Chapter 9
“Where’s Justin?” Abby asked the next morning. She and JC were eating breakfast in the kitchen. The guys had stayed after to help clean up. Being as tired as they were, the group decided to spend the night. They were spread throughout various areas in the living room.
“Still sleeping,” JC replied.
“Ok, then most likely Carol’s doing the same,” Abby said, taking a sip of her orange juice. Soon, she had a dreamy look on her face. “You know, those two would make a cute couple.”
JC didn’t like look she had on could tell what has going on in her mind. “Abby…I hope you’re not planning on playing cupid.”
“Maybe,” she replied with a grin.
“Abs,” JC began, “they just decided to start over and be friends. They’re new to this whole thing.”
“I know. But did you see them last night?” She was referring to how they had been inseparable last night. “They were on the balcony talking for basically the whole party.”
“Yes I did. But you need to let them get together on their own, when and if they’re ready for it.”
“I guess so. I really shouldn’t try to give hook-up advice, when I’m not even in a relationship of my own.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? What do you call what we have?” JC asked, sounding more confused than angry.
“Flirting?... I dunno. You never really asked me to be your girlfriend, so technically we’re not dating.”
“Abby. I thought you knew I wanted to be with you.”
“Call me old fashioned, but hey, you never asked me.”
JC stood up and walked around the table towards Abby. He was right in front of her when he looked down into her eyes. “Abby. I like spending time with you. I like talking with you. You’ve become a good friend of mine, but I see you as more than that. Would you make our relationship exclusive and be my girl?” he asked, taking her hand.
“I’d love to.” Abby stood up and gave him a hug and a quick kiss. Noticing his smile, she decided try her idea again. “Now I can play matchmaker.”
“Abigail!”
“Hey! Watch the first name! I was only kidding.”
JC smiled triumphantly. “Glad you decided to listen to your boyfriend.” He slowly put his arms around her waist.
Abby sighed and wrapped her arms around his neck. “I don’t know why. He’s such a dork.”
“But he’s your dork,” JC replied, tightening his grip a little. Soon he bent down gave her a sweet kiss.
“I thought you weren’t a morning person?” Abby questioned.
“I’m not usually. But I’m better than Justin.”
An hour later, Justin came strolling into the kitchen, a grumpy look on his face. JC, as well as Abby, who was sitting on his lap, looked up at him as he entered.
“Morning sunshine!” JC said in a cheerful voice. Justin ignored him and began to rummage thorough all the drawers and cupboards looking for breakfast.
“If you’d like to know, the cereal is in the pantry. Bowls are in the cupboard above you, and spoons are in the drawer next to the sink,” Abby informed him. She tried to contain a giggle as she watched Justin get all the items. He pulled the Apple Jacks from the pantry and the milk from the fridge. Once he got everything, he sat down and began preparing himself a bowl.
“What’s so funny?” JC asked, noticing Abby’s smirk on her face.
“He’s just like Carol. Does he hover over it and act like he’s gonna bite?”
JC only smiled and decided to give her and example. “Hey J. Can I have some?” he asked, reaching his hand across the table to grab the bowl. Justin growled and hunched over the bowl, pulling it closer to him, glaring at JC. Abby laughed and Justin glared at her as well, only to cause more laughter from her. Carol would do the same thing.
“Well speaking of the devil, here she comes,” Abby said, noticing Carolena enter the kitchen. She and JC watched as she walked past everyone, not saying a word, and grabbed a bowl and spoon.
Carol went to the pantry and became confused when she couldn’t find her cereal. She looked around until she spotted it on the table right next to Justin. She made an indefinable noise as she saw Justin helping himself to another serving of her cereal. Carol stalked to the table and sat down, snatching the box from him, and poured herself a bowl. Noticing Justin glaring at her, she gave him one right back, showing him who the owner of this cereal was.
JC and Abby watched the scene unfold in an amusement. Carolena finally broke the glare when she began to eat. Justin snatched the box back and continued to serve himself, not caring when he heard a “hmph” from beside him.
Polite conversation was not found until after the two had their cereal.
“So Justin how was your night? Did you sleep alright?”
“Snug as a bug in a rug,” Justin said, with a lopsided smile. “Oh my god. I can’t believe I just said that,” he said, smacking his forehead.
“I can imagine,” Carolena replied, rolling her eyes. “Being on that old couch must have been heaven. I would have beaten you to it, but I have strict orders to tend to. You must have felt like royalty huh?”
“Smartass,” Justin replied, sticking his tongue out at her.
“Loser.”
“Dork.”
“So what’s for breakfast?” Carol asked, playfully ignoring Justin.
“Damn Carol! You’re gonna get fat!” Abby said.
Carol just waved her off. “Some best friend you are.”
“Did I hear someone mention food?” Joey asked, as he entered the kitchen, followed by Chris and Lance.
“Yeah I’m hungry,” Justin added.
“Excuse me pretty boy, I may be mistaken but weren’t you on your second bowl when I came out? I can take a wild guess that these weren’t tiny bowls you filled up being since MY cereal box is basically almost done!” Carolena replied, crossing her arms over her chest, and her face trying to hold a stern look, but she failed miserably when an evident smirk came about.
“And you think I’m full from that?” Justin pointed to the box. “Heh. You crack me up.”
“Oh really? Don’t make me crack your head open with this empty bowl in my hand now.”
“You wanna make a bet?”
“Try me.”
“Well, I could see what I can make, but I can’t guarantee you’ll live afterwards,” Abby said, cutting off Justin and Carol’s bickering
“Hey how about we go out to eat?” JC suggested.
They all agreed to meet at Denny’s in an hour or so. This way, everyone would have time to go home, bathe, and change. For the really hungry people, they could also grab a snack to make their stomachs satisfied for the time being.
Everyone said their goodbyes and with a click of the door shutting, Abby and Carolena were finally alone.
Knock. Knock.
“Hey Abby, can I come in?” Carol asked through the door. She was all ready to go out, and since they had some time left, she figured that now was as good a time as ever to talk to Abby.
“Yeah,” Abby called through the door.
Carol opened it and stepped inside. She sat down on the bed next, noticing Abby put on her shoes.
“What’s up?” Abby asked, tying up the strings on the right shoe.
“Umm…I know I apologized to you already about this whole mess, but…I just can’t get it out of my mind what I said to you. I mean…you were just trying to be a good friend and –”
“I told you. Let’s leave this in the past ok? I forgive you. Nothing can ever come between us and you know that.” Abby smiled at Carolena.
“Thanks Abs.” Carolena reached over and hugged her friend.
After Abby had finished lacing the other shoe, she stood up stretching. “Now let’s go get some food. I’m starved!”
“I couldn’t have said it any better myself,” Carol replied with a grin.
‘Man, how am I going to get the money for a car?’ Abby thought to herself as she started up the engine, sighing. Carolena had given her the keys to her car keys since she wasn’t up for driving that morning. ‘Hopefully tomorrow –’ her thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of Carol’s voice.
“So what’s up with you and JC? I noticed you seemed extremely happy this morning.”
Soon all thoughts about the car were forgotten as new thoughts of JC popped into Abby’s head. A smile was evident on her face. But of course, like always, she had to make a sarcastic remark. “Oh, so you actually noticed something other than your stolen cereal this morning?”
“Pssh. Whatever,” Carol replied, waving her hand nonchalantly. “I always notice stuff. But stop avoiding the question.”
“Damn your ability to read me so well.”
“I must say, it’s a gift,” Carolena said, lighting throwing her hand on her chest and battering her eyelashes at Abby.
“You’re not going to get an answer if you keep on interrupting me,” Abby scolded playfully.
“Ok, ok. Shutting up now.” Carolena turned in her seat to give Abby her full attention even though Abby’s eyes were on the road.
“Alright. As of right now, JC and I are officially boyfriend and girlfriend.” Abby couldn’t help but let out a small giggle.
“Oh my god! Really?” Abby nodded. “This is so cool! I can’t believe we’ve known the guys for already almost two months and all of this is happening.”
“Now it’s my turn to ask you the same thing. What’s up with you and Justin?”
“Me and Justin? Nothing. We’re just friends,” Carolena replied, turning back to her normal position in the seat.
Abby rolled her eyes. “Riiiight. And that’s why you stayed outside with him for basically the whole party.”
“So what? Friends can’t talk? You and I talk all the time.”
“But not late at night for hours on end, on a secluded, very romantic, balcony three stories up.” Abby had an evil grin on her face.
“Now see here,” Carol pointed an accusing finger at Abby. “You are exaggerating this a little too much.”
Abby laughed.
“Whatever,” she replied. By this time, they had reached Denny’s and Abby pulled into a parking lot. They got out and walked up to the front door, noticing a familiar face coming to greet them.
“Hey smart one, I think you need more than just a hat to disguise yourself,” Carol laughed, tugging Lance’s hat down over his eyes.
“My, my. Aren’t we full of it today?” he said, pulling his hat up, his green eyes sparkling with mischief.
“Don’t come between a woman’s stomach, Bass,” Carolena said, putting her hands on her hips.
“Ooh. I’m SO scared. And just for your information, I might’ve been wearing this because I wanted to,” he replied, pointing to his hat.
“Uh huh, and I’m the Queen of England.”
“Wow. It’s no wonder you’re acting like the royal pain in the ass.”
Carolena put her hand over her heart. “Why Lance I never knew you had it in you. We are going to have a beautiful friendship.”
“I’ll take that as a good thing?” Lance questioned, looking at Abby.
“You better believe it,” Abby said, ruffling Carol’s hair.
“Hey, hey watch the hair. Do it to spike boy, not me.” Carol’s hand reached up to take Lance’s hat off and mess up his hair. “Eww! Gel!” Carol waved her hand around as if it were poisonous.
“Umm, duh?” Lance chuckled and put both his arms out. “Ladies?” Both Carolena and Abby linked arms with him as they started walking further into the restaurant. While he wasn’t looking, Carol lightly rubbed her hand on the back of his shirt, wiping the gel off. Abby rolled her eyes and smiled. She could only imagine how those two were going to be around each other from now on.
Today was going to be a good day. At least she hoped so. After all, tomorrow would be Abby’s job interview and in her plan book, absolutely nothing was going to bring her down.
Abby looked up at the tall grey building in front of her and shaded her eyes from the sun. It was 5 stories high, and even though it didn’t look intimidating, her nerves were on end. She took a deep breath and straightened her suit before walking towards the entrance. She wore a navy blue business jacket and skirt with a white shirt. Along with that, her black stockings matched with her heels, clicking against the tile floor. Lastly, Abby’s hair was pulled back into a pony tail. She wanted to look as professional as possible.
Once inside, Abby approached the secretary’s desk. She was busy on the phone and computer. After hanging up the phone, she shuffled though some papers and filed them before turning to Abby. She wore jeans with a medium sized shirt, which looked like a large on her skinny frame. Her black hair shined in the light and looked perfect with her bronze skin. On her face, brown eyes came through her glasses. It seemed as though energy and happiness radiated off of her.
“Hello. Welcome to. I’m Jillian. How may I help you?” she asked cheerfully, obviously enjoying her work.
“Hi. I have an appointment with Mr. Kent.”
“Sure thing. Ms…Abigail Darice?” Jillian asked, looking at the appointments listed on the computer.
“Yes.”
“Ok. Mr. Kent just got out of a meeting with one of his employees, so if you would just have a seat over there,” she said, pointing to the row of chairs along the wall. “I’ll call him and let him know you’re here.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Jillian replied, picking up the phone.
Abby turned around and walked over to the row of seats. She sat down and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. Looking around the room, she noticed how everyone else was dressed semi-casually. Was she overdressed? She also wondered if that would affect her interview. Just as she began to think about all the possible things that could go wrong in the interview, her phone rang.
‘Jeez! I can’t believe I forgot to turn it off.’ Abby thought, looking at the weird looks people were giving her. Just her luck, it was at the highest volume, playing an annoying ring tone that Carol had put on for her a while back. “Hello?” she asked, not even bothering to look at the caller ID. Her voice seemed annoyed and worried at the same time.
“Hey Abs!” It was JC. “What’s wrong? It sounds like they’re putting you through hell over there.”
“Nothing. Just waiting and worrying.”
“About?”
“All possible things that can go wrong with my interview today.”
“Did your day not get off to a good start or something?”
No it’s not that. Just nervous.”
“You know you’ll do great.”
“But I kinda feel outta place. I mean, everyone looks so casual and me? I look like I’m dining with the president.” Abby lowered her voice as she made that comment.
She heard him chuckle. “Don’t worry. I just called to wish you luck on your interview, but I know you won’t be needing it. You’ll be knocking them dead in a few minutes. Anyways, how about you come see me afterwards and we’ll grab some lunch or something?”
“Alright. Sounds good.”
“Great. I’ll see you later then. I don’t want to be on your long list of things to go wrong.” Abby laughed as she hung up making sure she had her phone on vibrate. She thought it really sweet that he would call and check up on her. Yesterday when the group was at breakfast, she decided to break the news of her upcoming interview.
Abby’s nerves had seemed to disappear while she thought about her and JC. Unfortunately, they returned when she noticed a man walk up to the front desk where Jillian was. She pointed to Abby and he began making his way towards her. She stood up when he neared her.
“Ms. Darice?” he asked.
“Yes. Mr. Kent?” she asked in return. The man smiled and nodded his head yes as he stuck out his hand out for her to shake. Abby shook it and smiled.
The man looked to be very nice. He was about a foot taller than Abby, with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. He had a slim semi-muscular build with a warm friendly smile. Abby could tell she would like him, should she ever get to work for him. The only that was weird to her, was that he was so young. She wondered how he came to be owner and chief editor of this business. She shrugged it off, when he spoke to her.
“Nice to meet you. Please, follow me into my office,” he said. At Abby’s nod of approval, he turned and led her down the hall, into the elevator, and up into his office.
Ariella made her way down the hall in search of her man, JC. He had disappeared from practice for a break, and she needed to remind him of a few things. She stopped when she heard his voice. Noticing a door cracked open a bit, she crept up and peeked inside. JC was on his cell phone. ‘Wonder who he’s talking to?’ she thought.
“Hey Abs!...” she heard him exclaim.
‘Her again? What will it take to get rid of her?’ She said and shook her head. Ariella listened more to find out what was going on.
“…You know you’ll do great,” JC said, continuing his conversation.
‘Great about what?’
“…I just called to wish you luck on your interview, but I know you won’t be needing it. You’ll be knocking them dead in a few minutes...”
‘Ahhh. So she’s trying to get a job. This will work out perfectly for my plan.’ Ariella smiled evilly.
“…come see me afterwards and we’ll grab some lunch or something?” she heard JC question.
‘Oh JC. You’re too sweet. But why don’t you notice whats right in front of you. It’s that stupid bitch Abigail. She’s thrown you off course with wicked ways. Have your fun now Abby, for JC will soon be mine.’ Ariella knocked on the door as she heard him tell Abby bye.
“Come in,” JC called. Ariella smiled as she stepped inside the room.
“Thought I’d find you alone somewhere. Sorry to disturb your peace but I had some stuff I needed to tell you,” she said innocently as if she hadn’t just listened to his private conversation.
“It’s alright. What did you need?” he smiled.
“Well, I just wanted to remind you about…” she then began to list several appointments, shows, and appearances that he had in the next few days. Now that Justin’s foot had healed, it was time to get back to work. JC nodded and thanked her for reminding him.
“Just doing my job,” Ariella said, playfully tapping her pen lightly on his head. “Oh, by the way. The guys are looking for you. Think your break’s over.”
“Thanks Ari,” JC replied, getting up out of his chair.
“No prob.” ‘You’re gonna be thanking me even more later.’
Together they made their way back down the hall towards the dance studio.
“FINALLY! Where have you been JC?” Darren exclaimed when he joined the others.
“Duh. Can’t you tell? Stupid smirk on his face. A little redness on the cheeks. My man here’s been having phone sex,” Chris said, putting his arm around JC. Everyone laughed.
“Shut up Chris!” he rolled his eyes. “And get that nasty, sweaty arm off of me.” JC looked to Carolena who sat in the corner laughing. “Oh great, you’re in on this too huh?”
She had been invited to spend the day with the guys as they practiced. She was having a blast. Along with Justin, her foot had healed as well, letting her show off the dancer inside of her. The group soon found out, she loved what she did and danced every second she could, a smile permanently on her face. Carol had even caught on quickly to their dance moves and went right along with them. Even when their break came, she was dancing to the music that was supposed to relax them.
“Ok guys. Back to work.” Groans were heard all through the room. Carol laughed as she stood up as well, watching everyone get into position.
“Why are you complaining so much? This is so much fun!” she said excitedly.
“Easy for you to say. You don’t have to do this everyday,” Joey said, giving her a look that reflected back towards her in the mirror.
“And how do you catch on so fast?” Lance asked.
“You guys should take one her attitude. She’s surely got the right one,” Darren said smiling.
“That’s it. You aren’t coming to anymore of our practices. You make us look bad and now Darren likes you.” Justin accused jokingly.
She smiled up at him as well as Lance to answer his question and batted her eyelashes. “What can I say? It’s a gift.” The room was full of laughter as the first few notes of the song came through the speakers. Soon, determination was put into play as everyone now concentrated on dancing.
An hour later, the guys and Carolena were joined by Abby. She had entered the studio just as the song was ending. Carol was the first to notice her entrance.
“Hey Abs! Come to join the fun?” she yelled, as she broke from the routine and walked over to her longtime friend.
“Nah. Just to watch and get something to eat in a few minutes. I’m hungry,” Abby replied, happily.
“Yeah. I’m hungry too. I haven’t eaten anything since this morning,” Carol whined. Abby just laughed as she heard her friend’s usual comment. Carol was always hungry. “So how’d the interview go?”
“It went great! Better than I thought. Mr. Kent, the chief editor and owner, is so young and not that bad looking either. You would’ve liked him.”
“That’s my girl! Always on the look out for the guys!” Carolena wrapped her arm around Abby.
“Well, she shouldn’t be looking for any others guys except for me,” JC said from behind her. The guys were all grabbing their water bottles and towels.
“I would never dream of it.” Abby smiled up at him. He smiled back at her and mumbled a “you better not” with a kiss on the cheek.
“Aww! How sweet!” Carol cooed.
“Abby! Long time no see!” Chris came bouncing over. He picked her up and swung her around in circles as if he’d never seen her in years. “I’ve missed you SO much.”
“I missed you too Chris. I can’t believe we had to hold out on seeing each other for a day and a half,” Abby replied, once he set her down. She grabbed the person closest to her to steady herself as she gained her equilibrium.
“GUYS! Practice ain’t over yet! Darren yelled. The group moaned collectively. “Come on!”
Justin nudged Carolena, who looked at him strangely. After a few facial expressions and head gestures, Carol finally caught on to what he was saying. She glared at him but complied to his unspoken request anyway.
“Darren, I’m REALLY tired and hungry,” she whined, giving him puppy eyes. “And I’m sure the guys are too. Could we PLEASE have a lunch break?”
Darren sighed. “Fine!” he said, giving up. He knew they wouldn’t work on empty stomachs and the last thing he needed was a whiney pop group. “A two hour lunch break and then back to work. That means I expect to see you back here at three o’clock,” he called after the retreating figures.
“Damn girl! If you can get us away from practice then your welcome to any rehearsal! I don’t care what Justin says!” Joey remarked, draping his hand over Carol’s shoulders.
“You’ll soon regret those words. Don’t forget that Daren likes her and made us work harder today,” Lance replied. “So I’m with Justin.”
Carolena stuck her tongue out at him. “You’re just upset ‘cause you don’t catch on as quick as I do.” The guys laughed.
“After spending a week with us, you’ll know exactly what we mean by killer practices.”
“I bet I could go two weeks with you guys and still be as energetic as I was today,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest after Joey had let go his grip on her.
“Ohh! I smell a bet. I want in!” Chris shouted, jumping between Lance and Carol and swinging an arm around them both.
“You’re on! How much, twenty bucks?” Lance asked a grin on his face. ‘This,’ he thought, ‘will be easy.’
“And they call you the business one? Ha! Make that one hundred, Bass,” Carolena replied.
“Ohh! Big money. I want in too!” Joey chimed.
“Fine. That’s three hundred total if we should win. Think you can handle that?” Lance said, loving the fresh new bet upon them. He was only semi-concerned if she could pay them.
“I wanna see this too. I’m in!” Justin added.
“Ok. Make that four hundred bucks.” Lance corrected. “Yo, C! You want in?”
“I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to take so much money from her.”
“Don’t worry. She can hold out on her own,” Abby told him.
“You sure?” JC asked. Both Carol and Abby nodded. “Ok then. I’m in.”
“What about you Abs?” Justin asked, noticing she was the only one left to join the bet.
“I could use some easy money. Count me in as well. On Carol’s side of course.” Carol turned around and faced her. Both of them shared a knowing smile and high-fived.
“Alrighty. So that’s one hundred bucks a person. If we win, meaning you give up before us, then you two have to cough up five hundred dollars each. And if you win, lasting the two weeks without one complaint, we have to give up two hundred a piece,” Lance said, explaining the terms.
“And that’s two weeks starting tomorrow. Today doesn’t count,” Justin added.
“Right. Is everyone agreed?” Lance asked. The group nodded. “Then we have a bet then.” He grinned, shaking Carolena’s hand, sealing the deal.
“You know you girls won’t win right? Darren is a slave driver, and no one, not even us can stand two weeks with him and have full energy,” JC warned Abby.
She smiled. “Like I said before. Don’t worry. I know what I’m getting into,” she replied, then scrunched up her nose at him when he wrapped his arm around her. “You stink!” she said, as she poked at his chest.
“Yeah, well, you agreed to date me, so my stink comes with the whole package,” he replied, giving her a big hug. Abby screamed and then laughed as he let her go.
“So when are we going to eat?” Carol asked.
“So, do you think you got the job?” JC asked Abby. The group had decided to go to Justin’s house for lunch. Also it was the closest one around. They ordered pizza and sodas, and after each of the guys showered and changed, they sat down to watch TV. In the living room, there was a large LazyBoy chair, in which Justin was lounging. A love couch, to the left of it, which was occupied by JC and Abby. The other four guys sat crammed on the couch, even though it was only meant to hold 3. Carol, who had been in the kitchen fixing up a snack, came into the room and squeezed herself on the chair beside Justin.
“I’m pretty sure, yeah. But the final thing in deciding whether I get it or not is a writing a have to do.”
“A writing? On what? I thought you brought everything you needed with you to the interview.
“A play. And yes, I did bring all my pieces, but it’s the requirement for all new entrees. My uh…hopefully soon to be boss said he’d call me and let me know which one he wants a review on. Jillian, the secretary at the front desk, said it’s a good thing he wants me to do a review. Apparently, only the people who actually have a chance of becoming a journalist have to do a review first.”
“You’ll do great. I know,” JC said, putting a supportive arm around her shoulders.
“Thanks,” Abby replied, and kissed him on the cheek. It felt really nice to have someone support her so much.
Meanwhile, Ariella was busy at home, planning each and every stage to Abigail Darice’s demise. She entered her room and dropped all her stuff on her bed. Her walls were covered with pictures of JC Chasez. She had every picture and poster of him since 2000, when she started to work for the group NSYNC. Every group picture had Justin, Lance, Chris, and Joey’s faces scratched out, revealing her only the one only beautiful Josh, that she loved. On her dresser, desk, and nightstand, Ariella had every sort of figurine, toy, and item of her beloved JC.
Shaking the mouse to her computer, it awoke to reveal a picture of her and JC together at the “Welcome to the Team” party thrown in her honor. They were both dressed casually and smiling in the picture. JC had his arms around her in a hug. It was the happiest moment in her life. She smiled at the memory of complete euphoria. Of course she had taken pictures with the other guys, but only the pictures of her and JC mattered most.
Ariella opened the drawer below her computer. A huge folder was the first thing noticed. It was labeled “JC” in big bold red letters. All around his name were little hearts. Inside, contained all the information she had about JC, from his full name, down to what size underwear he wore. From every appearance he made, down to his last doctor’s visit. She had gathered all the information she could so far, his likes and dislikes, preference in a female, etc, so that she could be his perfect girl. She was extremely proud of the large and still growing folder.
Next, she pulled out a really thin folder labeled “Abigail Darice”. One sheet of paper containing half a page of information on the subject was all that was revealed when she opened the folder. Ariella realized that she didn’t have a lot of information to do any damage at the moment, but that problem would soon be rectified. Knowing that she would need more stuff for her plan, she decided to call in some backup.
Picking up the phone, she called her longtime friend who specialized in that area. The phone rang 3 times before someone answered.
“Hello…”