Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2001 20:00:31 -0500
From: Danni Bailey <dannibailey@hotmail.com>
Subject: No More Secrets - Chapter 8

Disclaimer: Other than the names of the characters, none of this story is
real.  It is a work of fiction and in no way in meant to imply the sexual
preferences of the characters.  If you are under age to be reading a story
of this nature or if homosexual themes bother you read no further.

Comments are always appreciated.  dannibailey@hotmail.com.  Under the
subject of your email, kindly put Decisions or No More Secrets.  I have
filters to keep out the 5 million junk mail emails I get and I want to make
sure that I can respond to your emails.  Thanks so much.  Hope you enjoy
this installment.  Also if any of you are interested in seeing the artwork
for Decisions (which includes a picture of Gary), the CD cover for No More
Secrets, or pictures of Mandi and Kyle, just let me know.  I think it kinda
helps to put a face with the characters.



Chapter 8


Justin and you were finishing up dressing Kyle and Mandi when the phone
rang.  It was Mike Gilroy.

"Gary, I was just checking on you guys.  You remember court adjourns at
10:00 right?"

"Yeah, we're heading out the door in just a few minutes.  We should be at
the courthouse by about 9:45.  Is there anything we should know?"

"Nope, just be yourselves and answer the judge honestly.  Hopefully you
guys will be in and out of there in less than an hour.  You are bringing
the kids aren't you?  I think the judge needs to see the kids interact with
you."

"They'll be there, don't worry."

The media of course, had picked up on the story only adding to Justin's
nervousness, but fortunately they had not been allowed inside the
courthouse.  It was 10 till 10 when you and Justin located courtroom 12 on
the third floor and both took a deep breath before entering. You had
expected to see an empty room, but instead it was nearly filled to
capacity.  You smiled as you recognized the faces of the other four member
of the group and their families.  Danny had flown in from London where he
had been doing a photo shoot and even newborn Ashley was there, although
unknowingly, to offer her support.

You made your way to the front of the courtroom and were seating yourselves
next to Mike Gilroy as the bailiff's loud voice announced the judge's
arrival.

"All please rise.  This is district court 3, case number 1189762.  The
honorable Judge Martha Ingrams will be residing."

Justin turned to you.  "I don't like this already.  It sounds like we are
on trial."

You nodded in agreement, but said nothing.

"Please be seated," the judge said coldly.  She took a moment to review the
papers before her.

"Mr. Timberlake and Mr. Martin, you are hear today seeking permanent
custody of Kyle and Amanda Griffin, is that correct?"

"Yes, ma'am" Justin answered softly but with confidence.

She looked around the courtroom and noticed that there were only a few
empty seats.  "And being in the entertainment business you found it
necessary to bring an entourage?"

You felt sure you could actually see Justin's blood pressure rise, but his
tone remained calm.

"No ma'am, this has nothing to do with show business.  We didn't ask anyone
to come.  We just happen to have very supportive friends."

"I see" she said, obviously not impressed and then continued.

"I have some concerns about this adoption and I would like to allow you a
chance to respond to those concerns before making my final decision.  How
much traveling would you say you do annually that is associated with
business?"

Justin took a deep breath, "I depends on the situation.  If I have an album
coming out, then there are more trips involved with appearances and
concerts.  It's kinda hard to generalize."

"Try Mr. Timberlake.  I need a number."

"Okay, maybe 3 months out of the year."

"And Mr. Martin would join you on these trips?"

Justin nodded.  "Yes, ma'am, we've always traveled together and of course
Kyle and Mandi would come with us."

"When the children are of school age, what then?"

You could see where she was headed with this.  "Your Honor, the children
would still travel with us.  We would work around their school schedule as
much as possible, but we would hire a tutor if it became necessary."

"I'm very concerned about placing these two children in a home where they
are going to be raised by `hired help'.  These two have been through
enough.  I don't want them to grow up in the care of a nanny.  They need
parents."

She was becoming increasingly irritating, but now was not the time to show
your displeasure.

"Your Honor, we never have, nor will we ever, hire a nanny.  We have every
intention of being hands-on parents.  Fortunately, we are probably able to
spend more time with the children than most working parents.  In addition
to Justin's career, we own several businesses so we can pretty much write
our own schedules.  There is no need for a nanny."

"That's good to hear Mr. Martin.  Now, I would like to discuss a matter
that is a bit more `mature' in nature.  I think it would be best if the all
children were removed from the courtroom."

Danni had heard enough.  "Excuse me, may I ask a question?" she asked
sternly.

"And who would you be?" the judge asked, obviously not pleased with the
interruption.

"I'm Danielle Kirkpatrick.  I've known Gary since he was born and Justin
since he was about 14."

"Okay Mrs. Kirkpatrick, what is your question?"

"Is the "mature matter" that you plan on discussing Justin and Gary's
relationship?"

"Yes, it is."

"Then there is no reason for any of the children to leave the courtroom.
All of them, with the exception of Ryan, have grown up with Justin and Gary
being an integral part of their lives. They are all fully aware of their
relationship.  Ryan himself is being raised by two men.  I think I can
speak for all the parents when I say that I think they should be allowed to
stay."

"As you wish Mrs. Kirkpatrick.  I was only trying to protect the children."

The judge may not have picked up on it, but Danni's sarcasm was evident.
"I appreciate your concern Your Honor, but there is no need for protection
in this particular case."

Averting her attention away from Danni the judge began again.  "Mr. Martin,
my I ask how long you and Mr. Timberlake have been together?"

"We've been together about 14 years and have been married for over 12."

"We're either of you married before?"

"No, ma'am."

"I need to ask both of you, and I don't mean to be blunt, but do you
honestly think you can raise these two children with out unduly influencing
them towards a gay lifestyle?"

The courtroom was dead silence for a moment only to be interrupted by a
loud voice.

"Why are you so mean?"  Jarrod asked loudly.

You could see the look of shock on the judge's face and Chris covering his
in disbelief.

"Excuse me young man?" the judge asked rhetorically.

"I asked why you are so mean?"

For the first time the judge had a slight smile on her face.

"Please step forward and tell me your name."

Jarrod looked over to Danni and Chris and they nodded that he should follow
the judge's request.

"My name is Jarrod Kirkpatrick."

"Somehow I could have guessed that.  Now, why is it you think I'm mean?"

"Cuz you haven't said anything nice yet and you act like Uncle Justin and
Uncle Gary have done something wrong.  They haven't.  They just love each
other.  What's the big deal?"

"The `big deal' is that they want to raise two young children.  It's my job
to ask questions so that I can be confident they would be suitable
parents."

Another young voice could be heard from the back of the courtroom.  "You
couldn't find better parents than Justin and Gary. They're the best.  You
just don't like them."

The judge was not amused.  "Young man I will not continue to allow these
outbursts.  This is a court of law, if you would like permission to speak
you need to do so appropriately."

Johnny Wright's young grandson nervously responded.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't
mean to be rude.  I just know this is really important to my uncle and I
want to make sure you know that he'd make a great dad."

Besides being somewhat annoyed, Judge Ingrams was now confused as well.
She removed her glasses and rubbed her forehead, obviously debating in her
mind how to proceed.

"Alright son, who are you and which one of these men is your uncle?" she
finally asked.

With a very confident gait, the child walked towards the judge's bench
without hesitation.

"My name is AJ Wright," he announced clearly.  "Well, it's really Anthony
Justin Wright, but everyone calls me AJ.  And Justin and Gary are both my
uncles, but I was named after Justin.  He and my dad are tight, and he has
worked with my grandpa for years.

The judge was intrigued by both of the boys, not only because of their
outspokenness, but also because of their obvious feelings for you and
Justin.

"Would you two mind answering some questions for me?"

The two young boys looked at each other with a grin that somehow gave the
judge the impression that their outbursts were not entirely spontaneous.

"Sure, anything you want?" Jarrod said for the both of them

"How much time have you spent with them?"

Jarrod spoke first. "Well, all of the members of NSYNC and their families
go on 2 vacations a year together, and then we get to spend the night with
them once a month or so.  They take us one at a time so we don't fight."

The judge tried her best to conceal her amusement, but pressed forward.

"And you?" she asked AJ.

"Justin and Gary have a house here in Orlando, so when they are in town I'm
over there a lot.  I've gone on trips and stuff like that with them before
too."

"Do they ever show affection to each other when you are around?"

The boys looked at each other and grinned, trying hard not to laugh.

"You mean like kissing?"

"Yes"

"Yeah, they kiss, but nothing like what my mom and dad do.  I mean its not
all mushy and stuff, just a quick kiss." Jarrod informed her.

Britney was snickering and Danny and Josh were laughing outright.

You could hear Danni speaking under her breath.  "I'm gonna kill him."

"Okay Jarrod, I think we have probably embarrassed your parents enough for
one day.  May I ask how old you are?"

"I'm thirteen.  Well, almost"

"Do you have a girlfriend?"

Jarrod paused then turned around and looked at Chris, unmistakably nervous.

"It's okay, Jarrod" Chris said encouragingly.

"Yeah, but until now my mom didn't know.  Dad said she'd freak out."

Danni turned to Chris, "Now I'm gonna kill both of you."

If nothing else Jarrod had lightened the judge's mood and although neither
you nor Justin were exactly thrilled with the proceedings, at least the
judge had begun to take on a human form.

"Have you talked to your uncles about your girlfriend?"

"Yeah, sometimes."

"And what is their opinion of her?"

"Oh, they love her.  Last time they took me to Seaworld, they said I could
invite her too.  We had lots of fun."

"Did they ever give you any advice as far as girls are concerned?"

"Sure.  They told me to treat girls with respect, and be careful with what
you say cuz they get their feelings hurt real easy.  You know, girls take
things the wrong way."

"I see" the judge said as she glanced at you and Justin.

" I knew about the "hurt feelings" thing already though" he continued. "
Dad filled me in on that one.  He said too that you're better off if you
don't argue with them, cuz you'll never win."

The courtroom erupted with laughter.

"Jarrod thank you very much for your candor.  It's been a pleasure talking
to you.  You may go back and sit with your family now if you'd like."

She turned to AJ.  "Anthony, how old are you?

"I'm ten" he answered proudly.

"So, I'm guessing you don't have any girlfriends?"

"A couple, but nothing serious" he informed her.

"I see." she said somewhat surprised at his answer.

"Let me ask you this AJ, do you ever feel uncomfortable around Justin and
Gary?"

"No, not at all!" he answered emphatically.  "I have a lot of white
friends.  Besides, Grandpa always said Justin was part black anyway.  You
can tell by the way he sings and dances."

Justin blushed immediately and buried his face in his hands, while his
friends roared with laughter.

The judge smiled widely and shook her head in disbelief.

"Son, I was not referring to race."

AJ was wide-eyed, unsure at first as to what the judge meant.

"Oh, you mean about them being gay!" he announced loudly when he made the
connection.

"Yes, I was referring to their relationship."

"Nah, I'm cool with it.  I don't see what some people make such a big deal
out of.  Love is love.  Isn't that all that really matters?"

Judge Ingrams had to admit he had summed it up perfectly.  "I suppose
you're right, AJ.  Thank you."

She turned her attention toward you and Justin.  "Gentlemen, I know today
has not been pleasant for you.  I know you feel like I have asked some very
personal, and what could be interpreted as inappropriate, questions.  I'm
sorry if this has made you feel uncomfortable.  My intent is not to harass
you in any way.  My intent is to explore who you are and determine if
placing the children in your custody is in their best interest."

"What I have learned, thanks in part to Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Wright is
that you are a loving and caring couple.  You intend to spend time actually
raising these children and will allow them to grow into healthy, mature and
open-minded adults.  Judging by the attendance of your family and friends
you obviously have their support in this endeavor.  If you would like to
step up to the bench I would be more than happy to sign off on the adoption
papers.  Congratulations and may I wish you the best of luck with your new
family."

Justin exhaled deeply and reached behind him taking Kyle and Mandi into his
arms.  His body was shaking but he managed to hug them both and before
turning to you and mouthing "we did it".  You lifted Mandi into your arms
as Justin took Kyle. The four of you approached the judge's bench, and with
the signing of the papers, your family was complete.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

"I don't care where we end up going," Danny commented as he sat between
Josh's legs resting his head on Josh's chest, "as long as it's warm.  The
weather in London sucked.  I never saw the sun the two week's I was there."

"We talked about a cruise," Justin informed him, "but we all kinda agreed
the kids are too small.  We'd spend all of our time worrying about them
when they were on deck.  I don't think we would relax much."

"What about Hawaii?" Joey suggested.

"Nah, we've been to Hawaii, a couple of times" Britney reminded him.  "I'd
really like to go to someplace we haven't seen before."

Lance tossed a couple of photographs on the table.  "Here you go.  I think
its what we all are looking for.  New, warm, and private.  Alyssa and I
checked it out pretty well and thought it would work."

"Greece?" you asked as you picked up on architecture in one of the
pictures.

"Wow, I'm impressed Gary." Alyssa commented.  Actually, it's Delos.  It's a
private island off the coast of Greece.  One of the producers I've worked
with owns it and it willing to let us use it for a couple of weeks.

As you looked around the room you could tell this idea was well received.

"It's small, very small.  About 2 square miles to be exact. All the
supplies have to be brought in by boat.  There is nothing there but his
villa, but trust me it's not rustic.  He's thought of everything.  The
island is totally self-sufficient as far as power is concerned.  What isn't
powered by solar panels is run by a couple of huge generators."

"Is it warm?" Danny asked teasingly.  "I mean really warm."

"How does an average daily temperature of 85 sound?"

JC leaned down and whispered in Danny's ear.  "Trust me, if the weather
isn't warm enough, I have a few ideas of my own that could heat things up
for you."

A huge grin covered Danny's face.  "Ummm count us in!"

"I heard that!" Danni teased.  Then she turned to Lance.  "Is there enough
room for all of us to stay there comfortably?  At last count there's 18 of
us now.  You can't really tell from the pictures how big the villa is.

It's huge.  I don't want to tell you all the details, because if we decide
on this place, I'd like it to be a surprise, but I'll tell you this much,
it has 11 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a wine cellar and an `entertainment room'.

"That's for starters!" Alyssa added.

"Is it available for the weeks we were looking at?"  Justin asked.  "With
the album coming out, we can't be as flexible as we have been in the past."

"All I have to do is place a phone call and its all ours."

There was little discussion.  None of you had ever been to Greece with the
exception of Lance and Alyssa and everything seemed to be perfect,
including the timing.  Justin and you could use some time together.  The
last few months had been the hardest in your 12 years of marriage.  You
were ready to relax.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

As you sat in United's terminal in London's Heathrow airport, you could not
help but to chuckle at the scene before you.  Five of the younger children
were gathered around Chris who was sitting on the floor trying his best to
keep them amused and quiet after the long flight from New York.  Jarrod and
Ryan were playing video games, the girls were taking turns keeping a fussy
Ashley comfortable, Danny, Josh, and Justin were in the gift shop while
Lance and Alyssa were in the airport's lounge.  It amazed you that through
the years no one had ever been left at an airport.  At first it had been
simple.  Ten adults, each with plenty of flying time and airport expertise
behind them.  Eight children later things were not so simple.

Joey's voice interrupted your thoughts.  "Okay kids, snack time!"

The stampede that followed would have led you to believe that the children
had gone days without food, but Joey had it under control.

"Wait a minute, no one gets anything until all of you are sitting down and
quiet."  With Britney's help, all of them quickly found a spot and Joey
handed out a bag of french fries and a drink to each of them.

"What did you get them to drink?" Britney asked cautiously.

Joey wrapped his arms around his wife and pulled her into his lap.  "You
taught me well Brit.  No caffine.  They all got Sprite."

"Thank God" she said in a relieved voice.  "Maybe they'll sleep on the
flight into Greece."

Fortunately for everyone, the flight from London to Athens was uneventful
and everyone managed to get some sleep as the United flight soared over
Southern Europe and the Mediterranean. The plane's wheels squealed as it
touchdown in Athens, just as the sun was making its first appearance on the
horizon.  Limos would be waiting for you at the airport's entrance to
deliver you to the dock at Piraeus where you catch a boat to your final
destination.

When all of the luggage was finally loaded, you headed out of the airports
gates and took in the breathtaking view of the city whose history had been
inundated with myths and legends.

"Damn, Gary, this city is beautiful!" Justin remarked.  "I never expected
anything like this."

You casually rested your hand on his leg as you peered out the window.
"Yeah, it really is, but Lance said this is nothing compared to the island.
He says it looks like its right out of a movie."

"Well, I for one am ready for some down time.  Our life has been way too
hectic lately.

You nodded.  "I agree, but I'm not sure if a vacation with the kids is
gonna be less hectic."

He ran his hand along the inside of your thigh, a devilish grin covering
face.  "Actually, I'm ready for a little romance.  Think we might be able
to fit that in somewhere?"

You moved his hand immediately knowing that if you didn't, Justin would
continue to tease.  "Oh, I'm sure we can work out a deal with the others.
If we take Ryan for a night, I'm sure Danny and Josh would watch these
two."

Justin laughed.  "My God, we get the better end of that deal!  Ryan's no
trouble at all."

You looked at Kyle and Mandi busily playing with some toys on the floor of
the limo.  You chuckled.  Justin was right.  These two would definitely
keep Danny and Josh on their toes.

To Be Continued......