Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2000 14:54:16 EDT From: SLK2308888@aol.com Subject: This I Promise You~ Chapter 6 General Announcements~ Let's keep things short and sweet (for once!). = ) Thanks to the peeps who know who you are. This is fiction, doesn't imply anything about the lives of NSync and any other characters that pop into the story. Be old enough to read this and send your comments/suggestions/ideas to: SLK2308888@aol.com with the subject heading of ~This I Promise You~. Till next time, It's Gravy Baby! = )~ Any flames will be forced to go drive on the 56 Freeway near La Jolla where it ends, becomes a narrowing windy trail and into a freaking unpaved dirt road! Ya that's pretty bad! Lol = )~ ------------------------- This I Promise You By Rick ------------------------- Chapter 6: "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" "Justin!" Christina yelled out with surprise. "Hey gorgeous, you gonna let me in or what?" Justin asked coyly. "Get your white little butt in here!" Christina giggled, opening the door to her apartment she would be staying in for the duration of practicing for her upcoming tour. "You miss me?" Justin asked, dropping his bags and scooping Christina up. "You never change my little Just. Hey, guess who's here!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Who?" Justin asked with amusement. "The one and only . . ." he heard a voice above him. "Britney!" Justin exclaimed. Britney Spears, another member of the ill-fated Mickey Mouse Club, quickly made her way down the stairs and jumped into Justin's arms. "What are you doing here?" Justin questioned with confusion. "Well if you would have called to tell me you were coming I would have told you that Britney decided to visit for a couple of days," Christina interrupted. "I hope you don't mind I dropped by. I just needed to take a break from . . . things," Justin finished weakly. "He said no?" Britney asked in shock before covering her mouth. Justin looked at her momentarily before turning his gaze to Christina. "I'm sorry Just! But you know I can't keep secrets from Britney! As soon as I opened the door she could already see right through me," Christina apologized. "Don't blame her Justin, she didn't even have to say a word, I already knew," Britney added. "Forget about it. I'm not angry, I was going to tell you anyway," Justin replied. "In that case, sit down and tell us everything," Christina said, dragging Justin to the couch. She and Britney sat him between them and began berating him with questions. "Does your mom know?" "How'd you tell him?" "What did he say?" "Did he get angry?" "What happened?" "Tell us!" Christina exclaimed. "Tell us!" Britney urged. "HOLD UP A MINUTE!" Justin complained. "Sorry," both of them stated sheepishly. "It's OK, just give some breathing room and I'll tell you everything. I wrote him a letter . . ." Justin sighed. "What did he say when he read it," Christina asked in a whisper, trying to keep calm. "Well . . .." Justin fidgeted. "Justin, how could you just drop a bomb like that and leave?" Britney questioned, understanding her friend too well. "I'm sorry! I was just scared of what he would do. What he would say. I mean what if doesn't have the same type of feelings I have for him? Or even worse, what if he becomes stark-raving mad like the guy who killed his friend who had a crush on him after they went on Jenny!" Justin complained. "You are such a chicken-shit!" Christina argued. "Well, thanks for the support!" Justin said with a pout. "Justin, you know we're just looking out for you, but come on! You didn't even give Josh the opportunity to respond. You keep thinking so negatively, but what if he DOES feel the same way about you? He could be at home right now heart broken cause you just vanished," Britney stated. "I guess . . .." Justin agreed. "What if he's worried sick right now, worried what happened to you," Christina pointed out. "OK, OK I get the point. I screwed up!" Justin fell back on the couch. "So go call him!" Britney yelled. "Now?" Justin asked, cringing. "NO! Call him when he's married and has kids! Of course call him now! What do you expect? Sheesh!" Britney's sarcasm coming to the surface. "I can't call him now," Justin argued. "What now?" Britney questioned. "Well . . . I mean . . . how do I even know if Josh is the one? What if I'm just mistaking the signals of our friendship and making it something more. What if I'm just obsessing over him because he's the only guy I've known for so long," Justin replied. "Are you out of your mind? Of course JC's the one for you. What are you trying to do, ruin everything?" Christina spoke out. "No, Chrissie no. I guess we should give little Justin a chance to see for himself. You know what we have to do," Britney stated solemnly. "I guess so," Christina agreed with a knowing look. "What are you two little gossips talking about?" Justin asked with speculation. "We're talking about the time honored tradition every girl and gay guy does in times like these." "What is it?" Justin asked with awe. "You'll see, now give us a half an hour to get ready. Oh and you might want to change, you look like you just spent the day on a plane," Britney proposed. "I have!" Justin replied. "Just put on something nice and get yourself all cute again!" Britney said pinching Justin's cheek. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "OK what the hell are we doing here?" Justin asked, clearly perturbed yet interested in what this mysterious tradition was. "Where else do you expect to meet a guy?" Christina asked, carefully placing her sunglasses. "In the mall?" Justin asked, irked beyond belief. "We're just here to sort of browse the men . . . it's kind of like window shopping. You're not really committing to anything but if you happen to see something nice well . . . you can always go in for the buy," Britney quietly explained. "Besides I think they're having a sale over at Sak's Fifth," Christina giggled. "Now put your shades on so you don't get spotted by the teenyboppers honey and come with us," Britney commanded as she pulled Justin and Christina forward. "I think this is a good spot to `browse', don't you think?" Christina asked. "Uh huh, ladies . . ." Britney started before Justin looked at her with an evil eye, "and gentlemen, keep an eye out." The three of them made themselves comfortable on a nearby bench and began to casually scan their surroundings. "How bout them?" Britney asked, secretly pointing out a group of frat hunks. "Please girl! Look at them, they look as dumb as doornails! And what are they wearing? They didn't just walk into the GAP, they fell into it!" Christina complained. "OK, Miss `I know everything' who'd you choose?" Britney asked sarcastically. "Hmmm . . . I spy with my little eye . . . Him!" Christina pointed to a tall, dark and handsome stranger. "He's pretty cute," Britney agreed, casually giving the man the once over. "Has some possibility," Justin added, causing both girls to look at him strangely. "What? I got eyes! I can't say anything now?" Justin accused. Britney and Christina laughed and hugged him. "OK, so why don't you pick out someone," Britney replied. "Well give me awhile, a master must take his time," Justin stated regally, causing them to roll their eyes. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Justin it's been thirty minutes, haven't you seen anyone that's kind of cute?" Christina asked, growing bored. "Not really," Justin replied still scanning the crowd. "How bout him?" Christina asked. "Too much of a surfer dude." Justin responded. "Him," Britney pointed to a sharply dressed guy. "Too old and too into himself," Justin replied. "Him?" "Skater." "Him?" "Pimp!" "Urgh! We're not getting anywhere with you!" Britney exclaimed. "Why don't you try to tell us what you're looking for in a man," Christina suggested. "Well I guess . . . my perfect man would have to be handsome . . . but not narcissistic or vain about it. Oh and he has to be . . . smart, but not try to make everyone feel like they're beneath him or anything. He has to be confident and strong willed, but not totally into himself that he can't make time for me or is too condescending. He has to love music and basketball and dancing and kids. He has to be thankful for what God has given him and willing to give back to others in need. He'll like to take long moonlit strolls, not because he feels he has to be but because he wants to spend as much time with me as he can. He won't be thinking about whether or not to kiss me on the first date and he won't mind if I want to pay for dinner once in a while. He'll think about me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and not be afraid to cry and tell me he misses me. Oh and he'll want to whisk me away to some romantic hideaway or just hold me when everything's too much to handle. He'll have a sense of humor like no other and knows how to have fun. He's kind to strangers and recycles, not afraid to go after the good things in life. He'll want to . . ." "OUCH!" Justin yelled, suddenly interrupted from his reverie. "You jerk! Not only did you waste our time, but you've been describing JC!" Christina grumbled after smacking him on the back of the head. "I have not! Well . . .." Justin sighed. "I could have bought me some kick ass shoes but instead you come here and make us wait for you to realize you want Josh!" Britney replied. "OK, OK! I'm sorry! Why don't you girls spend an hour shopping and then we can go home and I'll treat you two to dinner for your services," Justin suggested. "In that case you're forgiven," Christina stated pecking him on the cheek, "we'll meet you in an hour right here," Christina said, dragging Britney with her. Justin shook his head in laughter. "Excuse me, do you have the time?" a voice from behind him asked. "Uh . . . sure," Justin stated, nervous about getting caught, "It's ten till three." "Thanks," the voice responded in a deep voice, causing Justin to look up. His eyes met with the stranger's big brown ones. They stared at each other momentarily, before Justin looked away, cheeks turning red. He tried to resist it, but the urge to look at him again was undeniable. Everything about this guy seemed perfect. The hair, the eyes, the nose,the somewhat thick lips, even his teeth seemed white and perfect. "The name's Mike," the man said, thrusting his hand forward. As if in a daze, Justin brought his hand to meet it. His grip was strong and confident, Justin could feel his strength pulsing within his hands. "I'm . . . I'm Justin," he replied back nervously, "and you have a watch." Justin mentioned, noticing the nice watch the guy was wearing. "I guess I'm caught," Mike chuckled. "It was just a ploy to get to talk to you. I've actually been here watching you and your friends `browse' the mall," he stated with a knowing smile. "Ohhh . . ." Justin murmured, feeling himself blush even harder. "Hey, don't worry how do you think I spotted you?" he asked kindly. "Well, it was nice talking to you but I . . . I gotta go now," Justin said nervously. "Do you have to?" Mike asked with disappointment. "Well . . . I guess not," Justin agreed. "I take it you're not from around here," Mike commented. "No, I'm just taking a little vacation," Justin replied. "So how do you like Southern California so far?" Mike asked. "It's nice, I've always enjoyed it here," Justin commented, looking at his watch and wondering where the hell the girls were. "Was I wrong in thinking you were available? I might have misread the signs here, I'm sorry," Mike stated, noticing Justin's discomfort. "No . . . well I am . . . available . . . I guess . . ." Justin mumbled. "I'm kind of new at this, I'm not really sure what to do." "I'm not making you uncomfortable am I?" Mike asked kindly. "No, like I said just new to this kind of stuff," Justin replied. "So why the uncertainty? Is there someone you're with?" Mike questioned. "Well no . . . no not really, it's . . . it's complicated," Justin sighed. "Listen, I don't want to pressure you into anything but . . . I was wondering if you were free for dinner tonight. Nothing extravagant or anything just . . . just dinner, maybe get a chance to know each other a little bit better," Mike stated nervously. "I dunno . . ." Justin murmured. "It'll be fun. Think of it as . . . as a kind of practice date. You call the shots, we can do whatever you want to do," Mike added. "Well . . ." Justin stated, still unsure. "Listen, I can see that you still don't know what to think. I'll understand if you don't want to go out. I have tickets to the Lakers tonight so I'll just go call up a friend and catch the game so don't worry about me. It was nice meeting you Justin, I hope whoever that lucky guy is, opens his eyes and sees what he has right in front of him," Mike replied. "Mike . . . wait," Justin blurted out. "Yes?" Mike asked with a glimmer of hope. "So you're into basketball?" Justin asked with a smirk. "I love basketball! I try and play everyday if I have the chance. I even met Jordan once!" Mike exclaimed "So did I! Michael is so cool!" Justin agreed, opening up with a subject he knew very well. "How did you meet him?" Mike asked with puzzlement. "Oh well . . . I just saw him on the street once, he was really nice," Justin quickly made up. "How'd you meet him?" "My law firm represents him, he usually comes to the company parties as a favor," Mike replied. "You look kind of young to be a lawyer," Justin said with speculation. "That's what everyone says, I'm only 23 but I kind of skipped through grade school," Mike explained. "So you're one of those genius people right? Justin asked in awe. "I guess . . . it's nothing special though," Mike stated indifferently, "well . . . I guess I better get going unless . . ." "Unless?" "Unless, you'd be interested in going to the game with me. They're court-side seats, it could be pretty cool." Mike pointed out. "I'd love to go but I just don't know . . ." Justin sighed. "Look, I think you'd appreciate these tickets more than I would. Why don't you take them and you can take whomever you want," Mike stated, reaching into his wallet and handing the tickets to Justin. "I couldn't take your tickets," Justin disagreed, trying to give them back. "No, no I want you to have them," Mike urged, "no strings attached, just go have fun. So I guess this is goodbye, enjoy the seats." "Mike" Justin stated as Mike started to walk away. "Ya?" Mike questioned, turning around "What are you doing tonight?" Justin asked with a broad smile, flashing the tickets. "Gee, I dunno," Mike stated with a grin, "catch the game, dinner, and maybe a night cap?" "Dinner and the game," Justin bargained. "Deal! Pick you up around 7?" Mike stated happily. "Sure," Justin replied. "Justin!" Britney called out to her friend. "Hey Brit, this is . . ." Justin stated nervously. "Hi, I'm Mike, nice to meet you two." Mike charmed, shaking Britney and Christina's hands. "Christina" "Britney" the two of them introduced themselves rather coldly. Justin looked at them momentarily before giving Mike an apologetic look. "Do you girls mind if I take you out some other night? Mike has some tickets to the Lakers and he was kind enough to ask me to go with him," Justin stated. Britney and Christina clearly looked displeased by the news, but tried to keep it to themselves. "That's fine Justin, I hope you two have fun tonight," Britney replied, clearly trying to be cheerful. "Justin why don't you help Brit put the bags in the car and I'll give your friend the address to the house?" Christina questioned. "Sure . . . well I guess I'll see you tonight Mike," Justin said with a shy smile. "I can't wait Justin," Mike stated with a wide smile, "it was nice meeting you Britney." "Likewise," Britney responded quickly before whisking Justin toward the exit. Justin glanced back and waved goodbye. Mike likewise waved at him before turning his attention to the young lady next to him. Christina slowly and deliberately wrote the address down to the house before turning to face Mike. "What do you want from Justin?" she questioned in a slightly menacing tone. "Listen, I know you're his friend and you only want to watch out for him but I promise I'm not trying to get anything from him. Just dinner and maybe get to know each other a little better," Mike replied. "Mike, is it? Look, you seem like a really nice guy and I have nothing against you or anything, but Justin's already spoken for," Christina explained. "That's funny cause when I asked him, he said he was still available," Mike said with a nervous smile. "Justin's . . . Justin's confused right now. He already has someone he loves very much," Christina responded. "In all fairness miss, don't you think you should let Justin decide whether or not he wants to go out with me?" he tried to reason. Christina sighed, cursing inside before handing him the address. "Please, for my friend's sake. DON'T come tonight," Christina stated simply, before releasing the slip of paper and walking away. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ "Justin, will you get your ass out of the bathroom! It's almost seven for goodness sakes!" Britney exclaimed as she pounded at the door. "Hold your horses woman!" Justin screamed, still trying to style his hair. "Justin, why are you so excited? It's just a damn basketball game," Britney stated, cursing under her breath about this guy coming into Justin's life. "OK, OK I'm done!" Justin bellowed, stepping out of the bathroom. Christina whistled jokingly at his appearance. "Will you stop that!" Justin complained, nervously fastening his necklace. "Here let me help you," Britney stated, grabbing his medallion and fastening it around his neck. Justin spun around with a flourish and flashed both ladies an irresistible grin. Britney and Christina laughed before growing silent and looking at each other. "Justin . . ." Christina sighed, "are you sure you want to go out with this guy?" "Chrissie . . . please, he's a nice guy." Justin commented. "What about JC?" Britney questioned seriously. "JC's not here right now . . . Mike is. It's just dinner and the game, nothing's going to happen," Justin replied. Christina was about to comment once more when the doorbell rang. "Have fun," she blurted weakly. "Thanks you two. Don't wait up!" Justin said happily before nervously opening the door. Standing before him was his date for the evening, sharply dressed and carrying a large bouquet of roses, which covered his face. "Awww Mike," Justin stated, clearly impressed by the gesture. The mask of roses was lowered, causing Justin's voce to get caught in his throat. "Josh . . ." he croaked. "Justin . . ." JC spoke, clearly not pleased about "Mike". To Be Continued???????? Well I think I shall be evil and leave it off here for now! Send your comments to SLK2308888@aol.com with the subject heading of ~This I Promise You~.