December 10th, 1998
Justin rolled off the bed and shuffled to his doorway. He held his cell phone to his ear, listening to the woman on the other end. "Yes mom, I know mom."
"But JUSTIN! You sound sick! Just take some medicine and clear it up. You said that wading it out would let it pass. But that was 3 weeks ago. You still sound stuffy. I leave you alone on tour for a month and you go and get sick."
Justin rolled his eyes and opened the door, letting the person there walk in his room. "Mom, I just have a stuffy nose and a headache. It's called the common cold. Everyone gets it."
"Well get some rest ok baby? I have to go. Paul just got home and we are going out for dinner. Are you sure you are going to get better for me?"
Justin eyed the figure standing in his room, smirking at him. "Yes, mommy."
"Good babe. If you are still sick when you come home for Christmas I'm taking you to the doctor."
Justin sighed. "I don't need to go to the doctor."
"Mmmmhmm, we will see about that. I love you and I'll call ya tomorrow ok?"
"Allright. Night mom. Love ya."
"Bye Justin." Justin flipped off his cell phone and sighed. "Thanks man."
"Hey, no problem." JC shrugged. "Are you sure you don't wanna come out with us tonight?"
Justin walked over to the bed that JC had laid the black box type thing on and shook his head. "Nah, I just wanna stay in. I'm tired and I'm planning on going to bed early. Mom's right, I need to get rid of this cold."
"Ok, take some Advil or Tylenol..Ohh no, take Nyquil that stuff clears me up so fast. Its soooo good."
Justin narrowed his eyes at JC and grinned mischievously, as he lay down on his stomach, perpendicular on the bed. "Damn, C. If I didn't know any better I would think you might have a abusive nyquil disorder."
"Well, I've been to rehab twice." JC chuckled and shot Justin a look. He had already gotten situated on the bed and was enthralled with the laptop he had brought for him. "Hey, keep in mind that's MY computer. I brought you the recharger because the battery might be low. And if you wanna hook up to internet you know you have to plug it into your cell phone."
Justin didn't move, except to click on the AOL icon and rubbed his bare feet together, bending his knees and letting his legs swing in the air. He looked like a little kid, watching cartoons with his chin resting in his palm, staring at the screen.
JC walked over to the laptop and plugged in the phone line for Justin and picked up his cell phone and plugged the other end of the line to it. -He IS the baby of the group. -
JC stared down at Justin whose face was highlighted by the screen. He widened his eyes slightly and walked around the bed. Justin usually wasn't such a big computer nerd or internet freak. But he let that slide for now and continued to the door. "Uhh, don't forget you want to rest tonight J. Don't spend all your time looking up Britney pics on the web."
"Ok..." Justin stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Wait...what?"
JC just waved with a smug smile and pulled the door shut quickly behind him.
Justin rolled his eyes and turned back to the screen waiting to sign on. He grinned when AOL connected, and on cue he quietly mouthed with the speaker "Welcome...You've got mail."
He checked his mail. One from Trace, one from some finical aid company that he immediately deleted. There were 3 from Tiffany, some girl he had met a few months ago at a trancson party. She was in some group. She was cute. At first. Now she was just annoying.
Justin read the email from Trace and spent a few minutes writing him back. He ignored Tiffany's emails. After he was done with his email he clicked on Basketball on the AOL welcome screen and looked up some stats and scores for the Tarheels and some other teams he was interested in.
He finally got bored with it and looked around to see what there was he could do. His eyes glanced down at the screen in the bottom corner. It read 8:07 p.m. They didn't have a show that night, so all the other guys had gone out to a club or dinner or something. Justin hadn't felt like going. He had a headache, and even though the computer wasn't the best to cure that, he didn't really care.
He pressed on the MUSIC category on the Channels screen to see what new releases were out and see if anything would spark his interest. And something did, but not in the way he had planned. In the corner there was a link to go read a Dave Matthews interview at RollingStone.com.
Justin smirked. He remembered how a few weeks ago some random girl had told him off in the middle of the night because of the stupid a/s/l thing. Looking back he found it quite humorous. For some reason he still had her name lodged in his memory. DMBlover81.
He decided to give her a run for her money.
CurlyJay23: a/s/l?
2 seconds later...
DMBlover81: 22/male/va
Justin looked at the screen. That wasn't whom he had talked to before. The person he had talked to wasn't male and wouldn't have answered to his question. It clicked in his brain. He smiled, and typed in another screename chuckling barely audibly.
CurlyJay23: HEY! HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY?
He bit his lip and waited for a response.
DMBluvr81: Hey! I'm doing great. How are- wait...
Justin grinned at the screen.
DMBluvr81: Why does your name seem familiar? Oh my god!! ARE YOU THE a/s/l kid?!?!
CurlyJay23: ...(sighs)...she remembers...
DMBluvr81: Why are you IMing me? Oh my god. Are you one of those nasty, 200lb unmarried 36-year-olds ready to molest me???
CurlyJay23: I told you before I'm 18.
DMBluvr81: You could be lying.
CurlyJay23: And you could actually be a nice girl. But I'm not planning on it.
DMBluvr81: Hey, I can be nice...wait, why am I even talking to you?
Justin smiled and pulled up her profile again, scanning its contents.
CurlyJay23: Because I'm charming.
DMBluvr81: Ohhh, sorry. I missed that. I some how couldn't see your charm when I was trying to block your huge ego from my line of vision.
CurlyJay23: So, ELIZABETH (from your profile) where are you from?"
DMBluvr81: My mom. Yeah...wait maybe it was my dad..no, I'm pretty sure my MOM gave birth to me.
His blue eyes rolled sharply.
CurlyJay23: ...funny...
DMBluvr81: well, I try...
CurlyJay23: so, umm...I really liked your profile, that's why I a/s/led you a few weeks ago. You seemed....interesting.
DMBluvr81: Well good. He does have a brain. I AM interesting. And I didn't know a/s/l was a verb.
CurlyJay23: I just made it one.
DMBluvr81: Oh ok, I'll go call Webster up right now and demand him to put a/s/l in the dictionary.
A full smile played on his full lips. He rolled off his stomach and brought the computer to his lap and leaned his back on the headboard of the bed to get more comfortable. He didn't know what else to say and after about a minute he typed:
CurlyJay23: :) I like you.
DMBluvr81: :( I hate you.
He frowned.
CurlyJay23: Aww...
DMBluvr81: Sorry, I don't like lame pick up lines. Especially "a/s/l" and especially ":) I like you." The internet isn't a dating service.
CurlyJay23: Did you not see the Montel special this morning about love found on the interenet?
DMBluvr81: Did you not watch the evening news tonight about molestation and stalkers on the internet?
CurlyJay23: I can't win with you.
DMBluvr81: Exactly. That's how it's supposed to be. Good doggie, would you like a cookie?
Justin didn't miss a beat.
CurlyJay23: What kind? I perfer chocolate chip.
DMBluvr81: You know what Curlyjay?
Justin licked his lips, and rubbed his eyes that weren't use to staring at a screen this long.
CurlyJay23: What curlyjayluvr?
DMbluvr81: (watch it) I'm just thinking, if you can play along with my jokes and keep up with me; well you might not be so bad after all.
"Yes" Justin quietly chanted. He realized he had said that outloud and immediately calmed himself.
CurlyJay23: You like ME? You REALLY like me?
DMBluvr81: No, I don't recall ever saying that I LIKED you.
CurlyJay23: Do you have a picture?
DMBluvr81: Yup...close your eyes and imagine Britney Spears.
Justin's eyes widened and his mouth dropped a bit with amusement.
CurlyJay23: ohhh REALLY?
DMBluvr81: Uh huh, picture her total opposite. I look nothing like her :)
Justin contemplated writing the next line. He had a comeback if she said yes. He just wanted to see what her response would be.
CurlyJay23: Do you want my picture?
DMBluvr81: No, I know what you look like. You are 36 and overweight, remember?
He shook his head, typing.
CurlyJay23: Oh yeah, sorry. I was brushing the potato chip crumbs off my beer belly when you said that earlier.
DMBluvr81: ...grins...So, "Jay" if that's your real name... what's you a/s/l? lol
CurlyJay23: "a/s/l?!? OH MY GOSH! Don't you have manners?" I'm 18 (as I've told you), I'm a guy (which I think you figured out) and I live in Florida. And in actuality, Jay isn't my real name.
DMBluvr81: Florida...sigh...home of the retired, home of the hurricanes, home of the boyband, and home of CurlyJay...what a wasteful state.
CurlyJay23: Home of the boyband, eh? You have a crush on Nick Carter, don't you?
DMBluvr81: Who?
CurlyJay23: BSB member
DMBluvr81: huh?
CurlyJay23: Backstreet boy singer..Nick Carter..the blonde one.
DMBluvr81: ohhh, that one (who the hell is he talking about?)..um no...I think YOU have the crush. You knew who he was. Aww, Jay. Are you gay? Hehe, that rhymes. GayJay.
CurlyJay23: I'm not gay. And I'm from Orlando. It's kinda hard NOT to know who's in what boyband when you live there.
DMBluvr81: Do you work at Disney World? Are you the dude dressed up in the Mickey Mouse costume? Or are you Goofy? No, goofy is too smart. You must be Pluto.
CurlyJay23: Damn, you figured me out.
DMBluvr81: Well I am a smart one. I did pass kindergarten. Well, the 3rd time around.
CurlyJay23: lol. So I'm guessing you aren't into the whole pop music scene.
DMBluvr81: I guess. I mean, the music is catchy. I like "hit me baby," though I think the title is a little unsuitable. I mean, its giving kids the idea that it's ok to hit others. I don't think Britney should be advocating abusive behavior.
DMBluvr81: But I'm obsessed with Dave Matthews. It's sad. I liked them a just little bit, and then I went to their concert with my 3 older sisters and BAM! I was in love. But I like everything really. I have this weird Janet thing though. I don't really like R&B or dance and I'm not all about pop. But lately I've been jamming to some Janet Jackson and it's SO weird because any other music like that I don't really care for.
Justin smiled. He was on tour with Janet right then. He almost contemplated telling her so. But remembered that he was Justin Timberlake. But hey, she didn't know who Nick Carter was. Probably had no idea who he was EITHER. He forgot about that for now.
CurlyJay23: Yeah, I love Janet.
DMBluvr81: What type of music do you like?
CurlyJay23: R&B :)
DMBluvr81: hehe, figures. I hate you, I hate the music you like...isn't that neato?!?
He ignored her "hate" comments.
CurlyJay23: I'm obsessed with Stevie Wonder and Brian McKnight.
DMBluvr81: McKnight = SAPPY. But Stevie is cool. I love his old stuff. "Sign, sealed delivered I'M YOURS!!!"
Justin bobbed his head, while he hummed the song she had just quoted. After a few moments he typed quickly.
CurlyJay23: Can I point out something?
DMBluvr81: I don't know, can you? ;)
He rolled his eyes like she was actually there to see the gesture.
CurlyJay23: ...cute...annoying, but cute...no, its just before you said you wouldn't waste your time on me. And now its going on 9, we've talked for an hour and you haven't signed off or blocked me or cussed me out or anything yet.
DMBluvr81: All in good time. In reality, its either talk to you and be slightly amused by your blatant stupidity, or study for my English test on Hamlet.
CurlyJay23: I liked that play.
DMBluvr81: OH MY GOD! YOU KNOW HOW TO READ!!! =O
CurlyJay23: Yah, mommy baut me "See spot run" fo Kissmass an eva sense den I learn how 2 read!
DMBluvr81: :) anyway, I have to memorize the "to be or not to be" speech by tomorrow. Kinda sucks. But then we get to watch Mel Gibson be Hamlet in that movie...mmmmm yummy.
CurlyJay23: Yeah, I think I might just pop in an educational movie tonight, if I get bored with you.
DMBluvr81: What movie? Candy's first lick?
CurlyJay23: How did you know?
DMBluvr81: During the day I'm Liz, at night I turn into Candy...bonified porno star.
He wanted a reaction as he typed his next line.
CurlyJay23: Wanna cyber?
DMBluvr81: Wanna me to send you a virus?
CurlyJay23: I was joking.
DMbluvr81: I wasn't.
CurlyJay23: So, you said you have 3 older sis's, huh?
DMBluvr81: Yup, I was a mistake.
Justin's defined eyebrows merged, and he ran a hand throw his hair and typed with the other.
CurlyJay23: Aw, don't say that.
DMBluvr81: I was. My parents didn't want 4 kids. And when they found out my mom was pregnant my dad prayed for a boy. Too bad for him I was born without a penis and testicles.
CurlyJay23: uh...k?
DMbluvr81: Sorry, at times I become insanely blunt. Bad habit. But yeah, daddy dearest thought if I became super sports kid that somehow it would make up for having to deal with 3 miss prisses. I'm so uncoordinated and unatheletic, though. It's so funny. Dad wants me to be great at sports and I completely SUCK. I also think he secretly wants me to become a lesbian.
CurlyJay23: Are you?
DMBluvr81: Would it matter?
Justin's shoulders slumped. He didn't think she was, but you could never know.
CurlyJay23: I guess not.
DMBluvr81: Good cause it shouldn't. We are just talking. Right?
CurlyJay23: Right.
DMBluvr81: Just a one-time thing. I'll never see the screename CurlyJay23 after tonight, ever again.
To be honest, Justin was enjoying talking to this girl very much so. She was refreshing and witty and smart. She kept him on his toes. He liked that.
CurlyJay23: Well, I don't know...
DMBluvr81: awwwwwww
CurlyJay23: What?
DMBluvr81: You have a crush on me.
CurlyJay23: Yup, considering I have no idea who you are.
DMBluvr81: Happens all the time. And btw- just so you can dream about me some more. I'm not a lesbian.
He smiled and nodded his head like he had just gotten an answer right on a test. He didn't know why it made him at ease to know she wasn't gay.
CurlyJay23: Marry me?
DMBluvr81: Only if you let me bring home a male stripper to our bed every night.
CurlyJay23: Deal.
DMBluvr81: Hey, I got an idea. Lets go stir up some trouble in the teen chat rooms.
CurlyJay23: All right, how we going to do that?
DMBluvr81: I'll invite you to a chat room and we will mess with the teenies heads. Just follow my lead ok?
CurlyJay23: You're the boss.
DMBluvr81: Damn straight.
Justin chuckled and pushed the laptop off this stomach and quickly typed.
CurlyJay23: brb, send me the link. I'm going to get something to drink.
DMBluvr81: All righty, get me a Pepsi, pweeeease. :)
Justin got off the bed but looked back when he heard her IM. He shook his head.
CurlyJay23: I'll see what I can do...
Justin ended up talking to DMBluvr81 until 10:30 that night, when she said she had to get off to go to bed. They spent their time going to random chatroom and causing some trouble, pretended they were stars or long lost friends, or just being plain obnoxious together. They didn't really talk much more about who the other one was. But he figured she was still in high school because of all the studying she had to do. And by her profile he guessed she was his age, so she wouldn't be in college just yet.
He didn't have a clue as to who this girl was, but the night and the next day and the next Justin found time whether it was 2 hours or 2 minutes to get on line and see if she was there. Usually she wasn't, but he sent her emails.
And from that day...he had gained a friend, a weird one, but a friend to say the least. All made possible by the internet.