A Star from Heaven

By: Foxy Lady

Arianna lay in the grass quietly. The sun shined down on her warming her skin. Everything was perfect. She had everything she had ever wanted. Turning her head, she looked at the man next to her. His head was tilted the side as he slept. Arianna reached out a hand and ran a finger down his cheek trying not to wake him. Who would have thought she would have found the love of her life after she had died?

"Hello, my love," the young man whispered turning to face Arianna.

"I didn't mean to wake you." Arianna turned so she lay on her side. She wanted to run her fingers through his light brown hair. Wanted to hold him in her arms forever and a day.

"You didn't. I was just thinking really."

"About what?"

The young man sat up and turned away from her. When he spoke, Arianna could tell that he was upset. "What happens when one of us goes back? We can't stay here in heaven forever, Arianna? No one does."

Arianna sat up and put her hand on his shoulder. . "If that was too ever happen, I would find you. No matter what I had to do. You are the other half of my soul, and I wouldn't be able to live without you." She let the tear fall from her eye before letting her head replace her hand on his shoulder. Her long brown hair falling on his back.

When she felt him grab her hand, she lifted her head and looked into his green eyes. "Whatever happens, remember that I love you. Always," he whispered as he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her softly.

When the kiss ended, Arianna moved so that her head lay on his lap. "Sing to me," she whispered.

As he ran his fingers through her hair, he began softly, "Only you...can do make this world seem right...Only you... can do make the darkness bright...Only you and you alone... can thrill me like you do...and fill my heart with love for only you...Only you... can do make all this change in me...For it's true you are my destiny...When you hold my hand I understand the magic that you do...You're my dream come true... My one and only you."

When he finished, Arianna wiped the tears from her cheek. "That will always be our song." Sitting up, she wrapped her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder. "I love you."

Arianna shook her head at the memory. It had been such a short time ago. Only days really, and now he was gone. Their worst fear finally realized. He had returned to Earth to be born again while she remained behind. It was not her time yet they had explained.

When she had asked if it was his time? They had said he would someday serve a very important purpose on Earth, but he needed to leave now to do it. Arianna still didn't understand, but who was she to make a fuss. It was them in charge. At least she could watch him from up here...

Watch him is exactly what Arianna did. She watched him be born into a family in Laurel, Mississippi. His mother and father named him James Lance Bass, but they called him Lance because his father was named James. His mother, Diane, doted on him making sure he never wanted for anything. He was such a cute baby with his light green eyes. Lance was never without a smile on his face.

Years passed and Lance grew up, but Arianna grew bored. She wanted to be on Earth with him. Growing up together. Falling in love with him all over again, but they kept saying no. It was not her time to be on Earth. Each soul had their time and hers was not then.

When he turned seven, Arianna realized that watching him from afar was just not cutting it anymore. She needed to talk him. One day she got her chance. Lance was playing in his backyard with some of his toys.

"This is no fun by yourself," he cried throwing down the action figure in his hand.

"Would you like me to play with you?"

When the young boy turned to look at who had spoke, he saw a young girl near his own age with long brown hair and crystal blue eyes. He nodded quickly smiling. "What is your name?"

"Arianna," the little girl replied sitting next to him. "What is yours?"

"Lance. Here these are yours," he said handing her a few of the toys he was playing with. They continued to play.

From that day, Arianna made her daily visits to see Lance. She figured him seeing her as a little girl would be best. His mother and father thought it was cute he had an imaginary friend. Whenever he mentioned her, they would laugh.

However, as Lance grew older, he no longer needed an imaginary friend to keep him company, and he forgot his friend existed. That day Arianna cried silent tears as she watched Lance sleep feeling the pain of losing him all over again.

Lance continued to grow and soon he reached his teen years. Arianna could begin to see the man she once knew all those years ago begin to peek through. At night she would sit by as he slept watching him in peaceful slumber.

During his days, she would watch him at school or singing. He always had a wonderful voice, deep and rich. Arianna could listen to that voice all day and never get tired.

When she saw him with other girls laughing and carrying on, she felt jealous because it was not her he was with. When he went on his first date, she wanted to rip the girl's hair out, but that wouldn't be very angel-like of her, so she sat by and watched silently as he kissed her good night. After that night, Arianna did not visit him for weeks not being able to stand the pain of watching him with another.

For three months, she stayed away. That was as long as she could go without at least seeing him for a brief moment. It was on the night of her return watching him sleep that she learned something.

Arianna watched as his sleep was disturbed by a dream. He tossed and turned mumbling. She came closer to the bed so she could hear what he was saying. When she was close enough, she could hear him whispering, "Where are you?" over and over.

After listening to this for about a minute, she decided to speak. "Who?"

"My angel," was his soft reply.

At these words, Arianna let out a soft gasp. Could he be talking about her? Did he somehow remember her? That was impossible. There was no way he could remember. Was there?

Arianna watched as he slowly opened his eyes. She sat still on the edge of the bed waiting to see what he would do next. At his next words, she froze.

"I missed you, my love."

It wasn't possible. He couldn't remember. Arianna stood up and walked towards the window shaking her head. "You're asleep Lance," she whispered.

"No, I'm not," Lance said as he walked over to stand beside her. "Arianna, I remember everything."

"But you can't," she cried. Looking up at the sky through the window, she continued, "this isn't fair. You had him remember me, but I can't be with him. How can you be so cruel?" Tears fell unchecked down her face. Lance wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her until the tears stopped falling. Turning to Lance, she wiped her face. "I thought you had forgotten me."

"Never," he whispered.

"But how is this possible? When did you remember?" Arianna walked back to the bed and sat down.

"I don't know really. I just do. I don't remember every little detail, but I recall enough to know that I loved you," Lance whispered as he leaned against the windowsill. "I think I started to remember that day in my backyard. Your eyes..."

Arianna lowered her face into her hands and began to sob. " I..I.. missed you so much. I...just wanted ...to... talk to you. I know I shouldn't have done it. Letting you see me broke all kinds of rules." Suddenly she stopped speaking, and looked up at him. "Oh my... this is bad."

Lance walked over to her and reached out to touch her hand to comfort her, but it went straight through. "I want to touch you, Arianna."

Arianna shook her head. She wanted to feel his touch once again. "You can't. I'm not really here, Lance, but like I said this is bad."

"Why?"

Shaking her head again, she said, "I am going to be in so much trouble for this." Closing her eyes, she stood up. "I have to go."

Lance stood up next to her and reached out again. "Don't go. I don't know when I will see you again."

Arianna sighed. "I will always be with you, Lance. I've been watching you for almost sixteen years now, haven't I?"

"You have?" Lance's mouth gaped open in shock.

"Yes, I have. Since the day you were born. So even if you don't see me I'll be here." Even though she knew Lance wouldn't feel it, she took a step closer and kissed him on the cheek. When she stepped back, he touched where her lips had just been. "I love you," she whispered before fading away from his sight.

"Good-bye, my angel," Lance whispered. He somehow knew it would be a long time before he saw her again.

Arianna was right. Those above her were very angered with her. She never knew angels could get that upset, but they did. Listening to them as they yelled at her for breaking rules. Rules that did not matter to her. Nothing mattered to her if she couldn't be with the man she loved.

"From now on you are forbidden to see him."

Arianna shook her head as those words broke through her thoughts. She didn't hear that. No, she didn't. "What?"

"You will not see him. That boy has a road to follow, and if you get involved things will not go as they should."

Arianna stood up with her hands clinched into fists. "But he remembers me. Somehow he knows of me. You can't mean to have us both suffer."

"We will take care of that. By the next time he wakes up, he will forget you once again."

Arianna want to hit something. Anything. But nothing presented itself. The disembodied voice allowed her nothing. "NO!" Arianna cried. "Don't do this to me. I beg of you."

"It must be done."

Wiping her tear stained cheek, Arianna looked up towards the heavens. "I ask of you one thing." Pausing, she sighed. "Allow me to say goodbye." Silence fell. Arianna waited quietly.

"If we allow this, will you stay away from him?"

Arianna gasped. She never thought they would let her see him again ever. "As much as I breaks my heart to never see him again, I will do as you ask."

"You may go."

"Thank you. Thank you," Arianna cried.

"Now go. By the sunrise, he will forget."

Arianna closed her eyes picturing Lance in her mind. When she opened her eyes, she found herself next to his bedside. She watched him as he slept. Arianna couldn't bear the pain of losing him again. If only there was a way to be with him once again.

Arianna watched as his chest slowly rose and fell. She wanted nothing more than to touch him and have him hold her in his arms like he used to. A tear fell down her cheek. Looking up, she silently asked for another allowance. Allow her to feel him if only for a moment. She would never see him again after this night. At least allow her that.

Closing her eyes, she sat down next to him on the bed. Arianna reached out her hand and touched his arm. When she felt solid flesh, she let out a tiny gasp. She could feel him.

Lance opened his eyes to find Arianna sitting next to him. At the sighting of her tears, he sat up. "What's wrong?" Arianna moved closer and wrapped her arms around his neck. When her felt her, he sat back and looked at her. "I can feel you. I'm not dead, am I?"

Arianna shook her head. "No, you have an important path to follow and more to do in this life." Taking a steadying breath, she continued, "All without me. I cannot see you anymore."

"But why?" Lance reached down and took her hand in his. "I just found you again."

Arianna shrugged her shoulders. "They think I will interfere."

Lance looked down at her hands in his and sighed. "There is more, isn't there?"

Arianna sat silent for a moment. Should she tell him? Might as well. What more could they do to her. They were already taking her heart. "You won't remember me. They are going to make you forget."

Lance stood up and walked over to his window. Running his fingers through his hair, he yelled, "NO! They can't do that. I won't let them take my memories of you away."

Arianna sighed. "You will have no choice. They can do whatever they want, Lance. In the morning, it will be as if I never existed."

"But you do exist."

"Not really," Arianna said reaching up to touch his cheek. "I am not of this world. I have not been born yet. My soul belongs in heaven."

"My soul belongs with you," Lance cried.

She couldn't do this. How dare they do this to them? There had to be a way for them to be together. There had to be. "I will find a way. I don't know how and I don't know when, but someday you and I will be together again. I promise you that."

Lance pulled her into his embrace, and laid his head on hers. "I will not forget you."

Lifting her head, Arianna whispered, "Yes, you will, but for now we are together."

Lance lowered his head to hers and kissed her softly. "And we will be together again."

Arianna spent the rest of the night in the arms of the man she loved. Lance fought sleep as long as he could, but soon drifted off. As the sun began to rise, Arianna kissed his forehead leaving him once again perhaps for the last time.

When Lance woke up that morning, he found himself sitting on the window seat. He found this strange. When had he gotten up? Shaking his head, he stood up and stretched his sore back muscles. "Can't sleep there again."

After getting dressed, he ran downstairs to eat breakfast. Kissing his mother on the cheek, he took his plate and sat down on the table to eat when the phone rang. Seeing his mother's hand were full, he walked over to the phone and answered it. "Hello. Bass Residence."

"Hi. Can I speak with Lance?"

Lance leaned against the kitchen counter. "Speaking."

"Oh, cool. Well, you don't know me, but I got your name from our vocal coach."

"Okay," Lance said, playing with the phone cord.

"I'm down in Orlando, and my friends and I have started a group, but we need a bass. Interested?"

"Yeah, but...," Lance glanced over at his mother.

"We will work on your mom if this works out. Can you come here to audition?"

Arianna watched from above. Knowing she shouldn't, but not really caring. They never said she couldn't watch him. Listening to the plans being made on the phone, she wondered if this group was the thing they thought she would interfere in. What could be so important about a group that would necessitate hear never seeing Lance again?

"Arianna?"

"Yes?" Arianna looked above her waiting for what they would want next.

"You promised to never see him again. That means watching too. We can't take the chance of anything going wrong."

Arianna pounded her hands on her legs. "But he won't know I am watching. He has already forgotten I even exist. Don't take him away from me totally."

"We must, Arianna."

"No," Arianna cried, running away in tears. They could not do this. She had to find a way to be with him. "We will be together again."

Time passed. Arianna withdrew into herself. Without Lance, she really had no reason to exist. Being in heaven, she could have anything she wanted. Anything but the one thing that would make her existence complete: Lance. Every once in awhile, she would sneak little peeks at his life. She saw how big this little group of his really was. Millions of girls screamed his name. Pretty soon, she saw the man that had left her behind all those years ago, and she wanted that man back.

One day she never missed was his birthday. They knew she would visit him that day, and even though she wasn't supposed to, they allowed her that day. This year he was turning twenty-one. It had been five years since that night in his bedroom where they said their final good-byes and he forgot her forever.

Since it was his twenty-first birthday, his friends were taking him to a bar to drink. She would never understand the tradition of getting someone drunk the day they turned twenty-one. It was just stupid. Shaking her head, she leaned against the bar watching the table of five men. Wishing their was way she could say happy birthday or just hello. Just to talk to him for one second. Sighing, she turned toward the bar.

"Tough night, sweetie?," the man behind asked.

Arianna glanced up. Was he speaking to her? Couldn't be. Looking behind her, she turned back to face the man. "

"Yes, I'm talking to you. What can I get you?"

Trying to hold in her shock, Arianna stood there for a moment. "Um, what's good on somebody's birthday?"

"Well, in that case, let me make you my infamous birthday shot on the house." The bartender proceeded to make her drink as she stood there watching him. This was not happening. Someone was talking to her. Looking down, she also noticed her attire had changed. She now found herself in a pair of black jeans and small sparkly top.

When the bartender placed the drink in front of her, she picked up the glass and looked at it. What was this?

A young man came up to the bar and stood next to her."Another birthday person? My friend had one of those shots earlier and it was pretty good he said."

Arianna turned the man next to her. This was one of his friends. He must talking about Lance. "Really? Well, okay if your friend said it was okay." She downed the drink in one gulp making a face. "Hmm. Not bad."

"I'm Josh," he said holding out his hand.

"Arianna," she said taking his hand in hers.

"Why don't you come over to our table? We can help you celebrate your birthday."

Arianna looked down at the floor. Why after all this time were they letting her speak to him. Were they being cruel? Allowing her to be with him and then taking him away again? Or had they changed their minds and were going to let her see him again?

"I'm sorry if I was too forward, Arianna. I just saw you over here all by yourself, and figured it would be more fun for you to spend your birthday with people."

Arianna looked back up at a time. She smiled at him as she took in his appearance. Very nice looking. "That is very nice of you, Josh. I would love to go and sit with you and your friends."

"Good. Can I get you another drink?"

"Sure. Surprise me." Arianna waited as he ordered her a drink and then followed Josh to the table of men.

"Hey, guys. This is Arianna. It's her birthday today too. These are my friends, Justin, Chris, Joey and Lance," he said pointing out each man.

Lance stood up reaching out his hand to her. "Nice to meet you, Arianna."

The second her hand touched his, she felt goose bumps form on her arms. It had been so long since she felt him, and this time she would make sure she would stay with him.

Arianna wanted to hold onto Lance's hand forever. She couldn't believe this was happening to her. They were allowing her to see him. To talk to him. To touch him. But why? They never did anything without their being a reason. A very good reason. Why now? After all these years. After making him forget all about her.

Sitting back down, Lance put his arm around the woman siting next to him. "This is my friend, Erin."

Erin waved slightly clearly sizing up Arianna. Turning toward Lance, she gave him a kiss that clearly said, 'Back off, he's mine.'

Seeing this, Arianna wanted to shout, pull out her hair. Lance was hers, even if he didn't remember her. Arianna sat down in the chair that Josh had pulled out for her sipping her drink. She tried to pay attention to the conversation that was going on around her, but her focus kept returning towards Erin and Lance. She was all over him. It was disgusting really.

WAIT! Something clicked in her head. Taking a long look at Erin, she realized something about her. If it wasn't for her hair coloring, she would look very similar to her. Maybe Lance hadn't totally forgotten her.

Erin stood up kissing Lance on the cheek. "I'll be right back, babe. Need to find the ladies' room."

"I'll go with you, Erin." Smiling down at Josh, she stood up. "Be right back."

Once inside the restroom, Erin turned towards the mirror touching up her make-up.

Arianna joined her playing with her hair. "So how long have you been seeing Lance?"

"About 9 months now. Don't tell anyone, but I think he is getting ready to propose."

Arianna's hand dropped to her side. Inside her head, she screamed, "NO!" He couldn't marry her.

Erin finished with her make-up and turned to leave. "Are you coming?"

Arianna waved her hand. "In a minute."

Erin shrugged opening the door and walking out. The minute the door closed she turned to lean against the counter. Looking up, she let out a laugh. "Real funny up there. You let me see him so I can find out he is going to get married."

"Arianna, he isn't happy with her," a voice spoke. "Somehow he didn't totally forget you. But he doesn't remember you really. In his mind, he has this picture of this perfect girl in his mind. Erin fits some of that picture, but she isn't you."

Arianna lowered her head into her hands. "So? What does this mean?"

"We are giving you until his next birthday to make him remember you. You cannot tell him who you are or what you were at one time. If he remembers on his own, then you can be together. If not, he will marry Erin."

"But I am not really a person. I have no place to live. No money," Arianna said waving her hands in the air.

"All will be provided."

"Why can't you just make him remember me like you made him forget?"

When she got no response, she sighed. "Damn, how do I do this?"

A sudden knock on the door made Arianna jump. "Yes," she called out turning to look once again in the mirror.

"Arianna, you all right in there. Erin said you would be out in a minute. It's been like ten," Josh said through the door.

Looking towards the door, she smiled. That was sweet of him. "I'm fine. Just thinking," Arianna said opening the door.

Josh laughed. "Do you always think out loud? I heard you talking." He took her hand in his and pulled her back to the table.

"Don't laugh, Josh. I do some of my best thinking when I talk with myself." Arianna looked up pouting.

Josh stopped turning towards her. "Aww, you look so cute when you pout, Ari." Lowering his head, his lips touched her forehead. "Let's go back to the table."

Arianna nodded following Josh. How would she do this? After tonight, she would probably never see Lance again. He was some famous person that led a busy life. She knew that much. How would she make him remember her if she wasn't around?

When they reached the table, it was empty. "Where'd everyone go?" Arianna asked glancing around the club.

Josh pointed at the dance floor. It didn't take long for Arianna to spot Lance and Erin. Erin was pressed tightly against him. Arianna inwardly groaned as she watched them grind together intimately.

Arianna felt Josh put his arm around her. "So why are you alone are you birthday, Ari?"

"It wasn't the plan really. Just happened that way. The person I wanted to spend today with doesn't even know I exist." Arianna leaned back feeling Josh's arm across her back. Glancing up, she looked into his eyes. They were beautiful eyes. A perfect shade of blue-gray.

Josh leaned down so his breath caressed her ear. "Well, then he is a fool because you are a very beautiful girl, but I guess his loss is my gain."

Arianna leaned her head against his shoulder. Josh was so nice. Could he be the way to remain in Lance's life? She hated the thought of using him to get to Lance, but if there was no other way what could she do. Sighing, she closed her eyes. This would not go well. In the end, someone would end up hurt. She only hoped that it wasn't her.

The rest of the night Arianna spent with Josh. They talked about the group and the funny things that happened. He was shocked when she told him she didn't know much about *Nsync.

By the end of the night, she felt real close to Josh. If it wasn't for a few things. One being her love for Lance and for another her lack of life, she could easily see herself falling for a man like Josh. Lance was lucky to have him as a friend.

Throughout the evening, she kept watching Lance and Erin. she could see what they meant by him being unhappy. There were little looks that no one else seemed to notice but she did because she knew his soul like he knew hers.. at least how he used to know hers. Inwardly, she sighed.

Josh and her drank a couple of more drinks, danced a few times. By the end of the night, Arianna felt more than a little tipsy. Drinking was something she couldn't even do when she was alive.

"Ari, do you need a ride home?" Josh asked as they prepared to leave the club for the night.

Arianna looked down at the ground. what should she say? Looking up briefly at the ceiling, she inwardly cursed they way her existence was controlled. "That would be nice. Let me stop by the ladies room, and we'll go."

Getting out of her chair, Arianna shakily stood up. As she began to walk away from the table, she stumbled. Arianna saw the ground coming towards and prepared for the shock of hitting the ground. Closing her eyes, she waited, but just as she was about to land she felt two arms grab and put her upright. "Whoa, are you okay?"

Opening her eyes, she looked in the concerned green eyes of the man she loved. "I think so," she mumbled.

"Come over here,' he said leading her to an empty table. Pulling out a chair he sat down next to her. "Drank a little much tonight?"

Arianna nodded.

"Me too," he said laughing. "But you only turn twenty-one once in your life, right?"

"Right."

Just then Josh walked up to the table. "Ari, are you okay?"

"Fine. Thanks to Lance."

Lance stood up. "I'll let you two go. See ya later C."

Arianna watched him as he walked away. Wishing it was him she was leaving with instead.

After Lance left her and Josh, she tried to stall. She had no idea where to go or what to do. Where should he drop her off? Josh stood up next to her, and reached for her hand. "Ready to go?"

Nodding, she stood up. Josh pulled her through the club and out into the parking lot. "So where to?"

Looking down, she waited for a few moments until she felt something in her pocket. When she reached into it, she pulled out a key card. "Here."

Josh looked at it for a second before breaking into a smile. "Me too."

The drive to the hotel was silent. Arianna closed her eyes leaning against the window and willed the dizziness she was feeling to go away. Drinking was pure evil. When they pulled in front of the hotel, a doorman opened her door and she stepped out.

Josh followed closely behind her with a hand on her back. After they were in the elevator, Josh reached over and pushed the button to his floor. "Why don't you come hang out in my room for a bit? We could order a movie."

"Sure," Arianna said. "That sounds like fun."

Standing against the wall, she felt josh wrap his arm around her shoulder and pull her close. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head on his shoulder. "Remind me to never drink again."

Josh rubbed her back slowly. "I think I have something up in the room that might help you feel better."

Sighing, she mumbled, "Good."

The doors to the elevator and Josh walked her out down the hall to his room. Stopping he took out his key, and opened the door. Kissing her forehead, he led her inside.

Neither one of them saw Lance stepping off the other elevator or him stopping to watch them.

Lance walked into his room closing the door behind him. He threw his coat on the bed and cursed. Erin could be such a witch sometimes. At the bar, she had gotten jealous of Arianna. Said she had caught her looking at him. When he had sat down with her after she had stumbled, Erin had a fit when JC and Arianna had left.

So he had told her to go to her own room. He didn't need her, but.. he loved her. Damn, women. They have to make everything so hard. One day he will find that woman that will be his soulmate, true love forever. Lance knew she was out there in the world somewhere.

JC seemed to like Arianna, and she seemed like a nice enough girl from what he could tell. She had beautiful eyes too. A deep blue you could get yourself lost in. So what if she was looking at him at the bar. He would be lying if he didn't admit that he wasn't looking at her too. Those eyes.

Wait! What was he doing? This was the girl who at this very moment was with JC in his room doing.. UGH don't go there... You don't want that picture. Arianna was a nice girl. She would be good for JC.

Lance walked into the bathroom. Turning the shower on, he took off his clothes and stepped inside. Plus he had Erin. He loved Erin. Pretty soon he was going to ask her to marry him. Well if that was the case, why did he keep thinking about Arianna? A girl that he just met not even a few hours ago, and who was with his best friend. Lance leaned his head against the shower wall and sighed.

Turning the water back off, he grabbed a towel and walked back to his bedroom. Picking up the phone, he dialed the room down the hall.

"Hello?"

"Hey, Justin, want to come over and watch pay-per-view or something?" Lance sat on the edge of the bed after putting on a pair of boxers.

"What happened to Erin?"

Shaking his head, Lance responded, "Don't ask. So you coming?"

"Yeah. Be there in a sec."

Lance hung up the phone and walked over to his main door and opened it. He took a brief look across the hall to JC's room and sighed before walking back into his own room.

Across the hall in JC's room, Arianna sat on the edge waiting for JC to come out of the bathroom. He had given her clothes to change into, so they could watch a movie comfortable instead of in tight clothing. He was in the bathroom changing now.

Silent, Arianna waited trying to figure out how to make Lance remember. There had to be something to make his mind click. Even if he did remember though, he had Erin. They looked happy together as far as she could tell.

The door to the bathroom opened and JC stepped out in a white tank top and shorts. Arianna watched him as he walked across the room. When he sat next to her, he reached his hand out to touch her cheek.

"I'm really glad I met you tonight," he whispered, just before he lowered his mouth to hers. Arianna moaned allowing his tongue to enter her mouth. After a few moments, Arianna pulled back shaking her head as she brought her hand to her lips. "I'm sorry, Ari."

"Don't apologize, Josh. It's just...It's just that I am in love with someone else. If it weren't for that I could so see myself with you. I feel like I have known you forever. I know we just met, but I would really like to be your friend."

JC sighed. " I guess I could handle that. He is a really lucky man. I hope he realizes how lucky he is to have you."

Arianna sighed standing up. "He would if he knew I existed."

Josh looked up confused. "What do you mean?"

"It's a long story. Maybe I'll tell you someday." Arianna sat down next to him and leaned her head on his shoulder. "He will know. I will make him see me."

That is how Arianna fell asleep. Josh looked down and put her hair behind her ear kissing her forehead. He lay her back on the pillows before standing up to turn off the light enveloping the room in darkness. Sighing, he sat back against the headboard. He wondered who the man was that Arianna loved and what was the story behind that love. It would probably make for a wonderful song.

Sliding down the headboard he lay down next to Arianna leaning his head on his hand over her. She was really a beautiful. That guy better realize what he has, and if he didn't he would be here for Arianna. JC could tell that Arianna was a special girl. something was just different about her. Reaching out he touched her cheek softly.

Arianna moved closer to him and his touch mumbling something. Josh leaned closer so he could hear what she was saying. When she mumbled again, he heard her softly say, "Lance."

Leaning back, his face contorted in confusion. Why was she saying Lance's name in her sleep? JC wanted to wake her up to ask, but decided against it. Laying back in bed, he closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. After a few minutes, he gave up. The king of sleep could not sleep not with this beautiful girl next to him.

Getting up, he walked over to the room door and peeked out into hall. He wondered if any of the other guys were still up. Looking across the hall, JC could see a flicker a light under Lance's door. Josh walked across the hall and knocked.

It took a few seconds before Lance opened. "Hey, C. What you doing up?"

"Arianna's asleep and I can't. Saw your light on and wondered what you were doing."

Justin peeked his out around the door. "You wore her out man. Go, C!" Lance looked down at the floor.

"It's not like that man. She is in love with someone else. Wants to be friends though."

Lance smiled. "Well come on in. We were looking for a movie to watch."

Josh walked in and sat on the floor in front of the bed. Lance and Justin returned to their previous spots on the bed.

"Anything on?"

Lance flipped through the channels stopping at one of the movie stations. "This."

Justin turned to look at Lance. "Dude, what is this?"

Lance shrugged. "I think it is some movie called Only You. Yep there is Marisa Tomei."

Justin reached over to grab the remote. "This is so a chick flick."

Lance held the remote out of Justin's reach. "Yeah, I know. But you know that old song called Only you I like that song. Always have."

JC nodded. "Oldies are cool."

The three friends sat in silence watching the movie until they fell asleep.

Arianna opened her eyes slowly letting the sunlight that filtered into the room hit them a little at a time. When they were fully opened, she looked around the room and noticed that Josh was not in the room. The bathroom was dark so he wasn't in there. Sighing, she sat up. It felt weird waking up. It had been so long since she had really slept.

Looking up, she groaned. "How am I going to do this? This is not me people. He will never notice me much less remember me. Plus there is Josh. He is so nice. I don't want to hurt him, and I know this will hurt him."

"It will all work out if it is meant to."

Arianna laughed. "Ever cryptic. Thanks a lot."

"We've given you an opportunity that has never been given to someone before. Would you like to return to how you were? Not even watching him."

Arianna shook her head. "No, I will not let you take him away from me again. not now that I am so close to him."

***

Josh stood outside his room door listening to Arianna talk to herself. He softly chuckled. Thinking again. His ears perked up at the mention of his name. He listened a few more moments before opening the door and slipping inside. Arianna sat up against the headboard of the bed.

"Ari, what are you talking about?"

Arianna looked up with a look of a deer caught in the headlights. "What do you mean?"

"I heard you talking." Josh sat on the edge of the bed.

Looking down and playing with the blanket, she sighed. "How much did you hear?"

"Pretty much everything." Josh reached out and took her hand. "What is up Ari?"

Closing her eyes, Arianna shook her head. This was not happening. Silently she asked for the permission she needed. Josh wasn't Lance. Josh could be an aid to her. More so if he knew what was happening. She waited patiently for the answer she wanted to come.

"Ari, I heard you say Lance's name in your sleep last night."

Opening her eyes, Arianna smiled. "You did?"

Josh nodded his head. "Why did you do that?"

"It is a long story. Actually it is the story I told you about last night. I can tell you now, but you have to promise to listen with an open mind and not think I am some crazy person. Promise?"

"Promise, Ari."

Arianna sat quietly trying to figure out how to tell JC her tale. He would probably think she was some crazed fan that had latched onto Lance in her dreams and convinced herself that he was hers just like millions of other girls had done. He would call one of his huge security guards and have her escorted from the hotel, and she would never see Lance again.

"Ari?"

She lifted her head up and saw the gray blue eyes of the man sitting in front of her, and decided to just tell him. He would understand. He had to. "Josh, I don't know where to begin. It is so complicated, and I just know you will think I am crazy."

Josh shook his head as he took her hand. "No, I won't, Ari. Just tell me."

Arianna took her hand from his, and stood up. Walking to the other side of the room, she leaned against the wall before she blurted out her next words, "I'm dead." Looking down, she waited for his response. When none came, she looked up to see a shocked look on his face.

"Say again?" Josh asked standing up to walk over to her.

"I'm dead. I'm not of this world. I died on October 10th, 1963." Pausing, she waited to see what he would do. When he leaned against the wall next to her, she continued, "I went to heaven. I met a man. A wonderful man. I fell in love with him. Then one day he was taken from me. He had a purpose on Earth. I watched him grow into the man he is today, but I can't be with him."

Josh raised his head to his forehead. "Lance," he breathed.

Arianna nodded. "I didn't know him as Lance. That is who he is now. I've been watching him since he was born. There is more, Josh," she whispered.

"Somehow I knew there was." Josh slid down the floor with his legs bent at the knees.

"Before the group, we spoke. It was one night. He saw me, and he remembered me. He knew who I was. That never happens." Arianna wiped away a stray tear that fell down her cheek. "Well those that be up there were not happy, and I was told I was not allowed to see him ever again. I would mess up their plans for him. He would be made to forget all about me. We shared one last night with each other. Talking and holding each other until the dawn broke and when he woke up I never existed once again."

Tears flowed freely down her cheeks. Josh pulled her closer to him and allowed her to lay her head on his chest as she sobbed. After a few moments, he spoke. "Why are you here now?"

"They are giving us a chance. He totally didn't forget, and he isn't happy with Erin. So I have til his next birthday to make him remember me."

"A year."

"Yes, but I can't tell him anything that could lead him into remembering. He has to remember on his own." Arianna shook her head. "I've no idea why they let me tell you, Josh."

JC leaned his head back against the wall trying to digest all that she just told him. She was right that his first instinct was that she was some crazed fan, but something in her eyes told him she was telling him the truth. "I'll help you, Ari," he sighed. He would help her even though he could already see that he was falling for her, and he could never have her.

Arianna looked up at Josh. "How can you help me?"

Shrugging his shoulders, Josh sighed. "I guess I can make it so that you are around. If you aren't around, how can he remember you, right?" The thought of seeing Arianna everyday and trying to help her win his friend's love was horrible. He wanted her for himself.

"Right, so how do we manage to keep me around?"

"You'll just come with me on tour. That'll work." He stood up and walked over to his phone. "I am going to call the guys over so I can tell them. They might not like it."

Arianna sighed. "Great. They'll probably think I am some gold digging celebrity chaser." Lowering her head into her open palms, she wanted to cry, but she saw no other way for this to work. She couldn't bear it if Lance saw her that way.

Josh hung up the phone after calling Lance and telling him to gather the rest of the guys. "They should be here in a minute." He reached down and patted her back. "It'll be okay, Ari."

Looking up, she sighed. "I love him, Josh, and if he loves me in return then it will be okay. Not until then."

A knock sounded on the door. Josh walked over to open waiting a second for Arianna to compose herself. When he opened it, all four of his friends walked in. They sat around the room and waited for JC to speak. Lance smiled at Arianna before sitting down on the bed. Arianna smiled in return.

"Guys, I'm bringing Ari with me."

"What?!" Three voices shouted. Lance just sat there.

"We've just clicked."

Chris stood up. "Yeah, I bet you clicked all right." He turned to Arianna. "So are you that good in the sack to make him want to take you on tour?"

Arianna stood up looking at the five men trying to prevent the tears from falling. Josh and Lance watched in stunned silence at their friend's outburst as she ran out of the room. Josh ran after her as Lance stood up in front of Chris. "Man, that was so uncalled for."

"You know it was what we were all thinking, Lance," Justin said from his seat on the floor.

"Justin, you know full well Josh didn't even sleep in this room last night. He fell asleep watching movies with us, remember?"

Justin nodded.

Chris looked at his two friends before balling his hand into a fist. "Shit. I just said something really stupid then, didn't I?"

"Yeah, you did, but that is nothing new for you, Chris."

Josh ran after Arianna catching up with her at the end of the hall. He watched as she slumped against the wall in tears. "Ari?"

"Chris hates me. He doesn't know me and he hates me. They probably all think that I am some gold digger." Arianna lowered her head into hands sobbing.

Josh lowered himself onto the ground. "They don't hate you, Ari. It's just that I just met you and now you are coming with me. WE need to figure out a way so they won't say anything about it."

"Who am I kidding? Lance is never going to remember."

Well, if he doesn't, she will have me. "Yes, he will. Just think positively about it."

Sighing, Arianna nodded her head. "Positive. Okay I am positive he won't remember."

Josh chuckled as he stood up. "Funny girl. Come on. I think Lance is done chewing out Chris now."

"What?" Arianna turned to look at Josh.

"I ran after you, so it was his job to yell at Chris. You should have seen his face when you ran out of the room. He was pissed at Chris."

Arianna's smile got bigger as they neared the room. "Really? Yeah!"

Josh opened the door to the room and let her enter first. She looked around at the four men looking at Lance last. He smiled briefly before turning away.

Chris stood up and walked over to her. "Listen, Arianna. That was uncalled for. I was a jerk. Can you accept my apology?"

Arianna raised her finger to poke him in the chest. "Hmm. I don't know, Chris. That was totally rude and not nice, and if you ever say anything like that about me ever again, I will not be held accountable for my actions. Is that clear?"

Chris nodded. "Crystal."

"Then okay. I will forgive you. Just this once."

A few weeks passed. Arianna never remembered laughing so much as she did with the five men on tour. Chris was a never ending riot. You never knew when he was being serious or playing around. Joey was always so sweet. He was like a big teddy bear. Justin was like any other typical teenager, and Josh and her had became great friends. Talking long into the night when everyone else was asleep in their bunks. She cherished those talks with him.

One night as they sat drinking hot chocolate, she asked him what had been bothering her since that night she had told him her reason for being there. "Josh, how come you so easily believed me when I told you what I did that first morning? For all you knew I was some crazed deluded fan that was trying to get close to Lance."

Josh put down his cup, and reached over to touch her chin with the tip of his finger, "It's those eyes of yours. You can look at them and know exactly what you are thinking Ari. All I had to do was look into your eyes and see the heartbreak and the love and know you weren't lying."

Arianna looked down sighing. "It was my eyes that Lance remembered the first time." A tear feel from the corner of her eye. "Things are great here. I get to see him everyday, and I have found four wonderful friends, but I don't see myself making him remember me. He thinks of me as a friend, and he will never think of me as anything more, Josh."

Josh moved around the small table and sat down next to Arianna putting his arm around her shoulder. She laid her head on his chest sighing.

"Oops, sorry guys."

Arianna raised her head to find Lance standing in the walkway from the bunk area. "It's okay. I was just getting ready to hit my bunk." Standing up, she started to walk past Lance, but he reached out to stop her.

"You okay?"

Arianna sighed. "Not really, but that isn't going to change anytime soon. Thanks for asking."

Lance touched her arm. "Well, if you want to talk about it I'm here."

Arianna nodded before walking away. Lance took the seat that Josh had vacated a few minutes earlier. "Guy problems?"

"Yep..." Josh looked up when he heard Arianna start to cry in her bunk. "I better go check on her. Talk to you later."

JC pushed back the curtain to Arianna's bunk. she was facing the wall and her body shook from the force of her sobs. From the bunk above hers, Justin poked his head out. "Is she all right?"

Shaking his head, Josh sat down on the edge of the bunk and rubbed her back. "Ari, honey, it'll be all right."

"No, it won't. Not unless..."

By this time, the four other people on the bus had all gathered around Arianna's bunk. "What's wrong?" Chris asked turning to Lance.

Lance just shrugged his shoulders. He had no idea why Arianna was so upset. He wished he knew of a way to make her stop crying like that. Running his fingers through his blonde spikes, he sighed. Whoever was the cause of her tears deserved to be shot. "JC, get her a glass of water or something. I'll stay here with her."

Taking a quick glance at Arianna, JC stood up. Lance took his seat. "Arianna, sweetie. Why are you so upset?"

Arianna sat up turning to face him. She began to say something, but stopped herself. Instead she buried her face in his chest and continued to sob. Lance rubbed her back humming softly.

JC walked into the kitchen area of the bus opening the refrigerator to retrieve a bottled water. It looked Arianna was slowly getting the man she wanted. Only if that man was him. Sighing, he closed the refrigerator. When he turned back around, Chris and joey were behind him sitting at the table.

"What's up with Ari? You seem to know her the best." Chris asked playing with a magazine laying on the table.

JC shook his head. "I can't tell you, Chris. It's something she told me in confidence. Let's just it's guy trouble and leave it at that, okay?"

"Okay, I guess. I just hate to see her so upset. I mean I know we got started off on the wrong foot but since she came on with us and started helping with the wardrobe and stuff, I see her as part of the family," Chris said standing up. "I'm going to play a video game until she calms down. Call me if you need any help. You know I could be goofy and make her laugh or something."

JC smiled. "Will do." Picking up the bottle of water, he walked towards the bunk area which was now silent. When he reached Arianna's bunk, he found her asleep on Lance's chest. Lance motioned with his finger to be quiet, and JC put down the water.

Not wanting Lance to see how much the sight upset him, he left the bunk area to go and play video games with Chris.

A few months passed as the long tour continued. Arianna became close with all of the men that made up the group, but was especially close to both JC and Lance. JC was always there to talk too and cry on when she needed him to be, and Lance was always there with a smile or a hug making her laugh with his sense of humor.

Both of them were wonderful men. If it wasn't for her love for Lance, she would have fallen for JC so easily. She knew he had feelings for her. It was obvious from that first morning when he had offered to help her. Arianna knew that he was hurting because she didn't love him in return, but there was Lance. They had been destined to be together.

Sighing, Arianna walked out onto the balcony of her hotel room. Leaning on the railing, she looked out over the night sky.

"Couldn't sleep?"

Arianna turned towards the voice that had spoken to find Lance standing on his own balcony. "No, I couldn't."

Lance walked over to the wall that separated their two balconies. "Have things on your mind?"

Sighing, Arianna nodded her head. "What would you do if the person you loved didn't love you back?" Arianna inwardly gasped. Did she just ask that out loud? She turned towards him to gauge his reaction.

Lance stood quietly for a moment."It depends, I guess. On whether or not there is a chance for the other person to fall in love too."

"What if there was a chance? What if the two people were meant to be together?" Arianna knew she was pushing her luck. If this line of conversation continued, she could lose her opportunity with Lance forever, but she couldn't stop now.

Lance smiled. "Well, in that case, I would just tell the person how you feel. They might already feel the same way."

"Yeah, maybe." Arianna reached over the wall and gave Lance a slight hug. "Thanks, Lance."

Lance gave her a little squeeze before letting her go. "Anytime, Ari." Stepping back towards his balcony door, he continued. "I'm going to get some sleep. See ya in the morning."

After Arianna saw the balcony door start to close, Arianna spoke, "I love you, Lance."

Lance stopped just inside the door as he heard Arianna speak. At her words, he closed his eyes and leaned his head against the door. Opening the door, he got ready to go back out onto the balcony to confront Arianna, but she was already gone from her own balcony. Sighing, he stepped back inside.

He had no idea Arianna felt that way about him. From that first night, JC had told him that Arianna was in love with someone else. Had it been him? How was that possible? They had just met that night. She couldn't be in love with him if she had just met him.

Since that first night, he had liked her, but she was always with JC and then their was this mystery man she was in love with. Then there was Erin. He had her, but lately they always fought. Erin was jealous of Arianna from day one, and now that they were such close friends their fights only grew worse.

Could he be the mystery man? After all this time, was it him she was in love with? Sighing he left his room and walked across the hall. After knocking, he waited for the door to open. When it did, he pushed his way inside. "It's me, isn't it?"

JC looked confused. "What's you, man?"

"I'm Arianna's mystery man." Josh stopped rubbing the sleep from his eyes as his mouth dropped open in shock. Before he could speak, Lance waved his hand. "That was all I needed. The look on your face gave it away."

Josh stepped forward. "Man, how did you figure it out?"

"I overheard Arianna say something tonight. Listen I got to go think about this." Lance turned and left the room as quickly as he entered.

Later that night, Lance lay in bed trying to figure out this new situation. Arianna said she loved him. He knew she didn't know he overheard her. Sleep was being evasive, so he finally gave up. Getting out of bed, he walked over to balcony door and walked outside. Looking over to Arianna's balcony, he was surprised to find her sitting on one of the chairs.

Arianna didn't see him enter the balcony, so he stayed quiet watching her as she softly hummed. He strained to hear the tune she was humming. It was familiar to him, and he moved closer.

Arianna stopped humming startled by his sudden presence.

"Don't stop. I like that song," Lance whispered.

Arianna nodded her head not believing that he was right here so close remembering their song even if he didn't know it was theirs. "It's a pretty song. Someone used to sing it to me."

There was a silence for a few moments as both tried to figure out what to say. Arianna wanted to reach over the wall and hold him. Tell him everything about them, but she knew she couldn't. It would ruin everything, and she wouldn't let that happen now that they were so close.

Arianna turned to look up at the sky. "I love the stars. When you are this high up they look so close. It is almost as if you can reach up and take down a star from heaven and hold it in your hand if only for a moment."

"I know what you mean. Back at my home in Mississippi, the sky is full of stars." Lance jumped up on the wall between their two balconies sitting facing her.

"I remember," she whispered.

Lance looked down at her confused. "What do you mean?"

Arianna stepped back gasping. Raising her hand to her mouth, she ran inside her room. Lance followed quickly behind stopping the door with his hand before it could shut.

Arianna sat on the edge of the bed. He could see the tears falling down her cheeks. "Arianna, what's wrong?"

Arianna shook her head. "Just go, Lance." Arianna raised her hand when she saw him take a step closer. "Please, just go."

Lance took a step back. He did not want to leave her like this. He wanted to know what she had meant, but if she wanted him to leave, he would.

When Lance returned to his own room, he threw himself on the bed. Looking at the clock, he saw it was after 1am, but he need to talk to someone. Picking up the phone, he dialed.

After a few rings his mother answered. "Hello?"

"Mom, it's me Lance."

Lance, what's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Fine, just needed to talk."

"Well, okay."

"Do you remember I told you that JC brought this girl on tour with us?"

"You mentioned it briefly."

"Well, her name is Arianna. Real nice..."

"Arianna? That's funny, dear."

"What, mom?"

"Don't you remember when you were little you had an imaginary friend named Arianna? She would be with you all the time, and then one day she wasn't."

Lance sat up in bed. He almost dropped the phone, but was able to keep it in his hand long enough to say good-bye to his mother. Jumping out of bed, he ran out the room door to the one next door to his. Knocking, he waited for Arianna to open up. When she didn't, he knocked again. "Arianna, open up. I need to talk to you."

After a few moments of waiting, Lance was ready to knock again but someone dropped a key in his hand. Looking up, he saw JC. "This might help."

Lance smiled putting the key in the door and pushing it open. "Thanks, C."

JC watched as his friend entered the room sighing because he knew that whatever chance he may have with Arianna was now gone for good.

Closing the door behind him, he walked into the room, but he did not see Arianna in there. Walking through the room, he could see her once again on the balcony. As he moved closer, he could hear her sobbing.

Once on the balcony, he walked over and knelt down in front of her. Reaching up he touched her cheek. "How could I forget you?"

Arianna opened her eyes and looked at him. "Lance, what..."

Lance reached down with his other hand and took hers in it. "You knew about the stars back home because you were there with me. All those times growing up when I was bored or lonely you were there to keep me company."

"But how did you remember?"

"Mom. I was telling her about you and she told me I had an imaginary friend with the same name growing up. That is when it clicked."

Arianna smiled briefly before looking down. She was so happy that he finally remembered, but it might all be in vain. "Lance, they are not happy again."

"They?"

Arianna motioned to the sky above them. "The higher ups think I said too much tonight. I might lose you again."

Lance stood and walked over to the ledge. "No. I know they whoever they are have done this before, and this time I am not going to let them."

Arianna stood and walked over to him putting her arms around his waist as she leaned against him. "I love you, Lance. I never want to let you go again. That night 5 years ago killed me. Leaving you asleep knowing that in the morning you would forget all about me."

Lance turned and put his arms around. "I will not forget you this time. Right now I am holding my star from heaven and I don't plan to ever let it go."

Arianna sighed. "You might have to, Lance."

"When will we know?"

Arianna took a step back. "At sunrise. When we wake we will either be together or you will have forgotten me once again. Everyone will have forgotten me."

Kissing her forehead, Lance whispered, "I'll never forget you."

The rest of the night was spent in each other's arms on one of the balconies. They both wanted to sunrise to come, but at the same time didn't. Worried that they would once again find themselves apart.

Lance was the first to finally drift off to sleep. Arianna avoided it all she could wanting to spend what she feared would be her last night with Lance awake watching him as he slept as she had done for so many nights before in his life. However, sleep finally found her.

Lance was the first to wake up in the morning. As the sun rose, he looked over to his side finding Arianna asleep next to him. Smiling, he reached over and touched her cheek softly. "Ari, wake up."

Arianna slowly opened her eyes and when she saw the face in front of her, she smiled. They were going to let them be. Finally, she had her star from heaven.

The End

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