Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2000 04:18:10 -0500 From: Derik Blake Subject: *Nsync with my Premonitions--14 October 15, 2000 Derikab@hotmail.com *Nsync with my Premonitions-Bon Anninversaire OK, you know the usual. Don't know, don't care. This is fiction, i.e. not real. If you have problems seeing any one of the boys gay, leave. If you have a problem seeing one of 'the' boys kiss another boy, leave. I still haven't gotten much response from the latter chapters of this story. I am not doing this story for you guys, but it really makes a difference when someone reads something that they like and tell the author. Even if it is a one liner. I read somewhere where someone said, "If your writing to get feedback, then you are wasting a great talent. If you do it for yourself, then that is when that talent is put to its best use." That's why I say that I am not doing this for you guys. I am doing it for me and I really enjoy doing so. And I am glad that some people like it enough to let me know. It really makes an author wonder if the story is good enough when I don't receive feedback, but I am not too worried anymore. My depression is still with me, but I am doing what I can to get rid of it. The holidays are always tough after my father's death, but I'll get through it like last year. If you want, you can send me feedback. I'll appreciate it. Don't forget about the Fan Fics Awards 2000. The voting starts on December 8 so go and vote for me if you like the story. I'll even take that over feedback. LOL!! Again, I don't know who nominated me, but I want to thank that person or persons. 'Premonitions' is a project that I thought would never happen. I am glad that it did, and I am glad that some of you out there think that is it worth a nomination at the FFA2000. If you want to go to the site and look around, the address is: http://www.envy.nu/ffawards2000. Anyway, as usual, my site is up and running, and the next chapter is usually posted there a couple days in advanced of Nifty. If you write me, I will be more than happy to add you to the list and notify you of any updates. If not, check out the site anyway. While you are there, don't forget to sign the guest book. The link is http://Derikab.cjb.net. Now all that is out of the way, I hope you enjoy this chapter. Chapter 14-Bon Anninversaire As Justin and I were making our way outside, we would periodically stop running when there was someone around. When they were out of sight, we would take off at top speeds again. When we got outside, I finally caught him and put him in a headlock. "Now that you've got me, what are you gonna do?" Justin asked, laughing. "I don't know. Let me see. Noogieeeeeeeeeee!!" "No!!! Not that. Stop. Owwww. Monty, please!!!!" He just laughed in between his protests. The others came out and saw what we were doing and just laughed at Justin for getting caught. "Did you learn a lesson?" I asked as I let him go. "Yeah," he said, rubbing his head. "Stay away from your knuckles. Man do they hurt." The others just laughed harder. JC came up to me and grabbed me in a hug. I was once again safe in his arms. "Not now guys," Lance said. "Unless you want to go back to the hotel while we go and eat." "Yeah, where are we going?" Chris asked. "How about the Hard Rock Café?" I responded. "No. Monty, today is your day. We don't have to go there if you don't want." "Today is our day, JC." "No, today is your day. It's your birthday. Tonight will be our night. Alone." "I forgot that today is my birthday. After all the excitement of the show and everything." "So, where do you want to go?" JC said, repeating the question. "Hard Rock. I've never been to one." JC's eyes grew big, saying, "Oh my God, Monty, you are going to love it." As he started to tell me about it, we all started walking down the street to the café. We arrived and were seated. I guess the hard rock employee's knew that they were in town because we had a huge table in the back waiting for us. We looked through the menu and JC made a few suggestions and we ordered. Through the meal, Tony explained about how JC had called and set this up. JC, then, explained how he talked to Oprah and how she loved the idea. She even moved a planned show so they could appear on my birthday. "By the way," Justin said, interrupting, "can we use JC's song on the new album?" At the other end of the table, I could hear Joey and Chris begging me to say yes. Lance just smiled at me, waiting for my answer. I looked at JC and asked, "Do you really want the world to know about our troubles." "No. I want the world to know how in love we were and how in love we are. I wrote the words for you. You wrote the music. We need your permission to publish it. This is completely your decision. If you don't want to, we won't and can't put on the album." Looking back at the faces waiting for an answer, I looked over to my friends and they were encouraging me to do so. I turned back to Justin and said, "Yes, Justin. You can use the song." I reached over and grabbed JC's hand and he leaned in for a kiss. When we did, the entire table sighed an 'Oh brother' and then giggled. We just ignored them and continued our kiss. When lunch was over, JC picked up a menu on the way out, for his collection, and asked where we wanted to go next. "How about the park next to the lake?" Pat asked. "Which one? There are like ten." Joey informed him. "I don't know. Lets just find a nice park and relax a bit." "Fine with me," Justin said. "We're game," Mitchell said, pointing to Tony. "Sounds good to me. Monty?" JC said. "Let's go," I said, taking his hand in mine. We were all following Justin, Pat and Tony to a park on the lake. When we got there, we found two benches facing the water, so we claimed our spot for the next hour or two. I sat on the ground against Justin's legs, who was sitting on one of the benches and JC sat between mine so I could hold him. Joey found a frisbee that was left behind, so he, Chris, Mitchell and Steve went behind us and started playing. Lance and Tony were talking as Patrick listened, throwing in a word or two every once in a while. I just sat there holding JC as Justin played with my hair. I didn't know if he was aware that he was doing it, but I didn't mind anyway. It was soothing and relaxing. JC wrapped his arms around mine and just stared at the water. A few minutes later, he laid his head on my shoulder and turned it slightly so that he could kiss me. Justin made no comment this time. He either wasn't paying attention or he knew that he would be seeing a lot more of this, so he better just get used to it. After the kiss, I asked what we were going to do tomorrow. "We are going to the studio for a week, like I told you over the phone. Are you still gonna come with us?" JC asked. "Yeah. I though that was just something to get me to Chicago so you could surprise me for the show." "No. We really have to record some this week. This is our only day off before we start, then we have to go back to Florida and make some more arrangements for the album," Justin explained. "I'm glad that you're still coming. You will love the song. I've made a few new arrangements to the music that you are gonna love." "You changed the music?" I asked. "No," Justin said. I leaned my head back on his lap and looked at his face while he talked. "He changed some of the arrangement so that the music will sound better on the album. He's arranged for the Ch....." "No, Justin," JC said, interrupting him. "It's gonna be another surprise." "What did he do?" I asked Justin, still looking at his face. "He's not going to tell you. I'm not gonna let him. I told you, it's a surprise. You'll just have to wait till tomorrow." Justin just continued to smile while looking in my eyes, upside down. I didn't like JC's answer, so I poked him in the ribs and he jumped. "Hey," he said, laughing. "Don't do that." "What? This?" I asked, poking him again. He jumped again and said, "Yes. That. It tickles." "Sorry," I said before attaching him and making him laugh his way from me. Once JC was clear, Justin reached down and did the same to me. I jumped and told him that if he did it again, that he would need another head start. He grabbed my ribs, on both sides, and wouldn't let go. He tickled me so much, that I ended up scooting my butt down so I could lie on my back. He finally let go and started running. "OK, Justin. You asked for it," I said standing and running after him. JC just laughed and watched as I gained on him. We ended up running between the two teams of frisbee throwers and interrupting them. They, too, started watching and calling for Justin to run faster. After we got everyone's attention, I finally caught him and got him in another headlock. "Please don't give me a noogie. Please?" Justin pleaded. I just lead the way back over to the guys, by his head, and told JC to spank him for tickling me. "Hell, no. I'm not touching that scrawny thing," JC said, laughing. "OK, fine. Tony, you want to?" "With pleasure," he said smiling. "I don't think so, Mister," Mitchell said, grabbing his arm and holding him. "OK, Justin, I can't seem to find anyone to beat your scrawny little ass, so what do you suspect I do?" "I don't care. Just please, no noogies!!!!" he said, laughing. I reached further down his body and grabbed him by the waist and lifted him to my shoulder, holding him upside down. "No, noogies," I said to Justin. "OK everybody, tickly away." "NOOOOOO!!!!!!" Justin screamed as everyone started coming to him. After two or three minutes, I called off the boys and let Justin go free. As he was walking away, he looked back and said, "Revenge is so sweet. You just wait, Montgomery." I faked a running start and he took off without looking back. All the guys and myself started laughing at him. JC started after him and I took myself a walk to the edge of the water. Lance walked up moments later and stood with me. "Did you know about this a week ago?" I asked. Smiling, he said, "Yeah. I so wanted to tell you, but I knew that JC would kill me if I ruined the surprise." "You sneaky little devil," I said, smiling at him. "So, have you heard any news on this guy?" "Guy? Huh?" "Ya know. You told me you were starting to fall in love. The guy." "Oh, yeah. No. Still the same. I told you I don't have a chance in hell. If I had only met him before his lover, maybe there might be that chance." Putting my arm around his waist and leaning my head against his shoulder, I said, "Don't worry, Lance. You are a very special person, and if he can't see it, then he must be blind or dumb. One day, you will find that special guy that makes you feel......well, like JC makes me feel." Lance reached over and put him arm across my back when I finished. "Don't worry. One day, Lance. One day." "I hope so," he said, leaning his head on mine. We just stared at the water. I was happy and I could tell that Lance wasn't. He wasn't unhappy, but he was just so lonely. I could see it in his eyes. He looked at JC and myself and could tell that he wishes he could find someone to love him. What he doesn't know is that I do love him. Like a brother, along with the other guys. How could I not love them after accepting me as one of them? They didn't do it because of JC, but I guess I really did make an impression on them. "Lance, Monty, come here," JC called. Lance and I turned and walked over to the others, still holding each other. When we arrived, JC asked if there was something I wanted to tell him about the two of us. "Do you really want all the details?" I asked. JC looked at Lance and then back at me. Shaking his head, he just said, "No. Never mind." I looked at Lance and winked. He just smiled. "I have something for you," Tony said. "What?" I asked, puzzled. He brought his hands around from his back and held a package up to give to me. "Happy birthday," he said as I took the package from him. I ripped the paper off and saw the gift. It was the same picture collage that he had given me before I was to surprise JC in Chicago before my accident. "This is the same thing....." "I know. But now, I hope that it will hold a more special meaning," Tony explained, smiling. I showed the picture to JC and told Tony, "I know it will. Thank you." I hugged his neck and then Joey suggested we go back to the hotel so they could give me their gifts. "All you guys got me something?" I asked. "Yeah," Chris said. "You didn't have to do that." "We know, but we wanted to," Chris explained. "C'mon. Lets get a move on. I have a really big date tonight," JC said. "Oh, really?" I asked, playing. "With who?" "This guy. He's my height, about 170 pounds, nice body, blond hair, and gorgeous blue eyes. He's got a Southern accent, nice butt, huge feet and I hear he's pretty good in bed." "JC!!!!" I said, hitting his arm. He and the others started laughing. "And," JC continued, pulling me to face him. "He's a great kisser." I leaned in and kissed him. "I hope so, cause you could use some lessons." It was JC who hit my arm this time. We started walking back to the hotel when Justin jumped on my back. He wrapped his arms around my neck and I grabbed his legs and carried him. Turns out that they are staying at the same hotel that Tony checked us into. JC offered to get a suite for my friends so we could all be on the same floor. They happily accepted and we did end up on the top floor with the two suites. I opened their gifts and couldn't believe that I got so many nice gifts. Lance had given me a replica of the cross he wears around his neck. He told me that he really didn't know what else to give me, so he just thought I would like that. I told him that I loved it and he snapped it around me. After all the gifts were opened, I noticed that JC didn't get me one. I was a little disappointed, but I wasn't worried, because I was back with him and that was the best birthday present I could hope for. As Chris and Mitchell were clearing the wrapping, JC excused himself and went to his room. A minute later, he returned with his hands behind his back. "There is one more gift that you need to open." He sat back down and handed me a box with blue wrapping and a big bow. I slipped the bow off and carefully removed the wrapper. When the paper was clear, I was staring at a black velvet box. I looked up at JC and then at the others. They were all smiling waiting for me to open the box. When I did, I almost ended up in tears. JC had given me his necklace. "JC, I can't take this. This was a gift that your parents gave you." "I want you to have it. This is the only material thing that means anything to me. It is very special and I want you to have it. Before I acted stupid a few months ago, I wanted you to have it to remember me by. Now, I want you to have it to know how much I love you." He reached down and grabbed it and tied it around my neck. I turned back around and he took a look at it and smiled. I reached down and took my ring off my right hand and held it so JC could see it. "This ring was given to me by my mother and father when I graduated high school. It is the one thing that I can remember my father giving me, knowing he was proud of me. It was one of the proudest moments of his life. Knowing that I made it through school. I want you to have it, because whenever you look at it, you'll know how much it means to me and how much I love you." He was about to make his own protests, but I put a finger up to his lips to silence him. "I want to. Please accept it." The ring was gold with a blue topaz on the top and two small diamonds on either side. I grabbed his left hand and slipped it on his third finger. "Je t'adore, Mio amore," I told him. "Je t'adore, Mio amore," he repeated. We kissed and I could hear the others begin their sighs, so I put my hand up in protest and I heard them giggle. I twirled my finger for them to turn around and I heard some shuffling. When JC and I were through kissing, I looked and everyone had their backs to us. "OK, we're done," JC said. Looking back at me, he said, "You need to go and get ready. We have a big night ahead of us." "What do you have planned, Mr. Chasez?" "Dinner over candle light. Some dancing, maybe a walk next to the lake. I'm really not sure yet, but I'll think of something." "Sounds wonderful. Let me go to my room and get my things." "I'll get them for you," Pat said. "I wouldn't want you two to be away from each other for too long." Tony and Mitch laughed and the other guys just went on to their own thing. Chris and Joey called for the Playstation so they could play Mortal Kombat and Justin almost threw a fit. He just sat behind them and called next game. Lance went to his room and laid down for a nap. My friends were about to leave when Justin told them they could stay. They did and Pat returned with my things. I took them and gave Pat a hug. "Happy birthday," he said. "Thanks." JC and I walked into his room and got dressed ready for our night out. I couldn't find anything to wear that was formal enough for the night, so I went to Lance's room and asked if he had the sweater that he had worn to my house a week before. He said he did and asked if I wanted to borrow it. I accepted it and thanked him. I wore it with some blue jeans and cowboy boots. JC chose a black turtleneck with some black jeans. Before we left, Justin gave us a whistle saying how smashing we looked. "Since we are going dancing later, we didn't want to dress up too much," JC told him. "Well, you both look great," he said again. "Thanks," I said, smiling. "Monty, do you still have your cell on you?" JC asked. "Yeah." "Can I see it, please?" I reached in my back pocket and handed it to him. Once he had it, he called Justin's name and tossed it to him. "Tonight, there will be no interruptions." Looking over at Justin, he said, "If anyone calls, tell them that Mr. Blake in on a very important date and that he will call them tomorrow." "Yes, sir. Anything else, sir?" "Yeah, beat Joey's ass off that stupid game." "Hey," Joey said looking at JC. "I won," Chris screamed. "What?" Joey asked, looking back at the screen. He was pissed. "My turn," Justin said. Joey reluctantly handed over the controller cussing the entire time. I just giggled and looked at JC. Then we walked out the door. When we got to the front of the hotel, there was a limo waiting for us. JC motioned for me to enter first, and then he quickly followed. Once inside, I asked him where he was taking me. He told me it was a surprise and I would just have to wait and see. After about ten minutes, we arrived at a very elegant restaurant. The driver parked the car in front and came and opened the door. We walked in and waited for the maitre de to come and seat us. I leaned over to JC and asked, "Aren't we a little underdressed?" "Don't worry. We both look nice. At least were not in tee shirts." The maitre de walked up a moment later and just stopped before getting to his station, looking us up and down. "May I help you?" he asked in a very snotty tone. "Yes. We have a reservation," JC said. Once again he looked at us not believing we could afford the meal. "Are you sure you have the right restaurant?" he said looking back and forth between JC and myself. "Oh, pretty sure. If you would like to keep this 'host' job that you obviously love, I suggest you ask my name and seat us," JC shot to him. He caught the insult and gave JC an evil look. "Name please?" he asked in a mean voice. "Chasez. Joshua Scott Chasez," he answered with a wicked smile. The maitre de's face went white. He realized who JC was and nervously look the list over. Once he found JC's name, he did his best to get his composure back and started speaking. "Mr. Chasez, please forgive me. The dress that the two of you have threw me off. I am truly sorry for insulting you. I would never dream of doing that." "Think nothing of it," JC assured him. "What can I do for the two of you tonight?" Grabbing my hand, JC answered, "We would like a romantic table for two." The maitre de's expression went right past surprise, straight to being shocked. "R..R..Right this way," he stuttered. JC just smiled and pulled me to walk in front of him as he kept his hand on my back. Once we were at the table, he sat the menus down and grabbed the napkins and laid them in our lap. "Anton will be your attendant this evening. Is there something that I may get the two of you before he arrives?" "A bottle of your best champagne?" "Right away, Mr. Chasez." He took off to the back of the room and JC and I just looked at each other. "Champagne? You are getting fancy, aren't you?" "Just wait until we get back to the hotel." "What's back there?" "Dessert," he said lifting his eyebrows. We just sat looking around and I noticed that a lot of people were starting to stare at us. "Josh, everyone's looking at us?" "They are?" he asked, looking. "Yeah. I don't think they get too many men couples in here." "Well, they will have one to look at tonight." Smiling, I asked, "How do you do it?" "Do what?" "Go places and not notice the stares. I'm sitting for three minutes and notice that practically the entire room is looking at us and I mention it to you and you have no clue." "Monty, I've been doing this for a long time. I guess it's just something you get use to. I didn't even notice anyone else here until you mentioned it." "Well, they're here and there looking." "Let them look, then. I don't care nor do I have to care anymore." He reached his hand across the table and let it come to rest on top of mine. "You strapped a rocket to you back when you stepped out of the closet, didn't you." "I guess so. I have been so ready for this for a long time. Now I am not going to let anyone or anything ruin this for me. I am going to live my life like I want to live it from now on." "As long as you don't dress in drag, things will be just fine. But the minute I see a dress in your closet, I am outta here," I laughed. He joined me in the laugh and then the champagne arrived. Anton came and told us of the specials and took our order. He asked for anything that we might need and we simply told him no. We were just content with being with each other again. While waiting for our meal, we were holding light conversation. I was still a little freaked that so many people were staring at us. They either didn't have too many gay couples come in, or they recognized JC and they were just waiting to be able to tell someone other than who they came with. During our conversation, JC hit me with a question that came from out of the blue. "Have you been thinking about the possibilities of the third soul? Who it might be, I mean." His question completely threw me off guard. I just looked at him with a blank stare until he called my name. "Huh?" "Did you hear me?" "Yeah. I just wasn't expecting it." "Well, have you?" "I really haven't given it much thought. I know that there is someone out there, but how do you find him? The world is an awfully big place." "I know." "Have you thought about it?" I asked. "I haven't thought about is as much as I feel it sometimes." "What do you mean?" "I don't really know. It's just sometimes I feel as if everything feels right. I don't know when I get this feeling, but when I'm alone, I just feel that everything is fine." "Well, maybe the Madame was wrong on this. Maybe you and I are the only ones to make the circle." "No. I know that there is a third person. I just don't know who he is." "Baby, when the time comes for us to be together, all three of us will know. Don't worry about it." He just smiled at me and squeezed my hand in response. We talked a while longer before the food arrived. During dinner we had some small talk and just enjoyed the evening. Once dinner was over we were about to leave the restaurant when the maitre de stopped JC on the way out the door. I walked to the door and waited. He asked for his autograph. When JC asked his name, he whispered something in his ear and JC chuckled and asked, "Really?" The maitre de nodded with a smile and JC signed something for him and then came and joined me. Once inside the limo, I asked JC what was so funny. "I asked who I should sign it to. He whispered to sign it to him." "What's so funny about that?" "His name is Spike. I just thought it was funny to have someone with a name like Spike to work at one of the most elegant restaurants in Chicago. I just thought it was amusing." After seeing his point, I let out a small laugh myself and just sat back with JC's arm around me and enjoyed the ride. Our next location was a nightclub. When we pulled up, I could feel the bass. I looked at JC and asked, "Well, if the news hasn't spread yet, it will be all over Chicago by tomorrow. You know this, don't you?" "Yeah." "You ready?" "Question is, are you ready? People are going to be staring once they figure out who I am." "As long as you're with me, I can be ready for anything." "Good. You get out first, then. I feel like I have butterflies." I just laughed at him as the door opened for me. When I got out, people were looking at me like they were expecting something. There was a long line of people standing waiting to get in and every one of their eyes were plastered at the limo and me. Once I was out, JC started to follow. When he cleared the car, I saw eyes grow and mouths drop. They couldn't believe who just got out behind me. They immediately started whispering to each other. I just stood there, waiting for JC to make the first move, which he did. He came up beside me and put his arm around my waist and we walked to the front of the line. "Shouldn't we wait?" I asked. "No. I've already made the arrangements. C'mon." We walked up and he told the guard his name and he quickly let us in. Once inside, the music overtook us both. There was a great beat booming and Josh instantly started moving with it. I just looked at him and smiled. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to the dance floor. On the way there, I could see people noticing us. Well, JC at least. When we got to the floor, he turned around and faced me and we just started having a good time dancing with each other. Whenever someone would try and get JC's attention and dance with him, he just held up a hand and told him that he was with me. I was glowing. I couldn't believe how lucky I was to finally find someone who only wanted to be with me. After awhile of dancing, we went to the bar and got us a drink, then found a place to sit. We were just yelling at each other when a group of, mostly guys and some girls came up and asked for his autograph. He politely told them that today was a special day and that he might be able to sign some for them before he left. They understood and went back to what they were doing. They continued to look, though, but didn't bother him again. We spent a few hours in the club before leaving. Josh told the driver to take us to the lake so we could sit and watch the stars. He ended up taking us to the pier. When we arrived, JC told the driver that we would just walk back and excused him for the night. After standing for about thirty minutes, watching the water and talking, it started raining. We were both trying our best to get out of the rain, but once we were sheltered, we were already soaked, so we just decided to walk back to the hotel in the rain. I was a nice walk. We didn't even notice the rain after a while, but when we entered the hotel, we were about to freeze. We got to the room as quick as possible and went and took a bath together. After our bath, JC made his promise. We had our dessert. We made the most passionate love that night. Neither one of us ever wanted to forget that night for as long as we lived. I wouldn't ever forget it, because Josh asked me to make love to him. I was almost speechless when he did, but did what he asked with gentleness and care. Afterwards, JC was stretched out on the bed and I laid my head on his shoulder and stretched my right hand across his body as he held me close. Within ten minutes, both of us were asleep. The next morning, I woke up and Josh was in the shower. He and the guys had to go to the studio to work on their album. "Good morning, sleepyhead," he said stepping over to kiss my head. "Morning, babe," I said, yawning. "Get in the shower. We have a big day ahead of us, and you have one last surprise to see." Falling back on the bed, I closed my eyes and listened to the silence in the room. JC came over and sat on the bed and put his hand on my chest. "C'mon. We need to be at the studio in an hour and a half. Get up and get in the shower before I throw you in." "Hmpff," was how I responded. He took that as his queue to wake me up by tickling me. I jumped into a sitting position and went on the defensive. "Are you going to get up, or do I have to tickle you again?" "I'm up, I'm up. Please don't tickle me," I said, groggily. After my shower, I got dressed and found all the guys in the living room. I went and sat on the couch next to Pat. "How was last night?" he asked. "When? When we were out or when we got back?" I asked smiling. "Bitch!!!!" he called me. "Well, you have your own lover." "Yeah, but he's not with *Nsync." "I heard that," Steve said. Pat turned to him, put his hands on his knees, lifted his shoulders to his ears and with a sweet voice said, "I love you." Steve just smiled and went back to his conversation. Pat turned back at me and I started talking again. "It was wonderful. He even told some fans that he wasn't signing autographs so we could spend more time together. I wasn't even expecting that, but I was happy." "What are you guys doing today?" Justin asked my friends. "Nothing that we know of. Why?" Tony answered. "How long are you thinking of staying in Chicago?" "Probably for the rest of the week. None of us have to be at work until the fifteenth. Why?" Pat asked. "Well, we were wondering if we could put you guys to work for us for the week," Lance informed. "What would we be doing?" Steve asked. "Well, since I came out yesterday and it was a live broadcast, we have received about triple the amount of fan letters and we were wondering if you guys would help us go through them. Mom is sending about ten boxes worth. They should be here tomorrow." My friends looked at each other and then back at the guys and said they would love to help. "Great. Now I won't be the only one with paper cuts," Justin said. "C'mon, guys. We have just enough time to get something to eat before heading to the studio. Steve, Tony, Pat and Mitchell, ya'll are welcome to come with us, too, if you want. We will be hitting on Monty's song today and be working on a few others this afternoon," Lance told them "We would love to," Mitchell said. "Great. The limo is down stairs waiting. Let's get a move on," Chris said opening the door. Everyone walked out and JC closed the door behind us. When we arrived at the lobby, flashes of light started blinding the guys as soon as the elevator door opened. The reporters were there in full force. Since JC's news, I have been expecting this, but I didn't expect it so soon. The guards were doing their best to get us out of there but some reporters' arms found their way in the circle and were shouting questions at JC and myself, holding the microphones at our faces. I didn't answer and just looked straight ahead. JC wanted to just get out of their quick. My friends looked horrified. They were not used tot this and didn't know what to do. After we were all safely in the limo, Justin asked my friends if they were ok. "Yeah, why?" Pat answered "Well, everyone of you looked scared to death." "No. We were just hoping that we looked good. That's all," Tony explained, as he started primping. JC and I both started to laugh then Justin joined us. Soon the entire limo was laughing at Tony's comment and actions. We just pulled away with the flashes hitting the car as if lightning was striking outside the window. After our small breakfast, we headed for the studio. When we got there, JC was acting like a child waiting for his parents to open his Christmas gift. His eyes were wide with anticipation. He was just waiting for my reaction to his surprise. When we arrived in the sound booth, he introduced my friends and I to the engineers and then led me to another room. When we got there, it was crowded with a complete orchestra. "Monty, I would like you to meet the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. They will be playing your music for the album." When he told me that, my jaw dropped open with disbelief. I couldn't believe he talked them into playing my music to his words. My expression was enough of a thank you because I couldn't find the words. He just kissed me and led me to the front of the room. "Would you like to hear it?" the conductor asked me. "Please," was all I could say. He lifted his baton and the room fell silent. With a wave of his wand, the music started filling the room on the downbeat. I closed my eyes and just listened in awe. I couldn't believe how great the music sounded. I had pictured it being played by an orchestra, but never in my wildest dreams ever expected to hear it. By the time the song was over, I had tears in my eyes. JC did a wonderful job on the arrangement. He made my piano notes sound like music from the heavens. "That was wonderful," I told the conductor. "If you don't mind, we would like for you to conduct for the recording. After all it is your music that we're playing," he said, handing the baton over to me. "I don't know. I'll probably be too nervous." "C'mon, Monty. Please. For me," JC said. Taking a deep breath, I reached out and took the baton and stood on the podium. Once I was in place, everyone left but the orchestra and myself. I heard someone telling me that whenever I was ready, I could start. Looking around at the faces watching me, I gave big smiles and took one last deep breath before lifting my arms in the air. A few waves of the baton later, the music once again filled the room. I closed my eyes and let the music flow. I wasn't really sure how to conduct, but it seemed as if I was doing a good job, because at the end of the song, the same voice came across the speakers saying that it was perfect and that they were going to use it for the recording. I couldn't believe that I just conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to one of my own songs. I was still in shock when JC came and got me. The conductor shook my hand and told his people that they could leave, but not to forget to meet the following Saturday for a rehearsal. JC and I walked out and back into their sound booth. It was now time for them to lay down the vocals to the recording that was just made. I went and sat with my friends on one side of the booth while the guys took their places and started their warm ups. Once the music started, they did their best to get the vocals early on, but failed. I guess it was still too early. After four days in the studio, the song was now complete, along with a few others. Tony, Mitchell, Pat, Steve and I went through about ten thousand letters and we were all bandaged by the time we were through. Most of the letters were to show their support for JC and a lot more than usual were from guys, straight and gay, saying how they loved their music. All in all, all the guys were pleased with the outpouring of the fans support. Thursday finally came and my friends had to leave to go back home. We had only one day left before we would be returning to Florida, so JC and I just decided to spend as much time together as possible. He was going to have a busy schedule when he got back and he just wanted to relax before getting started again. When Friday came, we packed up everything and got on the bus for the long drive back to Florida. JC wasn't feeling very good. He had had a headache when he woke up that morning so he went straight to the bed to lie down. I let him be alone so he could get some sleep. I sat up front with the others and just waited for the journey to begin. About ten minutes later, we were on our way. Justin came and sat next to me and started a small conversation. "So, did you enjoy your week?" "Yes, I did. Thank you guys for making it a very special one." "Hey, it's no problem. After what you and JC went through, I am just glad that you two are back together. That's all that mattered to me." I reached over and gave him a hug. "Thanks, again," I told him. Pulling out of the hug, he said, "I'm going to do my best to get to that game before Chris and Joey do, 'cause we have a long ride ahead of us and I don't want to be bored." "You better hurry. It looks like Chris is thinking the exact same thing." With that, Justin stood up and slowly started walking to the Playstation. Before he could get there, Joey and Chris beat him to it. Justin turned around cussing. I just laughed and stared out the window. After about a slow ten minutes, we were finally picking up some speed through the city. In about another fifteen minutes we should be on the interstate. As I was watching the scenery change, I heard Justin scream and I turned around. He had just beaten Joey's ass in Mortal Kombat and he was smiling. After I flashed a smile of my own, I turned back at the window and almost passed out with what I saw. Passing the window was a company with a pyramid in its courtyard. It was the blue pyramid from my premonition. I was frantically trying to look up the street to find the statue, but couldn't see it. I had my face pushed against the glass trying to see as far ahead as possible, but still no luck. I jumped out of my seat and went to the front of the bus. I looked but it was still nowhere to be found. I calmed a little seeing as how we were nowhere near a cross street. I kept a watch out just in case. A minute later, there was a busy intersection up ahead. I was desperately looking for the statue, but couldn't see it. The closer we got, the more worried I became. I didn't know whether to stop the bus or let it go. Nothing was going to happen without that statue. I was desperately looking for it, but it never showed. I was starting to sweat and Justin noticed that something was wrong. I went to the other side of the bus and looked for the SUV to no avail. I was straining, but it wasn't around. Suddenly, we went through the intersection. Nothing happened. There was no accident. Justin walked up to me and asked what was wrong. "Nothing," I said, calming a little. "Are you sure?" "Yeah. I'll be fine. I just need to catch my breath. I'll be ok." Justin wasn't satisfied with my answer, so he sat next to me as I looked out the window. I closed my eyes and leaned my head against the glass and took some deep breaths. Justin put his hands on my back and started massaging to calm me. He was helping me relax. I slowly opened my eyes and watched the sidewalk as we went by. After another minute or two, I told Justin that I was feeling better. He removed his hands and just sat with me. I started watching the people in the city and just trying to get my head clear when I saw it. I looked up and saw the statue. My heart starting beating faster and my face went white. Justin, again, noticed my reaction and started talking to me. I couldn't hear what he was saying. All I could think about was the intersection. I stood up and saw the intersection approaching fast. I went to the front of the bus and grabbed the support bar and looked for the SUV. I saw the truck swerving as it was approaching the intersection. "Stop!!!!!!!!" I yelled. Everyone looked up at me and Andre looked over. "What?" He asked confused. "STOP THE BUS!!!!!!!" I yelled again and Andre hit the breaks. "Monty!!!!!" I heard JC yell. When I turned my head, my hand slipped and I tripped forward into the windshield and fell on my back. Within seconds, the pain was overwhelming. I felt the bus come to a complete stop and heard a crash of two cars. My eyes were slowly finding their way closed when I heard JC come up and call my name again. I forced them open and saw Josh's face, wet with tears, as I asked. "You..." swallowing hard, "....ok?" "Yeah," he cried as he put his hand on my shoulder. I smiled and told him I loved him as my eyes slowly came together. To Be Continued . . . .