Chapter 1:
"Come on man, you can't let this get to you. You said it yourself, it wasn't going to work out. She just broke up with you before you could break up with her." He could tell he wasn't getting through to his friend, so he left him there on his bed, and headed back up to the front of the bus with the rest of the guys.
"Well, how is he?" They all asked at once.
Lance sighed and said, "I've never seen him so down before. He won't even talk." Out of all the guys he was the last one they expected to get like this over a girl, well except for Joey, of course, but he hasn't been with one girl for longer than a month since they met him.
Chris had broken up with girls before, and they had broken up with him, but he had always been able to get over it within a day or so. But Heather, she was different. The other girls were just that-- girls. He had never felt with them what he did with Heather. She had touched a part of his heart that he didn't know existed. He would tell the other guys he didn't think it would work out, but in his heart he could see himself actually marrying her.
***Chris' "Room"***
'What does Lance know--' Chris thought. 'The girl he loves is still there, waiting on him.'
Stacy and Lance had been dating for almost 2 years now. The both hated how much Lance had to be away, but when they first started dating they talked about it.� Both of them decided they could handle it. Lance made sure to call her before every concert, and if there wasn't a concert that nigh,t he would call before he went to bed. Stacy would also make a point of joining them on the road whenever possible.
Chris sat up, and once again, looked at the pictures of him and Heather.� He thought back to when they were taken. His favorite was the one of him and her the first time he took her surfing. It took them all day.� But as it was starting to get dark she caught one and rode it in. They took the picture right after too, as she said, "remember it forever." This made Chris start to cry once again.
***Front of Bus***
"Man, what can we do?" Justin asked. "I hate to see him like this."
"There's really nothing you can do," JC said as he looked to the back to where Chris was� "He has to work this out on his own."
"You think he'll be able to make it through the performance tomorrow night? Ya know, singing those songs." Joey suddenly asked.
Oh, I didn't think about that. He always said that 'God Must Have Spent'... was written about her."� Although, all the guys had said that about the girls they dated, "Even though he hadn't even met her when we recorded that one," Lance said. "And Digital Getdown was their little joke since they talked more on the computer than they phone."
"Well, do you think we should re-schedule or something?" Justin asked.
"I have no idea," JC said "Maybe we should..."
"Nah, ya'll. We can't do that," Chris interrupted. "The fans shouldn't have to be put out and rearrange their schedule just 'cause I'm having a bad day. I'll be able to make it through, ok? But it may not be my best performance ever."
The guys could all tell that he had just finished crying and he wasn't still completely with them. He was just standing in the middle of the room looking off into nothing, absently petting Busta's head.
"Well, that will give the audience a little something different, it'll be you instead of Lance," Joey said as he ducked to avoid being hit by the shoe Lance threw at him. "Come on man, you know it's true!"
"Yeah well, you don't have to point it out!" Lance said, trying his best to look hurt, which only made the other guys laugh even harder. Lance had been the one who had to work the hardest to get the dance moves down, and the guys still liked to tease him sometimes. Lance didn't mind the teasing too�much, especially now since it was at least making Chris laugh and get his mind off Heather, even for a little while.
�
Chapter 2:
Jana is sitting in the passenger side of Leah's, carlazily looking out the window. She's off in her own little world till Leah starts talking. "I can't believe it's finally here! Just think in four short hours we will be in Nashville, then we only have to wait 2 and a half more to see..."
"...*NSYNC!" They yell together. Jana and Leah were on their way to the *Nsync concert in Nashville, TN. Leah, luckily won some tickets off of a local radio station. They both went ballistic when they found out they actually won. Then when they found out, not only were they going to the concert, but they were going to be on the very first row! Leah had been wanting to go to their concert since she first started liking *Nsync. Their last set of concerts were awesome but these were supposed to be even better.
"I still can't believe you actually were able to get the tickets!" Jana was still shocked.
"I know I was just sitting there listening to the radio, and they said to be caller 15 for a chance to win *Nsync tickets. I didn't think I would actually be it, but I figured I'll never win if I don't try, so I tried-- and well, you know what happened after that."
"I don't know how you were able to think of the answers, though. I would have gone completely blank!"
"Well, it's not like they were that hard! I mean, biggest flirt? Joey, duh. 1st single they released in the US? I mean, come on-- they were a cinch!"
"I wish we could meet them, though! That would have made it perfect. But, at least we have front row seats!"
***Nashville***
"Guys come on, we got sound check in 15 min!" Lance was yelling at the guys. They had all stayed up pretty late, talking and goofing off, mainly trying to get Chris' mind off of Heather. It had worked too, until he got back to his bed, and the pictures of her were still there. He had stayed up another two hours writing a letter to her. Justin came running out of the back of the bus with a bowl of Cap'n Crunch in his hand trying to devour it real quick.
"I'm coming! I'm coming! It's not like they can really do this without us!" Justin said, while his mouth was still half full of cereal. Joey came out behind him holding a pop tart in his mouth, while trying to finish putting on his shoes.
"Yeah Lance, don't rush us. Ya wouldn't want us to choke on our breakfast...then where would we be?? No concert, and half of *Nsync in the hospital! Then the soundcheck would be for nothing!" Joey said
Lance just laughed at the two of them. "Hey, where's Chris and JC?"
***Chris' Bed***
"Hey JC, wait just a second," Chris said as JC passed his bed on his way to the front.
"Yeah man, what is it?"
"Well, I was hoping you could read this and tell me what you think. I wrote it last night to Heather. I wasn't sure if I should send it or not." Chris said as he handed the paper to JC.
****Chris's Letter****
"Wow man, I never knew it was that deep with you two. I think you should definately send it. She got to say her good-bye and this is yours." JC advised his friend.
"Yeah, I didn't realize what I had till it was gone. Thanks.� I think I will send it." Chris said as JC handed back his letter, and gave him a hug. Just then Lance walked to the back to find where they were.
"Ummmm...did I interrupt a private moment here????" Lance said, while winking at the two.
"Man, shutup! I was just helping him out real quick!" JC shot back. The three laughed and headed up front.
"Everybody here? Lets go then!" Joey said as the three came out from the back.
***2 hours later***
"I'm starving. Where's lunch??" Chris complained.
"I don't know what you guys are doing, but Stacy's here, so we are going to go out and get something." Lance said smiling. It seemed like forever since he'd seen her, eventhough he had just seen her when they were in Bilouxi.
"Awww-- we're not all invited???" Joey joked, knowing full well they weren't. Lance always made sure him and Stacy had at least one meal with just them two, whenever she joined them on the road.
"Nah man, this one's for me and her. I have something really important to ask her." Lance said with a devilish grin.
�
Chapter 3:
"What is it??? Ya gotta tell us!" JC inquired.� He hated not knowing things, especially when it was a secret of a friend.
"No.� I'll tell her first, then if things go ok, I'll let ya'll know." Lance said and ran out before they could ask anything else. He was so nervous-- this was kinda important and he wasn't positive how she would re-act.
***Secluded Restaurant***
"Do you think anyone recognized me?" Lance asked glancing around.
"Boy, I barely recognized you!" Stacy said as she went on to the table.� She hated how he always had to diguise himself so they could actually be alone. But today, he went further than usual. He was in a baseball cap, sunglasses, and even a wig so his hair was a little longer and black. The waiter put them at a private table in the back to make sure no one would disturb them.
"I'm sorry I have to go so far, but I really wanted us to be alone today." Lance explained.
"Why's today so special? I didn't forget an anniversary, did I??? Because it's usually me who remembers, not you." When Lance was on the road he tended to let things like that slip. He never forgot the important ones, though.� Stacy never got upset because she understood.
"Well, I have something I want to ask you." Lance explained as he took off his disguise. Stacy finally got to see his beautiful eyes, she hadn't seen him in so long. She instantly lost herself in them. Lance noticed and just smiled.� He leaned across the table and gave her a kiss.
"Oh, was I doing it again??" Stacy asked, slightly embarrassed. She tended to get lost in his eyes often and Lance found the best way, and most fun way, to get her out of her trance was to kiss her.
"I'm beginning to wonder if you do that just so I'll kiss you more."� Lance said as Stacy just smiled and shuggred.
"I guess you'll never know. You said you had something to ask me?"
"Well, umm yeah..."Lance started. He was extremely nervous, even though Stacy was the easiest person to talk to.� But this was a little different than their usual conversation. "Yeah, what I wanted to ask was..."
"Can I take your drink order?" The waiter asked and startled both of them. Lance was so into asking and Stacy couldn't figure out why he was so nervous.
"Oh, um, yeah I'll have sweet tea." Lance requested.
"And I'll have a coke."
"Lance, why are you so nervous?" Stacy asked a little worried.
"Well, it's just that I don't know how you'll re-act and it's got me a little worried."
"Just ask and you'll know. You know that I love you, and if there's something wrong we'll work it out together.
"Oh no, nothing's wrong. At least I hope not. Ok, here goes. Stacy--" Lance started out. "I want to tell you first that I love you so much, and I hate being without you on the road, and then still going home to an empty house when we're off the road. So, what I want to ask is-- after this tour is over, will you marry me?" Lance finally finished and pulled out the most beautiful diamond ring.
"Oh my gosh, Lance!" Stacy said as she started crying. "You know I love you more than words can express. I would love to be your wife!" She said as she jumped up to give him a hug and kiss. They were interrupted by the waiter with their drinks.
***Back at the Stadium***
"Man, where is Lance? We only have time for one more practice." Justin asked.
"Here I am.� Don't worry I wouldn't dip out on you guys!" Lance said as him and Stacy rushed into the room.
"HEY STACY'S HERE!" Chris yelled when he saw her. They all went over to hug her and say hi.
"What am I chopped liver?" Lance asked.
"Well, we're with you ALL the time. You expect us to really get excited everytime?� It'd get a little old after awhile. Ya know?� HEY, LANCE IS HERE!� YAY! OH LANCE JUST GOT OUT OF THE BATHROOM YAY! Oh, here he is again! See-- gets old don't it!?!?" Chris said, while all the guys were laughing.
"I don't know man, I kinda like it!" Lance said laughing
"Stacy, you didn't have that last time. Is this what Lance had to ask you??" JC asked as he pointed to her ring.
"Yeah, he just asked me to marry him." Stacy said as she looked at Lance and smiled. They both just stared at each other.
"Hey guys, snap out of it!" Joey said when they had been looking at each other for a minute.
"Oh, sorry--" Lance said as he started to blush. "Yeah, I asked her to marry me this afternoon, and surprisingly, she said yes."
"Like I would say anything else!" Stacy said.
"Well, congratulations guys! Wow.� I can't believe one of us is actually going to get married." Justin said. Chris had been watching everyone and had to walk away. He was hoping no one noticed and so far they hadn't. He was happy for his friend, but he couldn't help but think about Heather. He still had the letter in his pocket and decided to go ahead and mail it.
***3 Hours Later Backstage***
"...Amen." JC had just finished the prayer they always did before a concert. "All right guys, next thing; Hackey sack time! We better do better this time than we have in the past. We're already running late!" JC said as he kicked the hackey sack to start everyone off.
***In the Audience***
"...She's got dumps like a truck, truck, truck. Guys like what, what, what,..." Sisquo sang from the stage.
"Is he done yet???? I really don't like him." Leah groaned to Jana.
"HUSH! I love this song! And yes, he's almost done." Jana told her.� She turned back to the stage just as Sisquo was finishing his song.
"Thank you! Thank you! Before they come out I just want to thank *Nsync for asking me to open for them on their tour!" He said as he left the stage.� Everyone applauded and screamed.
"All right! Now it's time for some fun!" Leah said as the lights started to�move all around the room.
"Welcome everyone!! Are you ready for a good time???" Justin said from somewhere off stage. The whole audience errupted in applause. Everyone was looking around trying to figure out where they were, though. The music started to play and the guys still weren't on stage.
"I LOVE THIS SONG!" Jana screamed as she recognized the music.
"You love every song!"
"Well yeah, so??"
"When I say N you say Sync! N" Justin still yelling from off stage somewhere. By now the whole crowd was straining to find them. "Sync!"
"N"
�"Sync"
"Where are they??" Leah asked as Jana started looking around.
"I don't kn..." Jana suddenly cut off. Her eyes got huge and her mouth dropped open. "OH My GOSH!"
"What? What happend??" Leah asked suddenly extremely nervous.
" Just look!" Jana said as she made Leah turn around.
"Oh my gosh is right! I can't believe they are doing that!"
�
Chapter 4:
"Well, believe it cause they are!" Jana said as she stared up in the� coliseum. The guys were suspended from the top and they were holding onto handles and sliding down 5 different wires. The wires went from the top of the coliseum to the stage. As they reached the stage they each let go and dropped down. Poor Chris looked scared out of his mind. As soon as they landed they started singing.
"Here we go one more time..."
"Wow!� That was soooo cool! I can't believe Chris agreed to that, though!" Jana exclaimed.
"I know! I knew this concert was going to be awesome!" Leah responded.
***1 Hour Later***
"...little more time on you." The guys just finished singing 'God Must Have'...
"That song always makes me cry!" Jana said, wiping her eyes.
"Me too! It reminds me of Liz and Lucky too!" Leah said as Jana nodded�her head.
"Now for a little something more upbeat." Lance said as he looked at Chris, who just nodded his ok. This would be two songs in a row that reminded him of Heather, but he made it thru the first one ok.
"I told you they would sing this!" Jana yelled and stuck her tongue out at Leah.
"I can't believe they are actually going to do this one!" Leah said, a little in shock, as the guys started singing 'Digital Get Down'. "Hey Jana, look at Chris. He doesn't look like he's really here."
"If he's not careful he's going to fall off stage."
"Yeah look, he's really close. Go get that security guard so he can watch him in case something happens."
"Ok, I'll be right back," Jana said as she went to talk to the security guard. "Excuse me, sir--�I'm sorry to bother you, but we were watching Chris and he's awfully close to the edge.� Ya might wanna get closer in case he falls off." The security guard looked over at Chris just as he took a wrong step and started to fall off the stage. The crowd all let out a cry of surprise and shock, and all the guys on stage stopped singing. The security guard Jana had been talking to ran over just in time to catch him. Jana just looked at Leah and both couldn't believe what had just happened. The music on stage stopped and the security guard helped Chris back on stage. He was in shock still and just went straight backstage to sit down. Stacy had seen what happened and got him some water.
"Sorry, but we're going to have to take a 5-10 minute break--" JC said as all the guys ran backstage. The crowd all started talking about what had happened. Jana and Leah saw the security guard go backstage with the guys and they desperately wanted to know if he was ok.
"Excuse me-- You were the one who caught him, right?" Justin asked.�
"Yeah, some girl came up to me and said she noticed that he wasn't really paying attention, and when I turned to look and see what she was talking about, he fell off the stage, and I just ran to catch him." The security guard said.
"Wow, man-- I can't thank you enough! I could be really hurt right now."� Chris said. "Do you remember who told you?"
"Yeah, I think I would be able to recognize her."
"Would you mind going out there and asking her to come back here?"
"Not at all.� I'll be right back."
"Look Jana, here comes the security guard. Let's go see if he was ok."� Leah said as they made their way to him.
"Excuse me," Jana said, "Is he all right?"
"Yeah, aren't you the one who warned me?" He asked.
"Yeah, well-- we both did." Jana replied.
"Well, they asked me to come get you and bring you backstage."
"BACKSTAGE??? Are you serious??" Jana asked fully in shock.
"Yeah, come on." He said as he let them past the railing so they could follow him.
"OH, MY GOSH! I can't believe we get to go back there! We are going to meet them!" Leah started to freak out.