Chapter 16: Seeking Advice
The tour was coming to a close, but things had never been more stressful for JC. Usually, the last couple of weeks were a breeze, but now, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Those nightmare constantly remained on his mind. He was good at putting up a front, but it was all becoming too much to handle on his own. At times like these, Justin would be his outlet. He would talk to Justin about his problems, then Justin would say a few words of encouragement, and everything would be fine. This time, he couldn't go to Justin. He knew that Justin would worry and that was the last thing he wanted.
JC had to talk to someone. He was pretty cool with Joey, but he wouldn't understand his situation. Chris is a great guy to talk to, if you can get him to be serious for more than 10 seconds. Lance didn't seem too comfortable with the gay issue. JC had to make a decision and fast before he lost his sanity.
JC sat upon the bed in his hotel room. He carefully picked up the phone and dialed the number to another room. He sighed as he was met with a seemingly distracted "Hello?"
"Hey Chris, may I talk to you? It's personal. I'd prefer not to discuss it over the phone."
"What's wrong, Jace?" Chris' voice wasn't so distracted anymore. JC could tell that he had Chris' attention.
"I just..." JC sighed. "Can we please go out for lunch or something? I really need to talk to someone."
"I'm glad that you are wishing to talk to me, but I can't help but wonder. Why not speak with Justin?"
JC was beginning to feel a pang of regret creep into his bones. He let out another dramatic sigh. "It's about him, Chris."
"Oh, I see. Meet me in the hallway," Chris said. "I'll be out there in a minute."
"Ok, thanks a lot, man. I appreciate it."
"No problem."
"Bye." With that, JC hung up the phone. He ran a hand through the tamed curls upon his head. He then rose to his feet and grabbed his keys from the bedside table. He shot a glance to the mirror as he passed by it. He was presentable in his black wife-beater and semi-faded jeans. He walked out of the room, making sure to shut the door behind himself. He leaned against the wall beside his door and waited for Chris to step out into the hallway.
Moments later, Chris stepped out into the hall. Concern was written on his face, and JC was glad that it wouldn't take any effort to get him to be serious. Chris was a very goofy guy, but when a situation regarded the well-being of the group, all humor was pushed aside. The group was like his baby. He didn't want anything bad to happen to it.
"Where do you want to go eat?" Chris asked when he approached JC.
"Doesn't matter."
"Taco Bell?"
"Sure."
The two men made their way out of the luxurious hotel. Once out, they made their way towards the rental car they had been given. Soon, they were on their way to the nearest Taco Bell.
"So, what's going on, Jace?"
"I think I'm going insane."
"What's going on between you and Justin?"
"Nothing, but..." JC paused to take a breath. "I've been having these nightmares...every single night."
"Nightmares? I'm sure you'll be okay, man," Chris said with a slight chuckle.
"Chris, these aren't just normal nightmare. These will not go away."
"Jace, I..." Chris was cut off by JC's outburst.
"Justin died in one of them!"
"Are you serious?" Now Chris was worried.
"Yes. God...Chris, I wouldn't joke about something like this." JC fought the tears from forming in his eyes. "I'm scared that the dreams may become reality."
"How did he die? In your dream, I mean," Chris asked as he eased the car into a parking space.
"A man beat him to death," JC said as a tear rolled silently down his cheek. It was bad enough that he had to go through with this nightmare every night he lay to sleep, but to relive it as he was awake was almost too much to bear. He knew it had to be done; he had to get it off his chest. He would have to be strong. He wiped away the tear as he opened the car door. "Let's go inside."
Chris sighed and opened the door, getting out of the car. He didn't know why this worried him so much. It was only a bad dream. Even so, it still worried him for some unknown reason.
Moments later, both men were seated. JC sipped is drink. He refused to get anything else because he claimed he wasn't hungry, and Chris didn't blame him. He wasn't very hungry himself. He merely purchased a soft taco and a drink to wash it down. JC was lost in his thoughts on the issue.
Chris watched JC's expression for a bit as he ate his taco. The silence was a bit too much for him. "So, you've been having nightmares every night?"
JC was brought out if his thoughts by the sound of Chris' voice. He nodded and took another sip of his drink.
"When did you sleep man?" Chris asked.
"I didn't," JC replied.
"That's not healthy, man. No wonder you've been so tired lately."
"I just don't know what to do. These nightmares are tearing me apart."
"I don't know what to tell you, Jace. You just gotta do what you think is best for both you and Justin."
JC sighed. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks Chris."
"No problem, man...anytime."
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