Chapter Two
"So Chris, what are the plans for her birthday?" Justin asked, looking up from his notebook.
"She told me she just wants me and you guys there. She doesn't want to go anywhere, though."
"She doesn't? Well, that's all right. We can have just as much fun at home."
"Yeah. Dude, I can't believe she's four already. She's getting so big..."
"She's a beautiful girl, Chris. You've done a great job considering you're both dad and mom."
"Thanks, but I think I owe most of that to watching my mom while I was growing up."
Justin and Chris looked up as Joey walked through the door. He was soaked from head to toe, which told them he had been attacked by Raina and Brianna. Joey ignored the chuckles from his two band mates as he headed upstairs and changed, then came back downstairs and sat down.
"Joe... You all right?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, I thought you said you could handle them," Justin snickered.
"I can. Just not them and a hose... How's the song coming?"
"It's coming. We kinda got off topic for a little while, though," Chris said.
Brianna and Raina came running into the kitchen, Brianna to Justin and Raina to Chris. Raina climbed up into her fathers' lap and giggled.
"Did you work on your song?"
"Umm... No. Actually me and uncle Justin were talking."
"Daddy, you gotta do what you have to do," Brianna said in a stern little voice, shaking her finger at Chris.
"Well, I guess she told you, Mr. Procrastinator," Justin said, a huge grin on his face.
"Me? You're the one that keeps changing the subject,"
"Well Just, I guess we'll have to wrap up now, I have to make dinner for Raina."
"No problem. I'll keep working on it. If I come up with anything decent I'll call, if it's not to late."
"Alrighty, then."
"I think it's about time I take Bri home. Kelly's probably making dinner right now,"
"Okay, Joe."
Everyone said their good-byes, and Justin, Joey and Brianna headed out. Chris and Raina waved as Justin and Joey got into their cars and drove off.
After Chris and Raina ate dinner, which consisted of french fries and chicken nuggets, Chris brought her upstairs and she had a bath, then got ready for bed. Chris sat down on the bed behind Raina and brushed her hair, then attempted to braid it. He finally finished, although it was crooked.
"So kiddo, what story shall I tell you tonight?"
"Umm... can I hear another one about you and Nsync?"
"Sure."
Chris told Raina another story about he and the guys when they were just starting out, and when he finished, Raina was almost fully asleep. He got up from the bed and tucked her in, kissing her forehead gently. He whispered goodnight to her then left the room, leaving her door open a crack.
Chris walked downstairs and picked up the rest of the toys that were left out, and then sat on the couch, flipping through the channels on TV. There wasn't anything interesting on, so he decided he would go to bed.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Around five in the morning Chris was woken up by the phone ringing loudly next to his bed. He willed it to stop, and when it didn't, he picked it up with a slight grumble. He said hello, but at first there was no answer. He was about to hang up when he heard a female voice come on the other end of the line.
"I want Raina."
| Chapter One | Chapter Two | Chapter Three | Chapter Four |
