Unexpected Love

Today was cleaning day for Abby. As she was doing her chores, Abby was dancing to the music blaring through their boom box. Soon, she heard the phone ring. She turned down the music before picking up. “Hello.”

“Hey Abs. What’s up?” a male voice asked on the other end of the line. Abby’s mood brightened even more as she recognized the voice.

Abby rolled her eyes. ‘Here we go again.’ “Wait, are we going to another party?” she guessed.

Abby gave up. She couldn’t think of anywhere else they could go. “I give up. Can I at least have a time so I could be ready on time?”

“My, my. Aren’t you just full of questions today,” he replied sarcastically.

“Carol! I have nothing to wear and JC will be here in an hour! Can you help me PLEASE?!” Abby whined as she stood in the doorway to Carolena’s room. Carolena looked up at her from her place on the bed and gave her a small smile.

“Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about Jack,” Abby questioned. She walked over and sat beside her friend.

“I just don’t know what’s wrong with him. He’s never acted this was before,” Carolena replied, somewhat sadly.

“Don’t worry Carol. Jack’s just being an ass. He doesn’t realize what he has.” Carolena glared at her for that comment. “Sorry. You know I don’t like the guy.”

Flashes of the night of the party ran through Abby’s mind. She still didn’t have the heart to tell Carolena. She sighed. “I just have this gut feeling about him…but enough about him. I need to find an outfit. Help me!” Abby begged. Carolena laughed at her best friend pleading for help.

“Alright, alright. You go get in the shower and I’ll go see what I can whip up.”

“Thank you so much!” Abby squealed and soon left to head to the bathroom. Carolena followed her out and headed to Abby’s room to look in her closet, shaking her head at her friend’s antics.

Carolena hobbled over to the door and opened it. JC greeted her with a smile. She looked at what he was wearing. Khaki pants with a crisp white button down shirt and in his hand, he held a single white rose.

“Nice,” Carolena complemented. ‘Better than what you normally wear in public.’ She thought, a smirk coming onto her face.

“Yeah I’m fine. Nothing that can’t be taken care of. Come on in.” JC stepped into the apartment. It looked a lot cleaner that the last time he visited.

“Yeah, Abs actually. The girl’s a neat freak. Do you want anything to drink before you guys leave?”

“Naw, I’m fine, thanks. Is Abigail ready yet?” JC asked. Before Carolena had a chance to reply, Abby came down the stairs.

“Did someone just use my full name?” she questioned, putting her hands on her hips.

“Wasn’t me,” Carolena said, holding her hands up in defense. Abby’s gaze immediately turned to JC.

“Did I say something I wasn’t supposed to?” he asked innocently. Carolena nodded. “Err…sorry?” JC held out the rose for Abby to take.

She smiled at him and placed to rose neatly in her hair, which was up in a bun with several curled strands hanging loose.

“Thank you. And you’re looking very handsome,” Abby replied, smiling. JC offered his arm which she gladly took and they were off. Carolena closed the door behind them, happy for her friend.

The doorbell rang again about an hour later. Carol was in the middle of a movie and it was just getting to the good part. Deciding to ignore it, she continued on with her movie.

“Dammit,” she mumbled as she put the movie on pause. Carolena got up and hobbled to the door. She pulled it open to find Jack standing there smiling.

“It got cancelled. So I came to see how you were doing. I see you’re doing better on your foot,” Jack replied, noticing her crutches were gone. He leaned in for a kiss. As Carolena kissed him, she smelled woman’s perfume. When they pulled away, she noticed a red mark on the collar of his shirt.

“So why do you smell like perfume?” Carolena asked, crossing her arms over her chest in anger.

“I don’t know, should I?” Carolena replied, catching an attitude. ‘How dare he entire MY place, listen to MY messages, and get mad at ME! Then show up here like nothing was wrong.’

Jack sighed. “Baby, I’m sorry for what happened yesterday. I had a bad day and I took it out on you. Please forgive me.”

“So, where are we going?” Abby asked. She and JC had been sitting in silence for a few minutes as they drove on. It was a comfortable silence since both of them were enjoying each other’s company. Now, Abby was getting anxious and curious. JC had said not one word on where they were going, so she just had to break the silence.

JC smiled. He quickly looked over to her before turning back to the road. “It’s a Surprise.”

“Oh alright,” she replied, dragging it out. “Can I at least know where we’re eating?”

“Sheesh, why do I even bother?” Abby was silent for a moment before asking one more question. “Well, is there anything I AM allowed to know?”

“That we’ve arrived at our first destination.” Abby gave JC a weird look before turning to look at her surroundings. They arrived at her favorite restaurant Bahamas Breeze. Being half Bahamian herself, this was the perfect place to eat.

“Lucky guess?” JC shrugged. Abby stared, not believing him. “Just playin’. Carol told me.”

Abby rolled her eyes and both of them got out of the car to walk inside. JC, being the smart one and knowing how crowded this place tended to be, made reservations, so they were seated immediately. He didn’t want to put Abby through the craziness of his fans. He himself didn’t feel like bothered today.

“So, Carolena told me you were half Bahamian. How come I don’t hear an accent?” JC asked. They were waiting for the waiter to come and take their orders.

“My dad was Bahamian. My parents split when I was very young and my mom remarried when I was five. I’ve never seen my dad since then, but he did still help out with child support.”

Abby shrugged. “It never really bothered me, so it’s ok. My stepfather has been like a real dad to me.”

Abby shrugged once again and at that moment, a waitress came to their table. She was average height, about 5’7, her skin a pale white, bright green eyes and long, wavy, fire red hair. In Abby’s opinion, it looked to be straightened recently.

“Hi my name is Katherine and I’ll be your waitress for tonight. Are you ready to order any drinks?” Abby looked up at her freckled face and smiled. She seemed very friendly. Both she and JC made their drink orders. Katherine jotted what they wanted on her note pad. “Any appetizers?” Once again the two told her what they wanted. After rechecking to see if everything was correct, Katherine disappeared, leaving Abby and JC free to talk again.

“Umm…right now I’m a part time waitress at AppleBee’s. But now, since I’m graduating from college soon, I’m gonna have to find a full time job. I really want to become a reporter or something like that.”

“Oh yeah. I remember you telling me about your major in journalism when we first met.”

“Yup. All the time I’m writing. I love it. It’s my way to escape the world and I love writing about current events, stuff that happens to me or other people. I even write fictional stuff. I love it all.”

“That’s really cool. You’re just like me and my music. People say I get a little secretive about my stuff.”

“I’m the same way about my writing. No one sees it until it’s done and I like it. Unless, of course, I need help. You know, someone else’s view on it.” JC nodded in understanding.

Katherine came back moments later with their drinks and appetizers. She got their main course orders and disappeared once again. 30 minutes later, all their food arrived and it couldn’t have looked better. “Please enjoy your dinner and let me know if there are any problems.” Katherine smiled at them one last time and walked away.

Carolena took a deep breath and opened the door all the way. “Come on in Jack.”

“Thanks sweetie,” Jack replied, kissing her on the cheek. He walked to the couch and sat down. “I’m really sorry, honestly.”

“So why do you smell like woman’s perfume?” Carolena asked. She winced, waiting for him to blow up at her.

“I was at the mall today trying to find you some perfume. I guess the smell stayed attached to my clothes.” Jack shrugged.

Carolena was going to ask again about the stain on his shirt but she didn’t want to ruin the night with each other. “Wanna finish the movie with me?”

“Sure.” Jack wrapped his arm around Carolena and together they laid on the couch in peace.

About an hour later when the movie was just about to finish, Jack’s cell phone rang.

Carolena nodded and smiled at him. This was the Jack she fell in love with. Just being together and not once had they had a major fight made her made her happy. She was beginning to wonder what was going on. Constant trips, weird smells, acting strange. But right now, everything felt perfect.

“That was my boss and he decided to have that meeting after all. He wants me to leave tomorrow and stay out in Vegas for the entire week to catch up on lost business sales. I’m sorry I have to leave again.”

Carolena thought it strange that Jack didn’t show any emotion that he was leaving her. It practically sounded memorized. She sighed. “Alright. I guess I’ll let you go home and pack.”

“Don’t worry sweetie. I’ll be home before ya know it.” Jack walked towards the door. Carolena followed. Once Jack opened the door he turned to her. “I love you.”

Carolena just couldn’t say those words back. Maybe it wasn’t love. “I…I’ll see you later.”

“How can I say them when I hardly ever see you anymore? We fight more than we talk and our relationship is going no where but down. What do you want from me?” Carolena asked, feeling her eyes watering up.

“Aww honey, I promise I’ll make it up to you.” Jack pulled into a hug. Carolena loosely put her arms around Jack, not wanting him to get any more tempered than he already was. He kissed her gently on the lips and closed the door. As Jack walked down the hall, a smirk came upon his face.

“Thanks Katherine. The food and your service were great,” JC told her as he signed the check. Abby nodded, showing her appreciation as well.

“Always the best for our diners,” Katherine replied, her bright green eyes sparkling in the light.

“Next time we come here, I’m asking for you and that’s a promise,” Abby said, shaking the redhead’s hand. JC shook it after.

“Well, you take care ok?” JC said to their waitress, grabbing Abby’s hand.

“You be careful too.” Katherine looked into JC’s eyes. She knew who he was. “Oh and sir?”

Katherine blushed and her face became as red as her hair. “Do you think I can umm…have your signature to uhh…show my boss that I have some great customers?”

JC gave a small chuckle. He figured Katherine was a fan when he noticed her blushing. “Anything for my new favorite redheaded waitress,” he said, noticing her blush going 10 shades darker. She handed him her notepad and pen.

Thank you for your service and stay the beautiful redhead that you are. Hope to see ya soon! Trust me, I’ll be back for more and I might just bring 4 other surprises.

“Ma’am? Could you sign it too? I wouldn’t want to forget you either.” Katherine smiled sweetly at Abby.

This is very special to me since it’s my 1^st autograph hehe. Stay sweet and be on the look out for me when I come back to pig out. Love your hair!

JC winked and Katherine’s face lit up. “Thank you so much.” But she knew she had to get back to her job. She pulled them both into a hug and all 3 of them said their good byes. Katherine turned around and walked towards the back of the restaurant.

JC and Abby couldn’t help but smile, when they heard a soft squeal coming from their new friend as she walked away from them.

They headed back into the parking lot and got into JC’s car. After buckling up, he started up the car and went onto the highway.

He took a quick glance at Abby and smiled, then turned back to the road. “Katherine was sweet. I hope to see her again.”

“Since our next destination is about an hour away, I wanted to ask you something,” JC said, taking Abby’s hand with his free one.

Abby sighed. She knew she would have to tell him one of these days. “Right now Carolena’s boyfriend is being a first class asshole.”

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it like that.” JC rubbed his thumb across Abby’s hand.

“I never liked Jack in the first place. There was just something about him that didn’t click. I had my suspicions when he was always telling Carol that he had to go on business trips with his dad. Then one day, he had on a stain on his collar that looked like lipstick. Of course, he said it was wine. But how can you spill it way up there?” Abby took a deep breath, trying not to get all emotional in front of JC again.

JC squeezed her hand and went back to rubbing it with his thumb while waiting for Abby to continue.

“Anyways, when I would go shopping, a couple of times I would see his dad there, even though Jack would be on his so called trips. You see, he told us that he works for as well as with his dad. The final straw was at the party you took me to. When we were ready to leave, I saw him there with another girl. And that was the night he took Carol out to dinner. They must’ve had another fight or something.”

“Yeah, at first I just thought it was just someone who looked like him. But as I took a closer look, it was him. He was all over that girl when we were walking out, Luckily, Jack didn’t see me.”

“No. I didn’t have the heart. Also, when we came back from that girl’s day out yesterday, Justin left a message on our machine. I had no clue that Carolena had given our spare key to Jack, so just our luck he went into our apartment yesterday and heard his message. He went berserk on her because another guy called. Jack accused Carol of cheating on him.”

“So that’s why Carolena was acting a little strange around Justin. Man, Carolena doesn’t need all that. Justin really likes her and now he’s gonna be in the middle of all this.” JC couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He wanted Justin as well as his new friend to be happy. But placing Justin in this drama was what he didn’t want to do.

“I don’t want Justin or Carol to get hurt. But if this continues, that’s exactly what’s gonna happen.”

“Now I understand everything. We’ll figure something out” JC wanted Abby to feel better.

Abby nodded, but remembered JC couldn’t see her since he was driving. “Alright.” It was silent in the car except for the soft music coming from the radio. “I guess that was enough sadness for one day. We’ll do something about Jack and Carol later. Right now it’s our date,” Abby said, changing the station to a faster paced song and turned up the volume. She didn’t want to ruin the date for JC. He was doing already more than enough for her. Abby knew she had to do something for Carolena, but now wasn’t the time. She was going to have fun tonight and nothing was going to stop her. Soon she was singing along and trying to dance in her seat.

JC smiled and sung along with her. He didn’t want to make Abby anymore distressed than she was so he dropped the subject altogether.

After the song had finished and a commercial began to play, Abby smirked. Maybe she could get it out of JC where they were going. “So where we headed?”

JC loved hearing Abby laugh. He wanted to keep her happy. And he was planning on doing that. ‘After the date, I’ll stop by Justin’s and see what we can do. Carol deserves to be treated right and Justin is just that person to do it…at least I hope so.’ JC thought to himself as he looked at the clock. Only a half an hour of driving to go.

Abby was just about to open her mouth to bug JC once more on where they were going when she noticed him heading into the lane that took them off the highway. She closed her mouth and decided to remain silent. A few minutes passed when Abby noticed a huge theater coming into view. ‘Where have I seen this place before?’ she thought, as JC drove into the parking lot.

JC looked at her face and smiled. He was taking her to see the musical Beauty and the Beast. When he called Carolena, she told him there was a theater that showed musicals just an hour west from Orlando that Abby had always wanted to visit but never could. Carolena said that Abby’s mom and step dad took her there when she was around 6 years old to see a show, but it got cancelled due to a storm and the building needed repairs. Now, the musical was back again and better than ever. JC was finally making a dream of hers come true. He went online and found the number and address of the place. He then reserved tickets on the phone, and would pick them up at the front desk. “We’re here,” JC said, putting the car into park. It was already dark so there was no need to worry about being bombarded by fans.

JC got out of the car first and walked around to Abby’s side and opened her door. He took her by the hand and they were off the entrance.

“This place is so familiar…are we seeing a show?” Abby asked, as they walked. She noticed people walking in front of as well as behind them wearing similar attire.

“You can say that,” JC replied. “We first have to stop by the front desk to pick up our tickets.”

“Okie dokie,” Abby answered, looking up at the grand theater. The couple walked through the glass doors and saw beautiful golden chandlers that made the whole area sparkle. Everywhere you looked, there were statues of humans as well as animals. There was a little shop in the corner that sold programs, binoculars, snacks, and other souvenirs. Each person there had a look of awe and anxiousness as they searched for their section.

JC pulled Abby to the left and walked towards the front desk to pick up their tickets. Sitting at the desk, was a lady with medium brown skin and straight, black hair that went past her shoulders. She had on her uniform and was, at the moment, talking on the phone and typing at the computer. They let her finish the conversation before speaking.

“…yes sir. Right away sir.” The lady hung up the phone and looked up at JC and Abby. “Hello. How may I help you?” She smiled sweetly at the couple and folded her hands on the desk.

“Yes uh…Kendra,” JC said, looking at her name tag. He looked into her medium brown eyes and spoke again. “I reserved tickets yesterday on the phone and was wondering if I could pick them up?”

“Not a problem sir,” Kendra replied, looking up at the man from where she was sitting. Her eyes widened a bit, her brain processing on who this was. Finally it clicked. It took all her strength not to look excited. “Last name please?”

Kendra typed into the computer and found what she was looking for. “Alrighty. Two tickets for the eight o’clock show?”

“We just got new printers today and they are getting used to everything. It will only take a minute or so for them to get the tickets printed. While they are doing that, may I ask how your day was?” ‘Katherine is SO gonna freak.’ Kendra thought, still in shock on who she was talking to.

“It went very well,” JC replied. Abby nodded. “We went out to dinner at Bahamas Breeze and headed out here,” he continued.

“Hmm…the only Bahamas Breeze I know is about an hour east from here. Did you happen to see a redheaded waitress there?” Kendra asked.

“As a matter of fact we did. Katherine was her name. Very sweet,” Abby said.

“Wow, what a coincidence. Katherine’s my best friend. I’ve known her since high school. We’re both getting our degrees together.” Kendra couldn’t believe what was happening. How this happened, she would never know, but she had a feeling her and Katherine we’re going to be having a nice good talk on who they met when she got back to their dorm room.

“How cool is that!” JC answered. “She’s already been named my new favorite redheaded Bahamas Breeze waitress.”

All 3 of them chuckled. Soon there was a noise coming from the back of the desk.

“Your tickets are ready. Let me get the receipts,” Kendra said, turning to get everything done. She got her pen and made X’s on where JC had to sign. Not wanting to bother him for an autograph, she gave JC a third “receipt” for him to sign and she would keep it for herself.

As JC was signing everything, he noticed the extra paper and couldn’t help but smile. ‘It seems as though Ms. Kendra is trying to be slick like her friend Katherine. I swear those two must think exactly alike.’ JC thought to himself, letting out a small chuckle. He was in a good mood, so he wrote a little note on the 3^rd sheet.

Tell Katherine I say hi and can’t wait to see you two again at the famous Bahamas Breeze. Stay sweet and good luck on your degrees.

“Your tickets, sir,” Kendra answered, taking the receipts and handing him 2 tickets. “Enjoy the show.”

“And thank you,” Abby said, feeling JC’s light tug on her hand and turned around.

As they were walking away, JC glanced back and noticed Kendra’s mouth drop when she saw his little message. He smiled. “Alrighty, lets go find our seats.”

After a good 10 minutes of walking around, the couple finally found their section and headed towards their seats. It was a perfect view of the stage. After Abby had gotten comfortable, JC stood up and she gave him a questionable look.

“I’m gonna buy a program and some binoculars,” he said, digging into his pockets to find some money.

“Oh ok. Well hurry up,” Abby replied looking around and discovering new things to look at.

JC returned 5 minutes later with a book, binoculars, 2 sodas and some popcorn. “Here you go ma’am,” JC said, giving her a drink, binoculars, and the program. He put the popcorn in between them and waited for her reaction.

Abby tried her hardest not to scream. “Oh my god! We’re seeing Beauty and the Beast?!”

JC nodded. He looked at Abby and noticed her smile couldn’t get any bigger than it already was. Beautiful was no where near the word JC thought of when he looked at Abby.

Abby was jumping around in her seat. She was so excited. Abby turned in her seat and gave JC a hug. “Thank you so much. You don’t know how much I’ve wanted to see one of these.”

As soon as Abby turned back around, the lights dimmed and the sounds of the orchestra began to play. She felt JC’s hand on hers and relaxed. She put the soda back in its slot and the program on her lap. Abby then used her other hand for the binoculars. This was one night that would last in her memories. Forever.

Time seemed to fly by before Abby’s eyes. Before she knew it, her and JC were standing in front the apartment door, standing awkwardly.

“My goodness. I don’t know how many times I can thank you for tonight,” Abby said, looking up into JC’s eyes.

“You don’t need to. Just being with me tonight was enough,” JC replied. There was one question that was bugging him all night and he figured now was the time to ask. “Hey Abs?”

“Yeah, in a couple of weeks. It feels weird that all my schooling is done and my new life starts.”

“You actually wanna come? After all, you have to sit there listening to more than 300 names.”

“Yes it is. HELLO! It’s your graduation. Besides, I know we haven’t known each other that long but…” JC took a deep breath. “…you’re becoming more and more important to me each day.” He sincerely meant every word and smiled at her. He took both of her hands into his. “I really wanna give us a try and yes I would like to come.”

Abby couldn’t believe what she was hearing. JC Chasez of NSYNC, who could have any girl in the world, was asking her to give it a try with him. Abby blushed as she looked up at him and smiled back. “I’d love for you to go then. Can you bring the others or will that cause to much of a commotion?”

“I’ll see what I can do.” JC was getting dangerously close and soon their noses were almost touching. As Abby looked up at his face once more, she noticed his crystal blue eyes were asking for permission. Asking to kiss her somewhere other than her check or forehead. As if to tell him yes, she put her arms around his neck and soon one of JC’s hands was placed on her waist and the other caressed her cheek. Almost like slow motion, JC slowly and gently placed his lips against Abby’s. Both of them felt sparks flying between them. Abby tilted her head to deepen the kiss and she felt her whole world turn upside down. JC didn’t mind at all as he shifted as well, making it easier for the two. Moments that felt like forever passed before JC pulled away and looked down at Abby, who still had her eyes closed. “Wow,” he whispered as she opened her eyes.

“We gotta to do more of that,” Abby said, her heart still going a million beats per second.

“Well, I better be on my way. I had a wonderful time with you Abs.” JC hugged her and never wanted to let go.

“Ditto.” Abby didn’t want this night to end but unfortunately, it was coming to a close.

They stood there holding each other for a minute before JC pulled away. He kissed her forehead and started towards the elevator. “I’ll call ya tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Abby replied, opening up her door and waving at JC. He waved back and soon, he was gone

After JC had dropped Abby off back at her and Carolena’s apartment, he decided to head over to Justin’s place just like he had planned to before. He pushed in the security code and the gates opened. JC drove up and parked his car. He then got out and knocked on the door. The door opened and Justin’s face popped out.

The two walked into the living room. Justin sat on the couch, while JC grabbed a chair.

“I found out from Abs that Carolena has a boyfriend that is a real jerk to her. She said that Carol can’t even have any guy friends with out him going berserk on her. Abby even saw him at the party with another girl.”

Justin jerked up from where he was on the couch. “What?! Wait a minute. Wasn’t that the night she went out to dinner.”

JC nodded. “Carol still doesn’t even know about the incident at the party. What are we gonna do? She shouldn’t be treated like this. ”

Justin was silent for a few minutes. He felt JC’s stare and turned to look at him. “You know what? I think I have an idea.”

“Abby, why are we here?” Carolena whined, as she and Abby got out of the taxi. After Abby and JC’s date, the two girls had stayed up and discussed every single detail. They went to bed late and woke up early, so Carolena was dead tired. She wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed and sleep for the rest of the week.

“I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that.” Abby knew exactly what was happening. She received a call from JC. He said that he told Justin about Carolena’s situation and Justin had a plan. So he and the rest of the guys were meeting the girls at a special karaoke bar. Justin wanted it to be a surprise so Abby promised not to tell Carolena.

“What is this place?” Carolena asked, as she and Abby were walking towards the entrance. Carolena decided not to bring her crutches. She could walk without them, even though she still had to limp a little.

“For the millionth time, it’s a special club or bar or…whatever you wanna call it,” Abby replied, rolling her eyes.

“I haven’t either. JC told me about it and he figured you needed to have some fun.”

“Yes I did. He was really worried about you. So he gave me directions to this place and here we are.”

Carolena sighed as they showed their ID’s and headed on in. When they got to their table, Carolena noticed there wasn’t a dance floor. There was a small stage, a big TV beside it, and 2 microphones set on top of the stage. The speakers were on both sides. Light music was coming out of them. Finally, Carolena figured out what this place was. ‘Why Abby?’ She thought to herself, sighing again.

Abby caught sight of the guys and smiled. They saw her and waved. Luckily Carolena didn’t notice them there. She did notice Abby smiling at someone but figured it was nothing. Carolena tapped on Abby’s shoulder and whispered in her ear. “Please don’t tell me you signed me up for this.”

Everyone clapped as he took the microphone. “Good evening everyone! Who’s ready to KARAOKE?”

The audience screamed and clapped as the DJ laughed and got everything set up. “Alrighty then. Let’s get this started. Timothy you’re up!”

The audience clapped once again as a middle aged man walked up and took the microphone.

2 hours passed and Carolena was impressed by what she heard. Some people were great. Others…not that great. And some just acted like dorks on purpose. She was just about to get up and go to the restroom when the DJ spoke. “And let’s give a round of applause to our last man of the evening. Give it up for Justin!”

Carolena, still standing, was in shock. She saw Justin, limping without his crutches as well, get on stage and took the microphone. ‘No, this can’t be happening.’ Her mouth dropped open. Out of the corner of her eye she caught Abby letting out a small giggle. ‘Abby’s SO dead when we get home.’ Carolena sat back down as the music to the song Justin picked out came through the speakers. Justin finally saw Carolena and locked his eyes with hers as he sung the song to her. Directly from his heart.

How many times you're gonna let him use you
You'd think that you would know by now
How could you let him treat you so bad
How many times will you let him break your heart
I heard he lied to you
I heard your love he
abused/don't say it isn't so
I see it in your eyes
It's something you can't hide

Carolena sat there in a daze as she listened to the words of the song, coming from Justin. Soon, anger was stirring through her body. ‘Why does everyone think Jack is hurting me? I know Justin likes me but he’s got to get a hold of himself.’ A tear slid down her face. ‘Jack loves me.’ Carolena got up and walked towards the restroom. She noticed Justin’s questionable look as he continued to sing and Carolena quickened her pace. Abby’s mouth dropped as she watched the scene unfold. She looked towards the guys’ table and they were watching as well. Abby decided to get up and follow Carolena.

How many times you're gonna let him use you
You'd think you would know by now
How could you let him treat you so bad
How many times will you, let him break your heart
He gives you lonely nights
And he can hear you cry
And love he denies
He's never gonna change
He just can't accept the blame

Out by the exit of the building, another person was watching Justin pour his heart out singing. He noticed Justin’s gaze and followed it. Soon he saw Carolena rise from her seat and his suspicions were correct. An evil smile came to Jack’s face. ‘If this is how it’s going to be. Then let the games begin.’ With that, he turned around and left without anyone even noticing he was there.

How many times are you gonna let him abuse you
You'd think that you would know by now
How could you let him treat you so bad
How many times will you, let him break your heart
Girl dry your eyes
Get up off your face
Don't be ashamed. Find someone else new
Someone who'll appreciate you
Always love you
How many times will he break your heart
And I hope that you
Feel the same way too
Yes I pray that you
Do love me too.

Carolena splashed some water on her face as she continued to think. She could still hear Justin’s voice through the closed door. ‘Ok. Yeah he gets a little mad at me from time to time. But Jack’s just being protective. He doesn’t want to lose me.’

“Uh…hello? Earth to Carolena? He’s never there for you anymore. He treats to you like dirt if you even talk to another guy and…” Carolena interrupted her.

“I think he’s just being a little overprotective of me, that’s all. I mean, how can Justin know all of what he’s singing about. We’ve only known each other barely two weeks.”

“Excuse me?! He told me himself. I know you don’t like him, but I thought YOU. My best friend in the whole wide world could understand.”

“That’s the thing, Carol. I do. Listen, I know I should have told you this earlier but I didn’t have the heart…”

“Remember when we got our test scores back and Jack stopped by that day?” Carolena nodded. “Well, I saw what looked to be lipstick on the collar of his shirt.” Carolena was about to open her mouth, but Abby stopped her. “And don’t go telling me it could’ve been wine, because I know what wine looks like and that certainly wasn’t wine.” Carolena stayed silent, expecting more to come out of her friend. Abby sighed. “That night, when I went with the guys to their party, when it was time to go, I saw Jack with another girl. He was ALL over her.”

“But…that was right after our fight at the restaurant,” Carolena said, barely above a whisper.

“And all those times Jack said he has business trips with his dad? Well, I’ve seen his dad a couple of times when I went grocery shopping. He’s doing stuff behind your back, Carol. You don’t deserve that.”

Carolena laughed as she looked at Abby straight in the eye. “You know what? You’re just jealous of me. You want what I have. You want a guy to love you so you go with the first one you see, and that lucky one right now is, drum roll please, JC Chasez of the pop group NSYNC. Maybe he’ll say those words to you too like Jack said them to me! And you know what? I love Jack! I just have to tell him that whenever I see him. You’re making all this up so we can have the perfect life with the boyband princes. Well I’ve had enough Abigail! I’m outta here!” Carolena stormed out leaving Abby speechless.

Abby stood there, not believing what just happened. ‘Oh Carol, what has he done to you?’ A tear made its way down her face as she made her way back to the room.

Abby noticed nobody was on the stage. She figured the DJ called Carolena’s name. She walked over to him. “Excuse me sir?” The DJ turned around to face Abby. Carolena…uh…didn’t feel so good so she left for the night.”

“Alright. Thanks for telling me.” The DJ grabbed the microphone as Abby headed towards the guys’ table. “That’s all folks. Our last performer had to leave so I bid you farewell and hope to see you soon. Good night everyone!”

“Carol just doesn’t understand.” Another tear slid down her cheek. “She’s being so stubborn it’s not even funny. Carol just doesn’t see what’s happening right in front of her.”

“No it’s not alright,” Abby said, pulling away. “I can’t stand it that Jack is cheating on her and Carol just doesn’t wanna see it. She said I’m jealous of her.”

Just then, Abby broke down right in front of them. JC once again hugged her and this time Abby didn’t pull away. “She’s my best friend. I don’t know what I’m gonna do.”

“Come on Abs. Let’s take you home,” JC said, putting his arm around her shoulder. The group walked towards the exit and headed for the van.

Carolena got out of the taxi as it arrived at her apartment. She paid the driver and headed on into the building. She couldn’t stop replaying the conversation she had with Abby just minutes before. Carolena reached her room and walked in. She changed into her pajamas and laid down on the bed. Carolena laid on her back, looking at the ceiling til she heard footsteps and a door close. ‘Must be Abby.’ She thought to herself. A tear slid down Carolena’s face as she turned on her side to go to sleep. She wasn’t planning to sleep that well though. ‘Man, this is going to be hell.’