Falling Apart©

By Meg Galganowicz

Chapter 5: Adventure of a Lifetime

Months had gone by and the pair grew closer and closer. Aly would go to class, take the notes from the lecture, come home, and sign on-line to check her email in case he had a moment to write. JC, on the other hand, was constantly checking his voicemail in hopes of receiving something form her. They were often caught playing phone tag and it took a few days planning to be able to catch each other at the right time. His time zone was constantly changing because of the touring and Aly often had big assignments or research papers to get done over a weekend. It seemed unbearable to Aly at times and she began to think they were crazy for trying something out. They had agreed on the first month or so being a sort of ‘trial’ basis, to test the waters and see what they could or couldn’t handle. Two weeks into it, however, they were inseparable.

“Yo, ‘C!”

“Yeah!” he called form the bathroom. He stared at his reflection for a moment, the loose sweatpants wrapped around his waist comfortably.

“Come ‘ere!”

He shook his head good-naturedly at the younger man’s persistence. “What Justin?”

Justin’s eyes shone and he held up a package as his lips curled into a grin. “Were you expecting anything?”

JC’s eyes widened and he advanced toward his friend to retrieve the package. Justin too a step back and shook it playfully. “J’, give me the damn box,” JC ground out evenly.

Surprised by the forceful expression on JC’s face he laughed and tossed him the box. “Damn, she’s got you hook, line, and sinker.”

“Just you wait, Curly, just you wait,” JC replied, a wry smile on his face as he flopped onto his bed. They still roomed together every so often if Chris won the single, but neither minded it much.

“Yeah, yeah. Y’all keep telling me that. Not for several years I’m tellin’ ya.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Seriously!”

“I trust you.”

“Yeah right, with that little condescending tone,” Justin defended.

JC was quiet as he opened the package and pulled out a smaller box.

“What’s in it?”

“You think I know?”

“Yes!”

“Shut up.” JC took his pocketknife from his bag and slit open the tape that held the box sealed. He flipped back two of the cardboard sides and let out a childish laugh of glee.

“What?!”

“Nothin’.”

Justin sighed and walked toward the bathroom. “Whatever.”

JC turned to watch his friend walk away and ruefully shook his head once more. “He’ll get his day,” he mumbled before pulling out his gift.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Aly awoke to her roommate, Nicki, shaking her shoulder.

“Al, come on, I know it’s Saturday, but you really have to get the door.”

“What? Why me?”

“Just get up!” Nicki exclaimed, yanking her out of bed.

Aly managed to run a hand through her hair and pull herself mildly together before reaching the open door. Her eyes widened in shock as she advanced. “Can I help you?”

“Are you Alison Grey?”

“Yes.”

“Please sign here.”

She obediently signed her name on a slip of paper and handed back the pen and clipboard. “Wow… Thank you!” Closing the door behind her she set a hug bouquet of flowers on her desk.

“I’ll give you one guess,” Nicki muttered.

“Oh hush, like Andrew is any better,” Aly teased.

“True. Well, open the damn card! What’s all the mush this time?” she pushed.

Laughing, Aly pulled the small card from the flowers and read it aloud. “Alison – couldn’t stop thinking of you last night and it kept me up. So I’m sending you these overnight to get to you by the time you get up. Good luck on that interview today, you’ll knock ‘em dead. Yours, JC.”

“Awww!”

‘Shut up!” Aly exclaimed, laughing as she slapped Nicki playfully on the shoulder. “I’m going to take a shower before my interview.”

“I’ll look after loverboy’s flowers for ya.”

“If you do anything to them you die. Kapeesh?”

“Kapeesh,” Nicki nodded.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

(Two weeks later…)

Her second semester was drawing to a close and she was starting to make plans for the following year and for the upcoming summer. It was going to be interesting to find a job, because she didn’t know if Jake had been able to hold one for her. Falling back n her bed in the late-afternoon sun she let out a soft moan of protest as images flashed through her head. She knew, without even glancing at a calendar, that it had been exactly 2 months and 3 days since she had last been able to visit him over a weekend. Their emails and phone calls were goring scarce and she hated to admit it to herself, but it seemed as if their fairytale was coming to an end. Nicki had left to visit her boyfriend at another university and she was alone for the next few days over the long weekend. The silence was beginning to kill her. CD’s and TV wouldn’t suffice unless her fiends were on, and even then her heart ached to see them smile at her again. What possibly hurt the most was that she couldn’t tell anyone about it really, and they couldn't go out in public for fear of cameras and teenyboppers. Her stomach twisted in a knot at the thought of dodging around Orlando to avoid being seen.

All the same she wasn’t going to be the one to give up. There was something irresistible about him that she could never place her finger on. “Maybe he’s just him,” she mumbled to herself, as she dozed off into another fitful sleep.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The phone rang and Aly reached and grabbed it as she turned down the volume on MTV. “Hello?”

“Hey, Al.”

“Hey, Sweetz, haven’t heard from you in awhile…” Aly watched the screen and smiled, a tingling running through to her lips when he spoke to her.

“How you been?”

“Pretty good, a little lonely, coz my roommate has been visiting her boyfriend out of town, so I’ve got the place to myself.”

JC sighed. “I’m sorry, babe.”

“You’re getting a little too mushy on me, what’s up?” she asked, concerned.

“I just really miss you. And with the tour, I’ll still be gone for another 2 or 3 months…” His voice grew quiet; he sounded almost as if he wanted to cry.

Aly sighed and closed her eyes. “I miss you too.”

“You know what, can I call you back?” he said, suddenly rushed.

“What? Yeah, sure… ” She was bewildered at his actions - and hurt.

“Alright, thanks. Talk to you in about 10 minutes, Al.”

“Bye.” Aly hung up and watched the screen again. MTV was airing an interview the boys had done a week back. She hadn’t seen it yet and turned the volume up, it was always fun to watch the familiar faces. Knowing the way their expressions might change when they were stretching the truth, or lying to save face in front of the fans.

“And the usual question!” Ananda said. “Except this time I think we actually have a different answer, or at least a suspicion. What’s up with the dating scene at the moment?”

“Still ready to mingle!” Justin cried, raising his hands over his head and grinning. The fans went wild.

“Yeah, still single here,” Joey replied.

“Same,” Lance echoed. “Not time for it in my schedule!” he pouted. Ananda winked at him playfully and switched her gaze the eldest.

“I’ve actually started seeing someone a lot, but I’m not sure how serious it’s gonna get,” Chris replied. “We’re both fairly busy with work, leaving little time for each other.”

“That’s too bad,” Ananda returned. “JC, babe, what about you?”

JC thought for a moment and glanced at the others, Lance nodded. “Actually, I’ve got a girlfriend. We’re dating exclusively now,” he trailed off, a little pink showing in his cheeks.

“Okay girls, you heard it here first, JC Chasez and Chris Kirkpatrick are off the market!”

The crowd was full of angry fans and Ananda raised her eyebrows to the group in question, as if the fans were challenging the young men.

“Hey, what about me? Chopped liver?” Justin exclaimed.

“Hey now, I’m sorry guys, but we’re out of time.”

There was a chorus of good-byes and as they walked out all the guys stopped to give a few more autographs and hugs than they might usually.

“Smart,” Aly said. “They needed to make up for bad news…….Wait a minute!” she cried. “He...I…oh God…” The phone rang and she jumped. “Hello?”

“Hey, Al, it’s me again.”

“I just watched the MTV interview,” she gasped out, shock still all over her.

“Aly? You okay?”

“Just a bit shocked is all.”

“At what?” he laughed.

“You told them you were dating exclusively for crying out loud, what is that to do for fans?”

“Whoa…calm down, hun.” He paused. “It is true though, isn’t it?” he asked quietly.

“Jez, you know it is,” she reassured him.

“Good!” he laughed. “Listen, I have something serious to ask you. What are you doing for the summer?”

“Nothing, I’ll probably call for a job in the next few days-“

“Don’t,” he interrupted.

“Why?”

“Because….I want you to come on tour with us for the summer.”

Aly almost dropped the phone. “Are you serious?” The thought of seeing him before she went to sleep and when she awoke the following morning was almost too much. If this was a tease it wasn’t one she was liking.

“Completely. I just had the idea because, well, I can’t stand not seeing you for that long. The reason I had to call you back was because I had to clear it with the manager.”

Aly fell back on the couch and closed her eyes, not saying a word.

“Al, you still there?”

“Yeah,” she replied, her voice faint.

“Will you?” he asked nervously.

“I just can’t believe you’re asking me…I’d love to.” The reply slipped from her lips without a thought to anything else.

JC was beaming on his end of the phone. “Great. You’ll have a lot of fun, I promise!”

“I’m sure I will. Just being around you more will be great.” She thought for a moment. “I’m assuming I’m going to have to fly out and meet you guys somewhere.”

“Yeah, I can get your plane tickets tonight, but when do you get out of school?”

“Next Thursday I have my last exam.”

“Great.”

“You okay?” Aly asked suddenly.

“Me? Fine, why?” he replied curiously.

“You sound like you’ve got a cold.”

“Nah, just some allergies probably.”

“JC, give the phone to Lance,” Aly said, her tone becoming stern.

“Alright, hang on.” He turned around. “Lance! Come ‘ere!”

“What?”

“Aly wants to talk to you.” JC handed Lance the phone.

“Aly?”

“Hi!”

“What’s up?”

Aly sighed. “Look after JC, will you? He sounds like he’s getting a cold.”

“Yes, Mommy.”

Aly chuckled. “Thanks.”

“But you’ll be here soon, right? I mean, JC was bouncing off the walls when management said he could bring you.”

Aly blushed on her end of the phone. “Yeah, it should be fun. But tell the guys to look out, coz I’m probably gonna end up looking after everyone.”

“Alright, even me though?”

“Especially you and JC!”

Lance laughed. “I’m gonna give JC the phone, he’s pouting.”

“Okay, see you soon.”

“Bye, Aly.”

“Al, I can look after myself!” JC whined.

She grinned. “Except that you won’t admit you’re sick and you’ll over work yourself. I’ll be keeping my eye on you when I get there.”

JC grinned with pleasure. “Good, ‘cause my eyes aren’t leaving you for a minute when you get here.”

Aly was glad they were on the phone, because she was bright red.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

(A Week later)

He rested a hand on the back of his neck as he rode up the elevator attempting to ease the stress in his muscles. They had been running from one place to another half the day and then rehearsing the other half. Popularity was great, but he was exhausted. The elevator made a small dinging noise and the doors slid open. His bodyguard stepped out in front of him and glanced around before nodding. JC began to walk down the hall with his head down, his fingers working the tense muscles as best he could.

“JC.”

“What Lonnie?” JC snapped, irritated by the disturbance of the silence of the hallway.

“Don’t get all attitude with me.”

The young man sighed distractedly. “Did you want to tell me something?” he asked, looking over at him.

“Not unless you’re blind,” Lonnie chuckled.

JC gave him a bewildered look and glanced around. “Oh my God… ” The words slipped from his lips unnoticed and a weight seemed to have been lifted off his back.

She stood with her back to him, unaware of his presence for the moment, talking to Justin about something. Against Justin’s tall stature she seemed small, almost vulnerable. But when she laughed and brushed some hair off her face all insecurity in her melted away.

He cleared his throat to prevent hoarseness and strode toward them, unaware of the boyish grin that stretched across his face. “You two getting reacquainted?” he queried as casually as he could.

With a yelp Aly jumped over and threw her arms around his neck, burying her face against his neck. Instinctually his arms held her closer to him and his head dropped to her shoulder. Justin nodded and he and Lonnie excused themselves to one of the rooms quietly, but neither Aly nor JC noticed. His left hand found its way into her hair and she heard him whimper faintly. Nothing could have prepared her for the need he expressed in that simple embrace.

Pulling back in his arms slightly Aly touched his check delicately with her fingers. “Hey.”

He swallowed hard, finding it impossible to avert his attention. Quickly tilting his head he kissed the palm of her hand before she withdrew it. “Hi.”

Aly giggled softly and felt heat rise to her neck. “Justin was telling me you guys have had a rough few days.”

“Oh yeah? I don’t remember.” He leaned forward and tenderly brushed his lips on the corner of her mouth before hugging her to him once more.

“Clingy much?” she joked.

“Mhm…” His voice was muffled in her hair and she had to smile.

“Good to see you too,” she whispered.

An hour or so later, after Aly had spent time with the group she headed back to JC and Justin’s room. Slipping the card through the door she walked in and quietly closed it behind her. “Jez?”

“He’s in the shower,” came a tired voice from around the corner.

“Hey, I thought you went to bed,” she commented, walking over to the younger man.

He shrugged, “I couldn’t get comfortable.”

“Justin, there’s not a place you can’t fall asleep, you’re almost as bad as JC.”

He chuckled and played with the hem of his T-shirt. “I guess.”

“You okay? I’ve never my Wonderboy to be the bashful type.”

“I’m fine,” he nodded quickly. “Want to watch a movie?”

Aly eyed him curiously for a moment before nodding and walking over to lounge out on his bed. Patting the space beside her she laughed, “Come on slow poke, I won’t bite.”

JC’s lips curled into a warm smile when he walked out of the bathroom. Aly was lying with her head resting on her arms next to a sprawled out Justin on the far bed. He pulled a gray wife-beater over his head and shuffled over to crouch down next to the bed. Her face was peaceful and her eyelids fluttered delicately against her cheek. Of its own accord his hand reached out and his fingertips brushed gently over her bare shoulder. Her skin was soft and he felt as if he were touching an angel.

The bed shifted and the moment was broken by a tired voice. “She’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

Unable to voice his opinion JC merely nodded. He could hear Justin, but tit was a far off sound. There was nothing else in him except the surge of life he felt when he looked at her; as if nothing could hold him back.

“Get some sleep, Big Daddy, we’ve got a long day again tomorrow.”

After a few minutes JC’s hand rested on her head and he kissed her cheek. “Al?”

She stirred but didn’t open her eyes.

Chuckling he glanced at his younger friend. “She’s as good a sleeper as we are.” Rubbing her back he tried again. “Aly, come on, you have to get into bed.”

Aly’s eyes opened slowly then shut again immediately. “No.”

Justin laughed silently. “Damn. You’ve got your hands full here with this one – I like the attitude.”

“I heard that Wonderboy.”

Heaving a great sigh, JC stood and turned her so that she was on her side and he could pick her up. Since she still refused to move he had to carry her the few feet to the other bed before setting her down. Once she was under the covers he nodded a goodnight to Justin and turned out the light. Carefully he crawled into bed and involuntarily let out a content moan as his tired body fell to the mattress. The bed was a single so he could feel her presence beside him. She suddenly moved and he felt her body directly next to him.

Through the darkness he sought her eyes desperately. Aly reached over his body and pressed her hand to his side. He took in a sharp breath and his heart raced. Though he knew what she meant he was still surprised by the excitement brought on by her touch. After so many months it was still electric. Even sleeping beside each other he found that their habits made them fit perfectly. Aly slept on her back usually and JC was more comfortable on his stomach. He now stretched out and rested his head on the pillow above her shoulder, his arm wrapping around her midsection.

Aly leant her head against JC’s and comfortably positioned her body against him. Their breathing slowed and she relaxed. “’Night J,” she whispered, her voice just audible.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

(A few days later)

Aly did a move and snapped her arms in place, a tired grin etched across her face. The music was stopped for a moment as Justin worked through a move with Lance, helping his friend out on the count. She rubbed the back of her neck and rotated her shoulders. “This is exhausting…” she commented, glancing sideways at her boyfriend.

“Tell me about it, but it looks so awesome when it’s all put together!”

“You have seen a show, haven’t you?” Joey asked, standing behind her and ruffling her hair.

She shook her head, “Only once in a mall in Germany, I told you!”

Chris let out a cry and put a hand to his forehead. “You deprived child, that is just wrong!”

“Geez I have to do something about these egos of yours,” she mumbled under her breath as the choreographer called them back. JC slipped a fleeting kiss on the back of her jaw as he passed her. “Especially you!” she cried, laughing.

They continued to dance for another hour, then Aly stepped out to get some water. JC’s eyes immediately focused on her and not his dancing. He had to catch himself before tripping over his own feet.

“JC!” Darrin barked, noticing his slip.

“Sorry!” he sighed, putting forth more effort to make up for it. His eyes were still flitting constantly to the side of the room where she stood leaning against the wall.

“Jez focus! Else I’ll go home!” she threatened, catching his gaze.

He blushed and threw himself backward at the same time Joey and Lance did for the back-flip, successfully landing upright and continuing with the count. Aly smiled and took another drink of her water. She closed her eyes and just listened to the strong bass and their voices and they pounded through the speakers that sat around the room. Each of her friends were sweaty and tired, but their faces were set in determination to get a certain combination. They had been working on Tearin’ Up My Heart for almost three hours, and it was pulling together quite well in her opinion. She herself had yet to get the moves right, but at least she could skip the back-flip. Lance was right, that might ruin her back if she made a mistake. Pulling a muscle in her back could put her out of a few tournaments that she had entered for the end of the summer.

“Get some water, you look like you’re about to collapse Justin,” Darrin ordered.

Aly pushed off the wall and went to grab his water for him. Instead she grabbed her forehead for a moment, a sharp pain radiating through it. Brushing it off she grabbed the water bottle and turned around. “Wonderboy, think quick!” she joked, tossing it at him.

He caught it quickly and grinned his thanks and he chugged down the cool liquid. Aly rested a hand on the small of her back and nodded. Glancing toward the middle of the room she found that Chris and Joey had jumped into a full-fledged wrestling match in the middle of the dance hall.

“Hey, Aly, you okay?” JC asked, putting a hand over the one on the small of her back.

“I’m fine, don’t worry about me,” she said, sliding a sly smile across her face. “I just need some rest so I think I’m gonna head back to the hotel. I didn’t sleep all that well last night,” she lied. “I’ll see you guys at dinner.”

“Okay.” JC gave her a gentle kiss before letting her go. His eyes watched her warily as she walked away from him until she was out of sight.

Aly said good-bye to Justin and Lance as she passed them, and took a taxi back to their hotel. She changed, feeling cold, and set her alarm clock. It was only 1 in the afternoon, but she didn’t want to be late for dinner. Climbing into bed, she pulled up the covers and closed her eyes. Her thoughts drifted, and she floated into dreamland.

Only a couple hours later, she awoke, feeling sick to her stomach, but too weak to get an Advil for her pounding headache. She tossed and turned, unable to get back to sleep. Aly didn’t hear the alarm when it went off at 6, and it didn’t even register that she was in a hotel room. The dim light in the room was too bright, and so she didn’t open her eyes. She shivered violently, wincing from the pain in her head.

* * *

“Aly isn’t usually late,” Joey said, standing up. “I’m going to go give the hotel a call and see if they’ve seen her leave.”

JC gave him a weak smile of thanks, though his concern was evident.

“Don’t worry, Jez,” Joey said.

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Justin cut in. “She didn’t look too good when she was heading back to the hotel.”

“Yeah, she said she was going to take a nap, saying she was tired, I’m not so sure.” JC frowned and played with the wrapper of his straw.

Joey came back a few minutes later, no smile on his face. “She hasn’t even left yet.”

“That’s it, I’m going over to see if she’s all right.”

“Mind if I join you?” Joey asked, his eyes full of almost as much worry.

“Sure.”

Joey followed JC outside and they caught a cab over to the hotel, grabbing a spare key from the front desk as they came in. Reaching her room, they knocked, but received no reply. JC took the key from Joey and opened the door, slowly walking in.

“Aly?”

No response.

The room was almost completely dark, save the light in the bathroom. He walked into the bathroom, but she wasn’t there.

“JC,” Joey called quietly from the bedroom.

JC was instantly out, and around the corner to the bedroom. When he saw Aly his face went pale. Joey was kneeling next to the bed, in which Aly was curled up. The sheets were twisted and there was a pillow on the floor next to her. He went over and sat next to her, placing a hand gently on her head. Aly stirred and squinted up at him.

“Aly, you’re burning up,” he whispered.

“I’m freezing,” she said, shivering, and coughed.

“She’s got a fever, that’s for sure,” JC said.

Aly could barely hear them talking, but her mind raced. She couldn’t be sick, they would be traveling again in the morning on the busses - being sick wasn’t an option. Joey looked anxiously at JC, who’s gaze was surprisingly steady and somewhat calming.

“I’ll run to the desk and see if they have a thermometer,” he said, quickly getting up. A couple minutes later he came back, triumphantly holding up a thermometer.

Joey took it and carefully put it under Aly’s tongue. She was sitting up a bit now, but had to lean against Joey for support. In another minute he took it back out, handing it to JC who went into the bathroom to check it.

“Not good,” he sighed. “102.”

Joey cursed silently. “Aly, why didn’t you tell us?”

Aly shook. “I . . . I couldn’t get up, I can’t even . . . sit up,” she managed to say.

Joey hugged her close, but then pulled back. He took the water and 2 Advil that JC handed to him. He helped Aly to take it then she slid back down and huddled on the bed, her head on the second pillow. JC went into the small sitting room, followed by Joey. He sat down and buried his head in his hands.

“She needs to see a doctor,” JC said quietly. “Someone her age shouldn’t have a temperature that high. Did you notice her slacking off at all this morning?”

“Yeah, why did you, too?” Joey asked, raising his head.

“Yeah, she seemed too tired to carry out way too many of the moves. It wasn’t like her.”

“So, what do you suggest we do?”

“First, call the guys, and tell them what’s going on, we’ve been gone for almost a half hour.”

“We can’t call off the dinner, cause Johnny is meeting us in,” Joey looked at his watch, “15 minutes, to discuss more scheduling.”

“I’ll stay with Aly, you go find everything out,” JC said, a wry grin on his face. Joey hesitated.

“Please, Joe. I’ll take care of her.”

“You promise?” he asked, his tone somber.

“Promise.” JC gave Joey’s shoulder a reassuring squeeze as he walked back into the bedroom. He heard the door close, and sat down in a chair opposite the bed. “Aly?” he whispered.

She opened her eyes a bit. “JC?”

“Hey, how you feelin’?” He went over and sat down next to her, brushing some hair from her face.

“Cold.”

“I know, but with a fever like that, you shouldn’t have so many blankets.”

“JC . . .” she shivered. “I’ll be okay by tomorrow, right?”

JC frowned, remembering they had to be leaving by mid-morning after the guys did a radio interview. Her eyes were bright with fever as he gazed down at her, and her skin was even paler than usual. Wrinkles at the corners of her eyes bespoke of more discomfort than she was revealing.

“Aly, something else hurts, doesn’t it?” he said, gently stroking her hand.

She coughed, then looked up at him, guilt in her eyes. Slowly, she gave him a little nod, but then looked away.

He placed a tender kiss on the tip of her nose, then said, “Why don’t we see if there’s a good movie on?”

A weak smile spread across her face, and she turned to face him. He grabbed the clicker off the top of the TV, then lay down next to her. As he put an arm around her, helping her to sit up a bit, she moved over and snuggled up against him. JC smiled to himself, and ordered a movie he knew they both loved. He settled back, and was happy to see that Aly’s breathing had settled down a bit.

An hour later, JC checked her temperature again, but it had only gone up. He made her lay down again, and placed a cold washcloth on her forehead. It was over 2 hours since Joey had left, and JC was beginning to wonder where they were. As if in his thoughts, his friend knocked lightly, then wandered in, finding JC sitting back against Aly’s bed.

He raised his eyebrows in question to JC. JC shook his head, and Joey’s face fell even more-if it was possible. He walked over and ran a finger along Aly’s hand that lay next to her. She stirred and looked up at him.

“Hey there.”

“Superman,” she choked out. A fairly weak smile spread across her face, and she turned her hand over in his.

JC took the washcloth from her forehead and replaced it with another damp one. “I’m going to go take a shower, okay?”

“Thanks,” Aly said, turning to him.

“I won’t be gone long, just listen to Joe.” He winked at her before heading off to his own room.

Joey put a hand to Aly’s cheek, and she closed her eyes, burying her face in his touch. “You’re still warm.”

Aly started to say something, but coughed instead. She looked up at Joey with sad pleading eyes, and a soft, single tear fell down her cheek.

“Al, you’ll be okay, don’t worry,” he soothed, reaching over and brushing her tear away.

“I love you,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. Aly reached up and put her arms around his neck.

Joey gave in to a few tears that brimmed his eyes as he wrapped his arms around her. “I love you, too, Aly,” he replied, tenderly stroking her back as he cradled her back and forth.

JC came back about a half-hour later, changed and showered - his hair still damp. He hadn’t bothered to blow-dry it, he just wanted to get back to Aly. When he came in he saw Joey kneeling in front of her on the floor, grinning. He made a funny face and she let out a soft chuckle, then coughed. JC sighed and leaned against the doorframe watching the pair. They were obviously incredibly close. Closer than Aly and I? He wondered to himself.

Joey saw his friend and leaned over to whisper something softly in the young woman’s ear. “I’ll see you tomorrow sweetcakes, alright? You’ve got a jealous boyfriend that’s watching me right now.” He sat back and grinned at the expression on Aly’s face.

She was finally smiling. Turning on her back she saw JC. “Hi…”

“Hey,” he whispered, standing up straight.

“Goodnight Al, see you in the morning.” Joey kissed her forehead and walked past JC, patting his shoulder.

“’Night Joe,” JC replied, nodding to him in thanks.

Aly gazed at him, watching as his eyes closed tightly for a moment, then reopened. She could see the tears he fought for some reason, and the concern that formed in wrinkles around his mouth and eyes. “Come here,” she pleaded, holding out a shaky hand.

JC sat down next to her on the bed and kissed her hand. “How you feeling?”

“Not too much better…”

He shook his head, “I’m sorry, Al, I wish there was something I could do.”

“Hey, you’re not a doctor, don’t worry so much, hun. I’ll be fine…soon.” Her voice was weak and strained, scratchy from her sore throat. “Would…would you sing for me?” she asked timidly, glancing down at her hand, which lay in his.

JC gave her a laughing smile. “Any requests my lady?” he asked, stretching out on the bed next to her, propping himself up on one elbow.

“Richard Marx,” she said softly, closing her eyes.

He nodded and hummed a light intro. “I was never alive, till the day I was blessed with you. When I hold you late at night, I know what I was put here to do.” JC lovingly stroked the side of her face with his thumb as he continued. As he reached the chorus a second time his voice wavered as he fought to gain control of the tears that burned from deep within. He wanted to cry out and hold her close away from the world all at the same time. The sweet, innocent eyes that he longed to gaze into were tired and sickly, her smile gone, and her complexion pale and worn. “I’m here close enough, to kiss the tears you cry. And I will sing my angel’s lullaby.”

He gently rubbed her back, as she finally fell asleep. Quietly, he pulled up a chair and sat watching her, for hours he sat and watched as she took short and shallow breaths. It scared him to see her that way. Aly was always such a healthy person, it didn’t make sense to him. JC sighed and couldn’t fight his drooping eyelids any longer. He fell asleep, still watching her to be sure that she didn’t wake up.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

The following morning JC had to force himself to climb out of bed and stretch his tense muscles. He absentmindedly pulled on a pair of warm-up pants and a baggy sweatshirt as he stumbled toward the knocking that came from the door.

“What?” he queried groggily.

“Get dressed and be downstairs in ten minutes.”

“Excuse me?”

“I’ve been pounding on this damn door for ten minutes, JC. Your cute little butt is about to be severely late – again.”

“Lonnie…” JC’s tone changed to frustration.

Lonnie put up a hand. “Don’t say it. Look, jump in the shower and I’ll throw some of your stuff together, alright?”

Nodding, JC left the door open for his friend to come in and strolled into the bathroom. Ten minutes later he was out and refreshed only to panic when he glanced around the clean, empty room. “Lonnie!” he barked loudly.

A head came through the door from the hallway and glared at him. “You called.”

“Where is she?”

“She?”
JC stared coldly at the older man and took a step closer. “I’m exhausted and not feeling that great, don’t start playing games with me.”

“Yo, ‘C, let’s go, we’re all waiting on you,” Justin jumped in, coming around the corner. He walked into the room and grabbed a few things before pushing the brown-haired-wonder out the door as Lonnie shut it behind them.

“Get your hands off me!”

“Would you chill out! Geez…talk about over-protective.” Justin scrunched up his nose in distaste and added, “She’s down on the bus already.”

Ignoring the trio – including Mike, JC headed for the elevator to go down to the lobby and then find his way to the bus. Lonnie caught the arm of his charge and chuckled. “You are in way over your head in this one…”

“Why does everyone keep implying that they know something I don’t?” JC exclaimed.

“Simple,” Justin replied, grinning cheekily. He’d obviously had several bowls of Apple Jacks already – courtesy of Mike no doubt.

“We do,” Mike finished, suppressing a grin.

JC let an impatient moan and followed them down and out to the bus. The humid air hit him with a stifling blow and he coughed a few times. Anxious to get to the bus he didn’t stop for autographs, merely waved and smiled generously at the fans that were gathered. When he finally stepped up on the bus his eyes scanned the area. “Joe?”

The man turned around and raised his eyebrows in question.

“Where. Did. She. Go?” he asked, spacing his words.

Joey motioned over his shoulder and continued to put a few things away as his bandmate brushed past. He could see the bags that had begun to deepen under his eyes, but there was also an eminent bounce to his step that was the cause of only one thing.

JC caught his next breath in his throat as he paused at the doorway and saw her, curled up in a blanket and staring at the floor. Her bag was dropped haphazardly on the couch next to her and she seemed even more tired. “Alison?”

Her head turned to the side and she peered up at him. “Hey Jez…”

Crossing over he placed a kiss on her forehead and knelt down in front of her. “How are you feeling?”

“Not great,” she replied softly.

“Anything I can get you?”

“We wouldn’t happen to have a heat pack here would we?”

He thought a moment. “Let me check, be right back.” A few minutes later he came back, just as they started to pull away from the hotel. “Here you go.” His hands cradled a warm heat pack fresh from the microwave. The tone of his voice had dropped and she noticed how his right eye would twitch occasionally.

“Thanks.” Aly lay down on the couch and stretched out, placing the pack on her stomach gently. “My Dad used to give me one when I was little, told me it calmed the butterflies in my stomach.” Her voice was soft and he barely heard the melancholy whisper. JC tucked the blanket in around her and brushed the hair from her face sensitively with his big fingers.

Lying down in his bunk, JC closed his eyes and prayed for sleep to overtake his tired body. His mind was racked by unknown feelings that he had plummeted into and his body screamed out against the workouts they had been through recently. Touring wasn’t easy, that was for sure, but there was one thing that kept him going – a dream. Emotions and his mind counter-acted and he was left more tired than he should have been. But one glance in her direction and his heart sped up, a tense resistance in his muscles built up, and he couldn’t tear his eyes away.

The drive was long enough so that he got several hours sleep before rolling out of his bunk and rubbing his eyes sleepily. Wandering toward the front of the bus he grabbed something to drink and sat down next to Joey.

“Hey Sleepy.”

“Hey Joey, what’s up?”

Joey shrugged, “Not much I guess. You were out cold there for awhile.”

“Much needed,” JC mumbled. “She feeling any better?”

“Not that I know of. Last I checked on her she was barely staying asleep.”

Rubbing his eyes desperately he stood up and shuffled along till he reached the back of the bus. Lance was talking on his phone quietly and nodded to JC when the young man entered. Justin was probably out cold and Chris was up in front playing with a hand-held video game of some sort. Aly still lay on the couch, huddled against the pillows. Walking over he leaned over and brushed his lips against her forehead, pausing ever so slightly before pulling back.

“What am I gonna do, Alison?” he whispered softly, his words reaching no further than her ears.

She stirred slightly and her eyes fluttered open and rested on him. The bags under his eyes were still there and there was concealed pain that showed in his eyes only. Forcing a week smile she burrowed deeper into the blanket and snuggled against the pillow that one of the guys had loaned to her. JC couldn’t stand seeing her so sick, even more so the thought of leaving her alone. Brushing a hand over her hair gently he stood up and walked back to grab something from his bunk. Settling down a few feet from Chris he dialed a number that was scrawled across a torn piece of paper.

The line rang a few times before someone picked up. “Hello?”

“Yes, Jake please?”

“Just a second.”

Must have been Riley.

“Yeah?”

The voice was tired, and he could only echo it with a pained sigh. Closing his eyes he spoke in a lost tone. “Jake it’s JC.”

“Hey, what’s up?”

“Are you going to be home for the next week or so?”

“Of course, why? Is everything okay?”

Chris watched carefully from the corner of his eye as JC let out a shuddering breath and he replied, “I’m sending Aly home.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Aly slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. “I’m sorry, Jez.”

“Shh… Don’t be.” He stroked her hair gently, rocking her back and forth as he held her tightly. His eyes were shut and he refused to give in to the fear that almost overwhelmed him. “You just get better, okay? The steward is going to keep an eye on you ‘til you find Jake on the other end.”

Aly nodded as she let out a plaintive sigh. “I’m gonna miss you.”

JC bent his head forward and let his forehead fall to her shoulder helplessly. His voice was low and rough, but melted over her ears before he pulled away. “I love you.”

She stood in front of him, gazing in disbelief at the words that had tumbled from his lips with such ease. He never took it lightly, she knew that, but she began to wonder if he was caught up in the moment. JC didn’t give her another second to doubt. A sly smile spread across his face and he nodded toward the steward that waited several feet away.

“Go on, they’re waiting.”

“That’s suppose to be my line,” she managed.

He smiled as she turned and walked away. They never said goodbye anymore, because it was a way of making sure that within a day they would speak to each other again. His eyes locked on her retreating figure and as she disappeared around the corner the words effortlessly slipped once more, rolling over his tongue like ecstasy. Love you. This was going to be a new experience for the both of them, but they would test the waters together.