone. No. This is what she was afraid of. He just wanted her body. He didn't really care for her. He made his conquest and now JC was running.
Feeling used, hurt, and betrayed, Violet went into the bathroom and turned the shower on.
Getting into the steaming water stream, Violet just stood there, soaking her body that now felt dirty, very dirty.
How could JC do this to her? He said he cared about her more than she'd ever know. And she gave into his whim, believing everything he said to her. She needed to learn to never trust a guy. She had once before and look where it got her. Depressed, closed-off, and dark. She wasn't herself for a long time. Why did she feel the need for a man when all they did was screw with her mind so she'd screw with his dick?
Shaking the thoughts from her mind, Violet exited the shower and blow dried her hair. Putting on her make-up, Violet began to think about Justin. How would he react to finding out his one best friend had used the other? She knew he shouldn't know and it was none of his business really, but she would be around JC all day. How would he not pick up on something like that? And he was her best friend. He knew everything about her. This would just be another thing to add to the list of Violet Emerson's screwed up life.
After throwing on a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans and grabbing some money and her hotel room key, Violet exited her room and headed down to the arena. Violet heard the guys singing and saw them dancing as soon as she entered the place. Smiling, she once again realized this is where they all belong. On stage singing and dancing for the fans. She knew there was nothing in the world that could ever make them happier. It may have been an oldie, but Violet still loved it every time the guys did Tearin' Up My Heart. When they finished, instead of screamed and cheering, Violet began to boo.
"Oh come on! You guys can't even do the damn flip anymore? That definitely makes Backstreet Boys better!"
"Shut up Violet! We're old!" Chris yelled.
"So? I'm a weakling and I can even do it!"
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah."
"Then get your tiny ass up here and prove it." Joey challenged.
Holding her head high, Violet got up onto the stage and took stance beside Justin. Taking
off her shirt and handing it to Justin revealing the tank top underneath, Violet told the sound guys to start that part of the song. She had seen the guys perform so many times she did the dance flawlessly, including the flip.
"See, you guys just suck. I'm barely even winded."
The guys all looked at each other and before Violet knew it, she was hoisted up onto Joey's shoulder, kicking and screaming to be let down. Joey went to the middle of the stage and began to spin her around as fast as he could. She screamed at the top of her lungs and Joey finally set her down. Everyone stood off to the side as Violet stumbled then fell to the ground.
"As soon as I can see straight, you're dead Joey."
"Whatever." He laughed at her, before falling over himself.
"Dude, you can't even stand up!" Chris said, pointing to him causing everyone to laugh
harder.
When the room stopped spinning, Violet stood up and looked at all the guys watching
her.
"Are you ok?" Justin asked.
"I'm fine." She yanked her shirt away from Justin and pulled it over her head.
"Can we talk, Vi?"
"Whatever." She mumbled, before getting off the stage and walking away. She was still very mad at Justin from last night. But she had a feeling she was going to forgive him in a matter of two seconds and tell him he was right about the whole thing. Then he'll ask why and she'll tell him everything about what happened between her and JC and then Justin will proceed to kill the guy.
"Violet, I'm really sorry about last night. I was way out of line to tell you what you shouldn't have been wearing. I don't know why I called you a slut. I guess I was just getting over protective again."
"Oh Justin. I am so sorry for punching you in the eye. Wow, that looks like it hurt." She said, gingerly touching the black eye she had given her best friend.
"I'm sorry I challenged that you wouldn't hit me."
"You do know better than that." She giggled a little.
"Yeah. Even if I didn't, I definitely do now." He laughed with her.
"Best friends for life again?"
"Best friends for life again."� Violet quickly kissed him on the lips before tightly wrapping her arms around his neck. Pulling away, Violet covered her mouth as she began laughing again. "God everyone is going to hate me."
"Why?"
"Because I messed up Justin Timberlake's perfect face." She couldn't even say that with a straight face.
"Ha ha very funny. Come on, we should get back to sound check." They wrapped their arms around each other's waists and went back to the stage. As they passed JC, Violet
couldn't help but to give him a dirty look.
When the guys were done with sound check and were going to sit in the back room just to relax before the show, Violet stated she was going to go back to the hotel. She had a bad headache and would see them all later.
She was just laying around her room waiting for seven o'clock to come when there was a knock on her door. Turning the TV off, Violet stood and answered it, shocked to see it was JC.
"What are you doing here?"
"I needed to talk to you."
"Oh you mean you actually have something to say to me?"
"What's that supposed to mean? And why haven't you been speaking to me all day?"
"And you didn't stop to think that maybe it had something to do with the fact that you
pulled out the old nail and bail routine on me?"
"Nail and bail, what are you talking about, Vi?"
"I woke up this morning, and you were gone! You didn't even leave a note!"
"Is that what you think I did?"
"Well what am I supposed to think?"
"God, Violet. I would never pull that shit on you! I thought you knew me better than
that."
"I thought I did."
"Violet, I care about you way too much to just leave you like that." A single tear escaped
from Violet's watery eyes and JC reached up to brush it away. "Ah Vi, don't cry."
"I'm sorry, I just thought..."
"It doesn't matter. All you need to know is that I'm here for you, I care about you more
than anyone could ever know, and I want to be with you. And nothing will ever change
that." JC whispered to her.
"Never?"
"Never never." JC quoted Peter Pan before leaning in and claiming her lips with his own.
Pulling away breathless, Violet whispered. "You should probably get back before the
guys get suspicious."
"Yeah. Are you coming?" It was then that JC saw what she was wearing.
"Damn girl! Where are you heading with that on?" It was a white khaki skirt with a brown
off the shoulder top. Her hair was down and she was wearing brown platform sandals.
"You'll see." She winked at JC before kicking him out of her room. "Bye JC." Closing the door, Violet leaned up against smiling like a school girl. Feeling his lips, JC couldn't keep from smiling as he made his way down the hall and to the elevator.
~*~
As the guys made their way onto the stage for the their first song, Violet screamed her head off. She decided she had wanted to be a teeny bopper, so that's just what she was. She was dressed preppy, wearing the Nsync T-shirt she had bought on her way in and now she was standing front row center with all the fans screaming as though she were one of them. The guys were a little shocked to see her down there, but couldn't be happier. They needed her there.
~2 Weeks Later~
"Hello everyone!" Violet said, walking into the club.
"Violet!" Everyone yelled before running up to her and taking their turn hugging her.
"Hey guys. Didn't think I'd be that missed. Violet laughed at their actions.
"We love you girl!" Sarah said, taking her turn to hug the girl hello.
"Hey Sarah. Everything ok around here?"
"Everything was great. We had a couple fights break out, you know the usual."
"Stupid asses." Violet rolled her eyes.
"So how was the trip? How are all the guys?"
"They're great and it was the most fun I've had in a long time."
"Yeah? Well you needed it. But now, time to get back to work."
"Yep. And I missed it all." Sarah noticed a change in Violet that only a girl could notice.
Grabbing Violet's hand, Sarah pulled her up to the office.
"Come on Vi. There's something I need to show you really quick."
"Ok." Violet said confused. Pulling her into the office, Sarah shut the door.
"Ok. Spill it." "What are you talking about?"
"Look at you! You're absolutely glowing. Who is he?"
"Oh." Violet smiled at the thought of JC. "Remember that guy I told you about? Josh?"
"Yeah..."
"Well, we hooked up."
"Really?"
"Really. God, he makes me feel so wonderful. I don't think I have ever been this happy in
my whole life."
"Well you deserve it."
"Thanks, Sarah. It really means a lot."