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| Chapter Four | ||||
| A month later, the auditions for Mad TV were being held in Fox Studios. "Breathe in, breathe out," Rainbow said, trying to calm us down. "In with the good, out with the bad," I added with a laugh. "Inhale in, exhale out," a voice behind us added. "Craig! What are you doing here?" I asked. "I came here to support my girlfriend," Craig answered with a grin. "Who's your girlfriend?" Rainbow asked. "Ocean! Duh!" Craig said. "Rainbow and Ocean, you're up now," Diana said. Craig kissed me. "You're up-good luck!" "But I'm *not* your-" Diana pulled Rain and me into the room for auditioning and gave us a skit script. "Okay guys-wow 'em." When Rain and I had finished our auditions, we walked into the hallway, giving relieved laughs. "Lance!" I exclaimed happily. "What are you doing here?" Lance was standing there with his arms crossed, looking sullen and angry. "What is up with you Ocean?" "What? What are you talking about?" I asked. "I thought you said you and Craig weren't together." "We're not! What gave you the idea that we *are*?" "That kiss Craig gave you before you went in to audition," Lance said, his eyes cold and accusing. "Craig has this twisted idea that I'm his girlfriend, when I have told him on repeated occasions that I already *have* a boyfriend. And somehow, he thinks that boyfriend is *him*," I explained. "Don't make excuses for yourself," Lance hissed. "I should've know you were just like all the others." "What *others*? Lance!" Lance had begun to walk away, but I grabbed his arm which he jerked away. "Don't touch me Ocean." "Lance! I'm *not* with Craig! *Why* would I be with Craig?" "You want me for the fame...and that's it. Craig obviously has more to offer." "Lance that's not true and you know it. I could never *ever* use someone for the fame or the money-whatever." "I really wish I could believe you, but I don't," Lance said then walked away. Craig approached me from behing and put his arms around me. "Who was that?" I pulled away from Craig, glaring at him while desperately trying to choke back my tears. "*That* for your information, was my boyfriend. Probably *ex*boyfriend now." "Why?" "Because of *you* Craig! How many times have I tried to tell you that I'm *not* available-that I *have* a boyfriend. Who is *not* you!" I yelled. "It's okay, Osh, really-" "Just leave me *alone* Craig!" I stormed out of the building and went to my car. Rainbow found me ten minutes later, sobbing in the car. "Osh are you okay?" Rainbow asked softly, getting into the car. I shook my head. "Well, I'm sure Lance will come around soon." "I have a feeling he won't." I sniffled. "Did you *see* the way he was looking at me? And how he saidmy name like...like he hated it? Rainbow, what have I *done*?" "Osh, you didn't do *anything*. You didn't kiss Craig-he kissed you-it's not your fault. You've tried to tell him like fifty times that there is *nothing* between youtwo..." " But maybe I could've done more..." "Like punch him in the nose? Osh, you did all you could. And if Lance doesn't believe that, then maybe *he's* the one who should get punched in the nose," Rainbow said with a tiny smile. "Why are they here anyway?" I asked with a sniffle. "I think they're doing some talk show-" Rainbow said as JC came up and knocked on her window. "Hey JC." "Hey Rain, hey Osh-whoa, what's wrong?" JC asked with concern. "Lance...Lance" was as far as I got before bursting into tears again. "Craig thinks Osh is his girlfriend and a little while ago, Lance saw Craig kiss Osh and Lance totally had a cow," Rain explained. "Did you explain the situation?" JC asked. I nodded, and Rainbow spoke for me. "Yeah, but Lance accused her of wanting him only for money or fame or something and walked away." "Hmm...do you two want me to get tickets to the show tonight so you can talk to Lance, Osh?" JC offered. I nodded. "Would you? That'd be great, JC." "YEah and in the meantime, I'll try to talk to him...get him to see what a dork he is for getting mad at you." JC smiled. "Rain, do you wanna come get some lunch with me? You too, Osh." I shook my head. "No you two go ahead, I need to be alone for awhile." "You sure?" "Yeah, go." "Okay, we'll see you later," Rain said, climbing out of the car. I drove around aimlessly for about an hour, until something drew me to the beach. I parked and strolled down to the wet sand, spotting the rock Lance and I had sat on awhile before. As I walked closer, i spotted a figure sitting on the rock-it was Lance. His face was turned up to the sky and his legs were bent to his chest. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I climbed up the rock and whispered, "Lance?" He turned and looked at me. "What do you want?" "I want you to listen to me and believe me," I said softly. "I am telling the total and complete truth-Craig thinks I'm his girlfriend just because of that whole Romeo and Juliet thing. I have told him so many times that I already have a boyfriend name Lance Bass, but Craig thinks it's all a joke. You know, since you're all famous and I'm not...and he just waltzed into Fox this morning and said, 'I'm here to support my girlfriend Ocean' Then he kissed me." "And you did nothing to stop it." "I had no idea he was going to kiss me and it took me awhile to realize what was going on," I explained. "Lance? Say something. Please?" I whispered, trying desperately to stop my tears. "Well okay. Fine. If you don't wanna talk to me and you don't believe me,then fine. I guess I'll see you later." I climbed off the rock and went back to my car, tears running down my face. When I saw Lance walking toward his car, which was parked next to mine, I drove away. "Here are the tickets, Osh," Rain said when she entered our room later that day. "Osh, what's wrong?" "I found Lance at the beach and I tried to talk to him and explain, but he hardly spoke two words to me..." "Hey, it's okay, O...JC is gonna talk to Lance, okay?" "It's not gonna work, Rain," I sniffled as someone knocked on the door. Craig was standing there. "Hey Ocean!" "Craig, I don't wanna see you," I said. "Why not? I thought I'd take my girlfriend to dinner," Craig offered. His referral to me as *his* girlfriend set me off-I exploded. "I am NOT your girlfriend! How many times do I have to tell you that? I WAS going out with Lance, who is so much nicer and sweeter than YOU!" Craig looked astonished. "And now, because of you, Lance is breaking up with me! Do you know how much that hurts, Craig? I love Lance so much!" When I realized that I had said I loved Lance, I started crying again. "I love Lance...so much..." As I fell to the ground sobbing, Rainbow approached the scene and said, "Craig, I think you need to leave-*now*." Craig turned around and left without a word. Eddie appeared at the door. "Geez Osh...what's going on?" I was sobbing too hard to answer. "Craig thinks Osh is his girlfriend and Lance saw Craig kiss Osh and he totally blew up," Rainbow explained. "Come on, O...get up." Eddie shut the door behind him as I sat on my bed. "Calm down, O...it's okay..." "I love him you guys...I really love him...what am I gonna do with out him?" I cried as Eddie held me. "It'll be okay...after JC talks to him, Lance will come to his senses," Rainbow said as the phone rang. "Hello? Hey JC...I don't know, she's like, hysterical right now...she can hardly talk, JC! Okay okay...here." Rainbow handed the phone to me and I took it. "Hello?" "Osh? You're coming to the show tonight, right?" JC asked. "I doubt it, JC...I can't stop crying and to be quite frank, I don't think Lance wants to see or talk to me ever again," I said. "Oh no, Osh, I don't believe that...you gotta come tonight," JC said. "But *why*?" "Just because...I think Lance *does* wanna see you again." "Are you serious?" "Yup." "I don't think so..." "Oh come on, pleeease?" JC pleaded. "Ugh, okay okay. I'll come tonight. But if I start crying JC..." "Don't worry about it...you won't regret this, I promise," JC said. "Okay. You wanna talk to Rain now?" "I do, but I have to go...we're going to get our make-up done...woo hoo!" JC said sarcastically. "Sounds like fun," I replied. "Oh yeah, tons. Just tell Rain I'll see her later tonight and I can't wait to see her again, okay?" "Yeah...I'll see you later, JC." "Later Osh." "Eddie, JC gave us a ticket for you too," Rainbow said. "You've got a half hour to get ready-the show starts in an hour." "It's not a concert is it?" Eddie asked warily. "Uh uh-it's a talk show. Jay Leno I think," Rain said. "Okay, I'll meet you guys downstairs in thirty minutes." "Guys, I look okay, right? No streaks, no bloodshot eyes, no puffy bags right?" I asked as we drove to the studio. "You look perfect," Rain said, glancing at me in the rear view mirror. "Are you sure?" "Osh, you look beautiful," Eddie assured me. "What if he doesn't wanna see me? What if he never wants to speak to me again? What if-" "Shh O. Be quiet...no worries," Eddie said. "Breathe in, breathe out," Rainbow said. "In with the good, out with the bad," I added with a smile. "Hey check it out! Osh just smiled!" Eddie exclaimed. "Shut up," I replied, trying to hide a smile. We pulled up to the studio and Rainbow let Eddie and me out while she found a parking space. All around us, teenagers were squealing about how cute Justin was, how awesome JC's voice sounded or how fine Lance was. "I remember when I was like them," I said to Eddie. "Not too long ago for you," Eddie replied with a grin. "Oh my *God*! There they are!" a girl screamed and the crowd ran in the direction she was pointing. Eddie and I stayed where we were, but I caught Lance's eye as he was rushed into the building along with Justin, Joey and Chris-but no JC. "Hey Osh," someone behind me said, scaring me half to death. It was a guy dressed ina brown trenchcoat, sunglasses and a hat. "J-" "Shh!" "Jason! What are you doing here?" I asked. "Making sure you came. Where's Rain?" "Right here," Rainbow said. "Whoa, um-" "Jason," Eddie supplied. "Jason, nice get up," Rainbow said, suppressing a laugh. "Shut up," JC said with a grin and kissed Rainbow. "Am I gonna have to insult you more often to get kisses like that?" Rainbow asked. "Nah...just ask and you shall recieve," JC said. "I gotta go...I'll see you inside." Some people were looking at us strangely, especially JC in his disguise. Once JC had given Rain another kiss and was walking to the backstage doors, someone yelled, "There's JC!" JC looked behind him and began running when he saw masses of screaming girls approaching him. We stood and laughed. "Eek Osh! They're coming on next!" Rain exclaimed. "Wow, they're giving them longer than usual," Eddie commented. "I guess they're getting longer interview time." The guys performed "Bye Bye Bye" and then went to talk to Jay. "Great song, guys. So JC, I heard you were spotted in diguise out front with your girlfriend," Jay said. "Uh, yeah, I was. All these girls started chasing me...it was kinda weird," JC replied with a laugh. "Is your girlfriend in the audience, JC?" Jay asked. JC nodded, scanning the audience for Rainbow. "Yeah, she is-right there." "Lance, is your girlfriend here too?" Lance looked at me, a smile playing on his lips. "Yeah she's here, Jay. Sitting right next to JC's girlfriend." "They're very beautiful young ladies, guys," Jay said. "Thanks," Lance replied as he looked at me again. "Can I ask you a favor Jay?" "Sure, Lance," Jay said. "Can my girlfriend come down here?" Lance asked. "We had this *huge* fight today and I acted like a total jerk and I want to apologize for my behavior." My eyes widened. "What is he *doing*?" "Yeah sure. Lance's girlfriend, come on down!" Jay exclaimed. Everyone began clapping and cheering as I stood up and made my way down to the stage, blushing. The guys and Jay stood up to meet me and I shook Jay's hand. Joey gave me a huge hug that lifted me off theground and the others have me warm, brotherly hugs. JC whispered in my ear, "I told you." "Everyone, this is Ocean, my girlfriend," Lance said and waited until the cheering died down. Then he turned to me, taking my hands in his. "Osh, I want to say that I am *so* sorry for the way I acted today. I should've believed you this morning when you told me you and Craig weren't together. I'm sorry for not speaking to you and just blowing you off." "Why do you believe me now?" I asked. "Well, I was coming over to your dorm room to tell you it was over-" "Oh my gosh-" "No no no, just listen to me, O. I saw Craig at the door and I heard you yelling at him..." "Did you hear everything?" I whispered. Lance nodded. "Yeah I think so. I walked in on, 'Craig, I don't wanna see you.' Just today I realized how much you mean to me, Osh...and seeing Craig kiss you...it hurt...bad." I bit my lip. "Lance...I-" "I love you," Lance said, looking into my eyes. "I love you too," I replied and the audience erupted into cheers and applause. "Now, uh, are you gonna kiss me, or am I gonna have to do all the work?" Lance smiled and gave me a sweet long kiss which the audience responded to with wild hooting and cheering. I could hear Rainbow and Eddie above all the others. "JC's girlfriend and her friend, why don't you guys come down too?" Rainbow and Eddie made their way down to the stage and I gave Rainbow and Eddie hugs, as did everyone else. "There is so much love on this stage right now," Jay said. "You guys are like family to each other, huh?" "Oh yeah, definitely," Joey agreed. "Rain and Osh are like our sisters...they rock!" "This is Rainbow," JC said. "And this is Eddie." "This is so great, you guys," Jay said. "We have to go to commercial right now, but there's more with N Sync and company right after this." During the break, some producers brought up three more chairs and microphones for Rainbow, Eddie and me. We chatted a bit with Jay and discussed what questions could be asked. "We're back in five, four, three, two..." "We're back with N Sync and a few of their friends. Now, how did you guys meet up with Rainbow and Ocean?" "Well, uh, they won a contest to spend a day with us and we just totally hit it off right from the start," JC explained. "What about you, Lance? The same thing with you and Ocean?" Jay asked. "I wouldn't say we hit it off right from the start, but after a few hours..." "And a couple dates later," I added with a grin. "Hey, you guys wanna go get some dinner?" Justin asked after the show. "Sure," I said. "Just name the place." "Uh...how about that China Garden restaurant?" Lance suggested with a smile. "Yeah, okay. We'll meet you there, okay?" Rainbow said, pulling her keys out of her pocket. We were all sitting around the table, talking and laughing when my cell phone rang. "Hello?" "Is this Ocean?" "Yes," I said slowly. "How can I help you?" "This is Diana Burke from Mad TV and I'm calling concerning your audition today..." ""Yes." "About fifty people auditioned and only two were chosen." "Mm-hm." I was holding my breath, waiting for the news. "And Ocean, I am very happy to say you are one of the two chosen," Diana said. "Are you serious?" I squeaked. "Yes. Your friend Rainbow is the other half. We chose you two because you're funny and you have great chemistry that would work well with the other cast members," Diana explained. "I'll contact you further about rehearsal dates and such. I'm going to call Rainbow now." "Okay. Thank you so much, Miss Burke." "You're welcome-call me Diana please. I'll talk to you later." "Bye." "Who was that, Osh?" Joey asked. "You seem happier." "You guys, that was Mad TV...Rain, we are *so* in!" "You mean-" Rain's cell phone rang and she picked it up. "Hello?" "You mean you guys-" JC said. "Are officially gonna be on Mad TV!" I exclaimed as Rainbow shrieked. "Oh, that is so great!" Chris said. "Now you can introduce me to that Nicole Sullivan chick..." "Oh lay off, dude, she's mine," Joey said. "Congratulations, sweetie, I'm proud of you." Lance kissed me. "Thank you," I said as JC congratulated Rainbow and gave her a kiss as well. "When dinner was over, Lance and I excused ourselves to go down on the beach, JC and Rainbow were going cruising, and Joey, Eddie, Justin and Chris were going to a club. Lance and I strolled down the moonlit beach hand in hand, talking. "I'm glad you're not mad at me," I said. "I'm glad you're not crying anymore," Lance replied. "I saw you crying and I heard you...not something I wanna hear again." I blushed. "Yeah, I'm not exactly a pleasant crier...I'm almost as bad as Juliet in that seventies version of R and J." "No, I meant seeing you cry...seeing you hurt...because of me...Osh, that hurt *me*," Lance said softly. "I couldn't stand see ing you hurt because of me...I *love* you Osh. And when I heard you scream that *you* loved *me*, I almost couldn't believe it." "Oh Lance-" "And then I saw you fall on the floor crying...I wanted to pick you up and tell you I love you too, but I didn't...I was a little choked up myself," Lance said with a sheepish smile. "Lance, don't make me cry again," I whispered. "I'm sorry, O. I'm sorry," Lance apologized. "It's okay," I replied, squeezing his hand. "Let's go sit on our rock." We climbed up onto the rock and I sat in Lance's arms the exact same way I had the night we first kissed. "Baby?" Lance said. "Hmm," I replied. "I'm gonna sing to you, okay?" "That is *very* okay," I murmured and Lance began singing "This I Promise You" my favorite slow song. I settled back in Lance's arms and closed my eyes, listening to his deep bass voice. When he was done, I said, "Lance?" "Yes?" "Normally, I would punch anyone in the face who called me baby-" "Uh oh." "But somehow, you make it sound right." |
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| Chapter Five I Just Wanna Be With You index Back to the gravy, oh baby, oh baby |
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