Three weeks later Ebony sat on her floor putting a puzzle together. "Damnit! You will fit here you stupid piece!" she said hitting a piece into the puzzle. Her phone rang. "Hello!" she said angrily. "Ebony?" "Oh, hey Destiny." "What's wrong?" "This stupid piece won't fit!" "Huh?" "I'm doing a puzzle." "Oh. You wanna come over?" "No, not really." "Girl, you need to get out of your house." "I don't see why." "You haven't been out since we went to New York." "So?" "Oh come on. I'm bored." "I don't want to go anywhere." "Why?" "I just don't want to." "Ebony..." "I'm not leaving." She sighed. "Fine. Well, I've gotta go." "Ok. Bye." "Bye." She hung up and continued to hit the piece. "Damnit!" Her phone rang again. "Hello?" "Please come over!" "No." she said hanging up. She picked up the piece and threw it across the room. "I didn't want you to fit anyway!" she yelled. She leaned back against her couch when the phone rang again. "Damnit Destiny, I am not coming over!" "Ebony?" JC said. "Oh, sorry. I thought you were Destiny. What's up?!?" He laughed. "Nothing. I'm just packing." "Where ya goin?" "DC. I've gotta do the family thing. You know, Christmas and everything." "Oh yeah. I forgot that was coming up." "You forgot about Christmas?" "Uh, yeah." "That's sad." "I know." He laughed. "What are you doing?" "Well, I was working on a puzzle. But one the pieces wasn't cooperating. It wouldn't fit!" "Maybe it doesn't go where you were trying to put it." "I don't care. It pissed me off and I'm taking a break." "Hey, when are we gonna see each other? I need to give you your present." "I don't know. A week after Christmas we're going to LA to make our new video. We'll be there a few days. So, I don't know when." "Oh, ok. Well, what are you doing this week?" "Destiny and Cailin are coming over tomorrow and we're gonna make ginger men. It's gonna be fun." "I bet." "When are you going to DC?" "Tonight." "And you're packing now?" "Yeah." "And I thought I procrastinated. Damn." "I just haven't felt like doing it till now." "Uh huh." She heard his door open and close. Then she heard someone talking. "Who's there?" she asked. "Chris. He's leaving tonight too. He's going to Pennsylvania." "Oh. Tell him I say hi." "Ebony says hi... He says hi. Well, sorry I've gotta get off so quick, but Chris is taking me to the airport." "Ok. Umm, I guess I'll talk to you whenever you get back..... When are you getting back?" "Two weeks. I'll try to call you when I'm there." "Ok. Well, I'll talk to you later then. Bye." "Bye." She leaned back and sighed. Her eyes started to water. "God, I'm a mess."
"We are here!" Destiny said as she and Cailin walked into Ebony's house. "Hey." she said sadly. "Are we that disappointing?" Cailin asked. She smiled. "No. It's just that I'm not in the best of moods right now." "What could be wrong? Christmas is in a week!" "Nothing." she said walking into the kitchen. Cailin looked at Destiny and she shrugged. They walked into the kitchen to see ingredients lined up along the table, and Ebony sitting down next to them. "Ready to make little ginger men?" "Yeah. But I think Cailin should mix all the stuff together. We don't want to ruin them." Destiny said. "Oh yeah, make me do all the working." "Do you want terrible tasting ginger men?" Destiny asked. "Like we're going to eat them anyway." "She has a point." Ebony said. "I don't care! We're making ginger men!" "Fine. No need to throw a hissy fit." Cailin said putting her hands into the air.
The mixed everything together and started to shape them. "Hey guys! Look at my ginger man!" Cailin said pointing to her cookie shaped like male genitalia. "You pervert." Ebony said. "Don't you even get me started." Ebony smiled. "So Ebony, what's been bugging you lately?" Destiny asked. "I don't know. Well, I have a pretty good idea." "What?" "Nothing. I don't want to talk about it." "Fine. Be that way." Ebony sighed and threw her head onto the table. She started crying softly. Destiny sat down next to her. "What's wrong?" "Nothing." "Damnit, you can't tell me there's nothing wrong when you're crying. So, I'm going to ask you again, what's wrong?" "I really don't want to talk about it." "Well I do, so tell me." "No." she said getting up and walking into the bathroom. She sat down on the floor and pulled her legs up to her chest. Destiny knocked on the door. "Ebony, you've been acting like this since we got home from touring. This wouldn't have anything to do with JC, would it?" "No!" "Yeah, sure it doesn't." "It doesn't! Why would you say that?" "Because I know you have feelings for him. It's kind of obvious. I mean, you only slept a week after we got home, continuously from sleeping pills." "Ok, so maybe I do have a little feelings for him. That's not why I'm upset." "Then why are you upset?" "Umm....." "See, it is JC. And I think you like him more than you say you do." "So?" "How much do you like him?" "Can't you just leave me alone?" "Fine." she said walking away.
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JC sat at the table poking at his food. He sighed and pushed the plate away. "Honey, what's wrong?" his mom asked. "Nothing." he said. "You haven't eaten since you got here. Something must be bothering you." "No, I'm fine." he said smiling. "Yeah right." his aunt said taking a bite of her food. "I'm fine, really." "JC, you're usually the reason we never have food at Christmas, and now you're not eating anything? Something's bothering you." "No." he said looking down. "Boy, I don't like being lied to." "I'm fine." Someone knocked at the door. "I'll get it." he said getting up. He opened the door and saw Justin. "Man am I glad to see you." JC said letting him in. "Why?" "My family is driving me insane. So, what are you doing here?" "Well, I'm not going to Louisville until tomorrow so I decided to stop by and see you!" "You came from Tennessee?" "Well, yeah." JC laughed as they walked into the dining room. "Mom, Justin's here. I guess we're gonna go downstairs." "Don't be so rude. Do you want anything to eat Justin?" "No thanks. I already ate. But thanks for asking." he said as they walked away. "What a polite boy."
JC and Justin sat on the couch playing a game, Justin was winning. "Yes!" he said throwing his hands in the air. "I won!!" JC put his control down and looked at the tv. "Can I come to Louisville with you?" "Why?" "I want to come." "Well, I guess it would be ok. I'd have to ask Destiny though. But, you probably wouldn't be able to stay at Destiny's house." "That's fine. I'll get a hotel room." "No. Maybe Ebony would let you stay at her house." "Maybe." "I'll call her now."
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"So, three days till Christmas. What do you guys wanna do?" Destiny asked. "Anything." Ebony said falling onto the couch. Destiny's cell phone rang. "Hello?" "Hey baby." "Justin! How are you?" "I'm good. What about you?" "Good. Are you still coming tomorrow?" "Yeah. About that...." "What?" "Can JC come?" "Oh my God, that would be so great." "Why?" "Oh, no reason. I don't think he can stay at my house though. Umm, I think we'll be a little loud." Justin laughed. "Just what I was thinking. Do you think Ebony would mind if he stayed at her house? I don't want him to be all alone at a hotel." "I doubt she would mind. But, I'm not going to tell her about it." "Why?" "I just want it to be a surprise." "Umm, ok." "What time are you getting here?" "Well, I'm in D.C. now. I don't know how long it would take us to get to Louisville." "Well, what time are you leaving?" "Probably eight in the morning." "Ok. Well, Ebony's having a really rough time, so I'm gonna go and console her." "Why is she having a rough time?" "Guess." "JC?" "Yeah. Promise me you won't tell him." "Ok. Well, I'll see you tomorrow." "Ok, bye. I love you." "Love you too. Bye." She hung up. "Who was that?" Ebony asked. "Justin." "Is he still coming tomorrow?" "Yeah." Ebony smiled and put her head back onto the pillow. "At least someone will be having fun."
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"Have fun JC!" his mom said as he and Justin got into Justin's car. "I will. Sorry I'm leaving like this." "It's ok! Bye!" "Bye!" he said as they pulled off. "So, is there any particular reason you want to go to Louisville?" "No. I just don't feel like staying here." "Honestly?" "No. I want to see Ebony. What, are you surprised or something?" "No. I kinda figured that's why you wanted to go." "Then why did you have to ask?" "I just wanted to be sure." "Mmm hmm." He leaned his head back on the seat and closed his eyes. Five hours later JC woke up and they were still driving. "We aren't there yet?" "We will be in an hour. You know, this would be a lot easier for me if you would drive the rest of the way." "Do you want to get lost?" He smiled. "So, what are you going to do when we get there?" "Depends. Where are we going first?" "Ebony's. That's where Destiny's been all week." "Why?" "Umm, Ebony's just having a really hard time and she needs someone to talk to." "What's wrong with her?" "I don't know. That's all Destiny told me." "Oh." he said looking out the window. He fell asleep shortly after that. He woke up to Justin hitting him on the arm. "Would you wake up already?!?" "I'm up." "It's about time. We're here."
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Ebony sat in front of the fire place staring into it. "Is it interesting?" Destiny asked. "Very." she said. Destiny laughed when the doorbell rang. "Ahh!! He's here!!" she said running downstairs to get the door. Ebony sighed and started poking the wood with her fire poker. She put her head in her left hand and sighed. She could here Destiny screaming downstairs because Justin was finally here. She laid facedown on the couch and closed her eyes. She heard someone walk into the room but she didn't look up to see who it was. "Ebony?" She jumped up and gave JC a hug. "Oh my God, what are you doing here?" "I came with Justin. Didn't Destiny tell you?" "No. It's great to see you again." she said hugging him again. "It's great to see you too." he said kissing her cheek. Destiny and Justin walked upstairs and saw Ebony and JC. She let go of him and smiled. "Hi Justin." "Hi." "No need to stop whatever you two were doing, we're just getting something." Destiny said picking up her purse and walking back to the stairs. "You all are not doing that in my house." Ebony said. "We're not. We're going back to my house." "But-" "JC's staying here. Hope you don't mind!" she said as she and Justin quickly walked away. Ebony stared at the stairs, not knowing what to do. "She didn't even ask if I could stay here?" "No." "Well, if you don't want me here I can go get a hotel room." "Don't be silly. You can stay here." she said looking at him and smiling. He smiled. "Thanks."
Later that night Cailin, Destiny, Justin, JC, and Ebony all sat in the living room talking. JC and Ebony were sitting on the love seat. "So, what have you guys been up to since the tour ended?" Justin asked Ebony and Destiny. "Nothing." Ebony said. "Yeah, and she means that. But I have been having fun with my friends and stuff." JC looked at Ebony. She was giving Destiny a dirty look. He laughed. "What?" Ebony asked looking at him. "Nothing." he said smiling. "Who here wants hot chocolate?!?" Cailin asked. Everyone raised their hands but Ebony stood up. "It's my house, I'll get the hot chocolate." she said walking into the kitchen. She was standing at her sink waiting for the water to get hot when JC walked into the room. "Need any help?" he asked. "No, I got it." she said. "You sure?" he asked standing next to her. "Yeah." she said smiling. "Can I at least help you carry them out?" "Sure."
"Geez, thanks for taking our seats Cailin." Ebony said as she and JC walked back into the living room. "You're welcome. Now, give me my hot chocolate." she said taking it from the tray Ebony was holding. JC stood in the doorway as Ebony gave Destiny and Justin their hot chocolate. She walked back over to JC and gave him his. She stayed standing by his side. Destiny smiled and pointed above their heads. "Who put that there?" Ebony asked looking at the mistletoe. "Me!" Cailin said. Ebony sighed. "Ebony, you know what you have to do." Destiny said. She blushed and looked at JC who was smiling. "Umm...." she said. "Oh come on! Just do it!" Destiny said. JC leaned in and kissed her. She put her hands on his neck and he put his around her waist. Cailin's mouth dropped open and Destiny smiled. "Wow, I didn't think a mistletoe kiss was supposed to be that passionate." Justin said. Ebony blushed and pulled away from JC. She walked over to the love seat and sat down on the floor. JC stayed where he was. Destiny smiled. "So, are you going to Cailin's family's famous Christmas party tomorrow night?" she asked JC. "Umm, if you guys want me to." "Sure we do!" Cailin said.
"Good morning." Ebony said as JC walked into the living room. He smiled. "Morning." he said sitting down next to her. "You excited about tonight?" "Should I be?" "Sure! Almost everyone in the city goes to this thing." "Where is it?" "Cailin's family is rich and it's in their overly huge mansion." "Oh." "And I hope you have something nice to wear, because it's kind of a formal thing." He frowned. "I didn't bring anything like that." "Did you bring money?" "Duh." "Well then we can go shopping!" He smiled. "Ok. When?" "Well, I still have to take a shower and junk, so, an hour?" "Ok." "Great! Well, I'm gonna get in the shower, so be ready!" she said getting up and walking away. An hour later JC was sitting on the couch ready to go. Ebony walked into the room and smiled. "Ready?" "Yeah." he said standing up and walking to the door with her.
"I hate tuxedos." JC said as they stood in the middle of a store. "Too bad. You have to wear one." she said looking around. He sighed. "Can't I wear something else that's still nice?" "No." "Why?" "Because. You'll see when you get there," she said picking out a tux. "How about this one?" "All tuxedos look the same." "No they don't. Go try it on." she said handing it to him. He walked to the dressing room and tried it on. He walked back out and Ebony smiled. "You look good!" she said. "No I don't. I look like a nerd." "No matter what you say, you're not getting out of this." "Fine. I guess I like this one. Can we go now?" "Ok. Hurry up and get dressed." He changed, bought it, and they left. "So, what are we going to do now?" he asked. "You hungry?" "Yeah." "Then let's get something to eat!"
They drove to an Arby's and went in. They got their food and sat down. "I know why Justin's not with his family, he's crazy. But why aren't you with yours?" "Well, I wanted to come here." "Why?" God JC, tell her now. It's not that hard, just say 'Ebony, I love you more than anything in the world.' DO IT!! "I just wanted to." She smiled and took a drink of her coke. Destiny and Justin walked in and over to their table. "What are you doing here?" Ebony asked. "We went to your house and you weren't there, so we were going back to my house and saw your car in the parking lot!" Destiny said pulling up a chair and sitting down next to her. Justin pulled up a chair and sat down next to JC. "What are you guys doing out here?" Destiny asked. "JC didn't have anything to wear tonight so we went shopping." "You got a tux, right?" Destiny asked him. "Yeah." he said taking a bite of his fries. "Good! So, are we going to do each other's hair still?" Destiny asked Ebony. "Yeah, and I got the flowers to put in my hair." "Yay!" "Looking forward to wearing a tux tonight?" Justin asked JC. "Ha."
"Thanks Destiny!" Ebony said hugging Destiny. "You're welcome. But if we don't leave now, we're going to be late." "But all of our party isn't here." "Damn her!" she said as they walked into the living room. "It's about time." Cailin said. "Yeah. But we can't leave yet." Ebony said. "Why?" "Bridget's not here yet." "Oh." "Who?" Justin asked. "One of our best friends!" Destiny said walking over to him and putting her head on his shoulder. "My my you look handsome." Ebony said to JC. He smiled. "And you look gorgeous." She blushed as the front door opened. "Hey guys! Sorry I'm late." Bridget said walking inside. "Sure you are. Come on, my family doesn't take kindly to people being late." Cailin said taking her arm and dragging her outside. "Aren't I going to be introduced?" Cailin sighed. "Bridget, this is JC and Justin, guys, this is Bridget." "Hi." Bridget said. "Hi." they both said at the same time. "Ok, Ebony and JC, you're going with me. Everyone else is going with Destiny." Cailin said opening her car door and getting in.