"So let me get this straight. You're suppossed to pretend to be Miss Model for the day so they can do their video thing, right?" Kat paced in front of the small door.
"Yup. Can you hand me that new set of clothes, Kat? They're on the couch."
Kat tossed the clothes inside the door and resumed her pacing. "And you almost kissed Justin."
Melissa smiled as she closed her eyes in thought of the near kiss. "Yes."
Kat continued her ramble. "And they got you wearing girly clothes."
Melissa pulled dress down a little and stepped out the trailer bathroom and shut the door. "Pretty much yeah. Does this look right to you?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Kat said dismissing the new thought. "This is coming from a girl who only wears dresses to weddings, funerals, and barmitsvahs. This is also coming from a girl who once said she rather drink motor oil then become intimate with Justin Timberlake. This is also coming from a girl who said she rather run naked around in Siberia than be another dumb pretty-faced model. " Kat breathed in heavily. "WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?! Has the whole world gone mad? Has hell finally froze over? I leave for two weeks and everybody becomes abducted by aliens!"
Melissa grabbed her sister by the shoulders. "Breathe Kat. Inhale and exhale. Good. Nothing has changed. I still rather wear sweatpants then a dress and I'm not a model. I'm just helping out some close friends."
"And the Justin factor?"
"Justin and I are...friends and-and nothing more." Melissa picked at an invisible thread on the dress. "We're friends...I swear. He is just my friend." Melissa looked down at her toe nails which were now painted a pretty shade of baby blue.
Kat crossed her arms and smirked. "Who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?"
Melissa frowned. She always hated when her sister was right. She always liked to rub it in...
" Last shots of the day, you guys!" Wayne Isham yelled into the trailer waking up Justin and JC who were falling asleep in their respected corners. Each of the guys had gotten their well-deserved hour of sleep being that they had been up since yesterday. It was the least that Jive could do.
JC glanced at his watched and sighed grumpily. "You mean last shots of the morning." He stood up and yawned at glanced at Justin. "Well, are you coming?"
Justin snuggled into the pillow. "Nope. Tell Wayne I quit. Get Nick Carter. He likes to overpromote himself anyways..."
"And have him whining all over the place? Hell no. I've met the boy. He's worse than you are." Justin nodded sleepily. JC took his pillow and whacked him on the head. "Wake up, dude!"
"Ow! That hurt. I'm going to tell Johnny you're abusing me again." Justin pouted rubbing his curls. He walked out of the trailer shutting the door behind him.
"Who would he believe? Being that you're the one who put those trick candles on his birthday cake last month and almost set fire to his house. He's already hostile toward you."
Justin widened his eyes in shock. "You're evil JC. Does anyone else know?"
He shrugged and gave an evil cackle. "Who? Little ol' me?"
"Bannana-nana-fo-fana-"
"Shut-up, Chris."
"-Mi-my-mo-mana-"
"SHUT-up, Chris."
"-Bannana!"
"SHUT YOUR YAPPER YOU BIG UGLY DORK! Before my sister no longer has a boyfriend. At least not a living one." Melissa raged over him give him the evilest stare she could muster up this early in the morning. "Honestly, I can't see why Kat didn't go out with that guy from the Backstreet Boys. Sure he's old but at least he's quiet!"
"Hey! I resent that. I may be ugly, but I'm no dork!" Chris gave her a self satisfied smile and a smug nod. "And I am not Backdoor Boy."
Melissa looked at him with pure astonishment. "What? Do you breathe dumbness or take pills? How do you sleep at night?"
"On the biggest bed you've ever rocked the casaba in, with all my money, and of course with Kat. She makes the greatest little bed warmer you know..."
Melissa jumped up and covered her ears. "Too un-pure. TMI. I need no information about you and my sisters sex life. Whatever evilness you two create is none, and let me stress that, NONE of my buisness! Not that I would ever want to know. Ewww..."
Chris got up and danced around Melissa mocking her. "What's the matter Mel? Do you hate it when I say sex? Do you hate the word sex? Huh?"
"Shut-up, Chris."
"Sex in the morning-"
"Shut it."
"-Sex in the evening-"
"Shut your mouth."
"Sex, sex, sex!" Chris replied in a sing-song voice.
"THAT'S IT!!! I can't take this anymore! I need sleep and obviously I not going to get it around you. God I hate you, Chris." Melissa stood up and walked to towards the trailer door.
Chris pouted. "You don't love me anymore? But why?"
"Because you're you." And with that Melissa walked out of the trailer leaving Chris alone with his thoughts.
She walked closer towards the water and she could see that the cameras were shooting Justin. She could here strains of music as she got closer.
When the visions around you,
Bring tears to your eyes.
And all that surround you,
Are secrets and lies.
Melissa sat in a chair nearby watching him intently as he gave his heart out. He had such a look of love and adoration on his face, that it made her sigh.
I'll be your strength.
I'll give you hope.
Keeping your faith when its gone.
The one you should call,
When standing here all along.
She always liked to watched Justin sing. He sang so beautifully with all the passion he could muster. When he sang, his facial features were so intent on telling the story of the music and giving the message of the song that sometimes it made her want to jump up and sing along with him. Justin was born to be a singer. Melissa couldn't imagine him being anything else. Nothing could ever fit him as well as this did.
-----Flashback----Summer, 1992
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Justin asked, turning over towards her.
They were swinging on a hammock that hung between two oak trees at Grandma Timberlake's ranch house. Justin's question had disturbed the peaceful silence the two had been sharing for the past hour.
Melissa turned to face him. "You were awake?"
"Yeah."
"This whole time? I though you were asleep. You weren't saying anything."
"I was just thinking about things."
"For that long? Is something wrong with you?"
"No. I'm fine. I can keep quiet for awhile you know. Besides, you haven't answered my question. What do you want to be when you grow up?"
Melissa sat back as the hammock swayed slightly. She gave a rehearsed answer. "I want to be an ice skater. You know...the thing I on the ice. My coach says I'm getting reall good."
Justin sighed. She was lying again. "I said, what do you want to be when you grow up?"
Melissa looked at him shocked. "How could you tell?"
"I just know. Besides you complain so much about going to practice that its obviously not what you what you want. So what is it?"
Melissa leaned back and thought. She had never told anyone about it. It was sort of her secret. "I want to be an artist."
Justin jumped up. "I knew it! I knew it! You can't lie to me. You're so good at drawing and painting stuff that I knew you didn't want to skate." Justin paused calming down. "How come you wouldn't tell me?"
"What?"
"How come you wouldn't tell me? We never keep secrets away from each other."
Melissa picked at the netting on the hammock. "Well.."
"Well, what?"
"Well I thought you would think it was kind of... stupid."
Justin looked at her. "I'd never think anything you'd like is stupid. Being an artist is cool. Its a way of expressing yourself. Besides if you're an artist, than I won't have to go to anymore of those stupid skating competitions. They're the worst thing ever."
"Besides cleaning your room?"
"Worse than that."
Melissa laughed leaning against Justin. "I hate them too. Those dresses we have to wear suck."
"Lets promise never to hide things from each other from now on. Whatever you have to say, just say it to me. I'll always understand you. That's what best friends are for, remember? Pinky swear?"
She wrapped her pinky around his tightly. "Pinky swear."
"Good." He leaned back on the hammock. "You already know what I'm going to be. I'm going to be a performer. Dancing, singing, acting-everything!"
"You're going to be bigger than New Kids On the Block." The girl tried to hold back a giggle.
"That's not funny. And I am! I'm going to be a great performer. Not some lip-syncing boyband. And I'm going to be rich and famous. You too. You're going to be a famous artist. Known all over the world."
"Like Monet."
Justin turned to her. "Who?"
"Don't worry about it."
He continued. "Me and you will live together in a big mansion, and everybody will know of us. Everybody going to try to be like us. But they can't. Cause we're too cool."
"That's right."
" You'll draw pictures of me and people will buy them. We'll be even richer. Then Trace will probably come work for me."
"Do we have to bring Trace into this? He's a dork. I like it better just the two of us."
Justin shook his head. "Trace is cool. You just have to get used to him. You have to admit it was pretty funny when he bought you those flowers for Valentine's Day."
"Yeah, it was even funnier when I flushed them down the toliet. Tell you'e creepy friend to back off. I don't like him. I never will."
Justin shook his head. "Anyways, everything will be perfect. We'll be the most badass people on the planet!"
"Didn't your mother tell you not to say badass?" Melissa reminded him.
"Yeah. But she isn't here, is she?"
"Good point."
The two sat in silence as it fell upon them. The hammock swayed a little faster creating a soft lull of peacefulness around the two friends.
"Are you going to come to my first show? When I become a performer? Like my first big concert?"
Melissa stared at him. "Of course. I wouldn't miss it for the world. I'll even get a couple of girls to scream for you."
"You promise?"
"Always."
Justin grabbed her hand in his. "You're my best friend, Lissa. Forever."
"Me too, Justin. Forever."
------End Flashback------
Melissa remembered that day as if it were yesterday. Somethings never change. She looked over to where Justin was still singing. Somethings did change. Feelings change. She couldn't deny that.
And I will take you in my arms,
And hold you right where you belong.
Till the day my life is through,
This I promise you.
She let the soft music drift her off to a peaceful slumber.
"Last scene you guys!"
"Thank you, god!" Chris jumped up and down. "I never thought I say this, but I'm sicked and tired of this damn beach!"
"Amen!" Lance cheered from the make-up chair. "Videos suck."
"Don't let Making the Video here you say that." Kat took a swig from Chris' water-bottle. "They might become disgruntle."
Chris stood up in front everybody. "Well, Making the Video can kiss my lil' white-"
"Chris..."
"Ugh, fine. But they are bothering the hell out of me. They're worst that Never-Leave-Steve and Joey combined."
"Hey!" Joey pouted. "That hurt, man."
JC came up to the two of them. "He does have a point. Besides, you don't even video tape us, anyway. I've seen your tapes. Most of them are of Kat."
"Joey, are you coming on to my woman?" Chris gave him the evil eye.
"Noooo...."
"And have you even noticed that camera guy over there? I swear you camera people are all alike. He's been video taping Melissa all day long. Its like he's watching porno."
Justin came up JC. "What?! What the hell? Where is that camera guy? He's fired, who ever the hell he is..."
"Speaking of, where is Mel?" Joey looked around the site a little. "I haven't hit on her for a while, now."
"Guys, you ready?" Wayne asked them.
"What's the scene?"
"Oh, final shot of the video." He flipped through his clipboard. "The Kissing scene." He winked at Justin. "Make it a good one," he said laughing as he walked over to the camera crew.
All eyes turned to Justin.
Justin turned red and crossed his arms indignantly. "What? Its no big deal. Just a quick one and thats it."
Kat raised an eyebrow skeptically. With what Melissa told her, Justin must be a bottle of jumping Mexian beans inside. She had to admire his attempt to look calm, though.
"It is!" Justin turned to each one of them nodding furiously. He was met with skeptical looks once again. "Fine! I'll ask an expert!" He grabbed his cell phone and quickly dialed a number.
"Oh, hey Just! Whats up? How's the shoot?"
"No time for chit-chat, Brit. I need to ask you something."
Britney sighed and pulled back her hair. "Fine. No need being curtious to people. I mean, saying hello to folks is no big deal in America."
"Whatever. Anyways, if I were to kiss Melissa, would it change anything? I mean it really wouldn't matter right?"
Britney stared at the phone. Then she laughed. And laughed. And laughed some more.
Justin smiled at the awaiting crowd. "See? She's laughing. It doesn't matter."
"OF COURSE it matters, Justin! Have I taught you nothing over the years? You and Mel obviously care for each other more than you think if its giving you so much grief. Kissing her can either cause you happiness or...it can cause you heartache."
Justin sat down. Reality really was a bitch. "Thanks for your advice, Brit. You've been a real help."
"You're welcome. But if that was a sarcastic comment, you can kiss my bum. So anyways what brought on this question? And can you please explain what you and Melissa are planning to do with MTV or something? Melissa can be such a cliffhanger sometimes.."
"Are you coming to the party? Next week?"
"Of course. Me, Mel, and Coral have this girls night thing planned out. So, explain?"
"Not now, Brit. I've got to go. I'll talk to you later. Bye."
"Justin Timberlake don't you hang up on me either!"
"Bye, Brit." Justin shut off his cell phone and stared at the ground. He could make up all the excuses that he wanted, but the truth was staring him right in the face. He needed to except it.
The people around him took that as a cue to leave him alone. He needed some time to think.
Back in California, Britney stared at the dead line. Her friends could be such pricks...
"So, are you ready?" Wayne came up to Justin, patting him on the back. He knew about the whole confusion over the kiss thing, and wanted to help set Justins mind at ease.
Justin cracked a small smile and nodded. "As ready as I'll ever be, I guess."
"Great. By the way, have you seen Melissa? We haven't found her yet and we're about ready to shoot."
"I'll go get her. She's probably talking to Kat or something. You know how girls are." Justin walked at little ways down, checking in between the make-up and wardrobe trailers. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen her since the last take and that was about 3 hours ago. Suddenly his heart raced with fear. What if that horny camera guy caught up with her or something? He walked a bit faster, now a little bit worried. He was a guy and he knew how guys could act. Especially with a beautiful girl like Melissa. They just couldn't take no for answer.
He rounded another corner nearly knocking into a lady who arms were loaded with costumes. After apologizing profusely he continued his search. He looked for a little while longer and still didn't find her. He was about to call for his security guard, Mike, and go ape shit, but he finally spotted her curled up in a chair sleeping behind one of the set trailers. He sighed, relieved that she didnt seem to be in any harm.
He came up to her, careful not to make any sudden movements that might disturb her peaceful slumber. She had a dreamy expression and a small smile played upon her lips. The sight made his own lips curl up into a smile. Her face shimmered with innocence and beauty. He reached out ran a finger down her face, feeling the soft smooth skin tingling his thumb. "Melissa..." He called out to her softly, but she still did not stir. He wrapped his arms around her neck and waist, lifting her up from the chair and walked over to Wayne. On the way there, she woke up, yawning a little.
"Justin? Where are we going?"
He still detected the sleepy tone in her voice and talked to her quietly. "We have to do the last shot for the video, sweetheart."
She yawned again, closing her eyes. "Okay. And don't call me sweetheart."
When he saw Wayne, he walked over to him, Melissa still in his arms. Wayne sent him a questioning look, but didn't speak loudly. "Is she alright?"
"Yeah, she's just tired. She isn't used to this normally like the rest of us."
"Well, just get her to do the scene and everybody can get out of here, so we can all sleep."
Justin nodded and took a deep breath. It was either now or never and most of the people around him preferred now.
Behind the set, JC could see Justin standing in front of the cameras. "Shh, guys, they're about to start."
"Do you really think he'll do it?" Lance knew Justin and he rather step on hot coals naked than do something to jeprodize his friendship with Melissa.
Kat shook her head. "I don't know. We'll just have to find out and see."
Justin stood there and he could almost feel everyone's eyes on him. As if he didn't have enough pressure on his back already. He had to do this. Not just for the video, but for himself. He just had to know about Melissa feelings for him.
"Lissa, you're going to have to stand up for me." He whispered into her ear. She slid down, putting her feet on the ground. He slid his arms around her waist once again pulling her close. He deepened his voice, feeling her body up against his. "Come and dance with me, Lissa."
Wayne signaled for the music to start and for the cameras to roll.
They swayed in beat to the music. Melissa's eyes were still closed. Justin couldn't tell if she really was awake or not. He looked at her face, staring down at the girl, the woman, who had given him happiness over the years. The person who had been there for him through all the rough times, the good times, and the in-between. Without realizing it, he had already given his heart to her, through friendship, and now through love. He stopped moving with her and inhaled deeply. He slid his shaky hands up her arms, causing her to shiver. When his hands finally rested upon her face, he cupped her chin without a moments hesitation. Justin leaned over, closing his own eyes, and brought his lips to hers.
Chris stared at the monitor with his eyes wide and his jaw slack. "I can't believe he did it. He really did it."
Melissa gasped when she felt a pair of lips on hers. She hadn't been really awake until now. She opened her eyes and shocked to see Justin standing in front of her.
Justin knew her kiss would be soft. But he wasn't expecting anything like this. They were soft like satin on silk dancing on feathers. From the moment he touched her he felt himself tingle deep within. The whole world was at a stand still and only the two of them existed. Nothing else matter except the feel of her kiss.
He broke away looking down at her. "Do you want me to stop?" He whispered gently to her. She shook her head, her face in a daze. "Good." And with that he brought his head down back to hers.
The first kiss had been gentle with a slight hesistation. The second was anything but gentle. It was electrifying, full of passion that had been stirred deep inside their hearts. He wrapped a free hand around her waist bringing her even closer. Every part of his body could feel it. To them the temperature had been turned up 100 degress. He groaned deep into her mouth, wanting more of the sweet hotness. He was shocked to find her deepening the kiss. He couldn't take this much longer without it becoming, well more than the people around them needed to see.
Melissa's knees felt weak and almost slipped out of the grasp. But he was there to support her, keeping her up to him, not wanting to let go. The kiss for the video was long over. It had turned into something that they both had been longing for but had kept inside over the years.
"Is it just me, or are they turning freaky up there?" Joey looked at them with amazement. He had to give it to Justin. The boy had skills that nobody could mess with.
"Nope, I can see what you're seeing, and I see that this has turned NC-17." Kat whispered to him back.
"Yeah," JC, Chris, and Lance nodded in agreement.
Finally, Justin couldn't take it anymore. It was just too much for him. He slowly broke away from her. His lips were swollen and his face had flushed red. He expected her to say something to him, to at least comment on what had happened. But he didn't expect what happened next.
Her mouth opened to say something, but then she closed it. She started to back away from him.
Justin shook his head at her. "No, Melissa, no." He tried to grab her arm to bring her back but she jerked it away from him.
She spoke to him softly, her voice shaky and her eyes filling up with tears. "Don't touch me. Ever. Just, don't." She turned away from him and ran off the set towards the beach parking lot. Away from him.
The whole entire crew was quiet. Nobody dared to say anything. They were too shocked themselves. The two of them had created a magic that they had never seen before.
Justin never thought before that it was actually physically possible for a person to feel his heart and blood stop flowing and pumping.
Now he knew better.