Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2000 07:25:08 EST From: Angel36745@aol.com Subject: the lost6 Disclaimer: I don't know the BSB or Nsync. I have on the other hand met Nsync for a very short amount of time at an after party. I will not go into that I will also be using Britney Spears a lot I don't know her either. I have not ever met the BSB I pray someday I do. Also I will add this. This is not a Justin friendly story in anyway. As for the rest of Nsync it is since their nice. Authors note: These *** mean a character change in the story. A name will follow the *** that is the character that is in charge. The main character that I'll be using will be Kevin, Tom, and Sarah. I'll try not to jump around a lot. I would like to thank all the people that wrote me. Your words have meant a lot to me more than you know. So thank you so very much. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ****Kevin**** Fatiam was sitting in a chair waiting for us smiling. "Well, I am happy to see I'm not the only one in pain." I could have sworn she was trying to be friends. So I helped tom take a seat beside her leaving him to talk. I walked over to Britney who was talking to AJ about his tattoo's. I pulled her to the side to talk to her about Tom. "I know I should ask Tom but I need to know. Did any of the Nsync guys hurt him?" Her eye's got wide and then returned to normal like she had a secret. She took a deep breath and looked a Tom her eyes looked a bit teary. "I don't know how to tell you this Kev, I really don't." She looked back into my eyes taking another deep breath. "I'm sure you know that Tom and Justin were at war with one another." I nodded trying to understand what she was saying. "Well, I didn't know it at the time but, Justin had set Tom up. He sent Tom out to find something for him. Tom got jumped by some guys Justin had paid off. Tom came crying to my doorstep that night. I pulled him in and helped him out that's when we really got close. He told me everything about himself and I do mean everything. After that he and Justin went to war and I mean war. One night Justin fell off the stage and almost broke his leg. Night after night something would always happen to Justin. Then they got into a huge fight and Tom won. That was the last time I saw Tom for three months. I had talked to him on the phone everyday. Then he sent me a tape with Justin trying to get some girl to go to bed with him. He knew it would hurt me so he watched it with me. I cried on his shoulder all night long. The next day I tried to brake up with Justin. But thing's didn't go as planed so I was stuck. That was until Tom told me to come see him here. I didn't know that people would be following us. In truth for the first time I'm happy they did, now I can brake up with Justin." I looked into her eye's knowing why Tom was so close to her. I looked at her and saw so much more than a pop star. "Well, I think that were going to get a long fine." She simply smiled and walked away. I looked back at Tom to see if he and Fatiam were killing each other yet. I wasn't to surprised to see that they were talking. I now had it out for Justin I knew I could get him back. I still couldn't believe that Tom hadn't told me what had happened. I knew all I had to do was ask the right question. Tom was as honest as he could be after all he was our PR agent. I couldn't expect him to always be honest it was his job to lie. I knew I lived in the same world he did a world full of secrets and lies. I would live in that world for the rest of my life. I walked up to Nick and asked him if he needed any help. He shook his head telling me he knew how to dance. I laughed and walked away taking a seat on the edge of the stage. I looked out at the arena checking for trouble spots. I wanted everyone that came to our concert to have a blast. We started our sound check's and then practiced our dance moves a little. Fatiam almost jumped all over Nick but Tom stopped her. He then limped over to Nick and tried to help him. Britney even walked over to help Nick but she wasn't helping that much. Nick still wasn't getting the move down so Tom limped over to Fatiam. He was whispering in her ear about something. Then she started cracking up like she had just heard the greatest joke. Tom was smiling to himself as he and Fatiam helped each other off the stage. I watch them leave and wondered what the hell they were up to. Brian was giving me a worried look that I couldn't understand. Then the music stopped and a new song started. I had never heard it before from anyone. I hadn't heard any words yet but the music was really good. Fatiam and Tom walked back out onto the stage. They took each others hands and started dancing very slowly. They were doing the same dance they we had been trying to do. Only this time they were moving a lot slower than we were. Nick was watching every move they made. When they got to the move Nick was having a problem with they moved even slower. Once that was done they both fell on their asses. "Ok now we showed you the move. Now do you think you could give it another try." I could tell by Fatiam's voice she was really trying. Nick nodded and the music returned to normal and he didn't screw up the move. I was impressed to say the least Britney was jumping up and down. I was starting to think that girl had split personality. I took a deep breath and started singing my part while I danced. The concert was great and I think we got rid of all the trouble spots. Britney had come on stage with us during one of our songs. I didn't think that the crowd could get any louder. I walked off stage and started looking for Tom. I hadn't seen him since the start of the concert. I heard a low moan coming form a closed door. It sounded like Tom but I didn't understand why he was moaning. I opened the door slowly with a shaky hand. What I saw almost made me laugh my ass off. Tom and Fatiam were laying on two tables. They were both getting massages by our personal trainers. I don't think I had ever seen either one of them happier. I closed the door quietly and moved toward the showers. After my shower I got dressed and walked back to the room I had seen them in. Tom was asleep laying on the table everyone else was gone. I walked over and picked Tom up and carried him to the dressing room. He didn't wake once he must have been really be tired. I couldn't help but to look at his child like face. When he slept it was like he would become a child again. I slowly put him down on the couch while I looked for some clothes for him. All he had was a towel wrapped around his waist. I knew I would have to wake him up soon. I wish I could just carry him out to the limo but I couldn't. I knew that anyone could be there taking pictures. I couldn't risk that it could destroy the band. I had once come pretty close to coming out. Tom had stopped me telling me he didn't mind hiding the way he felt. I knew that somewhere in his heart it did I could see it in his eyes. He always looked out for me even when it could help him to do other wise. He told me that if I had come out it wouldn't just hurt me. That it would hurt the band in more than one way. I told him that maybe it would be for the best. Now that I thought about it I knew it wouldn't be. I couldn't hurt Nick or Brian, even AJ could be hurt by my coming out. I knew that Howie no matter what would come out ok. But the rest of the guys wouldn't so I couldn't risk it. Every night that I held Tom in my arms my love for him grew. He had given up a great deal for me even if he didn't look at the way I did. I knew that Tom could have a normal life it wanted to. He could go out and find himself another guy and settle down. I never really could it wasn't in me to just stop. I loved my life even when it brought me heartache. I loved all of my fans every single one of them. I loved the way I felt when I walked on stage hearing my name screamed. I just wished that Tom knew how that felt. I knew he couldn't sing but he could dance like an angel. I had been thinking about asking him to join our dancers. It would be an extra pay check and I would get to spend more time with him. I took a seat beside him after I found his clothes that he had dropped off in here. I loved the way he looked in the clothes he had just gotten. It showed every muscle on his body. He wasn't all that built but he was perfectly toned. He was as tall as I was with the most angelic face. I kissed his lips softly waking him enough so he would open his eyes. He smiled at me and pulled me into a deeper kiss. I was so lost in his touch that I didn't hear anyone knocking on the door. "Kev the limo is waiting man we have to go." Brian yelled threw the door causing me to brake my kiss. I slowly stood up and pulled Tom with me he let out a pout. "That's it the hotel is losing one of there little signs." Tom told me as he pulled the shirt over his head. He then dropped the towel and pulled his pants on. I couldn't help but laugh at him which wasn't a wise choice. He tackled me to the couch and started tickling me. He was hanging with Brit a little to much. After he stopped he jumped up and ran for the door. He unlocked and ran out looking for cover. I was hot on his trail but was having a hard time catching him. He jumped behind Britney who stood and held her hand out. For some reason I stopped in my tracks I didn't understand why. Tom was hiding behind her like a little kid. I could hear him giggling loudly from behind her. I started laughing at him again this time I was ready. He didn't come out I thought that my plan was solid. I gave up and walked over to Brian heading toward the door. We made a quick run to the limo not stopping once. The other guy's soon followed but Tom and Britney hadn't come out yet. Then like royalty they walked out arms around each others waist. I started laughing at the way they walked and stood up so straight. I could see hundreds of flash's going off as they walked. Britney was really going to use this to end thing's with Justin. I knew that Tom would do anything to help her. Once they were in the limo we pulled out trying to get away from the mob. Tom was laughing his ass off talking about what Justin must be doing. Tom had talked Britney into staying with us until the tour was over. She would also be going to the awards with us. Tom was going to be her date as Kristen would be mine. I knew that in the long run thing's would work out but I was a little worried. Howie was going to ask Sarah to go with him if he got the nerve up that was. Nick was going solo and Brian would be with Leighanne. I didn't know who AJ was bringing with him. He had said something about taking a friend with him. We would be singing two songs that night. I really was starting to look forward to it. I took a deep breath and pulled Tom to my side holding him. I felt him relax on my chest. "Now that is cute does anyone have a camera?" Nick asked looking around the limo smiling. Brian pulled him in and kissed him I then repeated what Nick had said. Everyone laughed all but poor Nick who just turned red. ((Ok I'm skipping to the award show. Just so you know what's going on)) I stepped out of the limo holding Kristen's hand. One by one we got out smiling and showing off our dates. Howie got a very loud cheer when he got out holing Sarah's hand. I had to give the girl credit she was hot to the max. Her dress was simple and white it made her look innocent. We waited for Britney and Tom to get out which didn't take long. I had almost passed out when I had seen what Tom was going to be wearing. He hadn't gone with a suite like the guys and I did. He was wearing skin tight leather pants that were black. His shirt was white and had a shine to it that looked great on him. He looked to saw the least atomic. I had almost dropped Kristen and ran to him when I had first seen him. He smiled to the crowd while holding Britney's hand. She on the other hand went with all black. Her dress was like Tom's pants skin tight and black. We walked up the red carpet and stopped a few time's so pictures could be taken. Britney even kissed Tom on the lip's for one picture. When that happened I did feel a bit jealous ok a lot. As far as the world was concerned Tom and Britney were a hot item. Over the last couple of months they made it look like they were married. I couldn't help that every time they pulled a stunt I got more and more jealous. I knew that I wouldn't lose Tom but I started to feel what he must have felt. I pulled Kristen into my arms and posed for a picture. I kissed her cheek then her lip's softly. Once we were inside I went straight to the restroom. I felt like I was going to puke my guts up. Nick ran in after with a worried look on his face. "Are you ok Kev you look really sick?" I looked up at Nick shaking my head. I was sick but not in the way he was talking about. I was tired of hiding my love for Tom it was killing me. Tom seemed fine with it for now Britney had helped a lot. One night when Tom didn't know I was listening I head him talking to her. He had been crying on her shoulder asking her why. She told him that he knew what he was getting into. He had agreed with her pulling himself together. I had moved back to my room and waited for him to come back. When he walked it was like nothing had happened. I knew that it killed him to see me with Kristen. I now really knew what it was like for him to be on the side line looking on. I hadn't really seen what he and Britney had been doing. But tonight I had seen him kiss her lightly. It more of a screen kiss but still it rocked me to my core. "Nothing Nick I'm fine" I told him walking back out. **************Sarah I had watched Kevin run off to the restroom I was worried about. I could see that Tommy was to he wanted to go help him. I hated the way the world was I hated seeing people in pain. I pulled Howie's hand to my chest and held it there. I knew I was falling for him it wasn't all that hard. When he had asked me out I almost told him no. I was glad that I hadn't but I did tell him we would have to date first. So he had taken me out to eat that night. It was a wonderful night that I would never forget. But as I watched Kevin walk back out my heart broke. He had pulled up those wall's again like I had seen in that past. I had seen Tommy do that to when he was out in the public. I was really started to hate fame and what it did to people. I knew that if this little game didn't end soon. A lot of people would end up being hurt maybe beyond any repair. Kevin and Tom had been getting into little fights now and then. I had acted like I didn't notice what was going on. I just didn't know what to do that would help. I had to find a way to brake Kristen and Kevin's marriage up. I knew it was all make believe but I had to find a way. Then I would have to talk my brother into getting Britney to end it with him. I knew that would be easy enough. It was Kristen I was worried about she was a bitch with a capital B. I like Leighanne she was a sweet heart helping Brian. She wouldn't take any money for helping Brian. While Kristen on the hand was paid a lot of money every month. I had a plan forming in my mind but I was going to need help and a lot of it. "Howie I need a favor a big one." He smiled at me and nodded slightly. I pulled Howie away from everyone and started telling him my plan. He pulled back and looked into my eyes. "I don't know if that'll work, it sounds good but I just don't know." I nodded my plan would need a little work. I looked over at Tom and Britney then to Kevin. I could tell that in a small way they all hated what they were doing. I knew that I couldn't out the guys it would destroy the band, but I could bring them back together. All of them were starting to drift away form one another. I don't think that they could see what was happening. I had to find a way to save my brother from destroying himself. He had talked to me about the Britney thing. I had learned from the news that something was up. I had called him that night freaking out a little. He told me the deal that Britney needed help. That's all I needed to know so it was ok. Then thing's went wild and weird from that point on. The idea was just to hang out a lot for a few weeks. Then the week's turned into months and so on. Now the world thought that Tom and Brit had wedding plans. It was like this little lie took on a life of it's own. Then I could tell that Kevin was getting distant from Tom. The same thing was happening with Tom. I knew that they didn't really see it anymore. I knew that they only felt hurt and loss. I had tried to talk Tom into calling it all off but he wouldn't. He told me that he couldn't back out now that Britney still needed him. In some small way I knew that Tom was doing to get back at Kevin. I had seen the pain that washed over him when Kristen walked into a room. I really hated that girl and I wanted her out of Kevin's life. I was planing on setting the little witch up. I was going to get a guy to go out with her and tape it. That way Kevin could end it with her in the pubic eye. If she tried anything it would destroy her. I waved Nick I need to know what his take was on this. He hadn't really been pushed away from Brian. But I knew it got on his nerves when Leighanne and Brian had to act. I started filling him in on my plan to take out Kristen. He was smiling like a little kid who found a way to get to the cookie jaw. I looked up to see Kevin and Tom facing off a little. They looked happy on the outside. But if you looked close enough you would see the pain. We went to the back stage area so the boy's could setup. I tried to find Tom to talk to him. But he was no where to be found I looked everywhere. I was starting to get worried when I saw him walking toward me. I let out the breath that I had been holding. He was smiling a real smile not the one I had seen only a few minutes ago. He had done something that much I knew. I just couldn't understand what he had done. I hadn't seen that smile in a long time. I looked around trying to find Kevin he was talking to Brian in a corner. I was a bit more confused than before. I had thought that maybe he and Kevin had done something. I walked with to Howie to the dressing room. *********Tom I was starting to feel a little bit better until I ran into Kristen. I smiled and tried to move away before she opened her mouth. I turned and ran right into Justin freezing as I did so. He looked up and smiled at me brightly. "Tom" It was a simple statement. "Justin what a surprise, I thought you would run." I smiled I was going to get him tonight if it killed me. I had already set up a few thing's to screw up their number. Nothing would happen to the rest of Nsync I liked them. "Why would I run from you?" I couldn't help but laugh which seemed to piss him off. "Let's see I stole your girlfriend, made you look like a fool. What else have I done?" His smile was gone to be replaced by a frown. "I don't get it you told us you were gay." I smiled at him sweetly then started to move away. "You had me jumped for that. I still haven't forgotten that my dear boy." I left him standing there confused. I had to get out so I could see the show from our seats. I grabbed Britney's hand and nodded smiling. I then walked out of the back stage area and went to our seats. The guy's would be performing shortly so I took a seat and waited. Britney's hand never left mine. I watched the guys do two songs then leave the stage. A few award were handed out then Nsync walked onto stage. I had this warm feeling flow over me as they started. Britney pulled my hand up to her mouth. Justin walked a to the center of the stage. He started his little dance then his pants fell apart. Then he tripped and fell on his bare ass. Everyone was laughing so hard I couldn't believe it. Then as planed and without anyone seeing. Lance threw oil all over the floor around Justin. Justin was trying to get up but he kept falling down. I was laughing so hard I couldn't breath or move. People were rushing to help Justin to only fall on their asses as well. It was a good day to say the least then Justin jumped off the stage. This I hadn't thought of as he ran toward me. I was trying to stand up to defend myself. He knocked me on my ass and tried to choke me. I pushed him off and a huge fight broke out. I didn't even see Kevin run to help me I just kept attacking Justin. Kevin pulled me and off and tried to pull me away. Justin jumped up and punched me in my nose. Blood was all over my face and I couldn't see. I didn't feel Kevin's arms around me any more. Once my vision cleared I could see Kevin beating the hell out of Justin. Then all hell broke lose as cop's pulled Kevin and Justin apart. Britney came running out of no where and jumped on Justin. She was smacking the hell out of him screaming at the top of her lungs. "Don't you ever touch him again you bastard. Don't you ever touch me again or I'll kill you." I had never seen Britney fight I was impressed. I felt to arms pull me off the ground. I looked up to see Brian and Nick pulling me away from the chaos. I was starting to feel dizzy and light headed. I tried to tell Nick to stop so I could pull myself together. I just couldn't seem to get the word's out or even fight the sleepiness. I let it take over pulling me into a world of dreams. The last thing I heard was Nick screaming out. ***********Sarah I had been by his side all night long in the hospital. He hadn't woken up yet only moved around a little. He had hit his head pretty hard when Justin tackled him. The whole world was freaking out over the award show. After the fight ended a lot of questions were being asked. Kevin and Britney were in jail a long with Justin for resisting arrest. I had to pull Nick off of Tom since he refused to let him go. Brian had to pull Nick away and try to calm him down a little. When I got a good look at Tom I could see why Nick had freaked so badly. There was blood all over his shirt and face. Then everything happened in a blur we were at the hospital before we knew it. The guys had gone to get Britney and Kevin out of jail. I still didn't know what had really happened I didn't have all the details. I cursed myself for going to the bathroom. I knew that I would end up missing something good. When I was walking back to my seat I heard a large amount of laughing. I thought I had just missed some joke. Then the laughing stopped and the screaming started. Once inside of the double doors I saw that one hell of a fight was taking place. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. I didn't know who was fighting but I did hear a few people cheering for my brother. I didn't know that my brother had known so many people. As I got closer I could see that Kevin had managed to pull my brother off of Justin. Then a half naked Justin hit my brother when he was helpless. Then Kevin jumped on Justin and started punching. I was so shocked that I couldn't move or speak. Once that was over with I started to move forward. Then out of no where Brit jumped on Justin and kicked his ass. I felt Howie's hand on my shoulder pulling me away. While Nick and Brian went to help Tom at first he was walking. Then he passed out and Nick screamed for help. That brings us up to now in the hospital. I heard a soft knock on the door, as I looked up Kevin walked in. I smiled warmly until Kristen followed him in holding his hand. Once she was inside she let Kevin's hand go then walked to a chair and sat down. "Has he woken up yet?" I just shook my head I was starting to get worried. *********Tom I was in wonderful world of dreams that I didn't want to wake from. I was happy here and there wasn't any kind of pain. In my world I was married to Kevin and we were happy. The only tears that left my eye were those of joy. We lived in a nice house in the country. Brian and Nick lived just down the street and we had cook outs all the time. I few miles away my sister lived with Howie. AJ was still the wild one but it was all good and everyone was happy. I didn't have to hide the way I felt anymore. Then I started thinking a bit harder. When had I hid the way I felt it was a distant memoire. I let the thought slip away as I walked outside. It was getting dark and fast I didn't understand what was happening. Once the sun set a beautiful moon had risen in the sky. I felt someone's hand in mine, I looked up to see Kevin smiling back. I laid back letting myself fall into his arms. He held me as the sun started to rise again. I was starting to get confused. Then the arms that had been around me pulled away. I was then alone again but I didn't ever remember being alone. I looked around trying to find Kevin he standing with a woman. I had seen her somewhere before but I couldn't place it. My world was falling apart as I watched Kevin kiss her. I knew it wasn't a real kiss but he had kissed her. I didn't understand anything anymore I needed to talk to Nick. I ran up to his house and knocked no the door. I woman answered the door she was nice but where was Nick? Brian walked up beside the woman and smiled at me. Then Nick walked up with tears in his eyes. I looked at Brian's hand to see a wedding ring. Than I looked at Nick's hand he didn't have one on. As I looked at the woman's hand I saw that a ring was on her finger. I backed away not understanding how this could happen. I started running toward my sister's house. I saw a nice girl standing on the road up a head. I stopped to say hello and welcome her to the country. "Tommy I know where I am but where are you?" I didn't understand how she knew my name. Then I started to remember her name slowly. "Britney what are you doing here I thought you were going to the award show?" I hadn't seen Brit in so long I had really missed her. "Tommy don't you remember what happened at the award show?" I hadn't been to any award show what was she talking about? I just shook my head and started running again I had to talk to my sister. I stopped as I got closer to the house. I couldn't remember why I had come to talk to her. Then I saw them again Kevin and that woman. I wanted to cry but something told me to smile. I walked up to Kevin and pushed the woman away. Kevin went to help her back up then he held her in his arms. I couldn't stop the tears from falling this time. I tried to pull Kevin away but he pushed me away. I fell to the ground but it didn't hurt I couldn't feel anything. I crawled up to my sisters door but as I got closer the door moved away. I gave up and sat on the stairs crying. I felt a hand on my shoulder so I looked up. I couldn't see who was standing there but they wanted to help. I took his hand and he pulled me up. "I'll help you walk the rest of the way." I looked at the stranger as he led me up the stairs. I looked at the door and cringed there was something behind it that I didn't want to face. I stood before the door but I couldn't open the door alone I needed help. I turned to the stranger hoping he could help. He was gone a note left in his place. As I read the note my heart broke into hundreds of peace's. The note said that sometimes you have to face thing's alone. I didn't want to be alone I didn't like that feeling it hurt. I looked back at the door and sat down. I wouldn't face it alone I would wait for Kevin even if it meant waiting forever. ************Kevin It had been three days since Tom had entered the coma. The doctors didn't understand how it had happened. I was still by his side I only left to eat and shower. I always made sure that someone was in the room when I left. People were starting to ask questions on why I wouldn't leave his side. I had almost told them that I loved him but Sarah had stopped me. She told the press that her brother was close friends with the band. I was thinking about canceling the rest of the tour. I was not going to be running around the world without Tom. I had tried everything to wake him up nothing had worked. I had called in everyone to try something. When the doctors checked his eyes one morning I almost started crying. When I looked in his eyes I could tell they were empty. It was like all the life had drained out of him. I was now holding his hand begging him to wake up. I heard the door open and close I didn't care who it was. I was crying openly anymore I was hoping someone would catch on. I knew I couldn't tell the world I was gay, but if they found out themselves. That was another story all together that I didn't mind. Nick had asked if Tom needed blood that if he did he'd be happy to help. I didn't think Nick understood what was going on. Then I had to think again maybe he did but wasn't ready to deal with it yet. I felt a hand on my shoulder shaking me gently. I turned to see Sarah behind me she had tears in her eyes. "He just won't wake up, why won't he wake up Sarah?" She held me in her arms while I cried. I couldn't stand the thought that he would never wake up. Brian had tried to help by telling it could happen. He had a black eye after those words left his mouth. I refused to give up hope I would stay by his side until he woke up. Even if it meant waiting for the rest of my life. "Go get something to eat Kev, I'll stay with him until you get back." I just nodded and slowly left the room. I didn't really care where I was going as long as I went. I saw Britney up the hall she was heading my way. I stopped and waited for her she was taking it as bad as I was. Once she was close enough she fell into my arms. I held her while she cried then I walked us both to the cafe. I was trying to eat some kind of pie while we sat there. "I just don't get it Kev, I mean I thought he would wake up by now." I nodded I had thought the same thing myself. I was starting to get a little tired so I searched my pocket for my caffeine pills. I knew it wasn't a good idea to not sleep. But I was just afraid that if I fell to sleep I might lose him forever. I kept thinking that once I went to sleep he would wake up. That he would call out for me but I wouldn't hear him. Then he would go back to sleep and never wake up again. I knew it was silly but I just couldn't stop myself. I took a few pill's and waited for them wake me up. I looked at Britney and smiled she had a worried look on her face. "How long have you been taking those Kev?" I just looked at her it wasn't her business anyway. "For a few days that's all I'll stop when Tom wakes up." I started to stand so I could go back to his room. "If you keep it up Kevin you'll be out like he. Then what's going to happen when he wakes up?" I just looked at her and walked away. I knew she had a good point but I knew he would wake up soon. I walked back into his room to see Nick standing beside him. "Come on Tommy wake up, I'll give you my playstation. If you want you can even have all the games. Just wake up we miss you so much." I felt the tears falling down my face as I watched Nick. I walked over to him and hugged him tightly. I looked at Tom's body and started to cry. If he didn't wake up soon I would lose him forever. To Be Continued ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hi I hope you like the cliff hanger I left you at. I would also like to add the next chapter may be the last. I'm starting to run out of ideas of where it should go. I want to have a really good ending so I'm just telling you in advance. I hope that you have enjoyed this chapter as much I enjoyed writing it.