Chapter Two

To me, this was a normal day. I was sitting at my computer writing e-mail. My concentration was interrupted by a high pitched "uh-oh!" After I jumped out of my skin, I realized it was just an online program that was installed on our computer. I clicked on the clipboard icon that was blinking. It turned out to be a message from my friend Alex. She is 13 years old and from Texas. The message read: Kelly! Can you call? I can't stay online long.

I sent her a message back that said: Sure. Give me a second. I need to finish writing this e-mail.

The next message that I got said: Okay. I need to go home anyway.

I finished writing the e-mail and logged off the net. Using the cordless phone, I dialed Alex's number. When someone answered, I made the stupid mistake of saying, "Is Alex there?"

"Girl, haven't we been friends long enough that you know my voice?" Alex asked in her southern accent.

"Oops... Sorry Alex!" I apologized. "Don't feel bad though. My best friend from here that I've been friends with since fourth grade... have I told you about her?"

"No."

"I haven't? Oh. Well, we've been best friends since fourth grade and I still don't know her voice over the phone."

"Honey, you need to learn your friends voices!"

"I know, I know... So, how are you?"

"Okay I guess."

"Is something wrong?" I asked her.

"Yeah and no. I'm just thinking about some stuff," She answered.

"Anything you want to talk about?"

"Not right now..." Alex said.

"Well, let me know if you want to talk, okay?"

"All right."

"Hey! I got the *N Sync cd!" I exclaimed.

"Awww... no fair!" Alex whined.

"Alex, fair is where you take your pig."

"Shut up Kelly! I can't believe you!"

"Don't you have it?"

"No. I only have their Disney concert on tape! That's the only way I know their songs!"

"Feel privileged... I've only seen pictures of them... let alone a concert." I paused. "You like Justin the most, right?"

"Oh yeah... girl, he's mine! Don't even go there!"

I laughed. "Does he know this?"

"Ummm... no. But he will... eventually." I laughed again. "So, do you have a favorite yet?"

"Alex! I've heard the cd and saw some pictures! I hardly think that's enough to pick a favorite!"

"Kelly, I can tell by your voice. You have a favorite. Just tell me which one it is."

"No I don't."

"You are such a bad liar!"

"Fine! Lance! Lance is my favorite! Are you happy now?"

"Yes, thank you."

"No problem."

"Hey, you need to watch Total Request on MTV tonight!"

"Why?"

"'N Sync is going to be on there."

"How do you know?"

"Because I read it."

"What did it say?" I asked critically.

"The pop group performs!"

"Oh gee... that gives a big clue to what's going on."

"You are such a smart alleck."

"I know." I paused. "Oh no! I gotta go!"

"Is everything okay?"

"No. Mom's home. I'm not supposed to call you. I ran up our phone bill to about two hundred dollars, remember?"

"Oh yeah. Well, I'll talk to you tomorrow. See ya!"

"Bye Alex."

"Don't forget to watch!"

"I won't!"

I hung up the phone just as my mom came into the room. "Who was that?"

"Ummm... wrong number." I took off running to our computer room and once again got on the net. Personally, I am strictly against official websites, but just this once, I wanted to know if any concerts were going to be in the area. I went to 'N Sync's official website and found just what I was looking for: December 12, 1998- St. Louis Missouri. Westport Playhouse.

I screamed and took down the information I needed to order tickets when they went on sale.

Over dinner that night, I asked what we were doing this weekend. My mom answered, "Well, I was thinking that maybe we'd go shopping."

"Where?" I asked.

"Chesterfield."

"Really?" I was quite excited. We never went to Chesterfield. "Can I get some Tommy Hilfiger clothes?"

"Why do you want some of those?" My mom asked. "Okay, I get it," my mom said.

"So, can I?"

"We'll see..." Later that evening, I sat in my room doing homework, listening to MTV, waiting for Total Request. When it finally came on, Carson introduced 'N Sync by saying that they were going to perform their single that has been number one for seven days. I sat practically on top of the tv watching. As Justin and JC began to sing, and Joey, Chris, and Lance began to dance, my mouth dropped in amazement. I couldn't believe how talented they were. I recorded the entire show, even the ending where they serenaded some girl for winning a contest.

After Total Request, I never finished my homework. I just had to find out more about these guys, so I spent about three hours on the internet, looking up fan sites, learning everything I could about the five new objects of my affection. I read so much that by the time I went to bed, I knew Lance's height and weight (5'10" and 165), Justin's favorite underwear (white silk Tommy Hilfiger boxers), Chris' most prized possession (a Bruce Lee autograph), Joey's favorite hobby (flirting), and JC's greatest fear (needles). Eventually though, I went to bed with visions of *N Sync dancing in my head.

Three