Lost Love…Found Love

One

 

I have known Lance way before he was this famous guy in a boy band called *N SYNC. We grew up together in Mississippi and we were and still are the best of friends. It all started back when we were going to the same high school. It was getting close to the Homecoming dance of our 9^th grade year and we didn’t have anyone to go with so we decided to go together. The night of the Homecoming Dance, Lance and I were voted Homecoming King and Queen. After that night we started to see more of each other. We went to every dance of freshman year together. The summer before we began our sophomore year, I started to have more than just friendship feelings for him. Right before the school year started, Lance told me that he liked me, but more than a friend. I told him that I felt the same way about him and we began dating.

Right before we started our senior year in high school, Lance told me that he was going to be going to Florida to meet up with some guys that were looking for another member for their group.

“Honey, if you really want to go, I will support you in whatever decision that you make.” I told him, “But, I don’t know if our relationship will last the distance.”

“I really want it to work out between us, but I also want to do this.”

“You have to follow you heart. Do what you believe is right.” I said

“Ok, then I will call you when I get there…please take the call.” He said as he walked out of my parents’ house.

“I love you.” I said

“I love you too.”

That day was the last time that I saw Lance. We talked to each other everyday day before school started. When senior year of high school started, I had no time to talk to him. We constantly missed each other’s phone calls and I wasn’t feeling a connection to him anymore. For Christmas break I called Lance to see if he was busy and if I should come to visit him.

“Sure, come down and I’ll introduce you to the other guys. They are really great. You’ll like them, too”

“Ok, I’ll be there in a couple of days.”

 

~Christmas Break in Florida~

 

            “Guys, this is my girlfriend Grace. Grace, that’s Justin, J.C., Chris, and Joey.” Lance said pointing to each of the guys

            “Hi, it’s nice to meet you.” Justin said

            “Nice to meet all of you.” I said shaking each of their hands.

            “So, how long will you be in Florida?” Lance asked

            “A couple of weeks. Then I have to go back and get ready for the last semester of school.” I said

            “Ok, so let’s get started having fun…” Lance said, “What’s our schedule like for today?”

            “Today we don’t have anything to do. We have a show at Disney World in a couple of days though.” J.C. said

            “Wow, I’ve never been to Disney World…what’s it like?”

            “It is just so much fun.” Lance said, “We could go today if you feel like it.”

            “Of course I wanna go!” I said

            “Ok, we can leave now if you are ready.” Justin said.

 

~The next year~

 

            Lance and I have been dating for about 4 years. I am 19 and Lance is 20. On Christmas Eve of last year he proposed to me at a party thrown by Johnny Wright, *N SYNC’s manager. At the beginning of the next year we had a quiet ceremony where my family was present and Lance’s family was present. Justin, J.C., Joey, and Chris were also present.

            A lot of people thought that we would never last, but we didn’t care what they thought. Our love was undying and nothing could ruin it. Sure, I knew that the traveling was going to put a strain on the marriage

Two

~6 years later~

 

“Hey Lance, what do you want for breakfast?” I yelled to Lance from the kitchen

“Whatever is the easiest to make, because I have to leave in like 15 minutes to go to the studio.” He replied from the bedroom.

“Ok, toast and orange juice.” I said

“I’m not on a diet; I can eat more than that. What about bacon, eggs and toast.” He said coming into the kitchen.

“Good cause that’s what I made.”

“Morning Daddy.” Our 6-year-old daughter Libby said turning around from the stove, “Look at what I made for you…”

“Ohhh, my favorite…sugar covered Libby…come here so that I can see what it tastes like.” Libby was covered in flour and sticky with eggs.

“Lance, you know that if you do that, you’re going to get eggs all over you.” I said as I wiped up the mess that Libby and I made.

“I don’t care, Sugar covered Libby is my favorite breakfast.”

“Stop Daddy,” Libby said through the laughter, “that’s not what I made…its eggs.”

“Even better!” he said picking up Libby and sitting her in the chair next to him.

“Ok, you 2. Hurry up and eat. Libby did you make up your bed?”

“Yes Mommy. And I put my homework in my backpack.”

“That’s Daddy’s little girl…keeping on track.”

“Ok, Lance, now you are going to be really late. Get going.”

“Ok, ok…I’m going. Give me a kiss, Libby.”

“Bye, Daddy.” Libby said as she gave him a kiss, “See you tonight at Grandma Lola’s house.”

“Bye Grace.” Lance said to me as he gave me a kiss

“Bye…don’t forget that tonight we are going over to my parents’ house for dinner.”

“I remember.” Lance left out the front door and Libby and I continued to clean up the kitchen.

At 7:30 a.m. I left to take Libby to school. Then I had to be at work by 9 am. We were about 10 minutes from Libby’s school, when she said, “Mommy, I left my lunch in the kitchen. We have to go back and get it.”

“Honey, we don’t have time. I am going to be late for work.”

“But, Mommy...” Libby continued

“Elizabeth Louise, I don’t wanna hear it! If I have time before my meeting I will go home and get it and bring it to you.” Libby knew that when I called her by her full name that she was going to be in big trouble with her Daddy and she didn’t want that.

“Ok, fine.” She said pouting in the back seat.

 

~2 hours later~

 

            “Yes Mr. Gregg…I’m on my way to the meeting, I just have to stop and get something to my daughter at school…no, I won’t be late to the meeting.” I pulled into the driveway and ran into the house and grabbed Libby’s lunch and ran back to the car. I got to Libby’s school and left her lunch for her in the main office. I made it to the meeting with 30 minutes to get ready for the meeting that I was had called. I worked for a major accounting firm. I was Senior Vice President of the entire company and I had 3 more days before I would have to give my final decision on resigning my position and becoming a stay at home mom and take care of my growing family.

I came about my decision 2 years after Libby was born. Lance and I tried 2 different times to become pregnant for a second time. Both times I had miscarriages due to stress at work and stress between my parents and me. This time when Lance and I found out that we were going to be expecting another child, I decided that if I made it to the 3-month mark that I would resign my position as Senior Vice President.

Here I am 3 months pregnant and I have put in my 30-day notice to resign my position. My boss insured me that if and when I decide to come back, I can have the same job back. But I know that I won’t be going back. That job was just too stressful and I was doing long hours and Libby was seeing enough of Lance or me. One of us had to give up our job and I made the decision that I would, since Lance loves singing and I didn’t really like my job…even though I was pulling in six figures a year for the past 3 years that I had been Senior Vice President.

 Libby is really excited that she will be having a little brother or sister soon. My parents are actually worried that this will be another failed pregnancy and that I shouldn’t get Libby’s hopes up. Lance’s parents on the other hand are ecstatic that there are going to have another grandchild. It seems that all my parents do is argue with me about how I raise Libby, where I live and the idea of me giving up my job to be a stay at home mom. They were the ones who were really putting stress me.

Three

 

            ~2 months later~

 

“Lance, I need you to stay here with me. It seems like all you are worried about is that damn tour that is coming up. What about your family? Don’t we mean anything to you?” I yelled at him over the phone, “If I don’t mean anything to you, then think about you daughter and the new baby that’s on the way.”

“You know, maybe everyone who said that we wouldn’t last was right!” he said

“What are you trying to say?”

“You’re a smart girl, you can figure it out.”

“Maybe we should take some time from each other and get our feelings sorted out before one of us says something that we may regret.” I said trying to hold back the tears, “I’m taking Libby and we are going to Jane’s house. If you need me, you can call me there.” I hung up the phone and started packing things to take over to my best friend’s house. Jane is my best friend and she is also my doctor.

“Hi Jane, it’s me Grace.”

“Hi honey…are you alright?”

“Lance and I just had a fight, can Libby and I come over for a few days?”

“Sure, you know that all of this fighting is taking a toll on your health as well as your unborn baby. How do you think that Libby is reacting to all of the fighting that you and Lance have?”

“She isn’t ever there when we fight. She is usually at school or playing at the neighbor’s house. Can we talk about this when we get over to your house? I have to pick up Libby from school.”

“Sure, what time will you be over?”

“About 3:30 p.m.”

“Ok, I’ll see you then.”

I finished packing some clothes and then I went to pick Libby up from school. We drove by our house and Libby asked, “Mommy, aren’t we going home?”

“No, we are going to spend sometime with Mommy’s friend Jane.”

“Who is going to take care of Daddy?”

“Daddy is a big boy and can take of himself.”

“Ok, but we can’t be gone too long because Daddy is supposed to take me to see that new cartoon movie this weekend.”

“I don’t know if he will be able to, he starts on a new tour and he might be gone.”

“But, he promised, and Daddy said that he would never break his promise.”

We pulled in Jane’s driveway of her 2-story Orlando Florida home. Libby opened her door and went running to the back yard to play with Bones, Jane’s 6-month-old Golden Retriever.

“Honey, you don’t look so good,” Jane told me as she helped me carry the bags into the house.

“I don’t feel to good. It really tore me up when Libby was telling that Lance was supposed to take her to see a movie this weekend and I had to tell her that he might not be able to.”

“That reminds me…Lance called about 10 minutes ago and said that he really had to talk to you. He wants you to meet him back at the house at 6 p.m.”

“Ok, I guess I can go.”

“Grace, go only if you think that you won’t fight.”

At 5:30 I left to go back to my house to see what Lance wanted. I got there at 6 and waited until 8 p.m. and he never showed up. I was soo mad! I went back to Jane’s house and cried myself to sleep. I stayed at Jane’s house for one month. Lance did come to take Libby to see the movie that she wanted to see but he didn’t say a word to me. She spoke to Jane, and then left with Libby. He brought her back at 6 p.m. after taking her to dinner.

 

~The next month~

 

            “Hi Jane…is Grace there. I really need to talk to her.”

            “She went to the store, but she should be back in 10 minutes. Can I tell her to call you?”

            “No…is it alright if I come over and wait for her? I think that with you there we won’t argue so much”

            “Sure Lance.”

            “Ok, I’ll see you in 10 minutes.”

Four

 

            Lance pulled up the driveway just as I was getting out of the car to unload the food that I bought. “Here, let me help you with that, Honey.” Lance said

            “Well, what a surprise to see you here. How long has it been…one month?”

            “Yeah, look, I don’t wanna start arguing again. I came over to see if we could work things out.” Lance said as we walked to the door.

            We walked in the house and into the kitchen. Libby and Jane were eating Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches. “Daddy!” Libby yelled as she ran to him, “I’ve missed you!”

            “I’ve missed you too.” Lance said picking her up and swinging her around

            “Libby, honey, go with Auntie Jane. Daddy and I have to talk about grown up things.”

            “Ok." Libby said with a disappointed look on her face.

            “Ok, Lance, would you like something to drink?” I asked as I poured some water into a glass

            “Water is fine.” He said, “Look Grace, I’m really sorry for the way things have been the past few months. I’ve just been under a lot of stress with the new album that we are working on.”

            “Ok, that seems reasonable. But what about when you called Jane and told her to have me meet you at home at 6? I went and I waited until 8 pm…you never showed up”

            “We got really busy….” I cut him off before he could finish

            “And what about coming to pick Libby up for the movies and not talking to me?”

            “I didn’t want to start another argument with you. I knew how much stress I had already put on you and I didn’t want to add to it. I don’t know how to say this…but I still love you. I think about you and Libby and the new baby everyday.

“Then what stopped you from calling or coming to see us?”

“Every time I got in the car I just end up driving around the block and then going back home. Every time I picked up the phone I just didn’t have the guts to call and say I’m sorry.”

“What made this time different?” I asked going to sit closer to him

“Well Justin wrote this song called “Something Like You” and when I heard the words I just had to get to you and apologize for everything that I put you through. I have a tape of it…do you want to hear it?”

“Yes.” I said wiping a tear from my eyes.

 

Cause something happens when you look at me I forget to speak.
Something happens when you kiss my mouth my knees get so weak.
Could it be true this is what God has meant for me cause baby
I can't believe that something like you could happen to me
Something like you

 

All Lance played was the chorus, but that was all that I needed to hear. The words of that song spoke directly to my heart and Lance and I both knew that we needed each other…not only the sake of our children, but WE needed each other to live and continue living. We completed each other. From that first day of high school until now, we needed to be together. Maybe being apart for the second time made us realize that or maybe it was the idea of not seeing and being with your best friend made us come to our senses…WE belonged together and we were going to make our marriage work.

“How are we going to get through this?” I asked

“I guess we will have to take it one day at a time.”

“Just as long as we don’t fight anymore…it’s tearing Libby up.”

“I know. It was tearing me up too. Everyday I would come home to an empty house and I was just miserable. Everyone at the studio knew it too. Justin was the one who told me that if I ever wanted to be happy I had to go to you and apologize…I knew that I had to do it too, but I was just kinda hoping that our problems would work themselves out.”

“ That isn’t possible. We have to communicate in order to work through our problems. This weekend, why don’t we all go someplace and just be together?” I asked

“Ok, what about to my parent ranch? They have that other house at the other end of the property and Libby would get a chance to see her grandparents.”

“Ok, sounds like a plan.” We hugged and kissed and went to get Libby.

“Are Mommy and Daddy going to get a divorce?” Libby asked Jane

“No, Honey…why would you ask that?”

“Because they always fight when I’m not around and we have been here for a really long time.”

“How do you know that they fight?”

“When I get home from playing, they are mad at each other and don’t talk or Daddy isn’t at home, like he was when I left.

“ Honey, they aren’t going to get a divorce.” Jane said, “They just had some problems that they had to work out and the best way for them to work out their problems was for them to be away from each other.”

            We walked into the living room just as Jane finished explaining to Libby that we were going to get a divorce. “Mommy, Daddy…are going to go home today?”

            “Yes, go upstairs and pack your things…don’t forget to thank Auntie Jane for letting you stay with her.”

            “Thank you Auntie Jane.” Libby said as she hugged Jane and then ran up stairs

            “You’re welcome…” she said, “So, I take it you worked out your problems?”

            “Yes.” We both said

Five

 

When we got home, Lance called his parents and told them that we would be coming up for the weekend. “Is the house at the end of your property free for the weekend?”

“Yes honey, it is…why?” Diane asked

“Grace and I want to spend some time there. Libby want to see you and Dad and Stacy.”

“Ok, when are you leaving Florida?”

“Tomorrow…we should be there by Friday morning.”

“Ok, see you then. Give Gracie and Libby a kiss from me and your father.”

“Ok, I love you Mom”

“I love you too.” That night Lance and I packed some clothes and Libby packed her things that she wanted to take. We went to bed early because we had to leave early the next morning.

“Come on Libby, we have to go now…” I said from the front of the house

“I can’t find Cubby. We can’t leave Cubby here for the whole weekend, he’ll get lonely.”

“Lance have you seen Libby’s stuffed bear?”

“Yup, he’s in the car waiting for Libby to come.” Lance yelled into the house

“Did you hear that Libby? Daddy said that Cubby is in the car waiting for you…hurry up now.”

Libby finally came and we were off to Mississippi for the weekend. I am 6 months pregnant and I hate the fact that al of my clothes…even the clothes that I used when I was pregnant with Libby weren’t fitting me right.

We were only going top make 4 stops on the way to Mississippi, but about 2 hours into the trip I started to get really sick. “Lance we have to pull over at the next rest stop…I’m not feeling too well.”

“Ok.” Lance said, “Let me know if you won’t be able to make it to the next stop.”

“Daddy, I’m hungry. Can I have a cookie?”

“Sure Lib…they are in the bag with the other food.”

“Lance, I don’t think that I am going to be able to wait until we get to the next stop…pull over now!”

Lance pulled over and I opened the door and threw up. “Lance, give me that towel right there.”

“Ok. Do you want some cracker or water?”

“Crackers and vodka.”

“Grace…vodka, how about cracker and some 7 up?”

“Ok…”

 

~30 minutes later~

 

            We were back on the road on our way to Lance’s Parents house. We got to their house Friday at 10 am. Lance’s parents were standing outside wait for us. We pulled in front of the house and Libby went running out of the car. “Grandma…Grandpa…”

            “There’s my little Princess…” Jim said picking Libby up and spinning her around.

            “So, how are you feeling Grace?” Diane asked me as I eased my way out of the car

            “Oh…just fine…these Bass baby boys are very heavy.”

            “Tell me about it. I had to carry this one around for nine months!” She said giving Lance a hug

            “Oh, I love you too Mom.” Lance said, “So where is my big sister at?”

            “She should be coming. She wanted to get something for Libby. But don’t tell Libby that she is coming. Stacy wants it to be a surprise.”

            “Ok,” Lance and I said, “Our lips are sealed.”

            “Hey Bro, what’s up?”

            “Not much…just getting ready for the new baby to arrive.”

            “Oh, how many more months?” Ford asked me as he rubbed my stomach

            “About 2 and a half…3 months.” I said

“I see. So do you want to go to the other house now or after dinner?” Diane asked as we went into the big house

“It doesn’t really matter to me, but would like to go and see one of my friends.” I said

“Oh, so you wanna go see Sable?” Jim said

“Yup…how is she doing? Did she have her calf yet?”

“Nope…she’s due any day now.”

“I hope she has it before we leave, I want to kinda show Libby what’s gonna happen when I have the baby.”

“Oh, I think she would find it very interesting.” Diane said

We went into the kitchen and had some lemonade. “So, I hope that you and Lance made up after your month long fight.” Diane said

“What? Who told you about that?” I asked

“Don’t’ you remember that I see all and know all. Even when you guys are in other states.”

“Seriously Mom, how did you know about that?” Lance said

“I called the house a few times when I knew that someone would be home and no one answered. So…I called my niece…”

“Jane!!” Lance and I said at the same time

“That’s right. I can count on her to keep me up to date on you two when no one calls me.”

Six

 

            “It’s not that we weren’t going to tell you, it’s just that we didn’t want to burden you with our problems.” I said

            “I know, I know. Always wanting to be independent, just like when you two were kids.” Diane said

            “Yes Mom, you tell us that all the time. Has anyone seen Libby?” Lance asked

            “She’s with Dad.” The voice behind us said. We turned around and saw Stacy standing there.

            “Stacy…when did you get in?” Lance asked as he got up to give his big sister a hug

            “About 15 minutes ago. It’s nice to see you too, PooFu.”

            “Did Libby see you?”

            “No, she was busy playing with the little kitten that Dad and she found in the stable.”

            “I’m so glad to see you Gracie…how are you feeling?” Stacy said giving me a hug.

            “Oh, I’m fine. On the way over I threw up, but it was no big deal.”

            “Oh, my poor sister-in-law. I think that I know what would make you feel better…”

            “What?” I asked with a smile on my face

            “A foot rub from you loving husband, for Ford and me to take Libby off of your hands for a couple of hours, and some peace and quiet.”

            “Ohh, you read my mind!!”

            “Lance, don’t you think that you should try and accomplish that desire for your wife?” Diane said

            “Of course I will do that.” Lance said.

“So are you guys going to stay for dinner or leave now?”

“I’d actually like to stay for dinner.” I said

“Ok, no problem.” Diane said

“Stacy, when are you going to let Libby know that you are here?”

“At dinner time when I come to eat. I still have so things to do at work. I just came over really quick to see you guys and to get something to eat.” She said as she looked at her watch, “oh, I have to get going or I will be late. See you at dinner.” Stacy left and Lance and I went to the stable to see Sable and the other horses.

“I see that you finally decided to come on out here.” Jim said

“Yeah, I just couldn’t wait to see Sable. Oh, she is so beautiful and getting really big. Is the little colt going to be ok?”

“Yeah, it’ll be fine. There’s plenty of room in Sable’s tummy for that little colt.” Ford said.

We spent half of the day out in the stable that we didn’t realize what time it was. Libby had gone up to the house with Jim to help Diane with dinner. Lance and I were the only ones, besides the animals, left outside.

“Dinner’s ready…” Diane yelled. Lance and I walked back to the house to wash our hands and get ready for dinner.

“Mommy, look at what I made…rolls”

“Wow, they look good.” I said, “Can I have one?”

“Not until dinner.” She said moving the tray from in front of me. Just then Stacy walked in with a big stuffed animal…”Auntie Stacy….” Libby yelled as she gave me the plate of rolls and ran to Stacy. “I’ve missed you…”

“I’ve missed you too, Peanut head.”

“Is that for me??” Libby asked pointing to the extremely large Teddy Bear on the floor

“Yup, it sure is. You can either leave it here or take it with you back to Florida.”

“I wanna take it with me…is that ok Mommy?”

“You have to ask Daddy.” I said

 

~After Dinner~

 

            Libby went in the Den to watch T.V. and to eat some cookies and milk. Lance, Jim and Ford went out to the stable to check on the horses. Stacy and I stayed to help clean up. 20 minutes later the guys came back in the house.

“So, Stacy do you think that if we left now, you would take Libby until tomorrow morning?”

            “Of course Lil’ Bro. But you have to leave now.”

            “Ok,” Lance and I said, “We’re outta here.” We grabbed some of our things and took the car up the back way to the other house to avoid Libby. When we got to the house, there were candles and rose petals all over.

            “You think that Stacy and the others were planning this since you called them to let them know that we were coming?” I asked

            “Yup, and I love it.” Lance said

            “So do I…”

            We continued into the house and to the back bedroom to put our things down and listen to some music and relax.

            “So when am I going to hear the rest of that song that you played for me the other day?”

            “Soon, real soon…”

            “Like when?”

            “I don’t know…Shhh do you hear that?”

“What? Do I hear what?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do you think Lance hears?

Seven

 

“Someone is speaking…don’t you hear it? Listen carefully.”

“What am I supposed to hear?”

“I hear someone speaking…don’t you?” Lance said trying to control his laughter

“Ok, Lance you are starting to freak me out…this isn’t funny anymore.”

“Come on, let’s go see what it is…”

“I’m not going anywhere. It could be a killer or something!”

“On my parents’ property…please! Just follow me!”

“Ok…I guess so…”

We checked each room on the way back to the living room. Each room was clear. As we got closer to the living room the noise got louder and I could hear it better.

“What is that?” I asked

“Listen…”

“I hear it, but I still don’t know what it is.”

“Just be patient and you will soon find out what it is.”

“Lance, is that what I think it is?” I asked when the song was over

“Yup…that’s the song that I played for you.”

“It’s sooo beautiful. I love it!”

“No one else has heard the song besides you and the other guys and the people in the recording studio.

“Wow, I’m honored!” I said smiling

“You should be, but you can’t tell the other guys or they will kill me. It was supposed to be a surprise when we finish the entire album in a few days.”

“You can count on me to keep your little secret.” I said as I kissed him

“Ohh I like that do it again…” he said

“What…this?” I said as I kissed him

While we were still kissing we walked over to the sofa and sat down. Trust me, you don’t want to try that at home, it is very hard to do. Behind us there was a trail of clothing and…you get the idea.

 

~3 months later~

 

            I was at home with Libby when my water broke and I had a major contraction. “Libby, get the phone and call daddy on his cell phone and tell him he has to get home now!”

            “Ok Mommy, are you going to be ok?”

            “Yes, I’ll be just fine.

            Libby called Lance on his cell phone but it was turned off. “Mommy, he’s not answering.”

            “Ok, call Uncle Justin’s girlfriend, Britney.” Britney is Justin’s girlfriend of 6 years, and another one of my best friends.

            “Ok.” She said. “Auntie Britney, it’s Libby…Mommy’s stomach is hurting her bad, she wants you to come over…Ok, 5 minutes. Mommy, She said she will be here in 5 minutes.”

            “Thank you honey. Now go upstairs and to my room and get my bag by the door and come back fast.” Libby ran up the stair and was back just as Britney was going in the door.

            “Ok, let’s go.” Britney said, “Jane is on her way to the hospital as we speak.”

At the hospital I was taken to a room and the doctors began to deliver my baby.

            “I’m not having this baby without my husband here!!” I yelled through the contractions, “Britney, call Lance and see where the hell he’s at!”

            “Ok.” She said as she called him on her cell, “Lance, you better get your country butt to the hospital!” Britney said over the phone, “Your wife is in labor!”

“Ok, I’ll be there as fast as I can!” Lance said, “Guys, I gotta go, Grace is in labor at the hospital.”

“How do you know?” Justin asked

“That was YOUR girlfriend on my cell phone.”

“Whaaaaat!” Justin said, “ so that was who told you to get your “country butt” to the hospital…I thought it was Gracie. Let’s go, before I get my ass beat down by Brit.”

They all left the studio, which was about 15 minutes from the hospital. They pulled up into the parking lot, and as they were getting out of the car, a police officer stepped out of his car. “Huh, sir, you can’t park here, this is a handicapped spot.”

“But, my wife is in labor…I have to get to her…”

“Go ahead man…I’ll move it.” Joey said

“Thanks Joe, you’re a life saver…really!”

Lance ran off into the hospital with Justin, Chris and J.C. right behind him. “What room is Grace Bass in?”

“First door on your left.” The nurse said as the guys ran past her.

“Thanks.” J.C. said

“It’s about time you got here Lance!” Britney said, “She kept telling the doctor that she wasn’t going to have this baby without you here!”

“Ok,” the doctor said, “Now that the husband is here, the rest of you have to go…hospital policy.”

“Ok, you heard him!” Jane said, “Out you go, you can come back 1 hour after the baby is born.”

“Oh Jane, I am soo glade to see you!” Lance said, “are Grace and the baby going to be alright?”

“It’s good to see you too, cuz…yeah, they are doing just fine. Here, you have to put on these scrubs.” She handed him a long green robe like thing.

 

~10 hours later~

 

An alarm went off with blue flashing lights. Lance came out 15 minutes later. “It’s a BOY!!” Lance said. Ten minutes later the same alarm went off, but this time there were pink flashing lights. 10 minutes later, Jane came out of the room, “And 2 GIRLS!!”

“What?!?” the close to 7 people in the waiting room said, “Triplets…” J.C said

Lance nearly fell to the ground in amazement. “The doctor only told us 1…a little boy.”

“Well, the 2 girls were hiding every time we did an ultra sound.” Jane said

“So, that’s why she gained all of that weight.” Britney said, “Can I go in the room and see her?”

“Sure, but make it fast.” Jane said.

“Just wait until you have kids!” Justin said as Britney walked away, “You’ll probably get the same way.”

“Hey gurl, how are you feeling?” Britney asked me

“Oh…just fine…you try pushing 3 living babies out of you!”

“Oh, but you look so beautiful!”

“Yeah, right!” I said

 

“So have you thought of any names yet?” Chris asked

“Not yet, we have 3 days to figure that out.” Lance said

“Now the male to female ratio in your house is going to be all messed up.” Joey said

“Yeah, don’t even thing about getting your way!” J.C. added.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What do you think that Lance and Grace should name their babies…remember that there are 3 of them…2 girls and 1 boy

Eight

 

“Oh, I think that I will be getting my way…” Lance said

“Oh, really! And how are you going to do that?” Britney asked

“I have my ways…”

“Please do tell, this is something that the rest of you men need to hear!” she said sitting down and crossing she arms.

“I just do what ever the women of the house tell me to do!”

“Very good!” Britney said, “You men should follow his example.”

“We will.” they all said.

~The next day~

“What about Destiny, Kelli and Quentin?” I asked as I sat up in the hospital bed

“I like Quentin and Destiny, but what about Shauna?”

”I know…Anastacia, Quentin, and Kelli Ann.”

“I just realized that we haven’t told our parents yet!” Lance said. “They are going to be so upset that we didn’t call earlier.”

“Well, call them now!”

“Ok, I’ll be right back.” Lance said as he walked out of the room.

~30 minutes later~

“Are you still mad at your parents?” Lance asked me

“No, why?”

“I just called them and I was about to tell them the news, they hung up on me saying for us not to call back again. But on the lighter side, my parents, Stacy and Ford are going to be coming down.”

“Great…what about the other Uncles and Aunts?” I asked

“Oh, you mean, Justin, Britney, J.C., Joey and Chris? They will be here in half an hour.”

“I don’t understand why my parents would say that? I mean the last time that we talked I said that I was going to be due any day now and they said that they were going to be coming to spend some time with us to try and work things out.”

“Maybe they are going through their own problem and didn’t want to bother us with them.” Lance said trying to calm me. “They know where to find us when they are ready to see us.”

“I guess your right.”

“Let’s get to working on those names.” Lance said

“Ok, what about Quentin, Bobbi, and Felicia?”

“Why don’t we keep the name Quentin for the boy and asks the other for help in naming the girls…we should even include Libby.”

“That’s a good idea. Libby told me that she wanted to name one of the babies, so I think that we should let her pick out a name for one of the girls.”

Ok, then it’s settled…Quentin for the boy and Libby gets to name one of the girls and we are going to ask for everyone else’s opinion.”

“Our opinion for what?” Justin asked coming in the room

“Well, we decided that we were going to ask your help in naming the baby. We have Quentin, Libby is going to name one of the little girls and that leaves the other little girl.”

“Cool, we get to help name the baby…” Britney said

“Yes,” Lance said, “J, can you go get Libby from the nursery and bring her back to the room?”

“Ok, I’ll be back in 10 minutes.” Justin said

“Ok, so…any suggestions for the baby girl’s name?”

“What about Theresa?” Britney said

“Ok, did you get that Gracie?” Lance said

“Yup, Joey do you have any suggestions?”

“I always liked the name Josephine…you can call her Joey for short.” He said I wrote that name down

“What about Elaina?” Chris said I wrote that name down too

“J.C. what about you?” Lance said

“Well, I’ve been thinking about this since yesterday and I like the name Pauline.”

“Ok, Grace, write Pauline down.”

Justin came back with Libby and we finished writing down everyone’s names that they wanted for the baby. “I like the name Emma.” Justin said

“Libby what do you want to name one of your sisters?” I asked

“I want the first little girl’s name to be Ivy Faith Bass.” She said with confidence

“Ok,” Lance and I said. “The first baby girl born is named Ivy Faith Bass, the baby boy born is named Quentin James Bass.”

“What about the other baby girl?” Libby asked

“We haven’t decided that yet.” I said, “We’ll have to tell you later on today or sometime tomorrow.”

“Ok.” Libby said sitting down in the chair next to Britney.

~The Next Day~

“Hi, did you sleep well?” Jane asked as she brought in the triplets to be fed

“Yup…just like a baby.” I said as I laughed

“Where’s the proud Papa?”

“Right here. I had to take Libby to Britney’s house to get some more sleep.” Lance said

“Oh. Have you gone to get Aunt Diane and the others yet?”

“No, I’m gonna leave after I help feed my babies.”

“I’ve thought of the name for the other baby girl.” I said

“What is her name going to be?” Jane asked

“Her name is Emily René Bass.” Lance said

“How did you know?”

“I saw it written on the paper on the desk with a circle around it.”

Nine

 

            “You are such a cheater!” I said as I playfully punched him, “That was supposed to be a surprise!”

            “I just couldn’t help myself. I saw the paper and I just had to read it.”

            “Honey, don’t you think that you should head to the airport to pick up your family?” I said

            “That’s right…I totally forgot. Just don’t tell them that.” He said as he laid Quentin down in the bassinet. “I’ll be back in a couple of hours. Don’t go anywhere!” he gave me a kiss and left out of the room.

            10 minutes later I got a phone call from my parents. “So, I heard that you had triplets…good luck raising then with out any help from that husband of yours!” my mom said

            “Lance is and will always be there for his family…NO MATTER what you think or wish would happen.”

            “Oh, like when he left you for a month to raise Libby with the help of HIS cousin Jane? You didn’t think that I would find out about that…did you?”

            “Mom, I have no secrets from you. If you wanted to talk to me you should have called!! Every time I tried calling you, the phone line went mysteriously dead!”

            “That’s not my fault! Just like the 2 miscarriages that you had weren’t my fault!”

            “I’m not saying that they were your fault, but you sure didn’t help ease all of the stress that I was going through!”

            “I tried, but you always shut me out. I had to find out things about you from Diane and Jim!”

            “Like I said, no one stopped you from picking up the phone and calling or flying out to see us.”

            “Do you know how it feels to here people talking about your child because they married outside of their race?”

            “No, and really hope that I don’t have to hear that from you!”

            “Well, I get it all of the time. They are constantly saying that you think that you are too good for your own race! Doesn’t that hurt you?”

            “Well, I think that I am somewhat better than people who think that way. I pay NO ATTENTION to them. They mean nothing to me!”

            “So, you’re saying that your father and me mean nothing to you?”

            “No, you and dad mean the world to me, but it hurts me when you degrade him like that. He is just like everyone else. I guess you can’t see that and until you do, I want NOTHING to do with you. When you change the way you feel then I can let you into my family’s life.”

            “Why would you do that?” my father finally said

            “Because I my all of my children to know you as the people that you were before they were born…caring and accepting of others no matter what they looked like.” I hung up the phone and began to cry.

            Jane came back in the room after taking Quentin, Ivy and Emily back to the nursery. “Honey, what the matter?”

            “I hate my parents so much.” I said

            “What? What happened?”

            “They called about 10 minutes ago and they were saying racist like things…things they knew would hurt me…they talked about Lance in a way that I have never heard and I didn’t like it. I basically cut off all communication between them and Libby. I don’t want her around that kind of atmosphere.”

            “Well, Grace, you had to do what was best for your family. You and I both know that having Libby ion that kind of environment isn’t healthy.”

            “I know, but Libby LOVES her grandparents so much. I just think that I would be doing more harm than good.”

            “Grace, you are doing what is best for YOUR children and that is all that you are required to do.”

            Lance came back to the hospital 2 hours later. “Hi Jane.” He said as he walked in the hospital. “Is Grace awake?”

            “No, she just fell asleep. She was really tired after arguing with her parents for so long.”

            “Did they pull that whole racist crap that they always do?”

            “Yeah…she cut off connection with them until they change their attitude. She felt that Libby, Ivy, Emily and Quentin didn’t need to be in that type of environment.”

            “She right, they don’t need to be surround by people who think and act like that.”

            Lance’s family came in the hospital a few minutes later…”Hi Jane…It’s been a long time since I last saw you. How have you been?”

“Just fine…and you?”

“Oh, working hard and living life to the fullest.”

“That’s good.”

“So, can we see Grace now?” Diane asked

“Well, she’s asleep, but if you follow me, I have something very important to show you.”

“Ok,” they all said. They walked down the hall to Grace’s room and there she was holding Quentin, Ivy and Emily.

“Whose baby girls are those?” Stacy and Ford asked

“Guys I would like to introduce you to the new additions to the Bass Family.” Lance said taking Emily.

“You had triplets?” Stacy said

“Yup, sure did…2 days ago.” I said

“On August 8^th, two days ago?” Ford said

“Yes, is there something significant about that day?”

“That’s the day that I got a feeling that something important was happening.” Stacy said

“Well, that was the day that they were born.” I said, “Would you like to know what their names are?”

“Of course we would.” They all said

“Well, Lance is holding Emily René, and I am holding Quentin James and Ivy Faith.”

“They are sooo beautiful.” Diane said, “Where is my other Grandbaby?”

Ten

 

            “I’m right here!” Libby said pulling at Diane’s shirt.

            “Oh, there you are.” She said turning around and picking Libby up

            “When did you get here?” Lance asked

            “Uncle J brought me a few minutes ago.”

            “Where is he at now.” I asked

            “Right here with a bunch of other rowdy people who want to see you.” He said opening the door and walking in the room.

            “So Grace, when are you leaving the hospital?” Stacy asked

            “Today I think. Isn’t that right Jane?”

            “Yup, you can leave today, but I want to take it easy and for you not to overexert yourself for a few months.”

            “I’ll take it easy…I promise.” I said winking at Lance

            “I mean it…take it easy for a while.”

            “Ok, ok, I will.”

            “Ok, so lets get this show on the road…” Lance said, “Mom and Dad take my credit card and go to the furniture store by my house and buy 2 more cribs and have them delivered to the house.”

            “Ok, see you all in a couple of hours.” They said as they walked out of the room

            “Jane, Brit, and Stacy…can you stay here with Grace and help her get the babies ready to go.”

            “Yes Sir!” they said

            “Ford, you’re with me and the other guys…we have to go back to my place and help me get it ready for the babies.” Lance and the other guys left Jane, Libby, Britney and me to get the triplets ready to go home.

            “I forgot to tell Lance to get the extra baby carriers…”

            “Don’t worry about it. I have it under control.” Jane said as she walked out of the room. 10 minutes later she came back in the room with 2 extra baby carriers and 3 diaper bags.

            “Where did those come from?” I asked her

            “The doctors and nurses on this floor all pitched in and bought them for you.”

            “That was so sweet of them!” I said.

            “Ok, we have 6 pairs of clothes to pick from for the babies.” Britney said taking the clothes out of the bag that she brought with her.

            “Where did you get those from?” I asked as I looked at the clothing more closely

            “They are a gift form J and me.” Britney said

            “Thanks…you’re the best.” I said as I gave her a hug

            “Ok, I like this one for Quentin…what do you think?” I said as I held up the blue pants and top.

            “Yeah, he should wear that.” Jane said

“Emily and Ivy should wear these pink and white dresses.” Libby said

“Ok, Hon, that’s what they will wear.” Britney said

Britney, Jane and me dressed them and then I called Lance and told them that we were ready to go.

            “Ok, I’ll be there in 30 minutes.” He said as he hung up the phone, “You guys keep working, I am going to pick up Gracie and the kids from the hospital and be back in 1 hour. Pleas be finished by then.”

            “Yes Sir.” They all said with a salute.

 

~February, 2006~

 

            Quentin, Ivy, and Emily are 6 month old and Libby will be turning 7 in 1 week. Just like any soon to be 7 year old, she doesn’t listen to anything that Lance and I tell her to do, but if one of her Uncles or Aunts tell her to do something, she does it right away.

            “Libby, hurry up! Daddy’s flight is going to be at the airport soon!”

            “I’m coming Mom, I had to find my shoes.”

            “Bring your brother’s jacket too. It’s getting cold outside.”

            “But, Mom, their room smells like dirty diapers!”

            “Elizabeth Louise Bass, if you don’t do what I say you will be in soo much trouble. Now go and get Quentin’s jacket!”

            “Fine!” she said as she turned and went up to the triplets’ room.

            20 minutes later we were at the airport waiting for Lance’s plane to arrive. Libby was sitting reading one of her many J-14 magazines that she asked us to order for her. She loved seeing her Uncles and Dad in the magazine and all of the stuff that other people say about them. Lance was on his way back from a business trip to New York to meet with some music executives about one of the new artists that he signed to his FreeLance Entertainment Company. He had been gone for about 2 weeks and Libby was really starting to miss him.

            “Daddy’s here…Daddy’s here!” Libby said jumping up form the chair that she was sitting in and went running to him as he came down the hall form the airplane. “Did you get a lot of work done in New York, Daddy?”

            “Sure did,” he said, “But there was one thing that I missed most of all…”

            “What was that?” Libby asked as they walked backed to the waiting area to sit down.

            “Sugar cover Libby for breakfast!” he said as he kissed her.

            “Well, I’ve missed you too!” I said as I leaned over and gave him a kiss.

            “And I’ve missed you too.” He said

            “Ewwww, they’re kissing!! We can’t look at this.” She said as she closed her eyes, and covered Quentin, Ivy and Emily’s eyes.

            “Oh please!!” we both said pulling away from each other.

Eleven

 

            When we got home from the airport I made lunch for Libby and put Ivy, Emily and Quentin down for their nap. Lance called Joey, Justin, J.C. and Chris to tell them that he was back from New York, but he had a lot of other work that he had to catch up on, so he didn’t chat with them for very long. I didn’t want to bother him so I just upstairs to start cleaning the rooms. When I went past Libby’s room it looked like a tornado passed through it.

            “Libby, I thought I told you to clean your room yesterday!”

            “I did, mom.” She said as was watching the Cartoon Network on T.V.

            “Well, it looks a mess right now. Come up here and clean it.”

            “Ok, I’ll do it after this cartoon is over.” Libby replied

            “NOW!” I said

            “Mom, I said that I would do it when this cartoon is done.”

            “Elizabeth Louise Bass,” Lance said from his office, “You better get up and clean your room right now!”

            “Ok, dad!”

            “And when your mother tells you to do something I want you to do it then…not when you feel like it. Ok?”

            “Yes Dad.” Libby said as she went up to clean her room. She went up to her room and slammed the door. Quentin woke up and started to cry because the slamming of the door startled him.

            “Libby, what have I told you about slamming the doors like that?” I asked

            “Ok, I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”

 

~Monday – before school~

 

            “Mom, is it alright if I invite a few friends over for my birthday on Saturday?”

            “Only if you keep your room clean and follow directions.” I said

            “Ok, I will.”

            “You better, because I am sick and tired of having to tell you things over and over.”

            “You’re the best mom in the world.” She said as she gave me a kiss and went running to her room

The day before Libby’s 7^th birthday we had the entire house cleaned I bought some balloons and began to wrap a lot of Libby’s gifts while she was at school. On Wednesday I gave her 30 invitations to take to school with her and give out to her classmates. That day, I got 28 responses form the parents of the children that would be coming to the party. Lance arranged the party bags and ordered Libby’s birthday cake. Friday night, we had a family party for Libby and gave her a few of her gifts.

“This is from Uncle J and Aunt Brit…” she said, “Ohh, a gift certificate to Claire’s Fashion Accessories. Thanks.” She gave then a hug

“This is from your Grandma and Grandpa Peters.” I said as I handed her the clothing box

“Wow, money inside of a box, a DREAM CD, Eden’s Crush CD, and a Chicken Soup for the Young Soul book. Wow, there’s more money inside the book.”

“Tomorrow you will have to call and thank them.” Lance said

“I don’t understand why they couldn’t come.” Libby said as she put her money in her pocket.

“I don’t either, maybe they were too busy and couldn’t come.” I said, knowing the demand that I put upon them August of the previous year.

“Let’s see, this one is from Chris, and J.C. and Joey.” Lance said

“Wow, that’s really big…I wonder what it could be…a computer…cool! And it’s hot pink. That will go great with my new bedroom furniture. Thanks Uncles…”

“This is from Grandma and Grandpa Bass.” Jane said

“It’s just a piece of paper…”

“You have to read what’s written on it.”

“It says… ‘Tomorrow is your birthday, and we’re sorry that we could be there, so we decided that you should go to the front door and you can find your gift there. Love Grandma Diane, Grandpa Jim and Aunt and Uncle Stacy and Ford.’ What does that mean?” Libby asked

“Why don’t you go and see.” Jane said

We all followed Libby to the front door. She opened the door and there was a bike on the front porch. “Cool, a new bike. There is another note. It says, ‘ walk 3 steps forward and turn left and you will find another surprise.’”

So we all followed the direction. I was holding Ivy, Lance was holding Emily and Joey was holding Quentin. After we took the 3 steps and turned left we saw Jim, Diane, Stacy and Ford standing there with balloons.

“Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Ford, Aunt Stacy…I thought that you guys couldn’t come to my birthday?”

“Well, we changed our minds and decided to drive out here and see you.” Diane said

“We hope that’s alright with you, Lance.” Jim said

“Of Course it is.” He said

We all went back in the house, had dinner, cake and ice cream, and Libby went up to her room to make some space for her new computer. Lance took the computer up to Libby’s room and got it all hooked up and then they came back down stairs.

“You guys wanna see my new room stuff?” Libby asked everyone who hadn’t seen it

“Sure, let’s go now.” Britney said. They went up to Libby’s room and it was full of posters and pictures and everything pink.

“Wow, you have a lot of pictures of me up on your walls.” Britney said

“Why are there so many *N SYNC posters up?” J.C. asked

“Because I think that they are the best!!!”

“I see” Joey said.

At 10 p.m. Justin, Joey, J.C., Chris and Britney left. “I’ll see you tomorrow…” Libby said as she gave them a hug

“Ok, see you tomorrow.” They said

“Ok, Libby, up to bed and put your PJ’s on.” Lance said

“Ok. Good night, Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Ford and Aunt Stacy, see you in the morning Good night Mom and Dad.” Libby went upstairs and went to sleep.

“Libby, check on your brother and sisters too…ok?”

“Ok.” And she disappeared up the stairs.

Twelve

 

            “Ok, now that Libby is asleep, we can figure out where to stash the other gifts that we brought.” Diane said

“You brought more gifts for Libby? I guess we could put them in the triplets room…she never sets foot in there.” I said with a laugh

“Ok, son, come help Ford and me take them out of the car.”

“Ok, Pops.”

“Grace, where should I put Jim and my things?” Diane asked

“Oh, now there’s a problem…”

“What?” Stacy asked

“Well, we changed one of the 2 guest rooms into the room for the triplets and the other is free.”

“Ok, so what the problem?” Diane asked, “You have the sofa bed still, right?”

“Yeah, but that thing is so uncomfortable.” I said, “But I know that Lance still has papers to work on, and I am going to get ready for Libby’s part tomorrow…so you and dad can have our room. Stacy and Jim can stay in the other guest room and if I get tired I can just use the sofa bed.”

“I don’t wanna put you out of your room.”

“It’s ok…use it.”

Lance, Jim and Ford came back in the house with boxes and boxes of gifts. “Boy, you went all out for Libby.” I said

“These aren’t all from us, they are also from her other cousins that couldn’t come.” Jim said

“Ok, those go in the babies’ room. Lance knows where to put them.

 

~The Big Day~

 

            Libby was up at 10 a.m. and went running down the stairs. “Did I miss breakfast, did I miss breakfast?”

“Nope, you’re just on time. Grandma Diane made Pancakes, bacon, eggs and fresh squeezed orange juice.” Lance said

“Dad, where did you and mom sleep last night? I wanted to go in the room and thank you for my new bedroom furniture and Grandma and Grandpa were in there.”

“I didn’t get too much sleep, but I was on the sofa bed and your Daddy was still in his office working.”

            “Ok.” Libby said, “I was worried that something happened.”

            “My little Baby was worried that something happened to her Mom and me…that is just so sweet.” Lance said

            “So, what time are your friends coming over?” Stacy asked

            “In 3 hours…Mom, we have to start setting up!”

            “It’s ok, most of the stuff is already done.” I said

            Jim and Ford came down with Ivy, Emily and Quentin. “Look who we found sitting up wide awake when we went past their room. Lance and I pulled the 3 high chairs over to the table and they were put in them. Diane gave them some cereal and apple juice in their sip cups.

            “So, Libby do you know what you are going to wear?” Stacy asked

            “Not yet, But I want it to be something nice.” She said after she took a sip of her OJ

            “Well, when you finish, I just might have something that will like.”

            “Ok, cool.” 10 minutes later she was done eating. “May I be excused? I want to take a shower before everyone else.”

            “Yes, and put your plate and things in the sink and you can go.”

            “Mom, can you braid my hair when I get done?”

            “Sure Libby.”

            She ran up the stair and went into the bathroom next to her room. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her.” Lance said

“She has a crush on one of the boys that’s coming to her party…” I said, “But she doesn’t know that I know.”

            “Oh really…we should have some fun with this information…” Diane and Jim said

            “Are you sure that it won’t back fire in our face?” Lance asked

            “No, we just do things really slow…how do you think you and Grace got together?” Diane said

            “Really…I’ve always thought that Lance was cute…you guys didn’t do anything to me.” I said

            “Oh, we knew that you like Lance, but Lance was the one that need the extra push…remember you 16^th Birthday roller skating Party, Grace?”

            “Yeah, that we the first time that the roller rink had pair skating and I got paired with Lance.”

            “Well, that was my doing.” Jim said

            “What! I remember that Mom told me that I HAD to go…I really wanted to stay home and ride my horse.” Lance said

            “Right, and I told you that you should be nice and just go.” Diane said

            “And have I told you how glad I am that you made me go?” he said

            “I see it all the time when you and Grace look at each other or steal little kissed when you think that no one is looking.”

Thirteen

 

            “Stop…you’re making my baby blush…” I said hugging Lance

            “Well, he was my baby first!” Diane said crossing her arms across her chest.

            “Ladies, Ladies…there’s no need to fight over me.” Lance said

            “Auntie Stacy, can you come up here?” Libby said over the intercom

            “Ok…” Stacy said, “When did you have an intercom installed?”

            “A few years ago…it’s easier than going up and down the stairs when we need to contact each other.” Lance said

            “Cool, well I better go help my niece get ready for her party. Fill me in on the plan when I get back.” Stacy went up stairs to show Libby the new outfit.

            “Well, I guess I should start cleaning the kitchen.” I said

            “Oh leave that Gracie, I’ll do it in a minute.” Diane said.

            “Ok, then I’ll go and start decorating the den for the party.” I left the kitchen and went to get the decorations out of the garage and take them into the den.

            “Lance, when are Joey, J.C., Chris, Justin and Britney coming over?” Diane asked

            “They said that they would be here at 12:30. Wow, it’s getting close to the party, I better go and pick up Libby’s cake from the bakery and I still have to make sure that all of the party bags are done. I gonna go take a shower and leave. Tell Grace that if she needs anything to call me.” Lance left out of the kitchen and went to take his shower.

            “I think that Ford and I should go and put Libby’s other gift together so that the other kids and her can play on it at the party.” Jim said. They went out to the back yard and began to put the trampoline together.

            “I guess that just leaves us…” Diane said to Ivy, Emily and Quentin. She took their sip cups and cereal and wiped off their trays.

            10 minutes later Libby and Stacy came down the stairs…”So, how do I look Grandma?”

            “Wow, you look so beautiful, just like you mom at your age.”

            “Thanks, where did everyone go?” she asked

            “Your mom had some things to take care of, your father is taking a shower and your Grandpa and Uncle Ford are doing something.” Diane said

            “Ok, I guess I’ll go to my room and play some of my computer game.” Libby went up stairs and went into her room.

            “Well, I’m gonna go and take my shower and get ready.” Stacy said as she grabbed a bottle of water out of the refrigerator.

            “Ok, just don’t use up all the hot water. 4 more people still have to take a shower.” Diane said loading the dishes in the dishwasher.

            Lance came back one hour later. He took the party bags into the den and put the cake into the refrigerator. I had the triplets and was giving them a bath. Jim and Ford went to get some ice cream, Stacy was playing games with Libby and Diane was in the shower. She was the last person to take a shower and there was very little hot water left. Lance then went up stair to help me with the triplets.

            “Here let me help you with them.”

            “Thanks Honey. Were the party bags all done?”

            “Yeah. They went all out on them. There are CD’s and stickers and candy and pencils all in the bags.” Lance said as he put Ivy’s socks on.

            At 12:30 Joey, J.C., Chris, Justin and Britney came. They put their gifts in the den and then went to see Libby and Stacy.

            “Hey, you’re here early!” Libby said

            “Well, we wanted to see you before the party and wish you a happy 7^th Birthday.” J.C. said

            “Oh, Thanks.” Libby said.

            “Where is everyone else?” Joey asked

            “My dad is helping mom with the triplets and Grandma is getting ready and I don’t know where everyone else is.”

 

~The guests arrive~

 

            At 1 p.m. the guests start to arrive. They put their gifts in the den and then head out to the extremely large trampoline in the back yard. I had a videographer come to the party to get the party on tape. All of the guests had a chance to say something on the tape. There was music playing and games all around. At 2:30 we went into the den to eat and get ready to open gifts. Libby got almost $200 in gift certificates and cash. Lance and I gave her a plane ticket to Mississippi to spend time with her Grandparents…all 4 of them. She got lots of clothes and a new radio more CD’s and some books of poems. She also got lots of writing pads so that she could write her poems and stories. The party ended at 3:30 with everyone getting a party bag as they left to go home.

            “This was a great party. Your family is really nice and you have a really big house. Thanks for inviting me and I’ll see you at school on Monday.” Josh said as he left. Josh is the boy that Libby has a crush on. His gift was one of the books of poems and some money.

            “Mom, Josh finally talked to me!!” Libby said after he left.

            “Who is Josh?” I asked like I was playing dumb

            “You know who Josh is…” Libby said

            “Oh, you mean that sweet boy who was the last to leave?” Diane said

            “Yes, him…don’t you think that he is soo cute?” She said as she flopped down on the sofa.

            “Yes, he’s one little charmer. I can see why you like him. I’ll have to tell your Father to keep an eye on him.” I said as I put the last of the plates and cups in the trash.

            “Who will I have to keep an eye on?” Lance asked as he came into the den to help the rest of us clean.

            “The boy named Josh that Libby has a crush on.” Chris said

            “Oh really…Libby has a crush on a boy?” Lance said

Fourteen

 

            ~Summer time in Florida and Mississippi~

 

            When school got out for Libby she wanted to have a pool party just so that she could invite Josh over. Lance and I agreed that she could have the party but she had to help with preparing the food and she had to be a good hostess. School ended June 13^th and we had her pool party that Saturday. Libby used some of her birthday money and had me to order pizza and soda. She brought down her boom box to play music and she made sure that every one knew where she lived if they hadn’t been to the house before. Even though Libby was only 7 years old, she acted very mature for her age…only when she wanted to. On the Saturday of the pool party, all of the guests arrived at noon and ate lunch. There were about 30 7 and 8 year olds running around and playing in the pool. Some kids were on the trampoline and others were dancing by the boom box. The party ended at 4 because Libby had to get ready to fly to Mississippi to spend 6 weeks with her grandparents. Again, Josh was the last to leave and her thanked her for inviting him to the party and that he would see her when school started in September.

            After everyone left, Lance and I helped Libby clean up the patio area. “Thanks for letting me have this party, Mom and Dad.”

            “Your Welcome.” We said

            “I had a really fun time and Josh and I are going to hang out when I get back from Mississippi…that’s what he told me.”

            “Oh really…” Lance said

            “Yes Dad, he’s really nice. I think that you would like him.”

            “And will your mother like him?” Lance asked as he put the trash in the trashcan.

            “Yes, I think that she will like him too.”

            Libby left for Mississippi 2 days after Father’s Day. The night that she left Jane said that she was going to drive to Mississippi and that she would take Ivy, Quentin and Emily so that Lance and I could be alone for a few weeks. “Weeks, are you sure that you can handle them for a few weeks?” I asked

            “Yes, I can handle them for a few weeks. Besides, you and Lance need some alone time and this will also give me a chance to bond with my little cousins and for them to see the rest of the family.”

            “Ok, that’s fine with us.” Lance said. “Let me be the first one to start packing their things.”

            “Lance!!” I said, “You’re just going to send off our babies like that?”

            “We could go away to the Bahamas while their gone...”

            “Ok, let me help you with that packing…” I said

            “You don’t have to pack too many things, I already have some clothes for them.” Jane said

            “Ok. I’ll just pack 3 outfits for each of them.” I said

            Jane and the triplets left the next day to drive to Mississippi. I called Britney and told her that I was free from children for at least 3 weeks and I wanted to have some fun. “Ok, we could always go to that new club that just opened up. Why don’t you ask Lance if he wants to join us?”

            “Ok, I’ll call you back in 30 minutes and tell you.” I hung up the phone and went into the den. “Hey Lance do you want to go to that new club that opened up?”

            “Sure. Is anyone else going to be going?”

            “Yes…Brit, J, J.C., Chris and Joey.”

            “Yeah…party!!” he said as he got up from the sofa and started to dance.

            “Ok, I have to call Britney and tell her that we’re in.” I left the den and went into the bedroom to find something to wear for later on tonight. “Brit…I don’t have anything to wear tonight…we have to go shopping!”

            “I’m there Babe. I’ll be over in 10 minutes. I just have to call J and tell him to meet us at the club. I think that we should make an entrance.”

            “Ok, I’ll tell Lance that I will be coming with you and that we will meet him there.” I hung up the phone and went down the stairs to tell Lance that I was going to go shopping with Britney and for him to meet us at the club.

            Britney came over and we left to go shopping. Lance and the other guys had to finish up working on their CD so he left right after we did. Britney and I went to every fashion store in Orlando and we even drove to Miami to find something hip and trendy to wear. We still couldn’t find anything so we went back to Orlando and looked around there again. We were about to go back home we passed a vintage 70’s clothing store, I saw one of the dresses in the window and I just had to buy it. “Isn’t this a great dress?” I said we got back to my house.

            “Yeah, and if you cut it here and here it would look even sexier.” Britney said

            “That’s right…I’ll do it.” I said

“Do you mind if I rummage through your closet and see if I can find something to wear?”

            “Go ahead…be my guest.” I said as I walked out of the bathroom with my “new” dress on. “So, how do I look?”

            “Like some one who has never had 4 children?!?” she said, “I hate that!”

            “Well, you look good too. That dress looks great on you!”

            “Thanks, I’m just about ready to go. How about you?”

            “I just have to do my hair and makeup and I will be ready to go.”

            We left my house 30 minutes later and arrived at Wild Stallion, the new club that we were meeting the guys at. We got inside the club and started to search for the rest of our group. “Britney…Britney, over here.” Justin called. We made our way over to the table that they had. “Whose that with you?” he asked over the music?”

            “It’s Grace,” she whispered in his ear.

            “DAMN!!” he said “she looks good. We should play a joke on Lance with her.”

            “Yeah we should. Where is Lance anyway?”

            “He went to get something to drink. Ok, so here’s what we are going to do…Grace, this is the chair that Lance was hold for you, I want you to sit in it and we will act like you’re part of our group. When Lance comes, we’ll tell him that you were going to be coming a little late and that he should dance with you.”

            “Ohh, I see what your getting at. But I don’t know if he’ll fall for it. We’ve known each other for all of our lives.”

            Lance came back and I asked him to dance. He agreed…only because he knew who I was. We went to the middle of the dance floor and started dancing. Up Against the Wall started playing and we got all into the song. There was a guy video taping the people dancing and we had NO idea that he was taping us. The images were shown to 2 large screens for the whole club to see. “Look at Lance and Grace!” Justin pointed out to Britney

            “Oh My Gosh…they look like…I don’t know how to put it, but I think that’s something that should only be done in the privacy of your bedroom.”

Fifteen

 

“I say that we go and join them on the dance floor.” Justin said taking Britney’s hand.

Joey, Chris and J.C. met some girls and they went out on the dance floor too. Everyone danced the night away. When we left the club it was like 2 in the morning and we were all dead tired. When went out to open all night diner and got some food to eat.

“I saw you on the dance floor.” J.C. said to me and Lance

“So what…we were having a good time!” Lance said

“Yeah and look at what I got…” Joey said holding a video tape up

“Is that the tape form the man at the club?” Britney asked

“Yup it sure is…” Chris said as he took a drink of water

“What tape?” I asked with a puzzled look on my face

“We got all of your too close dance moves on tape.” Justin said

“No you didn’t…” I said putting my cup of soda on the table, “There was some one there recording everything?”

“Yup, all of those little move that you And Lance were doing. So that must be why you have 4 children and you’re on 26 and 27 years old.”

“That’s ok, you can say all you want, but just wait until you have children and they are away…you’ll probably do the same thing.” I said

We left the diner and went home. I was dead tired and I just wanted to go to sleep. I was getting out the shower and Lance asked, “how did you learn to dance like that?”

“When the music is right, you just know how to move.” I said as I walked out of the bathroom

“What are we going to do about that tape that Joey has?” Lance said as he sat on the bed

“Don’t worry about it. He’ll probably just use it to torture us at parties. As long as it doesn’t end up on the new or in our parents hands then I don’t care.”

“Don’t forget the Internet…if it ends up there the whole world will have access to it.”

“I don’t think that Joey would do that. Let’s just forget about it, and get some sleep.” I said

“Ok.” Lance turned out the light and gave me a kiss and we went to sleep…well sort of.

 

~3 weeks later~

 

            Jane came back with Ivy, Emily and Quentin. “How were they?” I asked as I helped her bring them in the house

            “Perfect little angels…” Jane said

            “Did you take them to see my parents?”

“Yeah, but they didn’t even want to see them. I called and told them that I was in town and I asked if it was ok if I brought them over and your mom said that it was ok. When I got over there she just slammed the door in my face.”

            “Really, that’s not like her to do that. Do you know if Libby was able to go and see them?”

“Yeah, but she only stayed a day because she wanted to back to the Ranch.”

            “Why?”

            “I don’t know. She called there and asked if I could come and get her and I said that I would be right over. I don’t know what’s gotten into your parents, but Libby and the babies don’t need to be around them at all.”

            “How was she the ride back to the ranch?” I asked

            “She was really quite. Every once and a while she would sniff but she wouldn’t tell me what was wrong.”

            “Think that I should call and see if everything is alright with her.” I said as I changed Quentin’s clothes.

            “I think that you should let her call you. She told me that she really wanted to talk to you, but she was going to wait until she came back from camping with Jim and Diane.”

            “Ok…”

 

~3 weeks later~

 

            “Don’t forget that Libby comes home today.” I told Lance has he took the triplets to the park, “Don’t be gone too long.”

            “I remember.” He said, “What time does Libby’s flight come in?”

            “6 p.m. but I want to be there at 5:30 and Jane wants to be there too.”

            “Ok, I’ll be back at 3:30.” Lance left out of the house.

            At 4:30we left for the airport and went to the terminal that Libby was to arrive at. “There she comes.” Lance said as he held up the video camera.

            “Mom, Dad….” She said as she came running to us

            “Oh my…do I know you?” I said as she stopped in front of me, “You’re not the same little girl that got on the plane six weeks ago…you look so pretty.”

            “Thank you.” She said, “now where is my little brother and sisters…there you are.” She gave them a kiss and a little stuffed bear

            “Now wait a minute…” Lance said as he put the camera down, “Where is my little girl and what did you do to her?”

            “I am your little girl…”

            “No, you’re too nice to be my little girl. The Libby that I know didn’t even like it when she had to step foot in her sisters and brother room, now you’re giving them gifts?”

            “Well, I’ve missed them and I’ve missed you too.”

            “Do we get any gifts?” I asked holding out my hand

            “Yeah, they are in my suit case. But you have to wait until we get home to get them.”

            “Ok.” Lance and I said. We left the airport and headed home.

Sixteen

 

When we got home Libby took her thing up to her room and started to unpack. When Lance and I came in the house we took the triplets up to their room and put them to sleep. I went into Libby’s room to see if she needed help unpacking. “Libby honey, did you want to talk to me about anything?”

“Nope. But here is your gift that I got you.” She handed me a little box.

“What’s this?” I asked

“You have to open it and see.” I opened the box and there was a locket in it, “Open the locket.”

I opened the locket and there was a picture of Libby, Ivy, Emily and Quentin. “I love this so much. Thank you Libby.” I gave her a hug and a kiss. “Are you sure that there isn’t anything that you don’t want to talk to me about?”

“Well, I didn’t really want to say anything about it because I thought that you would be mad at me.”

“What is it, Libby?”

“Well you know that I went over to Grandma Lola’s house for a day because I know that Jane told you. But the real reason that I didn’t stay the 3 weeks there is because when I was first there they were talking about you and Daddy and I asked them to stop and they wouldn’t. Then I started to cry and they made fun of me and the way I dressed and the way I talked.”

“Honey, is that why you thought that I would be mad at you?”

“Yes. Grandma Lola told me that you were just getting rid of me because you didn’t love me.”

“Honey, you know that isn’t true. I love you very much. You’re my baby and you will always be my baby.”

Lance’s walked by the room and saw us sitting on the bed and knocked on the door. “Can I come in or is this a girls’ only time?”

“No, you can come in Daddy. I have a gift for you too.” She handed Lance a larger box.

“What is it? It’s kinda heavy.” He said

“You have to open it.”

Lance opened the box and there was a frame with horses carved around it. The picture in the frame was similar to mine, but they were sitting on Sable and her colt was right next to her. “I love this picture. I know exactly where I am going to put it.” He said

“Where at Daddy?”

“In my office next to the other pictures of you and the triplets.”

“So, Libby you don’t need any help unpacking?”

“Nope, I’m all done. I just wanna write a letter to Grandma Diane and Grandpa Jim and Stacy and Ford.”

“Ok, if you need anything I’ll be in the living room with your Daddy. Come on Lance. I have to talk to about something.” We left out of the room and down the hall, down the stairs and went into the living room.

“So what did you want to talk to me about?” Lance said as he sat on the sofa and turned on the T.V.

“My parents” I said. Lance turned and looked at me

“What about your parents? Did they do something to hurt Libby or the triplets?”

“Well, not physically, but they hurt Libby emotionally.”

“What do you mean?” he asked as he turned the T.V. off

I told Lance about my family talking about us, Libby asking them to stop and then how they turned on her and talked about her. “Well she won’t have to worry about that because she won’t have to see them anymore.”

“I know, nut I want her to have a relationship with.”

“Let’s wait until she is older and then she can make the decision for herself.”

“Ok, so what are we going to for dinner?” I asked trying to get my mind off of the subject

“Why don’t we see what everyone else is doing and see if they want to come over for dinner and a little swim?” Lance suggested

“Ok, I’ll go see what Libby wants for dinner.”

 

~30 minutes later~

 

            “Mom, there is someone at the door.”

            “Can you get it?”

            “But, I’m not…oh ok” Libby went down the stairs and opened the door, “Britney…”

            “Hey short stuff…when did you get home?”

            “Today. Come in come in. Where is J?”

            “He’s parking the car. I think that you should finish getting dressed before he’s comes…too late!” Britney said

            “Hi J…Bye J, I have to finish getting dressed.” Libby ran up the stairs and slammed her door.

            “What was that all about?” Justin asked walking in the house

            “She wasn’t completely dressed.”

            “Oh, I see. So where is everyone else?”

            “Right behind you dork…” Joey said. All the guys came in and went out onto the patio.

“Pool party!!!!” Chris yelled as he ran out on to the patio.

Seventeen

 

            “Chris! Watch out for the babies!” Lance yelled from the kitchen.

            “Whoa, I didn’t see them there” Chris said as he stopped in his tracks.

            “So where is Libby at?” J.C. asked as he came in the house 5 minutes later

            “She is somewhere around here…” Britney said

“J.C. aren’t you going to introduce me to the owners of this house?” the mysterious lady asked

“Oh, yeah. Lance and Grace, this is my girlfriend Carmen. Carmen this is Lance and Grace and one of their 4 children Ivy.” He said point to each of us. Ivy was sitting on Lance’s lap.

“Wow, you have 4 children? You look so young.”

“Thanks” I said, “So where did you guys meet?”

“At Wild Stallion about a month and a half ago.”

“Oh, the same day that we all went?” Lance asked J.C.

“Yeah. I danced with her…remember the tape?” J.C. laughed

“Don’t remind me…I hope you burned it like I asked you too.” Lance said

“Yeah, unfortunately I burned it.” Joey said

“Mom, Quentin threw his toy in the pool..." Libby said coming in the house, “J.C. when did you get here?”

“A few minutes ago.” They hugged each other

“Hi, I’m Elizabeth, what’s your name?” she asked the lady sitting next to J.C.

“I’m Carmen, J.C.’s girlfriend. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. Has anyone seen my mom?”

“I’m over here Libby.” I said from the kitchen, “Come over here and take these drinks back into the living room.”

“How old is Elizabeth? She looks like she’s 9 or 10.” Carmen asked

“She turned 7 in February of this year.” Lance said as he picked up a magazine off the floor

“She’s really tall for age.” Carmen continued

Libby came back in the living room and handed everyone the drinks. “Oh I have pictures from my trip for everyone. Sorry I don’t have one for you Carmen.” Libby said

“That’s ok.” Carmen said as Libby went up the stairs. 10 minutes later Libby came back down the stairs and began to give out the pictures.

“These are the pictures that we took at Grandma and Grandpa’s Ranch. What do you think of them?”

“They are really nice.” They all said

“Are they for us to keep?” Justin asked

“Yeah…I picked out the frames myself.”

“The food is ready. Lance can you help me take the stuff out to the patio?”

“Ok.” Lance said as he went into the kitchen

We all went to the patio and began to eat. After we finished eating we went swimming for a couple of hours and then we went back into the house to watch some movies.

“So, Grace, how old are the triplets?” Carmen asked

“They will be 1 on August 8^th…wow, that’s only 5 days away.”

“Really, they are big for only 11 months old.” She said

“Gracie, we could have their first birthday at Disney World.” Britney said

“But won’t you guys be on tour by then?”

“No, I won’t. I’m still working on my CD. I’ll go on tour next year. The guys start their tour in September.”

“Ok, then I guess we could have their party at Disney World.”

“Mom, is it alright is I invite Josh when we go?” Libby asked

“He can come as long as it is ok with his Mom and Dad.” I said

“Ok, I’ll call right now.” Libby ran up stairs to call Josh and ask his parents. “Hello, Mrs. Carvahall, this is Elizabeth, Josh’s friend from school…”

“Oh, hi Libby.” She said

“My brother and sisters are having their first birthday party at Disney World on August 8^th and I was wondering if Josh could come along with us?”

“Well, if your parents say that’s it’s ok, then it’s fine with me.”

“Yes, they said that is was ok.”

“Alright, then tell your mommy that I will call he during the week to get more information.” She hung up the phone and Libby came back down the stairs.

 

~Ivy, Emily, and Quentin’s 1^st Birthday~

 

“Look, it’s Mickey Mouse…” Libby said to Ivy

“Mickey…” Quentin said pointing to the giant mouse

Emily started to cry and Lance picked her up, “Oh, It’s ok Em. Mickey Mouse is nice. See, he wants to give you a hug.” Emily turned away crying.

There were about 20 of us in the group so we went to Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A. for dinner.

 

~2 years later~

 

            “Hey Britney I wanna ask you something.” J.C. said over the phone

“Sure…what is it?”

“Not over the phone, come over to my house in 20 minutes.”

“Ok…is everything alright?”

“Yeah, I just wanna ask you something.”

“Ok, I’ll be over in 20 minutes.” She hung up the phone

“She said that she would be over in 20 minutes.” J.C. said.

 

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

 

            Who was J.C. talking to and what is in store for Britney?

Eighteen

 

“Ok, thanks man.” Justin said

“So why did you want her to come over to my place and not yours?”

            “Because…”

“Why…”

“I’m finally going to pop the question!”

“What!!! You’re finally gonna ask her to marry you?”

            “Yeah, I decided that 7 years of dating is long enough and I wanna spend the rest of my life with her.”

            “Let me see the ring.”

“Ok.” Justin took the ring out of his pocket and showed it to J.C.

            “Wow, that is one nice ring.”

            “It should be. I had the designers working on it for about 2 years to make it perfect.”

“If she doesn’t like it then I’ll take it.” I said

“What took you guys so long to get here?” Justin asked

“You know how Libby is. She has to get all dressed up just to go to come over to your house.” Lance said

“Are Chris and Joey here yet?” J.C. asked

“Yeah, they are with Libby and the triplets out back.

“Ok, so this is what I want to do.” Justin said “I want it too look like we are here for lunch and J.C. is going to act like he’s going to propose to Carmen and when Britney gets all excited for them, I’ll propose to her and show her the ring.”

“Ok, I’ll go and set the table.” Carmen said.

“Thanks Babe.” J.C. said

“So what are we having for lunch?” Chris asked

“What ever is in the kitchen.” J.C. said

“Then I guess I’ll call the pizza man.” Joey said

“There’s my little man…” J.C. said when Libby came in with Quentin

“Here you can have him!” Libby said, “He’s a pain!”

“Elizabeth…how can you talk about your brother like that?” Britney said as she came in the door.

“Britney, how long have you been here?” Chris asked

“I just walked through the door.” She said

“Ok, so let’s go sit down…now we can eat.”

“Is that what you called me over here for?” Britney asked

“Well I wanted my extended family here when I did this…” J.C. said

“Do what?” Carmen asked

“Carmen will you marry me?” J.C. asked as he got on one knee

“You’re joking…right?” she said

“No, I’m serious.” J.C. said he opened the ring box and there was a heart shaped ring with 2 baguette stones on the sides.

“Hey, man that’s my ring!” Justin said as he grabbed it from J.C.

Justin got down on one knee in front of Britney… "Britney Jean Spears, we’ve been together for 7 wonderful years and I want to spend the rest of my life with you…will you marry me?”

“Wait a minute, let me catch my breath before I say yes…ok, yes I will marry you!”

We all cheered and then Carmen went running out of the room. “I’ll be right back. I have to see what’s wrong with Carmen.” J.C. said

“No, I’ll do it.” I said, “I think I have an idea of what the problem is.” I followed in the general that Carmen ran in. “Carmen are you ok?” I asked when I got to the bedroom. Carmen was packing her things.

“I can’t go on like this.” She said through the tears.”

“Like what?” I said as I turned her around

“I’ve been cheating and lying to J.C.”

“What, you know how much he loves you and you still did that to him? How could you!”

“And I’ve only been using him for his money.” She continued

“You have to tell him!” I said, “You can’t keep up this fake attitude.”

“Oh no, I’m not going to hurt him like that.” She said pointing her finger at me, “If you want him to know so bad then you tell him!”

“What’s going on? Why are you packing you’re things?” J.C. asked

“Carmen…tell him!” I said

“I can’t! I don’t want to hurt him.” She said

“Tell me what? Carmen you still haven’t told me why you’re packing.”

“Ok, fine! You want to know why I’m packing? I’ll tell you why! For the past 18 months I’ve been using you for your money, cheating on you and lying to you! There are you happy?” Carmen got the rest of her things and left. “I send someone over for the rest of my things. She said and slammed the front door.

J.C. just sat on the bed on shock. “I can’t believe that I was soo blind and couldn’t see that coming!” he said

“Don’t beat yourself up over it.” Chris said, “We all have been blinded by love. You’ll get over it.”

“I don’t know. I really loved her. I was going to ask her to marry me…today when we celebrated our 18 month anniversary.” J.C. got up and walked out of the room, “I just need some time alone. Can you guys leave please? Oh yeah, congratulations J and Brit.”

We left J.C. alone in his house so that he could sort out his feelings.

Nineteen

 

J.C. didn’t stay in his sour mood for very long because he knew that he would eventually find the right woman. He concentrated on music and just having fun with *N SYNC.

3 months after Justin proposed to Britney they went on TRL and told the whole world and Carson Daly, that they would be getting married. They didn’t say when or where, but they did say that when they decided they would probably tell the world. “We just want our fans to respect our privacy and continue to support us.” Justin said.

My parents still haven’t contacted me and I don’t think that they ever will. Quentin, Ivy and Emily are 3 years old and the only grandparents that they know are Lance’s parents. Libby doesn’t acknowledge my parents when they send birthday cards or other gifts throughout the year; she just sends a thank you card and goes on with life. Deep down inside I want my children to have a relationship with my parents, but I guess they haven’t changed their ways and so they don’t bother with us.

“Hey Grace, I want you to be my maid of honor in my wedding. Will you?” Britney asked me over the phone

“Of course I will. When is it?”

“February 1 of next year.”

“Ok, but you know that only leaves like 6 months to plan it.”

“I know. I am going to have it in Louisiana and we are going to honeymoon in Jamaica.”

“Wow, how long have you been planning this?” I asked

“When Justin and I hit the 3 year mark, I slowly started planning for my wedding.”

“I see. You have to come over and give me all of the details.”

“Well, right now I’m in flight to my parents, I should be back in Florida sometime next week.”

“Ok, call me when you get back and we will have lunch and talk about it.”

“Ok, gotta go, we are about to land. See you next week.” She hung up the phone and I went to pick up Libby from Josh’s house.

 

~June 2008~

 

            One day I decided to have a bar-b-que and I invited some of the people that I used to work with that I still talk to on a daily basis. Of course Justin, Britney, J.C., Joey and Chris were there along with my loving husband Lance.

            “You weren’t joking when you said that J.C. is cute.” Genevieve said. Genevieve was one of the girls that I hired right before I left the accounting firm.

            “Why don’t you go up and talk to him…he’s a real nice guy.”

            “I can, I wouldn’t know what to say.”

            “Fine, I’ll go with you and introduce you to him.” We walked over to where J.C. was sitting and I introduced her to him. “Hey, J.C. I want you to meet someone.”

            J.C. turned around and his face lit up. “J.C. this is Genevieve. Genevieve this is J.C.”

            “It’s nice to meet you Genevieve. Would you like to sit down?”

            “Sure.” She said. I left them to talk and get to know each other.

            "What did you just do?” Lance asked me when I came back to the grill.

            “What are you talking about?”

            “How did you get J.C.’s attitude to change so fast?”

            “I just introduced him to one of the girls that I hired at the firm right before I left.”

            “Well, lets hope that it works out.” He said.

            By then end of the night, J.C. and Genevieve exchanged phone numbers and said that they would call each other.

 

~Christmas 2008~

 

            For Christmas we all went away to our different parts of the country. Lance and I went to Mississippi with Libby, Quentin, Emily and Ivy. Just and Britney went to Louisiana for one week and then to Tennessee for one week and spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Florida. Joey went to New York; Chris went to Pennsylvania. J.C. took Genevieve to meet his family in Washington, D.C. we all got back to Florida 3 days before News Years Eve o to spend together. We had the party at Chris’ and it was a blast.

 

~January 10^th 2009~

 

Lance and I also celebrated our 9-year wedding anniversary by having a party at our house. There were many many people there. There was even an unexpected guest with J.C. – his girlfriend of 7 months, Genevieve. They were so happy together.

            “I wish you many more years of wedded bliss.” Johnny said.

            “Yeah, and none of this breaking up for 1 month stuff either.” Jane said.

 

 

~Justin and Britney’s Wedding February 2009~

 

January 27^th we all flew to Louisiana for Justin and Britney’s wedding. Genevieve even flew out with us. All of the guys stayed at one of Britney’s friend’s house and the girls stayed at Britney’s mom’s house. February 1^st, 2009…the wedding was very beautiful. There were orchids and roses all over. Libby was the Flower Girl along with Ivy and Emily. The ring bearers were Jonathan and Steven, Justin’s brothers. Originally, Quentin was to be the ring bearer, but he got sick and Justin’s brothers took over. There were about 250 guests – including family. The reception was held at the same ballroom that Britney’s parents had theirs at. On February 2^nd, Justin Randall Timberlake and Britney Jean Spears-Timberlake flew off to Jamaica for their honeymoon.

Twenty

 

Upon the return of Justin and Britney from their honeymoon on the 9^th, *N SYNC embarked on a 3 month tour starting in the good ol’ state of Florida on February 12th. Genevieve had NEVER been to an *N SYNC concert and she was very excited to be going to her first one. Britney, Libby, Genevieve and I arrived at Alltel Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida at 5 p.m. Genevieve was able to watch the guys during their sound check and then we all went backstage right after they were done with the sound check. Genevieve took lots and lots pictures and she was just as bad as some of the screaming teenage girls. At the end of the concert the guys did their quick good byes and they were off to Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Does the bad feeling when they go away ever get any easier?” Genevieve asked as we watched the buses leave

“Not really, but you find other things to do while they are gone. I try to go to some of the concerts but with 4 kids it’s almost impossible.” I said

“I know, why don’t we all go shopping tomorrow and just have fun before I have to start my tour.” Britney said

“Sounds like fun to me.” I said, “Do you want to join us?”

“I guess so.” Genevieve said with a sad look on her face.

“Can I come Mom?” Libby asked

“I don’t know, do you still have birthday money left from your birthday?”

“Of course! I didn’t spend all of my money in 4 days. I got almost 300 dollars.”

“Oh, then you can buy me a few things, Miss Money Bags.” Britney said

“I don’t think so…I have to save my money for when I go to Mississippi to see my Dad in concert again.”

“Oh, ok.” Britney said, “I’ll remember that when you want me to buy you something.”

“So when does your tour start?” I asked

“Next Saturday, but I leave on Tuesday to fly to New York.”

“Man do I wish that I could live the life that you live.” Genevieve said

“No you don’t, just be happy that you will at least get a chance to see J.C. when he has time off. I won’t be able to see J on his time off because I will be on tour.”

 

~2 months later~

 

            KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK…”Coming” Genevieve said. As she opened her door she saw a strange lady standing on her doorsteps. “Yes, can I help you?”

            “You better dump J.C. right now!!!” the lady aid

            “Why should I do that?” she asked

            “Because he’ll cheat on you like he did to me.” The lady continued

            “What are you talking about? Who are you?”

            “I’m the girlfriend that J.C. had before you. I was with him for almost 2 years.”

            “Oh, so you’re Carmen. Get the hell off of my property now!” Genevieve slammed the door in her face.

            “You better dump him before you have too much invested in the relationship.” Carmen continued to yell

            “If you don’t leave now, I will have to call the police.”

            “Go ahead, they can’t do anything to me.” Carmen continued. “Just because I may go to jail doesn’t mean that I will be out of your life.”

“What is it that you really want?” Genevieve asked as she opened the door.

“$ 500,000 and I will disappear for good.”

“Well you have to wait 1 month for me to get the money together. I will transfer it to any bank account that you want. Just give me one month to get the money together.”

“Ok, you have your month. I’ll call and tell you the account number in 10 days.”

            The next day, Genevieve called me and told me that she had something important to talk to me about. “Ok, come right over.”

            “I’ll be over.” 30 minutes later she showed up and Libby was very excited to see her.

            “So what’s up?”

            “Yesterday I got a visit from Carmen.”

            “What? What did she want?”

            “She was going on about how J.C. cheated on her, but I remembered what you all told me about her so I didn’t believe her.”

            “That’s good. Did she want anything from you?”

            “Yeah…$ 500,000 and she would disappear.”

            “You didn’t give it too her…did you?”

            “Oh, no. I told her that I would need a moth to come up with the money.”

            “Why 1 month when you make more than in one year?”

            “The guys will be back and I can talk to J.C. about it.”

            Ok, as long as you know what you are getting into.” I said, “Quentin, leave Ivy alone now, or you’re going to your room.”

            “Mom, Em won’t leave my things alone.”

            “Can you hold on a sec. I have to go make sure my kids don’t kill each other. I’ll be back in a sec.”

            “Sure.” Genevieve said

            “Emily Rene Bass, leave you sister’s thing alone. Quentin James Bass, to your room and don’t come out until it’s dinner time. Ivy, in my room and take a nap.”

            “Mom, I wanna watch T.V. can I go down stairs and watch T.V.?” Quentin asked

            “What did I tell you? Don’t make me take away your playtime tomorrow.”

Twenty-one

 

~2 years later~

 

            “Justin, I’m over at Grace’s house. When you get this message come over as soon as possible.” Britney said on Justin’s cell phone voice mail. “I don’t know where he could be at. He just said that he was going to Johnny’s office and drop off some papers.”

            “Don’t worry about it. He’ll call or come over soon enough.” I said

            I know, but I have to tell him this. I just know that he is going to be so excited. Probably more than I am.”

            “That’s impossible. He can’t get more excited than a soon to be mother.”

            “I seriously hope that I don’t get too fat. I mean, what if I blow up into a big balloon?”

            “Listen Brit, if your mother didn’t and your mother’s mother didn’t then there is a very slim chance that you will.”

            “Hey, mom…is it alright if I go to the movies with Josh?” Libby asked as she came down the stairs

            “Isn’t that the second time in 2 weeks that you 2 have gone out? You better be careful…” Britney said

            “I know. But Josh is just a friend, nothing more. Besides, he likes a girl that we go to school with. So can I go mom?”

            “Is Mrs. Carvahall going to pick you guys up?” I asked

            “Mom, Josh live right down the street and the mall is 3 blocks away, we were going to walk.”

            “Fine, be back by 6 p.m. we are going to J.C.’s house for dinner tonight.”

            “Ok. Thanks Mom. Bye Brit, bye Mom.” Libby left out of the house and we down the block to Josh’s house.

            “So, did J.C. tell you why we were all going over to his place for dinner?”

            “Yeah, did you know that he proposed to Gen last weekend?”

            “No, I didn’t. That must have been the weekend that Justin and I went to New York.”

            “Yeah, it was so sweet. They were at the beach having a picnic and inside the picnic basket there was an engagement ring.”

            “Well, at least he’s happy now. I didn’t too much like Carmen. She gave me a bad feeling.”

            “I know what you mean. She gave a lot of us a bad feeling. Jace was the only one who could see it. But then again, love is blind.” I said

            “Alright…why hasn’t Justin called? I’m beginning to worry…”

            “I’ll call Lance and see if he knows where Justin is at.” I called Lance on his cell phone, “Hi Lance…do you know where Justin is?”

            “Yeah, he’s right here, why?”

            “Britney has been trying to get a hold of him for the past hour.”

            “J, turn on your cell phone. Gracie, we should be home in about 30 minutes.”

“Ok, bring Justin with you. Britney has something to tell him.”

“Ok, love you, bye.”

“Bye” I hung up the phone. “They are all together and Lance is bringing J with him.”

“When will they be here?”

“In like 30 minutes.”

“Yeah, so like an hour…” Britney laughed

“I know what you mean. They say that we have the worse sense of time, but they take forever sometimes.”

            “Where are the babies at?”

            “I don’t know. They were just going to be going up stairs to get something and that was a while ago.” I said. I walked over to the intercom, “Quentin are you in your room?”

            “I’m watching T.V.”

            “Where are Ivy and Emily?”

            “In their room playing with Barbies…yuck.”

            “Ok, just remember that we are leaving in 2 hours to go over to J.C. house for dinner. I want your rooms to be clean. Tell your sisters the same thing.”

            “Ok…Ivy, Emily…mom said to clean your room before we leave in 2 hours.” Quentin yelled. 30 minutes later Justin and Lance walked in the house. “Justin where have you been? I have been trying to call you for the past hour!” Britney said when they walked in the living room.

“Lance, lets go. I need you’re help with something.” I grabbed Lance’s hand and we walked to his office at the other end of the house, “They need their privacy.”

            “Hi to you too. I’ve been out with the guys working on our CD. You know that I turn off me cell phone when I’m in the studio.”

            “I guess I can accept that excuse. But I have some great news to tell you.”

            “What is it?”

            “Well, you know that we said that we would move when we were ready to start a new family?”

            “Yeah…” Justin said as he sat on the sofa next to Britney

            “Well, I guess that we should start looking for a new place to live…I’m PREGNANT!”

            “You’re serious…nine months from now there will be another addition to our family?”

            “Yes…” Britney said as tears started to stream down her face

            “That’s fantastic!! Oh, Brit, don’t cry.”

            “But, I can’t help it, I’m just happy that I will finally be a mom.”

            “Oh, and you’ll be a great mother.”

            “Do you really think so?”

            “Yes, I know so.” Justin said, “hey Lance, come over here. I want to tell you something.”

            “Ok, I’ll be right there.” He said. Lance walked back into the living room, “So what’s up?”

            “You’re not going to be the only dad of the group…Brit and I are going to be parents!”

            “That’s great…just wait until everyone else finds out. Are you going to tell them tonight?”

            “I don’t think so.” Britney said

            “Why not.” I asked

            “Well, this is J.C. and Genevieve’s night…I’ll wait a couple of days and then tell everyone.”

            “But, you know that secretes this big can’t contain themselves. Why don’t we tell them before dinner.” Justin said

            “Ok, we’ll tell them before dinner.”

Twenty-two

 

“Ok, so what are we going to do now?” Britney asked

“Well, I wanna go home before we go over to J.C.’s house. So I guess that we will see you over there.” Just said. He gave me a hug, “Bye Q, Ivy and Emily.”

“Bye Uncle J and Brit.” They said, “See you tonight.”

Justin and Britney and Justin left and Lance and I went and sat down on the sofa to watch T.V. “Where is Libby?” Lance asked

“She went to the movies with Josh.” I said

“Isn’t that the second time in like 2 weeks?”

“Yeah, but she says that they are just friends.”

“Oh I see. That kind reminds me of us when we were their ages.”

“I know, but our parents forced us to do things together.”

“I’m glad that they did too.”

“So am I.”

“Stop taking my dolls Quentin!” Ivy yelled

“Well, they were messing with my G.I. Joe’s….”

“Quentin!” I yelled

“Yes Mom…”

“You just lost 5 minutes of your playtime for tomorrow.”

“But mom…she was messing…”

“I don’t wanna hear it.”

“Hi mom…I’m back…” Libby said coming in the door, “Is dad home yet?”

“Yes, I’m home…” Lance said

“Oh ok…look at what Josh bought me…” Libby said showing us the bracelet with her name on it.

“Oh, is that so you won’t forget you name, or so that Josh can’t forget your name.” Lance said

“Dad…I think that’s its cute, don’t you mom?”

“Yeah I do. You want to see what you father got me when we were your age and we went out on group dates?”

“Sure…this ought to be good.” Libby said following me to my bedroom

“Hey wait, I wanna see this too.” Lance said trying to catch up to us.

We to my room and I went to the closet and had Lance to pull out the big box from the top self. “Gees, what’s in here…a dead body?” Lance said

“No, just little mementos from while we were dating.” I opened the box and there were dried flowers and programs from dances and corsages and other things. “Here is it…” I said taking out the pressed flower in the frame from out of the box.

“Dad gave you a dead flower!! No offense Dad, but you were cheap.”

“It wasn’t dead when he gave it to me. Do you remember were this is from?” I asked Lance

“Wait, don’t tell me…Homecoming Dance…Freshman year…1994. Yeah…we were crowned King and Queen of the Homecoming Dance.” Lance said, “So was I right?”

“Yes, you got it all right.” I said as I gave him a kiss, “And what about this?” I said as I held out my wrist.

“That’s easy. That is the bracelet that I gave you when we first started going out right before our sophomore year in high school.”

“That’s why I love you so much, you always remember the little things.”

“Mom, I don’t mean to interrupt this voyage down memory lane, but it is 5:30 and you said that we had to leave at 6 p.m. for dinner at J.C.’s.”

“Thanks for reminding me. I have to take my shower. Libby, go and see if Ivy, Quentin and Emily cleaned their room.”

“Ok. Can I take my magazines with me tonight?”

“Yes.” Lance said

 

~At J.C.’s House~

 

            “Uncle J.C.” Quentin yelled as he ran into the house.

            “Hey Q…what’s happenin’?”

            “Did you know that Uncle J is going to be a daddy like my daddy?”

            “Why, no I didn’t…” J.C. said looking at Justin, “Do you and Britney have something to share with the rest of the class?”

            “Well, we were going to wait a little long to say this, but…yes, I’m pregnant.” Britney said

            “That’s great.” Genevieve said, “J.C. shouldn’t we tell our news too?”

            “Yeah, now is as good of a time as any.” He said

            “Well, J.C. and I are getting married.” Genevieve said as she showed her ring to Britney.

            “Wow, that is one big rock.” I said, “I know that you 2 will be so happy.”

            “I know, isn’t it nice.” Genevieve said, “thanks for introducing us.”

            “I know…thanks Gracie.” J.C. said as he gave me a hug

            “It’s nothing, I just think of myself as a modern day cupid…here to make sure everyone around me is as happy as I am.” I said giving Lance a hug.

            “Wow, all of this happiness and I feel so left out.” Joey said

            “I know, so do I.” Chris said

            “What ever happened to Hannah?” I asked Joey

            “She went to Spain for a couple of months, but she will be back in like 5 days.”

            “How long has it been…1 year?” Lance asked

            “Yeah, next Friday it will be 1 year. I really miss her.”

            “What about you Chris, where is Misty? I thought that you guys were really serious there for a while.”

            “She wanted some time to think about what she wanted out of this relationship…that was like 6 months ago. I figured that she found someone else. But it’s no big deal.”

Twenty-three

 

            “That’s the spirit…a good looking guy like you shouldn’t have a problem finding someone that’s special.” I said

            “Thanks Gracie.”

 

~Hannah’s return~

 

            “Johnny’s I’m going to be coming in late today because Hannah comes back from Spain today.”

            “Don’t worry about it.” Johnny said, “Gracie is sick and Lance has to take care of her and the kids and Justin is sick and Chris wanted to spend some time with his family. We will meet up and work on the album sometime next week. I’ll be in contact with you.” They hung up the phone and Joey went to the airport to pick up Hannah.

            When Joey got to the airport he was so busy looking out the window to see if he could spot Hannah getting off the airplane that he didn’t see her walk out of the tunnel. “Guess who” she said in her Spanish accent

            “Is it…Charro?” he said jokingly

            “Nooo. Take another guess.”

            “Could it possibly be my Hannah?”

            “Maybe…” Joey turned around…

            “I was right!” he said, “you are my Hannah.” He picked her up and spun her around

            “Oh, I’ve missed you too.” She kissed him.

            “So, how was your flight and stay in Spain?”

            “It was so much fun. But…”

            “But what?” Joey asked as they walked to the baggage claim

            “I couldn’t stop thinking about you!”

            “Really!? I couldn’t stop thinking about you either.”

            “Really. So tell me what has been going on since I left.”

            “Well, Justin and Britney are going to have a baby, J.C. and Genevieve are getting married and poor Chris lost Misty. I fell so bad for him.”

            “I know, so do I. so what all this marriage and baby stuff…when did all of this happen?”

            “Within the last week. J and Britney broke the news the same day that Jace told us they he was getting married. But there is no date set for the wedding and Britney is due sometime in November.” Joey continued

 

~Back at Joey’s house the next month~

 

“So…where does that leave us?”

            “What do you mean?”

            “I’m saying, are you ready to settle down? I know I am…I’ve met the man of my dreams and I’m just waiting for him to open his eyes and see what’s in front of him.”

            “So, let me get this straight…you want to get married to me? Even though you know what it’s like when I travel and the fact that I am hardly around. You still want to marry me?”

            “That’s right. Me being away from you made me realize just how lonely life can be and I never want to feel that way again.”

            “Ok, then lets get married.” Joey said with a big smile on his face

            “Alright…I already to my parents that we were going to be getting married anyway and they are so happy for us.”

            “You knew all along that you wanted to marry me?”

            “Yup…right after our third date I knew.”

            “That soon huh? I bet you already have the ring picked out that you want too.”

            “Yup, lets go get it now.” Hannah said

            “Ok…lets go.” They left to go to the place where Hannah wanted to get her ring and then to tell everyone that they were getting married.

            “What about Chris?” Hannah asked, “Don’t you think that he will be more depressed?”

            “He probably will be, but I know Chris pretty well and I think that he will bounce back and be himself again.”

 

~Misty’s Return~

 

            When Chris got back from working pout at the gym there was a message on his answering machine…it was from Misty. “Chris, this is Misty…when you get this, pleas call me back. I really have to talk to you. I love you.”

            Hearing Misty’s voice and her saying I love you brought back memories that Chris longed to have again. He quickly called her back and they talked for almost 3 hours about everything that they had gone through and agreed to try and make it work again. This time they were going to take it slow and not rush into anything too quickly. “Ok, I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch.” Misty said, “I love you Chris.”

“I love you too Misty.” They hung up the phone and Chris went to take a show and go to be. ‘Now I feel better’ Chris thought as he drifted off to sleep. He would dream of the day when he and Misty would finally be together…forever.

Twenty-four

 

            ~The next week~

 

            “The release date has been pushed back one month, which means that the tour is going to start one moth later. Ticket go on sale next month and we start touring May 15 of next year.” Johnny said, “Are their any other announcements that I missed?”

            “Yeah,” Joey said, “Hannah came back about 6 weeks ago we talked this over for like 1 hour, and we decided that we are going to get married.”

            “What!?!” J.C. said, “That’s great! Congratulations man.”

            “What’s with all of the people getting married?” Chris asked

            “Well, its all Lance’s fault!” Johnny said

            “How is my fault?”

            “You went around spreading your marriage germs all over the place. First you got married; the Justin, now J.C. and Joey are getting married…not to each other though! Next Chris will be saying that he got back together with Misty!”

            “Well…” Chris said

“Oh, don’t tell me that you did get back with her…” Johnny said

“We’ve been going out for the past 3 weeks. So if you want to say that’s getting back with her then go ahead.”

“Man, I’m happy for you.” Joey and J.C. said

“Great, put all of the pressure on me to find a wife now.”

“Well, Johnny you could always take Claudia out again.” Justin said

“Yeah, see what happen there.” Lance added

“But that ended like 2 years ago.”

“There’s no harm in trying.”

“Ok, I guess I could giver her a call…”

“Speed Dial number 5” Justin said

“You want me to call her now?!”

“Yeah, she’s at home, Britney just got done talking to her.”

“Ok, fine, I guess we could end this meeting early, but we start tomorrow bright and early at 6 a.m.”

“Alright!!” they all said

“Awe man, I gotta go grocery shopping!” Lance said

“Any body know where I can find some good Chinese food? Britney has been dying for some since last night.” Justin said as they all walked out the Johnny’s office

“Grace knows…she practically eat at this one place everyday for the past 2 months. I don’t know why…she hasn’t had a feeling for it since she was pregnant with Libby.”

“Ok, I’ll have Britney giver a call.”

“Do you think that Gracie could be pregnant again?” Chris asked

“With whose child?” Lance asked

“Yours…you bum.” J.C. said

“Not very likely…we said that we would wait until the triplets are older to even consider having more children.”

“Hey no never know.”

“Yeah, I mean look at her…she’s HOTT!” Chris said

“Why you be looking at my wife like that?!”

“Hey, it’s not just me…Justin does, J.C. does, and even Joey.” Chris said

“Yeah, I’ve even caught Johnny lookin at her a few time.”

“I mean, she doesn't even look like she’s given birth to 4 children.”

“Ok ok, you’re giving me just a little too much information than I need to know.” Lance said

“C’mon, you mean to tell me that you haven’t noticed how hot Gracie is?” Justin asked

“J, That’s my wife you’re talking about. You’re married; you shouldn’t even be looking at other women like that. How would you feel if I told you the same things about Brit…you wouldn’t too much like it…would you?” Lance said

“I think we’ve struck a nerve with him.” J.C. said, “Why don’t we leave this topic alone.”

“Finally, some sound advice we should pay attention to.” Lance said. “I’ll talk to you guys later, I have things to do.” Lance left them all standing around the door of Johnny’s office

“I wonder what’s gotten into him?” Chris said

“I don’t know, but I have thing to do too.” Justin said. They all left Johnny’s office and did whatever it was that they had to do.

That day I was out shopping with Britney and I decided to pull into the grocery store and get one of those at home pregnancy tests because I was like 2 weeks late. Britney was in the kitchen eating her Chinese food that we gotten, then she left my house and went home about 12:30. I was pacing up and down the hall debating on whether I should take the test or not. Libby came home early from ballet practice. “Is there anything wrong Mom?”

“No, I’m fine. I’m just waiting for Dad to come home.”

“Are you sure that everything is alright between you and Dad?”

“Yeah, sweetie. I just have to talk to him about something important.”

“Ok. I’m going over to Josh’s house to work on a school project. The triplets are with Jane…she picked then up from school and took them for ice cream.”

“Ok.” I said, “Thanks for telling me. Don’t be out too late.” I was in a daze and Libby knew it. She could have gotten anything out of me, but she didn’t.”

 When Lance got home from buying the food he put it away and then he went into his office and began working on some things for the artists that he manages. I decided that I had waited long enough…I took the test and I told Lance the news.

Twenty-five

 

            I took the test, but I never actually got around to telling Lance the results of the test. I have the pregnancy stick in my hand but when I went by his office to tell him he brought the subject up to me first. “Gracie, I have to talk to you about where we stand on having more children.”

            “Ok,” I said. I walked by a trashcan and dropped the stick in it. I continued on to the chair that was closest to his desk, “What about having more children?”

            “I know that we said that we would wait until the triplets were older to have more children, but I think that 4 is enough.”

            “Ok,” I said holding back the tears.

            “It would be nice for Quentin to have a little brother, but I am looking out for your health.”

            “I agree with that.” I said, “But there isn’t anything wrong with my health. I can still have more children.”

            “Ok, then the real reason that I think that we should have anymore children is because I don’t want you to have to raise all of the kids by yourself.”

            “Lance, are you saying that even after the triplets are older, there is no way that you would want to have more children because I would have to raise them by myself?”

            “Yes, that’s…” I didn’t hear the rest of what he was going to say because I left out of the room and went to the bedroom and locked the door. Lance was right behind me, but I locked the door so he couldn’t get in. “Grace, what’s the matter, unlock the door and let’s finish talking about this.” Lance said

            Libby can home from working on her project with Josh, and she started to do her chores. She rounded up all the trash from all of the rooms, except the room that I was in. Lances had gone back to his office and closed and lock the door so Libby couldn’t get the trash from there either. She washed the dishes and set the table for dinner. Then she went into her room to continue her chores. At 5 p.m. Jane brought Ivy, Quentin, and Emily home. Libby was downstairs watching T.V. “Hey Lib, where’s your mom and Dad?”

            “Dad is in his office and mom is in her room.”

            “Ok. How are you doing in school?”

            “Good, we have a project for science about butterflies and I’m paired with Josh.”

            “I see. How are you doing.”

            “I’m fine. But I’m worried about Mom and Dad.”

“Why is that?”

            “Well, it’s almost 5:30 and usually mom has dinner or she would be working on it and Dad would be out side playing with Quentin.”

            “Maybe Dad has a lot of work to do. Mom could be tired.”

            “Can you just go and check on her, before I left to go to Josh’s house was looked really worried about something. She was walking back and forth in the hall way and she would tell me if anything was wrong.”

            “Ok, I’ll go and check on her. Just for your peace of mind.” Jane left out of the living room and headed towards the stairs.

            “Jane, can I talk to you about something?” Lance said opening the door

            “Sure, what’s up?”

            “Do you know if Grace is pregnant?”

            “No, I don’t think so. Why?”

            “Well we were talking about it earlier and I said that I didn’t think that we should have anymore children and she just left the room and locked herself in the bedroom.”

            “How long ago was that?”

            “At about 1:30.”

            “And you haven’t talked to her since?”

            “Nope, she’s been up there since then.”

            “Ok, I’ll go and see if I can talk to her.” Jane went up the stairs to the bedroom. “Grace, It’s Jane…can I come in.”

            “Yeah, hold on…let me unlock the door.” I got up and unlocked the door.

            “Libby and Lance are really worried about you. Is everything alright?”

            “Well, not exactly. I pretty sure that Lance told you why I locked myself in the room.”

            “Yeah, he said that you 2 were talking about not having more children.”

            “More like he made up his mind that we weren’t going to have more children.” I said, “I am late like 2 weeks so I got one of those home pregnancy tests and took it.”

            “What were the results?”

            “I don’t know, I was going to look at it with Lance when he told me that he thought that we should have more children. I threw it in the trash as I made my way to the chair by his desk to hear what he had to say.”

            “So you don’t know if you are?”

            “Right. I want to have it done by the nurses in your office because I trust you.”

            “Ok, I’ll arrange an appointment for the end of this week.”

            “Ok, but I am not going to bring it up to Lance until I know for sure.”

“Ok, make sure you empty the trash in his office before he sees it.”

“I will.” I said

“Ok, I have to go, I’m going out to dinner with an old high school friend. I’ll be in touch with you later on in the week.”

 

~The next week~

 

            I wasn’t home to get the mail and so Lance got it, there was the usual junk mail, some bills, and letters from the family and then there was a letter from Jane’s office. I got home 5 minutes after Lance checked the mail and he was sitting on the outside porch swing waiting for me. “This letter came from Jane’s office, is everything alright?” Lance asked

            “Yeah.” I said, even though I knew that letter would determine if I went on with life as normal or if it was the beginning of many fights to come.

            “Then what is this letter for?” Lance asked as he handed it to me

            I opened the envelope and sat on the swing next to Lance. I began to cry. “What’s the matter? There is something wrong, isn’t there?” he asked as he took the letter from my hand.

Twenty-six

 

            “Oh, yeah, everything in fine,” I said wiping the tears off of my face. I took the letter and went into the house.

            “Honey, are you sure that everything is alright?” Lance said as he got up to follow me into the house.

            “I just need sometime alone. Don’t worry about it, I’m just fine, everything is just fine.” I went into the kitchen and made a few sandwiches and went to my bathroom to sit in the Jacuzzi and to talk to Jane about the results of the test. Before I could call Jane, she called me.

            “Hi Gracie, did you get the results from the test?”

            “Yeah, I just got them. Lance almost saw too.”

            “Really, so he didn’t see the results, but did you?”

            “Yeah. I sat on the porch swing and starting crying. Then he took the paper from me, but I took it back before he could read it.”

            “Were you crying tears of joy or tears of heartbreak?”

            “It was kind of a little of both. But are you sure that I am…wait, there is someone on the other line…” I clicked over to the other line, “Hello, Bass residence, this is Mrs. Bass speaking, can I help you?”

            “Gracie, it’s Chris.”

            “Oh, hi Chris. I’m on the line with Jane; can I have Lance to call you later?”

            “I didn’t call to speak to Lance, I called for you.”

            “Ok, let me get off with Jane and I’ll call you right back.” I clicked back over to Jane, “Hey Jane, can I call you later; Chris wants to talk to me?”

            “Ok, call me before 10 p.m. though.”

            “Ok.” I said I clicked back over to Chris, “So what’s up?”

            “I don’t know what to do.”

            “About what?”

            “The relationship that I have with Misty.”

            “Ok, you have to give me more than that…”

            “Well right before Misty came back into my life, I met another girl…she goes to the same gym that I go to and we sort of hit it off really good.”

            “Ok, so where is the problem at?”

            “I don’t feel the same way about Misty like she feels about me and I need to know how to tell her that before we go any further.”

            “Just tell her the truth. You’ve found someone else and you don’t have the same feelings for her like you thought you did. That is the best way that I know how.”

            “Ok, thanks for the help. I’m having dinner with Misty tonight and I am going to tell her.”

            “Ok, see you later.”

            “Bye, thanks for the help again.” I hung up with Chris and Lance called up to me to tell me that dinner was ready. I got out of the hot tub and got dressed and went to the kitchen.

            “You made dinner?” I asked in amazement

            “Yea, I figured that I would give you a night off from cooking.” Lance said

            “Actually, Mom, Ivy, Emily, Quentin and I cooked. Dad just set the table.” Libby said

            “Thank you babies.” I said as I gave them a hug

            “Where’s my hug?” Lance asked

            “Where the dishes are after dinner.” I said

            “Oh, so that’s how it is…I’ll remember that when you want me to cook dinner.” Lance said

            “Oh, is my Lance mad that he doesn’t get a hug too? Maybe if you eat all of your food then you’ll get an extra special dessert.”

            “Alright!!” Lance said

            “So what’s for dinner?” I asked

            “Salad, spaghetti, and bread…” Libby said

            “Didn’t we already have that for dinner…oh wait, wrong month…” Lance said

            We ate dinner and then Lance washed the dishes…actually, he loaded them in the dishwasher and pushed the start button. When Lance came up to the room I was on the phone talking to Jane and I didn’t see him come in the room

            “So, what you’re telling me is that there is no way that I can ever be pregnant again?” I asked Jane

            “That’s right.” Jane said, “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”

            “I guess it could be considered a good thing, but deep down inside I was kind of hoping that I was pregnant and that this would change Lance’s mind about wanting to have more children.”

            “Well, just don’t get in anymore fights over it.”

            “Ok, I promise I won’t, but I don’t know about Lance.” I said as I turned towards the door, “I gotta go. I have to talk to my husband.”

            “Ok, talk to you later. Please don’t fight.”

            “I won’t bye.” I hung up the phone and Lance came in the room.

            “I guess that letter from Jane was telling you that you weren’t pregnant.”

            “Yup.”

            “Then why were you crying? I thought that you wanted to have more children?”

            “I was crying because I was happy. I knew that if I was pregnant then we would start fighting and I really don’t want to fight with you anymore. We’ve had enough fights to last us the rest of our lives.”

            “I agree. No more fighting.” Lance said as he lay down on the bed next to me.

Twenty-seven

 

            On November 11, 2011 Britney was asleep at 1 in the morning and of course Justin was in his studio working away on some songs. She had a contraction and thought nothing about it. 30 minutes later she had another one, again she thought nothing about it, until the third on came 10 minutes later. She walked down the hall into Justin’s studio doorway. “Justin…I think it’s time to go to the hospital.”

            “Are you sure?” he asked getting up from the chair that he was sitting in

            “Yeah, this is the third…whoa…make that 4^th contraction that I have had in 1 hour. Call the ambulance and have them get over here now!” she said as she walked to the living room. Justin called and 5 minutes later they were at their house and loading Britney in to the ambulance. Justin got in right after her and called Lance.

            “Hey, sorry to call you so early in the morning, but Brit and I are on our way to the hospital. Can you call the others and tell them?”

            “Sure.” Lance said. He hung up the phone and 3-wayed Joey, Chris and J.C.

            “Guys, Brit and J are on their way to the hospital. Are you going to go?”

            “Yeah,” They all said. He hung up the phone. I woke up Libby and asked her if she wanted to go.

            “Of course I wanna go.” She said

            “Then wake up your brother and sisters.”

            “Ok.” Libby said as I walked out of her room, “Mom, are you and Dad going to be alright?”

            “Why do you ask that?”

            “Well, I was standing in the front room when you and Dad were talking on the porch, then you came in the house with tears on your face and went to your room and didn’t come out until dinner.”

            “But that was nothing. I just got some news that I was happy about.”

            “But that’s not all I heard, you left the intercom on and I heard you talking to Jane and to Dad about you not being able to have more children.”

            “Ok, then you should also know that your father and I have promised not to fight anymore. So you don’t have to worry about us. Go wake your brother and sisters and helped them get dressed.”

            “Ok Mom.”

            When we finally got to the hospital, we found out that Justin and Britney didn’t make it to the hospital to have their baby. On the way to the hospital at 11^th Street and Duncan Road, Iris Melody Timberlake was born on November 11, 2011.

            “What room can we find Mr. and Mrs. Timberlake?” Lance asked

            “Room 211…second floor first door on the right,” The nurse said

            “Thank you.” We said as we walked passed her to the elevator. When we got to the room Britney was asleep, but Justin was awake holding their newborn daughter.

            “There’s the new Dad.” I said to Lance

            “Isn’t that sweet,” Joey said.

            A few minutes later Britney woke up and was surprised to see us all standing in her room. “When did you all get here?”

            “We’ve been here a few minutes.” Hannah said

            “You have a very beautiful baby girl.” Genevieve said

            “Thanks.” Justin and Britney said, “Where is Chris?”

            “I don’t know, I called his house and cell phone and there was no answer, so I left a message.” Lance said

            “Oh ok.” Justin said

            20 minutes later Chris walked in the hospital room. “Ok, I’m here…lemme see the baby.”

            “Well where have you been?” Justin asked

            “Why do you want to know…Dad, am I in some kinda trouble?!”

            “It’s just a question; you don’t have to answer it.” Justin said

            “Well, I was out with a friend.”

            “At one o’clock in the morning? That's crazy.”

            “Yeah, is there something wrong with that?”

            “No, there isn’t.” Britney said taking Iris from Justin

            “So how did it go with Misty?” I asked Chris

            “As well as can be expected…I guess.”

            “She wasn’t mad was she?” Hannah asked

            “Well not really, she said that she kinda saw it coming, but she was happy that I found someone who makes me happy.”

            “That’s good to know.” I said

 

~3 months later~

 

            Some months later all of the guys were at the studio about to listen to the finished product of more than 13 months of hard work. Johnny, Joey and Lance were discussing some of the plans for their upcoming tour and J.C., Chris and Justin were in the lounge eating a quick snack.

“So I hear that you have a new girlfriend, Chris…what’s her name?” J.C. asked

            “Cher…I met her at the gym a few months ago.”

            “So that’s who you were out with that night that Iris was born?” Justin asked

            “Yeah, I wanted her to come, but she wanted to go home and get some sleep, so I took her home and then I went to my house. I checked my messages and that’s when I heard about Britney being at the hospital.”

            “And you rushed right over to see the new baby!”

            “That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.”

            A few minutes later Lance and the others came into the lounge and got something to eat. “So Lance I guess you changed your mind about having children?” Justin said

            “Yeah, Grace and I talked it over when we got home the morning that Iris was born and we decided that we would work on have at least 2 more children.”

Twenty-eight

 

            “So, how many months is she pregnant?” J.C. asked

            “2 months, she is due in September.” Lance said

            “I guess you didn’t wait on working on having more children. But I thought that she wasn’t going to be able to have any more?” Justin asked

            “Well she wasn’t but, then we went to see another doctor and he told us that she would be able to have more children.”

            “J.C., when is your wedding? You never told us.” Lance said

            “Oh that’s right…it’s going to be April 1 of this year.”

            “On April Fool’s Day, You’re kidding right?”

            “Nope, dead serious, we wanted it to be a day when all of our parents could come but Genevieve’s parents can’t make it…they are traveling in Israel and won’t be back until next year…when we are on tour.”

            “Really...” Joey said, “Well, Hannah and I decided to get married December 24 of this year.”

            “Alright…a Christmas Eve wedding, that’s so tight!” Justin said, “We’re going to be in it…right?”

            “Of course…you’re family. Why wouldn’t you be in it?”

            “I don’t know...it’s your wedding, maybe you didn’t want us to be apart of it.” Justin said

            “Oh, before Libby gets mad at me for not telling you, she wants to invite all of you to her 13^th birthday party.” Lance said

            “When is it?” Joey asked

            “Next weekend…she wants to have a bowling party.”

            “Really...bowling, she must not know how good we are at bowling…”

            “She knows, but she wants to do something that she has never done.” Lance said

 

~April 1, 2012: J.C. & Genevieve’s wedding~

 

            J.C. & Genevieve got married at 2 p.m. Their wedding was very small. They only invited about 30 people. The wedding was held in J.C. backyard. There were roses and lilies all over. The ceremony lasted 2 hours and then we went to Disney World to have fun. J.C. and Genevieve went to Catalina Island for their honeymoon.

 

~August 5, 2012: The Triplet’s birthday~

 

Right before school started when a big 7th birthday party had for Ivy, Quentin and Emily. In September they would be starting the second grade and they were really excited about that. They had a pool party and there were about 30 people at the party.

 

~September 2012~

 

            School is going to be starting soon, I am 9 months pregnant and Lance and Libby wait on me hand and foot…I love it! Libby is happy that she gets to go to another school and Ivy, Quentin, and Emily are happy that they are going to have the same teacher that Libby had when she was in the second grade. Lance had 3 mores bedrooms added to the house and they should be finished by the time the new baby comes, which we know for sure is only going to be one, a little boy.

            Libby started the 8^th grade on September 5 and Ivy, Quentin and Emily started the second grade on September 9…my birthday. I was home with my husband for my 32^nd birthday. Then when the kids came home we went to Valentinos for Dinner. Libby got me a necklace with the birthstones of February, May, August, and September. Ivy made me some flowers out of tissue paper with the help of Jane, Quentin made me a frame with the help of Lance and Emily said that I had to wait until the morning to get my gift because it hadn’t arrived yet, but it was coming soon. The next day, at 6 p.m. there was a knock at the door. I opened the door and standing on the front porch was my parents! I was so shocked that I let out a little yell and Lance came running to me.        “What’s wrong?” he asked

            “Look, my parents are here…Libby, Grandma Lola and Grandpa Bob are here!” I yelled up the stairs

            They all came running down the stairs and when Libby saw then, she went right out of the house and didn’t say a word to my parents. “Come in, come in…” I said

            “Daddy, who are these people?” Quentin asked

            “These are my parents.” I said, “Your other grandparents.”

            “I knew that.” Emily said, I asked sent a letter to them when Jane went to Mississippi a few months ago.”

            “So this was your gift to me?” I asked her with tears in my eyes

            “Yes, Mommy. I’m sorry if it isn’t a good gift.”

            “But it is a good gift. I haven’t talked to my parents since you; Quentin and Ivy were little babies.”

            “And I’m afraid that’s our fault.” My dad said

            “We shouldn’t’ have acted that way when Jane brought them up to see us and we shouldn’t have said those things to Libby when she was with us. That’s why she left out of the house when she saw us.” My mom said

            “I’m sure that she will get over it.” Lance said

            “I see that you have another baby on the way…this will be your 5^th child…right?” My dad asked

            “That’s right, I’m surprised that you even remembered.” I said as we walked into the living room.

            “Well you should thank Lance and Jane for that.” My mom said

            “What do you mean?”

            “Well they sent pictures and letters and video tapes of almost every event that you had.”

            “They did.” I said looking at Lance

            “Well someone had to keep them up on what’s going on with us. Besides, they wanted the pictures and thing…they are their grandparent.” Lance said

            “How long will you be in town?” I asked

            “Until October…if that’s alright with you.”

            “That’s great I said as I gave them a hug. “You will be here for the birth of this baby.”

Twenty-nine

 

                        On September 18^th, I was taken to the hospital at 5:30 p.m. At 9 p.m. Andrew Glenn Bass was born. My parents got to see their 5^th grandchild just hours after he was born. Libby still wants nothing to do with them and so she spends a lot of time in her room, at Britney and Justin’s or at Josh’s house.

            “Just give her time and she will come around.” I told my parents.

            “I just feel like we shouldn’t have come and maybe she would have come to us on her own.” My mom said

 

~November 2012~

 

            11-11-12         Today is Iris Melody’s 1^st birthday. Lance and I threw her a birthday party. There was a clown that did some magic tricks and balloon animals. I had a cake specially made and we just had a really fun time. When the cake was set in front of Iris, her hands went right into it. It was so adorable. Britney and Justin’s family was there and then their extended family was also there.

           

~December 2012~

 

            Chris and Cher have been dating for 10 months and they are completely in love. Cher is a model and actress on a soap opera that she used to watch called PASSIONS. Even though they hardly see each other, they talk on the phone all the time, e-mail each other and when they have time off they spend it together. Chris has been hinting to Cher about getting married, but they both know that it is too soon to even think about it.

            Justin and Britney have been married for 3 years and Iris is 13 months old. They are already talking about having more children; they might even adopt a little girl or boy. Justin absolutely adores Iris and he spoils her to death. Every day she gets something for him or the rest of the “family”.

            Joey and Hannah’s wedding is in about 20 days and they are very excited about it. In fact everyone is excited. Both families came down to Florida and are split up over six houses. Joey and Hannah are going to have a big wedding at this huge cathedral looking church that looked like something right out of a fairy tale. It was very beautiful. On December 24 at 12 p.m., they said their vows and Britney sang a beautiful song. After there was a reception at Johnny’s because his house was the only place that could accommodate all of the people.

 

~2 years later~

 

            Lance and I have been married for 15 years. Libby is 15 years old, Ivy, Emily and Quentin are 9 years old, and Andrew is 2 years old.

            Justin and Britney have been married for 5 years. Iris is also 2 years old. There is also another addition to the Timberlake family…a little boy named Sean Patrick Timberlake. He was born February 20, 2013.

            J.C. & Genevieve and Joey & Hannah have been married for 2 years and they act like there are still on their honeymoon.

            But something that is even great is the fact that Chris and Cher are engaged!!  They have set their wedding for January 7^th of 2017. We all can’t wait, but no one is happier than Chris and Cher. They took a trip to visit Chris’ parents to tell them the news and they were very happy. Then they went to tell Cher’s parents and they too were very happy. When Cher went back to the taping of PASSIONS, they have an engagement party for her and Chris…it was actually Chris’ idea. Then when they got back to Florida, they had another engagement party thrown by Lance, Justin, Joey and J.C. It was more of a bachelor party. Britney, Hannah, Genevieve and I threw Cher a real engagement party, packed with lots of cute guys and everything chocolate. It was a lot of fun.

Thirty

 

~The next year September 2015~

 

            Lance and I decided that we were going to expand on our house because there are 4 bedrooms for 7 people. Libby has her own room, Ivy and Emily share a room and Quentin and Andrew share a room. Lance and I will have our own room. We are adding 3 additional rooms for guests. Now our house has 7 bedrooms and 5 complete bathrooms.

            Justin and Britney moved to an 8-bedroom 5-bathroom house that is about 2 miles from where Lance and I live. Britney told me that they were in the process of adopting 2 children and that they were just going to have 4 children…for right now.

            Joey and Hannah have been married for 3 years and they are going to have a baby girl in March of next year and they are very excited about it. Hannah loves children and wants to have a large family. Hannah had a little girl from a previous relationship, but her ex-boyfriend and the baby died when a drunk driver hit them. Hannah’s daughter, whom she named Melissa Marie, would be turning 6 this year. But life for Hannah went on and she met Joey and couldn’t be happier.

            J.C. and Genevieve have also been married for 3 years and they have a 3-month-old son named Ethan Ivan Chasez. He was born June 3, 2015. They live in a 6 bedroom house 3 miles from the beach.

            Chris and Cher are busy planning their wedding that is quickly approaching in about 2 years. They have the location for the wedding picked out and the place that they will be going on their honeymoon picked out too. Cher is getting the dresses and tuxes specially made for her wedding and her parents are paying for the entire thing.

 

~January 2017: Chris and Cher’s wedding~

 

“Hey guys…look at this news paper article.” Chris said as he came into the lounge at the recording studio.

“What is it from…or should I say for?” Lance asked

“It’s the announcement for my wedding.” Chris said

“Wow, your wedding is already being announced?” Justin asked

“Well, it is in 7 days…REMEMBER!!”

“That’s right…I totally forgot, have to get a hair cut for that…” Justin said

“Only you would think of a thing like that right now.” Joey said

“Well, look at this mop on my head! I haven’t had a hair cut in like 7 months…” Justin continued

“What ever…just be at the rose garden on time for the final rehearsal tonight. I have to pick up the rings from the jeweler right now.” He said as her left out of the lounge

“I have to pick up Libby from ballet practice so I will see you guys tonight.” Lance said as he too left out of the lounge

“I guess that leaves us.” Justin said to Joey and J.C.

“Nope, that just leaves you and Joey.” J.C. said, “I’m going home and see my baby and my wife.”

“Actually,” Joey said, “I’m leaving too. I want to go with Hannah when she goes to pick out baby furniture.”

“Ok, then I guess I should go home and see what work Britney has for me to do before the rehearsal tonight.” Justin said

“Man, you know that you are going to go home and play video games until Brit yells at you for being so lazy!” Joey said

 

~Chris and Cher’s wedding~

 

            On January 7, 2017 Chris and Cher got married at a beautiful rose garden that overlooked the Atlantic Ocean. Friends and family were present and even a few photographers and crazed fans tried to get into the wedding. There were about 200 guests. There was a 10-piece orchestra that preformed and it was very beautiful. The reception was held at Chris and Cher’s newly built house. The house was actually a wedding gift from Chris to Cher. It has 10 bedrooms 5 bathrooms, 2 pools – one indoor and one outdoors, 2 large offices and an enormous kitchen with marble floors. Chris and Cher went to Brazil, South America for their honeymoon.

 

~The Daytime Emmy Announcements~

 

            At 5 am, Cher received a phone call from The Daytime Emmy Board saying that she was nominated for 2 awards and that she should turn on the T.V. to see which categories she was in. When she got off the phone she woke Chris up and they watched it together. Cher was nominated in 2 different categories: Best Supporting Actress, Best Catfight with Natalie Zea who plays Gwen. The date of the Daytime Emmy’s was set for February 12^th, 2017.

            “I don’t know who I should take as my date,” Cher said

            “Hello, what about your husband?” Chris said

            “That’s right…I’m married now.”

            “Oh that’s funny…” Chris said, “I’m really hurt.”

            “I’m joking honey, of course I’m taking you as my date. I want you to be there for me.”

            “I will always be there for you. Well, except for when I have to go to the bathroom and take care of my business, then I’ll be there for you in spirit.” He said laughing.

 

~The Daytime Emmy’s~

 

            On February 11^th, Chris and Cher flew out to Los Angeles for the taping of the Daytime Emmy’s. Of course everyone was surprised to see Chris and Cher there because Chris was supposed to be with the rest of *N SYNC in New York doing a taping of The Morning Show with Tina Timmons. Chris simply said, “I’m here to support my wife and after the show we are going to be flying back to New York to do The Morning Show.”

Cher Kirkpatrick won in both categories that she was nominated for. She had so many people to thank the first time that she forgot to thank Chris and her parents. When she won the second time, all she said was, “I forgot to thank these very important people in my life right now so I am going to thank them right now. I want to thank my loving husband Chris for always being there for me, parents for allowing me to follow my dreams, my friends in Florida, you know who you are, and the other guys of *N SYNC for letting Chris come with me to California.”

Thirty-one

 

~3years later: Christmas 2020~

 

“Here’s an update on the guys we knew as *N SYNC who have since retired for performing but they are still the best of friends and hang out ALL the time. Now they just go by Lance, Justin, J.C., Joey and Chris.” Tina Timmons of The Morning Show said as she began her show. “We will start with Lance and Grace, then move on to Justin and Britney, J.C. and Genevieve, Joey and Hannah, and end with Chris and Cher.”

“Why do we always gotta be last?” Chris asked, “We were the last to get married and now we are the last for this!”

“Calm down honey.” Cher said

“So, Lance and Grace, tell us some of the things that you have been up to.”

 

Lance and Grace Bass:

“We have been married for 21 years. We have 5 children: Elizabeth Louise Bass-Carvahall (21), that’s right…she married Josh and they moved to Miami, Ivy Faith, Quentin James and Emily Rene (15), and Andrew Glenn (8). I am 40 and Lance is 41. We haven’t had many fights and we like that. On the brighter side, Lance won an OSCAR for his performance in On The Line. Sadly, Lance parents died in a plane crash on the way back to Mississippi from visiting us in Florida. My parents died 2 years ago within 6 months of each other. Our family has never been the same.” I said

 

Justin and Britney Timberlake:

“Well, we’ve have been married for 11 years. We have 4 children: Iris Melody (9), Sean Patrick (7), and we adopted newborn twins in 2018, a boy and a girl, Clark Parker and Dana Michelle (2). We still live in Orlando. I am 40 and Britney is 39.” Justin said

“You weren’t supposed to give my age!” Britney said

“Don’t worry about it, “ Tina said, “You don’t look a day over 29.”

 

J.C. and Genevieve Chasez:

“We’ve been married for 8 years. We have 2 children: Ethan Ivan (5) and Diane Corinne (3). J.C. is 44 and I am 43. We live in California, but you would think that they live in Florida because we spend so much time there. We are also thinking about buying a house in Florida.” Genevieve said

 

Joey and Hannah Fatone:

“We’ve been married for 8 years, and we have 2 children: Denise Anne (4) and Angelo Joseph (7 months). We live in New York and have another house in Florida. I am 43 and Hannah is 42. Every year we all go to Michigan to the burial site of Melissa Marie and place flowers there. I think of her as his “lost daughter”. When people as us how many children we have they say 3, but on of them passed away when she was still an infant. Melissa would be 11 years old.” Joey said with a little tear in his eyes.

“It’s ok, Joey, we all feel your pain.” Lance said

 

Chris and Cher Kirkpatrick:

“We’ve been married for 3 years. We have 1 child: Christopher Alan Kirkpatrick, Jr. (7 months). We live 3 miles from the beach here in Florida, but we aren’t going to say which beach. Chris is 49 and I am 39. Chris is making lots of money with his clothing line…FuMan Skeeto. The other thing that I will say is that we are madly in love with each other.” Cher said

“Ain’t that the truth.” Chris said as he kissed her

“Please, Chris, this is a family show. Save that for the bedroom!” Cher said.

 

“So Ladies and Gentlemen, the guys of *N SYNC are living normal lives and we would like to thank them for letting The Morning Show come into their homes and lives for this exclusive 3 hour look back at their career. Lance, Justin, J.C., Joey and Chris, maybe we could do this 10 or 15 years from now and see if you are still as close as you are now.” Tina Timmons said

“Your very welcome” we all said from our various locations on the East Coast via satellite, “And you are welcome in our houses anytime. Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!”

“But just give us enough notice so that we can clean up a little.” Britney, Genevieve, Hannah, Cher and I laughed.

“Well, this is the end of our show. Join us next week as we take a look into the life and career of The Backstreet Boys. What happened to their careers? What is their family life like? And what really caused the breakup of this group? This is Tina Timmons of The Morning Show, and have a great day. And Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Feliz Navidad, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy New Year”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ÓLEE 2001

 

Please send me feedback

Fan Fiction Main Page