Chapter One
Title: ? (Maybe 'The Forgotten Girl')
by MichellenJackie

Christina sat on her couch holding her knees to her chest. She was watching THEIR favorite movie. Christina wondered if he even remembered what their favorite movie was or even if he meant everything he had said. Lance had said he wanted to still be friends and so they remained close friends. However, she couldn't do it anymore. If she couldn't have him like she had before, she couldn't bear being with him any other way. Gazing at the TV screen through blurry eyes she remembered when they first met.

**Flashback**

Christina had been waiting on line to get into a movie. When she finally got up to the ticket booth the lady told her that it was sold out. Crossing her arms she began to walk away when HE took her hand. Looking up into his green eyes she was lost for words. "I saw that you had been waiting awhile to get into the movie. It'd be a shame if you couldn't get in. Would you like to come with me?" She nodded. He smiled. "Oh by the way, my name is Lance Bass." Christina pushed her black hair back. "Mine's Christina Liam." Again he smiled and as she melted, Christina shifted most of her weight to his grasp, so she wouldn't fall down.

After the movie Christina remembered how much of a gentlemen Lance had been. 'He's always a gentlemen', Christina thought later.

"I had a great time. Thanks for letting me come in with you." Lance rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Um, Christina, um, can I um see you again?" She tried to keep her mouth shut even if she had been just stunned. Practically jumping in the air with glee, she replyed, "Of course!" He chuckled. Taking her hand, he kissed it. "I can't wait."

**End Flashback**

Everything had been great after that day. However, one day, about 2 years later Lance talked to Christina saying how he just wanted to be friends. Well, you all know that Christina agreed.

The movie had ended, but Christina just stared at the screen which now had snowy stuff showing. She didn't even bother to get up and shut off the TV. Christina just glared at it. Thinking to herself, she thought, 'Why did he just dump me like that? It's been months since then. I can't take it anymore!' She hadn't wanted to question him about it because she feared he would cut her off completely. Just the other day Lance had refused to tell her something. He used to tell her everything! Now their friendship was dwindling away. 'How can he do this?!' Christina abruptly threw the remote across the room and popped the tape out. Out loud, she muttered, "I won't be ignored..."

**Somewhere in
Italy**

Lance was reclining on his friend, Joey's, couch. Suddenly, a window opened and a cold gust of wind came through it. As he got up to close it, he heard a voice say something. 'I know that voice.....' Joey had came into the room to see what was wrong. "Yo, Lance what's up with the window?" Ignoring his comrades question, he asked one of his own. "Joe, did you hear something? Like someone saying something?" Joey laughed and hit Lance on the back. "Man, I knew you needed this vacation." "I guess your right...." 'I could of sworn I heard something. That voice sounds so familiar....'
           

 

Chapter Two
Title: 'The Forgotten Girl’
by MichellenJackie

**Out in
Italy**

Joey and Lance were walking around
Italy looking at all of the beautiful and magnificent sites. There was just so much to look at, that a day wouldn’t even help. Joey had a map in his back pocket, which he took out so that they could look at it. “The Coliseum is nearby; do you want to go their first?” Joey said looking at Lance’s surprised face. “Yeah” Lance responded quickly. “What’s wrong man?” Joey said confused. “I just thought I saw someone” Lance said. Joey just shrugged as both of them walked towards the Coliseum. They took pictures their and were on their way to the next monument.

This voluptuous girl passed by them wearing a short skirt that showed off her butt cheeks and an open belly top. Both Lance and Joey just swayed to her body movement. She was a very gorgeous and swayed side to side smoothly. Lance felt eyes looking at him. As he turned around he saw someone run and hide in the bushes. There was something fishy going on and he didn’t like it. He turned his gaze back to the other girl to find Joey already talking to her. It was just like him because he could never keep his hands off a girl. The girl was twirling her brown curly hair and smiling at how sweet Joey was. Lance slowly walked up to him as he was giving his number to her. “I’ll see you later” he smiled and walked away. Lance just shook his head as they walked passed by the Trevi Fountain and stopped at it’s beauty. They took a couple pictures their and were off.

They passed by an ice cream store, which they decided to go into because they supposedly had the best ice cream ever made. Joey of course took his favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream and Lance was in the mood for vanilla. “They are right, this is good” Joey said enjoying every lick. It almost melted in your mouth. Their was a park nearby that they decided to go to so they could just sit and talk a bit.

**At the park**

They found a bench near a really nice waterfall and sat down to enjoy the scenery. Lance noticed someone staring at him from between the bushes. He stared straight at the person, but she soon vanished. Lance blinked his eyes and looked at Joey. “Hey man we either have a stalker, paparazzi, or whatever it is” Lance said looking over at Joey. “Who cares man, we’re here to get our minds off all of that” Joey said trying to lighten his mood up. Lance shook his head and finished eating his ice cream. They sat their for a bit until Joey’s stomach decided to speak up. “Sounds like your hungry man” Lance said looking over at Joey. Joey nodded his head. Their was a restaurant view from where they were sitting and it read Donna Rosa restaurant. Both of them were up for trying something new so they got up and walked over to that restaurant.

**Donna Rosa restaurant**

As they walked in the tasteful smell hit their noses, which made them even more hungrier. The lady said something in Italian and Joey somewhat understood what she said. He said 2 in Italian and the lady said something back. The look on Lance’s face was priceless. He had no clue what they were talking about. “15 minute wait” Joey said eyeing the empty seats at the corner. They slowly walked their and sat down. Lance got up to go to the bathroom. The signs were in Italian and he didn’t want to walk into the wrong one so he waited until someone came out. He was looking towards some of the tables and what kind of food their was when he saw someone eyeing him from under the hat she was wearing. He jumped up at the sound of the door close. The left door was what seemed like the men’s room so Lance walked in, did his business, washed his hands and got back out.

He passed by the table with the stalker, as he liked to call her, and tried to get a glimpse of her face, but couldn’t. He was in a very awkward position and didn’t know what to do. He walked away trying to forget that he saw her. As soon as Lance was going to go sit next to Joey they called Joey’s name so that they could get seated. “What took you long man?” Joey said following the waitress. “The stalker is here” Lance whispered. Joey was curious to see who the stalker was. They sat down on the table as the lady handed out the menu’s to both of them. She took out her note pad and asked them what drinks they wanted. Both of them picked coke. “She’s on the table next to the bathroom, wearing a hat” Lance said immediately. Joey got up to go see who this person was. He walked by their and their was no such person. Their was just two girls sitting having a meal their. No one met the description Lance had given.
                  

 

Chapter Three
Title: 'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Christina was standing in the shadows in the alleyway behind the restaurant 'Donna Rosa'. She started to think over everything in her mind.

'I have concealed myself quite well. He still doesn't know it's me. However, he definately knows someone is following him around. Soon my plan will commence and no one will stand in between me and Lance.'

Chuckling psychotically under her breath Christina walked down the alleyway and out onto the streets.

**Back in the restaurant**

Joey went back to the table Lance and him were eating at. Sitting down, he tried to figure out a nice way to tell his friend that he was loosing grip on reality. Scratching his chin, he thought really hard. This was definately a site to see: Joey with a furrowed brow and his hand cupping his chin. Lance waited anxiously. After about five minutes Lance said, "Joey!" Joey with a bewildered look on his face snapped out of it and said, "Well I was trying to think of a nice way to say this, but man the person you described wasn't there. Your mind is playing tricks on you. You need to relax."

Lance slumped in his chair. 'Great I'm hallucinating.' Joey
suddenly jumped out of his chair. "I got it!" Lance backed away. "You got what?! A stick up your ass!" Joey crossed his arms in triumph. "I have the solution to your problem. However, you'll have to wait until tomorrow to know what it is." Joey finally sat down after noticing the strange looks he was getting.

**The next day**

Lance and Joey woke up in their room at the Albergo Al Sole hotel. Joey body slammed Lance which obvioulsy without a doubt woke him up. "Get off...." Joey rolled off and said, "Come on!" Lance yawned. "Just through some clothes on and we can go!" Lance stretched and replyed, "This better be a good solution."

When Lance came out of the bathroom fully dressed Joey put his arm around his shoulders and led him down the hallway. "Trust me, this will definately relax you. You're too tense to begin with!" Finally reaching the desired room. Lance's eyes got big. "Yup, a stress relief massage just for my bud. Oh, and of course I'm going to get one too. Can't pass up a chance to meet a girl right?" Joey smirked and a short blond with bright green eyes and a golden tan came up to them. "We've been waiting for you." They were both led over to two exclusive booths. Of course as Lance looked around he noticed that Joey was flirting with the lady that was going to massage him. She had long black hair that fell to right above her butt, but Lance couldn't tell what color her eyes were.

The woman that would be giving him his stress relief massage was a red head with captivating emerald eyes. Trying not to be too obvious that he was taken in by her beauty he decided not to say a word. Getting mostly undressed, he wrapped a towel around his waist and layed down on his stomach. Then, he smelled something in the air. 'Smells like vanilla, but with something else added to it.' It so happened that the smell was coming from the oil the massager was going to use on him. Closing his eyes, he tried his best not to tense up, She started with his calves which seemed to have a lot of knots in them. 'Wait until she gets to my back. She'll have a field day.' Almost starting to doze off, he thought to himself 'Maybe Joe's right. After this I'll feel relaxed about everything.' Deciding to take a little nap just as his friend to his right had already done he sighed and actually relaxed.

However, Lance didn't know that by the afternoon he was going to meet someone, but by tonight another person will have manipulated him.
                      

 

Chapter Four
Title: 'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance finally got caught up in the moment of the massage he was getting. He opened his eyes for a split second to look out the small window and saw the same pair of eyes staring at him that were staring at him before. He began getting stressed and uncomfortable again. The masseuse sensed how he began to get stressed again. “Sir am I hurting you” the women said. “No ma’am” Lance replied instantaneously closing his eyes and trying to clear his mind again. The masseuse put on a more soothing song on so that Lance could fall asleep to it. Lance got sunk in by the music and fell asleep instantaneously.

Joey on the other hand was in la la land. He was enjoying every moment of the massage. Since the masseuse was a young beautiful women Joey used his persuasive allure to ask her out on a date. The girl was infatuated by him and quickly agreed to the date. The masseuse loved the softness of Joey’s skin. It was well kept and just perfect. She applied some of the exfoliating cream on his back and massaged it in. She took the steamed towel at the left of her and wiped off the cream. His skin instantly became flawless. Joey opened his eyes back up to see the young lady finished with the massage. The girl smiled from the corner she was standing at and handed Joey his clothes. He dressed up quickly, feeling like a new man, and asked her where she lived. The girl gave him precise directions to her house that she shared with a roommate. They agreed to go out at about
8ish because the girl was going to be getting off of work at 6:30pm.

Lance was dreaming of a man chasing after him with a knife. The dream resembled how he felt about those eyes he kept seeing everywhere he went. Lance jumped up from the deep sleep he had gotten into. “What’s wrong man?” Joey said walking about to Lance and sensing the intensity. “Nothing man. I just saw a weird dream” Lance said getting up and putting on his clothes. He really did feel more relaxed then when he first had come in. He still had too much on his mind about everything going on. Joey hugged his masseuse as he walked out. Lance shook his head from side to side at how he always hooked up with somebody wherever he went. They gave both the girl’s tips and paid for the stress relief massage at the front desk. Lance looked around the room cautiously to see if that person was their, but their was nobody in the room but them and the workers. He shrugged his shoulders and waved goodbye to all of the people their.

**At the hotel**

Both Lance and Joey felt like taking a dip into the pool. Lance slipped in his blue swimming pants and Joey slipped into his red swimming pants. They took towels from the rack in the bathroom and headed downstairs to the pool. They walked through the long hallway and out the door to the fresh air. Lance took a deep breath and walked outside. The laid down the towels onto the chairs and dived into the pool. Joey noticed a girl passing by. They really couldn’t tell what she looked like because she had a black hat that completely covered her face. She was wearing jean shorts and open stomach top. She laid on one of the chairs to get a tan. Lance was sensing something from her, but really didn’t know what it was. As soon as the girl took off her hat both Lance’s and Joey’s jaws dropped at who they saw.

It was someone that they never thought they would see again! Even though Lance had promised to still stay close, but he had been drawn away from her ever since. The girl gave an evil smile to Lance. “Bet you didn’t think you’d see me here!” She said licking her lips in an evil way. Lance was still staring at her and was in shock. He couldn’t say anything, but was now glad to know who it was that was staring at him this whole time.

 

Chapter Five

Title: ‘The Forgotten Girl’

By MichellenJackie

 

One thought plagued Lance’s mind as his ex-girlfriend stared at him with a very uninviting look.

 

Shit.

 

Instead of tossing a joke out into the very tense atmosphere, Joey lifted himself out of the pool and sat with his back to Christina. Immediately, the jet-black haired female scowled at the two men, mostly at Joey’s back side. Almost sensing the silent growl growing from the psychotic woman, Joey leaned down to Lance who was still in the pool (shallow end or he would have drowned by now) and murmured, “Mayday buddy. Let’s just leave and pretend we didn’t hear her.”

 

Christina, however, had other plans. Laughing arrogantly, she added to her previous statement. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue Lance? Maybe that’s what has been stopping you from keeping your promises.” For a moment a touch of her rage seeped through to her features, but she was quick to regain her ‘I’m going to get you’ look. Seeing that Joey wasn’t going to acknowledge her and Lance was just going to gape like a fish, saying nothing, Christina got up. Just as she was about right next to them an unfamiliar voice resounded into the pool area.

 

“Now now children. We mustn’t be playing hazardous games in the pool area. Might have an accident.” It was a woman who at the moment was smirking. Was it because Joey was now the one gaping and Lance looked relived? Or was it because she had stopped Christina in her tracks and the girl looked like she was going to implode? In either case, she just let a short laugh slip and proceeded towards the trio. She had amazing blue eyes that you were drawn to the instant you looked at her. Her long brown hair with blonde highlights cascaded down her nicely toned body and she was wearing a blue wrap around her waist that matched her bathing suit. When she reached the group, she said, “My name is Sarah.”

 

Joey’s brown eyes glazed over and he said in a dreamy sort of voice, “Hey…” Lance proceeded to smack him in the leg and reminded him to stay on task.

 

Christina on the other hand didn’t have such a high opinion on Sarah. “Look ‘Sarah’…we were having a private conversation and –“

 

However, the blue-eyed beauty intervened. “Didn’t look like any conversation was going on to me…Christina.” The ex-girlfriend out for blood was ready to kill, but wasn’t given a chance to say anything edgewise. Lance and Joey had taken the unexpected interruption as a chance to get away. The two girls watched as the two boys walked out…well scurried out.

“Stay here.” The black-haired girl wanted to protest, but Sarah was already caught up with Lance and Joey. “Hey Lance!” The blonde turned around. “There’s a firework show tonight. Did you want to come with?” She smiled sweetly and waited for his answer.

 

After a nudge from Joey, Lance said, “Sure that’d be great.”

 

With that Sarah hurried back to the pool area hoping that Christina had stayed put.

 

She had.

 

Once the brunette walked in Christina was on her feet. “Look, you had no right to barge in here and interrupt me!”

 

Sarah folded her arms and sighed. “No, you look. You think your actions have been going unnoticed? You are being tagged my friend. You have one of two choices. One, you hand yourself over and admit what you are up to…or you let me help you. I’ll be your partner.”

 

Christina spat on the ground. “I don’t need any help!”

 

The brunette rolled her eyes. “Oh please! He wouldn’t even talk to you! What you need is someone on the inside.”

 

This sparked the girl’s interest and only a few moments later Sarah was enrolled in Christina’s little plot. As the azure-eyed female watched the raven-haired plotter march out of the pool area she thought, ‘Step one finished. Pretending to be her accomplice will allow me to find out more about her scheme. I just have to time everything correctly.’

 

With that she got ready for the fireworks show later on.

 

Chapter 6
Title: ‘The Forgotten Girl’
By MichellenJackie

Joey and Lance sat in the hotel room thoughts going through each one of there heads. Lance stared at the wall and then back at Joey. Joey was in the fridge looking for food to munch on although they had just had lunch 20 minutes ago. Lance let out a little chuckle, which had been the first time in weeks he had laughed or smiled. Joey turned, took look at Lances face with a smirk on it, and said “Don’t tell me you go psychotic on my ass too?”

Lance looked at Joey and shook his head from side to side. “Shut up fat one. What are you going to wear tonight?”

Joey pointed to what he was wearing already, which had a stain on it from the juice he had spilled on it a second ago. “Umm sorry to burst your bubble buddy, but it’s dirty” Lance said.

Joey looked down frustrated because he didn’t want to get changed, but now he had to. He walked towards the closet that he and Lance both shared. Looking through all the clothes he had brought with him he couldn’t choose what precisely to wear. Lance saw how irritated Joey was looking for a nice shirt to put on so he got up to assist him. He reached in the closet and got out this long baby-blue and white striped shirt that fit Joey in all the right places and handed it to him. Joey smiled, took off his now dirty shirt, and put on the shirt that Lance had given him.

“Thanks dude” Joey said sitting on the couch. Lance smiled and changed into his new short sleeved Armani Exchange black top that was tight on him and his muscles looked nice in them. He then put on his faded blue jeans and looked at himself once in the mirror and approved of what he had worn.

It was already
7:30pm and the fireworks were going to begin at 9pm. Joey put his hand in his pocket and took out his cell phone looking through a mess of numbers until he arrived at the one he wanted. He pressed call and waited for the person to pick up the phone. “Hello” the girl said in a sexy voice. “Hey remember me?” Joey said happily because it was a girl obviously. The girl looked on her phone and smiled “Joey.” Joey was surprised that she remembered him “How did you know?” “Something called caller ID” she said giggling. Joey shook his head at how stupid he felt “So there is a firework show tonight. Would you like to go?” The girl took the phone away from her mouth for a second and squealed “Yeah” she said calmly. “I’ll pick you up in like 15 minutes” Joey said clicking. The girl ran upstairs to get ready.

“Hey who was that?” Lance said confused because there was no one down there they knew. “Remember that chick I was talking to when we first arrived here? The one with the short skirt?” Lance chuckled as they walked outside the door to sit in there black 745il BMW. Lance spotted someone staring at him through the bushes “Would you fuckin stop it Christina?” he said getting annoyed already. He would never cuss near a girl, but it was the final straw. Sarah popped up behind them “Hi guys.” Both Lance and Joey jumped up scared shitless. “Oh it’s you” Lance said with a sigh of relief. “Jump in” Joey said as all three of them sat in to go pick up Anna.

The scenery outside was extremely nice as they were driving towards Anna’s house. Lance was driving the car with Sarah sitting next to him and Joey in the back. Lance was in deep thought while driving because he didn’t make a peep. Sarah turned on the radio slowly and not knowingly it was on full blast. Lance jumped up because he wasn’t expecting it and all three of them began to laugh and the silence was broken. Sarah had a bit of an evil smirk on her face that she couldn’t wipe off because of what was going to happen at the firework display.

 

Chapter Seven

‘The Forgotten Girl’

by MichellenJackie

 

When they arrived, half of the field was full of people. There was a marker to show where you couldn’t cross because you’d be too close to the fireworks. Anna had called when they were five minutes away from where she was staying, saying she’d meet them there. In any case, they were early and people were still filing into the vast field.

 

Sarah hooked her arm with Lance’s and said, “This is going to be great. You ever been to a fireworks show in Italy before?” The blonde shook his head and she smiled. “You’ll love it! They go all out!”

 

“Hey, Sarah, Lance! I found the perfect spot.” It was Joey. He was sitting on a stone ledge a few feet above the crowds. “Anna should be able to see us from here.”

 

Lance helped Sarah up and he lifted himself to sit next to her. The brunette sensed Lance’s tense state. As she was about to say something a soft rustle she could only hear caught attention. Her bright blue eyes glanced off to her right, but she saw nothing there. Then, a swift smack to her calf made her realize a certain dark-haired female who she was now partners with wanted a ‘secret meeting.’ Plastering a fake smile on her face, she turned to the two boys and muttered, “I’ll be right back. I see someone I know and they are waving me over. I’ll just be a minute.” With that she strutted off to be talked to be Christina.

 

Shrugging, Lance dismissed the sudden excursion and turned to say something to Joey. “Joe, you think that –“ The brunette was staring off in the other direction, oblivious to anything else. Lance leaned forward to get a glimpse at what might be paralyzing his friend. “Joey?”

 

Finally, he spoke. “I don’t know how this is possible, but she looks more beautiful then when we first met her.” He reached into a pocket and revealed a little black book. Handing it to Lance, he added, “Keep it or burn it. I won’t be needing it anymore.” Joey pushed off the ledge and walked up to a female that was obviously walking towards him. “Anna…”

 

The brunette smiled and her green eyes sparkled. “You talk like you’ve never seen me before.”

 

Joey stuttered, “Well, yo…you…look difff…different then before. You look gorgeous.”

 

She smiled again and her hair that was three inches passed her shoulder swayed off to the side. “I’ll take that as a compliment.” She was wearing a basic white t-shirt and jean shorts.

 

Joey took her hand and leaded her over to the ledge. He helped her up and took his seat back next to Lance. The blonde mumbled something about being the only one sane and lucid now, but neither Joey or Anna heard it because they were chatting about the upcoming show.

 

Meanwhile, Sarah and Christina were standing in a crowded area somewhere in a secluded  corner. “You got all that Sarah? I won’t afford for no slip ups and if you go to far with him I swear you’ll regret it…” The brunette nodded, getting somewhat bored with the raven-haired girl’s ramblings. Well, that’s what she wanted Christina to believe.

 

Secretly, she thought. ‘Her scheme is insane, but I have to at least go through with her first idea. After that, I’ll have her trust and then I’ll time it just right. Make my move…’ “Don’t worry Christina, I’ll make sure to ask him about you without being conspicuous and find out everything he has to say, alright?” The other nodded went to the far end of the field. Evidently, Sarah was going to be watched.

 

‘Oh well,’ she thought, ‘Better get this over with.’

 

Chapter 8
‘The Forgotten Girl’
by MichellenJackie

While walking towards her seat Sarah tripped over herself and saw a portrait ripped in half and being like all of us human beings are she picked it up and put it together and it was Christina and Lance making googly eyes at each other. Sarah got a bit weirded about by the picture and threw it back down on the floor and made her way to the seat. Lance smiled to see Sarah back and Sarah smiled back. Sarah seemed a bit nervous because she didn’t want to do anything to mess up the plan.

Joey and Anna were smiling at each other and really seemed to hit it off. Joey had never felt this way about a girl before. There was something special about this raven- haired beauty that he wanted to spend his whole life with. He loved everything about her and how she didn’t act fake, like most girls would around him. “You want a drink?” Joey finally said. “Sure” Anna said with her pearly whites shinning. The held hands and walked towards the concession stand leaving Lance and Sarah alone.

Sarah began to talk seeing as Lance was a very quite person. Lance kept nodding and smiling nodding and smiling. Sarah became a bit nervous because she really wanted to tell Lance what was going on, but was afraid to. Lance noticed how stiff she became and rubbed her shoulders. Sarah quickly moved away so that Christina didn’t see it. But she had seen it and had become green with envy. “What’s wrong?” Lance said looking up at Sarah. “Oh nothing. I am just a bit nervous around you” Sarah said biting her lip. Lance gazed into her sparkly green eyes, coming out of his shy zone, “You don’t have to be nervous around me. Just be yourself.” Sarah smiled at the gentlemen sitting next to her.

Joey and Anna made there way back to the seats giving Sarah and Lance drinks. “Thanks man” Lance said tapping Joey on his back. Joey gave him the guy nod and turned back around to Anna. Lance felt something run fast by him and turned around, but no one was there. He shook his head and looked at Sarah gracefully sipping her coke.

People eventually filled up all of the seats and you could even see people on top of cars and the hills trying to get a glimpse of the fireworks. The announcer came on the speakers “How is everyone doing tonight?” he said. Everyone stood up and began to scream. “Good good. Well as you all are used to this we are going to have our firework display in 5 minutes. We sure hope ya’ll have fun and be safe. Thank you” the man said and walked off.

It was just about time for the fireworks to begin and everyone was excited. Joey put Anna on top of his shoulders so that she could see everything clearly. The countdown began “10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1 boom” it was a very beautiful sight. Some of the fireworks began to spell out words that people had paid them to do. Then one came that was shocking to both Lance and Joey. They couldn’t believe there eyes.

 

Chapter Nine
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

The sky lit up with a phrase that caused both Lance and Joey to be shocked. Then, being the first one to recover, Joey proclaimed, "That cunning bastard..."

The phrase that little the sky, in fact, read, "Surprise! Justin's in the house!" The only reason Lance and Joey had been shocked was because they couldn't believe their eyes. Their friend wasn't supposed to be in
Italy. They were sure something was up. Sarah tugged on Lance's shirt. "What's wrong? You two first looked like you were stunned and now you're smirking..." Anna just nodded in agreement.

The answer to the two girls question was jogging right through the thicket of the crowd towards the group. In unison both of their dates yelled, "Justin!"

Joey was the first to jump off the ledge and meet the other with Lance only a few steps behind. The two women remained on the ledge, however, and spoke to each other. Only giggles were heard from where the boys were. After getting over the surprise of seeing Justin in
Italy of all places, Lance asked, "Why are you here?"

Joey jumped in. "Good question, not that we don't want to see you or anything. I thought you were taking time off to spend time with your lady."

Justin just laughed and replied, "Kiara's fine thanks. Well, I was, but she's been so heavily involved with college, her interning job, and the softball team. When she heard you guys were in
Italy she proposed I go visit. 'If you can't spend time off with me, then spend it with Lance and Joey!' She felt bad about being busy though. Kiara promised that by the time I get back we'll be able to spend a lot of time together."

Lance and Joey shared a quick glance. Putting his hands in his pockets, Joey nonchalantly asked, "What was the promise?"

Their younger friend rolled his eyes and sighed. "I said if everything worked out I'd treat her to a getaway at a spa up in the mountains." While rubbing the back of his neck and looking anywhere, but his friends, he added, "Oh yeah, and I threw in that I'd get her another pair of shoes."

The blonde man laughed and put an arm around his friend. "Bet you mumbled the last part to her."

Justin smiled timidly and said softly, "Yeah, but she heard me anyway."

Joey laughed and then said, "Come on, there's some people we want you to meet." The pair led Justin over to the ledge where Sarah and Anna were still perched. One pair of blue eyes and another of green widened in question. "Justin, this is Anna." The brunette held out her hand. After they shook hands, she said, "My real name is Chrisann though. I prefer to be called Anna."

"This is Sarah." Lance gestured over to the blue-eyed vixen smiling on the ledge.

Shaking his hand, she said, "It's a pleasure to meet you." Just as the words flowed out of her mouth, she felt something hard and small hit her square in the back. Silently, she cursed the raven-haired nuisance that she had to call her 'partner'. Then, she striaghtened up, and said, "Be right back." As she hopped off the ledge she recieved questioning looks from the group. She thought to herself, 'Don't look at me like that damn it! Not my fault that Christina is a psychopath!'

A hard yank to her arm and she was back in the corner with Christina. "Don't be nice to him!"

Sarah looked as if she could care less. "You mean Justin?" The dark-haired girl nodded. "Why not?"

"
Because he never liked me that's why! Keep away from him! I have a feeling that he would catch on to what's happening and what I have planned faster if you're friendly with him. Therefore, just don't talk to him!" Christina crossed her arms matter-of-factly.

Rolling her big blue orbs, Sarah gave in. "Fine." Adding in her thoughts, 'Lance and Joey are going to tell Justin about you being here anyway...bitch.'

 

Chapter 10
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Christina couldn’t have been anymore pissed off at this point. As Sarah was heading back to the gang Christina jumped on top of Sarah and began to hit her with all of her might. Sarah had to help herself get to a good position to hit Christina back, but before she could she was knocked out cold. Christina ran from the sight so that no one would know that she had done anything.

“W….Where am I” Sarah said peeking through her small green eyes that were opening slowly. As Lance was about to say something she noticed that she had ivy attached to her arm, had bandages over her eye and arm, and had ice on her right eye. “The hospital” she said as she fell back into sleep.

“I wonder who did this?” Lance said extremely angered by the whole situation. A perfect night was what had seemed the worst night. But then it all seemed getting clearer and clearer in Lances mind. “Christina” he said out loud continuing “I knew I saw that bitch in the crowd. It was her I tell you.”

Justin was lost at this point because the only Christina he knew of was Lance’s ex- psychopathic girlfriend. “Umm question? What Christina?” By the look on Lance’s face Justin had already known which one it was. “I always told you that whore was bad news” Justin said looking at Lance. “Well I was stupid then” Lance said looking over at Sarah who seemed to have opened her eyes.

“Who did this to you?” the doctor said standing up. Sarah just shrugged her shoulders. “You don’t remember anything that happened?” he said trying not to loose her. Sarah looked at the doctor like a lost little girl. “She is in horrible condition right now and she will have to stay tonight. I’m sorry guys” the doctor said looking over at everyone.

“I’ll stay here with her” Lance said feeling horrible. “I’ll stay here with you too dude” Justin said sitting right beside his companion. Lance smiled at Justin for being there for him whenever he needed him.

“Joe, you and Anna go home and we’ll call ya’ll in the morning and keep you updated” Justin said. Joey did as he was told and soon Anna and Joey were out the door.

“So you want to stay at the hotel with me tonight?” Joey asked Anna. At first Anna didn’t want to say yes because it felt weird going back to someone’s house that she had just finally gotten used to, but then Joey wasn’t like all the other guys she had dated so she nodded her head. Joey smiled from ear to ear as he pulled up into the hotels driveway.

They made there way up the stairs and into the door. “I don’t have anything to sleep in” Anna said shyly. Joey threw her his shorts and a white t-shirt “Is that good enough?” Anna smiled and went into the bathroom to change. Joey just changed inside the room and laid down on the bed waiting for Anna to come out.

Back at the hospital, Sarah was in bad condition and it seemed like she might even have loss of consciousness. Justin and Lance opened up the couches that folded out the make a bed and laid down on it. Justin was looking out the window, while Lance was changing into his boxers and noticed someone in all black run inside the hospital, but he decided not to worry about it.

Lance had finally fallen asleep from the long day that he had had. Lance heard a creek in the door, but decided not to open his eyes because of it. But Justin had his eyes wide open and he was in deep thought when he saw the dark womanly-shaped figure, that had cat like green eyes was coming in he quickly beeped the nurse to come in and help them.

Chapter Eleven
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Justin leaped up from his spot and flicked on the light with a quick turn of his wrist. It was a lady in scrubs. He sighed, but then heat flushed his features as he realized what he had done.

The woman held up a bag and said, "Just came to change the IV."

Behind her a taller female marched in. It was the nurse Justin had buzzed for. How come in
Italy you can get fast service, but back in the states the orderly takes forever to come when you want them too?

"Sorry. I guess my nerves are on edge." His eyes went from the shorter lady to the taller one. "Nevermind about the buzz. Thanks for coming so quick though." She put on a bit of a disdainful look, but put on a smile considering she didn't know that much english. As she left, the other nurse fiddled with the IV. Muttering outloud to himself, he said, "I think I need to go get something to eat." Justin left quietly and quickly, but the nurse still heard him.

She glanced over to Lance who was more than sound asleep considering the days events. Then, after finishing adjusting what she had too, she peeked into the corridor. Seeing that no one was there, she opened a closet right outside Sarah's room. Christina popped out. The nurse whispered, "Make it quick Miss. I could get in trouble."

Christina smirked and said, "Thanks." The nurse closed the door behind her, but the raven-haired stalker noticed that there was a shadow outside the door. The lady was going to make sure that she didn't stay long. In any case, Christina wandered over to what appeared to be a sleeping Sarah, but noticed out of the corner of her eye something that sparked her interest.

Lance.

At first she wanted to do something, but recoiled when she decided that her plan had been messed with enough already. It would just be CRAZY to mess up her own scheme after all. She crept back over to Sarah. Her brown hair strewn over the pillow and her blue eyes closed...for the moment. Once Christina got close enough, she sat up quickly, making sure not to tug on her IV, and grabbed the other's wrist.

"Look, if you pull anything like that again I'll rip your plan to shreads! Why would you jump me if I promised to be your partner???? I wasn't able to finish what you wanted me to do." Releasing Christina, she reclined. "You need to keep that temper of yours in check." She kept her eyes open reluctantly. They looked like glowing circles of sky in the dark.

If the lights were on, Sarah would have actually seen that Christina felt bad. "I'm sorry Sarah. I always did have a bad temper..." She sat on the side of the bed and Sarah looked over to her. "I thought I would make bringing me up a little easier on you considering...erm...your condition." The dark-haired woman took a rectangular object out of her overcoat. "This is a tape. Watch it with Lance tonight. It was out favorite. That way I'll come up in the converstaion, you know?" Christina stood up obviously about to make her exit. "And another thing. They put on the bandage wrong. Mention that to the nurse when she comes in okay?"

With that she left. It was a strange feeling that was left in the air. Who knew Christina could be civil?

 

Chapter 12
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie


Justin was walking through the hallway when he saw Christina walk straight by him. His jaw dropped and his eyes popped out of the socket. “What are you doing here?” he said with an extremely angered voice. “Nothing” Christina said putting her head down and walked right past by him and out the door. Justin was puzzled by the situation and ran back to the room.

Lance was still sleeping like a little baby, but Sarah was awake. “Are you okay?” Justin said sounding disturbed. Sarah nodded and smiled at how sweet Justin was. She never expected him to be so nice, since everyone always seemed to say he was an ass.

“I just saw Christina pass by. Did she do anything to you?” Justin said still in shock. Sarah smiled and shook her head. “No she said that she was sorry for everything and that it was her temper acting up again.”

“You still beware of her. She may be playing games again.” Sarah smiled as the IV made her fall back asleep. Justin felt like he was a bodyguard or maybe even needed one. The situation had disturbed him and it felt as if though he was bugged out.

Justin had finally fallen asleep when Joey and Anna walked in. Justin was up all night the night before and didn’t realize he slept at 8 in the morning. Lance was awake and standing by Sarah’s side.

“How’s she doing?” Lance heard a voice behind him. “Hey man. She is good I guess.” They gave each other a hug like they always do. “What’s up with J, he never sleeps that long? Joey asked Lance. “I have no clue. He wasn’t asleep when I slept though.”

Sarah awoke from her deep sleep and sat up. Lance, Joey and Anna were startled because the night before she seemed like she wasn’t going to make it and she just sat up like there was nothing wrong with her. “Aww Justin is still sleeping” Sarah said smiling. Lances face overcame confusion. “Yeah he was up last night keeping watch.”

“Watch for what?” Lance said scratching his head. “Long story short, Christina came here and he was just keeping a lookout” Sarah said looking over at Justin who was lying there asleep as if he were dead.

Everyone was terrified to here that Christina was there the night before, but didn’t want to remind Sarah of the events so they decided not to talk about it anymore. “So you know when they are going to let you out?” as soon as Joey asked the doctor came in.

“Hello Sarah. How are we feeling today?” he said with a deep voice. “I guess I’m doing good” she responded. “Well I’ve been looking over all of our tests and you seem to be doing fine. Looks like you have a couple of deep cuts in your arm and your forehead, but it will heal in a week or so. And the bruise under your eye will take 2 weeks, but other than that you seem perfect”. Sarah smiled, but was saddened about what she looked like. “Thank you” she said looking on her arms.

“So when will she be able to get out?” Lance turned around and asked the doctor. “She can go today if she pleases, but we’d recommend her to stay another night just in case.” Lance smiled and nodded to the doctor. “So what do you say?” Joey asked Sarah.

“Let her stay” the now awake Justin said. “Good morning” they all said in unison. He waved to them and sat up. “Yeah I’ll stay” Sarah said smiling at Justin. She was developing feelings for him that she never thought that she would. He made her feel wanted just like Lance did. She overcame the feeling of butterflies in her stomach.

Chapter Thirteen
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Justin stayed with Sarah in the hospital while Lance, Joey, and Anna left. Anna had places to be and politely said goodbye to Lance and Joey...for now anyway.

After a brief stop at the hotel, Lance and Joey were off on the streets of
Italy again passionately exploring. They hadn't had any sign of Christina all day even though Lance was being overly paranoid about every little movement. The blonde almost threw a punch at a squirrel. Swinging an arm around his buddy's shoulder, Joey said, "You need to chill. Maybe she gave up you know? Don't worry about Sarah either. Justin's with her and you know how much Christina likes him."

Lance nodded in agreement, but couldn't help worrying.

The day wore on and soon enough Joey and Lance were back at the hotel again. They were planning to stop in and then go off to the hospital to see how Sarah was doing. However, their plans were cut short by two yells of 'Surprise!' from two blue-eyed brunettes. It was Sarah and Justin.

Lance's eyes got big in shock. Joey was the first to recover from this unexpected meeting. "Sarah! You look great! How did you get out so fast?"

The brunette giggled. "Well, I did only have to stay for today after all. Plus, they had the bandages over the cuts on wrong. Once they fixed them it seemed to do a world of difference. As for the bruise here -" She pointed under her eye which now seemed to have vanished, "It's amazing what the right application of make up can do."

They all laughed at the new found information. "You should have seen her dealing with the nurse about the bandages. Got her in a lot of trouble too."

Sarah rolled her eyes. "Well, if I want to heal I can't be wrapped up wrong, right?" She stopped for a moment considering how odd her statement was. Then, she just shook her head and continued. "What did you guys do all day?"

Lance shrugged. "Went sight seeing you could say. We actually were about to go and check up on you."

Just then Justin brought up something and the boys got into a very indepth conversation. They were so involved with it that none of them heard the tapping on the window, but Sarah did. She turned around fast enough to see a small pebble falling back to the ground. Immediately, she knew what was going on. As the boys continued to talk, she said, "I have to stop by my room for something. I'll be right back."

Justin interrupted her. "Last time you said that you got jumped. I'm coming with you."

Sarah smirked. "Look, I'll be fine. Plus, I won't be long anyway. I'll just be a floor below you. You guys were talking about something important anyway."

They reluctantly let her go and she took the elevator down to the ground floor. Once she was outside, Christina whistled her over. "Sarah, we have a problem."

"Oh really?"

"
Yes. I don't mind you are talking to Justin even after I told you not to, but he played bodyguard all day. I didn't even get to talk to you. Did you show Lance the tape?" The raven-haired girl had her hands on her hips.

Sarah sighed heavily. "No, he was out all day. Here-" Reaching into her pocket book she revealed the tape Christina had given her the day before. "Keep it and find someone else to do this. I don't want to be a part of it anymore."

Once she started to walk away, she heard Christina say something that made her stop in her tracks. "He has a GIRLFRIEND."

When the brunette turned around the other had her arms folded and the lights that surrounded the parking lot illuminated her. In an irritated voice, she replied, "Who?"

Christina rolled her eyes, rightly so, and said, "You know who. Justin! Just because I'm crazy doesn't mean I don't have any sense. He has been leading you on all day. Probably, knowing him, without even knowing it. You would bend to his any whim."

This struck a chord in Sarah and she became infuriated. "You know nothing about me!" With that she left, but saw that Christina had a smirk on her face as the brunette stormed back into the hotel. She still had one thing up her sleeve. Lance.

When she made her way back to the floor the boys were on, Justin saw her immediately. "Yo Sarah! We were getting a little worried about you!"

In an undertone, she said, "I bet."

With an unknowing smile, Justin inquired, "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Smiling brightly, Sarah answered, "On nothing. I just need to talk to Lance is all." Pulling Lance further into the room, near the windows, she pulled the curtains shut. Justin and Joey stayed near the door. When Sarah noticed they weren't talking, she suggested, "Why don't you call your GIRLFIRENDS and see how their doing while Lance and I talk."

Joey caught the meaning behind it and gulped. However, Justin remained clueless as he slapped his head and said, "Great idea! I bet Kiara is expecting a call around now!" He picked up the hotel phone and dialed. Joey got serious, but took out his cell and called Anna.

Satisfied, Sarah pulled Lance closer to her by the neck and whispered right up against his ear. "Listen. You already know about Christina...about how she's following you, but you don't know what's she's planning. I do." Pulling back a little, she continued, "I can't tell you now though. All I can say is that we have to somehow pull a switcheroo on her."

Light green eyes flickered upon having a realization.

 

Chapter fourteen
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

After 3 rings Kiara’s message came on and an upset Justin said “Hey baby, I miss you. Once you hear this message please call me back. Love you!” He hung up the phone and sighed.

“What’s wrong dude?” Joey asked at the now saddened Justin “She’s not picking up.” Justin nodded his head. Joey put his hand on Justin’s shoulder “It’s okay man. She’s most likely really busy.” But what both of them didn’t know was that there was a surprise in store for them. Justin was so happy that he had had such friends that actually cared for him. “Thanks man” Justin said giving his friend a hug.

Joey had forgotten that he had had Anna waiting on the line. “Hello hello” he heard. “Shit I forgot I was talking to Anna.” Joey apologized that he had left her on the phone for so long and explained what had happened. They made plans to go out at night with just the two of them. They wanted to spend some alone time since they didn’t seem to have any of those lately.

Lance and Sarah slowly came out of the room and sat down on the couch. Lance was in deep thought because he really wanted to know what was going on with the whole Christina scenario and didn’t want to push Sarah into telling him.

Sarah gave Justin a cold smiled and turned on the television. Justin was confused because he hadn’t done anything wrong. He had been nothing but nice to her and then all of a sudden she had turned against him. But then it all seemed to get clearer and clearer to him. Sarah had seemed attitudy when she told Joey and Justin to call their GIRLFRIENDS. He realized that he had led her on, without trying to, and now she was hurt.

“Can I talk to you Sarah?” Justin said trying to clear the tension between them. She shrugged her shoulders and rolled her eyes. Joey and Lance got up out of there seats and went into the other room so that they could be alone.

“I am sorry!” he said with his sexy deep voice. “It’s okay. That’s what you get for being attracted to someone” Sarah said feeling bad. “I didn’t mean it for it to happen this way. I always tend to do this without even trying” Justin said sadly. “It isn’t your fault you’re a gentlemen and you’re the hottest man alive” Sarah said not believing she had said that to his face. Justin blushed at her comment and gave her a hug. “No tension” he said sticking out his hand and Sarah shook it.

Lance and Joey walked back in and sat on the couch. They acted like they didn’t hear anything but they heard everything. All of a sudden they all heard a knock on the door. They all thought who could it be because they had no one down there they knew.

Justin got up to open the door and it was a girl who was about 5'6, had shoulder length medium brown hair with strawberry blonde highlights, crystal blue eyes with a tint of green, and had a nice and natural tan. She had a hat on but Justin could totally tell who it was.

“Surprise baby” Kiara said hugging Justin. Justin was in awe that Kiara had come to visit him. “What are you doing here baby?” Justin said excited. “Well I took a month off because I couldn’t stand being away from you” she said with a huge smile on her face. Justin’s face was priceless because he had never been surprised before.

Kiara bent down to pick up her bags and Justin just looked at her tattoo on her lower back of tribal wings that had an Italian flag in the middle that he loved so much. “Let me get that for you” he said picking up her bags.

“Hey Ki. What’s up girl?” Joey said greeting his friend. Kiara smiled and gave Joey a hug “Oh how I missed you Joey.” Lance stood up to greet her also “Hey girl”. Kiara smiled and gave him a hug also. Sarah was biting her lip when Kiara looked over at her and said “Hey, I am Kiara Justin’s girlfriend.” Sarah smiled and shook her hand “I’m Sarah. We met here”. “Nice to meet you” Kiara said running into the room where Justin was putting her bags down.

“I missed you so freaking much” Justin said looking Kiara up and down. Kiara jumped on top of him and threw him on the bed. Justin leaned towards her and gave her a peck on the lips. By the expressions on both of there faces they knew they were in love.

“Get a room” they heard Joey shout out loud. “But we did” Justin said as they all began to laugh in unison. Joey threw a pillow at the two of them lying down. “Hey you dork” Kiara said getting up and going into the living room. “I guess you missed me so much that you don’t want to leave me alone” Kiara said giggling. “Yes I missed you deeply darlin’” Joey said chuckling and tapped her on the back really hard.

Once again the door rang. “Now who could this be?” they all thought to themselves.
   

 

Chapter Fifteen
by MichellenJackie

Joey promptly opened the door. It was a bellboy in a maroon and gold uniform. "We've been trying to ring up in this room, but we couldn't get through." Justin hung his head in guilt as the worker went on. "There's a person on the phone for Mr. Bass. They've been trying to get you all day, but you must have been out."

The blonde went over to the phone, but then recoiled his hand. Addressing the bellboy, he asked, "Did they say who they were?" The shorter man shook his head. Lance took a deep breath in secretly hoping it wasn't Christina.

"Hello?"

"Hello, is this Lance Bass?"

"Yes, who wants to know?" Lance's tense state subsided as he heard the voice on the other end. It may have been a woman, but it wasn't Christina.

"I'm Terri. I'm a legal assisstant for the MJ law firm. We have gotten notice that-"

Lance quickly interrupted her. "Legal assisstant?!" This of course caught everyone's attention. The bellboy long gone, but the door still open. "What's wrong?" Frankly, the man had had enough of disturbances for a lifetime and prefered if he hadn't recieved the current phone call.

However, the lady on the other end laughed a little causing part of him to relax, but the rest of him to freak out. Enough of crack jobs had made their way past Lance and he was quite through with it. Who died and let the crazies loose?

"You misunderstand the meaning of this call. I was told to immediately inform you that the law firm you were associated with went under. They refered you to us. I was also told that there are papers you have to look over right away or..."

Lance's light green eyes almost popped out of his head as a nice vermillion color filtered into his face. Talk about being tense. "Or what?!"

The girl on the other end of the line clicked her tongue in thought. "Well, it doesn't say to be honest. It is my opinion that it would be wise of you not to risk anything. I can arrange your flight back to the states if you like."

Evidently, the volume on the phone was rather loud. When Joey heard the last part, he yelled, "He's supposed to be on vacation sister! Leave him alone." Sarah laughed at the taller man's antics while Justin looked especially grim about the situation.

Unknown to them, since the door was still open, Christina was listening in.

Even with Joey's little two cents, Lance took the woman's advice. "No, that's alright. I can get the tickets myself. I'll be there either tomorrow or the following day." After a few details he hung up the phone. The group talked amongst themselves as the dark-haired female smiled from her post.

To herself, she whispered, "Everything is going perfectly. I don't need a partner. I just need pawns to do my work for me...like this Terri." Softly, so no one would hear, she walked out of the hotel to book her own flight.

 

Chapter sixteen
by MichellenJackie

“Lance, I thought we were going to be here for another week or so” Joey said angered. “Sorry buddy. I need to know what the hell is going on” Lance said upset that he had to leave his buddy and continued “You can stay here with Anna, Justin and Kiara. I might come back or just see you guys back in LA.”

With that being said Lance went into his room to pack up his bags so that he could get the next flight out. Justin called the airport to check what time the next airplane was going to leave back to LA.

“Hello. FOGGIA GINO LISA airlines, may I assist you in any way” the lady said. “Yes I would like to know when the next flight out to LA is?” Justin said tapping his fingers on the table. You could hear typing at the other end of the phone and the lady responded “It is at
9pm sir.” “Thank you, can I book one ticket over the phone.” “Yes, you name please?” she said getting into her system. “Lance James Bass” “Age, Phone number, and destination?” she said typing in Lance’s name. “25, (323)755-3829, and LA” Justin said. “Okay Mr. Bass your ticket awaits here” she said.

Justin hung up the phone and went into the room to help Lance pack. It was only
7pm and they thought that they would make it to the airport in time. Lance was done packing and seemed a little down to leave everyone behind. They all jumped into Justin’s black Escalade and rode off to the airport. In the car Justin had one of there Nsync Cd’s in on high.

“I miss touring” Joey said looking at the guys. “Yeah I do too” Lance and Justin said in unison. “We should call the guys up and see what they are up to and go back into the studio” Justin said missing the good old days. “Not a bad idea. After
Italy we should all sit down and talk about it” Joey chipped in. The girls were all excited to hear this because they really liked Nsync as a whole.

“Well here we are” Justin said pulling up into Vallet. They all got out of the car as Lance carried his luggage. They entered the airport and Lance went straight to pick up his ticket while Joey put Lance’s bags where they belong. After a 15 minute wait Lance got the last and final ticket back to LA and walked towards the gang.

“Call us when you get there” Joey said looking at Lance. “I will” he said smiling. Sarah hugged Lance first and gave him a little kiss on the cheek. “Thanks for everything” she said into his ear and stepped back. Anna shook his hand goodbye since they weren’t really that close yet. Kiara hugged Lance really hard, “Bye” she said with half a grin on her face. Then Joey and Justin gave him a hug and he was off into the line. They watched as there friend lifted off and got back into the car to go back to the hotel.

“Welcome aboard
FOGGIA GINO LISA. Thank you all for choosing us as your safe and fast way to get back to the states. Now buckle up for your long and joyful ride back.” Lance was kind of glad he was going back home but then again he already missed the guys. There was a girl sitting next to Lance, but he didn’t pay attention to her. She put her head up and it was what seemed like a nightmare.

“What are you doing here?” he said his nostrils getting bigger. She had a sad face and said “Going back home.” “Why did you do this to me?” Lance said getting mad. “Why did you do what you did to me? You know how much that hurt me? No you don’t?” Christina said tears coming down her face. Lance didn’t know what to do. He didn’t mean to but he hugged her as she cried.

“I’m sorry for what I did” Lance said. “I’m sorry for being a lunatic” she said looking up into Lance’s green eyes with a smirk on her face. Lance turned his head and looked out the window.

 

Chapter Seventeen
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance let go of Christina when he looked out of the window. Only one word described what he thought of himself at the moment.

Moron.

In any case, Christina was still smirking. Probably from Lance's apology. However, the look on her face wasn't helping matters. Sure she had apologized for being a lunatic, but that didn't mean she could fix herself. Unless she had been faking her craziness the whole time, but that is doubtful.

As the raven-haired girl was about to say something more, the stewardess came along the aisle asking if they would like anything to drink. Lance said something about scotch, but he got an odd look from the airline help. In a broken english accent she said something about alcohol being illegal aboard airplanes...at least this airplane. With a quick roll of the eyes, the blonde politely refused any refeshments.

However Christina turned, with a bright eyed look about her, and looked up at the stewardess. "I'll just have water, thanks." She smiled.

Lance caught everything from the corner of his eye and scoffed at the innocence of his ex's actions. After the water came it was clear that Christina wanted to talk just like they were old friends. The other didn't want to, but if he didn't he would be acting against his word. Hadn't he just apologized for ignoring and forgetting her?

Then again, he didn't want to get involved with her. It was already clear that the lengths she would go to just to get to him were not healthy. As he closed his eyes to pretend to sleep, God only knows what she would do to him if he let himself fall asleep, Christina caught his attention.

"Lance, I bet I know something you don't know." She smiled like a little girl who was just given a lollipop.

Still with his eyes closed, he grunted. "What?"

Her smile grew. "Sarah was working with me the whole time in
Italy. Bet you didn't know that!" She giggled a little to herself as she took a sip of her water.

Lance striaghtened up and said in a stern tone, "You're lying. Why would Sarah do a thing like that? I mean you bet the crap out of her!"

Christina nodded in recognition. "True, but I apologized for it."

"That doesn't make it right you know!"

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know, but I'm not lying."

The blonde crossed his arms and looked out of the window again.

Christina smiled triumphantly. Even though what she was about to say was based merely on assumption, she was sure that Sarah had said something to Lance after the girls' fight in the parking lot. "How else would she know what I'm planning?"

"She doesn't k-" Lance stopped in mid-sentence. Sarah did know. She had even told him so, but she never said how she acquired the information. If what Christina was saying was true, then it would all make a lot of sense.

The rest of the plane ride was spent with Christina and Lance talking passionately about Sarah. The blonde's ex had a lot of solid proof that Sarah had conspired with her. How the brunette always had to leave at odd times and so forth.

A voice came over the intercom. It was the pilot.

 

Chapter eighteen
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

“Hello everyone.
There is some good news and bad news that I have to share with you right now. Bad news first, the flight is being delayed because something has gotten caught into the engine and luckily it’s not bad enough for us to crash, which is the good news. We are going to have to stop here, which is in New York now. Sorry folks” the pilot said.

Everyone in the plane started moaning and groaning. Lance was really upset because he really wanted to get to LA as soon as possible. Christina seemed like the only one that was really happy. Maybe the reason behind that was that she was going to spend time with Lance.

The airplane landed on the ground in 20 minutes. As Lance got by the door the stewardess said “Be back in 3 hours, we will be ready for lift off”. Lance shook his head and smiled. “I gotta call the guys” he thought to himself and took his cell phone out.

After three rings Justin picked up the room phone. “Hey, it’s Lance” he said. “Hey dude. You made it to LA already?” he said surprised. “No man there was a delay in the damn flight” he sighed and continued “And guess who the fuck I am sitting next to?” Justin’s eyes opened up wider “Don’t tell me, Christina?” “Yeah what luck huh?” Lance said. “So where are you right now? And when will you be back in LA?” Justin said concerned. “Well the flight was delayed for three hours and then we’ll probably be there tomorrow at night” Lance said. “Well then call me if you need anything” Justin said. “Thanks man” Lance said hanging up the phone.

As he was walking off he got scared because Christina popped in front of him. “Hey” she said preppy. Lance smiled and waved just so that she won’t get a bad vibe again. “So want to go site seeing together” she said cheerfully. Lance shook his head. Her eyes were green with envy “No. What do you mean by that? Like no with me or no in general? Lance was getting annoyed “No in general. I am tired Christina.” “Yeah it was a long flight” Christina said walking off.

Lance was finally left alone by himself or so what seemed like he was. He walked inside the airport and went straight into an ice cream shop. “May I please have Butter Pecan?” he said. The lady smiled and gave him three scoops. “Thank you” Lance said giving her the money and walking off.

He decided to call Chris to see what he was up to. “Hello” Chris said not looking onto his caller ID. “Hey man, it’s Lance” Lance said happily. “Hey. I missed you. How’s
Italy?” Chris said happy to hear from his friend. “It’s good I guess, but I need to tell you more about other stuff. I am coming back to LA though” Lance said licking his favorite ice cream. “Why are you coming back? By the way Avalon is here and she is telling me to say hi to you” Chris said kissing Avalon’s cheek. “Well Teri, my legal assistant called from the MJ law firm and said she needed me. Tell her I said hey back” he said. “Oh wow. What’s up?” Christ said. “I’d be happy if I knew also” Lance said.

“Hey Lance” Avalon said picking up the phone. “Hey girl, what’s up?” Lance said. Avalon and Lance had a great connection with each other. Every time Lance needed help Avalon was there for him as was Lance for Avalon. “Not much. I miss you guys” she said sitting right next to Chris. “Man we miss ya’ll too.” Lance said feeling the breeze. He hadn’t noticed that two hours had already passed. They chatted for about another thirty minutes until Christina came. Not like she wasn’t there the whole time sitting behind of him. “Well I have to go. Take care until I see you” Lance said hanging up the phone.

“People are boarding the plane. Let’s go” Christina said tugging on Lance’s arm. Lance was really disgusted by her, but still played along with every move she made. He was waiting to get to LA, talk to Teri, and ask her if he could get a retraining order against Christina. They walked together onto the plane and sat in there seats. “Here goes another six house” Lance said putting on his headphones and closing his eyes.

 

Chapter Nineteen
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

The steady beats and rythms resounded in Lance's head throughout the plane ride. It seemed that the flight was taking much longer then anticipated. However, it could be that it just felt longer. Does frustration and/or irritation do that to a person? Well, if it does the flight felt longer because everytime Christina took a loud sip of her drink, she looked at Lance. Not just a quick glance or even a thinking look. No. It was more like the look of someone who was enjoying looking at you because you were going to get yours.

How could that be true in Christina's case though? She had gotten what she wanted. Lance was paying attention to her for the most part and he had apologized. So why was she looking at him like that.

Finally, for what seemed like forever, Lance peeked open one eye. The one closest to Christina that is. The music still blasting in his ears, he muttered, "What are you staring at? You do realize I'm not a piece of meat right?" As Christina opened her mouth to answer, her words were totally over powered by the music. It was quite amusing to watch Christina defend herself, but not hear a word. She looked like she was trying to talk, but nothing was coming out.

Lance needed a hobbie.

In any case, he chuckled and regretably took off his headphones, but kept the music on. "What did you say?"

Christina huffed once with her arms crossed. "I said I was just wondering what you were listening to, but I can hear it very clearly now. You shouldn't take enjoyment in other people's pain you know."

With her righteous comment said, Lance stayed very calm. In his same slouched position, he repiled, "Did you learn that in your Psycotic Support Group or something? The P.S.G." He snorted through his laugh, but when he saw Christina's eyes pouring into him like flames he stopped. He wasn't being polite.

As tears started to form in Christina's eyes, Lance rolled his own. "Sorry Christina. It's been a very long day, two days, whatever. I'm just irritated and my nerves are on end." He rubbed the bridge of his nose. Leaning back even more, he put his headphones back on.

A few minutes later, he felt a little shake on his shoulder. When he turned to look, it was Christina. Her cheeks looked like they were a bit wet. Had she cried? Lance didn't know, but was sure it was a possiblity. He slid off his headphones.

In a little meek voice, Christina said, "I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have picked on you like that." She sniffled like a little kid.

That reminded Lance of when he had really liked Christina. Right at that moment, she looked the woman she was when they really were happy. Lance even felt like it was the time in which they were together. Just this one look made him feel that way.

The moment almost seemed frozen and all of the murmurs around them seemed to drown out. That's when Lance did something unexpected on his part. He reminded himself just how soft Christina's lips were.

 

Chapter twenty
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Christina’s pupils grew bigger as did Lance’s. What had happened both of them had not expected it to ever happen. Christina felt ecstatic because she thought that Lance had finally loved her back. But Lance felt absolutely nothing, which proved to him that everything between them really did mean nothing.

“Lance” she whispered. Lance leaned away from her lips and nodded his head. “Pinch me! Am I dreaming?” Christina said still in shock. Lance looked into her eyes and said “It was.” Christina smiled and dug her head into his shoulder. Lance felt extremely weirded out, but then again the warmth of her felt so good.

The pilot came onto the speaker and announced that they would be landing in about twenty minutes. So everyone had to sit back into there seats and buckle up tight for them not to get hurt while landing.

It was
8pm and the plane had landed. Everyone got off of the plane and the last ones to get off were Christina and Lance. They walked together towards luggage pick up and stood by it until both of there luggage’s came across them. Lance picked his up and helped Christina with her bag and took them outside.

There was a black Escalade waiting in front of the airport for Lance. Terri had sent one of her drivers to pick him up and bring him up to the office. Lance waved to Christina and sat in the car.

“Welcome to
Los Angeles Mr. Bass. Terri is waiting in her office for you.” The driver said as Lance shook his hand and leaned back into the seat. He looked out the window to see Christina standing there all alone, but he had a gut feeling that someway or somehow she was going to appear in front of him.

The ride to Terri’s office seemed to take forever and Lance was getting hungrier by the minute. As he was about to shut his eyes he felt the driver stop. “Here you go” he said. Lance opened up his eyes and said “We’re here?” The man nodded and got out to help him with his bags. They walked together until they reached the office.

“Thank you” Lance said as the driver walked off. Lance knocked on the door and a 5'7", dark brown hair, blue eyed girl opened the door. Lance was stunned by this woman’s beauty.

“Hey Lance, I’m Terri. I have been waiting for you all day” she said as she shook his hand. “Likewise” Lance said smiling at her. “Won’t you please come in and take a seat?” Terri said walking towards her seat and sat down. Lance was looking at her assets as her butt swayed side to side in her black skirt.

She pulled out her files from Lance’s personal folder. “Okay we have a couple things to take care of” she said tying her hair back with the clip she had on her desk. Lance really got turned on by her, but acted like nothing because it wouldn’t be a professional manner.

“I might want to ask you something a little later about a problem I have been having” Lance said looking at Terri’s piercing blue eyes. She nodded her head and began ti explain to him why he was there.

Chapter Twenty-One
'The Forgotten Girl
by MichellenJackie

Flipping through a file of papers, Terri sighed. "Okay, I have been doing research all day. You see when I first got all of these papers it wasn't clear what exactly was going on, but I'd have to say it was quite a surprise when I did indeed find out." Lance stared from the opposite side of the desk. Waiting was painstanking. Finally, after tossing her hair back a little, she continued. "A song you wrote...what was it?" She fingered through a few more papers. "Ah, it says here you called it 'Raven'."

Light green eyes shifted uneasily and Lance moved awkwardly in his chair. "I don't write songs."

Terri looked up from her papers, dark brown lockes cascading onto her face. In a definite tone, she said, "According to this you did."

Lance moved uncomfortablly again and yanked on the collar of his shirt as if he felt heat that wasn't actually there. "Justin and Jc were the only ones who ever wrote songs. Not me. Joey, Chris, and me contributed, but never wrote an entire song on our own."

Terri sighed heavily and leaned back in her chair, shielding her face with her hand. "Look, if I'm going to be any help to you, you are going to have to be honest with me."

The blonde stopped moving. "What would I need help for?"

The brunette leaned back forward to rest her elbows on the desk. "Don't change the subject. You wrote the song 'Raven' right?"

Just as Lance was going to say no, something occured to him. "Everything I tell you is in strict confidence isn't it?" She nodded and he gulped. "Yeah, I wrote it, but it was never published, performed, or shown to anyone besides the guys and a few others." This was not a topic Lance wanted to address with a woman he was attracted to. It made him vulnerable because the topic was secret.

Terri breathed heavily. "Well, someone has performed the song and since you did at least put a copyright on it, we can do something if it pleases you. Not much though since it was never offically published." She looked up from her niche at the desk. "Do you want to take action or no?"

"Who performed it? It couldn't have been one of the guys...I mean they wouldn't do that. At least I wouldn't think they would." Lance swallowed loudly, waiting for the lady to answer. All thoughts of taking action concerning her were gone and only fear of the current predicament remained.

"It was one of your friends. He's actually here in LA. It was Jc. I don't know why he performed it, but he did. I only say that because, from what you told me, he wouldn't have any reason to."

Terri waited knowing that it would be a difficult decision on Lance's part. "Can I talk to him first? You know, to see what's going on?" The girl nodded and handed Lance some papers and a DVD. "What's this?"

"That's all the information you'll need and the DVD is a filming of the performance of the song." Terri got up and opened the door for Lance. "Your friend should be at the club name that's at the top of that paper. You can talk to him tonight."

Lance's nodded in approval of the plan, but one thing bugged him. Why would Jc perform that song? The one Lance had written for Christina. He hadn't told anyone it was about her, but he had written it when they were together. He just loved her hair and still does. The silky raven lockes can drive a man wild...in a good way. In any case, what was Jc getting at?

The blonde wouldn't know until he made it to the club. Lance had forgotten an anniversary, but Jc had remembered. However, Jc didn't know that a certain raven-haired beauty was no longer in the picture.

 

Chapter wenty-two
'The Forgotten Girl
by MichellenJackie


Lance put in the video tape and began to watch the video Terri had given him thoroughly. Jc was singing his heart out to this song and he even dedicated it saying “This is for my friend Lance and his 1 year girlfriend Christina. There 1 year anniversary is today.” He said as all the girls screamed.

The song made Lance feel his old feeling again about Christina, but then a flashback of Italy came over him and he was soon back to his disgust for Christina. He took the video out and put it on the counter next to him. The keys were right next to them so he picked it up and went to the House of Blues, which was where JC was performing that night.

The House of Blues was on a 10 mile drive from his house plus the traffic there is always on Sunset is zany so it was going to take a while to get there. Since he was a veteran of the streets in
Hollywood he decided to take the shortcut he always took. The roads were extremely bumpy and the winds were high, but Lance got to House of Blues safe and sound.

“Hey Lance” the man at the door said greeting him. “Hey man” Lance said shaking his hand. All the girls waiting outside to get in started screaming at the sight of Lance. He heard all of them screaming “Lance we love you” and waved to them.

A girl about 5'8'' with brown hair and eyes screamed out “Lance”. The voice was familiar so he turned back to see Kristin standing outside. “Hey girl” he said going toward her. “Hey Lance. How are you?” she said excited to see him. “I’m great I guess. How have you been?” Lance said happy to see her also. “Great. I was running late” she said giggling.

All the girls, green with envy, were staring at them talking to each other. “Let’s go in” Lance said walking towards the entrance as Kristin followed him. “I thought you were in
Italy?” Kristin said remembering that he told her that he was going to go. “Yeah I was. I got back yesterday because I have some business to take care of” he said.

They entered in the door and saw JC by the far right corner performing with the dancers. As soon as JC made eye contact with Lance he smiled and said “Hey man”. Lance was happy to see his friend but was still confused about the song situation.

“Hey” Lance said hugging his friend. Kristin hugged her three year boyfriend and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “What’s up? Why are you down here already?” JC said. “Well why I am down here sort of concerns you” Lance said and continued “My Legal assistant Terri called and told me to come down here because she needed to talk to me about something. She told me that you are singing my song Raven.”

JC looked into his eyes confused. “Yeah it’s your 1 year anniversary with her. Finally you kept someone for that long” JC said not knowing that the two had parted. “Actually we haven’t been together for 3 months and she’s a psychopath just like the others” Lance said. “I’m sorry man. It was sort of a dedication to you too. Plus I really love that song” JC said feeling extremely bad. “I guess it’s okay” Lance said.

“JC, please go into the fitting rooms. You have 5 minutes till Showtime” Marine the worker at House of Blues said. “I’ll talk to you guys later” JC said going into the dressing room.

Kristin and Lance were left alone and the room was dead silence. They heard a squeaking voice from behind them and didn’t hesitate to turn back to see a dark figure by the end where there was less light.

 

Chapter Twenty-Three
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

"You think I'd stay in
Italy and miss out on this?" It was Sarah. Lance's whole face lit up when he saw her. After a brief hug, Sarah said, "Joey and Anna decided on spending time together as did Justin and Kiara. However, I think Kiara has plans to drag Justin to every shoe store in the world." She smiled sweetly.

"Sarah, I wanted you to meet someone." The blonde gestured behind him and the brunette stepped forward. "This is Kristin, JC's girlfriend." The two women shook hands and smiled hesitantly at each other. Wanting to uneasy tension to leave the air around them, Lance continued. "How about we go get something to eat. It's going to be a bit before JC's performance." They all agreed and set out on the town.

~~~~~.^_^.~~~~~

High heels clanked against the highly polished marble floor as long silky raven lockes swished back and forth. The mysterious women dressed in a knee long skirt and a simple dress jacket walked up to the desk. "Excuse me, is MJ's legal assistant right now?"

The secretary behind the desk nodded. "If you would be so kind to wait over in one of those chairs, I'll see if she can see you now." The lady sat down, legs crossed and hands folded. Pressing a button, the secretary said in an undertone, "Ter...a woman is here to see you. Will you take her now or do you want me to tell her to come back later?"

Back in her office, just behind the doors, Terri was holding her head as she filed through more papers. As she heard her secretary's message, her immediate reaction was to tell her to send the women away, but the papers in front of her weren't going away. She had been trying to figure out this mess for the last half hour and it wasn't getting any better. The unexpected guest seemed like a way out or at least a break. "Send her in."

The secretary nodded rolling her eyes only imagining why her co-worker would actually take an unexpected guest.

Heels smacking onto the floor were yet again heard until the lady enetered Terri's office that had a plush rug. Not looking up from her post, Terri asked, "What can I do for you?"

The woman switched her weight from one hip to the other. "I wanted to take action."

Terri's eyes peeked up from her papers. "Action against what or whom?" It was amazing how she had only asked Lance the same question earlier that day.

"I'm familiar with the case you have against JC Chasez. Surprise, surprise. I'm Christina."

Terri's eyes got big. "You...you mean like Christina from the video? The one JC mentioned before he performed Raven?" Her eyes bopped around like radar and she realized something more. "That means the song is about you!"

Christina nodded as some of her black hair cascaded forward. "Yes. I think I have a right to press charges as much as Lance does don't you think?"

"Wait a minute. How do I know you aren't just posing as her?"

Chrostina flicked her hand through her hand. "I have 'Raven' hair and..." she pulled out a magazine and tossed it on Terri's desk. "that magazine has photos of Lance and me together. Just look inside and see for yourself. The woman in those pictures are me."

Terri looked warily at her, but flipped through the pages anyway. As she did this, everything became clearer. "It seems you are telling the truth." Looking back to the woman before her she said, "With this new found information, I must tell you something. You can not only just press charges against JC, but you can do the same with Lance."

Eyes became saucers. "What?"

Terri explained. "If he wrote the song about you without your consent then it makes it legal."

 

Chapter Twenty-Four
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie


A spark lit up in Christina’s eyes. Lance had started to act weird around her once again and she knew that something was up. Christina looked down to the floor and then looked into Terri’s eyes “I’ll be back tomorrow” she said walking out of the room.

Meanwhile Lance, Kristin and Sarah had sat down at the bar to order something to eat and drink before JC came on. “I’ll have Bacardi and fries” Lance said looking at the waitress. “Yes Mr. Bass” the lady said filling him his cup and continued “Your fries will be done in 15 minutes.” Lance smiled and took a sip. “I’ll just have a coke” Kristin said “Same here” Sarah Chipped in. The waitress filled both of them cups and gave it to them.

Kristin was taking a sip when she realized that they were letting the people in because it was almost show time. “Ya’ll let’s go to VIP before we got mobbed” she said getting up. A couple girls glanced over to Lance and began to hyperventilate. He smiled and waved towards her. All the girls were glaring at Kristin and Sarah since Lance was with them.

They made there way up the stairs and into the VIP section where Chris and Avalon were sitting. They all greeted each other and began to talk about the good old days.

“Man we should really go into the studio and do another album together” Chris said with a great passion. “Yeah I know, but now isn’t the right timing” Lance sighed. “Screw the timing. Ya’ll are going to hit big time again. Trust me” Sarah said looking into Lance’s and Chris’ eyes.

“We need a group meeting” Lance said “But you’ll hear something sometime.” Chris began to chuckle “Yeah sometime.”

The room became full of people and flashes of the camera light were going crazy at the sight of Lance and Chris. Girls crying and screaming out “We love you.” They remembered back then before the hiatus how the girls reacted.

“Who’s ready for the Chasez” the guy said coming out of the curtain. All the girls began to scream as they focused there attention now to the stage. “Well you need to wait a little bit more” he said going back inside. All the girls became saddened all of a sudden. The man was laying with the curtain from the back and all the girls began to chant “JC JC”.

“Attention. Attention please. The meaning of Schizophrenia is..”

“So you wanna be a rockstar
Keep it going, don't stop
Work it while you're on top, call the cops

Rollercoaster riding, baby
Up and down
I love to watch you do it

I just want to get close to you
Find out what it takes to move you

Feel the rhythm, hit the spot, getting hot
All night long”

Everyone including Lance and Chris began to sing along with JC. The concert suddenly turned into a club. Everyone was dancing and singing.

JC made eye contact with Kristin and said “All day long I dream about sex with you” and pointed straight at her. She winked at him still partying to his song. All the girls were jealous and knew for a fact that that was JC’s girlfriend.

Lance looked towards the stair and saw Christina coming up them. His smile faded away from his face and became a fake smile. “Hey” he said forcing himself to hug her. The girls including Chris greeted her and she sat down. Sarah had a scared look on her face because Christina didn’t know she had come to town to surprise Lance.

Feelings were burning up inside of Christina, but she didn’t want to do anything to ruin what she had with lance again.

 

Chapter Twenty-Five
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

The show ended quickly in the auidence's eyes, but as expected was very enjoyable. JC had to get changed in the back, so Kristin waited at the door where he would come out. Chris and Avalon left using the excuse that a hot tub was waiting with their name on it. Christina and Sarah stayed by Lance and an awkward silence endured. The thoughts of the three were quite interesting.

:Christina:

If I say or do anything weird Lance'll ditch me again, but I don't like Sarah being around. Why did she come all of the way from
Italy anyway? I don't like it and she just isn't trustworthy. Part of me wants to go through with Terri proposed, but I just can't. If JC still thinks we're together then life won't be that bad.

:Sarah:

You know, I just came here to see Lance again in hopes that I wouldn't have to deal with this whole Christina thing, but no. Here she is acting like she owns him. Something is just wrong with this situation. Granted the show was great and I had a good time, but that doesn't stop me from wanting to kill her in the middle fo the show. After all, she did jump me in
Italy.

:Lance:

This is just too uncomfortable. Sarah doesn't have any idea what happened on the plane. Christina doesn't know that JC now knows we aren't together, but I am sort of bating her on. Both of them aren't trustworthy, so now what? How am I supposed to get to JC first and ask him to act like nothing?

However, on the other side of the spectrum, as Kristin waited, her thoughts were along the lines of something very different.

:Kristin:

Come on...he needs to come out now...bed plus him...good stuff...he's going to be sorry for making me wait...scratch that no he won't.

The brunette just smiled at the end of her thoughts considering their nature.

Soon enough Lance wandered over to her telling Sarah and Christina he'll be right back and not to get in trouble. Forcing a nervous smile since he remembered their history and finally made it over to Kristin who is trying to peek in through the door.

"Hey Kris. You think you could give JC a message for me?"

She pouted and looked up at the blonde. "They won't let me in, so I can't. You could probably sneak in." While she watched him ponder her suggestion, she added, "If you go in, tell him to hurry his ass up if he wants any!" Pouting some more, she took back her post.

Lance rubbed the back of his neck and pushed the white door trespassing, but blending in. Following the little signs to the dressing rooms, he soon found JC's one. Knocking once and getting a grunt as a come in, he entered. His friend had pants that rested on his hips, but no shirt to speak of. Jc smiled when he saw it was Lance. "Hey man, I was almost done."

"Kristin says you aren't getting any if you don't hurry up." JC rolled his eyes as he put on his shirt. "And I wanted to tell you Christina's here."

Fixing the tight white shirt, Jc replied, "I saw. You said you guys weren't together. What's going on?"

Lance shook his head. "Just play along. I don't want what happened in
Italy to make a repeat performance."

JC inquired as to what he was refering to, when the door creaked open and someone was framed in the doorway.

 

Chapter Twenty-six
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie


It was Kristin finally making her way back to JC’s dressing room. “I couldn’t wait any longer” she said smiling at her man and then continued “You take longer then a damn girl”. JC chuckled and walked towards her and squeezed her. Kristin’s mouth formed a smile. JC kissed her neck and held her from the back looking at Lance.

“So tell me what’s going on” JC said confused by everything that was going on. “I’ll tell you when the time is right and right now it for sure isn’t. Just play it cool and basically act” Lance said in a whisper tone so that Christina wouldn’t hear him. JC nodded his head and then stared into Kristin’s shiny brown eyes.

The three went through the stage, passed the dancing floor and to the parking lot where Sarah and Christina were waiting. Christina on one side braiding her hair and Sarah on the other looking at the stars above.

“Well were out for now ya’ll” JC said waving to the girls and hugging his pal. Lance was left alone and in a very uncomfortable situation. “Do you girls need a ride home” he offered. “I do” Sarah said because she had no where to stay. Christina not wanting the two to be alone said she did also.

Lance opened the door for both girls and they sat in. He jumped into the front seat of his 2005 Black 525i BMW and drove off. It was a very long and quite ride. Lance finally arrived a Christina’s house and dropped her off. He even gave her a hug so that she wouldn’t bitch about it.

“So where are you going to stay?” Lance said looking over to Sarah. “Probably at some hotel” she said hoping for an invite. “What hotel?” Lance said not taking the hint. “I don’t know. I’ll find one while your driving” she said smiling at him. “You can stay with me if you want” Lance said. “If you don’t mind I think that would be better” she said in her cute voice. Lance nodded and drove to his house.

They arrived into his driveway and Sarah was amazed at how beautiful the house looked on the outside. Thinking to herself she said “Damn if the house looks like this on the outside, then I wonder what it looks like on the inside”. Lance opened the door to his 5 bedroom mansion and let Sarah go in first.

“Wow it’s beautiful” she said out loud. “Thanks” Lance said closing the door behind. “You can sleep in any one of the rooms or with me” Lance said heading up the stairs. “I’ll think about it” she said a giggled. Lance entered his room and took off his pants and his t-shirt. He was left in his boxers and he came out. “Do you need anything to sleep it?” he said. Sarah couldn’t help not staring at his half naked body. “No I have clothes in my case” she said not blinking. He walked back into his room.

Sarah went into the bathroom and changed into her cute pink and white
Victoria’s Secret pajamas. “I have the bed ready if you want to sleep with me” Lance said looking down at Sarah. Sarah felt awkward, but still went up. “Okay, but no naughty naughty” she said giggling. Lance smiled and tucked himself into bed.

Sarah had instantaneously fallen asleep so it was quite. His eyes were still wide open and all he could do was look out the window. He saw a womanly shadow up on the tree, but decided on not letting it bother him because it was just his imagination. But was it really?

 

Chapter Twenty-Seven
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Long after
midnight, the street lights gleamed along the streets of LA. One of the many walking around in the glimmer of the city was Terri. She had finally decided to call it a day, but for some reason she coudn't find it within herself to sleep. Something about the Bass Chasez case bothered her. It was none of her budiness really, but the whole situation was just so weird. Bass writes a song, breaks it off with the girl, but his friend doesn't know so performs it when it was supposed to be the two's anniversary. Then, to even complicate things more, the girl shows up in her office only hours after Bass left.

Something was definitely amiss and it bothered Terri that she couldn't figure out what it was. After all, she was used to knowing everything about her clients, but when things got complicated like this she just didn't like it. Especially when everyone surrounding the case was being so mysterious about the whole damn thing. It irked her to no end.

Was Christina going to sue Lance? Would Lance sue his own friend? Were Lance and Christina really not involved anymore? It was hard for Terri to digest because she had heard the song 'Raven'. It boggled her mind that someone could write such a beautiful song about someone and then break it off. If the song was true it all, then they must have had something strong.

Knowing she shouldn't be thinking so much about one case, she scolded herself for her very unbusiness like conduct. However, she couldn't help it. It all seemed so odd and she wanted to know so bad what was really going on. Walking around all night wasn't going to help her queries in the least.

With a very heavy sigh, she stood before an illuminated building that she wasn't quite sure she should enter. Shaking her head, she walked into the building asking the man behind the counter a quick question. At first he wouldn't answer and just acted like a smartass, but then she slipped him a twenty and he amzingly shut up and even gave her the key. Maybe it was the short skirt.

She waited patiently on the elevator ride and finally made it to her unanticipated destination. "Room 209...hmm." Knocking twice and not hearing anything she assumed that he must be asleep, after all it was quite late, but that didn't mean she couldn't try to satisfy her confusions right?

Something cold slipped out of her palm and she looked at it on the ground. It was the key that they bellboy gave her. Should she use it? Isn't that like invasion of privacy? But...he did give it to her so it would be his fault and she was the legal assistant after all and could get herself out of any messy situation...why not?

Slipping the key into the door, she softly pushed it open. The whole room was dark except for the moonlight seeping in from the windows. On tiptoe she crept in and peeked around in the rooms until she found the bedroom. Flicking the switch on and waking the occupants, she assumed her usual business stance.

"I am in need of some assistance. I've reached a dead end and I have a feeling some of my clients are keeping some secrets from me. Ready for some work?" She shifted her weight to one hip and crossed her arms with a smirk.

It was Johnny Wright.

 

Chapter Twenty-eight
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Johnny opened his eyes and looked at the gorgeous figure standing in front of him. He stuck out his hand and shook Terri’s hand. “Please sit down” he said sitting back down in his chair. Terri did as she was told. She put her bag down and took some papers out of her briefcase.

“So I assume you know what this little chat is going to be about?” Terri said still looking through the papers. “Yes I do” Johnny said looking up and down Terri’s silky legs. In the back of his mind he heard himself think about hooking her up with Lance. Why that thought crossed his mind he was unsure of also. Lance did need someone else after the whole Christina incident, which everyone but JC apparently knew about.

They began to talk about all of the legal businesses for what seemed like hours. Terri looked over to the diamond studded clock on Johnny’s wall and the time read
3am. “Wow it’s getting late” she said. Johnny nodded his head still looking through the papers she had given him. “You and Lance can come by tomorrow so we can work something out” Terri said yawning. “Thank you very much” Johnny said shaking her hand again. Terri smiled and walked out of the room.

~*~

It was
noon, Lance awoke from what had seemed to be the best sleep he had ever gotten in his life. He looked to his side to see Sarah still asleep. He smiled to himself and picked up his cell phone from the stool next to him. He had 2 missed calls. Since the phone was on vibrate he hadn’t heard it. Both missed calls were Johnny Wright. Lance scratched his head and said aloud “What could he want?”

Sarah opened her eyes when Lance said this. “Hey” Lance said looking into Sarah’s eyes. “Hey” she said still adjusting her eyes. “I’m going to take care of this call and then we’ll go out for breakfast” Lance said pulling his shorts on. Sarah nodded her head and walked over to the bathroom.

Lance called Johnny and they talked about what Terri had told him. “Lance Terri wants us to go to her office as soon as possible” Johnny said. Lance was bummed that his plans with Sarah got put on hold, but then again he was glad to go see Terri. “Okay, should I come pick you up or are you coming to pick me up?” Lance said putting on a nice shirt. “I’ll come in 10 minutes” Johnny said hanging up the phone.

“Sarah” Lance said knocking on the bathroom door. “Yes” she said opening the door. “Plans cancelled. I have an important meeting to go to. When I come back we’ll go out to eat somewhere” Lance said sadly. “It’s okay. I’ll just hang around the house” Sarah said understanding.

Lance hugged her and went downstairs. Someone was honking and it was Johnny’s horns noise. Lance opened the door and waved to his friend and manager. He closed the door behind him and jumped into Johnny’s black escalade, which had spinners on the rims. They greeted each other with a hand shake and were off to the lawyers office.

 

Chapter Twenty-Nine
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Terri waited patiently in her office in which she almost nodded off once or twice. It had been a long night, but granted it had been interesting. Now that Johnny was bringing Lance she could get into depth about all the secrets that where obviously trying to be covered up. Or at least they didn't want to divulge.

Johnny had been as informative as he could be, but Terri still had to hear everything from her clients' mouth - Lance. As if on cue, the secretary buzzed her that the two men were there and Terri told her to tell them to come in. They came in and sat down. Crossing her legs, Terri said, "I had an interesting talk with Mr. Wright last night Lance."

The blonde looked over at his friend. He hadn't said anything about Terri visiting him in the dead of night. What had he said and what had she wanted to know? Looking back at Terri, Lance said, "Is that so?"

Smirking, Terri looked down at her papers. "I would like to know more about Christina and your relations with her."

He gulped. Crap, just crap. "Well, you already know that we haven't been together for a while. What else did you want to know?"

Before Terri could say anything, Johnny poked Lance and whispered, "Lance, just tell her everything. She needs to know."

Green eyes rolled and Lance turned back to Terri. "Look she's been crazy alright? Well at least only in
Italy. Either way, right now I'm on good terms with her."

"I see." Her eyes narrowed and she jotted something down. "Anything else you would like to tell me?"

Lance and Johnny were both at a loss as to what that statement implied. What else would the legal assistant want to know? Before either of them could voice their confusion, Terri's phone rang.

"Hello, MJ legal assisstant Terri speaking." There was audible mumblings on the other end of the phone which seemed to be sparking Terri's interest. "I see, thank you." She hung up the phone and wrote more things down. Suddenly, she stood up and said, "I don't think you understand how fragile this whole situation is. If anyone besides myself and the man on the phone find out that an unknown woman is staying at your home, it could definitely complicate things."

"What! That's none of your business!" Lance was simply outraged. What happened to his privacy?

Terri remianed calm. "Listen, it's not only about the song anymore. If Christina is like what you said, then won't you think if she finds out there's a woman at your home that isn't her she'd wig out?"

Lance's eyes bulged in realization. Sarah was alone in the house. Terri had brought up a point, even though there seemed to be much more problems she seemed to be getting at.

 

Chapter thirty
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie


“Please go take care of this problem instantaneously before it is too late to be dealt with” Terri said with a serious tone. Lance looked over to Johnny who was shaking his head. “Okay, but where will she stay?” he said. “Thank of something and fast” Terri said standing up. Both Lance and Johnny sat up, shook her hand and were out the door.

They were walking through the hall and into the elevator. “John, man can you keep her for a couple days. She came to visit me from
Italy.” Lance said looking at the floor. “I don’t know man. This is crazy.” Johnny said looking at his blonde haired friend and partner. Lance frowned and walked out the elevator as it stopped.

“I’ll do it man. Just for a couple days.” Johnny said feeling bad for his friend. “Thank you man” Lance said as he hugged his friend and manager. “No problem” Johnny said smiling at his now happy friend.

The valet man bought Johnny’s Escalade up front for Lance and Johnny to get in. They both jumped in and drove to Lance’s houses. Lance decided that he would call Sarah and tell her about the situation so that she would pack up before he got home.

After about a 10 minute chat Lance hung up the phone. “Sp what did she say?” Johnny said. “She was a bit upset, but she knew it was necessary” Lance replied. Johnny nodded his head as they came to a stop.

::Back at Lance’s house::

Sarah ran upstairs to pack up her belongings. She neatly folded all of her clothes and put them nicely into her suitcase. She picked up a couple plastic bags and put in her shoes that she had brought with her in them. She looked over to the photograph of Lance and his mom on his bedroom counter and smiled to herself. She then picked up her bags and went down stairs.

She reached to the last step and heard a honk outside. She opened the door to see Lance and Johnny waiting in the car for her. She locked the door behind her and began to walk towards them. Lance got out of the car and helped her with her bags.

She sat in the car as Lance got out. “Just call me when you get there, Hopefully we’ll straighten everything out.” Lance said giving Sarah a hug. Sarah smiled and nodded her head. “Thanks again” he said shaking Johnny’s hand. “Anything for a friend” Johnny said. Lance waved and left to go home.

He opened his mailbox to see 3 letters in it. One was from his cell phone bill company, one from his electrical bill, and the other was anonymous. Who could it be? Could it be who he thought it was? “No it can’t be?” he said aloud.

He opened the door and stepped in. “Ahh how I miss this house” he said while walking over to the couch. He opened the bills first; the cell phone bill was $1000, the electrical bill was only $50 because he hadn’t used it all month. He stared at the anonymous letter in front of him.

He picked it up and opened it to see…..

 

Chapter Thirty-One
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

He picked it up and opened it to see a folded red paper with gold ink flowing over the center of the fold. It was like a wax stamp with the letter 'R' engraved. Carefully opening the letter it revealed to have elaborate script in the same golden color as the seal. Lance was at a loss, but was genuinely intrigued.

The letter read as follows:

Dear Mister Bass,

___________It has come to my attention that you have obscured the well-being of one of the members of my clan. I find it extremely inconsiderate, but as my opinion is nominal, I digress unfortunately. However, we are all in agreement, seeing as the person in question is unaware of everything going on, that we are to deal with you discreetly. If you wish to refuse this invitation, your series of unlucky occurences will never end. SHE will never go away and everything will continue to get worse. Please take the key enclosed and exit your home. Transport that has been arranged shall be waiting for you.

___________________Sincerely,
______________________The Raven Clan

Lance looked over the letter, still shocked at the whole thing and quite confused. Just as anyone normally would, he peeked into the envelope and found what the writer of the letter called 'the key'. It was a parchment paper with a drawing of an old-fashion key. Light green eyes looked questioningly at his front door like something was going to pop out and devour him. He thought that it was obvious that the SHE was most definitely Christina, but the girl had never mentioned anything like this to Lance before. They had been very close after all and she had never kept any secrets from him as it was her custom.

Something quite out of the ordinary, a feeling that compelled Lance to do something very risky. Go through with it. It didn't seem logical, but maybe if he went and saw what this man or men wanted, everything would be peachy keen. They did seem like passive agressive lunatics to Lance, but he disgressed. Slowly, he put his jacket on and opened the door. Just as the letter had stated there was transportation for him...something that was quite an eye stopper. A black carriage with no driver and
two midnight maned horses tied to the front.

As the blonde neared the carriage, his neighbour walked out and Lance found it only suitable to ask him a question. As the man got closer, Lance asked, "Hey Mike, you see anything near the sidewalk?"

The man looked at him suspiciously and laughed. "Only someone's trash cans which the garbage men neglected to take again. Man, they must have it out for you." With that he walked away farther until Lance was left alone with his delusions. The carriage door flung open revealing maroon plush seating. In the air of the threshold, the words 'Get in' were spelled out in gold. Lance shivered not liking the situation more and more since not even his neighbor could see the alleged carriage. Taking one step forward, the ground underneath Lance gave way and it felt as if he was being sucked into the cavity.

Mike turned around and said, "Hey Lance when did you-" Stopping in mid-sentence he was met with thin air. He shrugged and muttered to himself, "Boy's fast."

Meanwhile, Lance felt the velvet seat underneath him and the carriage moving, but his vision was lost. He couldn't see anything and he felt like he was floating which wasn't possible. His head bobbed around yet he clutched to the letter with all his resolve. With a sudden halt, Lance jettisoned forward and his senses came back to him. A cold harsh wind brushed against him signaling that the door was now ajar again. Without much say in the matter, Lance was rolled out of the carriage roughly by some unknown and invisible force. Practically dragged somewhere, something pushed him into a cement stone. When he opened his eyes he realized it was obsidan of some kind.

A strange creaking noise came to his ears and he looked up in his all fours position. A man with long black hair tied regally back and his hands behind him looked at him apprehensively. "We have been waiting."

Lance wanted to ask why or what was going on, but he wasn't given the chance. The invisible force pulled him to his feet and thrusted him into the house. The door shut loudly behind him and the man turned to look at him obviously undetered. "My name is Christopher. I wrote you that letter. You must have some idea what this is all about or you would not have came." The blonde was heaving, trying to get his breath back. He wanted to speak, but it seemed impossible. However, he acknowledged everything Christopher said. "Please follow me." He walked and was followed to a grand room with a sparkling chandelier and vermillion colored everything all around. The furniture was all obsidian.

"I'll be brief in explaining. Miss Christina Liam is one of us yet she is unaware just as I have informed you. I'm sure you too are unaware of the clan you belong to, but in this delicate situation lines must me crossed." He striaghtened up more and continued. "You belong to the Peridot Clan. It has been the natural run of things that a female of the Raven Clan fall in love with a male of the Peridot Clan. If the man somehow breaks this relationship it will trigger most undesirable traits in the woman and she will never leave him alone. It is not her fault you see. Miss Christina cannot help herself."

Lance had finally stopped heaving and just wanted to sit down. None of this could be true. It was all crazy. "I'm getting out of here."

As he passed by Christopher, the man said, "If you do not stay we will have to make measures to insure you stay. We still have business with you. After all, you have triggered these undesirable traits have you not?"

"I don't care." He was close to the door. It was just steps away.

He was yanked back and turned around. Chilling flesh touched him, covering his eyes. "Measures have been taken then."

Hand recoiled and Lance almost fell to his knees and clenched his stomach at the sight before him. Avalon was hanging from the top of the spiral staircase with a rope around her neck.

He had no choice but to stay.

 

Chapter Thirty-two
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance’s eyes were overflowing with tears, which he tried to hold back. “Why are you guys doing this? What the hell have I fuckin done to you guys?” Lance said getting infuriated. “Please Mister Bass lower your tone and sit down otherwise we’ll take different actions into our own hands” Christopher said giving out an evil chuckle.

Lance’s face turned red like a tomato, but he did as he was told so that they would do no more harm.

“Well as you noticed that is your dear old friends soon to be wife up there” Christopher said with an evil grin. Lance let out a pissed off sigh. Lance shifted his eyes back up to the poor girl hanging from up top.

He felt something come inside of him while he was looking at her. He looked back at Christopher who was still laughing about this whole situation.

“Another thing, you are staying here for a week or so” he said laughing at the top of his lungs. Lance was going to burst out cussing, but something stopped him and nodded his head. “Could this house be filled with spirits?” he thought to himself.

Christopher snapped his fingers and out of nowhere two large men came out going towards Lance. They held him from his arms, lifted him off the floor and took him to the room that he would be staying in. It seemed as if they went 10 flights up. “Sleep tight” the men said chuckling and locking the door behind them.

Lance couldn’t believe what was going on. The room was all white with white padded walls. It looked like an insane asylum. There were no windows at all and the fluorescent lights were bugging his eyes. There was a small hole in the door, which looked like that was where the food was going to come through. To top it all off he didn’t even have a bed to sleep in, all there was was the stone cold ground.

He then saw a white figure fly by him. It was none other than Avalon. But wasn’t Avalon dead? What was going on? He has a confused, sad, and depressed expression on his face.

“Lance” she whispered. Lance’s eyes grew wider. “I am here to help you” she said holding out her hand. Lance was freaked out and kept trying to go further away from her. “Don’t be afraid. They killed me and god sent me to help you” she said smiling at him. Lance felt as if he seriously was in an insane asylum. He began to cry because his emotions were all balled up.

All of a sudden a huge band came on the door. “Y…y..yes” Lance said ready to break down. “Here’s your food” the guy said throwing it to him through the hole. Lance looked at the crappy food they had given him. He didn’t even want to lay a hand on it because he thought there was poison in it.

“Don’t try it” Avalon said coming through the door. Lance crawled back into his corner and curled up into a ball. “Lance please believe me. I am here to help you. Don’t be afraid” Avalon said commiserating for his friend. Lance felt something inside of him telling him that this wasn’t fake and she was the only one who could help. “Okay I’m all yours” Lance said looking at the white figure. “Good” Avalon said and then continued “you are the only one who could see me since I am here to help you out. So I will go eves drop on everything the Raven Clan is talking about and I will notify you” Avalon said. “Thank you so much” Lance said hugging air.

“Who you talking to freak” the man said looking at Lance through the hole they gave him food in. “No one” Lance said giving him the plate still full of food on it. “Why didn’t you eat?” the man said is disgust. “I’m not feeling hungry right now” Lance said giving attitude. “Excuse me Mister Bass I am sensing a bit of tension between us” the man said. As he was about to say something he saw Avalon shake her head. “No tension” Lance said feeling as if though he were chicken. The guy laughed and was on his merry way.

“I just came from Christopher’s office and Christina was there. It seems as though Christina and Christopher have or had an affair. They were planning on what they were going to do to torture you some more. This is leading to a very bad road, but I am here to help you. So no matter what you will get out of here alive.” Avalon said with her gathered up information. Lance really wanted to hug or kiss her, but it sure wasn’t going to work out that way. He would have rather been dead and Avalon been alive then it turning out the opposite way. After he got out of the dungeon he had to go tell Chris about the unfortunate news. But how was he going to break it to his dear old friend?

Life had so many unanswered questions and Lance had plenty of them to be answered.

 

Chapter Thirty-Three
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Avalon had been away for hours after Lance requested some time to himself. Everything had been turned around in his face and it scared him. He was man enough to admit it. Anyone would feel the same way in his position. Not only had one of his best friend's been killed, but now a psycho family was out for him, but one thing just didn't fit right.

The whole business about Christina.

How could she be downstairs in Christopher's office talking to him? Something just didn't feel right. Lance couldn't explain it but he just didn't get the feeling that she was somewhere close. And what was all of that stuff about her having an affair with him? That man had said she'd only be attracted to the men from Peridot Clan which Lance was a part of...even if the blonde still didn't fully understand that. He had never even heard of such things until earlier. In any case, there was also the possibility that he had been lying and Avalon was right.

That still didn't change how Lance felt. Christina couldn't be in the mansion. He didn't feel it and it just didn't seem right. In all rights, the girl was obssessive and possessive, but she had confided in him fully. Again Lance felt cold and muttered, "She can't be here."

Indeed, the blonde was right for just below him, Christopher was talking to another member of the Raven Clan who resembled Christina having black hair just like her, but was not Christina. Her name was
Crystal and was currently having a fight with Christopher and being very high above them, Lance could not hear. However, Avalon's information was partially right.

"Christopher, why musn't she know? We can't keep her in the dark now that we have him in the mansion!" The girl huffed and shifted her weight. She looked remarkably like Christina, but held herself completely differently and was in fact taller.

Raven hair still tied back neatly, Christopher answered. "
Crystal, be reasonable. You know the by laws of the two clans. We must abide by them at all costs." He straightened up, not bending to the girl's obvious dislike to the whole situation.

Abruptly, the manner of the girl changed and her posture slumped, becoming softer. Strutting around the desk that was seperating her from Christopher, her raven lockes swayed. Now next to him, him still standing stock straight, she purred, "Christopher, I know you better then this." Lifting her delicate hand to the side of his face, she let it slide down and rest at the crook of his neck. Leaning in towards his ear, she whispered, "Do this for me. I promise to take the blame."

His stature faltered. Turning towards her, he opened his mouth to say something, but closed it once again. She smiled softly, letting her hand slide back into his tied hair.
Crystal tugged gently at the thread and it became undone letting his hair splay out acorss his back and some strands fell to his front. Fingers combed through his lockes and she leaned in.

Raising a hand, Christopher stopped her. Closing his eyes and turning his head away, he said, "No Crystal. Not again. You know it is forbidden. We broke the inner-clan's cherished rules, our way of living. You know that it can never happen again." His eyes turned back to look at her and he added, "Us...", he gulped and said in pain, "It is wrong."

Her eyes puddled up a bit and she shook her head saying, "Think about it." With that she stalked out of the room and continued on until she made it to the backyard.

Avalon's information was faulty and correct at the same time. The woman with Christopher had not been Christina, but the woman named
Crystal. Yet, those two people, both of the Raven Clan, Crystal and Christopher, had had an affair.

 

Chapter Thirty-four
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance felt something vibrate in his pocket. It was his cell phone. With all the confusion that was going on he had totally forgotten he had his phone on him. “The idiots forgot to take my phone” he said in a whisper. He looked on the phone and it was Terri.

“Hey Lance, where are you?” she said concerned. Lance didn’t now if he wanted to tell her where he was because he wanted to stay there and find out more about what was going on. “I’m taking care of some business” Lance said quietly. “Why are you whispering?” Terri said confused. “I’ll call you later” Lance said hanging up the phone. Terri didn’t like what was going on, but she knew Lance wasn’t getting himself into trouble.

There was a knock on the door. “Here is your food Mister Bass” a Raven haired man said throwing it towards him. “Thank you” the blonde said sarcastically. He put the food to the side because he sure as hell wasn’t going to eat it.

“Avalon” Lance said quietly. She appeared in front of him. “I have my phone. I could get out and get these people captured.” He said looking at her. She came closer “These people are way too tough to beat. They will burn your life and everyone in it.” Avalon said. “So I’m guessing I shouldn’t” Lance said dumbfound. Avalon swayed her head from side to side.

“By the way, you were wrong” Lance said. “About what?” Avalon said confused.

“Who are you talking to?” a man said opening the door. “No one, does it look like there is anyone here?” Lance said. The man closed the door hard and locked it back up.

“That was close” Lance said. “Actually Lance, you are the only one that can see me. I am here to help you. So in that case no one else can see me” she said gracefully. Lance smiled to have such a great friend at his back.

All of a sudden the door swung open again and two raven haired girls came in. Each held Lance by one of his arms and without saying anything dragged him along with them. Lance was carefully inspecting everything in the house while he was being dragged down the hallway. The pushed him into another room and closed it.

Christopher was sitting behind his desk with his back towards Lance. “Hello Mister Bass” he said turning around. There was no noise to be heard from Lance. “I said hello” Christopher said again. Still no reply came from Lance. “Do you not hear me?” he said turning his chair towards Lance. “I do” he said with a sly look on his face.

“That’s what you should have said to someone else” Christopher said. “What are you talking about?” Lance said. “Those two words were meant for one girl and that one girl only” Christopher said. “And who might that one girl be?” Lance said.

Christopher pressed a button, which unlocked the trapped door that was under Lance. Lance fell through the hole onto a mattress. And there stood a girl with a cap and a hood covering her face up. Lance felt something tell him to go near her, but was afraid to go any closer.

He looked onto the floor and back at the girl that was standing there. There was a force that began to push him towards her. He kept trying to hold back, but the force was too tough to beat.

 

Chapter Thirty-Five
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

The hooded figure was obviously a woman, but as Lance was pulled towards her by an invisible rope, he noticed something peculiar. Even though he was not yet close to her, it was obvious she was his height. Christina was not his height, she was shorter. Of all the things he'd remember, he knew that his ex had been shorter. That's one of things he had found endearing in her, but once reminded of his current situation, he figured he had better leave that train of thought for another time.

Now standing in front of her, the bizarre force letting up, Lance's light green eyes peered at the shadowed figure in the dark. The only light was coming from a little window off to his left. It looked like he had landed in the basement. "What is going on?"

Instead of answering his question, as if some kind of magic had possessed the air around them, the woman's coat fell to the ground and her hat teetered off. Her hair was black as expected, but the sneer she wore was not at all familiar. Lance attempted to walk back, but there it was again, the force restraining him from moving. "Who...who are you?"

The woman clicked her tongue and shook her head. "Seriously Lance, must you know everything?" Her voice was deep and the blonde didn't take comfort in it one bit. Taking two steps forward which in turn closed the little gap between them, she reached up and slid her hands down his face. "But since you did ask so nicely, I'll tell you. My name is
Crystal from the Raven Clan. Who were you expecting?"

His eyes bounced around like radar. He couldn't back away from her and he didn't like it. Her intentions didn't seem good. "I was expecting Christina of course." After that, he held his tongue. There was something else he wanted to say, but he wanted to save it for later.

Pressing herself against him, she purred on the side of his neck. Breathily, she answered, "No no no. Not her. She's not supposed to know."

Just as she flicked out her tongue to taste the skin of his neck, Lance said hurriedly, "What about Christopher? Does he know about this?"

Immediately,
Crystal growled and backed away from the blonde, but only by a minimal distance. Crossing her arms, she said, "Everyone is trying to ruin my fun. If I can't get what I want, then I'll take what's left behind." With her nose in the air, she added, "Got anything to say about that?"

With an uncertain smirk, Lance said, "But you had an affair with Christopher. If you are doing this just to get at him, you must feel for him. Then why don't you just tell him? I am of no use to you."

Crystal's sneer returned again. Approaching the blonde once more, she outlined his jaw. "Oh, but you are. He has refused me. I proposed that we just let Christina know about this whole clan business and let her deal with it. Then, we could be together again, but no. Christopher must follow the rules of the clans. He would never interfere, even when his heart tells him different." Sighing, she blew up Lance's bangs. "By doing this, I'm getting back at him for his refusal. He thinks an assassin is down here to kill you or at least torture you until you promise to appease poor little Christina's fragile heart. But I won't allow that. The clan's laws don't go over well with me."

Grabbing her wrist, stopping her ever roaming fingers, Lance glared at her.
Crystal was caught off guard and just looked back. Distinctly, Lance said, "I think we can help each other. You want to test your Christopher's heart and see what he'd really chose when put in a rather uncomfortable position? Want to see if he'd choose you over your silly clans?" The girl only looked up at him and into his eyes, trying to detect if he was lying. When she found nothing wrong, she nodded. Lance continued. "Let me go. Free me from this place, but pretend that I killed you since you got in my way of escaping. You think he would avenge you? Or do you think he'd let your body rot there and decay as he went searching for me, so I could be set up with Christina?"

Finally, he let go of her and she stepped back.
Crystal seemed a bit breathless, but then waved her hand in the air. Lance felt the fierce force at his back let up. She nodded. "Okay...let's do it."

 

Chapter Thirty-six
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Crystal laid down in peace pretending to have been hurt by Lance. Lance carefully snuck out of the room, but what poor Lance didn’t know was that there were surveillance cameras everywhere. “Going somewhere?” a voice came on an intercom. Lance ran into the first room that was open and locked the door. There was a window and the pool was under it. The only way Lance could escape was to jump out the window. He heard someone coming up the stairs and so he took his last resort. He opened the window up and looked down. It was about a mile high. He closed his eyes and jumped.

The door was kicked open. “Where did he go?” Christopher’s deep voice said in anger. He looked toward the window to see it was open. He walked towards the window and looked out of it to see Lance getting out of the pool. With the sound of his whistle the gates all locked up so that Lance was kept in, but what Christopher didn’t know was that
Crystal told Lance about the secret passageway to get out.

Christopher ran into the room where Lance was being kept to see
Crystal laying there. “Mother, what did he do to her?” Christopher said looking at her beautiful figure. He didn’t bother to go by her or call the ambulance to help her. He ran out of the room to summon the rest of clan that Lance was escaping.

Lance had left his number to
Crystal in case of emergency, which she called him after Christopher left. “You were right I was a trophy” she said into the phone. “Crystal, is that you?” Lance said. “Yeah, he didn’t even come to check my pulse or call the ambulance” she said in tears. “I’m sorry to hear that” Lance said feeling sorry for her and continued “you want me to take you away from here?” he said finally getting out of the mansion. “But if he finds I’m gone I as well as you are dead” Crystal said. “Just trust me, escape. I’ll have Justin wait out back for us” Lance said climbing up a tree.

Christopher and the rest of the Raven Clan split up to look for Lance. They checked everywhere, but he was no where to be found. “I’m gonna kill that bastard” Christopher said. “Sir, he has escaped through the secret passage” Cory, another Raven lackey, said. Christopher’s face turned red like a tomato. “Well what are ya’ll waiting for, go look for him!” he said going back into the mansion.

Lance tried calling Justin, but all he got was his answering machine. So he called Doryan to see what’s going on. “Doryan, where is Justin?” Lance said. “Lance is that you?” she said confused. “Yeah. Please I am in a hurry. Where is Justin?” Lance said hushing up because he heard some of the guys. “He’s with Johnny” Doryan said. Lance just clicked the phone because he didn’t want to make noise. One of the Clan members noticed Lance up the tree. Lance was scared shitless.

“He’s not here” the guy said winking at Lance. Lance was relieved that he didn’t tell anyone that he was there. He motioned a thank you to him. “There is a god up there” he said to himself. The Clan ran further into the woods to search for Lance.

Lance dialed up Joey’s number and luckily he picked up. “Joey, can you please contact Justin and tell him to call me asap” he said in one breath. “Hey Lance, what’s up?” Joey said. “I’ll talk to you later Joe, it’s a life and death situation” Lance said. “Okay” Joey said hanging up the phone. Lance didn’t have time to explain anyone the story and the only one that knew was Justin so that is why he needed him so bad.

Lance looked into the distance to see
Crystal running toward the tree. “Crystal” Lance said loud enough for only her to hear. Crystal ran towards the tree and Lance helped her up. “Joey is trying to get a hold of Justin and once he does we’ll get out” Lance said looking into Crystal beautiful eyes. “Great. I can’t wait to leave this hell hole” she said hurt from the whole incident. “Sorry for everything Lance” Crystal said hugging Lance.

Christopher ran into the room to see that
Crystal’s body wasn’t lying there anymore. And there was a piece of paper and a pencil next to it where she was. He walked up to it and it was a letter addressed to him.

~*~*~

Chapter Thirty-Seven
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Moving so much so that moonlight shone on the mysterious letter, Christopher started reading it.

Christopher,

It is time for you to make a choice. Either you choose your truest love or your love of your clan. Both cannot be fulfilled if you continue to fight within yourself. Time is running out. Choose now.

-Raven

The man almost dropped the note as a sizzling sound filled the air. The parchment had begun to burn with a black flame and the dark-haired male dropped it just in time. Even though he had not gotten singed, he felt as if he might as well have been. The highest in the clan, Raven, had left him a note, but it didn't make sense. Why would he be allowed such a choice when such a relationship with
Crystal was forbidden? His duties were to the clan, he knew that, but now why the sudden choice? He was coming back for Crystal, but if he hadn't left, there might not have been any chance of catching Lance.

Regardless of the fact he had gotten away.

But what of the sudden disappearance of
Crystal. None of this made sense to Christopher and there was little he could do. If the head of his clan wanted him to choose, then he had to, but how would he know if it wasn't just some farce?

"There is a way." Turning on his heel, he came face to face with a women with short raven-colored hair. Before he could speak, she asked, "You wish to know the truth?" He nodded. Holding up her arm, a strange dark mist gathered around it, until it created a long glove that covered her arm from her hand to her elbow. "I am ready."

Hurriedly, Christopher said, "Coryn, you must not be seen. I do not think someone would play with me like this, but I have to find out what is going on here. Christina cannot find out the truth of the clans at all costs."

The girl nodded. "I will find where
Crystal is and derive the truth about the mysterious note." Crossing her arm across her chest, she bowed. "You can count on me sir."

Meanwhile, in the tree with Lance,
Crystal looked longingly over at the house she had just escaped from. A strong wind came, shipping her raven hair all over the place, a silohuette to the moon. She silently wished that her note would provoke Christopher to do something in her favor. For she still loved him and could not deal with the idea of Christopher not loving her back. He had not said it to her face; he had just said it was forbidden. Maybe her note would prove to ignite some hope.

"Lance!" It was Justin at the bottom of the tree calling up to the pair.

 

Chapter Thirty-eight
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance was ecstatic to see his friend. “Justin, I love you.” Lance said reassured that he was getting saved from this hell hole. “Jump down man, we’ll talk later” Justin said hoping they would make It out in time. Lance jumped down and then turned to help
Crystal down. “So, you comin with us?” Lance said looking at Crystal. Crystal nodded her head and followed the boys to Justin’s car.

Finally they arrived at Justin’s black Escalade and jumped in. “Ya’ll buckle up.” Justin said with his cute southern accent.
Crystal licked her lips and then bit it. She thought to herself how hot Justin was in real life. She wanted a taste of those luscious lips, but she resisted thinking of the whole Christopher situation.

It was pretty much a quite ride the whole way to Justin’s house where Joey, Pam, and Doryan were impatiently waiting. “We’re here” Justin said parking in his driveway. Everyone bombarded out of the house to see Lance. “Oh my gosh are you okay?” Doryan said running up and hugging Lance. “Yeah, thank god” Lance said giving her a friendly kiss on the cheek. “Who’s that?” Pam whispered into Lance’s ear. “I’ll tell you later” Lance said giving her a kiss on the cheek to greet her also. He greeted the rest of the group and went by
Crystal.

“By the way everyone this is
Crystal.” Lance said and continued “And this is Joey, which you probably know, Pam, who is Joey’s girlfriend and Doryan, who is Justin’s girlfriend.” “Pleased to meet you all” Crystal said greeting everyone. They all went inside to have a little chat about what had happened to Lance.

Lance explained how for a month he had been held hostage at the mansion, but he didn’t reveal anything about the clan. He didn’t want anyone to know about it. It was going to be a little secret between Crystal and Lance. He also explained to everyone that if it wasn’t for Crystal and a certain clan member that he would be in that mansion most likely forever.

He wanted to tell everyone about the whole Avalon situation, but he didn’t want to scare anyone. He had to tell Justin though because Justin knew about everything and he was the perfect person to tell this information to.

Doryan and the girls went to the kitchen to make some salads and other foods so that they could all munch on them while they chatted. Justin, Joey and Lance were the only ones left into the room. “I have to tell you guys something about Avalon” Lance said biting his lip. Both of there eyes widened because they heard Chris say something about Avalon not being around. “Well they used her to torture me. And they had killed her and hung her on..” he couldn’t finish the sentence. Justin and Joey were freaked out. “How’s Chris going to take this?” Joey said playing with his fingers.

The girls came back in with food and set them on the table for the boys to eat. “Why is it so quite in here?” Doryan said coming next to Justin. “Oh no reason we were just thinking about something” Justin said not wanting to break the news to the girls. “Well come and eat” Pam said motioning at them to come to the table. The boys all got up in unison and walked over to the table and sat down by there girls.

Meanwhile back at the mansion everyone was going crazy trying to find Lance and Crystal. Christopher was contemplating all day, but he chose that he wanted to stay as the clan leader. “
Crystal was fun while it lasted” Christopher said to himself and started laughing.

~*~ Here’s the next chappy new and Terri free hun! I sure hope you like it.

Chapter Thirty-Nine
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

"May I ask what is so comical sir?" Coryn had appeared behind Christopher. It was obvious by the man's reaction he had almost totally forgotten about sending her away to find out some information.

Regaining his compsure he answered. "Nothing Coryn. Now, what did you find?"

Approaching the much taller individual, she looked up and replied in an almost inhuman tone. "I did not ask
Crystal anything personally, as is my way, but I did find out the information you desired. Crystal did leave the note because she still loves you and wishes for you to choose her over the clan. She wishes for a sign that you still love her or ever loved her." Pausing, her hollow eyes gazed at her superior for some kind of reaction. When she recieved none, she added, "As you probably already assumed, she was not wounded or dead. Both of them got away by way of a man with a name starting with a J. His name was unclear to me, so I cannot tell you his name."

The dark-haired man took all the facts in that had been procured for him by this woman who had a very neutral countanence. Silently he pondered, trying to come up with a name. Suddenly, it hit him. "Miss Christina...she was involved with a certain project recently, according to my sources. Lance wrote a song for her and a friend of his...JC, he sang it for them, not knowing that the blonde had cut off all ties." Thinking over everything for another moment, he said, "Yes, if a man with a name starting with J was involved, then it most likely would be JC." Turning to Coryn, he ordered, "Find him and bring him to me. If we keep him, Lance will come back. I will go consult the council on what to do after that."

As he left, Coryn had already disappeared. JC wasn't hard to find. After scanning the area, she sensed him close. Now she reappeared in front of a large house. She didn't bother to knock. What was the point in her line of work? The short haired raven slipped in and wandered towards a room that was lit. Now she stood in the hallway as she evaluted the situation.

However, her hesitation caused a gap of time where she could be discovered. Coryn hadn't thought this possible, but it wasn't going unaccounted for. Emerging from the lit room, which happened to be the kitchen, was a woman that was unknown to the other.

She tilted her head to the side with a crude expression and asked, "Who the hell are you?" Taking a step towards Coryn, she added, "Did JC let you in?"

Coryn squinted at the woman. In a moment, she came to know that this was JC's girlfriend. This encounter would seem lucky for her. "Kristin..."

The girl backed up. "How do you know who I am?"

"It is of no consequence. You are coming with me." Coryn approached Kristin and instinctively the girl backed away. However, seeing as Coryn wasn't normal, there wasn't anyway that she was going to escape. Once Kristin noticed this, she yelled for JC. Regardless, she was cut off because Coryn now had one hand firmly around her throat.

Her shout had not been for nothing, however, for JC came bounding down the stairs. When Coryn noticed this, another tactic had to be taken on her part. Still choking Kristin, she turned her sights on the nearby stairwell. Just as JC's legs came into view, she raised her free hand and a fog materialized between the two girls and the descending man.

Once he got into full view, his eyes grew wide. Unknown to him, Coryn was making him see something different...an illusion. Before him, he saw Lance choking his girlfriend and he was smirking as his light green eyes looked up at his friend. JC stood there stunned, but then some foreign substance met his eyes and he looked away, since he had been unable to see. In that split second, Coryn took her leave with her newfound hostage and when he looked back, they were gone. In a tone of fury, he muttered, "Lance..."

 

Chapter forty
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Leaving the door and windows open, JC instantaneously ran out the facade door and jumped into his black BMW 525i and drove off to Lance’s house. He didn’t impede for any stop signs nor red lights. Everyone on the streets were looking at him and thinking to themselves that he was crazy. Luckily he wasn’t stopped by any policemen or gotten into an accident so he made it to Lance’s house in 5 minutes, which in regular time would take him about 15 minutes.

Looking through the window he saw everyone gathered up at Lance’s talking and having fun. He was now ticked off for another reason, first off they took Kristin and Secondly no one bothered to have invited him. He barged into the house without knocking.

“Hey man” Lance said getting up to greet his friend. “Kristin is gone” JC said pissed off. “Where did she go” Doryan asked worried. “Someone came and took her right in front of me. They vanished off” JC said steam coming out from his ears. Lance’s heart dropped and so did
Crystals. “What the fuck?” Crystal said standing up. “Who’s she?” JC said looking at Crystal weirdly. “Long story short you know the people that took me. Now for some reason they took Kristin because of me. I am so sorry” Lance said punching the wall. “They killed Avalon and if we don’t get there in time something might happen to Kristin” Crystal said worried. “Are you serious? Does Chris know?” JC said scared. “We haven’t talked to him yet. Justin just saved Crystal and I like an hour ago” Lance said biting his nails.

They all began to make a plan of how they were all going to go and save Kristin. They obviously knew where the mansion was because she had driven there and saved Lance and
Crystal. Lance decided to call Terri and explain everything since she was his legal assistant for the MJ law firm. He really needed all the help he could get.

Meanwhile Coryn had tooken Kristin back to Christopher. “Who is she? Why are you brining her to me?” Christopher said with his fire burning eyes. “This is JC’s girlfriend” Coryn said with a smirk on her face. Tears were filling up in Kristin’s eyes. “If we have her then everyone will come and try to save her” Coryn continued. “Nice one” Christopher said taking Kristin into the room Lance was in before and locked it up. Kristin sat in the corner curled up in a ball crying because she was scared out of her mind.

Coryn kissed Christopher on the lips in happiness and Christopher threw her off of him. “I don’t love you. Don’t kiss me.” He said spitting onto the floor. That is what proved to Christopher, inside of himself, that he still loved
Crystal and she was worth leaving the clan for. Coryn looked at Christopher with evil eyes. “Screw you” Coryn said walking off. “You’ll screw anything, whore” Christopher said is disgust. Coryn’s eyes were red like fire, but she didn’t say anything more.

She ran into the room where Chuck was in and explained what had just happened. Chuck was Coryn’s older, protective brother who forced Coryn to join the Raven Clan.

Chuck came out furiously looking for Christopher, who was sitting on his chair looking through some papers. “You don’t touch my sister like that” he said slamming his hand on the table. “well your sister has no right to kiss me out of no where” Christopher said with an attitude. “She wouldn’t do anything like that. She’s a perfect little angel.” Chuck said and continued “plus she knows the number one rule, don’t date or mess around with any Raven Clan member.”

Christopher began to chuckle. “As I told your sister I’ll tell you, your sister will screw anything” he said. Originally Chuck wasn’t going to kick Christopher’s ass, but now he knew that if he didn’t then he was making himself look bad so he threw the first punch right on Christopher’s eye. Christopher had a special power in him that no one knew about and that was that he felt no pain whatsoever. He began to laugh.
“So that was your best?” Christopher said punching Chuck in the stomach. Chuck flew onto the wall and knocked out. “People there days” Christopher said grinning.

He then walked to the room Kristin was in to see what she was doing.

~*~ Here is the next chappy hun. I sure hope you like it. I’m posted the next one right now.

Chapter Forty-One
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Christopher had made it outside of the room that they were keeping Kristin in, but had decided to talk to the guard first. In the mean time, the girl had passed out, but was not entirely alone. Avalon, in her transparent state, was hovering over her, considering something. By the troubled look on her face it was obvious that it was important.

Finally, coming to a decision, Avalon murmured, "Forgive me old friend, but this must be done." Her hand passed through Kristin's body and she started to fade away, but just before her face became all but mist, she added, "I have to trade places with you." With that, the white mist seeped into Kristin's skin and her body arched as it was rejecting her own spirit.

Suddenly, she sat up, but not this time as Kristin. She may be the body of her, but Avalon now inhabited that that once was Kristin's. As Avalon knew, her friend was long gone now, taking her place.

Slowly, she got up. Kristin's body was tired, but she crept towards the door to hear what was going on. Avalon already knew that Christopher was outside of the room and more important was that fact that she knew every part of the expansive mansion. As she pressed her ear to the cold steel door, she realized that Christopher was going to take awhile, so she went on with her plan. Hurriedly, she scurried to one corner and removed the scattered debri. She found within minutes the hidden door that she had expected to be there. Lowering herself through it, she held her breath. She had never liked closed spaces, but in this case, she would make an exception. If she was going to get back to everyone and tell everything she knew, then she had to get out of the house and fast.

The hidden tunnel emptied her out at a little niche on the side of the house. Avalon toppled out, but felt something pressing against her back. Quickly, she moved the opposite way and saw a pair of piercing eyes. Once her eyes adjusted she knew at once who he was.

"Tsk tsk. We can't have you getting away so quickly." He smiled in such a way that it made Avalon nervous.

"Chri...Christopher. How did you get out here so quick?" Avalon squirmed. She had yet to adjust to Kristin's body and every feeling was transferred in double.

However, at her words Christopher's features softened. "Hmm, how odd is it that you know my name." At Avalon's realization that she had let her knowledge slip, she tensed up. "I suppose something has been going on that I was not aware of." For a moment, silohuetted by the moonlight, he gave her on odd look. Abruptly, he grabbed her wrist and no matter how she resisted, she couldn't wrench away from his grasp. "You are taking me with you."

Her eyes grew wide. "What?!...what for?"

Yanking her up to her feet, he said, "You know where they went and I have come to a realization and a new decision.
Crystal will be with him and I must talk to her."

At first Avalon was not going to answer, but then she remembered what had transpired between Christopher and Crystal. She also recalled how he had rejected Coryn. What if he had decided....With a hint of hesitation, she announced, "Let's go."

 

Chapter Forty-Two
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Avalon and Christopher carefully made it through to the streets without getting caught by any of the guards. Where they were going was about twenty miles away so they decided to hitch a ride with a cab. Avalon felt extremely weirded out that she was going somewhere with the man who was involved in killing her. Why was she helping him out?

“Stop here” she said to the cab. “That’ll be $23.50” the cab driver said looking back. Christopher took out his wallet and gave the man his money that they owed.

JC, Justin, Lance and Crystal all ran out of the front door and stood in shock seeing Kristin and Christopher coming towards them. JC ran to hug Kristin and was going to kiss her, in happiness, on the lips but Avalon backed up. “What’s wrong baby?” JC said looking Avalon weirdly. “I ain’t your baby. We’ll talk later” Avalon said to JC.

Lance and Crystal walked up towards Christopher. “I’m sorry
Crystal” he said hugging her. Crystal pushed Christopher off of him. “I was only good in bed, huh?” she said in fiery. “I’m sorry baby. I didn’t mean that. I was corrupted” Christopher said. “Screw you. All you care about is yourself and your leadership” Crystal said looking at Lance. “Is that why I made Kristin sneak me out with her to you” Christopher said looking at Avalon. Crystal didn’t know what the hell was going on. Was he telling her the truth? Did he really care for her? They needed to sit down and have a serious talk.

They all walked back inside to sort out all the mix ups and confusions that was going on.

“Okay you guys I am not who you think I am” Avalon said. “Why are you talking crazy Kristin” JC said. “It’s because I’m not Kristin. It’s me Avalon in Kristin’s body” Avalon said. Everyone looked at her with confused expressions because no one knew what was going on. “I transformed into her body to save both her and I out of the hell hole” Avalon continued.

“Bring Kristin back” JC said tears filled in his eyes. “I’m sorry I don’t know how to do that. She is forever gone” Avalon said. “No you have to bring her back” JC said pulling his hair out. “Don’t you get it. I can’t. I am so sorry” she said.

“I know a way we can get her back” Christopher said. Everyone’s eyes looked over to Christopher in unison. “JC you need to make her fall in love with you. Once you remind Kristin of Kristin, Avalon will break out of her body” he continued. JC would do anything to have Kristin back so he did what he could do to get her back.

All of a sudden the door opened and Christina walked in. “Hey all” she said acting like there was nothing wrong. “What the hell are you doing here?” Lance said surprised at the sight of her. “I came to see what’s up with ya’ll” she said. “I thought we got rid of you” Justin said in a pissed off tone. “Huh? What the hell is going on?” Christina said clueless. “Why are you acting stupid?” Lance said. Christina was lost. What the hell were Lance and Justin talking about?

“Umm her past memories have been erased” Christopher said clearing up this mess. “All she remembers is that she is friends with you guys.” He continued. “What the hell is going on?” Lance said confused. “Just trying to clean up all of the harm that has been done” Christopher said. Everyone was relieved, but still a little shaky by the whole situation.

Lances phone rang and it was…..

 Chapter Forty-Three
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance's phone rang and it was... "Terri?" The blonde went off to a secluded corner, so he wouldn't disturb anyone and he could hear. "Um...how are you?"

"What do you mean, how am I? I have been trying to get you forever! Where have you been? We are in the middle of a crisis and you disappear. I can't believe this." The girl was obviously frustrated as she flopped down onto her desk chair. "What pretell is going on?"

Running his hand through his hair and proceeding to rub his neck, he replied. "Um, it's a rather long and complicated story." His pale green eyes gazed over at the plethora of people piled in the living room and suddenly he got an idea. "I'm guessing you are at your office. Look, you stay there. I need to finalize some things here and then I'll be over." Terri reluctantly agreed, but soon they were both off the phone and Lance was walking over to the group.

First thing was first. "Christopher, Crystal, Christina." After rolling his eyes at the immense amount of C's, he continued. "Christopher, I don't want any part in this and you know that. I have an idea, a bunch of ideas, that might solve everything. Every last problem." As their eyes brightened, he added, "But I need to know if it is alright with you."

The dark-haired man nodded and said, "I am open to suggestions." Quickly, he glanced at
Crystal. She was the only reason he was here and the only reason he'd probably go along with whatever Lance was going to propose.

"Okay. You guys kept going on and on about how Christina doesn't know anything and that she will not be allowed to know anything, but she's only going to come across as a psychopath if you don't tell her the truth! There has to be a way for you to restore her memories. That way I'm not bound to her and your dumbassed Raven Clan will get off their kick about me having to be with her or she'll keep pursuing me. Don't you see? If she remembers everything, she'll let go!"

"What are you talking about Lance? I've never heard you talk this way!" Christina had made it over to his side quickly, regardless of her confused state.

"Listen..." For a moment, he remembered past times and let his hand flow through her silky hair. "Raven...I wrote that for you. You remember that..." Looking intensely at her, for he had her utmost attention, he said, "Christina I want you to follow along, okay? Do it for me, even if you don't understand." She looked up at him like a little girl, but nodded.

"Yes, I can do that. They won't be pleased, but I suppose that doesn't matter." Christopher waited for Lance to speak again.

"Alright then. I understand that you and Crystal have quite a bit to talk about, but not here, not now. The clan'll resent you, so I propose you two get out of here. Go where me and Joe were to begin with -
Italy. I doubt they will follow you there, no matter what they can do with their powers. I think they'll likely give up after you help Christina with her memories." Rounding on JC and Avalon, he continued his plan. "JC...even if you bring Kristin back, remind her of the love....Avalon will be lost for good. Well, not in spirit, but...there has to be another way."

"
There is."
Crystal, still wary about the whole situation, gave Christopher a cautious look. She hadn't forgiven him yet, she wasn't ready to get hurt again so soon, but the idea of getting to be with him alone for a long time in a foreign country seemed to reunite a fire that she was trying to supress. Soon, she wouldn't have to. She wanted to leave with him. "You'll need this." Crystal chucked a onyx rock at JC who caught it. "Christopher didn't tell you Kristin's spirit needed to be drawn back. If you use that Avalon won't be lost. She'll wake up where the guards left her after they...well you know. You'll be able to get out of the mansion won't you?"

Avalon nodded and JC took her by the arm into a seperate room. Both of their cooperation was needed and they needed to be alone. Justin and Doryan stood close, not entirely sure what was being attempted, but it did seem that it was all coming to a good risky ending.

"Justin. Get these two tickets to
Italy. I have to go see Terri." As Lance reached for his coat, he felt a hand wrap around his arm. It was Christina, looking up at him nervously.

"I..." However, whatever she was going to say was lost because Christopher had come up behind her, placing his hands on either side of her head. Her eyes had closed and it looked for a moment as if she had fainted, but she jerked in his hold as many images were forced into her mind. Soon though, the taller man let go and retreated to
Crystal's side, where he would have to make up for many things before she truly trusted him.

When Christina reopened her eyes, the look about them were different. She peered around for a minute, but then nodded to the two members of the raven clan. They both tilted their heads down curtly and she said, "The oath is broken. No longer is my soul tied to his. No longer do I need his love for my past has been renewed. The two clans, raven and peridot, will have no more ties." Looking at Lance, approaching him slowly with the new look about her, she said, "I did love you, don't mistake that." Saying what needed to be, she turned back halfway and said, "I think the clan needs a re-education." With that she disappeared, a dark mist left in her wake.

Lance's eyes sparkled. It all was almost over. Shouldering into his jacket, he turned to the group and gave them a quick once over. He didn't have to say anything, just nodded and changed his gaze to outside. It was time to see Terri. It was time for him finally to do something he wanted without any constraints.

 

Chapter Forty-Four

 'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

A sigh of relief came over Lance as he opened the door to go in his car. A smile had formed his face, which was foreign to him because he hadn’t smiled ever since this whole situation had kept him from happiness. He waved to the pack and he was off to see Terri.

Terri was sitting in her office worried about Lance. She couldn’t help herself walking back and forth like a maniac. “What was going on? Did the situation get out of hand?” Terri said out loud as Lance barged into the room.

“Lance” Terri said running up to the blonde haired hottie and hugging him. Lance looked at Terri awkwardly. “Sorry I don’t know what came over me. I was worried about you.” Terri said embarrassed. “It’s okay hun” Lance said plopping down on one oh Terri’s office chairs. Terri’s cheeks had turned a maroon color.

Terri sat right next to him and Lance began to tell her the story, from him getting kidnapped, the Raven Clan killing Avalon, him escaping, the Raven clan kidnapping Kristin, and Avalon coming into Kristin and escaping with Christopher.

“Wow Lance” Terri said amazed at all the chaos that had been going on in Lance’s life. Lance felt a certain connection with Terri. He felt butterflies in his stomach. He knew exactly what it was because he had this feeling about another girl before, but this time it was stronger.

Meanwhile JC was talking to Avalon in the room. JC rubbed the onyx rock in his hand as he watched Avalon’s eyes gazing at him. Her eyes closed and reopened. “Did it work?” JC said looking at the girl lying down in front of him. Kristin slowly rose herself up and kissed JC on the lips. “It did” she said a smile forming her face. JC threw her down and they began making out with her.
~*~
Avalon arose from the dungeon she had been thrown in. Her back was killing her and her neck was cramped up. Luckily there were no guards there at the time because it was there lunch time. She slowly walked towards and up the stairs. Creeping from one room to another, trying not to get caught, Avalon escaped. She crept around the corner so that the camera’s wouldn’t catch a glimpse of her and ran into the streets.

Unfortunately she didn’t have a phone on her and she also didn’t have change with her so that she could call from a payphone. Men kept honking at her and using pick up lines on her. She just ignored everyone and walked on. She was exhausted and extremely hungry. She couldn’t wait to see Chris. She had missed him dearly.

Finally a bus came by and Avalon stopped it and sat in. Looking at the scenery before her she began to get teary eyed. She was glad she had gotten out of the mansion and was glad that she was going to see Chris again after a month and a half. The bus stopped at
Rodeo Drive, where Chris’ house was. She got out it and walked another block till she reached the door. Taking a deep breath she rang the door bell. Her heart began to beat as fast as a car. She couldn’t wait to see what his expressions were going to be.

Chris slightly opened the door and his heart dropped. He went up to Avalon, picked her up off of the ground, and twirled her around. “Where have you been? I missed you! I thought you left me.” Chris said gently putting her down. “Let’s go in and I’ll tell you everything that has happened.” Avalon said.
~*~

 

Chapter Forty-Five
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

The night sky was clear, not a cloud in sight...not that that wasn't a good thing. It was just that the whole no one contacting him was starting to piss Joey off. He had Pam to keep his mind off his friends, but that didn't mean when he had time to himself that he wasn't going to be upset about it.

It felt like it had been forever since Lance and Sarah had left to go back to the states. However, it just didn't sit well with Joey that not one of the group had contacted him since then. They all were busy guys, but not even an inkling that they were alive?...well that was another story.

You see, for the last couple of days, Joey had had the feeling something was up. He should be home. He should be able to help, but if the guys needed his help they'd call him wouldn't they? All he could do was lay on the grass at night gazing up at the twinkling stars and try and find out why he felt something huge had taken place or was still going down.

"Out here again, huh?" Joey looked up above him to see the same beautiful vision he had been getting to see for a while now. His Pam and him had been enjoying
Italy, but since Joey had been secretly upset lately, how could she be?

Reaching up to play with her hair, he said, "Yeah. I do it to try and get my mind off of things, but it just tends to make things worse." He felt Pam move. She had shifted her position and was now laying down next to him, staring at him intently. "I know you're worried Pam, but it's just me being stupid. It's just a feeling I'm getting, but maybe I'm just jealous from being ignored."

Laughing softly, she nuzzled into the crook of his neck, placing a soft kiss there. "You aren't ever stupid ~Joseph~, silly, but never stupid." Propping herself up on her elbow resting on the grass, she added, "So, will you finally tell me what you have been stewing about?"

Rolling his eyes, he rubbed his face in an attempt to figure out how to tell her he thought something was wrong. Of all things, Joey didn't want her to worry, but then again, she'd never leave him alone until he'd tell her. "It's just...unsettling that none of the guys have contacted me. I mean, it would have been a relief for Lance to give me a heads up, but he hasn't. Then again, they could all be having the time of their lives and just haven't had time to call." He sighed heavily. "Still, I can't shake the feeling something's happened." Turning his head so that he was looking at Pam who was paying explicit attention, he added, "I've got you to help to keep my mind off of all this."

As he smiled at her, Pam smiled back. Moving closer again, she whispered, "I'll take care of you Joey." Now getting even closer to his face and sliding a mischievous hand down his shirt clad chest, she murmured, "Don't you worry." All that was heard from Joey was a deep chuckle as Pam's hand dipped lower. His mind was off his friends yet again, but just then something happened that didn't quite fit.

The phone was ringing. Brown eyes widened and looked at Pam. Smiling and trying to contain her laughter, she gestured for him to hurry up and get it. Practically leaping over every obstacle in his way, Joey finally made it to the phone. "Fatone. Who's speaking?"

"Hey Joe! Long time, no talk." It was Lance on the other end and Joey could hear the soft voice of a woman in the background.

"Lance, it's about time. Not that I was concerned or anything." Pausing for a moment, he considered something he wished to ask. "Who's with you, you blonde bombshell?"

Lance laughed and reclined as he watched Terri's mouth as she instructed him exactly what to say to his friend on the other end. "It's a good friend of mine. Her name's Terri." He let the name linger on his tounge for a moment before going on. "Look Joe, I need you to meet two aquaintances of mine at the airport in a few days. They'll sort of need help settling themselves. Somewhere secluded though..."

"And who are these two people?" Lance's breath hitched on the other end as Joey asked his question. It was time to pass on the story yet again.

 

Chapter Forty-Six
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance explained everything to Joey thoroughly so the plans would go smoothly. A sigh of relief overcame Joey to have finally caught up with everything that had been going on. “So Justin and Doryan will be there on Thursday” Lance said hanging up the phone. Joey had a enormous smile on his face.

Pam’s face lit up to see that Joey was so ecstatic. “So I’m guessing it was one of the guys?” she said, her eyes twinkling. Joey nodded, ran toward her, and twirled around. “Let’s go out to dinner” Joey said. Pam ran into the room to get ready and Joey right behind her.
~*~

Lance looked over at Terri and Terri smiled at him. “So everything is set?” Terri said looking at Lance’s face that was finally happy. “Can I take you out to dinner?” Lance said wanting to give back to her for all that she had done for him. “Well we usually can’t date our clients, but I think I’ll make an exception this time” Terri said staring into Lances sexy sea green eyes. “I’ll pick you up at 8” he said and walked out the door.

As he was walking out he saw Chris and Avalon passing by. “Hey you guys” Lance waved and ran up to his friends. “I’m so glad you’re okay Avalon” he continued. “Thanks Lance. I’m glad you’re okay also. We had a tuff time” Avalon said happily. “How have you been?” Lance said shaking Chris’ hand. “Better now that my baby came back” Chris said kissing Avalon on her cheek. “I’m glad to hear that” Lance said glad that the couple had reunited and continued “Well you two get on with your business, I’m sorta in a rush so I better get going.”

Lance hopped into his car and drove happily home. He turned on the radio and it was “It’s gonna be me” so he began to sing in unison remembering the Nsync days. ‘We really need to do another album’ he thought to himself. It seemed as though he stopped through every single red light there was on the way home. Usually it took him 15 minutes from the office to his house, but it took half and hour this time around. He parked in his driveway and walked inside.

He locked the door and ran upstairs. He took off his shirt, then his wifebeater, then he took off his shorts, which left him with his boxers and socks. He walked into the bathroom and turned on the sink. He reached for the shaving cream and slowly lathered it up on his face. Then he picked up his razor and began shaving. ‘Shit’ he said out loud cutting himself between his jaw line and neck. He put a little piece of toilet paper on that part so that it wouldn’t bleed all over the place. Finally he finished and turned off the water. Slowly he took off his socks and boxers and jumped into the bathtub. He sat down and let the shower heads water hit his chest and slowly closed his eyes. It was soothing.

He opened his eyes and the water was freezing cold. He looked over to the clock he had in his bathroom and it was already
7pm. He had slept for three hours. He turned the water to get hot, but he had used up all the hot water. He got out of the shower, put on his bathrobe and went to the basement to turn on the hot water, which he did. He waited for another 10 minutes and then hopped back in to take a real shower. He rinsed his hair twice and then started to cleanse his body. He was now done. He turned on the sink and began to brush his teeth thoroughly. He was sparkling.

He walked into his room to pick out some clothes. ‘Those look great’ he said to himself taking out his really nice jeans and a nice white collar shirt. He put them on and then put on his nice black shoes. Then he looked at himself in his full body view mirror. He nodded and went back into the bathroom. He splashed on some Armani cologne and gelled his hair nicely.

He then made his way downstairs, turned off all the lights, locked the doors and was off to Terri’s house.

 

Chapter Forty-Seven
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Terri was running through her apartment. She knew that Lance would be there any minute and, low and behold, she was running late. She had stayed at the office longer than she would have liked and now she was stuck with hurrying to get ready. Nothing seemed right to wear and nothing seemed to fit the way she wanted it to.

As she looked into the mirror for the hundredth time, there was a knock on the door. Terri silently cursed in her mind. He was here, she wasn't ready, in her mind she looked horribly, and now their date was going to be ruined on account of her.

"I'm coming!" Throwing on a robe to cover what she definitely wasn't going to wear, she rushed to the door and opened it up. "Sorry, but I'm not quite ready yet. You are welcome to come in though. I shouldn't be long." Lance nodded and walked in. Terri showed him to the living room and the blonde took his seat promptly on the couch.

Terri smiled nervously and tried to hurry inconspiciously to her room. All she could think about was how good he looked and how possibly she could match it. It just wasn't possible. As she closed her door, all sound from outside was droned out.

That's why she didn't hear the phone ring. Lance just eyed the answering machine as it began to pick up the message. A deep voice came over the little intercom. "Hey Ter, it's Jake. I was thinking about what you said the other day and I think you're right. Don't tell anyone I said that though. Anyhow, I'll see you Friday night alright? Just like you suggested. I can't wait. Bye." Green eyes narrowed at the tiny machine and jealously flared up in them involuntarily. Who was this Jake? It sounded like he was way too friendly. Why was Terri going to see him on Friday night? He tried to convince himself that he was just another client, but he was a client too after all. What if Terri made an exception with him too?

"Okay, I'm ready." Lance's head turned slowly, having been in a haze for awhile. Framed in the passageway was Terri. She was wearing a simple blouse, but a not-acceptible-for-the-office skirt. Smiling while grabbing her coat, she said, "Sorry you had to wait. I hope I wasn't too long." Lance wanted to ask her about the phone call, but didn't want to become the jealous boyfriend when he wasn't even officially the boyfriend yet. However, that didn't stop him from hoping that Terri would see the flashing light and press the button to listen to the message. That way he could ask about this Jake without seeming too nosey.

Nevertheless, when Terri saw the flashing light, she just waved her hand and made a face. "I'm sure it isn't important." Shrugging on her coat, she turned her face to Lance. "Let's go."

As they walked out and to his car, all Lance could think about was if he should have asked, 'What if it was important? Shouldn't you check?' However, he knew enough that that would definitely give him away. He opened the door for Terri and then went to his side and got in.

The blonde opened his mouth to say something as he pulled out of the parking lot, but the ring tone of his cell interrupted him. Who was calling him now?

 

Chapter Forty-Eight
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

As he looked down onto his phone it was a private caller. He always hated to pick up those types of calls because he didn’t know who he was going to talk to. ‘Maybe it is an important call?’ he thought to himself and picked it up.

“Hey Lance its Sarah” she immediately said. “Hey what’s up?” Lance said passing a stop sign without noticing. Terri hadn’t noticed either because she was looking into her purse for something. “I just wanted to talk to you. Are you busy?” Sarah said plopping herself on the bed. “Actually I am busy right now, but I’ll call you tomorrow if that’s cool with you” Lance said stopping at the red light. “Okay then. Call me after 5” Sarah said. “Bye” Lance said hanging up the phone.

They finally arrived to the restaurant that Lance has made reservations for. “Wow this is a nice place” Terri’s sparkling eyes looked around. Lance gave the car to the valet man and they walked inside hand and hand.

“Hello Mr. Bass. Your seats await you” Jean Paul, the waiter said taking the two to there balcony seats. Terri was still checking the place out in awe. It was amazingly decorated. The floor had nice marble, the walls were all painted Victorian style, from the ceiling there were a lot of crystal chandeliers hung, and the tables and chairs were Victorian style also.

“Wow Lance, this is amazing” Terri said as they sat down at there table. “I hoped you’d like it” Lance said with a huge grin on his face.

“What would you like to drink?” “Umm I’ll take Iced Tea” Terri said looking at the waiter. “I’ll have the same” Lance said. “Well let’s see what there is to eat” Lance said picking up his menu as did Terri. Jean Paul came and set down there drinks, “I’ll give you guys a few minutes till you figure out what you want”. Lance was already ready to order what he wanted since he had been to this restaurant millions of time before. “What do you recommend?” Terri said finally looking up from her menu. “Well what kind of foods do you like?” Lance said looking at his menu. “I like Italian, I like sandwiches and sea food” Terri said looking into the blondes beautiful sea green eyes. “They have the best sea food pasta here, you’ll eat your fingers with it” Lance said pointing out to her which one it was.

“Are you guys ready to order?” “Yes we are” Lance said looking over at Terri to give her order first. “I want the sea food pasta” she said giving her menu to Jean Paul. “I’ll have the same” Lance said giving his menu to Jean Paul also and continued “So how do you like the place?” “It’s wonderful. Thank you for bringing me here” Terri said sipping her iced tea. “My pleasure Lance said. They sat and talked for about 45 minutes just about everything and finally the food came. Terri took a bite out of it first because Lance wanted to see how she liked it. “So what do you think?” “Just like you said” Terri said amazed at how wonderful this place was. It was pretty silent until both of them finished eating.

“Do you want any dessert?” “No I’m fine” Terri said taking another sip of her iced tea. Jean Paul brought the check. Terri took out her wallet to pay for them, but Lance had already paid for it and given it to Jan Paul. Terri tried to give Lance the money, but he wouldn’t take it. Lance signed the credit card receipt and they were on there way out.

“You want to come over?” Lance said to Terri as they were waiting for Lance’s car to come. “Sure” Terri said as they walked to the car because it had already come. They were on there way to Lance’s house.
~*~

Chapter Forty-Nine
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

"I see. Well this does seem to be a rather odd development. I will inform everyone immediately." A woman with long blonde hair slowly hung up a phone, clearly considering everything she had just been told. Her green eyes seemed to be staring at nothing in particular, but it appeared that she was mildly shaking.

"Lara, I came once you I heard you were of need of my services." Lara turned around, her eyes now focused on the man standing rigidly and obediently in front of her. His hair was of a golden shade as well, but his eyes were a shade lighter than her own.

Lara walked down the hunter green steps of her office, weighing in her mind what to say. "Leo, something has been brought to my attention. Lance had some dealings with the Raven Clan, concerning that girl Christina. However, before we could take any action, the conflict was resolved. Christina came to her senses via a former clan member who is now going to run away with a woman member of the same nature. However, we of the Peridot Clan know that it has always been the way of things...a Raven girl falling in love with a Peridot male. Lance was the first one to test the tides and evidently, after much disaster, the conflict was fixed." Her dark green again seemed to be off somewhere, never looking at Leo.

"What is the problem then? None of our fellow Peridot officials have mentioned anything about an uproar. We were never fierce like the people of the Raven. We usually wait for things to take their course and they have. What exactly is troubling you Lara?" Approaching the distressed woman, Leo added, "Is it only because things have changed?"

She shook her head, some of her light hair falling into her face. "I mean, I suppose that is it partially, but there also was news of another woman...a Terri. She is of no clan according to my sources and no one knows anything about her." Lara hesitated before speaking again. Looking up at Leo, she continued. "Usually, like I said, it was always a girl from the Raven Clan with one of our boys, but now that has been changed." Looking at the ground interestingly and sitting down on one of the rich-colored steps, she murmured, "I suppose all there is to do is tell the elders and let them deal with it. I have no idea what to do."

Making his way over to her, he sat down. "Let things run their course perhaps. That has usually been our way, no?"

Talking into her hand, she muttered, "Things aren't as they usually would be now are they?"

Leo's light green eyes made their short journey over to look at Lara. Her words were truth and quite unsettling. "Well, I'll tell the elders. I'm sure it will be difficult for them to decide on something so foreign to our ways." Standing up, he added, "I'll pay Lance a little visit. Since dear Christopher spilled the beans to him, I see no reason why I shouldn't check up on him."

As Leo sauntered out of the large office, Lara eyed him curiously. "After all, he is your brother."

A light green eye peeked over its owner's shoulder, Lara's words hitting home and re-opening wounds for Leo. His blonde hair shifted as he quickly snapped his head back to his path in front of him and proceeded to walk out of his associate's office.

 

Chapter Fifty
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance and Terri had arrived to Lance’s house and decided to Jacuzzi so they could just talk. The temperature was just right. “Would you like anything to drink?” Lance asked looking into Terri’s beautiful eyes. “Umm..sure. What do you have?” She replied biting her lip. Lance got up, went to the refrigerator he had by the sliding doors, and opened it. There was basically every drink anyone would have thought of. “So what would you like?” he said. “I’ll take a
Corona” Terri said with a giggle. “Nice choice” Lance said taking two Coronas for them.

They sat and talked to each other for what seemed like hours. It was just so easy to talk to each other. They found out that they have a lot in common, which was a big plus in both of there books. They had lost track of time, which it already was 4 in the morning. They got out of the Jacuzzi and headed upstairs. “You should stay over. You can stay with me or the guest room, whichever one you’d like” Lance said smiling. “Okay I’ll take the guest room” Terri said jokingly.

They walked up to Lance’s room and jumped into bed. Both were extremely exhausted so they immediately fell asleep.

Around 10 in the morning Lance heard someone ring the doorbell. Terri still was sound asleep, so Lance did his best not to wake her up. He went into the bathroom, splashed his face with cold water, put on his robe, and ran downstairs.

He peeked through the hole in the door to see who it could be. It was a man in a trench coat. “Okay this man is up to something. He’s wearing a trench coat in 90 degree weather” Lance said to himself. He began contemplating if he should or shouldn’t open the door. He decided not to just because of the incident with JC. He slowly crept into the kitchen and ducked because he heard the man going to the back of the house.

Lance turned on the cameras in the house to see what was going on outside from the kitchen. The man was in the back looking into Lance’s sliding doors. He waited for 2 minutes and then he was off again. Lance stood up to make some breakfast and heard the doorbell ring again. Damnit. Who the hell is this?” Lance said getting ticked off. Looking into the cameras again he saw it was the same man. He waited for another 5 minutes and went away.

“Finally” Lance said opening the refrigerator. He took out the bacon and eggs out from the refrigerator. He took a pan, put some butter in it and waited for it to melt so that he could cook the bacon. Meanwhile he was beating the eggs. He added his new seasoning to it that he had experimented with in them.

Teri’s eyes opened and it was already 11 in the morning. She looked around to see Lance was gone, but something smelled extremely good. She put on her clothes and ran downstairs to see Lance setting the table for both of them. “Did you sleep well?” Lance said looking at Teri coming down the stairs. “Yeah. Why’d you wake up early?” Teri asked. Lance explained the whole story to her just in case this had something to do with the Christina thing.

Both finished breakfast and took there plates to the kitchen. They went to lounge in the pool area. Lance heard the door again. “It must be that man” he said. But before he could get out of the pool the man had made his way to the yard to see Lance and Teri.

~*~*~

 

Chapter Fifty-One
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance hoisted himself out of the pool followed by Terri who stood behind him, looking at the stranger over the blonde's shoulder. Fiercely Lance asked, "Who are you? If you haven't noticed, what you are doing is called trespassing!"

Leo seemed undetered, but only fell into a short bow and said in a polite manner, "I wish to speak to you alone. If we can do that, who I am and why what I am doing can't hardly be called trespassing will become clear." Leo's eyes looked into Lance's. Their eyes were exactly the same and Lance seemed a bit unnerved by the slightly taller man only feet away from him.

In an undertone, he said, "I thought this weird shit was over." Terri went to ask what he had just said, but Lance just turned and looked seriously at her. "Terri, go inside and dry off. Wait for me upstairs, okay?" At first Terri did not comply, but then Lance nudged her and she hesitantly entered the house. After he lost sight of her, Lance once again positioned himself so he was facing the man he was furious with. "I'll permit you to stay and talk to me, but that doesn't mean I have to be civil to you." With a quick flick of his head, he gestured for Leo to enter.

Lance led him to a room that had a feel of a den, a very comfortable and accomodating room. He had some spare clothes in there and had decided to change while the stranger spoke his piece. It was beyond him why he was allowing him into his home, knowing in his gut he was just going to bring more Christina craziness into his life. He shook his head before he spoke to rid himself of his thoughts. "Close the door will you. I'm going to get changed. I would appreciate it if you would at least turn away."

With his hands behind his back, Leo turned halfway to the side, obsuring Lance from his view. His frame was reflected in a full length mirror to his left. His long golden hair was tied partially back and his light green eyes peered into his own eyes as he waited for Lance's prompt.

Halfway through removing his bathing suit, Lance said harshly, "Well, get on with it! Say what you got to say and get out! Don't think I don't know you have something to do with what happened with Christina. People just don't pop in to visit me most of time or harass me for that matter, so my only guess is that you're here to cause more trouble." Leo only smiled at Lance's words and saw fit to sit down on a nearby couch, still with his back to Lance.

Small and almost silent thoughts passed through Leo's mind about how Lance hadn't changed, but saw that it was truly time to speak. "I'm from the Peridot Clan, as are you even though are roles or positions are very different. Another member Lara had gotten information about what went on with Christina. However, the Clan never was much for fighting and since the conflict was over, I assume they will take no action since they haven't to date. I was unable to visit you, but since Christopher let you know everything, that is now possible."

"Well that's obvious." Fastening his belt buckle, his torso still uncovered, he added, "You can turn around now." Leo slid over halfway, but his eyes were now on Lance as he said, "I was never aware I was even part of this Peridot Clan. I don't see why I should be so involved now, especially now that Christina is fine."

Leo nodded minutely and then continued his story. "That's how it had always been. However, one of the two reasons I am here is to ask you about this Terri. The Clan will and is very interested in her and it is beyond me what action they will take. As you can guess, no man belonging to the Peridot Clan has ever been involved with a woman outside of the Raven Clan. Terri is of no clan, which concerns the elders. Since nothing of this nature has ever occured, I do not know what ruling they will pass."

Preparing to put his shirt on, his eyes snapped to look at the smiling intruder. His passiveness was unnerving, but Lance quickly said, "Leave her out of this! She hasn't done anything or anything remotely wrong. Tell 'the elders' that for me." Turning his back on the stranger that was causing him far more stress and turmoil than he wished, he lifted the shirt over his head. A slight glimmer shone on a medium-sized scar on the back of his right shoulder. However, within seconds the scar was covered. "If there's nothing else you wish to say, then...wait you said there was two reasons." One of his light green eyes saught out the other on the couch for confirmation.

Leo nodded. "Regarding Terri, I am unworried. The elders could always prove me wrong, but there is nothing I can do. Nevertheless, I have been very rude. I have not even introduced myself. My name is Leo and the reason I am here is because I am your older brother." As Lance went to move forward and say something, Leo raised a steady hand. "Just hear me out. The sooner I finish, the sooner I leave correct?" Lance could be seen visibly grinding his mouth shut.

With a satisfied soft smile, Leo tilted his head to the right. "You will see that everything you know, fits perfectly in the facts I am about to tell you. When we were younger, it was decided by our father that you would have nothing to do with the Clan. More like nothing to do with inner-clan activities. You were to live a normal life, never knowing about the Clan or clans for that matter, unless under dire circumstances. I, however, as the eldest, was to be heavily involved. I was to have no contact with you whatsoever, unless you knew about the clans, which at that point didn't seem as a likelihood. The times have changed however, and now you know and finally I could tell you everything. Pretty much that our parents sent me away and wanted you to live oblivious." Raking a hand a little into his hair while resting his right elbow on the couch, he concluded, "Well, that's about the long and the short of it."

Lance's fists were curled at his side. It all did make sense. His parents must have known, but to have an unknown brother? That was lunacy, more absurd than everything that had went on with Christina. With a great exhale of breath, he yelled, "You can't be my brother! How can you say such a thing?" With a dark look about him, Lance added, "Prove it."

As nonchalantly as ever, Leo said, "I know how you got that scar on your shoulder." Lance's eyes widened. "I'm sure our parents only told you since you were all together too young to remember. That further supports how I know since I wasn't sent away until later. When you were two, some 'rancid children' from across the street were playing tag with a branch. You were in the frontyard playing when one of the kids ran passed with the branch lowered and unknowingly dealt you a deep gash to your shoulder. Had to get stitches and everything. I was six then and I got in trouble for not watching you when I had been at school when it happened."

Leo's gaze was unnerving, but the way he had phased the story...'rancid children'...that's how his mother used to tell the tale. Of course, Leo's story was different because he had placed himself in it, but it all seemed to connect.

As his mind reeled and he tried to reason everything out, unknown to him Terri had been eavesdropping on the stairs. She worked for a lawfirm after all and it was only in her instinct to find out all she could. What she heard astonished her, but she continued to listen to hear what Lance's reaction would be.

 

Chapter Fifty-Two
'The Forgotten Girl'
by MichellenJackie

Lance sat in complete silence for a long while. His eyes gleamed at the thought that he had had a brother. “Well it’s nice to know that I wasn’t the only son they had. And that I have an older brother.” Lance said not knowing what else to say. Leo got a page and checked it. “Well I gotta go take care of some business bro. Maybe we could go out to lunch tomorrow. I’ll call you” Leo said getting up. He had a grin on his face. Lance still will half a confused face and half relieved face said “Okay”. Leo was gone in mere seconds.

As Lance was coming out he noticed Terri slowly trying to get into the room so that he didn’t see her eaves dropping. “Terri” he said looking at her crawling on the floor. With a shy grin Terri turned around. “You can come down now” he said with a half grin on his face. Terri got up and slowly came down the stairs. “Well I guess I don’t need to fill you in on what happened” Lance said looking into Terri’s. She just giggled out of embarrassment. “Want to go out to dinner?” Lance suggested. Ummm. Sure” Terri replied.

Terri went into the guest bathroom downstairs to change into her pink blouse and her dressy black Capri pants. She put her baithingsuit into a plastic bag and got out of the bathroom. “Ready?” Lance said looking at her beauty. Terri nodded and walked by Lance’s side. Lance entwined his hand in hers and they were out the door. He locked the door and opened his garage door so they could get into his new while Mercedes SLK. He opened the door for Terri to go in first and then he entered in. And they were off to ‘The Ivy’.

In the meantime back in Italy Joey and Pam were in the house they had rented goofing around with Crystal and Christopher. “Umm you’re a tree” Pam yelled cracking up at Christopher’s awkwardness. Christopher shook his head. “You’re a wall” Joey added. “No. how hard is it to see what I am” Christopher said still in his charades position. “You’re a line”
Crystal said off the top of her head. “Yeah, finally” he said sitting down. “That had to be the weirdest thing I have ever seen in my life” Pam remarked.

“I’m tired of playing” Joey said getting up and heading towards the kitchen. Like always he wanted some food to munch on. Food was his weakness after all. “so do you guys wanna go eat out or should I cook up something?” Joey offered. “It’s cold out tonight, let’s stay home” Pam replied. “Okay ya’ll want something Italian or just fries and stuff” Joey said looking at what they had in the refrigerator and in the pantries. “I love Italian”
Crystal remarked. “ME too” Pam added. “Then Italian it is” Joey said taking out two pots, the ricotta cheese, the pasta noodles, tomato sauce, garlic, butter, and some seasonings. Since Joey was Italian he had seen there secret way of making pasta, just like his mother made it. It was to die for, just like their family and anyone who ate it always said it. “I’ll make some salad” Pam said walking into the kitchen. “And I’ll make garlic bread” Crystal added walking in. “Since you guys are making something, what should I do? Ya’ll want cocktails?” Christopher said entering in the huge kitchen. “Sure” they all remarked. The whole crew was hard at work making dinner.

Pam was finished making her Chinese chicken salad that Joey loves. And
Crystal’s garlic bread was toasting in the oven. They gathered up some plates, forks and cups and went to set it up in the dinning room. While they were setting the table Christopher brought out the cocktails and set them next to each plate. Joey’s pasta filled the whole house with a very refreshing smell. “Yummm” Pam and Crystal said walking back in to check up on the garlic bread. “I need it to set for another minute and it’s ready” Joey said turning off the stove so that it could set. The girls took the bread to the table and Joey picked up the big pan full of pasta and took it to the table also. “Time to chow down” Joey said happily. Each one of them filled up there plates and began to chow down. It was pretty much complete silence while they were eating.

“Wow this is the best meal I have had for quite sometime.” Pam said breaking the silence. They all nodded there heads because the meal was finger lickingood. All of them leaned back in there chairs because they were full from all of the food. The girls got up and began to clean up the table. “Ya’ll want some help” Joey offered. “No hun. You guys can go sit down and watch television” Pam yelled from the kitchen. Christopher and Joey got up and went into the living room and turned on the satellite. “Wanna watch a movie?” Joey asked Christopher. “Sure” Christopher said. He really hadn’t seen movies because he was always stuck in the mansion doing work and taking care of everything.

The girls walked back in and sat down next to there significant others. “What are you guys watching?” Pam asked looking into Joey’s big brown eyes. “The Italian Job” Joey said with a smirk on his face. “Oh I see” Pam said with a giggle. During the movie Pam had slept on Joey’s lap and
Crystal and fell asleep in Christopher’s lap. The movie had finished and so Joey turned off the television and he just slept sitting up. As did Christopher. ~*~*~