Chapter 8

Melissa sat down on her stool, throwing on a paint-stained t-shirt. She took out her portable CD player and turned the volume up loud, so the angry rants of Cyndi Lauper blasted through her headphones. Then she laid down her paintbrushes and watercolor's on the stand next to her and stared at her blank easel. She sighed when nothing came to her. Unfortunately her mind seemed to be as blank as her painting. Since she had spent all afternoon frolicking with Justin and the better part of her night cramming for her Calc final, she was determined to put in a few good hours today on her artwork. It sucked that she still had Justin on the brain. Melissa snorted to herself. She had picked a wonderful time to fall in love with her best friend. She just hoped she wouldn't fail in the process.

"Ms. Brown?"

Melissa took off her headphones and swiveled around to where her new age art professor was standing. "Yes, Dr. Lindley?"

"There's a phone call for you in the main office."

Her brow furrowed in confusion, but was glad for the interruption. At least now she had a reason to not do anything. As she passed by, her professor laid a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"And also, when you're finished, I'd like to have a word with you in my office, please," Dr. Lindley added.

Melissa nodded slowly a small lump forming in her throat. She could only imagine what she wanted to talk about. She hadn't really meant to fall asleep last week when Dr. Lindley was giving a lecture on renaissance art. Her mind was still reeling over the possible topics of conversation when she reached the main office and the secretary handed a phone over to her. "H-hello?"

"Little sister, do you know how hard it is to reach you in the morning?" a familiar voice rang out perkily to her.

"Kat? Why are you calling me?" Melissa asked, with a surprised look on her face.

"Nice talking to you too, Mel. Oh yes, I am doing wonderful this morning. Thank you for asking."

Melissa rolled her eyes. "You know, you could have always called me on my cell phone. Not that I really care, but you probably went through a lot of trouble to get this number."

"Uh, you might want to check your phone before using it. I seriously doubt it's on to begin with."

Melissa looked at her belt loop where her phone hung and sure enough the blasted thing was turned off. She blushed to herself. "Shut-up."

Kat laughed. "Yeah, uh-huh. I'm the smart one in this family, all right. Anyhow, I had no intention of contacting your annoying little butt until your birthday, but the little infant came into my office this morning during one of his dancing breaks. You know those things Wade is required to give them, but never does? Right, anyways, he said he couldn't reach you all morning on your phone and was worried, being the little infant he is, and wanted me to try. So being the beautiful and nice person I am, I took time out of my tour planning schedule to call you, dear sister of mine."

"Five bucks says that you've done nothing all morning and hid in your office to suffice Johnny and only took breaks to go molest Chris in some broom closet somewhere," Melissa replied with a cocky grin.

"Damn. You know me to well. Speaking of my hot little sugar bear, here he comes now."

Melissa cringed when she heard the obvious lip smacking and porn like talking in the background. "I'm still on the phone, you know."

"Shush you. You're lucking he brought the infant with him, otherwise I wouldn't even bother letting Justin in my office. Then where would you be?"

"Uh, maybe at class, where I'm supposed to be in right now? Put Just on the phone, Kat, before I tell mom who stole all her condoms when Chris came to visit last Christmas."

"Who told you that?!"

The younger sister giggled. "You just did. I had my suspicions, but you just gave yourself away."

"What did you do to Kat?" Justin asked finally getting on the phone, when Kat finished threatening her. "She yanked Chris out of her office muttering about the deaths of little sister's everywhere."

"Just a little seasons greetings. What do you need, Just?" Melissa said twisting the phone cord around her finger at the sound of his voice.

"I was just wondering if you got the whole babysitter thing set up for tonight for Jon with that lady's daughter. My mom was concerned."

"Ms. Shaffer? Oh yeah, everything's great. Her daughter Chelsea was ecstatic to say the least. Dude, she almost fainted when I just mentioned your name, let alone when I told her what you wanted her to do."

Justin gave a fake sigh. "I guess I have that effect on people, huh?"

"Nausea isn't an effect Justin. It's what girls would feel after they've had to see you wake up in the morning," Melissa said with a small laugh. "Oh, shit, Just. I got to get back to class," she said after looking after her watch.

"Nooo!" Justin whined. "Wade let me come here to talk to you and if we stop talking Wade's going to make me do Space Cowboy five times. I'm not going to be able to dance tonight!"

"Oh Jesus, what a crime. You'll save yourself from making an ass of yourself on the dance floor," Melissa chortled as the secretary at the desk gave her nasty looks. Bitch.

"No, you don't understand Lissa. Wade's evil! Danny called in sick and Wade's making us run through the show 10 times! You have to keep on talking! You-

Melissa rolled her eyes when she heard random scuffling between Justin and Wade. "Hello?"

"Hi there Mel. Justin can't come to the phone right now because he has to run through "Space Cowboy" AND "It's Gonna Be Me" 12 times now," Wade cackled evilly.

"Damnit!" Justin exclaimed, in the background.

"Don't kill the boy, now. He still has to pay the bills for next month. After that, you could break his legs off for all I care," Melissa replied.

"Ha ha. I knew I always liked you. See you later."

Melissa smiled and hung up the phone. Her short conversation with Justin had brightened up her demeanor. She whistled a jaunty tune and she walked back towards the art room and her smile slowly fell off her face. She had forgotten that her professor still had wanted to discuss something with her. Teacher interactions had always broken down her confidence shield, that and sometimes Justin. It was usually more of the former than the latter. Nonetheless, her hand was a little shaky when Melissa turned the knob of the door of Dr. Lindley's office.

Dr. Lindley gave her soft smile. "Please have a seat, Mrs. Brown."

Melissa sat down nervously and twiddled her thumbs. She knows! Stupid Justin. Maybe if he had given me a chance to actually go to sleep that night, I wouldn't have totally zonked out during her…thingy.

"I'd like to talk about your latest art work," Dr Lindley said finally, slipping off her black rimmed glasses.

A whoosh of relief ran through her like a deflated balloon. "Oh god. I thought I was failing or something."

"Oh no, quite the contrary. You see, every year I have that one student that catches my eye, that one person who I think who can actually go somewhere with art in their life. Not like some washed over new-age Monet. I feel that you are person, Melissa. Your last few pieces have been extraordinary and I think that you are one of my most talented students that I've seen in a long time. You have a gift, my dear. One that should be shared and felt by the world."

Melissa gaped at her teacher. "Wh-what?"

Dr. Lindley gave a small laugh. "What? You thought I was going to fail you or something? Just because you fall asleep in my class doesn't mean I think you don't have any talent."

Melissa blushed and gave her an inquisitive look. "Do you think they're really that good?"

Dr. Lindley reached into her desk drawer and pulled out a brown envelope, handing it over to her. "Do you think I waste my time on someone who I don't think will go anywhere? Of course not. In fact, that's what I called you in here today. A colleague of mine in New York is opening an art gallery next month and is looking for some new fresh work. I think he'd enjoy having you apart of his show."

For the second time this morning, Melissa's mouth gaped open. With shaky fingers she took the package and read it's contents. They looked extremely valid. She looked up at her smiling professor. "I don't know…what to say. For once in my life I have nothing to say."

"Say you'll get to work on that final of yours," Dr. Lindley replied. "A picture can tell a 1000 words."

"Justin!"

Justin's hand slipped and razor nicked his cheek. He winced inwardly. "Yeah, Lissa?"

"Do you have any towels in your bathroom? Like the big wrap around ones?"

Justin reached into the hamper next to him and pulled out some towels. As he walked towards the door that adjoined his and Melissa's he frowned. Jonathan was lying on his bed, sulking towards the television. When Justin had told his little brother earlier about his plans, the 6 year-old hadn't taken the news very well. He had basically ignored Justin for the rest of the afternoon and refused to do anything. "Jonathan, you better be in that bathtub when I come back. The babysitter is going to be here any minute now and I don't want her to deal with giving you a bath."

Jonathan scowled in reply. "I'm not a baby, Jussin."

Justin rolled his eyes and walked into Melissa's room. He rapped on the bathroom door softly. "Liss?"

The door cracked open slightly and Melissa's hand grasped the towels. "Thanks Just."

A few seconds later, a wet Melissa appeared out of the bathroom, clad only in the white towel Justin had handed her. Water dripped from her dark hair and she gave him a lazy grin. "Who'd think you'd be the prepared one, huh?"

Justin could only nod, a lump forming in his throat enabling him to speak.

Melissa frowned suddenly. "J, you're bleeding."

"Really?" Justin snapped out of his stupor and ran a hand over his face. Sure enough, blood saturated his fingertips. "Oh, I guess I am, then."

Melissa stepped towards him and lifted a corner of her towel, wiping his face gently.

Justin inhaled the soft scent of her baby powder shampoo and leaned into the softness of her touch.

Melissa leaned back slightly. "All better now?"

Justin pulled her closer, finding himself lost in the depth and serenity of her cat-like green eyes. "Perfect."

Melissa's hand drooped down to her side slowly as she focused all of her attention on the man in front of her. "Justin…"

He silenced her with his finger poised above her lips. "Just let it happen, Liss."

Melissa bended her head a little and looked at Justin through her lashes. Somehow she found hard to look away or to breathe for that matter with Justin this close to her. She swallowed slowly. Guess it's now or never..

"There you guys are! Jace and I have been knocking…for..ever," Britney said flinging the door open to Melissa's room. Her mouth slowly formed an o of surprise and the interruption caused Justin and Melissa to spring apart and for their faces to flash 30 shades of red.

"I have to go…give Jonathan a bath. The babysitter's is going to be here. Soon," Justin mumbled under his breath, ducking his head. He made a hasty retreat and backed out of the room, nearly tripping over one of Melissa's shoes.

Melissa plopped down on her bed, hard. She sprawled out backwards and ran a hand through her wet hair.

Britney shut the door softly and rushed to the bed next to her. "Ok. What the hell was that?"

Melissa closed her eyes. "Something that's obviously never going to happen. Ever. I can learn to deal with it. It's ok. Justin and I? Oh hell no. Not in this lifetime. I'm never going to kiss him and I'm never going to find love and I'm going to die a 96 year-old virgin and live in a house full of cats for the rest of my life!"

Britney rolled her eyes. "Are you done overreacting and over-analyzing, now?"

"Just about."

"Good. Because before you started to ramble uncontrollably and before I walked in on…that, which by the way, I'm going to pretend I never saw, I was going to give you this," Britney said whipping out the small garment bag from behind her.

One of Melissa's eyes peeked open slowly. "What is it?"

"It's what you're going to wear tonight to the party." Britney unzipped the bag and pulled out a black and leather ensemble and a pair of sparkling black stilettos. "You're going to wear this with these shoes. Don't they look hot?"

"Uh, Number 1, No I'm not. Number 2, where's the other half of that outfit? Number 3, you and the entire American and British army combined can't force me into a pair of heels. And number 4, Hot? I'll probably catch my death in that thing."

"Will you stop being anti-everything for a second and at least consider it? I know how you are about the whole clothes thing, but isn't it about time you grew out of the no-dress, no-sexiness phase? You have a great body. Flaunt it a bit," Britney said with a huff.

Melissa sat up with a determined look in her eye. "No way, Britney. No freaking way. Not you, not my sister, not my mom. Not anybody is going to force me to wear anything."

Britney shrugged nonchalantly with a sigh. "Ok then. Besides, I hear they say the 50th year of abstinence is a doozy anyway."

Melissa eyes widened and she snatched the little bit of material from her friends' hand. "So, is this thing dry-cleaned or what?"

Britney squealed and pulled out a large make-up box. "This is going to be so much fun! I've been dying to do this. Ha, and Kat thought she would be the first one."

"Hold it! Wait just one minute, Max Factor. We're doing this on two conditions. One, I'm not, and never will be you're "My Size Barbie" doll. Let's just get that straight. And two," Melissa said, pausing to feel the sheer material underneath her fingertips. "What do you think Justin will say?" she said looking up at her friend shyly.

"Let's just say, if Justin isn't fully under you spell by tonight or totally blown away, he isn't male, or human for that matter," she replied with a raise of her brow.

"You see this is why I like you Brit. You get straight to the point and tell me what I like to hear," Melissa said with a grin.

Melissa's bedroom door cracked open and a confused JC stuck his head in. "Umm, you guys. There's a girl here. She looks like she's about to eat me or die or something and I was wondering if it's safe for me to go downstairs," he said, looking slightly scared.

Melissa furrowed her brow as recollection dawned on her. "Oh yeah, Chelsea! She's just the kid across the street that I got to watch Jon for tonight. She's cool, JC, trust me," she said laughing when she saw the shocked look on his face. "I'm sure her mom explained to her explicitly what her boundaries were."

"Ok," he said finally. He looked towards downstairs with an unsure look. "But if she tries to molest me, it'll be on your head, Melissa."

"Trust me, my head will be hung on the wall of guilty consciousness and I'll be forever scarred by it. Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get dressed, please. And I'm sure Britney here is itching to work her popstar magic one," Melissa said rolling her eyes.

Britney dropped three curling irons and her make-up kit on Melissa's dresser with conviction on her face. "You're damn right, I am! Park your butt somewhere else, Chasez."

"And while you're at it, do me a favor and tell J that Chelsea is here. He can tell her what exactly to do more than I can anyway."

JC was about to reply when they suddenly heard a loud thump and muffled shouts come from Justin's room. "Sounds like he's a little preoccupied to me," he said raising an eyebrow.

The door from Justin's side flung open and blur of Jonathan came up and hid behind Britney's legs. Justin followed in suit only wearing dress pants and shoes. Obvious annoyance was apparent on his face. "Jonathan Timberlake, if you don't get inside that bathroom right now and stop being bad, I'm going to call your mommy and tell her you're coming home!"

Jonathan peeked his indignant face out from behind Britney's leg. "So? I don't wanna take a bath! I want you to stay here and play with me!"

"Quit being a brat, Jon. I played with you all day and I took you to Disney World yesterday. I'll be back in a little while, but first I need you take a bath so I can give you to the babysitter!"

"I'm not a brat! You're just a big meanie head, Jussin! You're never around to play with me anymore! And I don't want no stinky babysitter."

Justin sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't have time for this, Jonathan. Get in that room right now or I'm going to spank you. I'm not playing around."

The little Timberlake's face turned red and he picked up the miniature skating figurine off of Melissa's dresser. "No!" he cried out, hurling it onto the ground, shattering it into tiny pieces.

Justin walked wordlessly towards Jonathan and yanked him by the hand. He threw an apologetic look towards Melissa and two brothers went back into the other room. Justin slammed the door behind him.

JC edged his way out of the room slowly, with a low whistle. "You know, talking to that girl downstairs is looking better and better by the second," he said, leaving.

Britney cleared her throat and gave Melissa a small smile. "Umm, I'll help you clean this up. Then we'll get started, ok hun?"

Melissa nodded and Britney walked into the bathroom to find a broom. She sighed, staring at the broken pieces on the ground as memories began to flood her. Justin had given her the figurine a month before he had left for Orlando for MMC. She had seen the beautiful skater while window-shopping with her mother, Justin, and Lynn. Apparently Justin had noticed her staring and saved up the money to buy it for her. It was one of the many symbols of their friendship together and it was one of the most cherished things she owned. "Well used to own," she mused, crouching down to pick up a piece of the china from the floor.

Britney came back with the broom in her hand. "Did you say something, Mel?"

Melissa stood up, toying with the marble in her hand. She wanted to move past friendship and break new ground with Justin. She was tired of having these symbols of friendship. She wanted a symbol that signified something deeper. It was a step that she yearned to take but was too afraid she'd get burned. But she had to do something no matter how small the step may be.

Melissa tossed the piece back to floor, a new determination in her eye. "No."

"Hey you guys, the limo's here!" JC shouted towards upstairs, half an hour later.

"Good," Britney said fluffing Melissa's hair. "I just finished."

"Thank god," Melissa said standing up from the vanity table. "I don't think I could've have taken anymore of the hairspray."

"Yeah, and you great because of it. Justin's never going to know what hit him," Britney said with a squeal. She ran over towards the bed and picked up a long black coat. "Here, put this on."

"Are you out of it? It's almost eighty degrees outside. What do I need a jacket for?"

"The element of surprise, my dear. Let him wonder," Britney said suggestively.

Melissa took the jacket grudgingly and put it on. "This better be worth it, Brit."

The two of them hurried downstairs, where JC and Chelsea were waiting. Chelsea's eyes widened even more when she saw Britney.

"Jace, where's Justin?" Melissa asked, after grabbing her purse from the kitchen.

"He hasn't come down yet, of course. He's the king of primping, remember?" JC teased.

Melissa sighed. "Justin! You're going to be late and Johnny is going to have your tail on a sliver platter!"

A few moments later, Justin appeared looking clean-shaven and handsomely dressed. Jonathan towed behind in his pajamas, sniffling slightly. "I'm ready," he said pulling out his wallet.

"Hi-hi," Chelsea said, stuttering at the sight of Justin. The girl was looking more and more faint as time went by.

Justin gave her a smile. "Hi. Chelsea, isn't it?"

She nodded, still looking pale.

"This is my little brother Jonathan. Jon, say hi to Chelsea."

Jonathan sulked at Justin, not saying anything.

"Jon," he said warningly. "Be nice."

The six year old frowned more and muttered a small greeting, staring at the ground.

Justin sighed, pulling a twenty from his wallet. "This is for pizza and there's food in the fridge. Jonathan's bedtime is at 8:30 and there's a list of emergency numbers by the phone. If anything goes wrong, call me immediately."

Chelsea smiled nervously. "I'm sure we'll have a great time together, won't we, Jonathan?" she said holding his hand.

Jonathan jerked his hand out of her hand.

Justin rolled his eyes and nodded at his friends. "We can go now."

The group walked out of the house and down the sidewalk. Jonathan ran towards the doorway, behind them.

"Goodbye to everyone but Justin! He's a big pooh-head brother and I'll hate him forever!" Jonathan shouted loudly after them, tears in his eyes.

Melissa noticed Justin flinch but they kept on walking until they reached the limo parked outside their gate. When they had all gotten inside and had begun to move, Melissa put her hand over his. "Don't feel bad, J. You know he didn't mean it," she softly.

Justin turned his head towards hers and smiled slightly. "I know. I just feel bad though. I'm not spending as much time with him as I would like to. I've barely seen him or Steven much in the last couple of months.

Melissa smiled back and rubbed his hand. "I know it's hard right now, but I'm sure it'll get better."

Justin looked down at their hands and then looked out the window again, his grin widening. I think it just did.

When they reached the venue that Johnny had rented out for the party, the press had already arrived.

"Oh god. I'm going to have a case of perma-smile, aren't I?" Justin groaned, sliding towards the door.

"Yup. Smile pretty," JC said, opening the door to limo.

The camera flashes were blinding as JC stepped out of the car. "A little help, my lady?" JC look back towards Melissa, extending his hand out to her goofily.

Melissa shook her head with a smile and let JC help her out of the vehicle and onto the red carpet where reporters and cameras were flashing at them like mad, even more so when Justin and Britney stepped out from the other side of the limo.

"JC! JC, over here!"

"Britney! Justin! Turn this way!"

JC smiled casually as he escorted her towards the building. Melissa on the other hand tensed up on the inside. Sure, she'd been to almost all the events with Justin and had dealt with the press before and sure she was about as brazen and loud as the next person. But her newfound feelings for Justin seemed to throw her whole life in a loop. She was acting almost…shy. And her little inside speech about moving on to something new? That went right out the window.

Melissa blushed as the press threw out random comments. She didn't even know why they were here in the first place. She guessed that people were still really interested about the lawsuit tied with the album.

"Hey, JC! Tell your lady friend to take off her coat for the picture!" a photographer on the front line called out jokingly.

JC gave a small laugh but looked to Melissa, raising his eyebrows in question. She in turn, gave a quick glance to Britney who was nodding quickly in agreement. Melissa swallowed hard and slid the coat off.

JC's gave a deep low whistle in appreciation and Justin's jaw dropped, his eyes nearly bulging out of his head. The outfit was breath-taking to say the least. Melissa's top consisted of a tiny and slightly revealing tightly netted, string, leather, halter that hung on her chest in a deep-cut v. It only came halfway down her stomach and showed the studded ring in her belly button. Her back was completely bare, except for the almost non-existent string that held the top up. The pants were tight black leather with Italian lace-ups on the side of each leg and they hung dangerously low on her hips, barely covering the swell of her ass. She completed the outfit with 1-inch, black, diamond-dusted stilettos, complementing the metallic gray nail polish Britney had come up with in the last minute.

Melissa's face blushed deeper and tugged on JC's arm to signify that she wanted to go inside. JC took the hint and gave a small wave to the press before heading inside.

Britney, who was silently shaking with mirth, watched as the scene unfolded itself. Melissa looked like a million bucks and Justin looked more love struck than ever, even more so with the drool coming out of his mouth. She shook her head. At least she was positive tonight would be interesting.

Kat checked her watch again, as she waited impatiently. "Are you sure they know this thing starts at seven-o clock, Chris?"

Chris took a sip of champagne and nodded. "Yeah. I made sure that the rat-pack posse knew what time it was, don't worry. Besides, I wouldn't dare let them miss my annual speech."

The whole table groaned and Lance attempted to bang his head on the table. "Do you have to do this every year Chris? Every year? Cause I'm starting to think these get worse with age," Joey commented with a shudder.

"I feel it's my duty as it was I who created this band anyway. The least you guys could do is giving me my mike time," Chris replied pouting.

Danny, who was Lance's date for the evening, looked confused. "I don't get it. What's wrong with his speeches?"

Lance laughed despite himself. "It's ok, Danny. You would sympathize if you've been in the presence of oh, seven or eight Chris speeches in the last 3 years. I believe the last time, Chris decided it would be hilariously funny to get plastered and jump on stage in his underwear and attempt to shine a balding executive's head for a nickel. Not to mention he tried to hit on Johnny."

Chris frowned. "Hey, I don't remember that one!"

Kat patted his arm. "With good reason, honey. It was a nightmare."

"Yeah, don't worry though. We have plenty of it on tape," Joey said wriggling his eyebrows.

Coral, who attended with Joey, hit him. "Quit it! You look like Bert when you do that!"

"I'll have you know, most women find Sesame Street very sexy."

Coral wrinkled her nose distastefully. "Not this woman."

Kat laughed and took a sip of her champagne, her eyes wandering across the crowded club with approval. The place was filled with several of "A-list" celebrities and a few B-list celebrities. This brought in more media for the group, not to mention great PR. Kat had been tour PR for Nsync for the last two years and she had been dating Chris for five years. She had met him at Universal Studios while doing a research project for her Technical Media major. It was kinda funny, though. All while she was dating Chris in Orlando she had no idea that this was the same Chris that was helping out her sister's longtime infant friend into getting a record deal with his group. It was terribly freaky but things seemed to have worked out along the way. When she graduated from Rollins College, she was even more so freaked when Johnny hired her to actually work for Nsync. The job offer was based on ability alone of course, but Kat still thought that Chris had something to do with. Still, needless to say she was happy being able to accompany her boyfriend on tour, even if was still work related.

Kat was about to turn around to the table, when something entering the room caught her eye. She dropped her glass in disbelief. "Oh my god."

Everyone turned to look at her.

"What is it?" Chris asked.

"Whoa," Coral said, catching what Kat saw.

JC and Melissa approached the table and Kat gaped at her sister. "Ok, who the hell are you and what have you've done to my sister?"

Joey finally caught on and did a double take. "Damn, girl! Where have you've been hiding that the last couple of years?"

Chris blinked from Kat to Melissa with wide eyes. "Can you get one of those, honey? Cause I swear I'll love you more because of it. "

Kat hit Chris then turned back to Melissa. "Who did this to you?"

"Yeah, so every guy in this room can thank them," Joey said muttering, still eyeing Melissa.

Melissa rolled her eyes, still slightly blushing. "Britney. I told her this was a bad idea. I mean, look at me, I'm almost naked."

"And that's a bad thing, because why?" Joey asked.

Coral glared at him. "Put you're hormones on hold for once, Joey, will you?" She turned to Melissa giving her a smile. "You do look fabulous though, chica."

Kat nodded, sniffling. "I'm so proud. Britney's turned my sister into a ho, a feat that's been a challenge to many."

"Well you can't change the willing, Kat," Britney said sitting down next to her. Justin sat next Melissa with a flushed face, trying to look everywhere but at the table.

"Wow, it's like a mouse-ears reunion over here," Kat mused, giving the blond a one-armed hug. "All we need is that Christina girl and we can have ourselves a real party."

"Speaking of party," JC said standing up again as the "Thong Song" began to blare out of the clubs speaker, "I'm ready for some dancing. Come on girl, let's really test that outfit," he said pulling on Melissa.

"Do you really want some of this, Chasez?" Melissa asked giggling as they walked on the dance floor. "I don't think you can handle it."

Danny, Lance, Coral, Joey, Kat, and Chris joined them leaving Justin and Britney at the table.

Britney noticed Justin's eyes wandering towards Melissa and smiled. "She looks good, doesn't she?"

Justin nodded. "She's always looked beautiful. That outfit though…is amazing on her." He sighed tearing his eyes away. "You want something to drink, Brit?"

"Just some champagne."

Justin walked to the bar and ordered drinks. What he saw when he turned around made him nearly drop them. JC. Grinding. With Melissa. His eyes narrowed together and stormed back to the table.

Britney raised her eyebrow. "Are you ok?"

Justin slammed the drinks down. "Just dandy." He was silent for a moment as looked over at them. "I mean, who the hell does she think she is?" he exclaimed downing his coke and rum.

"Who?" Britney asked.

Justin shrugged, rolling his eyes, still staring at them. "It's not important. Let's dance," he said grabbing her arm suddenly.

"Huh? But my champagne-

"It can wait." Justin dragged Britney towards where Melissa and JC were dancing and started to dance sexily.

Britney, who was still slightly confused, danced conservatively until she saw Melissa throw them the evil eye. Oh…Well that's just stupid…Though…It could help... Britney started to respond to Justin's dance moves and moved her body against his. She peeked out of the corner of her eye again and saw Melissa's face flush red with jealousy. She watched as she and JC left the dance floor.

Justin, apparently watching them also, smiled triumphantly and left the floor as well, leaving Britney by herself. The blond rolled her eyes, but followed Justin back to the table.

That was pretty much how the night went on and Britney wasn't the only one who noticed.

Kat shook her head. "My god, how long are they going to do this? What is this the fifth or sixth time tonight?"

"The last time," Britney said determinedly. "Come on JC. We're ending this crap once and for all."

JC grabbed Justin away from Coral and Britney pulled Melissa from Joey.

"Hey!" Justin shouted in protest.

"What the hell, Britney?" Melissa exclaimed, nearly tripping on her heel.

"You two. Dance. Now," Britney commanded, facing Melissa to Justin. She and JC left the floor for the table leaving the two friends standing there awkwardly.

"You having fun?" Justin asked finally.

"Yeah, Loads. You?" Melissa asked. She tried to look indignant but she had the funny feeling that it wasn't working.

"Uh-huh. Johnny did a good job with the party," Justin replied looking around. He turned back to her. "Question? Why are we not talking to each other? I mean, why does this feel so awkward?"

Melissa shrugged, laughing slightly. "I don't know. Are you mad at me?"

"No. Are you?"

"No."

Justin cracked a smile, with turned into full fledge laughter. Soon the both of them were laughing loudly together, drawing some strange looks from the people around them.

Justin wiped a tear from his eye and gave her his special smile. "You know, you really look good tonight. I didn't get to tell you earlier."

Melissa blushed, smiling back. "Thanks, Justin. You're opinion really matters to me."

The hip-hop music that had been barreling into the club stopped and a slow sweet melody began to trickle out of the speakers.

Melissa sighed. "This is my favorite song."

Justin wrapped his arms around her waist. "I know. Let's dance."

Melissa stepped into arms and rested her head on his shoulder. She sighed contentedly, breathing in the sweet scent of Justin's musky aftershave. Out of all the places she'd been in her life, this was the only place that felt the most like home.

I am thinking of you
In my sleepless solitude tonight
If it's wrong to love you
Then my heart just won't let me be right
'Cause I'm drowned in you
And I won't pull through
Without you by my side

I'd give my all to have
Just one more night with you
I'd risk my life to feel
Your body next to mine
'cause I can't go on
Living in the memory of our song
I'd give my all for your love tonight

Justin bit his lip slightly, thinking of thing that had been plaguing his life for the last few days. "Lissa?"

"Yeah, Justin?"

"I think I'm…" Justin's voice faltered for a second.

Melissa raised her head off his shoulder. She raised her eyebrows in question. "What is it?"

He searched her green eyes for strength. "I think I'm in l-

Melissa broke away from his embrace suddenly, giggling. "Sorry to interrupt, but I think you're cell phone is vibrating. It's tickling my skin."

Justin sighed, reaching into his breast pocket to pull out the phone. This was starting to become ridiculous. "Hello?" he asked annoyed. His face paled at what he heard.

"Oh my god, what is it, Justin?" she asked when his face lost its color.

"That was Chelsea." Justin swallowed thickly a lump forming in his throat. "She can't find Jonathan."

"What happen?" Justin asked as soon as he and Melissa rushed into the house.

"I d-don't know," Chelsea replied choking on a sob. "I-I went to the kitchen t-to.."

Melissa put her arm around the hysterical teen to consol her. "It's okay, Chelsea. Just tell us what happened."

The girl nodded, wiping her tears. "Ok. We were c-coloring in the living room together because I thought it would cheer him up because he was still kind of mad at what happened earlier. He said he was h-hungry so I went to the kitchen to go get him a s-snack. When I came back to the living room h-he was gone! At first I t-thought he was playing with me, 'cause you know how kids a-are." Chelsea broke down again. "I-I looked for him everywhere, Justin! I-I'm so sorry!"

Justin nodded, digesting the information. "It's ok. I know this isn't your fault and I'm not upset with you." He sighed. "Can you pay her, Lissa, so she can go home? I have to call Lisa and my dad and tell them what's going on."

Melissa nodded and led the sobbing girl into the foyer.

Twenty minutes later, Melissa and Justin were patrolling the streets of their neighborhood on foot looking for Jonathan.

Justin sighed sadly. "This is all my fault, isn't it?"

Melissa stopped walking and looked at Justin. "Of course it isn't, Just. You didn't mean for any of this to happen. Jonathan was just a little bit upset."

"Yeah, but it's my fault he's upset. He was right. I don't get to see him often and I don't get to play with him. He's my little brother for god sakes! I'm suppose to be there for him! I should have stayed home. If I had this probably would have never happened," he shouted angrily.

"Justin, being angry with yourself is not going to help with anything. I know you feel bad, but it's your lifestyle, Justin. You can't see him or Steven or your parents or even me all the time. But when you can, you make it worthwhile and that's what counts," Melissa explained. "Jonathan loves you, but he's six years old and he's lost and angry somewhere and we need to find him."

Justin nodded, making sense with what she said and the two of them kept on with the search.

"You know, you didn't have to come with me, if you didn't want to. You should have stayed at the party," Justin said, breaking the silence.

"I know. But I want to be here," Melissa said, smiling softly. "He's important to me too."

Justin smiled back at his friend but stopped suddenly. He squinted down the sidewalk. "Do you see something?"

Melissa looked harder. "Yeah, sort of. Let's go see."

They ran towards the small figure and Justin gave a big sigh of relief. "Jonathan?" he called out.

Jonathan turned around. "Justin?"

Justin ran up to him and picked him up in his arms. "Oh my god, Jonathan. You had us worried to death! Are you ok? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine, Jussin," the little voice said.

"Well then you're in big trouble. Do you know how much trouble you caused? I nearly had a heart attack when Chelsea called me. Chelsea was nearly hysterical when we got home. Why did you leave the house?" Justin questioned.

Jonathan reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. 'I'm sorry' was written on the front in a childish print. He sniffled. "I wanted to give this to you 'cause I was being bad. And I'm sorry cause I broke your toy, Melly," he said turning to Melissa.

She came up to the little boy and wiped a tear off of his face. "It's ok."

Justin's heart softened as anger melted away. "I'm sorry too, buddy. I didn't mean to get angry with you. But you got to listen to me because I'm your big brother. And you got to remember that just because I get mad with you doesn't mean that I don't want you around or that I don't want to play with you. I love having you around. We love having you around," he said indicating to Melissa. And don't you ever do that to her and me again. That was very bad of you, ok?"

Jonathan nodded. "You're not a meanie head anymore."

Justin laughed. "Thanks. I love you, little buddy," he said giving him a hug.

"I love you too, Jussin."

Justin turned to Melissa. "God, this has been a long day, hasn't it?"

"One of the longest," she replied giggling. "Let's go home. I'll make us some sandwiches."

The trio started walking back towards the house when a thought popped into Justin's head.

"Hey Lissa. You do realize we missed Chris' speech, right?" he asked.

"Needless to say, are you really sorry about that? Chris is insane. Remember last year with Johnny? That was pretty bad, even for Chris. Do you really want to relieve that?" She raised an eyebrow.

Justin blinked. "Point taken."