Chapter 9

Justin smiled as he entered Melissa's room Saturday morning. The last two days had been complete chaos. The group had been doing the last preparations for the tour, which kicked off on Tuesday in Biloxi. That wasn't really time consuming, so Justin spent his days at home preparing for Melissa's birthday party and hanging out with Jonathan. Lisa and his father had already found out about what his little brother had done and weren't too happy about it. They decided to cut his visit with Justin short and had left his house yesterday. Justin made the best of it by letting Jonathan come to Lance's party before going back to Millington. Today was Melissa's birthday and Justin was pretty excited for two reasons. He recalled his conversation with Britney on Thursday when she came over.

"Britney," he whined.

"No, Justin. I still don't know what you should get for Melissa," she replied sighing. "Maybe if you hadn't waited until the last minute for a birthday present I could've helped you."

"You don't understand. It has to be special this time, Brit. I mean, it's going to be memorable for the both of us."

Britney snorted. "It's going to memorable alright, so memorable it's almost non-existent. In fact, it IS non-existent."

"Funny. Instead of being snarky, you could actually try to help me, you know. Just throw me some ideas or something," Justin asked desperately. "Please?"

"Oh alright. Don't get your undies in a wad." She picked at her fingernails. "How about something art related? A painting would be cool."

"I did that last year."

"Umm, how about a series of little gifts? Like 7 or so. My mom did that to Jamie Lynn one year. It was pretty nice," she suggested.

"That's not too bad, I guess," Justin said biting his lip. "I don't know though…"

Britney sighed exasperatedly. "Well, I don't know what else, Justin! How about a freaking Chinese Rose Garden in the middle of Floribama?! Does that suit your liking, since you're obviously not satisfied with what I've thought of?"

Justin was silent. Actually…

"Justin, no!" Britney shouted when that look crossed his face. "I was just kidding! There's no way you can actually get a Chinese garden! Are you nuts?"

"Hand me a phone book, please Brit?" Justin asked sweetly.

Britney shook her head. "You're crazy, Justin."

He was crazy. He was determined to make this special. Tonight, he would finally tell Melissa that he was in love her. No distractions, no backing out, no nothing would keep him from telling her how he felt.

Justin approached Melissa's bed quietly. He bent over her sleeping figure, laying a soft kiss on her forehead. "Hey, Happy Birthday."

Melissa rolled towards him, yawned slightly, and opened her eyes. She smiled. "God, Justin. It's my birthday. Can't I have at least this day without having to see your ugly mug?"

Justin smacked her arm softly. "Funny, most people would be nice to the person who's throwing them a party in their honor."

"Funny, most people like to sleep in on their birthdays. Which is exactly what I plan on doing," Melissa snapped back, pulling a blanket over her head. "Now be a good boy and don't bother me until tonight." She groaned in protest when Justin in return yanked the bed sheets off of her and started to drag her off the bed. "Why are you being so cruel to me, Justin? Can't a homegirl get some shut-eye around here?"

Justin stopped pulling her and sighed exaggeratedly. "Well, fine then. If you don't want your present…"

Melissa's complaining ceased abruptly. "Present? You got me a present, Ju-ju?" she asked wide-eyed and attentively.

"Yeah, I did, you beast. And don't call me Ju-ju," Justin said cringing at his old childhood nickname. He then walked over towards her bedroom. "But since you obviously don't want to your present, I guess I'll go save it for Brit's birthday or something."

"Get your ass back in here with my present, Timberlake," Melissa ordered.

Justin chuckled and gave her a smug grin. "Eager, aren't we? Ok, I'll give it you now. But only if you close your eyes and be a good little girl."

She looked at him suspiciously. Last time Justin told her to do that, she had been surprised with a boa constrictor in a box. Sure, they had been eight at the time, but the memory made a lasting impression on her sanity. "Why?"

"Because I bought you a monster and it's going to eat you," Justin replied, rolling his eyes. "Just because."

Melissa eyed him carefully, but then closed her eyes.

The blond shook his head to himself and stood his friend up, walking her towards her vanity mirror. Justin reached into his pocket, pulled out the velvet jewelry box, and opened it. It glittered in the sunlight and Justin smiled, holding it up. "You can open your eyes now, Lissa."

"You weren't serious about the monster thing…were…you…Oh my," Melissa said, looking at Justin's hand.

It was small charm necklace on an interwoven silver chain. The necklace had several loops for different charms but there was only one charm dangling from it. A handcrafted Celtic M, with a diamond in its center making the whole ensemble delicate and pretty. "Oh, Just…it's beautiful," she said touching it lightly.

Justin smiled and put the necklace around her neck as they both stared into the mirror together. "It looks beautiful on you."

Melissa turned around with a genuine smile on her face and gave him a big hug. "I love it!"

"I'm glad you like it, but it's only part of your present," Justin replied with a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

She backed out of the hug, giving him a look. "Justin, what aren't you telling me? I told you, I didn't want anything big and I know you're planning something."

"Me? I'm not planning anything," Justin said innocently. He batted his blue eyes at her. "All I wanted was to wish my very dear friend a happy birthday and give her a present. That's all."

"That all, huh? Then why do I have the sneaking the suspicion that you're lying to me? You've always been a terrible liar you know that, right?" Melissa crossed her arms over her chest.

Justin shrugged, looking at his watch. "Oh, look at the time! I've got to get going now." He smiled again and gave a flourishing bow. "Again, happy birthday, dear Lissa, and may it be a birthday you'll never forget." With that said, Justin exited the room, leaving Melissa with her new necklace and her thoughts.

She shook her head. "Sometimes, I swear that boy is way too weird for me."

"Just for you? I think he's weird enough for the world," a female voice said from the doorway.

Melissa turned around to find a smirking Britney. "Well, look what the cat dragged in. Tell me, do you work at all?"

The blond rolled her eyes in reply and came to give her friend a hug. "Happy birthday, Mel. And I resent that remark."

"I'm sure you do," Melissa replied in a singsong voice. She walked into the bathroom to brush her teeth. "You came to hang with me? The party isn't until eight, you know."

"Yeah, I guess." Britney walked into her closet, pulling clothes off of the shelves. Her nose wrinkled distastefully at all of the paint stained jeans, baggy clothes, and oversized t-shirts. "Does anything in here fit you?"

"Huh?" Melissa asked from the bathroom, with a mouth full of toothpaste. She spit. "What did you say?"

"Your clothes. Everything in here is either baggy, too big, or paint stained. You and Justin shop together?" Britney asked holding up a pair of torn and ratty jeans.

Melissa walked into the closet and snatched the jeans out of hand. "Hey! I've been looking everywhere for these. They're my favorite!"

"They're about to fall apart."

"I'll have you know that they're very comfortable," Melissa replied defensively, folding them back up and tossing it back into the closet.

Britney sighed, pulling her friend out of the closet. She sat Melissa down on the bed and looked down at her with a serious look on her face.

"Trying to impart important words of wisdom on my nineteenth birthday?" Melissa asked with a giggle. She stopped when Britney threw her a look. "Sorry."

"Question? You liked the outfit that I gave you for the tour party, right?"

Melissa looked off into space and gave a small mumble in the other direction until Britney smacked her on the shoulder. "Ow! Ok, ok, I liked the slutty clothing, alright?!"

"Good then. We're making some improvements here. Let me ask you this. Did you give up your morals?"

"No."

"Were the clothes ugly?"

"No."

"Were they comfortable?"

"Yes. And that's only because I was barely wearing anything to begin with, though." Melissa put in.

Britney ignored Melissa's comment and continued. "And finally, did you not like the way Justin was ogling you all night?"

Melissa blushed. "Well, duh."

"Then what's the freaking problem, girl?" Britney exclaimed throwing her hands in the air. "Am I missing something, here?"

"That's the problem! I don't know what my problem is," Melissa said with a sigh, falling backwards towards the bed. She paused. "Do you really think Justin is in love with me?"

Britney looked at her friend incredulously. "Do I think Justin's in love with you? Do you really want me to answer that question, Mel?"

Melissa turned over. "No, I mean, does he like me for me? Does he like the person he's grown up with…or does he like the girl who he can flash around on him arm for awards night." She paused again. "You know what? Never mind, it's a stupid question."

"You want to know what I really think?"

The dark haired girl nodded.

"I think you've been watching too much Dawson's Creek," Britney said nodding.

Melissa laughed, dropping her serious tone. "You know what? I think you're right. I'm tired of all this mama drama going on. If it happens, it'll happen and if doesn't...it'll happen anyway!" She gave Britney a half grin. "I might even take you up on that offer for a new wardrobe. There's a sluttier Melissa inside, dying to get out."

Britney raised an eyebrow. "Do my ears need to be checked? Am I going deaf? Did Melissa Nicole Brown just tell me she wanted to be slutty?"

"Now you're pushing it. And besides, if I'm going to be slutty, I'm going to be badass about it. After all, bad girls do have more fun," Melissa replied with a wink.

Melissa stepped out of Britney's sleek and silver BMW later that evening with a happy smile on her face. She and Brit had spent the day skirting between various shops, trying to come up with her new "badass" wardrobe. Melissa did have to admit, the clothes they bought did fit her very well and she did look good in them. Not that she'd ever tell that Britney.

The two had put together a simple yet racy outfit for her to wear tonight. They had found a black and slinky mini dress with a scooping neck line and a barely there back line. It was lightweight and comfortable yet it still outlined her curves and good figure. Her hair was twisted into a sexy tousled together bun with a few stray strands that decorated her face lightly. Her makeup was done artistically with dark and smoky eye shadow bringing out her cat-like eyes and diamond sparkle lip gloss making her lips fuller.

Britney gave her a look-over. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you almost look better than me." She snorted and patted her silk mini.  "Well, almost, anyway."

"Almost, huh? I'm glad you don't like to think of yourself so highly, B." Melissa laughed and gestured at all the bags in the backseat. "Let's get these inside and then we can see what madness Justin has created for me."

"You go on ahead and see what's going on. I'll grab the bags and meet you inside."

Melissa shrugged and walked up the spiraling drive to the front the door. She gave a last minute tug on her dress and opened the door with her key. Her eyes widened in surprise at what she saw.

Instead of a party in full swing, she was met with a quiet and peaceful ambience. The lights in the house were dimmed and candles decorated the entrance hallway. "Hello? Is anybody around? Justin, where are you?" She walked towards the living room and something on the end table caught her eye. A single white daisy lay on top of a piece of paper. Melissa picked up the flower, sniffed it thoughtfully, and read the letter.

Melissa-

There's something that's been on mind the last couple of days and I have to let you know how I feel. So, in the spirit of things, I'm going to tell you in the best way I know how to. But first I have to say, I'm not trying to change things between us, I'm only trying to make them better. And things can be better, only if you let them happen and only if you give me chance.

Happy Birthday, J-

P.S. Follow the trail of rose petals.

Melissa put the letter back on the table and true to his word, the first trail of rose petals led to the fireplace mantel. Another letter was placed on there with another daisy. Inside this letter, there was a small sun charm taped to the bottom of it.

Because you light up my life…

The rose petals led to various places in the living room, each with a different message and charm in it.

An ice skater…

Because you dedication to do anything inspires me…

A paint brush…

Because you make me see a different world with your art…

A daisy…

Because you and your favorite flower bloom so beautifully…

A music note…

Because without you, my dreams would have never been reached…

And a Celtic J…

Because you're my best friend in this entire world…

After the J charm, the trail had the left the living room, into the kitchen and stopped at the double doors leading to the backyard. Melissa shrugged and opened the doors.

"Surprise!"

Melissa's eyes widened in shock as family and her friends greeted her. "Oh my god, what's going on?"

The backyard had been decorated festively, with lights strung over the gardens and the trees. Candles floating in the pool giving it a beautiful glow. A DJ was spinning one of her favorite records and from the corner of her eyes she could see Joey and JC working up the grill.

"Happy Birthday, sweetheart," Tara, Melissa's mom said, giving her a hug.

"Mommy? What are you guys doing here?" her daughter asked, still in shock. She gave her a tight hug in reply.

"You don't think I'd miss my daughter's last year as a teenager, do you? Besides, Justin's been planning to fly your father and I in for weeks," Tara replied with a knowing smile. "Such a sweet boy, he is."

Melissa shook her head with a smile. "Justin Timberlake, sweet? I think you're a bit jet-lagged." She surveyed the yard, still excited. "I still can't believe you guys did all of this!"

"What I can't believe, is that someone has finally brought my daughter out of her shell. Look at you. You look beautiful, just like I've always said to you."

Melissa blushed. "Thanks, Mom."

"Now go and enjoy your party, dear. I'm sure that dress wasn't bought so you could just talk to me, now was it?" Tara nodded when she blushed again. "That's what I thought. You go have fun. I have to go guard some food before those Nsync boys ruin my buffet table."

"Have you guys seen Justin?" Melissa asked an hour later, after she had just opened presents.

Coral shrugged. "He's been around. I saw him in the kitchen earlier." Her eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Why do you ask?"

Melissa heart raced slightly and she smiled at Coral. "No reason. I think I'm going to check on the food now. I'll be right back."

"Don't do anything, I wouldn't do, chica!" Coral shouted after her in taunting voice.

Melissa blushed and walked towards the house, opening the doors to the kitchen. Sure enough, she saw Justin's curly head rifling through the refrigerator. "Looking for something?" she asked.

Justin flinched and hit his head. "Oh hey, Lissa," he said sheepishly, while rubbing the spot. "Where have you been all night? I've been looking for you."

"Maybe because I was looking for you," she said coming closer to him. "I never got to thank you. This is the best party I've ever had."

"Even better than the Power Rangers one?"

Melissa laughed. "Lots." She kissed his cheek softly and gave him a hug. "And thanks for the charms. You know how to make me feel special."

"Actually…There's one more left," he said murmuring in her hair.

"Really?"

Justin reached into back pocket, breaking away from Melissa and pulled out a letter similar to the others. He handed it to her. "It's the most important one. Well at least to me, anyway"

Melissa raised an eyebrow and opened the letter. Her eyes widened when she saw a beautiful heart shaped locket there. She held it up delicately and looked to Justin. "I-I don't know what to say anymore, Justin. You've done so much for me today."

"Open it," Justin urged her.

She pried the locket open and laughed to find a small photo of her and Justin when they were kids placed in there. It was taken the morning before Justin had moved to Orlando. Melissa had her head on Justin's shoulder and his then skinny arms were wrapped around her. "I remember that day," she said tracing the picture faintly. She looked up at him. "Part of me hated you for leaving and part of me was so proud for what you going to become." She smiled again at him. "Guess I was right, huh?"

Justin nodded and pointed to the other half of the locket. "I had something engraved there. Read it."

She had to squint to see it, but sure enough there were faint words there. "A heart...Because you've always…had mine. I love you." Melissa's heart pounded in her chest as she looked up at Justin. "You're in love with me?" she asked as tears started peak out from the corner of her eyes.

His smile widened as he nodded. "I've been trying to tell you the last couple of days but we've been so distracted and…" He was silenced when Melissa put her lips on his. They were just as soft as he remembered, probably even softer. He reached behind her head and brought her closer, deepening their kiss.

Melissa melted against him and all her worries flushed out of her head. This, her and Justin, felt so right, so perfect and so wonderful to her that she knew right then that this is where she belonged.

Justin broke away from the kiss with a laugh. He picked up Melissa and swung her around.

"Justin!" she squealed. "Put me down!" she said sniffling.

He brought her down and rested his forehead against hers, looking into her eyes. "It's just that I've been waiting for this for so long. We fit."

Melissa sniffled again. "Me too."

"And I know that you're scared for our relationship, but we can make it work. I know we can. I love you, Melissa," Justin told her earnestly, wiping a tear from her eye.

"I love you too," she said kissing him again, leaving him breathless.

"You know," he said breathing heavily as they broke away again," if we keep on doing this, we're going to miss your party and everybody going to wonder where we ran off to."

Melissa laughed. "Do you really want to stop?"

Justin backed away from her, looking her over for the first time tonight, taking in her outfit, her hair, and her face. "No. But I'm going to anyway. Because Chris, Coral, Joey, JC, Kat, Lance, your mom and my mom are listening at the door."

Melissa frowned, but Justin put a finger to her lips and walked to the door. He jerked it open quickly and group of people went tumbling to the floor. "Problem, guys?" he asked, staring down at them coolly.

"Ow, your foot is in my eye, Chris!"

"Well your butt is my face. Not that it isn't nice by the way…"

"Chris!"

"Sorry, Kat."

Justin shook his head at them just as Wade walked through the doorway.

The choreographer stepped over the group of people on the floor and looked down at them weirdly. "I know you guys are close, but damn!" He shook his head and turned to Justin. "Bathroom?"

"Up the stairs, on the left."

Wade shook his head at them again and walked towards the stairs. On the way, he winked at Melissa. "Looking good, Mel."

"Hey! This ain't the bathroom Wade, so keep all the crap inside of you," Justin said coming up behind Melissa.

Wade raised his hands in defense and jogged up the stairs.

"Ok then," Chris said jumping up and over Joey. He pulled out a small black notebook and a pen. "Due to recent circumstances, the 'When the Hell Are Those Two Idiots Going To Hook Up' contest is officially over! Not exactly a TRL title, but hey, it works."

Melissa gaped at them. "You guys placed bets on us? Mom?"

Tara rolled her eyes at her daughter. "Oh come on, I've been betting on this since you got your first tooth. You hush."

JC shook his head. "That's totally wrong you guys. I would never take part of this."

Chris blinked at the paper. "The pot is at 9025 dollars."

Justin's mouth opened and he snatched the paper. "Damn. Can I take crack at this?"

"Justin!"

"I'm just kidding, Lissa."

Chris turned a couple of pages in the notebook and shook his head at Justin. "Nope, bets are closed, Curly. Let's see here. It's 9:37 now and that would make the winner…JC, you hypocrite pansy liar!"

All eyes swiveled to JC.

JC blinked. "I won? I won! I won!" he exclaimed jumping up and down. "I've never won anything before! In your face, losers! Daddy is buying himself a wine cellar!"

The group of people groaned and walked back outside to the party. Chris, who had put in 1000 dollars himself, threw the book at JC.

JC ducked and smiled triumphantly. "Sore losers!" he shouted running after Chris.

Justin rolled his eyes and turned to Melissa. "Can you believe that?"

"It's actually kind of cute in a sick a twisted way. But besides," she said putting her arms around him with a smile. "We're alone again."

Justin didn't say anything this time. He only replied with a kiss. 

"Figure's we'd get stuck with cleaning up," Tara mused to Lynn a couple of hours later, after all the guests had left.

"Yeah, I know. These kids hear the word 'clean' and they all run off hiding," Lynn replied, handing a wet dish to her.

"Speaking of hiding, where have those two ran off to?" she asked, wiping it down. I haven't seen them since Chris and Joey threw JC into the pool."

Lynn looked out the window and saw Justin and Melissa holding hands by the garden. She smiled and handed another dish to Tara. "I think they're making up for lost time."