As Gabby cleaned up the breakfast dishes, her eyes were secured on Justin,
who was sitting in the living room reading her “thank yous” in the cd. His eyes
were focused in on the tiny booklet, the sun streaming in the window silhouetting
his handsome features. It was impossible for Gabby to imagine. Just a few
months ago, Justin Timberlake was nothing more than a name to her; someone
that was “out of reach.” Now he had brought her into a new world. The purple
ValuMart vest had been tucked away long ago, and “Daddy” was speaking to his
little girl again. An angel... that was the only explanation that Gabrielle Reynolds
could conclude. Meanwhile, the angel began reading intently.
There are many people that I have to thank for this wonderful
whirlwind that I’ve had the privelge to be experiencing.
To the four greastest guys anyone could ask for. You bring the
laughs that make it all worthwhile.
Danielle, whoa, girl. we’ve got some pretty odd friends! Thanks for
being there, and for all the laughs.
To Johnny... how could I have ever done anything without you?
You make it all seem easy.
Aaron... the rose started off our friendship, and there ain’t no
stoppin’ the duo now!
Daddy.. thank you for believing in me in the end. I told you I’d make
it.
Mother.. what can I say? Chances are, your eyes will never come to
see this. But I must thank you. Thank you for teaching me what it
takes to stand on my own... and making it.
Gabby went on to thank the technical people, and by then, Justin was
wondering where he said anything to her. Then he spotted it.
To the Super Ball Dragon Boy... you came into my life in a flash, and
now I just cannot bring myself to think of days without you. You
taught me what it meant to love, and to love yourself. The
smiles and happiness that you bring into my life can’t be summed
up by any words. My heart is yours. Words can’t begin to
express how much i feel for you. Thank you. Thank you for being
you. You’ve taught me that true love can really just “bounce” its
way into your heart.
Lastly, to those of you who care enough to buy this album. My
gratutude is endless! Hope this will be a long ride!
Smiling sweetly, Justin set down the CD case and the booklet. By then,
Gabby had been playing with Tinkerbell in the hallway of the apartement. “How
many times do I gotta tell you that you don’t need to thank me anymore, Gab?”
Looking up, she laughed at the sight of his face. “Mmmkay. Won’t thank
you anymore then.” A quizzical expression on her face, Gabby asked, “Do you
know what?”
Shrugging Justin answered, “I have absolutely no idea...”
A shimmer appearing in her eyes, she said simply, “I love you, Justin
Timberlake.”
Quickly, he was on the floor next to her which startled Tinkerbell. Ruffling
Justin’s curls, Gabby ordered, “Don’t scare my kitty, Justin.”
Swiftly, Justin scooped up the tiny kitten with one hand, and put her on
side of him, as he leaned into Gabby. Before his lips could meet hers, the phone
rang. His eyes pleading, Justin asked, “Don’t answer that...”
Frowning, she excused herself, and rose from the floor.
“It WHAT?” Gabby asked, an exhasperated look on her face. Walking
into the kitchen, Justin contorted his face, bewildered as to who Gabrielle was
speaking to.
Johnny repeated, “Your album. It sold out at the Virgin Megastore in
Orlando..”
A tiny hand smacked to her forehead and she questioned, “How could
that be? I mean we really didn’t do that much promo, Johnny.”
“You're friends with *N SYNC. They don’t know it yet, but you’re more than
friends with Justin. The people are curious, Gabby. They want to see what
you’re all about. There’s a mystery to you. Not alot of promo work was needed.”
Frowning, she stated, “The don’t care about my music?”
From his office, Johnny nodded knowingly. He had been through the
same speech with every new artist, but Gabrielle was so naive, so new to the
entire music world... “There are many different types of people in this world,
Gab. Some of the people that bought your album today did buy it to scrutinize
the thank yous, and then there will be speculation as to which member you’re
dating. We’ll deal with that.”
Before he could continue, Gabby interrupted, “How?!?”
“Well, Chris is spoken for, of course. Somehow, the fans have managed
to accept that. So, we’ll just send you out with the other three. Dinner with
Lance one night, bowling with Joey, lunch with JC...have them so confused, their
heads will be spinning. Of course, appearances with Justin aren’t going to be a
problem. To tell you the truth Gabby.. Don’t ever tell Justin I told you this... As a
manager I’m never supposed to say these words... The fans would eventually
get over it if they realized how happy it is. And it would be refreshing to stop the
Justin and Britney rumors. If they want to spread rumors, let them be the truth at
least!”
Looking down at her hand, she tried to wriggle it out of Justin’s grasp. He
didn’t want to let her go. However much he wouldn’t admit it to anyone, he
himself knew that he was worried about her. She wasn’t going to be just his any
longer. There would be fans.. masses of fans- Male fans...
Gabby kissed his forehead, and stated softly, “Jus... you’ll be right on the
other side of the curtain. It’s going to be just fine!”
Shrugging, he asked, “Aren’t I supposed to be telling you that, girl?”
Nodding, she answered, “Probably so. But it’s fine with me..”
Kissing her one last time, he ordered, “Don’t sign so many your hand alls
off. Write slow. It pays off...” Gabby laughed as she walked away, a smile on
her face.
“Hey Gabby! It’s great to meet you. You’re CD is awesome!” A girl said,
in Gabby’s opinion greatly exhagerrating.
Looking up at her, Gabby replied, “Thank you! This is my first ever
autograph request.. pretty cool! Who can I make this out to?”
Brushing a strand of golden brown hair behind her ear, the girl said,
“Rebecca. Or Becca... whatever you feel like.” She grinned and then said, “I got
a wav of you signing Breathe... it’s really tight!”
Smiling, Gabrielle answered, “Thank you. I’m no Faith. but...” Then she
turned down to the glossy photo in front of her.
She wrote,
“To Becca.. my first autograph request.
Thanks for your support!
Love,
Gabby”
Soon, Becca was gone, and replaced with one fan after another, all
clutching her album-her hopes and her dreams. Becca may have been gone,
but Gabby would always replay her first ever fan encounter in her head over and
over again. Thus, Becca would always be quite special.
(Note from moi- Thanks for all the late nights of reading, Bec!)
Soon, it got to the point where her hand was simply aching, then she
looked up at the tall figure that loomed in front of her, and her father loooked
down. He choked out, “I’m so very proud of you.”
Tears forming in her eyes, Gabby squealed, “Daddy! You came! I never
thought in a million years that you’d be here!”
A smile on his face, he answered, “How could I not? Ju.. ahem... your
friend called me and let me know about it. He’s very protective of you, you
know..”
Nodding, she whispered in his ear, “I’ll call Justin’s bodyguard over. He’ll
take you back to the waiting area.” After he nodded, she caught Lani’s attention,
and asked him to take her father back. The day just seemed to get better and
better.
Aaron looked down at Gabby as he listened to the person on the other
end of the telephone. Swallowing roughly, he frowned. “Please.. uhh.. this is so
unexpected... Please.. hold on a second.”
Sensing somethign wrong, Gabby turned around slowly from where she
was standing, waiting to continue a debate with Aaron. A soft tone to his voice
he spoke, “Uhhh.. Gabby.. It’s.. it’s for you. I think you better.. better sit down..”
A puzzled look crossed her feaures, as she sat down and took the phone,
not forseeing what was to come. “Hello?”
