Chapter 10
“Ready for your first day of terror?” Justin asked Carol as she walked into the studio, an evil grin on his face.
Carol walked to the corner of the room, set her stuff down and turned to face him before answering. “Yep. I’m ready for the fun.”
“Yeah right. Slave work is more like it,” Lance said, entering the room. “Darren will probably go easy on you since he likes you. You’re such a suck up.”
“Watch it Bass. I’ve had five cups of coffee, two bowls of cereal –”
“Heh. And you call me a pig,” Justin commented.
Carolena slapped him upside the head and continued. “Pancakes, with syrup, a big glass of orange juice, plus, I had my mile run to warm up. I’m full of energy and ready to take you guys on at any time,” she said, bouncing up and down like a boxer. Her hands were balled into fists and placed up by her face for protection.
“Damn girl. I think somebody’s has had a little too much energy boosters for one day,” Justin said, watching her bounce like she had no turn off button.
“Yeah. That’s cheating. No more sugar and coffee for you missy,” Lance added.
“That wasn’t part of the deal,” Carolena responded.
“Well it is now,” Justin and Lance replied simultaneously.
“Hmph. Fine,” Carol said, folding her arms over her chest.
“What’s wrong? Wittle Carol need a hug?” Justin teased, cooing in a baby voice.
She glared at him. “Watch it Juju. You’re asking for a beat down.”
“Yeah right I’d like to see you try.” In that moment, Justin was tackled to the floor by Carolena. Lance jumped back in shock.
To his and Justin’s surprise, she was actually putting up a good fight. He began to laugh at the fighting on the studio floor. Minutes later, with the 2 still fighting, the rest of the guys entered.
“Fight!” Chris hollered as he began to run over to where they were. Soon, he jumped into the pile and began to wrestle with Carol. However, she was actually winning when Chris jumped her when she wasn’t looking. The shocked look on her face was priceless and Lance was the first person she saw laugh at her.
Seeing his enjoyment at the scene before him, Carol decided to be evil and include him in the battle as well. After freeing herself from Justin and Chris, she attacked him. Justin went to tackle her again, but was intercepted by Chris. There were now 2 groups of fighting figures on the floor.
Joey, just for the hell of it, jumped into the middle of it all. Pretty soon, JC was hauled into the wrestling match. There were so many arms and legs flailing about, that no one could tell who they belonged to. They didn’t even know who was fighting anymore.
This was the scene Darren just had to walk in on. Sighing and shaking his head at the childish antics these supposedly “grown” people, he decided to return order to the room. “ENOUGH!”
The six fighting bodies stopped. Justin had Lance in a head lock, his right hand in Lance’s hair. Lance had Joey’s neck in one hand, at least, what he could fit, and Carolena’s head in the other. Carol had JC’s hand wrapped around her leg, and her other leg was in midair from kicking him to release her. Joey had Chris’s head in one hand and Justin’s leg in the other; both of his feet were in JC’s stomach. JC’s other arm was in midair from swatting at Joey’s feet. Chris had his right hand wrapped around his left leg, which he was tugging on. His left hand was wrapped around his right hand, which he was trying to pull of his leg. Chris looked the weirdest, fighting with his own self and gnawing at Joey’s arm.
Darren shook his head at the scene before him. “Quit fighting and let’s get to work! We have a lot to cover!”
The guys groaned as they slid off each other on the floor and into their positions in front of the mirrors. Carolena stood and took her place next to Darren. She stuck her tongue out at Justin, who stood right behind her.
Bored and with nothing to do, since she wasn’t sure on the job yet, Abby sat down and decided to write in her online journal. It hadn’t been updated in days.
Title: Content
Mood: Nervous
Entry:
I know my title and mood are contradicting, but that’s how I feel. I haven’t updated in a while. Some major stuff has happened.
First off, Joshua and I are officially a couple. Yesterday morning we were talking and the subject came up. He was so sweet about it so of course I said yes.
The graduation party went great. Carol and JR finally made up. They sat outside talking the whole night away. Even though they agreed to be “friends” I think they’ll turn out to be something more. There are a lot of hidden feelings between those two. *Shrugs* I guess we’ll find out what happens later.
Anyways, the reason why I’m so nervous is because I had an interview yesterday. I really hope I get the job. Writing for Celebrity magazine has been a dream of mine for so long. Hell, I’ve been reading it since I learned what a celebrity was. I’m supposed to do some kind of review to really determine whether I get the job or not. But I haven’t found out which play yet. Hopefully they’ll call today and put me out of my misery. I just hope I get the job. My teachers always told me I had a knack for making my readers believe something was good or true, so I hope they’re right and it pays off. But then again, they also said I should write stories for a living since I did really well in the creative writing session…I don’t know though. I like writing facts better.
Oh well, update soon. Bye!
‘Now what?’ Abby thought to herself, bored again. She looked around the room as finally an idea struck her. She would take all of her teachers’ suggestions and put them to work. She would write a story. It would give her something to do when bored and kill the time. Now, was the perfect time to get started.
Grabbing her laptop, she sat down on the couch. She created a new folder labeled “Unexpected Love”, the title of her story, and got to work.
She had drafted a detailed outline of her story’s plot and finished the ten page prologue. As soon as she began typing, the words just flowed out. She was now on chapter 1, and the story was coming out great in her opinion.
The sound of a door opening knocked Abby out of focus. Sitting comfortable on the couch with a glass of water by her side, she looked up to find Carolena. Her face was dripping with sweat and had a smirk that meant she was up to no good.
“Those NSYNC boys are going down.” Carol plopped down next to Abby, gulping the rest of her water.
“I’m guessing practice went well?” Abby put her laptop on the table and turned to face her friend.
“Not for them. I swear. I never knew them to be so whiny. Spoiled popstars are hilarious.”
Abby rolled her eyes and started up on her article again. “Speak for yourself.”
“You know I’m only kidding. It’s not my fault I was born rich. It sucks for the guys that they don’t know that,” Carol said as an after thought.
“Oh well. What they don’t know can’t hurt them, not yet anyway. So you’re well on your way to winning that bet huh?”
“You better believe it. Mini lottery her we come.” Carolena looked down at Abby’s laptop. “So what ‘cha working on?”
“Something new actually. A story to be exact. It’s turning out great. Who knew making stuff up could be fun.”
“You’re good at what you do so you make it fun,” Carol replied, and then pointed to herself. “Just like me. And boy do I love showing it off.
“Speaking of fun. What do you wanna do for your birthday?” Abby asked. She wasn’t getting anything done, so a break was well needed at the moment.
Carol sighed. “Honestly, I don’t know what I want to. Last year was on a cruise and the year before that was at the ice arena. I think I topped myself on birthday parties.”
Abby scrunched up her nose. “Well, take some time to think about it and we’ll talk later. You stink and deserve to take a nice hot shower after your first day of practice.”
Carolena nodded, and went into the back room, leaving Abby alone once again. After some last minute ideas for her story were typed into her laptop, she decided to head to bed herself. Hopefully, that nervousness about getting a job at Celebrity Magazine would be over and done with.
Carol whizzed through the apartment door two days later and joined Abby in the kitchen.
Abby was again on her laptop, finishing up chapter 1. She wanted this story to be simple yet interesting to read. She knew her plot was used many times before but it was giving her something to do and put her mind off the waiting. It was about a girl, who after a recent major breakup, had given up on love. Soon she meets a guy on a chance meeting. If she didn’t know any better, this story could practically be about her.
It was 10 o’clock at night and Carol had just returned from practice with the guys. Abby glanced up at her questionably before looking back at her laptop screen.
“I’ve figured out what I want to do for my birthday,” she stated, plopping down on the stool across from Abby.
“And that is?” Abby questioned, pausing in her typing.
“Why don’t we keep it simple and just have a party right here at the apartment?”
“Again?”
“Sure. We can afford it.”
“I know but didn’t we just have one?”
Carol stuck out her lip and showed Abby her best puppy eyes.
“Oh alright. It’s your birthday.”
“Great. We can order pizza, eat a million pounds of ice cream, rent some movies, crank up the stereo and get our grooves on.”
“Whatever you want. It’s your day. Anyways, when you have a chance, start making the invitations and send them out. I’ll do the rest. Just make sure you give me the list of people so I know how much food to get and stuff.”
“Yes!” Carol yelled as she jumped and headed to the fridge. “So, how’s the story coming along?”
“Very good. But it’ll have to be put on hold for a while.” Abby saved what she was doing and closed her laptop
“Why?”
“Mr. Kent called today and gave me the show I’m supposed to do a review on. It’s Beauty and the Beast.”
“Didn’t you already see that with JC?”
“First off, I wouldn’t mind seeing that again. And second, he’s giving me a free ticket.”
“Oh I gotcha.”
“Yeah. The show is Sunday night. Then I’ll have to write my review and then start working on your party
“Are you sure you don’t want me to do it? I can help you know.”
“You’re already busy enough dancing with the guys for almost twelve hours a day. Besides, I want to make this special for you. Oh yeah, how did it go today?”
“Perfect. It’s really fun dancing to those moves. Hopefully I can get a cool job sooner or later.”
“I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Anyways I’m going to bed. Mr. Kent also said he wanted me to come down to the office tomorrow.”
“You got that job and you know it. He’s just busting your chops. Hey, maybe the guys and I will stop by for lunch.”
“Please don’t.” Abby started down the hallway, trying to hide from her friend.
“And we’ll ask specifically for you!” Carolena hollered after Abby. She laughed headed for her own room.
Carol and the guys, along with their bodyguards, strolled into AppleBee’s the next day for lunch. Abby didn’t want to have all the craziness at the office so a restaurant was the next best thing. She was talking to Eryn, the hostess at the front door, when she noticed the group and Carolena’s smiling face. Abby rolled her eyes. She then noticed Eryn’s eyes bulge out. Abby shook her head and smiled. ‘Another fan.’
JC strolled over to her. “Got room for all of us?” he asked, holding his arms out for a hug. Abby waved her hand in front of her nose.
“As long as you don’t stink up the place,” Abby joked. Everyone laughed.
“Come on Abs. You know we’re starving. Darren gave a time limit I hope you know.” Joey whined, giving her large puppy eyes.
“It could be extended,” Justin said suggestively, nudging Carol.
“Don’t even think about it. Two hours is more than enough,” she said.
“Alright guys. Come on in. I guess I’ll have a heart and feed you. By the way, this is Eryn.”
Everyone waved at her as she returned the greeting. “Hello everyone, follow me.”
An area had been set up for them since Carolena called in ahead of time saying a large group was on its way. It was still early, so not many people had arrived for lunch yet.
“Just wait ‘til the end of the week. You’ll think differently,” Justin whispered to Carol, continuing their earlier would-be battle as they took their seats.
Carol just rolled her eyes and stuck her tongue out at him.
“Are you gonna be our waiter Abby? Huh? Are ya? Are ya? Are ya?” Chris asked, bouncing up and down beside her. Abby placed a hand on his shoulder and held him down.
“Sure Chris. Let me go to the manager right now and have him fire this nice lady right at our table waiting for us and I’ll become your WAITRESS!”
“COOL!” he shouted excitedly.
“Don’t scare the girl,” Lance told Chris and pulled him down into the seat.
“Hmph, you two are NOT fun,” Chris said, as he folded his arms over his chest and slouched down in his chair.
Lance and Abby looked at each other and laughed.
Chris noticed the waitress turn red and gave her a smile. “I’m only kidding. I could never have that weirdo replace you,” he said, pointing to Abby with his thumb.
She in return held her menu up higher than usual and stuck her middle finger out.
“Thanks Abs. That meal you pointed to looks absolutely fabulous,” Chris replied, loving every second of getting Abby agitated.
Right when Abby was going to open her mouth, JC interrupted her. “Alright, someone order. I’m starving.”
Soon, everyone was happily enjoying their lunch, munching down as if they had never eaten before.
Pleasant conversation was spoken, each person discussing anything new going on.
“Just to let you guys know, my birthday is coming up next week. I’m having a party at the apartment,” Carolena said.
“We’d love to go,” JC answered for the group. “But –”
As if Carol knew what he was about to say, she answered him back. “Oh don’t worry. I’ll have Darren let us off early that day.”
“Good luck with that,” Justin replied, patting her back.
“I have my ways,” Carolena said. “I’ve gotten you this far haven’t I? Besides, you guys deserve a much needed break since you’re losing your part of the bet anyway.”
“Yeah right!” all 5 guys answered in unison.
“Whatever you say boys. I’d like my winnings to be in cash. See? You already have your birthday presents planned out for me.”
Besides Abby, Carol, and the body guards’ laughter, a series of groans were heard.
“Anyways, people I gotta get going. Mr. Kent is expecting me back at the office in about fifteen minutes and taxies aren’t on my good side. I’ll see you guys later ok?”
With a kiss from JC, Abby said all her goodbyes to everyone and was gone in a flash.
“That’s a wrap everyone.” Darren yelled out as the last notes ended for rehearsal. Everyone dropped to the floor except for Carolena.
“Damn girl, are you related to the energizer bunny or something?” Lance asked, sipping from his water bottle.
Carol shrugged. “All that I know is that storing energy is my specialty. And with all that time spent in a cast…well you get the picture.”
“So what happened with the youngin’?” Chris asked, ruffling Justin’s head.
“Get your sweaty hands off of me,” Justin said, sliding himself away from Chris.
“Hmm…maybe he was just a dud,” Carol replied, getting her things together.
“I’ll show you dud.” Justin threw his sweat towel at her.
“Eww! Sweaty cooties! Why I outta –”
“You do know you’re free to go right?” Darren interrupted her.
“Yay.” Carolena walked to the door.
“And where do you think you’re going?” Darren asked the guys, who were trying to sneak out with her. “I specifically remember there was…what was it again? Oh yes a meeting with the tour director.”
“Sucks to be you huh?” Carol said, laughing. She loved ticking them off. After looking at their faces, she knew she had said enough. “Goodnight everyone!”
A series of “good nights” and “byes” were said and soon Carolena was out of the room.
An hour later the group had just finished a meeting with the tour director to know when things started back up again. It was decided that 2 weeks from now would be the date to do so. Darren absolutely adored Carolena and he had already been working his magic to make her one of the dancers for NSYNC’s summer tour. They were in need of an extra dancer anyways. The guys agreed on it as well, especially Justin. All of them knew she had talent. That would be one of her birthday gifts from all of them. To tell her she was welcome to become part of their traveling family.
As they were gathering their stuff together, a light bulb moment went off in Justin’s head.
“Hey guys?” he asked. When he had everyone’s attention, he began to form his little scheme that he had been formulating in his mind. “If Carol’s about to become one of our dancer’s, we gotta have to do our traditional induction joke to make it official.”
“That’s right. I almost forgot about that. So what do you have in mind?” Joey asked, rubbing his hands together.
“I know just the thing,” Chris said, raising his hand.
“No Chris. We are NOT having a repeat of what happened last time,” Lance replied, folding his arms over his chest.
“Why not? The house got back to normal…eventually…”
JC, Justin, and Lance turned to Chris. “NO!”
“Party poopers,” Chris and Joey said at the same time.
“You know how the tour starts up two weeks from now?” Justin said, making sure this would work out.
The other 4 nodded.
“Well, how about we say that for some reason it got bumped up to next week. Either way, Carolena doesn’t know. She’ll think the tour starts next week for real. Anyways, we’ll just have to tell her we can’t come since it starts the day of her party. Then, we’ll make a grand appearance later on at her apartment.”
“Oooh I like,” Chris said, an evil smirk on his face.
“But we can’t do this alone. We need back up. This calls for Darren and even Abby.”
“Hopefully Carol won’t kill us beforehand,” JC said.
“Just think of it as payback for this little bet she’s in with us. She still has seven more days to go,” Justin replied.
“Gotcha. Besides, when she sees us there and we tell her our surprise, she’ll forget she was even mad at us,” Lance said.
“Exactly,” Justin answered, excited at how well this was turning out. “Ok so our mouths are shut?” With a nod from each person, Justin stood up, followed by the rest of the guys.
They never noticed the door on the other side of the room cracked open as they left.
When the hallways were silent once again, the door was fully opened. Ariella had heard the whole conversation. A smile that looked to be deadly was upon her face.
‘It seems like I’m going to a party. I can’t wait to show my partner in crime all the information I will be receiving on little Miss Abby. He can make his move sooner than I thought.’
With that, Ariella left the room and casually walked down the silent hall, only the clicking sounds of her heels. No one in the other business rooms had a clue what was reeling through her head. She was just a normal woman to them. Nothing suspicious could come from her.
Oh how wrong could they be?
The clicking soon dwindled as
the front door to the building opened and closed, revealing the silent threats
that would soon be coming.
