Ring! Ring!

Ring! Ring!

Ring! Ri-

"Hello?" Chris said groggily, her hand on her forehead.

"Hey, babe! Happy Birthday!" Kat chirped on the other end. "Hi, Kat! Thanks," Chris said, waking up. She turned to look at the clock. "What are you doing calling me now? Shouldn't you be acting or something?" Kat laughed. "Yeah. But I figured you'd either be up, or I'd be getting you up. You don't want to sleep your whole birthday away." Chris groaned. "If you know the week I've had, you'd want to sleep all day, too."

"As much as I'd love to hear about your rehearsals, I have to get to mine. I get to play a guy."

"Sounds exciting."

"Yeah, it is. Look, I'll call you again later and we can talk. If one of my teachers sees me on the phone, I'll get it."
"Alright. Thanks for calling."
"Happy Birthday," Kat said again before she hung up. Chris sighed.
"Well, at least she called," she said to herself. She rolled over onto her side and sat up, her legs dangling over the edge of the bed.
"What a way to spend my birthday," Chris said, as she hoisted herself onto the crutches that AJ had given her from the time he broke his foot in Canada. Kevin and AJ had left for rehearsal again this morning. She had heard them leave, then return, then leave again. Then Kat called, and now Chris was backing her way up the stairs to her room.

"I can't wait until I can walk again. Then I don't have to scoot on my butt everywhere." Chris got up on her left foot and used the dresser for support. She opened a couple drawers and took out some clothes to wear. She tossed them onto her bed, then grabbed the crutches and went to the bathroom to take a shower.

The cast wasn't supposed to get wet, so Chris let her foot hang out of the tub. The curtain was pulled back a little, and the bathroom doors were closed.

"Thank goodness I don't need to worry about being walked in on," Chris said, as she washed her hair. "That would be totally embarrassing. Although falling down and being knocked unconscious then being found soapy and naked would be bad, too."

After she washed and rinsed, the actions accomplished by much twisting and reaching, Chris pushed back the curtain. Pulling on her yellow terry-cloth robe, she carefully lowered herself to a sitting position on the side of the tub. Then she brought her left leg around, reached for the crutches, and stood up.

She then hobbled to the sink, washed her face, brushed her teeth, put in her contacts, and combed her hair. Chris opened the bathroom door and went into her bedroom. She went over to her bed and began to dress into her khaki skirt and white tank top.
"It's way too quiet in here," Chris muttered.
"I agree," a voice said behind her.
Chris yelped and fell backwards onto her bed. "Holy shit!" she cried, clutching her chest. AJ shook his head in amusement.
"Scare you?" he asked, stepping back and crossing his arms across his chest.
"How long were you there?"
"Not long. I just stepped through after I heard you come in here. I peeked, but you were already dressed," he replied, pouting.
Chris sat up. "So sorry to disappoint you," she said. "Aren't you supposed to be rehearsing?"
"Yeah, I'm supposed to be," AJ said, coming over and sitting down on the bed. "But I thought that since it's your birthday," he leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek, "Happy Birthday, by the way."
"Thank you."
"You're welcome. Anyway, since it's your birthday, I thought I'd play hooky and spend some quality birthday time with you." AJ took one of her hands. "So what do you say?"

Chris looked down at the hand held in AJ's, then up to his eyes full of hope. "Ohh, that's so sweet of you!" she said, her face brightening. "I'd love to." She made a move as if to get up, but stopped.
"What's the matter?"
"That," Chris said, pointing to her casted foot, her face falling. "That's my problem."
AJ looked at Chris, taken in by her big, tearful, brown eyes. "Ah, baby. That's not a problem."
"Why isn't it?"
"Because it gives me an excuse to pick you up and it gives you a reason to hold onto me." AJ stood up, still holding her hand. "Come on. We'll go anywhere you want to go, do anything you want to do. And I won't complain about how slow you are."

Chris smiled. "Hand me my sandal, would you?" She pointed toward the closet. "And my sunglasses, please." AJ knelt down on the floor and gently put her sandal on her left foot. He fastened the straps then encircled her ankle with his hands. Very slowly, AJ moved his hands up her leg, relishing the feel of her smooth skin.

"Hey, boy," Chris said, slapping him playfully. "Not yet."
AJ stood up quickly. "Sorry. Ready to go?"
"Yes." Chris reached for the crutches, stood up, and hobbled out of the room, AJ following behind.
"You know I'm not going to wait for an hour while you scoot down the stairs," AJ said teasingly.

Chris turned to look at him. "And just what do you suggest?"
"This," he said, picking her up. She laughed, wrapping her arms around him and letting go of the crutches.

When they reached the front door, AJ bent down so Chris could get the car keys. AJ carried Chris all the way to the car and put her in, then walked around the other side.
"Hey! Are you coming in?" Chris said, rolling down her window.
"Just checking something," AJ called back. After a few moments, he got in and started the car. He pressed a button and the top began to fold back.
"Oh, my goodness!" Chris exclaimed. "I didn't know your car was a convertible!"
"It's not," AJ said, backing out of the driveway.
"It's not what? Your car or a convertible? Because it certainly is the latter."
"So where do you want to go?" AJ asked, obviously ignoring her question.
"Where do you want to take me?"

AJ looked over at Chris. Her hair was blowing behind her, and the cloudless sky and bright sunlight created a picturesque background. If you only knew, he thought.
"Somewhere with a wheelchair," he said aloud. Chris hit him.
"Hey! I can't help it if I can't walk."
"Okay, okay. Let me think. What time is it?"
Chris looked at her watch. "Almost eleven."
"Hmm. Feel like taking a little drive?"
"You're the one who's driving."
"Alrighty then." AJ put on his turn signal and got onto another exit. Chris reached for the radio dial at the same time as AJ, causing a hand-to-hand collision. They both jerked back, but not after feeling the shock between them.

Chris returned to the radio dial and turned it on. 98 Degrees' Because of You began to play. She looked at AJ with a smile.
"Don't you think it's funny that whenever we're together and the radio's on, it always plays some love song?"
"Maybe it's an omen," AJ replied.
"What do you mean by 'omen'?"
"Well, just think about it. The first time we met, we sang I'll Never Break Your Heart. The second time, down in the living room, it was Glory of Love. On the way home Monday, it was End of the Road."
"And now it's Because of You."
"What's because of me?"
"The song Because of You," Chris said, rolling her eyes. "Do you think that we're being subconsciously told that we're supposed to be together? Even though we've only been going out for a week? If you can call it that," she added, "because I've been too drugged up to do much of anything."

AJ glanced over again, this time reaching for her hand. Instead of giving it to him, Chris leaned across the seat and put her head on his shoulder.

"We may have only been going out a week," he said, "but we've been putting up with each other for almost a month now. I think that counts for something."
"Hmm. That makes sense," Chris said. "But don't think you're going to get anything from me before this cast comes off. I want to be able to run if I have to."

AJ felt a funny feeling form in the pit of his stomach. Oh no, he thought, glancing down. Not here. Not now. He shifted his position on the seat. Up ahead on the right side of the road was the sign for Cocoa Beach.
"Cool!" Chris said. "We're going to the beach! That's an awesome way to spend the afternoon."
"I'm glad you think so," AJ said. "I have a little spontaneous plan now."
"You mean you didn't think about this before today? I'm hurt." Chris sniffed.
"Oh, 'Riss, don't be mad. I get my best ideas at the spur of the moment. Besides, I think you'll like this."

Ten minutes later, AJ parked the convertible on a dune overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The water was a brilliant blue-green, calm with the occasional rough wave.
"Wow!" Chris breathed. "It's beautiful here."
"Not as beautiful as you," AJ said, turning to look at her.
Chris blushed. "Oh, go on."
"You want me to?"
"Not really. Although I do appreciate it."
"Then you'll really appreciate this," AJ said, getting out of the car and coming around to Chris's side. He opened the door and lifted her out.
"What are you doing?" Chris asked, as AJ carried her to the end of the dune.
"Surprise," he said, putting her down in the sand. "Wait here."
"Where, exactly, can I go?" Chris asked herself as she watched AJ messing with something in the car. When he lifted the basked and flowers, Chris gasped, then smiled, then felt her eyes fill with tears.

"Happy Birthday," AJ said, giving Chris the flowers and sitting down beside her. "What's wrong, baby?" he said, noticing her tears.
"It's just that no one's ever done something like this before," Chris said, rubbing her eyes.
"Oh, Chris," AJ said, pulling her close and kissing the top of her head. "I'd do anything for you."
"You would?" she asked, lifting her head to look at him. "I mean, you hardly know me."

AJ didn't answer. Instead he lowered his head and kissed Chris gently on the mouth. She responded like he had, and gentleness became replaced by passion, and the feeling that they were the only two people in the world.

"So, does Bone know when to bring her here?" Nick asked, as he hung some Christmas lights around the pavilion.
"Yes." Kevin replied, helping Brian move a picnic table across the floor. "The problem will be if he actually shows up."
"Kevin, Kevin," Brian said, dusting his hands off on his jean shorts. "You know darn well that if this is a party, AJ will be here. With or without our cousin."

Howie and Emily walked over with a tablecloth and picnic supplies. "Are you sure Chris won't jump out of the car when she finds out where he's bringing her?" Howie asked, while he and Emily unfolded the tablecloth and put it on the table.
"No, I'm not," Kevin said. "But if she tried, she sure wouldn't get very far hopping on one foot. Even if she crawled, we'd get her."
"You know," Emily said, "I'm wondering if it was a good idea to have her party here. I mean, it's only been a few days since the, well," she shrugged.
"She's seemed okay." Brian said.
"Yeah, but she's been doped up, too," Nick said. "I don't know how she can take those pills and not have them totally mess her up. She's so serene now."
Brian grinned. "Yep. And there's a few refills left. Maybe we should give them to you."

Nick started toward Brian, who took off running, Nick following close behind. Howie, Kevin, and Emily started to laugh.
"Whoa!" a voice cried as Brian and Nick ran out the door. "Slow down!" AJ came inside.
"You're here!" Emily exclaimed.
"I should hope so. I'd hate to be someone else and not be here."
"Where were you?" Kevin asked.
"I took Chris out for a ride and then went back to freshen up. She's still there," he said, gesturing towards the door.
"Well, I think you can go back and get her," Kevin said. "We're all done setting up."
"I see that," AJ said, eyeing the Christmas lights. "Christmas in June?"
"I did that, thank you," Nick said. "And it took me all day."
"That would be because you thought Scotch tape would hold them up," Howie muttered. "What a waste of tape and time."
"Hey! I can't help it if I'm not that smart," Nick said, slightly offended.
"Okay then," AJ said, changing the subject. "Do you want me to go get her?"
"She's at home, right?" Kevin asked.
"No, she's out in the car, blindfolded." AJ said. "Want me to get her?"
"I think that would be a good idea," Emily said. "Do it before Kevin's eye starts to twitch."
"Ooh. Yeah, I'd better go," AJ said, running out the door.
Nick looked around, confused. "So is she at home or in the car?"

"This has got to be the best birthday party ever," Chris yelled over the music. It had started out with just the seven of them, but as more people came down to the lake, more people came to the party. The good thing was that the new people were all picnickers and had their own food.

Chris looked around excitedly. There were so many from the Jive record label; heads of the label, secretaries, friends and relatives. But they own the place, so they have a right to be here at any time, Chris thought. Britney Spears was there, as well as the members of *NSYNC, who had snuck in. At least everyone was being civil.

So many artists, so much excitement. And it looked like they were all having fun, dancing and eating and socializing. Of course, some fans had come, and AJ was busy entertaining a group of them.

"Excuse me," someone said, tapping Chris on the shoulder. She turned around in surprise. One of the members of *NSYNC was standing behind her. "Are you the birthday girl?"

Chris laughed. "Yes, sir, I am. But how could you pick me out of a crowd this big?"
"There's something about the pile of opened gifts on the tables and you sitting right in the middle of them that gave me a clue. That, and you're the prettiest girl here," he said, sitting down beside her.
Chris blushed. "So even if I wasn't the birthday girl, you'd still come up and talk to me?"
The *NSYNC-er smiled. "You bet. And I would even ask you to dance."
"Oh, I'd love to, but," she said apologetically, "I only have one foot."
"You only have one foot?" he repeated. "How'd you do that?"
"Oh, wait wait wait," Chris said, laughing. "I have two feet, but only use of one. See?" She lifted her cast a bit.
"Wow! What happened?"
"I fell," Chris said, dismissively. "I'd rather not talk about it."
"Hmm. Okay. By the way," he said, extending his hand. "I'm JC."
"Chris," she said, shaking his hand.
"Cool. Alright, so do you wanna dance?"
"How?"
"I'll show you," he said, helping her stand. "We won't need to move from this spot. Well, maybe a little," he amended as he backed into a table.

Chris hopped out a little on her left foot. "So, how do you do this?"
"Well, first we should wait until the music starts," JC said.
"That would be a good idea." Just then UB40's I Can't Help Falling in Love With You came on. "Lean on me and put your weight on your good foot. I'll lead you."
Chris leaned into JC, swaying with him to the music. "So when did you break it?" he asked.
"Monday."
"Monday?! And you're up and moving?"

"Yeah, it's unreal isn't it? I guess I'm stronger than some. Or else those painkillers are energy boosters. I don't know."
Emily nudged Brian, who was talking to one of the fans. "Brian!"
"Just one second, Em," he said, holding up his index finger.
"No. Look now!" At the tone in Emily's voice, Brian turned.
"Oh, no! How'd he get in here?"
"I don't know, but you'd better break it up before AJ sees them," Emily said. "Please be calm about it."

Brian walked over to Chris and JC. It seemed innocent; they were just talking. But he didn't trust any member of that group any farther than he could throw them.
"Excuse me, but can I cut it?" Brian asked, tapping JC on the shoulder.
"Sure," Chris said. Brian slid in between Chris and JC, giving him a threatening look. "It was nice meeting you."
"You, too," JC said. "See you around." Then he disappeared into the crowd.
"I hope now," Brian muttered.
"What's wrong with you?"
"Didn't you know who he was? A rival, Chris. You have to stay from those guys."
"Brian, for crying out loud. He just asked me to dance, if you could call it that. Besides," Chris added, "you guys weren't even around."
"Just do me a favor," Brian said, softening his tone. "Promise me you won't go near any of those guys. And whatever happens, don't tell AJ. He'll flip out."
"I promise. It's not like he was that good-looking anyway."