Chapter 11
“So you can’t come?” Carol asked slightly hurt. It was Monday and she and the guys were taking a break from rehearsals when Carol decided to ask them if they were still able to come to her party. She and Abby had gone over the final arrangements for the party the day before. The five guys put on a great face and acted genuinely sad. They apologized about missing her special day and said they would make it up to her.
“No. It’s alright. I understand.” Carol said dejectedly. “You’ve got your work. It’s a part of the business right?”
“Sadly, it is.” JC said solemnly. Carol looked to what she believed was a genuinely sad face. A thought suddenly crossed her mind.
“Have you told Abby yet?” she asked. He nodded his head.
“Told her yesterday.” That was actually when he told Abby about the plan. JC had called her late last night after the show to see how it went. After hearing of her great night, he told her about the guys’ plan for Carol to become one of their dancers and how they would surprise her at the party. Abby thought it would be a great idea. She offered to help by speaking to Carol’s professors about doing classes online once school started back up again in about a month. JC and the guys hadn’t even thought of that.
“Will you come see us off before you head to your party?” Justin asked.
“Absolutely. I wouldn’t miss seeing you guys off for the world.” She said and gave him a hug. Justin grinned at his band mates from over Carolena’s shoulder. She bought it! They grinned back. Things were off to a great start.
“So,” she said pulling back from her hug with Justin, a much happier grin on her face. “Let’s get back to the rehearsal studio so I can continue to show ya’ll lazy asses up! You’ll soon be broke popstars on tour!”
The guys groaned and Carol laughed.
“You’ve still got the rest of the week to go. Don’t get to cocky just yet.” Justin replied.
Abby sat nervously in Mr. Kent’s office the next day. She had finished her review the day before and she knew it was the deciding factor in whether or not she got the job. She had drafted, written, edited six times, and checked her review every minute up until she got to the office. She hoped and prayed that it was perfect and just what he was looking for. It was her childhood dream to work for Celebrity Magazine, and she didn’t want her dream to be crushed.
She nervously tapped her fingers on her other hand, which was placed in her lap, as she waited for him to say something, ANYTHING, about her article. He sat behind his desk calmly reading Abby’s review on the play. He had been doing so for the past fifteen minutes, not that she had been keeping track. ‘What’s taking so long?’ she screamed in her head as she checked her watch once again.
‘Calm down Abby. He’s analyzing. It’s a big move to hire a new writer for a famous magazine such as this! You know that!’
‘But it doesn’t take twenty minutes to read a review. Maybe he hates it and doesn’t know how to tell me!’
‘He needs to analyze it thoroughly for human interest. It’s a big company.’
‘He thinks I’m a terrible writher. And he’s probably right.’
‘Abigail Darice! What are you thinking! You know you’re a great writer! What would-’ Her mental debate got cut short as she noticed Mr. Kent finally set down her review and look at her. She became completely nervous all over again.
He finally spoke after minutes of silence.
“Well Ms. Darice, I’d have to say you’re a great writer.” He began. ‘Uh oh, it can’t be good if he starts off like that.’ Abby thought. ‘Oh shut up.’ Her mind scolded. “It intrigues, captures the reader’s attention, gives satisfactory information, and has a touch of humor. It keeps the reader interested and longing for more, while never straying off topic.”
“Thank you.” She replied, despite her thoughts. ‘He’s dragging out the point. This is really bad.’
“I admire it and believe our magazine needs a touch of your style to it. Welcome aboard Abigail.” He said and stood up, his hand extended in congratulations.
Abby couldn’t believe her ears. She stood up, a big smile on her face, and took his hand.
“Thank you so much Mr. Kent. You’ve made my dream come true.”
“Glad to be of service. Now we must talk business before you officially start.”
JC’s cell phone rang as soon as they entered the dance studio. He picked up, checking the caller id before answering. He smiled at who it was.
“Hey babe.”
“I GOT THE JOB!” the caller screamed in his ear. JC pulled the phone away and rubbed his ear before replacing it.
“Kill my ear why don’t ya. After all I don’t need it.”
“Sorry.” Abby replied quickly. “But I’m so excited. I got the job, and I start in two weeks. I can’t believe it.” She rambled quickly.
“Congratulations baby. I knew you could do it. Didn’t I say not to worry?”
“Shut up.”
“Hey guys. Abs got the job at Celebrity Magazine.” JC hollered to the guys and Carol. They all stood up and ran over at once to say their congrats. Justin reached JC first and snatched the phone from him, putting Abby on speakerphone.
“Abby baby. You’ve officially become an enemy. You’re paparazzi.”
“I’m not paparazzi Justin. Just a writer.”
“At a teen magazine! Close enough!” Abby laughed. Chris then grabbed the phone from Justin.
“You wouldn’t write anything bad about me, would you Abby dear?”
“Wouldn’t think of it Chris.”
“Good! So you can make me look better in the eyes of our fans. Then they’ll be screaming my name instead of Justin’s!”
“Hey!” Justin yelled. Abby’s laughter was once again heard through the phone. Joey then snatched up the phone next.
“You’re delusional Chris. She’ll make me look better. Ain’t that right Abs?”
“Sure Joey. You’re so unnoticed and pushed to the back. You need more spotlight.”
“Ain’t it the truth. Preach girl preach.” He replied. “I keep telling them I need more solos, but they won’t listen.” He pouted.
“Maybe it’s cause you sing like a girl.” Lance suggested as he snatched the phone from Joey. “Fans need someone with a deep, sexy voice to sweep them off their feet.”
“Oh and you’re it?” Joey asked.
“Of course,” Lance replied before turning to the phone. “Congrats Gail!”
“Funny Lance. I’m not Gail Wethers.” Lance had previously made a joke of calling her Gail from the movie Scream, and the name seemed to have stuck. Gail Wethers was a reporter who was hated by the main character in the movie. Gail also fit as a nickname for Abigail, so Abby was now dubbed Gail by Lance.
“That’s right! She’s not gonna be hated on by anybody.” Carol said. “And why is it I get to talk to her last! She’s MY best friend! I should’ve been first!” with that said she immediately snatched the phone from Lance.
“Why didn’t you call and tell me first?” Carol asked Abby.
“Uhh…Sorry?”
“You better be sorry! But congratulations girl! I had faith in you. But you must tell me every single detail later. Darren just walked in.”
“You got it.”
“And this time I better be first to know everything.”
“Absolutely.” Abby laughed.
“Good.” Carol said and handed the phone back to its original owner as she and
four fifths of NSYNC made their way to the middle of the dance studio.
“Why don’t you come down to the studio?” JC asked.
“Already on my way.”
“Great. See ya in a few?”
“You got it. Now go work those buns off!” JC laughed.
“Bye babe.”
“Bye.” JC snapped his phone shut and threw it in his bag before joining the others on the floor.
“Carol it’s your birthday party! It looks like you’re going to a funeral. What’s the problem?” Abby asked her friend.
It was almost an hour into the celebration and everyone was having a blast. The food had arrived and the music was blaring. But every time Carolena had a moment to herself, she would either be sighing or just looking out into space. Abby already knew what the problem was. Carol really wanted the guys to stop by. But they had already started back up on tour…at least, that’s what Carol believed. Both Abby and the guys felt horrible enough when Carolena each gave them a hug and wished them all the luck earlier today when they met up to have one “last” breakfast together. But she had no idea what kind of surprise she would receive soon.
“It’s just –”
“C’mon birthday girl, you gotta dance with me.” One of Carol’s friends was already pulling her arm to head back to the living room, or as they called it, the dance area.
Abby saw Carolena put on a smile and nodded.
“Sure, let’s go.”
There were so many people coming in and out of that apartment, Abby never noticed Ariella walk in. She found directions on how to get to their place written on a piece of paper, snooping through JC’s notes. It was time to do some dirty work.
As Abby was pulling out a drink from the fridge, her cell phone vibrated. She couldn’t have it on a ringtone due to the loud music. She looked at the caller id.
‘Finally.’ She thought to herself as she pressed the talk button.
“Is she about ready to burst yet?”
“Damn JC. What goes on at dance practice to make her love you guys so much? All of her friends from school are here. Hell, even her parents, who she hasn’t seen since the accident are here. But she’s moping around like someone died.”
Abby heard him laughing and rolled her eyes.
“I’m guessing it’s time to make our grand appearance?”
“Why don’t you wait until everyone’s gone? Then you can make your surprise extra special. While you’re at it, how about using those angelic voices of yours and sing happy birthday to her.”
“Anything else ma’am? Fries, an outfit, a trip around the world?”
“Brat. I’ll call you when people start leaving.”
“Ten four. See ya soon sweetie.”
“Bye.” Abby pressed the end button and made her way from the kitchen back out into the living room to mingle, and also to continue dancing the night away.
It was nearly midnight when the first signs of people started to say their goodbyes. When Ariella noticed Abby walk towards the back, she headed out of the apartment with a smile on her face. However, she wasn’t leaving the premises until she saw her one and only love, JC.
Most of the food was gone and the music was turned low. On the table, there was a sky high pile of envelopes and gifts. It looked like everyone had a really good time.
“Man, tonight was awesome Carolena.”
“Sweet party.”
“Happy birthday and thanks so much for having me over.”
Those were most of the replies Carol got from her friends as the made their way
out the door. She was glad that she got to see them. She did have fun dancing
and pigged herself out on pizza and sweets. But some little part of her just
wasn’t satisfied on the guest list attendance. She knew good and well that those
five guys who she and Abby had known for a little over 2 months had their job to
attend to. Carol knew she was acting like a baby and she wanted to stop. It
wasn’t right. After all, they did wish her a happy birthday earlier today.
Finally, Abby and Carolena were alone when the last bunch of people, including Carol’s parents, left at quarter to 1. They started picking up trash and reorganizing the apartment.
“So did you have fun?” Abby asked Carol. They were holding a giant garbage bag, throwing empty soda cans and plates into it.
“Yup. Had a blast. Simple yet fun.” Carol replied, genuinely smiling. She had to admit, in the beginning she was a little down, but as the night continued it soon became an enjoyment.
“When are you gonna open your presents?” Abby was answered with a shrug.
“Later I guess.”
They continued tidying up for another 10 or 15 minutes when Abby felt a vibration on her side. She never did put her cell back on melody. When people started leaving, she called JC from the bathroom to tell them to head on over since she knew Carol was around. This call was signaling the guys were in front their apartment door.
“Hey Carolena.”
“Yeah?”
“Why don’t we take a break from cleaning and start opening your presents?”
“Sure, why not.”
“But before you open those, I want you to open one of mine first.”
“Cool, where is it?”
“Ok. Go sit down on the couch.” Abby took Carolena’s hand and guided her towards the piece of furniture. “Oh, and Carol? I want you to close your eyes.”
“Aww come on Abs! What is it?” Carol pouted, sticking out her bottom lip.
“Nope. I’m not moving until those eyes are shut. And I mean it! I really want this to be a surprise for you.” Abby smiled evilly as Carolena obeyed. Guilt always worked.
She tiptoed to the door and carefully opened it. When Carol was at rehearsals one day, Abby fixed the door so it wouldn’t creak. There standing out in the hall were Justin, Lance, Chris, Joey, and JC.
“Abby I’m waiting!” They heard Carolena from the living room.
“Coming Carol.” Abby put her finger to her mouth to make them all get quiet as she quickly and without a sound closed the door.
They all tiptoed and made their way towards the couch. Justin looked at Carolena and smiled. He couldn’t wait to see her reaction. JC soon held out his hand and counted to 5 silently with his fingers.
Finally, the soft notes of 5 a cappella voices singing Happy Birthday seeped through the room and Carol opened her eyes. Her mouth literally dropped as she noticed what was happening. She looked at Abby and she mouthed out “Surprise.” Abby could tell Carolena’s day was finally complete.
When the guys finished singing, they all screamed out their birthday greetings or clapped or cheered. Carol didn’t know whether to be happy, surprised, or mad. They either lied or tricked her. But right now, she didn’t care.
“Thank you so much guys.” Carolena hugged and gave each of the guys a kiss on the cheek. They must’ve done something to have not started their tour yet. As if someone had read her mind Justin spoke up.
“You’re probably wondering why we’re not somewhere outside of Florida yet.” Carolena nodded and Justin continued. “Well, it’s always been a tradition of ours to play a joke on the new people coming to our team.”
“I don’t understand.” Carol had a puzzled look on her face.
“The first time you came to practice with us, you basically caught on in an instant. We need people like that.” Lance smiled at her as he spoke.
“Yeah, and we talked to Darren and a lot of other people who saw you work your butt out there. They fell in love with you.” JC said, all of the guys nodding in agreement.
“We really want you to come on tour with us. Your dancing is incredible and you shouldn’t make it go to waste.” Joey put his arm around Carol’s shoulder.
All this information was coming at lighting speed and Carol was in shock.
“So…what was the joke?” she asked finally putting words together to make sentences.
“We don’t start back up on tour til next week.” Chris had a huge smile on his face.
“Surprise!” All the guys, including Abby cheered.
“Oh my...” Carol was at a loss for words.
“I already spoke to your professors when you were at rehearsals. Not exactly the whole truth of what was going on though. But they said it was perfectly fine to take online classes.” Abby said, making it even easier for her friend to accept. She deserved this. Her dancing skills proved it.
“Wow. Just…wow. You really want me as one of your dancers?” Carol asked, still shocked and surprised. Opportunities like this didn’t come very often.
Everyone nodded.
“If you don’t believe us, here it is in writing.” Lance opened the bag that he was holding and pulled out a series of papers. On top was a blue bow, making it look like a present.
“You can look it over before you say or do anything.”
Carol took the contract and quickly glanced the first page before putting it on the table.
“You don’t know how much this means to me. Would you guys like to stay as I open my gifts? I don’t think I can get anything better than this.”
“Sure. We’d love to.” Justin was already kneeling to sit on the floor where the presents were.
It was 2 in the morning when Carolena finished opening her presents. Clothes, CDs, movies, gift certificates were just some of the gifts she received. Everyone was on the floor just chatting away, when there was a knock on the door.
Abby got up and started walking over to open it.
“Want one of us to answer it?” Joey asked, getting slightly concerned.
“Nah, it’s ok. Someone probably just forgot something. That’s all.” Abby replied. Her hand was on the knob.
When she opened the door, she was looking at a person she didn’t expect to see. ‘Please do not tell me Carol told him about this.’
“What do you want Jack?”
When Carol heard his name, she literally froze and her skin got pale.
“Don’t worry. Everything’s gonna be ok.” Justin squeezed her hand and got up to head towards the door. JC followed him.
Chris put a protective arm around Carolena and Lance and Joey went on either side of them.
“I came to see the birthday girl.” Jack’s voice was strangely calm.
“You’re kinda late though. If you would’ve come earlier, I might’ve thought about it and then tell you get the hell away.” Abby turned around and noticed JC and Justin were behind her. She felt more secure just incase Jack was capable of something she didn’t even want to think about.
“Well, well. Look who’s here,” Jack said, brushing over Abby’s comment and eyeing Justin.
“I’d advise you to turn around and leave before things get nasty.” Justin was trying to keep cool as he spoke. He put Abby behind him and she walked behind JC.
“What are you going to do? Sing off-key and torture my ears?”
“Bastard.” It took all of JC’s strength to hold Justin down. Abby took a couple of steps back watching the scene unfold.
“Don’t Justin, he’s not worth your time,” Justin heard Abby say as calmly as possible.
All 3 of them noticed Jack back away slightly before speaking once again.
“Don’t worry. This isn’t over yet. You can have that slut for now. But I’ll be back.” With that, he turned around and headed down the hall towards the elevator.
The door was shut and nobody noticed Ariella head over to Jack.
“Hi, I seemed to have noticed that little disturbance over there.” She pointed over at Abby and Carolena’s apartment.
“Yeah and…?” Jack was still ticked off from Justin.
“Well, I seem to have this little problem with Abby.”
“Oh you know them?”
“In a way…yes.” ‘This just gets better and better.’ Ariella’s mind was formulating once again.
“Carolena belongs to me. There’s gotta be a way to get rid of that Justin kid.”
“What if I said I had an idea on how to make both of us happy?”
Jack soon had an evil smile that matched Ariella’s.
“Then I would say let’s here of it.”
“Not here. Let’s talk first and we’ll trade information.” Ariella wanted this come out perfect.
“I like the way you think. Let’s get out of here.”
The 2 people made there way into the elevator and headed down to the lobby. Soon, they were off into the darkness of the night, each happy of their encounter.