Fresh Start

Chapter 29:

Stacy hung up her cell phone and put it in her beach bag, "Hey guys, JC said that Michelle has been sleeping soundly all afternoon."

"Good," Krystine said as she folded her towel. "She looked exhausted when we saw her this morning."

"So, are we going by to see her later?" Joey asked.

Stacy nodded, "JC was given permission to stay with her tonight and I told him we would go and get them something to eat. Oh, Justin.....he needs you to go by his place and get a few things for him."

"Okay," Justin said, "is it okay if we go by on the way to your apartment, Krys?"

She nodded, "Of course."

"Well, we're out," Chris said. "We will meet you in the main waiting room at the hospital." He and Joey siad their goodbyes and headed for Joey's car.

"Okay Krys, you got everything?" Justin asked.

"I think so, you ready?"

"Yeah, come on gorgeous. We'll see you guys later." Justin and Krystine left and got into Justin's car.

As they drove to JC's house, they kept trying to steal glances of one another without the other knowing. However, when stopped at a red light, Justin was caught in the act.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" Krystine asked.

He smiled in embarrassment as he pulled up to JC's, "No, you don't have anything on you. I just can't take my eyes off of you."

"Stop it, you're making me blush!"

"Oh, but red is a very good color on you," he said staring into her eyes.

"Um.....Justin? Shouldn't we go and get JC's stuff?"

"Right. JC's stuff." They walked up to the door as Justin searched his key ring for the one that fit the lock. As they walked in, Krystine began surveying the interior of the house.

"You know, this place screams of Michelle," she said.

Justin laughed, "Probably becuase her picture is everywhere."

"No, not that. I mean, it's a guys place but done like Michelle would do it. Know what I mean?"

"Yeah, I do. Michelle did help him decide on furniture and helped him pick out a lot of the stuff in here," Justin said coming out of the bedroom with a duffel bag in his hand. "Those two are so much alike, you would think they were cut from the same mold. They totally agreed on everything that JC put in this place."

Krystine nodded and smiled, "Did you get everything?"

"Yeah, I think I got everything he needs. You ready?"

"Oh yes! I need to get to my apartment because I need a shower bad!"

Justin walked over to her and put his free hand around her waist, "No you don't. You look perfect to me." He leaned down to kiss her and took her breath away in the process.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Lance stepped out of Stacy's bathroom after showering, "Thanks sweetie, for letting me use your shower."

"You're welcome, honey. There was no sense in you going all the way back home then coming back over here," she said getting up from the kitchen table. "I am going to get in now."

He grabbed her hand as she walked by and pulled her into his arms, "Have I told you today that I love you?"

She smiled and put her arms around his neck, "Yes, you have. But you can say it again if you want. I don't mind."

"I love you and I always will."

"Good, becuase I love you too," Stacy said. "You are the best, you know that?"

"Well I try! But you're pretty great yourself." He took her chin in his hand and kissed her in a way that let her know he meant every word he said.

*~*~*~*~*~*

JC laughed and shook his head, "They have got to get a new song and dance. This one is getting old." He changed the channel and then glanced at Michelle. He noticed the look on her face, she seemed as if she was in pain. He got up and walked over to her bed. As he reached ther bedside, she became extremely restless, like she was struggling.

"NO!" Michelle's eyes flew open and they were wild with fear.

"Hey, it's okay," JC said sitting on the edge. "It was only a nightmare, I'm right here."

Her breathing began to calm and she started to settle down. Michelle slowly sat up and put her arms around his neck, "It was horrible."

He pulled back and looked into her eyes, "Sweetie, it was only a dream. It's over, you're okay."

"I know, but I was re-living the whole experience. It was the most frightening thing that has ever happened to me."

"I know Angel, I hate that you had to go through it."

She leaned back in her bed and rested her head on the pillow. "I am just ready to forget about it and move on."

"Well, you are going to have to wait a little longer for that," he said. "Listen, the police officers that are assigned to your case are here. They have been waiting about half an hour to talk to you. Are you up to it?"

She nodded apprehensively, "Yeah, I gotta do it sometime."

He kissed her on the forehead, "Okay then, I will go get them." He left the room and as he rounded the corner of the hallway, Justin got off the elevator. He walked into Michelle's room.

"Hey 'Chelle, what's the matter? You look a little shaken up," Justin said.

She smiled, "It's nothing, don't worry about it. How's it going?"

"Not bad. I came by to give you a little entertainment." Justin held up two bottles of Dr. Pepper and grinned.

"Oh no!"

*Five Minutes Later*

JC was walking with the policemen towards Michelle's room when he saw Krystine coming toward him.

"Hey JC," she said.

"Hey," he said stopping. "Krystine, this is Officer Jones and Detective Martin. They were assigned to Michelle's case.

Krystine smiled, "Nice to meet you. JC, where is Justin?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I stopped at the gift shop and got these baloons and this cute stuffed elephant for Michelle. Justin came up ahead of me."

"I haven't seen him, maybe he is in the room." The four walked into Michelle's room to find Justin burping his rendition of 'My Heart Will Go On' while Michelle was laughing.

JC flashed an embarassed smile to the officers, "Justin!"

"What?..........Aw, man I lost it! JC, that was my best number yet and you ruined it," Justin said.

"Justin, these are the officers that are on 'Chelle's case. They came to ask her some questions," JC said.

"Oh," Justin said. "I was just tryine to cheer Michelle up. Um, maybe I should wait outside."

As Justin left, Krystine gave Michelle her get well gift and left. JC introduced Michelle to the officers and asked her if she would be okay. Michelle assured him that she would be fine, so he excused himself and stepped out.

"Is she okay?" Krystine asked him.

JC smiled, "I think so. She had a nightmare that woke her up about fifteen minutes ago. I have a feeling they are going to continue to creep up on her for awhile."

"Well, we are all willing to do what we can to help," Justin said with a smile.

"From now on, lets just keep your burping to a minimum," JC said as Lance, Stacy, Chris and Joey walked up carrying bags of food.

"Justin, did you do the song already?" Joey asked.

He flashed a very proud smile, "Yeah and it was the best I have ever done. That is until JC interrupted me."

Everyone laughed at Justin's frustration. They all continued to talk in the hallway until the officer's were finished with questioning.

"You know what I always say," JC said, "The more bad stuff you eat the better."

"I can't imagine Michelle agreeing to that," Krystine said before she ate a french fry.

"Oh ,you know I don't," Michelle said. "I just like to let JC think I do."

"When are you busting out of here?" Justin asked as he snatched some of Krystine's fries.

Michelle tried to chew quickly so she could answer.

"Oh ,just talk with your mouth full, we all do," Joey said.

Michelle swallowed, "Yeah, I know you do, and I think it's gross! I get released tomorrow afternoon."

"Oh guys, we have some group business we need to discuss. We can go outside for a second," JC said standing up.

"But we are eating," Joey complained.

Lance headed for the door, "Bring it with you, Joey! Ladies, we will return shortly."

Krystine looked at Stacy and Michelle, "That was random!"

"Yeah, but it gives us a chance to talk. Okay Krys, spill it! You are beaming and I want to know all the details!"

"That makes two of us," Stacy said. "You and Justin are looking pretty cozy with one another."

"Well, things are moving slow and that's a good thing. I don't want to go too fast. He is such a gentleman, too."

"Our Justin? This is the same Justin who can burp songs. Are you sure we are talking about the same guy?" Stacy asked.

"I'm sure," Krystine said.

"Okay, I want real dirt Krys! Has he kiss you yet?" Michelle asked.

Krystine grinned, "Yeah he did, twice!"

"Way to go, Justin! Any chemistry?" Stacy inquired.

"Oh yeah, there were sparks, fireworks, and electricity."

"Well Stace," Michelle said, "we may have finally found someone to tame Mr. Timberlake after all."

Stacy nodded, "We can only hope!" The girls laughed and they continued to pump Krystine for information on her time with Justin.

JC hurried off the elevator and ran down the hall. He was 45 minutes late to pick up Michelle, to take her home from the hospital. He opened the door to her room and found her sitting up in her bed, dressed and ready to go, watching TV.

"Sweetheart, I am so sorry," he said before kissing her on he top of her head.

She smiled, "Quite all right. I figured you got held up at the recording studio or something."

"Um, yeah, something like that. You ready to blow this joint?"

"Yes I am," she said pressing the nurse-call button. "We have to wait for the orderly to bring the wheelchair. I already signed my release papers, so we can just go."

"Okay, I have to stop by Chris' house to pick up some sheet music on the way to your place. Is that okay?"

"Oh sure, that's fine," she said as an orderly walked in with a
wheelchair. He and JC helped Michelle out of her hospital bed and into the chair. The orderly began to push, but stopped when JC tapped him on the shoulder, "May I have the honor?" The orderly nodded and picked up Michelle's bag.

Once in the elevator, Michelle looked at him and smiled, "I talked to my Mom earlier."

"Oh yeah? What did she say?"

"Well, we discussed the idea of me going to see a therapist. We talked about me seeing one just until my nightmares stop. What do you think?"

He took her hand, "I think it's a good idea. It might help to talk to someone else about the whole ordeal. But only if you are comfortable with that."

"Maybe.....my doctor gave me a list of good therapists here in Orlando. I just have to narrow it down. Oh, Mom also said to tell you that you had to take care of me," she said smiling.

"Oh, I will. I won't let you out of my sight for the next few weeks." He began helping her into his car and made sure everything was situated before he went to get in. He shut the door and looked over at her. She had a pained expression on her face, "Are you okay?"

"I guess all the moving around just hurt me a bit. Can you get my pain medication out of my bag?"

He nodded, "Of course." He handed her the medication and a bottle of water. She took the pill and swallowed it. "Okay, should be good as new about five or ten minutes."

He took her hand and smiled, "Cme on...let's take you home!"

*CHRIS' HOUSE*

Joey poured the ice into the cooler, "Ae we sure Michelle has no idea bout this?"

"Positive, she has no clue whatsoever," Krystine said as she finished anging her side of the banner. Justin reached up to help her off the ladder.

Stacy smiled at Chris as he helped her off the other one. "Thanks Chris. I am going outside to see if Lance needs any help with the grill."

Lance smiled at Stacy as she walked through the glass doors and over to him, "Hey sweetie. Did you come to help me, or distract me?"

"How about a little of both," she said as she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek.

"I like the way you think. Let me ask you a question."

"Okay, shoot. What's up?"

Lance put the lid on the grill and folded his arms across his chest. "Did JC say anything to you about anything other than the surprise party for 'Chelle?"

"Um......no, why? What's going on?"

"He has another surprise for her," he said turning his attention back to the grill.

Stacy got curious, "What is it then? Come on, you gotta tell me!"

Lance turned back around, "You know the blue bracelet that JC wears?"

"Yeah--the one that he made to give to the woman he is going to marry. hat about it........NO WAY!!!!"

Lance nodded, "He is giving it to Michelle tonight. He said that he didn't think she was ready for marriage yet, but he wanted to show her that he was committed to her. So, he is giving her the bracelet. Kind of a pre-engagement thing."

"Oh my gosh! I can't believe it. Michelle is going to be surprised all right!"

"Do you think she will accept it?"

Stacy grinned, "Akidding me? Michelle would probably take an
engagement ring from that boy! She is totally head over heels, butt crazy in love with him. Yeah, she will accept it...I am quite sure."

CHAPTER 33

JC pulled into Chrus' driveway and put the car in park, "You want to come in with me?"

"JC, no one is even here. His car is gone and the lights in the house are off," Michelle said.

"That's why I have a key. He was supposed to leave the sheet music on the kitchen table for me. Busta's here......you want to come in?"

"You just had to throw that dog in, you know I can't pass up a chance to see him," Michelle said as she opened the door. JC lauged as he got out and ran to the front door. He put the key into the door and opened it, allowing her to go in first. She walked around into the living room and flipped on the
light.....

"SURPRISE!!"

People filled the room smiling and Michelle was shocked. She turned around to see JC beaming, "Did you do this?"

He nodded, "Yes--actully I had the help of Justin, Krystine, Stacy, Lance, Joey and Chris. We have been pulling it together all afternoon."

"So that was the 'band business' you had last night and the real reason why you were late today. You are pretty sneaky!"

He smiled and leaned down and kissed her. He pulled back, winked and said, "I wanted your coming home from the hospital to be special."

"Did we surprise you? Did we, huh-huh," Joey asked running up to Michelle.

She turned around and laughed, "Yes Joey, I was totally surprised."

"How are you doing today?" Chris asked.

Michelle smiled, "I took a pain pill about 15 minutes ago, so right now I am okay. My ribs are fine I don't make any sudden moves. However, the back of my head isn't throbbing as much anymore."

"That's a plus," Krystine said giving her a hug. "The color around your eyes has lessened some, too."

"Okay guys, give 'Chelle some room to breathe. There are lots of people here who want to see her, we can't monopolize her the whole time," Lance said.

Stacy smiled, "You are so right sweetie! Come on Michelle, let's go
mingle....slowly!"

Michelle turned around as she was walking away with Stacy and Krystine, she blew JC a kiss and said, "I love you, see ya later."

He smiled and waved as she walked away. Lance put his arm around JC while the other guys disappeared, "You still going to ask her?"

JC nodded, "Yeah, I just have to find the right time to do it."

"You will and it will be perfect," Lance said smiling.

**An Hour Later**

JC walked up behind Michelle who was sitting on the couch chatting with several people. He leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Angel, can we go outside and talk."

She turned her head and smiled, "Of course." Michelle excused herself and he walked around and helped her off the couch. They walked out to the pool and he helped her into a chair and then crouched down beside her. "Michelle, after everthing that has happened in the past few days, I have had some time to think."

A worried expression flashed over her face and he took her hand in his and squeezed it. "I love you more than anything," he said, "and I want to spend my life with you." He slipped the bracelet off his right hand and put it on her left.

Michelle just stared at it for a couple of minutes. "JC, does this mean what I think it does?"

"Yeah, I want to marry you. I know you aren't ready for marriage yet, I'm not either, but I know you are the one I want to spend my life with. Think of this as a pre-engagement. So, will you marry me.........one day?"

She smiled as tears formed in her eyes, "You haven't taken this off since the first time you put it on. I can't believe this......of course I will marry you. I love you, in fact I have never loved anyone like I love you, and never will." She took his face in her hands and leaned in to kiss him. When their lips met, a new wave of emotion rushed over her that she had never felt before. It was at that moment that she knew their love was truly forever.

CHAPTER 34

**Two Months Later**

Michelle finished checking the stage that was set up at The Magic Kingdom and headed to where the guys were getting ready. People were filing in for The Justin Timberlake Foundation-Save the Music Benefit Concert. She smiled when she saw all the fans walking in and she felt extremely proud.

She walked into the main dressing room and went straight to Stacy. "Okay, all the things they wanted changed at soundcheck are in order," Michelle said looking at her clipboard. "Have you seen Krys? I need to make sure she double checked changes made with sound."

Without looking up from her clipboard, Stacy pointed in the direction of the couch. Michelle groaned when she saw Justin and Krystine kissing. "They have been going at it for about half an hour now," Stacy said.

"Okay, it's bad enough when they do it in front of all of us, but now they are doing it in public," Michelle said. "Watch this." She walked over and picked up a nearby blanket and threw it over them.

Stacy began laughing and gave Michelle a high-five when she walked back over to where she was sitting. "Well, that is one way to take care of it!"

At that moment, JC and Lance walked into the room and went straight to them. "How is my fiancee' to be?" JC asked before kissing Michelle on the cheek.

"And how is my fiancee'?" Lance asked.

JC and Michelle both turned their heads in shock, "What?" they both asked at the same time.

Stacy smacked Lance on the arm, "We were going to tell everyone together."

"Tell us what? Come on, I'm dying here," Michelle asked.

"Lance asked me to marry him last night," Stacy said holding out her hand to show Michelle the ring.

"OH MY GOSH! Congratulations," Michelle squeeled before hugging her friend.

"That's great, man," JC said shaking his hand.

"OKay, the news is out and now you guys have to go to hair and make-up. This concert is being aired on the Disney Channel so we want you looking your best."

"I thought we always did," JC said while pretending to be offended.

"Oh, you know what I mean," Stacy said.

"Okay, we are out of here. See you after the show," Lance said before kissing Stacy. "I love you!"

She smiled, "I love you too. Break a leg!"

JC leaned over and whispered in Michelle's ear, "Meet me at our spot after the show."

She smiled and nodded, "Can't wait. Good show tonight, I love you."

"I love you more," he said before gving her a quick kiss. JC and Lance left the room leaving the girls floating.

When Michelle came back to reality she said, "well, we need to break up the make-out twins over there. Any ideas?"

"Not really, just be as rude as possible." Stacy and Michelle walked over to them and Stacy pulled off the blanket. After counting to three, they pulled Justin and Krystine apart.

"Hey! What's the big idea," Justin asked in annoyance.

"Well, you need to be in hair and make-up five minutes ago. There are a ton of people out there to see you guys and you're making out," Stacy said.

Justin stood up and pulled Krystine off the couch, "Okay I'm going, I'm going! I'm going to miss you Krys." He leaned over to kiss her but was stopped when Michelle stuck her clipboard in between their faces. She turned Justin around and shoved him toward the door.

"Bye Justin, see you after the show," Krystine said smiling.

"Do you two ever stop?" Stacy asked.

"Yeah, sometimes."

Michelle shook her head, "Come on girls, we got to go get in our seats for the show." The three girls walked out of the room and to the stage where their seats were set up for the show.

*~*during the show*~*

"We are so grateful for all of your help tonight," Justin said. "I just got a message from a crew member that with your help, we collected 2,000 instruments for schools and made over one million dollars."

Lance smiled, "Disney has promised to double that so that the money could be distributed to school systems across the country."

"To close out our show, we want to sing a special song," JC said taking the mic. "First we want to thank our three biggest fans for helping us pull this together for the past three weeks." The camera panned over and the girls saw themselves on the big screens. "That is Stacy, Krystine, and Michelle. They are very good friends of ours. Give them a hand for all the work they have done. We also want to thank all of you and dedicate this song to you."

After the applause died, they began singing 'God Must Have Spent A Little More Time on You' After they finished, they reminded the audience to stick around for the fireworks show and left the stage.

CHAPTER 35

*~*each "scene" happens at the same time*~*

Krystine went to sit at the back of the stage once the tarp came back down to cover the stage. Justin walked out and saw her staring at Cinderella's Castle, he smiled and hopped up onto the stage with her.

"Hey handsome," she said before kissing him on the cheek, "great show tonight!"

"What was so great was all the money we raised for the music program." He laced his fingers with hers, "We all appreciate your help too."

"Well, I didn't do it all alone you know. Stace and 'Chelle helped, too."

"True, but they are not here now, you are. So I am thanking you," Justin said as his face inched closer to hers. As he kissed her, she could feel herself meltin. As they pulled apart the fireworks show began. "I love you, Krystine."

She stared at him in shock. The two had gotten close over the past two months, but had not spoken their feelings for one another. She smiled at him, "I love you, too. I have for some time now, but I was afraid to say so. I was afraid it would scare you away."

He touched her cheek with the palm of his hand, "There isn't anything that could scare me away from you. I have wanted to say it for a long time too, but never found the right time. Just now........I don't know, it just felt right."

She reached over and hugged him. When she pulled back, she looked into his eyes and smiled, "I love you and it feels good to say it."

He tilted her face up to his and kissed her with intense passion. When they pulled apart, she leaned back into his arms and they watched the fireworks. Krystine had the content feeling of happiness, she was in love and she was floating.

*~*~*~*

Michelle waited at the back of Cinderella's Castle for JC to show up. She loved to watch fireworks and she was looking forward to watching them with JC. Without realizing it someone walked up behind her and put their hands over her eyes.

"Guess who."

She smiled when she heard the voice, "Um......is it my date for the evening?"

"Yes it is, but we have to make it quick because I hear that your boyfriend is on his way. I hear that he is the jealous type!"

Michelle laughed and turned around to face JC. She put her arms around him and gave him a soft kiss. "I was wondering when you were going to get here, I was beginning to think I was stood up!"

"I would never do that to you," he said as he tightened his grip around her waist. "I got held up talking to a journalist about the show."

"That was great by the way! I can't believe that so much money was raised, and all those instruments! They are all going to come in handy."

"Yes they are, we are all happy with the success. Thanks for your help by the way."

"No problem, it was my pleasure," she said smiling. "Anything for you guys and the cause! Sorry I was late this morning," she said.

"Oh yeah, I have been meaning to ask you why you were late. But with all the chaos, it kept slipping my mind."

"I suppose I forgot to tell you. Today was my last therapy session with Dr. Noble. We had a little party this morning to celebrate."

"I wish you had told me," he said, "I would have gone with you."

"Are you kidding, I couldn't ask that of you. You guys were so busy today. It's okay, we can have our own little celebration!"

"Sounds good," he said as the fireworks began to go off. Michelle turned around to look up at the sky. She back up against JC and he wrapped his arms around her. "Today is like a new beginning for you, the first day free from all nightmares and bad memories of what happened."

She smiled, "Yeah, it's a fresh start. I am glad you are part of it, too." She turned to face him again.

He looked down at her, "I am proud to be part of it, and part of your life. I am not going anywhere, you are stuck with me forever! I love you and I am proud of you!"

"That goes double for me," she said before he captured her lips with his. They kissed under Cinderella's Castle with the backdrop of fireworks. Michelle never felt safer, she knew that it was the beginning of a wonderful future. All the bad memories were behind her and she was ready to fill the space with good memories.

*~*THE END*~*