By: Amy
© 2000
Chapter 1
Isabelle and October couldn't possibly be any different, and yet they were the best of friends. Isabelle was a 19 year old aspiring singer, who worked part time at a daycare center. She was meek, gullible, innocent- a true angel. She had been with her boyfriend, Cody, for two years and she was convinced that they would marry. October was just the opposite. She too was 19 years old, but neither meek nor gullible. She was aggressive and loud. She worked at a dance studio while waiting for her big break on Broadway. She didn't have a steady boyfriend, claiming there was no time in her life to be fooling around with immature boys. And despite their obvious differences, Isabelle and October were like sisters, sharing an apartment in New York City.
"Belle!" October yelled coming in the front door, throwing her duffle bag on the couch.
"Yeah?" Isabelle answered, peeking her head out of the bathroom.
"I saw a flyer today hanging up in the studio for open auditions. It seems that that boy band you like...what's their name..." October said leaning against the bathroom doorway, watching Isabelle do her hair.
"NSYNC?" Isabelle said.
"Yeah, them. Well, they are looking for a new, fresh opening act. Someone whose yet to be discovered, unsigned...you basically," October said.
"Really?" Isabelle replied raising an eyebrow as she looked at her best friend, "When are these auditions?"
"Tomorrow," October said flatly.
"What?! Tomorrow? I can't be ready by then! Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Belle screeched.
"Well, if I told you sooner you would have more time to stress about it, and frankly, I didn't want to hear it for weeks. Plus, you work better under pressure," October replied bluntly.
"Toooobbbbby! If I didn't love ya so much, I would absolutely hate you right now!" Belle said brushing past her as she left the bathroom.
"I know," Toby said smiling.
"What am I going to wear? Ugh! Even more importantly...what am I going to sing?!" Belle said rummaging through her closet.
"Who cares what you wear...it's not like those guys are going to be there," Toby said sitting down on the bed.
"They're not?" Belle asked relieved. Toby shook her head 'no' as she stretched her limber legs. "Okay, well that's good. I don't know what I would do if I have to sing in front of Lance, JC, Chris, Joey and Justin!" Belle said counting them off on her fingers.
"I think you should sing that Jessica Simpson song your always walking around humming," Toby said ignoring Belle's rant about singing in front of NSYNC.
"Hmm," Belle said thoughtfully, "Or maybe I should sing something original?"
"Whatever. Your going to get the part anyway," Toby said confidently.
"Yeah right! That might happen," Belle said throwing a shirt at Toby.
"I'm serious, you've got the best voice I've ever heard. If they don't choose you..well then those judges are just plain stupid. And they'll feel even more like idiots when they see you on MTV, singing your heart out in Time's Square on New Year's Eve!" Toby exclaimed, throwing the shirt back at her.
"You've got some imagination Tob. I'll be working at Playhouse Daycare Center forever," Belle said as she walked out of the room.
"Not if I have anything to do with it!" Toby said under her breath.
Belle sat in a small waiting room with Toby, gripping her hand tightly. The other auditioners sat silently but Belle kept whispering the words to her song over and over again to herself. Toby's feet were tapping non-stop, she was anxious for her friend to get in there and 'wow' them. The door opened suddenly and a petite girl walked in.
"Isabelle Stuart?" she said looking down at her clipboard. Isabelle raised her hand, smiling nervously. "Come with me."
Belle looked at Toby, biting her bottom lip. "Go get 'em tiger," Toby said hugging her.
Belle followed the girl into a large empty room. The was a long table set up, with a row of people sitting behind it. Belle took her place behind the microphone and scanned the judges. As she looked down the line, her heart returned to a normal beat, no familiar faces. She knew that this would be a cinch. Suddenly a door in the far corner opened and a group of men walked in.
"Sorry we're late," yelled a voice and Belle strained her eyes to see who it was. They slowly came closer and Belle's eyes widened. It was *NSYNC.
"We got caught up in traffic."
The boys sat down at a nearby table and looked over at Belle. She was completely frozen. Her heart was racing, her palms were sweating, and she couldn't seem to form any words. JC noticed the terror in her eyes and got up and walked over to her. Placing a hand on her back he whispered in her ear.
"Relax. There's no reason to be scared."
Belle looked at him, his blue eyes were smiling. She took a deep breath and nodded her head. JC returned to his seat, and Belle cleared her throat. She began to sing, softly at first, then once seeing the encouraging looks from JC, louder. Belle was giving it her all, she wanted to win this audition in the worst way. Once the song was finished, Belle bowed and thanked them; *NSYNC stood, clapping enthusiastically. Belle smiled and left the room, returning to where Toby was waiting.
"Girl!" Belle exclaimed walking into the room. Toby's head shot up from the magazine she was reading.
"What?" Toby questioned as Belle sat down next to her.
"They were in there," she whispered grabbing Toby's arm.
"I know," Toby said smiling slyly.
"God! I hate you!" Belle said crossing her arms and sitting back, putting on her best 'angry' face.
"If I told you they were going to be here, would you have come?" Toby asked.
"No!" Belle shot back.
"See? I know what's best for you," Toby said looking back at her magazine. Belle smiled to herself, Toby was right, as always. "And I know your not really mad at me," Toby added not looking up.
Belle and Toby sat in the waiting room for another hour or so, waiting to hear the results. Belle was so nervous she paced the floor, replaying her audition in her mind.
"What's taking so long?" she thought to herself.
"Would you sit down? Your driving me nuts!" Toby said motioning for Belle to sit next to her.
"I don't think I got it Tob. I don't think I did. I should have hit that last note higher..." Belle rambled, playing with the bottom hem of her skirt.
"Stop. You are an amazing vocalist, you always hit the notes just right. Don't sit here and doubt yourself. Like I told you last night, if they don't choose you, then they are all just plain stupid and don't know a great voice when they hear it," Toby lectured.
Belle looked over at October, she couldn't even argue with her, it would be pointless.
Once again, the door opened and the petite girl came in. "Isabelle Stuart? Come with me please."
Isabelle's eyes widened as she looked over at October.
"I told you so," Toby whispered, smiling. Isabelle got up and followed the girl back into the large room.
"Isabelle?" Justin asked when she entered the room.
"Yes," she replied meekly walking over to them.
"Here, have a seat," her said pulling out a chair for her at the table, next to JC.
"First of all, we would like to tell you that your an awesome vocalist. It's been a long time since we've heard such talent," Lance said looking at her, "secondly, we would like to know if you'd be interested in the position as our new opening act."
"Oh my God! Yes!" Belle said excitedly.
"Great!" JC said putting his arm on the back of her chair. "I think you'd be a welcomed change to our line up. The fans are ready to experience some new talent, and your perfect for the part." He said looking at her, smiling.
"Wow, thank you. I don't know what else to say, thank you so much," Belle gushed.
"Your welcome," Chris said from across the table, "Now, we're going to set up an official meeting with you and our management, that way we can arrange tour dates and practices for you. Sound good?"
"Yes, that sounds great," Belle said.
After her unofficial meeting with the group, Belle and Toby returned home to their apartment. Toby was extremely excited for Belle and had every confidence in her friend to make it to the big time. Belle walked over to the answering machine and saw it was blinking, so she hit play.
"Hey Belle, it's Cody, I was wondering how your audition went today, call me when you get in."
Belle picked up the phone and quickly dialed his phone number. When his machine came on she left a message. "Cody, it's me. I got the part! I am going to be on tour with *NSYNC as their opening act! Call me!"
"I can't believe this," Belle said standing backstage with Toby and Cody. She was about to go on and her stomach was turning something fierce.
"I can. I knew you'd make it and I know that you'll be great tonight," Toby said confidently. Inside though, she was just as nervous.
"You're on," said the stage manager pointing to Belle. Belle looked back at Toby and Cody, she smiled weakly as she made her way out to the stage.
Toby stood, watching her intently, twisting her hands. Chris came up behind her quietly, "Hey," he whispered.
Toby looked back at him, and rolled her eyes, "Hi," she replied.
"She's going to be great you know?" Chris said standing next to her.
"I know. She's the best," Toby said coldly, not once moving her eyes from Belle.
"You're a nervous wreck though. Look at the way your twisting her hands, your going to end up breaking your own finger. Here, squeeze mine," Chris said offering his hand to her.
"No thanks," Toby said dropping her hands to her sides, still clutching her fists though.
"Just hold it! Just because you hold my hand doesn't mean we're going to get married or anything!" Chris said taking her hand into his.
"Fine," Toby said squeezing his hand slightly. She noticed that his touch was gently, comforting, she actually liked holding his hand.
"Oh get over it October, you're not interested," she thought to herself.
Chris smiled to himself, he liked October's spunk. She had a tough exterior, but he could tell there was much more to her. And he planned on discovering it, breaking down all her barriers.
Belle made her way off stage and ran into Cody's open arms. She hugged him tightly and then looked over at October, who was still holding Chris's hand.
"You did it babe," Toby said dropping Chris hand and walking over to her.
"I know! Wow, what a rush," Belle said hugging October.
"That was awesome, you've got some incredible talent," Chris said patting her on the back.
"Yeah, it really was awesome," JC said emerging from the shadows.
"Thanks guys!" Belle said blushing slightly, "Did you like it honey?" Belle asked Cody as they began to walk to her dressing room, Toby following close behind.
"Well, it was all right for your first time. You could have hit those dance moves harder...and some notes were flat. But you'll improve with practice," Cody said harshly. Isabelle's heart sank, his words stung.
"WHAT?!" Toby exclaimed grabbing his shoulder, turning him around to face her. "Are you out of your mind? Isabelle was amazing tonight, I can't believe you have the gall to even think anything negative about her performance!"
"Toby, it's okay. He's right, I could have been better," Isabelle said quietly.
"No, it's not okay Belle," Toby exclaimed looking at her friend, seeing the hurt in her eyes.
"Just shut your mouth October, you have no business being here," Cody said sternly, his eyes glaring.
"Oh no! No, you did not just tell me to shut up. First of all I have a hell of a lot more business being here than you do. I've known Isabelle for 17 years, she is my best friend in the entire world, and you, you have only known her for 2 years. Not to mention the fact that I am the one who encouraged Belle to try out for this, I stood by her side. And where were you? Out. That's your excuse for everything...you were "out". That's bullshit and you know it. You're a sorry excuse for a boyfriend, your not even worthy of licking the dirt off of Isabelle's shoes. You make me sick, and I suggest you get out of my face before I make you familiar with my five little friends here," October yelled holding her fist up, ready to hit him.
Cody smirked and pushed her back, "You don't have the balls to hit me," he said as he turned and walked away.
"Wanna make a bet?" Toby yelled going after him.
Isabelle stopped her though, holding her back.
"Don't Tob...just don't. It's okay," Belle said pulling October into the dressing room. Shutting the door behind them. Belle sat down in one of the makeup chairs as Toby paced angrily back and forth across the floor.
"I can't believe him, he's such an asshole. He makes me sick, I don't want to even look at him...ever again!" Toby mumbled staring at the floor.
"Relax Tob...I'm sure he didn't mean it. He just wants to help me improve, that's all," Isabelle said trying to reason.
"No. I refuse to believe that what that creep said were words of constructive criticism. He's not good enough for you Belley, you can do so much better. I hate the thought of you being near him. God! I want to pound his face in!" Toby said flopping down on the couch.
Tears were forming in Isabelle's eyes, she knew Toby was right. She just didn't want to believe it. Cody was her first love, her only love. He was all she'd ever known, and she was scared of being without him. Isabelle swallowed hard, doing her best to fight back the tears that were so near to falling. She couldn't help it though, and they streamed down her face.
"Belley? Don't cry sweetie, I'm sorry," Toby said going over to her.
"You're right. You are so right," Isabelle said burying her head in October's shoulder. October held her close, comforting her as best as she could.
"I'm sorry...you know I hate being right all the time," October said in an attempt to make Isabelle laugh.
"Shut up," Isabelle said giggling through her tears.
A slight knock was heard and Toby went over to answer it. Isabelle spun her chair around and looked in the mirror, she was a mess. The mascara was running down her cheeks and her hair was a falling out of the ponytail. She took a tissue and began to fix herself up.
"Hey," JC said as he appeared behind her, "were you crying?" he asked concerned.
"Yeah..." Isabelle replied embarrassed.
"Wanna talk about it? I have time, we still have another act before we go on," JC said sitting in a chair next to her. Isabelle looked over at October and she winked her eye, leaving the room.
"I don't want to lay my problems out on you, it's no big deal," Isabelle said looking down at her hands.
"But you were crying," JC said softly.
"I know," Isabelle said sighing, "It's just...my boyfriend, Cody. He said some really hurtful things to me. And as always Toby came to my rescue and she made me realize something..."
"And that would be?" JC asked lifting her chin to look into her eyes.
"That Cody isn't good enough for me. But...he's all I know. I don't know what to do..." Belle said looking away from JC's gaze.
"I see," JC said sitting back.
"If it weren't for Toby..."Isabelle stopped and began to giggle, adding, "threatening to hit him..."
"What? Little Toby was gonna hit him?" JC said shocked.
"Little Toby? That girl is one tough cookie, let me tell ya. No one messes with her...that's probably why he left. He didn't want to lose any teeth," Isabelle said laughing harder at the thought.
JC began to laugh as well, tossing his head back as he did so. Belle looked at him as he laughed, admiring his chiseled features. He was beautiful, inside and out.
"Now that would have been a funny sight," he said as his laughter subsided. Isabelle nodded her head in agreement. "Oh wow, I better go," JC said glancing at his watch, "meet up with me after the concert okay?"
"Sure," Isabelle said as he rose to leave. She watched him walked to the door, her pain lessened by his caring.
"I'll see you then," he said disappearing out of the door.
Seconds later Toby burst through the door once again. "Well?"
"Well what? We were just talking," Isabelle said sliding off her tight leather pants, changing into a more comfortable pair of jeans.
"About what? I left you tear streaked and mopey, I come back and your all smiles," Toby said hopping up onto the counter.
"He just made me feel better...he didn't even have to say anything, his presence, his smile...just being here...it made it all seem less upsetting," Belle said buttoning up her shirt.
"Uh huh," Toby said unconvinced.
"I'm serious," Belle said defending herself.
"You like him," Toby said matter-of-factly.
"No, I have a boyfriend. He may be a jerk, but I still love him," Isabelle said turning away from Toby.
"You think you love him. But I know that its not real, I can see that. Cody doesn't return your devotion or admiration, Belley, you know that," Toby said.
"How do you do it, Tob?" Belle asked as she turned around to look at her.
"Do what?"
"Know everything...like just now, you pinpointed, exactly. I couldn't have said it better myself. How do you do it?"
"I'm just goooooood," Toby said crossing her arms across her chest.
Isabelle walked around backstage, waiting for JC to finish changing. She walked out onto the empty stage and look out at deserted stadium. Closing her eyes, she imagined headlining her own tour, seeing HER fans screaming and waving their hands wildly. Suddenly a hand on her shoulder startled her out daydream.
"Belle?" said the voice.
Isabelle turned around and found herself face to face with Cody, "What do you want?" she said walking past him.
"I want to talk to you," he said following her.
"There is nothing to talk about," Belle replied as she kept walking.
"Please?"
Belle stopped and turned around, "Okay, talk."
"I'm sorry I hurt your feelings," Cody said, and Belle's heart skipped a beat, he was apologizing.
"It's okay..." Belle said softly.
"But I was just being honest. And then your little friend had to go and stick her nose into our business, threatening to hit me...I could sue her you know?" Cody said. Belle's heart sank, he wasn't apologizing, he was just finishing what he started earlier.
"Shut up," Belle said glaring at him, "Just shut the hell up. I don't want to hear it anymore, I'm tired of you criticizing me and my friends, I don't need this from you."
"What, you think you're leaving me? That it's over? No way sweetie, it's not over until I say it's over," Cody said grabbing her arm.
"That's enough," JC said coming forward, "Get your hands off of her!"
"Who's this? Your little boyfriend, Mr. Big-Shot-Superstar? So this is who you're cheating on me with?" Cody said gripping her tighter.
"No! I'm not cheating on you Cody! Let me go!" Belle said squirming to get away.
"Let her go, man," JC said getting in Cody's face. Cody let go of Belle's arm, pushing her away.
"I'm outta here," Cody said storming away.
Belle fell into JC's arms, sobbing.
"Shh, it's okay Isabelle, it's okay," JC whispered, holding her tightly.
"Wait...I have something to say to him," Belle said pulling away from JC. She quickly turned to follow Cody, JC right behind her. Belle caught a glimpse of Cody at the end of the hallway and quickened her pace. As she neared him she called out, "Cody, wait..."
Cody turned around to look at her, a smile on his face.
"I knew you couldn't stay away."
Just then, a tall blonde woman appeared behind him, touching his arm. Cody's attention was diverted to her, "Oh hey baby," Belle heard him say.
"What's going on here?" Belle asked approaching them.
"Cody, who's that?" the woman asked, stroking his chest.
"Nobody," he replied taking her hand and walking away.
"Nobody? Cody? Nobody?" Belle yelled after them, her voice straining as she fought back more tears. JC took her into his arms, holding her close. "Nobody? I'm nobody? I thought he loved me," Belle cried.
"Come on sweetie, let's get out of here," JC said walking her back down the hallway. They went out to the limo and headed for the hotel where all the performers were staying. The entire way Isabelle was silent, angry thoughts racing through her mind. JC got in the elevator with her, holding her hand gently.
"I'll walk you to your room Belle," JC said as they made their way down the hall.
"Thanks JC," Belle said softly.
"Anything for you," JC said to himself.
"Here it is," Belle said stopping in front of the door, "Thanks...for everything. You were really there for me tonight, I appreciate it."
"You needed me, I wasn't about to leave you alone," JC said looking down into her tired eyes.
"Goodnight," Belle said kissing his cheek.
"Goodnight," JC said as he watched her disappear into her room. He touched his cheek where she kissed him, "Goodnight Belle," he whispered.
"That you Belley?" October yelled from the bathroom.
"Yeah, it's me," Belle said falling back onto the bed, completely exhausted.
"I wasn't sure when you'd be getting back," October said emerging from the bathroom, dressed in her pajamas.
"Neither was I...our plans got canceled, so he just brought me back here," Belle said rolling over onto her side.
"What happened?" Toby asked sitting down next to her. Belle took a deep breath, then gave Toby the play by play of the evening's occurrences. How Cody disregarded her feelings, then denied their relationship, how JC came to her rescue, everything.
"Sounds like you don't need me as a bodyguard anymore," Toby joked.
"Very funny October Elizabeth," Isabelle said sarcastically.
"So, you and Cody are through now, right?" Toby asked.
"Oh yeah...very, very over," Belle sighed.
"I'm sorry, hun. I mean, I hated the asshole, but I didn't want him to break your heart," Toby said.
"I know," Belle said, smiling weakly.
"Hey Jace!" Chris yelled running to catch up to him.
"Yeah?" JC replied turning around to see Chris coming.
"Have you seen Isabelle's friend, October?" Chris asked.
"Yeah, she's pretty cute," JC replied.
"No! I mean today...did they get to the venue yet?" Chris asked exasperated.
"Oh, I dunno. I was just going down to Belle's dressing room now," JC said as he continued to walk.
"Oh, okay, well I'll come with you," Chris said joining his friend.
JC slowly opened Isabelle's dressing room door, revealing the girls sitting together talking quietly.
"Hello ladies," JC said smiling. Belle and Toby turned their heads, looking at JC and Chris standing in the doorway.
"Hi guys," Belle said happily.
"Hi Belle, hi October," Chris said sitting on the couch.
"Hi," October said stiffly, spinning her chair to face the mirror.
"So, how are you today?" JC asked Belle, touching her back.
"Better. Toby and I talked about it a lot last night...it really helped. So did you, though. Just by being there," Belle said, her eyes sparkling.
"Hey October," Chris said trying to strike up conversation, "wanna go for a walk with me around the venue?"
"No thanks," she replied, not even looking at him.
"Go Tob, it'll be fun," Belle said encouraging her. Toby looked at her friend and rolled her eyes.
"Fine, I'll go with you Chris," Toby said through gritted teeth and she spun her chair back around and hopped down.
"Cool!" Chris said hopping up, extending his hand to her. Toby looked at his outstretched hand and walked right past him, not taking it. Chris looked to JC discouraged, but followed October out of the room.
"He likes her," Belle noticed.
"Yes, yes he does," JC said leaning back on the counter.
"Well, I wish him luck, she's tough to breakdown. A lot of guys have tried, but failed. But then again, none were as persistent as Chris seems to be," Belle said thoughtfully.
"Yeah," JC said dazed. He wasn't interested in talking about Chris and October, he wanted to know more about Isabelle. "So, Miss Isabelle Stuart, tell me more about yourself," JC asked interested.
Isabelle laughed heartedly, shaking her head.
"What do you want to know? I'm not very interesting."
"Everything," JC replied seriously.
"Well at least you narrowed it down," Belle said punching his shoulder playfully. "Let's see, I was born and raised in New York state. I lived there until last year, when Tob and I decided to move to the city. We thought that we'd have a better chance for discovery there. For her dancing and my singing. I guess ultimately we were right...well, we will be once Toby gets to Broadway..." Isabelle began, then continued on with her story. JC listened to her every word.
"Wow, you were right, you're not the least bit interesting," he joked when she had finished.
"I told you!" Belle said hitting his chest.
"I was kidding Belle, relax," JC said hugging her.
Isabelle wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up and him. He looked down into her emerald eyes, wanting so to kiss her full lips. "Belle?"
"Yeah?" she whispered staring back into his eyes.
"Can I kiss you?" he asked moving in closer.
"Yes," she managed to say before their lips met.
"Wow," JC whispered as he pulled away.
"Yeah," Isabelle whispered back, smiling up at him, "I haven't been kissed like that in a long time."
"Me either," JC said, still feeling the electricity of their kiss.
"Do it again," Isabelle whispered, pulling him close to her again.
Chris nearly had to run to keep up with October's quick pace. He was getting slightly frustrated with her disinterest.
"Will you slow down?" he blurted out.
Toby stopped and looked at him.
"You know, I didn't even want to go for a walk with you, I'm only doing this because Belle wanted to be alone with JC. I would much rather be chillin' on a couch listening to my headphones."
"Fine," Chris said, giving up. He began to walk away, angry with her attitude. October watched him walk away.
"Stop him," she thought.
"Chris!" she sighed. He turned around looking at her blankly. "I'm sorry," she managed to say before she talked herself out of it.
Chris's heart softened.
"Come on," he said holding out his hand.
"I'm not going to hold your hand," Toby said defiantly walking up beside him.
"Okaaaay," he whispered to himself. They walked side by side exploring different hallways in the venue, finding a small room filled with video games.
"Oh, they have Mortal Kombat!" Toby said running to the game, showing the kid in her.
"That's one of my faves," Chris said standing beside her.
"I could kick your ass," Toby said coldly, inwardly hoping he would challenge her.
"Let's see about that," Chris said hitting start.
"Yes, let's," Toby said confidently. Toby beat Chris in the first game, and they decided to play the best out of three.
"Geez, you are fierce!" Chris said complimenting her skills. Toby smiled brightly as she stared at the screen. Chris looked over at her, noticing the way her eyes shone when she smiled. The way her dark hair fell softly about her shoulders as she laughed.
"What are you looking at?" Toby snapped, looking at him.
"Nothing, I'm sorry," Chris said looking back at the screen. Toby noticed his good looks for the first time. His intense brown eyes, his spiky dark hair.
"Not too bad," she thought to herself.
Chris looked at her out of the corner of his eye, she was still staring at him, his heart beat faster.
"Let's get out of here," Toby said walking away from the game, she didn't want him to know she was looking at him, and possibly interested.
"Okay...where to?" Chris said following her, admiring her perfect figure- a dancer's body, muscular and curvy.
"I'm hungry, let's go find some food," she replied walking out into the hall.
"Good idea," Chris said touching her back, turning her in the right direction. They walked down to the dining area, where they found Justin, Joey and Lance sitting at a table having a snack.
"Hey guys!" Justin said as they approached. October smiled and sat down across from him.
"Hey," Chris replied nodding his head, "I'll go get us something," Chris said to October.
"K," she replied.
"So are you and our Christopher an item?" Joey asked smiling at October.
"Ha, yeah right," she said rolling her eyes at the thought.
"Why? What's wrong with Chris?" Lance asked.
"What isn't wrong with him? He's goofy, immature..." October began trying to think of negative aspects to his personality.
"Yeah...and?" Justin said.
"Extremely adorable and sweet," she thought to herself. "Just...I don't know..he's Chris, he's not my type," she said shrugging her shoulders.
"Here," Chris said placing a soda and cookies in front of her, before sitting down next to her.
"Thanks," Toby said, surprised. Guys never treated her so nicely before, she was unaccustomed to his manners, but she could definitely get used to it.
"I shouldn't do this Belle," JC said breaking away from their kiss.
"Why? What's wrong?" Isabelle asked, searching his face for an answer.
"It's just wrong. You only broke up with Cody last night, you need time," JC said shaking his head, looking at the floor.
"JC, it's okay," Belle said touching his arm.
"No, no...I'm sorry, it was uncalled for. I wasn't being a gentleman, I let my feelings for you get the best of me," JC said sitting down on the couch.
Belle placed her hand on her forehead, leaning down on it. She couldn't see JC from the position she was sitting in, but she knew he could hear her.
"You not being a gentleman? JC, that is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. You are like my knight in shining armor, my hero..my...my...my wonderful...just like in the song," she said almost in a whisper.
"The song?" JC asked.
"Yeah...by Jessica Simpson...I sing it all the time...'time when I was down and out, no lovin' in my life, this angel came and brought about a meaning of so right, took my dark and lonely days into the light, with his loving ways'" Belle sang to JC.
"That was beautiful," JC said, his eyes tear filled.
"Thanks...it's true though...every word of it. You were there for me when Cody made me feel worthless, he belittled me. You comforted me, made things seem less horrible, made me feel special, like someone cared," Isabelle said turning around in her chair to look at him. A tear fell from JC's eye as he stood and walked over to her. Belle stood and melted into his open arms. "Thank you," she whispered.
"Your welcome," JC said as he kissed the top of her head. He held her close, feeling her heart pounding through her chest, he never wanted to let go.
"JJJJOOOOOOOSSSSSHHHUUUUUUA!" Justin's voice sang from out in the hall, "JC! Man, where the hell are you?" he said opening the door to Isabelle's room. He saw JC and Belle standing together and realized he interrupted a special moment. "Oh geez, I'm sorry," he said turning away.
"No, its okay," Belle said turning around.
"Yeah, come in," JC said wiping the tears from his cheek.
"We gotta do a soundcheck..."Justin said turning back around, "You should probably come too Belle, they are gonna need you next."
"Okay, we'll be right there," JC said sliding his arm around Belle. Justin nodded and left quickly, still feeling horrible for interrupting them.
Chris and October made their way to the stage, laughing and joking. Chris nonchalantly took her hand and held it. October almost pulled away immediately, but decided not to, she actually didn't mind it all that much. She realized that he was a nice guy and a true gentleman, and that maybe she enjoyed his company. But of course, she wasn't going to let anyone else know all that. She couldn't let anyone know that Chris was possibly breaking down some of her walls, getting to her, touching her heart. She saw some people come into view and quickly dropped Chris's hand, moving away from him slightly. Chris sighed, he thought he was making some progress, but apparently he was wrong.
"Belle, I need to talk to you," Toby said sitting down on the hotel bed.
"Okay," Belle said looking at her through the mirror.
"Something's going on inside me and I'm not sure what it is. I never had this feeling before...but something tells me, it's love," Toby said staring down at her hands. Belle spun around at the word love, curiosity overwhelming her as Toby continued. "Chris and I have been hanging out together a lot lately, and things are seeming to get pretty intense. It started off as careless flirting, but now...well, I'm serious. Like when we get up in each other's face, I just want him to kiss me. I let him hold my hand, I let him touch me...I never let guys do that Belle."
Belle raised her eyebrows, interested by what October was telling her.
"Wow Tob...you definitely like him. I've never heard you talk about a guy like this..."
"I know, that's what I mean! Belley...what should I do?" October said laying back on the bed staring at the ceiling.
"Tell him...I guess?" Belle said, it was the best advice she could think of. She rarely had to give October advice, so she really did not know what to say.
"Gee, what great advice Isabelle," Toby said sarcastically, "So what's the story with you and JC?"
Isabelle smiled at the mention of his name.
"I really like him Tob. Like, a lot! I know I just got out of a shitty relationship with Cody, but JC is so different. He would never hurt me the way Cody did."
"Ain't that the truth! I don't think anyone would do what Cody did to you, that asshole," October said, then continued to mutter words of hatred about him.
"But he hasn't said anything really about us..ya know? We kissed though..." Isabelle said.
"What? When? Why didn't you tell me?" October said sitting up.
"The other day...it was amazing Tob...magical almost. Cody never kissed me like that..." Isabelle sighed.
"Girl, you've got it bad," Toby said shaking her head.
"I know," Belle said with a laugh.
"You gonna tell him?" Toby asked.
"I dunno, I want to...but I want to be sure he feels the same way," Belle said looking at the floor.
"I know what ya mean," Toby said in agreement.
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