"I don’t know about this." Kristy shook her head and sighed. "You know I’m not the huge partier." Sharon made a face at her, frowned and put her hands on her hips. "Now you listen to me woman." she began in a mock disciplinary tone. "You are going to go with me this week, and not only that, you’re gonna have a rockin time. I mean, how often do you get away from it all and just have fun?"

Kristy thought a moment. "I..I.."

"Exactly." Sharon complained. "Do you realize how fantastic you look? You should be enjoying it."

Kristy closed her eyes and breathed deeply. "Shar..., what is the main reason you drag me out?" she questioned

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, when we go out, what’s the purpose? And don’t say because we like to, because I want a more specific answer than that."

Sharon looked puzzled. "Well, I , I like to dance, it’s fun, ya know, F-U-N-, Ever hear of it? And besides....It’s a great way to meet guys."

"Oh come on Sharon! Guys guys guys. Is that all there is to think about. Maybe I’m not interested in being looked at like a trophy piece of meat."

Sharon just shook her head. "Kris, what’s this really about? Why don’t you wanna go with me? And what do you have against guys all of a sudden?"

Kristy sat on the corner of the bed with her head down. "It’s gonna sound stupid." she said.

Sharon’s eye’s widened. "I have told you everything since we were in second grade, most of which was pretty stupid!" she said "Nothing you have ever said has been stupid."

"Well," Kristy spoke, "It’s hard for me to trust guys, other than my family. I mean, growing up, they couldn’t have been bothered. I was the heavy girl. Who the heck bothered to get to know me? Did they care what kind of person I was? They never even thought about it." Kristy’s eyes began to water. "I just feel so angry. So many single men come up to me now. I could be the biggest jerk in the world, and they wouldn’t care. All they care about is appearance. Do you know how lonely it was being single all through my teenage years? And now, here I am...22 years old, and I’ve never even been on a date!"

Sharon put her arm around Kris’s shoulder. "Honey, not all guys are jerks. I know it’s hard to see that now, but you will. Until then, however, you are going to the beach! No arguements." Kristy knew she couldn’t say no to Sharon.

It’s true the world had done a 360 since Kristy had lost all the weight. Her family’s reaction and that of her friends was overwhelming. They couldn’t believe she was the same girl. Finally everyone could see how stunning her features were. And Kristy had been thrilled in the beginning, but after one instance in particular, her feelings turned more toward the bitter.

It had been a beautiful Spring Saturday. She and Sharon were shopping at the mall, when she ran into an old high school classmate. She was so used to avoiding people she knew from school, not wanting them to see that she was still the heavy girl. But this time, she wasn’t, and the encounter was unavoidable, as he was walking up the isle in her direction. "Hi." she smiled pleasantly.

He stopped dead in his tracks, and smiled back. "Hi, uhm, do I know you from somewhere? You look familiar." he said. She began to chuckle.

"Uhm, ya, Joe, I’m Kristy Muncy. We went to high school together" Recognition brightened his face, and then shock.

"Get out!!" he said bordering a shout "Oh my God girl! You look incredible!"

The tone of his voice was serious. Kristy just smiled and shrugged her shoulders. They began to talk about their lives, when he veered her off to the side of the isle out of the way of poeple wanting to get through. It was then that he asked her out. She couldn’t believe it. This guy had been one of the most popluar in school. And now he was asking her out, 4 years after graduation.

"Actually, Joe, wow....I’m flattered. " she began. "But..... I’m,.. I’m seeing someone." she lied.

He frowned. "Oh..well, that’s okay. Can’t blame a guy for trying right?" he laughed. "Well, I really do need to get going...You really do look fantastic." he finished. They said goodbye and parted, but the taste the meeting left in her mouth didn’t leave her so quickly. Joe had been in her homeroom. He saw her every day. He never spoke a single word to her. Now, he noticed her? She was hurt deeply, and began to realize how difficult it would be to find someone who loved her for herself. The same person she always was.....on the inside.

The hotel the girls were staying in was nicer than they expected. They had each put a certain amount toward expenses, opting to share rooms, cutting the cost. Sharon and Kris shared a room on the 3rd floor. They unpacked their stuff and sat on the oversized bed. "Mmmm soft." Sharon giggled, bouncing up and down. Kris rolled her eyes. "Man am I starved" Sharon noted after her stomach made a loud series of gurgling noises.

"Me too." said Kris. "Let’s see if we can find a good place to eat."

The girls got ready quickly and were soon on their way down the strip of ocean freeway, trying to find a good place to stop. "What was that place you wanted so badly to visit?" Kristy asked her friend while flipping through a restaurant guide. "The Wren! Hey I’m glad you mentioned that! Let’s go there! It’s supposed to be a hot spot around here."

"Ooooh noooo." Kristy moaned. "Tell me it’s not a club!"

"Relax, relax.." Sharon said. "It’s huge. It’s a club, restaurant, bar, it’s in sections ya know. You won’t be suffocated. And we’ll take it easy tonight, okay?"

Kristy sighed. Her friend was singularly the biggest party animal on earth. Kristy knew, despite this, that Sharon had a good head on her shoulders. There was no way she’d agree to go anywhere with her otherwise.

After about 20 minutes they found the sign for the Wren and realized there was no place to park. They were forced to park in a CVS lot and walk accross the street. The line to get in was longer than they expected. "Oh brother." Kristy said "OH come on Sharon, can’t we go somewhere else?"

"Kris the line is long but it goes fast, I promise. They either let you in or they don’t." Her friend was right, the line moved quickly, as those who were waved on scurried in, and those turned away left with heads down. "I hate clubs that turn people away." Kris said.

"Well, this one is the exception to what you’ve heard." Sharon told her friend. "They don’t let you in unless you look ‘respectable’ enough. You know? Cause aparantly they get a lot of celebrities."

Kris laughed, "Oh you mean no spikes or oddly placed body piercings? Darn, that ruins our chances." Sharon echoed her friends laughter. Once they reached the door, the man waved them in almost immediately.

They were greeted by a young waiter with a bright smile. "Restaurant?" he questioned. "Yes." the girls said in unison. He led them to the non-smoking section, and a black leather booth. "Ooh nice." Kris said. "Ah ha! See! I knew you’d like it!" Sharon said, pleased with her friends reaction. "Only the best for my Kris!"

The food was terrific and the girls were enjoying the karaoki coming from the front of the large dining area. Kris was cracking up over some of the singers. "Hey Kristy, you know what I’m thinkin?" Sharon smiled mischevously.

Kris stopped smiling. "No! No! No! Absolutely not!!" Kristy blurted out.

"Oh come on you! You rock! You could blow them all away!" Kris just sat there with her arms crossed and shook her head no. Kristy truly had an amazing voice. Her vocal coach had told her at 16 that she sang like a 25 yr old. And now, her voice being matured and refined, she could sing circles around many. There was a quality about her singing that touched those who heard her. It was pure, and emotional, "Not alot of fancy stuff." One man had told her after she sang at a wedding ceremony. "Just pure, perfect, angel singing."

Sharon was always trying to promote her friend, but Kristy was so afraid of appearing pushy, that she made the task difficult. At this point Shar had a look on her face that Kristy knew only too well. It was a determined look. One that said Kristy was in for trouble. At the Karaoke intermission, Sharon began to squiggle in her seat. "I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back." she said quickly and Kristy nodded. About 2 minutes later, a voice came over the mike and the D.J. began again. ‘May I have your attention people. I have just had a request. My friend Sharon is up here..." he started. Kristy’s heart began to beat a million miles a minute. She knew what horror would come next.

"...and she tells me that, her friend Kristy is going to strangle her for doing this, but that aparantly this girl has quite a voice, and I’d like her to come on up here and sing something for us. How bout it Kristy?!" he shouted. Kristy burried her face in her hands. "Oh God no." she said to herself. "This isn’t happening. It just isn’t" The crowd was turning around by now, looking back toward the direction of her table. She shook her head no at the D.J., but he laughed and gave her the come hither sign. She stood up, her legs shaking, and Sharon gleaming in the front. As she made her way slowly up toward the stage, someone whistled from over in the VIP section, and she blushed. Kris shot Sharon a look, and in turn Sharon laughed and pointed up toward the stage. The D.J. had his hand out for Kristy, and she took it warily. "Here is a list of songs." he said to her off the mike. "Just pick one you know, and even if you dont know all of it, this is karaoke. The words are there, ya know."he said

She picked "When I Fall in Love." It was one of her favorites, and she knew it wasn’t too difficult.

The music began, and the words flashed in rythm with the music. "When I fall in love....." she began to sing. Her voice was full and rich, kind of a mix between Patsy Cline and Celine Dion, Sharon had always thought.. The song went on. ‘and the moment I can feel that, you feel that way too....." Kristy was relieved when the song ended and the crowd took to their feet for a standing ovation. She could feel her cheeks getting hot, and knew she must have been blushing pretty badly. Off the stage she went, and the D.J. started to rant and rave. "Did you hear him!" Sharon yelled over the applause. "He thinks you’re amazing! I told you people would love you!" she insisted. Kris just made her way back to the booth, expecting her friend to follow. Sharon, however had other ideas, she had the mike and was getting ready to say something. "That was my friend Kristy Muncy, truly the most shy, amazing singer, and person I have ever met, and some day she’ll be famous, people! Thanks for not hating me Kris!" she yelled ‘I love you!" Kristy knew after that she couldn’t stay angry at her friend.

The two ordered drinks to calm their nerves, and began to relax. Out of the corner of her eye, Kris noticed a young woman walking over toward their table. Kristy assumed the girl would keep going but she didn’t. "Miss. Muncy?" she said. Kristy shot Sharon a confused look. "Uhm, yes?" Kris said

"There are a few rather well known guests who would really like to meet you, sitting in the VIP section." she smiled. "I can’t tell you who they are here, if you’ll follow me I’ll introduce you." Kris shrugged, and laughed. The girls agreed and they followed behind the young waitress. She was dressed differently from the other servers, and Sharon thought she must be a manager of some kind.

The VIP section was roped off and the young manager lifted it and waited for the girls to pass through. She led them on. The section was surprisingly crowded. "Who would have thought there were so many important people in one place." Kristy joked. As they neared a booth the first thing Kris noticed was 2 huge men sitting directly in front of it. After they stood up, there was revealed 5 young men sitting behind them. Almost immediately the men stood up, and the girls recognized who they were. Sharon’s face lit up, while Kristy stood completely still, her jaw on the floor. The five shot amused smiles toward one another and broke into applause. Kristy blushed. "Oookay..." she began, laughing "You’re um, you’re you!" she stammered. "In the flesh!" one of them answered, chuckling and holding out his hand. Kris knew who he was. He was the oldest in the group, Chris. Sharon grabbed his hand and began an introduction. "Yes, and we are us! More specifically Sharon and Kristy."

"Well us, I’m J.C." said the other, reaching for Kristy’s hand. At this point Kris was too amused to be nervous and greeted him. "Now that you’ve met us, I can’t see how the rest of the group matters all that much..." teased Chris, "but I suppose you’ll want to meet them too."

"Shut up FuMan!" said a young voice, nudging his friend out of the way. "Hi. I’m Justin." he smiled. Kristy was shocked. She had never really seen what teenies liked so much about this guy, but in person he had a sexy glare and she began to realize the appeal. "Eh hem, hi, I’m Joey." said the well dressed man winking at her. "And you, you are an angel." he said, putting his arm around her. Kristy rolled her eyes. "You remind me of every guy in my family." she smiled. Joey smiled.."Oh ya? Is that a good thing?" he said proudly."

"Well I guess that depends on how much they’ve had to drink." she said teasingly. J.C. burst out laughing and pointed at Joey, who immediately got his game back on. "Oh come on sweet thing, give me a chance." he chuckled.

"Down boy!" replied a deep voice. The voice stepped forward and was attached to the last of the group. "Hi, I’m Lance." he smiled, holding out a hand. Oh boy, was Kristy in for trouble. She stood dumbfounded and awestruck. He was amazing. "Woah."she said to herself. "he’s the angel."

She took his hand and smiled brightly. "Hi..I’m..."she looked at Sharon and smiled. "Who am I again?" Lance blushed and Joey shot him a face.

"Of course." Joey moaned "He speaks.... and they melt. Come on ladies....can’t you see the man’s a basket case!" Sharon patted Joey on the head and said in a reassuring tone...."You’re sexy as all hell, mister, don’t you worry." Joey smiled triumphantly and stuck a tongue out at Lance.

"Mature as always I see." J.C. said. Justin just shook his head and said, "As always, we are the kings of first impressions." The girls laughed, and were invited to sit down and talk.

The group spoke of careers, dreams, goals, pop life, hobbies, and teased one another incessantly. They were truly like brothers, and you could tell they cared deeply about eachother. In the mean time, Sharon chattered away, while Kristy responded when appropriate, and tried not to stare too obviously at Lance’s magnetic green eyes.

Lance on the other hand, followed Kristy the whole evening, and most of his end of the conversation was directed toward her. He loved just to listen to her. Her speaking voice was almost as beautiful as her singing voice. And she was so controlled and eloquent. "She’s not so shy.." he thought. "She’s just really mature." He tried to learn everything he could about her. Her life as it was now, and as she was growing up. She wasn’t half the chatty one her friend was, he noted, but everything she said was fascinating, and she listened with sincere interest to what he said to her. There was something about her whole personality that he liked. She was anything but pushy, and never seemed have trouble answering the questions directed toward her. Kristy did hold back in some ways though, and this only sparked his interest further. He noticed how bright her smile was. It lit up her whole face.

At one point, the noises were making it difficult for the group to hear one another, and Lance leaned over so Kristy could hear what he was saying. As a result, his face was only inches from hers. He thought he might say something flirtatious, but being the shyest of the group he quickly dismissed the thought. He did smile back however. And that was enough for the ultra sensitive Kristy. She felt taken by his eyes. They were perfect, sparkling green. "This is absolutely crazy." she reminded herself. "I just met him. I just met the guy! He’s just being polite. I need to chill." She could kick herself. "He’s an impossibility. Don’t lose your head girl." she kept reminding herself. Despite all of her self warnings, each time he would lean in to speak to her, each time he would smile at her, she felt the world spin wildly.

They all laughed and conversed for almost 2 hours. The one large man sitting with the group held up a watch. "Hate to break things up guys but it’s almost midnight." The guys looked shocked. "Are you sure?" J.C. said puzzled. "Quite." answered the big man, putting the watch in J.C’S face. "Hmm, so it is." J.C. said. Lance looked at his own watch and sighed. "Man. This sucks. Working vacation"

" I’m sure you guys need to be able to function tomorrow. You’ve probably worn yourselves pretty thin today." Kristy remarked. Lance pondered her words of consideration with gratitude as she and Sharon stood up to say goodbye. "It’s been TOO AWSOME meeting you!" Sharon said exitedly. "She’s right.." Kristy said in a considerably less hyper, but no less sincere tone. "You’re all wonderful guys." she smiled. They stood up as well to say their goodbyes, and Lance waited till the others finished to talk to Kris. "The evening went by too quickly." he said "I was enjoying talking to you."

Kris blushed and thought for a moment. "Well I’m glad you were. Between Casanova over there, and the comedian, I don’t know if I would have made it out alive." she laughed. Lance wanted to talk to her some more. He felt there was still alot he’d like to get to know about her. It wasn’t like him to take an interest in just anybody. He was wondering if she might be persuaded to sign on with his production company as a recording artist. He had’nt mentioned it to her earlier when they first met. He wanted to try and get to know her first, and since she seemd so truly likeable, he was more intent upon bringing it up. "Kristy, do you think I’d be able to call you? I mean, I wonder, I have a production company, Free Lance it’s called, and I wonder if you’d like to record a demo sometime."

Kristy was speechless. "I,.."she stammered. "Wow. Okay, I, okay." she said.

Lance laughed and grabbed out his palm pilot. He quickly put in Kristy’s phone number as the guys rushed him on. "It was really a pleasure to talk to you Lance." Kristy reached her hand out. Lance took it. A voice could be heard shouting past the big man in the white t-shirt. ‘Where’s the love! Give the basket case a hug!" It was Sharon. Kris could have killed her. Not wanting to make Kristy feel anything less than huggable, Lance smiled and reached out. Kristy responded warmly and to his suprise she hugged him without any awkwardness. It was downright pleasant as a matter of fact. He gave her a little squeeze, noticing the fragrance of some kind of melon in her hair. Kris walked over to join her friend who was still flirting with Joey. The guys waved goodbye, leaving Kristy with a feeling that her life would soon change in ways she never imagined.

The guys of Nsync were looking forward to their week off for r&r, and each one planned to spend their time doing something they enjoyed. "Where we goin today?" asked Justin.

"Sleep!" mumbled a tired J.C. "I’m going to sleep!." Justin shook his head, "Whatever man.." he said "Who’se up for speed boat racing?"

"I am!" answered an enthused Chris from across the hotel room.

"How bout a fairy ride?" Joey added.

"A fairy ride man?" Justin laughed. "Wow. That just spells excitement right there." he chuckled at his friend’s less than appealing suggestion.

"Aw but the views rock, and you could see dolphins! Come on, I don’t wanna go myself"

"Ask Scoop to go with you!." said Chris. "He’s all ‘animals are cool’ and stuff."

"I did, he doesn’t wanna. He says he justs wants to relax. I told him the fairy was relaxing . The bone head just has his heart set on the beach." The guys were pretty exausted after months of touring and traveling, especially now, after a two hour interview during what was supposed to be the first whole day of their vacation. With the exception of the ever hyper Justin and Chris, they were pretty psyched about the option of doing nothing at all.

Lance hadn’t slept too well that night. He kept thinking about the singer he’d met the night before. Kristy had certainly made quite an impression on him. It’s not like she’d been super perky, or the chatty girl like Sharon. She was just right. She conducted herself perfectly, he thought. She would make a great celebrity. He considered calling her cell phone that day. "But why?" he wondered. "It’s not like she could do a demo here. I’d have to wait till I’m in New York again." Still the thought of calling her nagged him. Was it so much his interest in her career that caused him to think of her? Was there some kind of connection he had felt, and wanted just to hear her voice?

"Hey Lance..Lance.....Earth to Lance , man! Come back to us!" Lance was snapped back into reality by the hand moving back and forth in front of his face. "Oh, uh, ya, what?" Lance finally answered.

Joey smiled and shook his head, sitting down next to his friend on the bed. "Boy you sure are out of it today. You must really need sleep."

"Ya..I’m pretty pooped." Lance agreed quickly.

"Hey Joe?" Lance began

"Ya buddy, sup?" Joey answered

"Uh, what did you think about Kristy.....her voice I mean?"

"Dude, she’s rockin. With that kinda voice she could get places fast. Can’t say as I agree with her taste in men though." he joked.

Lance gave Joey a puzzeled look. "Why do you say that? Cause she wasn’t fallin all over ya huh?" Lance chuckled heartily. "Believe it or not there are some girls on this planet who do not fall instantly in love with you." he finished

"You’re tellin me." Joey said "She was definitly not my type. Too mature. All that dignity is bad for the heart." he laughed. "Besides, she reminds me of a female version of you!"

Lance laughed out loud and patted his friend on the back. ‘Well, I knew there was a reason I liked her so much." he smiled

Joey gave Lance a funny look. "You did act a little crazy last night dude. I mean, you’re always smilin, but you sure did pour it on with her."

Lanced just stared at his friend. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh come on dude! All of us noticed. You were diggin the angel voice." he poked at Lance’s stomach, enjoying the blush rushing over his face.

"Oh come on! We just had alot in common. She was good company. That’s all."

"Ya....and that would explain you askin for her number before you left?"

Lance crossed his arms. ‘Joe, I want her to do a demo for me, that’s all. I needed her number for professional reasons."

"Ya okay Romeo.....tell yourself that...But you can’t fool the Joe man." he laughed again and plodded out of the room. Lance was glued to his spot on the warm carpet. "He’s clueless" He told himself. "I’m not gonna go liking some girl I just met. That’s totally irresponsible. That’s totally Joey."

Kristy was not herself the day after the meeting with the guys. Concentration wasn’t usually a problem for her, but now it was like rocket science keeping her mind on anything other than the experience of the night before. The culmination of the surprise performance, hanging with the guys, and Lance, made her ansy and preoccupied. Sharon smiled over at Kristy from her towel on the warm sand. "You know you love me for doin that, right?"

Kristy smiled warmly at her crazy pal. ‘You know I do. I wouldn’t have normally, but in this case, I do."

"So when you’re so famous they feature your video at number one on TRL every day for a month, you’ll give me a shout out?"

"You know it." Kristy said, giggling at the prospect.

"You sure did make me look like a elementary school student last night." Sharon laughed. ‘You know just what to say and when to say it. I just babble on."

"Ya right! I was a downright mess!"

"Only in the beginning. When you met him." Sharon waited for a reaction.

"I, oh...I guess he did kinda shake me up a little." Kris timidly admitted.

A little could have been the understatement of the millenium. She’d thought about that boy every moment since she’d left The Wren.

Regardless of the previous night’s events, the girls found thier day at the beach relaxing. It was Kris’s favorite place in the whole world. She had dreamt of living there some day for as long as she could remember. She loved the feeling of the sand between her toes, and the sound and sight of the waves. She lay there for a while, under the umbrella, enjoying the peace and quiet. Sharon dozed on and off, unable to lay for too long, as she was so much more hyper than Kristy. The two girls reacted with a start to hear Kristy’s cell phone ringing from inside her beach bag. She dug through to get it and answered. "Hey.....uh, Kristy?" She recognized the smooth deep voice and sat up. "Lance?" she asked

"Ya.....it’s me, I just wondered if you guys wanted to come hang out with Joey and me. He talked me into going on this ferry ride, and I’d hate to be stuck on a boat for 3 hours alone with him. I mean, I love em and all, but....." he was interrupted by the sound of Kristy’s laughter. "No further explanation necessary." she said "Sure, we’d love to come. When"

She could hear the smile in his voice. "Now, if you can. It’s the North Shore Ferries with the dolphin sightings....ya know?"

"Yes, we passed the ferries fifty times driving back and forth today. "

"Great, we’re at the main building, where you buy the tickets. I’m kinda in disgiuse, so you might not recognize me at first. You will recognize Wess though." Wess was Lance’s body guard, and it was too true that anybody could pick him out of a crowd. Just look for the largest and tallest guy anywhere.

The girls were on their way and Kristy couldn’t help drumming her fingers on her knee. "Kris, you’re drumming." Sharon noticed

‘Oh no!!" Kristy said sarcastically

"Oh don’t give me that. You know what it means when you drum. You’re nervous aren’t you?"

"Well, ya! Aren’t you?"

"Why should I be?"

"I, we’re, their celebrities." Kristy said

"Kris, they are also guys who just wanna hang out with somebody new and are probably hoping that we’ll treat them like normal people. So remember to be yourself. You usually have this calming affect on people Kris. Don’t go all postal on me now."

Kristy knew her friend was right. She was resolved not to be nervous around the guys. At least, not to show it. She stopped drumming.

Just as Lance had said, the first person they recognized was Wess. He was standing outside of an office door with his arms folded in front of him. They went over to him.

"Let me guess, they’re hiding out in there?" Kristy said first, pointing to the room with the shut door.

"Yup." he smiled. Wess turned around and knocked in some kind of rythm. The door opened and Joey advanced from the room. His arms went for Kristy. "I knew you couldn’t stay away." he winked.

"It’s all that animal magnetism." replied Sharon, waiting her turn. He laughed and grabbed her up in an overdramatic hug.

"Hey Scoop, da ladies are here!" Joey said in his best New York accent.

"Lance popped around the door and smiled. "Welcome ladies. And how are we this afternoon?" he said happily

Kristy smiled. "Just fine Mr. Bass, and youself?" she said in her most formal voice.

"Oh come on!!!" Joey whined "Are we all gonna act like diplomats?"

Lance nudged Joey. "It’s called chivalry, man. The chicks dig it." he joked

"Besides, did you appreciate Joey’s tackle hold?" Lance finished, directing his question toward Sharon.

"Well, it could have been worse." she said, prompting a pleased chortle from Joey and a satisfied nod of his head.

"Well, hers was better than mine." Kristy pretended to frown. At this Joey turned to grab Kristy when Lance stepped forward and with his hand on Joey’s chest and a laugh said. "Oh no you don’t superman. The lady’s feelings have been hurt. I’ll handle this." Lance proceeded to turn and bow to Kristy, and reached for her hand. With an heir of true Southern etticutte, he lifted it to his lips, and kissed it. The touch of Lance’s lips on her hand sent a shiver up Kristy’s spine, and she sighed dramatically. "Now that, sir, beats a choke hold anyday." she smiled.

The ferry ride in and of itself had been nothing spectacular. With the exception of a few dolphins, all it really offered was water, water and more water. The company, however, made up for any of that. It was funny how the 4 broke into mental clicks. Joey and Sharon kept up the constant laughing and flirting. It was enough to make many a stomach turn. Especially Lance, who regularly rolled his eyes at their antics. "It always amazes me how much testosterone that guy can pack into a day." Lance joked with Kristy at the lookout of the boat. She giggled, seeing Sharon doing her best ‘I’m flying, Jack, Jack, I’m flying!’ impression, as Joey held out her arms to the wind.

"And it always amazes me how her engine never overheats." Kristy said

Lance let out a laugh and shook his head. "How’d you two get to be friends anyway...I mean, one can easily see the similarities..." he said with much sarcasm.

"Oh, she’s been my bud since 2nd grade. She had it rough. She was a foster kid growing up, and she saw her share of bad stuff. I guess she just needed someone constant in her life, ya know?"

Lance could see how she kept Sharon grounded. Kristy was considerably poised. She stood looking over the deck at the sparkling water, smiling silently while the wind blew her hair like something out of a romance novel. He watched her wipe a strand out of her face, and gaze from one end of the water to the other. She didn’t yell or hop up and down. No Titanic character impressions left her lips. Still she would talk to him in such a way that he felt safe and peaceful with her.

Kristy was doing her best to keep her promise. No nervousness. She was the queen of maintaining composure. She always started out feeling uncomfortable in small groups. She drove her family crazy refusing to sing for them. "Why do you have to put up such a fuss...." her grandmother would plead. "You have no problem singing in front of total strangers."

"When I sing in public, it’s rehearsed, and I feel prepared. And I don’t mind so much if they like me or not. Most of them are strangers. But you’re my family. You’re opinion means alot to me." Kristy would explain. Comfort in performing worked just the opposite with Kristy than with most people.

It took alot of confidence to open up to those she cared about most. Sharon was the only one Kris confided everything in, while Sharon valued all that Kristy had done for her, and held her in high esteem. In Sharon’s eyes, Kris could do no wrong, with the exception of being too controlled of course. She wanted nothing more than for her soul sister to be happy. At the present,, she had her mischievous eye on all the activity, (or lack of) as she perceived it, going on between Lance and Kristy. Sharon had a plan. She fully intended to keep Joey preocupied, and let the other two be alone. Sharon being Sharon, that was no difficult task.

"Pluck." Kristy laughed "Ptooey." she said as she spit hair out of her mouth. "This wind is intense." Lance loved when Kristy laughed. It was hearty and warm. "Here let me help.." he said, laughing in unison with her. He reached over and pulled Kristy’s hair back, holding it behind her head.. It was soft and thick. He liked the way it felt. Kristy couldn’t believe this man was touching her neck. "How’s that?" he smiled.

"You know, I’m liking this whole arrangement." she said "You’ll hear no complaints from me."

"Me either" said Lance, resting his open hand on her shoulder. "Not every day you get to touch an angel." he thought.

After the ferry ride, the guys had intended on taking their young guests out for lunch. The shrill sound of Lance’s cell phone changed all that. "Myself here." Lance said into the mouthpiece. Justin was more than upset.

Kristy could hear his voice. Lance told him to calm down and explain. Lance’s end of the conversation was hardly chipper.

"What! Why!?" he said

"Because if we don’t do it this week we won’t be able to until next year!" Justin said. Lance hurriedly finished and hung up the phone. Grumbling he called Joey over. "Looks like our vacation is over." Lance said grimly.

"What!?" Joey said, only half believing him.

Lance was forced to try and explain the predicament. Kristy couldn’t figure out what Lance was trying to explain, being far removed from the road talk, and just stood there watching the two men shoot steam from their heads. She knew whatever it was, meant more than just an end to the ferry ride. It was a clear end to her chances of seeing the guys again while on vacation.

"I’m sorry Kris...." Lance finally said "I didn’t count on this."

Kristy just smiled and shook her head. "Being who you are." she said "I understand. Besides, I had a good time!." Lance smiled widely and rolled his eyes. "So much for lunch." he said annoyed.

"Well, you two better go...don’t want any more big body guard dude’s commin after us....They’re scary." Sharon said in a comic intimidated voice.

Lance turned to Kris.."We leave in the morning, so this would be goodbye."

He grabbed her up in a tight hug and looking pointedly at her, made a promise.

"I will call you about that demo the first chance I get." he said

"I know you will.." Kris answered "Thanks Lance."

By now, Joey and Sharon were melodramatically squeezing each other.

"Goodbye....goodbye, parting is such sweet sorrow." he said

"Ya well, e-mail me then!" Sharon laughed. Then the 4 parted ways. Kristy worried that Lance would forget about the demo. Forget about her altogether.

The rest of the vacation was a mix of emotions. Kristy and Sharon revelled in their adventure, while missing their two newly attained friends. It was depressing really. Every time she saw a ferry, she thought of Lance. She was angry with herself. "I have no right to be feeling like this. I have no claims to him. I need to get over it and get on with my life." she said to Sharon

"Oh come one Kris. Why shouldn’t you feel like this? Why don’t you deserve a guy like Lance?" Kristy wished her friend would just discourage her and say to get real, but Sharon had a way of putting the unreal into perspective so it actually made sense.

Back home, the girls tried to return to normalcy. Kristy went to work, and thought about the start of classes in the fall. Sharon worked as well,and remained her usual, irrepressible self.

Still, nothing could shake the feelings Kristy had developed. Nothing could resolve the anxiety of being forgotten by such a wonderful person. It had been almost 3 weeks, and Lance hadn’t called. "His work.." she rationalized "It’s not gonna allow him to take time out for anybody else. He barely even has time for himself."

The guys returned to New York after a week in LA, and a week in Toronto. Exausted, Lance had intended to call Kristy from the road a million times....just to say hello, and tell her he hadn’t forgotten about her, but there were so many distractions. Now, back in New York, hopefully he would have the time to call her and bring her out. The first few days back, Lance spent sleeping late, catching some shows, and just relaxing. The guys had a few publicity stops, but other than that, their schedule actually looked doable. Lance could see he would have almost a week with few obligations to worry about, a rare thing indeed for the men of NSYNC. This was the perfect time to call Kristy.

Kristy hadn’t expected her phone to ring at that hour. People didn’t usually call her at 5 in the morning. Lucky for them, she thought.

"Hello..." she said in her most wide awake voice. Somehow it just didn’t sound convincing.

"Kris! " a perky deep voice answered her. "You’re awake! Great!"

She was stumped, but only for a second. "Uhm, well, sort of.....Who is this.."

"It’s me, Lance." he continued. A huge smile popped accross her face, and her heart began pounding. "Lance! Hi! You called." she said

"I did...so...here I am." he laughed "Did you think I’d forget about ya?"

"Well, no..........yes." she finally admitted. Lance chuckled at her honesty.

"Listen I’m sorry to call you this early, but I couldn’t wait. I’m just always afraid something will pop up, ya know? So I take advantage of every minute." Kristy listened intently to Lance, as he discussed hotel accomodations and getting to New York.

"I don’t suggest you drive, considering they’ll be no where for you to park." he told her. "I’ll send Hugh out for you."

Hugh was one of many assistants Lance worked with on a daily basis.

Kristy dissaproved of Lance paying for the hotel, but he wouldn’t let her continue. "Hey, I wanna do this, okay? Besides, it’s not me, it’s Free Lance." He paused for a moment. "I’m doing my best puppy dog face right now." he informed her.

Kristy sighed and smiled. "I always was a sucker for a good puppy dog face....even over the phone."

That weekend, Hugh picked Kristy up and they were on their way. She was all nerves. Hugh, on the other hand, was fantastic. He made her laugh the whole trip, seeing her obvious anxiety. He was a tall black man, looking very professional in a grey suit. Kristy figured he must have been in his late 50’s. He was tremendously easy to talk to, and seemed to know all the answers to her questions. And there were many, as Kristy never felt comfortable going half cocked into any situation.

"So, Lance tells me you got quite the voice there little lady. You into all that pop, rock’n roll stuff huh?"

"Me?" Kristy laughed "Well, a little, but I really like blues, and 40’s 50’s music. I like country too. Anything dreamy and romantic." She told him. "Sometimes I even cry when I sing. I try not to, but tears start to fall. Maybe I’d be better of going into Rock." she joked.

"So you’re a soul sista, huh?" he chuckled. "Sing me somethin.....move me."

"Oh, I ......I can’t, not here!" she stumbled

"Why not! You’re gonna have to get used to performing you know! After all, with the way Mississippi talks about ya, you’re gonna be some big thing. Show me what ya got!"

Kristy knew it was hopeless to refuse. It was going to be a terriblly long trip unless she sang for the man. "Well, what do you have in mind?" she asked

"Throw someting at me."

"No, I’ll only do that if you’re singin stinks." he laughed. "But, how ‘bout I Left My heart, In San Francisco’?" Hugh peered at her and smirked out of the corner of his eye. "22 years old, and she’s gonna know this one? No way." he told himself.

"Do you want it with the intro or just right into the song?" she asked

Hugh stopped smiling. "There’s an intro?" he said

"Sure! It’s my favorite part!" she added.

"Well, now, go ahead with it then!" he nodded

Kristy began the prelude to the song. Before Hugh knew it, she was crooning away next to him, while he beamed at the voice comming out of such a young, soft spoken thing.

After it was over, he shook his head. "Well girl, you sure do know how to sing a song right." he marveled. "I was expecting something more Brittany Spears." he smiled at her.

Kristy was flattered. It seemed to her that Hugh had a good sense of the feeling of music, the way he swayed his head back and forth as she sang.

New York was altogether breathtaking and terrifying. It was so vast, and she wondered how anyone could find their way around. Hugh pointed out the sights as he drove.

When they arrived at the hotel, he took her luggage from the trunk. "I’ll get it!" she insisted, and grabbed one of the bags from him. He just laughed and shook his head at her. "Well if you want it that way!" he said, laughing at her insistance. He checked her in, and helped her bring the luggage up to the room. What a room it was! The most plush, beautiful thing she could imagine.....and much too much, she decided.

Hugh gave her his number, and told her Lance would call her later about the where’s and when’s. "Thanks Hugh" Kristy said, "You da man!"

He laughed again and just kept shaking that head. "You are one little lady with a serious voice." he said. Kristy liked Hugh. She listened as he kept laughing even while leaving the room and heading down the hall. Now here she was, all alone, in a huge hotel room, and feeling very intimidated by the whole thing.

"Sharon!" she thought, as she rushed over to the bed side table with the phone.

Sharon wasn’t home. Kristy wasn’t happy. She tried her cell phone number. Kristy?" a voice said expectantly

"Ya! Shar! You wouldn’t believe this hotel room, and Hugh made me sing for him, and I didn’t even get nervous, he’s so great! And now I’m here alone, and I’m so nervous...You have no idea how much I wish you were here with me right now." Kristy said the whole thing in one breath. Sharon began the task of making her friend feel better. "Slow down! Who’se Hugh?!" Sharon giggled. Before long Kristy and Sharon were laughing hystarically at each other’s jokes, and Kristy realized Lance might be trying to call her. "I better go Shar, in case he’s trying to call."

Sharon said goodbye, leaving Kris in much better spirits.

About a good two hours after the girls hung up Kristy’s phone rang. It was Lance. "I’m sending a cab for you, so just go head out and watch for it okay? There’s a couple people I want you to meet."

When she arrived at a huge building with glass walls, Kristy did a double take. She got out of the cab to see Hugh walk over to the driver and hand him payment. "This way little lady." he teased and pointed in the direction of the door. Kristy entered to find a huge amount of people going this way and that. She at once felt overwhelmed and out of place, and stopped dead center, staring over at Hugh with a worried look.

"Come on now, you just let me get you there. I won’t let anything happen to you!" he reassured her. She took his hand and he pulled her through the crowd and maze of entrances to an elevator. All at once they were headed up to the 8th floor, where Lance waited with a few of his associates.

He was shocked to see such a pale Kristy enter the room. "You look like you saw a ghost!" he said smiling, walking over to her, and grabbing her up in a warm hug. It was the first comforting thing she’d felt since she’d arrived. She felt safe. "No, no ghosts." she said. He held her out at arm’s length and touched her face. "You look awsome!" he said.

He should talk, Kristy thought. He was definitley a sight for sore eyes. Was it possible his face could light up the room any brighter?

She was doing her best to act professional as Lance introduced her to some of the people who would be working with her. All the while he kept his hand on her shoulder. Lance could tell Kristy was trying to act brave, but he knew all too well how it felt to go through this. At least he had the support of 4 other band mates. He could only imagine what she was feeling.

After plans for the demo piece had been discussed, and everyone seemed satisfied that they should start working on a song the next day, Lance had a chance to talk to Kris alone.

"You poor thing." he finally blurted out, laughing. "I should have warned you, but I just took for granted." He apologized.

"Was I that obvious? Did I really look as ansey as I am?" she asked.

"Trust me, they didn’t notice a thing. But I on the other hand, have been there, done that." he explained. All Kristy could do was stare at those eyes. "Well, I’m glad you were here. I was okay because of that." she told him.

"Oh my poor Krissy....I shouldn’t have thrown so much at you so fast..." he frowned. "Have you had dinner yet?"

Kris was speechless. He had called her Krissy. No one had ever called her that, not even her family. And ‘my Krissy’ at that.

"Uhm, ya...I mean no! I didn’t." she said, clearing her mind.

"Well then let’s go get some food! I’m starving! " he said dramatically, rubbing his stomach.