(one week later)

"So, what are we going to do now?" Linzi asked Chasity, her eyes full of sorrow. The two girls were at the airport, having just finished their tearful good-byes to the guys. Now, as Chasity watched the plane disappear farther into the clouds, she felt completely lost and forlorn. But now as lost as Linzi, who had to say good-bye to JC, her one and only love. Although the couple had vowed to stay true to one another, the separation was going to be very hard on them. They had shared so much together. As Chasity glanced at her best friend she knew that she'd have to keep acting like her normal, cheerful self. Her most important responsibility right now was taking care of Linzi.

"Well, I guess we start looking for an apartment. It'll be so much fun! Just think, a whole place just for us! Won't that be great!?" Chasity exclaimed, hoping she sounded happy and perky. The guys had offered to let them stay at their house, but Chasity thought it'd be better if they didn't. All the daily reminders of the guys would be too painful for them. Instead they were going to look for an apartment close by and start attending UCF (University of Central Florida). They'd already registered for the fall term, which would start in a few weeks.

"Yeah......great......." Linzi answered, unconvincingly.

"C'mon," Chasity said as she ushered Linzi out to the car. "Let's go get something to eat. We can go to that cute little French restaurant down the street........I'll even treat," she added lightly.

"Okay," Linzi replied, a geniune smile on her face, lifting away her tears. Chasity was so sweet, trying to cheer her up. Linzi impulsively threw her arms around her, hugging her tightly. She was so lucky to have Chasity for a friend!

Chasity returned the hug, blinking back the unwanted tears that threatened to spill. She had to be strong.......Linzi neededher.....

"C'mon guys.......cheer up!" Joey pleaded, unable to stand the tormented look in his friends' eyes. "You can always call Linzi and Chasity...and write them. And we'll only be overseas for six months. I know that seems like a long time, but you know how time flies when we're on tour. And as soon as we come back to the U.S. we can see them again......Absence makes the heart grow fonder......"

"Yeah, it'll be okay, JC," Justin said, trying to console his friend. What he didn't realize, though, was that the same immense pain in JC's eyes was reflected in his own eyes. He was trying to put up a strong front, not letting the guys see how deeply he cared for Chasity, but they could see right through him....although he didn't know it at the time. How was he going to be able to survive six months without Chasity.......without seeing her.......touching her.....

"Hey, I've got an idea!" Chris exclaimed excitedly, seeming more like a child than ever. He couldn't stand to see his friends suffering so he figured out a plan that would help them get through the lonely days that were to follow. As he explained his brilliant plan four faces simultaneously lit up.....It was perfect!

(six days later)

"Wow! It looks great! We did a wonderful job!" Chasity exclaimed, smiling happily as she admired their newly decorated apartment. It was a very nice place, considering their limited budget, with two medium sized bedrooms, a bathroom, a large foyer, and a nice sized kitchen. They even had enough money left over to fully furnish and decorate it, which Chasity thoroughly enjoyed doing.

The two girls had spent the past several days working fervently on fixing up the place. It was what kept their mind off the guys' untimely departure. Now, with the decorating finally finished, Linzi and Chasity collapsed onto the sofa, exhausted.

"I didn't realize that decorating was so much work," Linzi commented. "I feel totally worn out and I didn't even do nearly as much as you did," she added wryly. Chasity, with her decorating expertise, was the one in charge of the project. She picked out all of the furniture and the color scheme they'd use. Linzi, of course, made comments and suggestions, but was happy to leave all the decisions to Chasity, who knew exactly what she was doing.

"Yeah, it is a lot of work," Chasity agreed. "But it's so much fun, too! And I bet we're the only "college girls" with such a beautifully decorated apartment. We'll have to make lots of friends to show the apartment off to," she joked.

"Yeah," Linzi said softly, suddenly looking very solemn. She desperately wished that JC was there with her....admiring the apartment with her........kissing her.........

Chasity, seeing the distressed look on her Linzi's face, knew that she had to do something to cheer her up. She couldn't stand to see her friend so upset. Without giving it another thought, Chasity jumped up and started dancing and singing to the first song that popped into her head....