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Chapter Two © 2002 & 2003

The sun shone through the window and danced across the room and hit a peacefully sleeping figure that was snuggled deep into her pillows. Erin stirred but did not wake.

Her bedroom door creaked open and in creeped a very awake and happy Becca. In her hand she held a piece of paper.

"Erin," she whispered hoping to wake Erin. She walked closer to her friends bed.

Erin groaned, rolled over and continued sleeping.

Becca stopped the the side of the bed and leaned over. "Wake up!" she yelled.

Erin rolled back over and opened her eyes, squinting at her crazy friend.

Becca just smiled down at her.

"Time to get up sleepy head," she said.

"Why?" Erin asked, annoyed. She pulled her doona over her head to escape
the sun light.

"Cause it's a beautiful day. The sun is up. The birds are...doing whatever they do," she replied before she threw the doona off Erin.

Erin curled into a ball trying to seek warmth. She ingnored her friend and closed her eyes in effort to go back to sleep.

"Come on!" Becca was getting inpatient.

Erin re-opened her eyes and sighed. "OK. Fine I'm up," she gave in and sat up indian style on her bed. Her spained ankle felt a whole lot better.

"Good," Becca said as she sat on Erin's bed. "Look what I found." Becca handed the piece of paper to Erin.

Before taking the paper from Beccas grasp, Erin rubbed her eyes to rid of the sleep that made her vision slightly blurred.

"A piece of paper! Congratulations Becca!" Erin said sarcastically.

"Ha ha. Very funny. Just look on the other side," Becca said with a smile.

Erin turned the paper over and there written was a number. JCs number. She stared at it in shock. She was confused. "Where did you find it?" she asked Becca.

"On the table near the door. He left it for you," Becca answered.

"I doubt that. He probably just dropped it there or something," Erin said handing the paper back to Becca.

Erin got up off her bed and walked over to her drawers and began to dig through them to find some clothes.

"Why wouldn't he have left his number for you?" Becca inquired still sitting on the bed.

Erin whirled around and faced her. "Just look at me. Why would be even want to take a second glance at me?" she asked, tears burning the back of her eyes.

Becca got up from the bed and made her way over to Erin. "I am looking at you Erin. There is nothing and I mean nothing wrong with you. You're a sweet, kind, big-hearted beautiful person. And I'm not gonna let you push this away."

Later that day

Erin slowly and shyly made her way into the building. This was hard for her. She was dressed casually in big baggy grey sweats and a oversized shirt, she lazily had thrown her hair into a bun and a shoulder bag hung on her shoulder.

"How may I help you?" a muscular male asked before looking up.

"Hey Jake. How's business?" Sadness washed over her as the man in front of her looked her over.

"Erin. What are you doing here? I haven't seen you in months."

"Well after you broke up with me I didn't see the point of coming here," she replied, a hint of anger in her voice, she looked down at the ground.

Jake sighed softly. "Erin. I don't know how much times I've said sorry."

She looked up. "Too many times. It's getting old. I just don't want to hear it anymore."

"It had nothing to do with you appreance if that's what you're thinking. Cause you're beautiful Erin. You had this spunk about you that I loved, you didn't care what other people thought. But I guess the old Erin is gone and she's been replaced."

"Jake, just don't. I'm here to work out. Not to discuss the past." She grew annoyed.

"Ok. I'm.."

She glared at him, not wanting him to say it again.

"Just sign here." He handed her a form of which she had to sign.

She signed her name and began to walk off.

"I shine for you. I live for you. Never give up. I love you."

She turned around and looked back at Jake with tear filled eyes. She had always said that to him.

"Never stop shining." And with that Jake went back to work.

Erin sighed softly and walked away. She walked over to a treadmill and began her work out.

Roughly 20 mintues later she was breathless and sitting on the bench.

"Harder then I thought," she quietly said reaching for her water bottle.

"Hi there."

Erin looked up slowly and her eyes met with the warm and kind eyes that she had met yesterday. She smiled. "JC. What are you doing here?"

"Working out," he smiled back, taking a seat next to her.

"You. Work out?" she laughed softly. "Why do you need to work out? Look at you!"

"I'm working on the muscules baby." He laughed.

Erin laughed with him, for the first time in a while, enjoying a laugh with a guy.

"What about you?" he licked his lips, and waited intently for her to answer.

"I'm here to work out. You know..lose some weight," she looked down, embrassed.

"Listen," he took her hand in his, "First; there's nothing to be embrassed about. Second; you do not need to lose weight. You look fine."

Erin was overcome by his sweetness as she looked down at their hands. She looked back up at him.

He smiled. "I gotta run. I'm late for a radio interview." He got up and released his hand from hers. He picked up his bag and towel. "You got my number right?"

Erins eyes widened in shock. "I..uh.."

"Call me." He winked at her and walked away leaving her spechless.

She opened her mouth and the only word that came out was "Wha?"

Chapter Four © 2003

She sat silently on her small balcony wrapped in several blankets looking out as the sun rose. She smiled as the warmth of the sun hit her face. She closed her eyes and got comfy in her chair. She slowly drifted back off to sleep.

That's how JC found her 2 hours later.

JC kneeled down in front of her and watched in amazement as Erin slept. A gust of wind flew over them and several hairs of Erins hair fell on her face. JC gently planced on hand on her knee as his other hand came forward and softly placed her hair back behind her ear. His fingers gently brushed the side of her cheek as he reveled in how soft her skin was.

Erin stirred, frowning slightly as she woke up.

JC placed his other hand on her knee and smiled, anxiously waiting to look into her eyes.

As her hazel eyes slowly opened she smiled. "Hey. What are you doing here?" She sleepily asked.

JC smiled. "I seriously have no idea why I'm here so early." He laughed softly and watched as her eyes lit up. "What are you doing out here? It was freezing early this morning."

Erin cleared her throat. "I came out here to watch the sun rise. It's just as beautiful as the sun set," she replied, rubbing her eyes.

JC licked his lips and stood up, shoving his hands into his jean pockets. "You know..I think I might have seen the most beautiful site. When I walked into you room and looked to see you sleeping out here, it was simply beautiful."

Erin blushed and stood up, gathering her blankets with her. "Is that a talent of yours? Continuesly making a girl blush every five seconds?" she asked, making her way back into her room.

JC laughed. "I don't know. But seriously Erin, it was truly breath taking."

Erin neatly folded the blankets and placed them on her bed. She turned to look at him with tears in her eyes. "You have this amazing ability to make me feel like I'm really here. And I love that feeling. Thank you for making me feel like that again." She made her way over to him and gently kissed his cheek. "Thank you."

JC didn’t miss the tingle of that single kiss on his cheek as it spread through his body.

As she pulled away and smiled at him, his heart swelled. “You’re more than welcome sweetheart. Now get your butt in gear. I’m taking you to breakfast.”

Erin walked over to her closet and opened it. “Is this one of those breakfast, lunch and dinner days? Cause if it is I am SO in.”

JC laughed and sat down in a chair next to the bed. “Yes it is actually.”

She turned around and smiled. “Just let me shower and I’ll be ready in 15,” she said, grabbing some clothes. She made her way into her bathroom and closed the door behind her.

Under 15 minutes later Erin was ready. On the way to the small cafe it was a little quiet.

JC parked the jeep and looked at her. “You ok?”

Erin nodded. “Yes I’m fine.”

JC wasn’t so sure as they got out and made there way into the small establishment.

Taking a seat Erin looked around, seeing young faces staring at JC. “Uhh..JC did you bring security at any chance?” she asked, looking at him as he sat down.

“No I didn’t. There’s only a small group. No big deal.”

Erin suddenly felt as though everyone was looking at her. Wondering why she was with him. Why would he be with something like her. The lump started to rise in her throat. “I need water,” she whispered, looking down, avoiding eye contact with him.

JC called a waitress over and got them both a glass of water.

Erin took it taking a huge gulp, as a deep blush rose across her cheeks. She looked around the cafe nervously.

JC frowned, deciding not to ask her why she was nervous. “Have you decided what you want to eat?” he asked, watching her fiddle with her menu.

Erin looked up at him. “Yeah. Pancakes please.” She looked back down, blushing.

JC told the waitress what they wanted.

“It won’t be long,” the blonde haired waitress told him, winking at him. She walked away shaking her ***.

JC rolled his eyes and looked back at Erin. He opened his mouth to speak.

“JC! OH MY GOD! It is YOU! My gosh I totally love your hair.” A brunette and a few of her friends stood in front of their table, staring at JC wide eyed.

JC looked at them and smiled. “Thanks. What can I do for you girls?”

Erin shrunk away, turning slightly hoping they wouldn’t say anything.

The brunette smiled wide. “Autograph please?” She pulled out a napkin and pen and practically shoved it in his face.

JC smiled again, but got a little annoyed as the other girls pulled out napkins and shoved them in his face. Of course JC loved his fans and he was more then happy to sign autographs, but come on he was trying to find out what was wrong with his friend.

As JC was signing his name on a napkin the brunette looked at Erin. “Who are you?” she asked, kinda rudely.

Erin looked up and over at them and blushed yet again. She saw anger, hate and disgust in the young girls eyes. A look she knew all too well.

JC looked over at Erin and then at the girls, hoping they wouldn’t start anything, he pulled out his cell and called Lonnie quickly.

Before Erin could open her mouth the young girl spoke again. “What is a thing like you doing hanging around with JC?”

Erin felt the tears gather in her eyes. “I..I.”

“Wow..that’s amazing. I never knew cows could talk.” The girls around her giggled.

JC sighed softly, shaking his head. “Look I don’t know you and you don’t know me. And who I hang around with is none of your business,” he started, looking at the girls with anger in his eyes. “If you think you are better than her you are dead wrong. And I’m not just gonna sit around and watch you hurt my friend, so I suggest you go back to your table before I stand up and give you a piece of my mind.”

Erin looked at JC with a little smile on her face. She still felt like trash, cause that’s how she always feels, but he was standing up for her and nobody except Becca had done that.

“But...she..why..” the young girl stammered over her words.

“I’m going to hang out with whoever I want. And I don’t care what you think.” JC tried his best to remain calm. He picked up the napkins with his name scribbled on them and handed them back to one of the girls who looked like she was going to cry.

The brunette walked away with her friends in a huff.

JC looked at Erin and saw as she fought back the tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. “I’m really sorry about at that Erin.”

Erin shook her head. “It’s not your fault.” She sniffled and looked down at her hands, her bottom lip trembled. “Can we get the food to go?”

JCs heart broke at the sound of her voice. “Of course.”

They both stood up and made their way to the counter. JC paid for the food and grabbed the two paper bags and walked out of the cafe with her.

Lonnie stood near JCs jeep, his face flushed with anger. “What the hell where you thinking?! Leaving without me! Anything could have happened to you and I would be the one in trouble.”

JC helped Erin into his jeep and gave her the bags with their breakfast in it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. Only something small thing happened but it wasn’t to me. I handled it.”

Lonnie looked over at Erin and his face softened. Erin sat in her seat, shoulders slumped and she looked sadly into her hands. “What happened?”

“Something I don’t want to happen to her again.”

"Fans?" Lonnie asked, still looking at the slightly broken Erin.

"Yeah. And what make me feel bed is the fact that they were fans."

"I'm sorry man. Is she going to be ok?" Lonnie questioned, looking back at JC.

"I don't know," JC answered with a sigh. "I'll meet you back at the hotel."

Lonnie smiled. "Alright." He patted JCs shoulder and walked off and got into his SUV and drove off.

JC got into his jeep and started it pulling away from the curve.

"Don't you live in LA?" Erin asked, breaking the silence.

JC nodded. "Yeah I do. Why do you ask?"

"How did you get your jeep here? Did you drive it here?" Erin was just trying to make conversation, hoping she wouldn't fail miserably.

JC laughed softly. "Hell no. Actually I got it shipped to me. I just feel more comfortable driving around in my own car.

Erin smiled slightly and turned her head, watching as the cars wizzed by.

Once JC was parked at the back of the hotel he hopped out and helped Erin out.

Lonnie came walking toward them from the back enterance, where he was waiting. "The lobby is clear. You guys should get through ok."

JC smiled. "Thanks man." He handed a spare key to his jeep to Lonnie and took Erins hand in his and they walked hand in hand into the hotel. They both got safely into the elevator, and JC let out a sigh of relief.

"I have a room by myself so we can eat in peace," JC said, breaking the silence that consumed them in the elevator. "Maybe we can talk?"

Erin looked at him with a small smile on her face. "Sure."

Once the doors opened they walked out, still holding hands, not knowing they were.

Erin looked down at their hands being the first to notice. She slipped her hand out of his and handed him the bag with their breakfast in it.

JC smiled and took it from her. He pulled his key out of his jean pocket and unlocked the door to his room, letting Erin in first.

Erin walked in slowly. She looked around the room in amazement. "Wow!"

JC closed the door and walked over to the couches and took a seat. He watched as Erin looked around at everything with wide-eyes.

The simple beauty of the room took her breath away. She walked over to JC and sat down next to him, putting a small distance between them. "Could I have my breakfast?" she asked, quietly, holding out her hand.

JC smiled and handed her, her plate.

Erin moved away from him a bit and begun to eat.

JC ate half his pancakes, not feeling as hungry he was before the incident. He got up and went over to the hotel phone, picking it up.

Erin swallowed the contents in her mouth. "Who you calling?" she asked, before licking her lips.

JC turned and looked at her. "The guys." He smiled before turning back around, talking into the phone.

Erin suddenly grew nervous. As she finished her breakfast she broke out in a small sweat.

JC finished his phone call and sat back down next to her. "They'll be over in a few."

Erin smiled and swallowed the lump in her throat. "Great, great."

JC could hear the nervousness in her voice. "It's gonna be alright Erin. They are gonna love you."

Erin wiped her forehead with the back of her hand. "How do you know? What if they hate me?" She stood up, her hands shaking.

JC stood up next to her and took her hands in his warm, comforting ones. "They are not going to hate you. Trust me," he reasured her.

A calmness washed over her and she felt a little better.

A knock on the door make Erin nervous all over again.

JC smiled and walked over to the door. As he opened the door and Justin stepped in Erin ran into the bathroom and closed the door behind her.

"Who was that?" Justin asked, once all of the guys were inside.

Erin pressed her ear against the door to listen in.

"Was that the girl you are always talking about?" Justin inquired as he nudged JCs arm.

JC hit his shoulder, hard.

"Ow. JC. Ow." Justin rubbed his arm and went and sat down on the couch.

Erin laughed softly.

JC made his way over to the bathroom door and knocked softly. "Erin. Sweetheart come out."

"Ok." Erin moved away from the door and opened it, she blushed deeply as she stepped out, looking down.

"This is the girl you are always talking about?" Joey asked, looking at JC.

Erin bit her bottom lip and looked at him.

"You didn't tell us she was a hottie." Joey winked at her and grinned. He walked over to her and took her hand in his and brought it up to his lips, placing a single kiss on the back of her hand.

"Erin this is Joey. Joey, Erin. Get your paws off her man," JC said, giving Joey the death glare.

He laughed softly and let go of her hand.

Justin, Lance and Chris introduced themselves to her.

Justin threw his arm around Erins shoulders and smiled at her. "Did you think we were gonna hate you?"

Erin blushed again and smiled shyly. "Yeah I did. Well... do you?"

The guys laughed.

"No. Not at all," Lance said with a warm smiled.

Erin smiled as Justin gave her a small hug.

"You are an instant friend. From what JC has told us you seem really nice. You've made out JC really happy," Chris said, smiling at her.

"I have?" Erin asked, surprised. She looked over at JC, who was blushing slightly.

Lance nodded. "Yeah. He's al..."

JC put a pillow over Lances face to shut him up.

Erin frowned and laughed softly. "Something you don't want me to know?" she asked.

Lance pushed JCs arm away and coughed softly

JC blushed again and looked at Erin. "There's nothing you need to know."

Erin smiled. "Ok."

For the rest of the morning and afternoon, they talked and laughed and got to know each other a little better.

Erin had fallen asleep on the couch while the guys played Playstation 2.

The guys piled out silently, leaving JC with a peacefully sleeping Erin a hour later.

JC closed the door and turned and looked at Erin with a smile on his face. He walked over to her and pulled a blanket over her.

She sniffled softly and snuggled into the blanket.

JC sat down and watched her sleep. He smiled, he was extremely happy knowing the guys got along with Erin.

Erin stirred and rolled over with a whimper.

JC frowned, wondering what was going on in her obvious bad dream, she was having. When she let out a small cry he knew he had to wake her. He got up and went over and gently shook her shoulder. He kneeled down, waiting for her to wake up.

She whimpered again and slowly opened her eyes. She moaned softly and rubbed her eyes. "JC?"

"Yeah I'm here," he said softly, grabbing her hand. "Bad dream?"

She shook her head. "Kind of like a flashback. I have those from time to time instead of actual dreams. I'm weird huh?" She smiled as she sat up.

JC stood up and smiled. "Not weird. Very unique. What was the flashback about?"

Erin pushed the blanket off her body and bit her lip. "Ex-boyfriend. Not a good break-up. And I don't wanna talk about it right now."

"That's fine. I've had my share of nasty break-ups also," JC said, sitting down next to her.

"Break-ups? As in lots?" Erin asked, glancing at him.

"Yes." JC winced slightly.

Erin nodded. "Are we going to dinner tonight?"

"Yep. Did you want me to take you home so you can change?" he asked her.

"Yes. Thank you," Erin replied.

Three hours later they were sitting in a small quiet restaurant.

Erin took a sip of her water and watched as JC ate.

He was wearing a snug white sweater with loosly hung dark blue jeans. His hair was slicked back and he was looking very cute.

She wore a long blue skirt with a red long sleeve shirt.

JC noticed that she seemed a little quiet. "Are you ok?"

Erin had been lookingoff to the side for a bit, she looked at him. "I've just been thinking and I think I wanna tell you what happened with my ex."

He looked at her, surprised. "You do? Are you sure?" he asked, making sure, she was sure.

Erin nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm sure."

JC pushed his plate to the side of the table and placed his hands on the table, giving her his full attention. "Ok. I'm listening." His eyes sparkled as he looked at her.

"Well," she started, laughed softly. "You have a little bit of sauce on the corner of your mouth."

"Oh," JC laughed as he got a napkin and wiped it off.

Erin smiled. "Ok. Well his name is Jake."

"Wait, it's not that Jake who owns the gym is it?" he asked.

She nodded. "He's sweet. I thought he really loved me, but when more and more people said things about me and my apperance and how gorgeous he was, it got too much for him and then his ex-girlfriend came into the picture, you can guess where it went from there. That's when it got worse for me. I was more depressed. I felt like my life wasn't even worth living. I hated myself for not being good enough for him. Becca helped me. I've known her all my life and she helped me through it. Jake was the only boyfriend I have ever had and probably ever have." A few tears fell from her eyes as she spoke.

"I'm sorry Erin. I really don't know what to say." JC grabbed her hand and clasped them together on the table.

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted to tell you. My dreams and flashbacks involve the whole break-up deal. I just want to forget about it all. I'm not in love with him anymore. I'm not too sure if I loved him at all. But I'm happy right now."

JC squeezed her hand and smiled at her.

Flashes of light went off, startling Erin.

He let go of her hand and looked over through the window. Photographers stood outside, clicking away with their cameras.

JC threw some cash onto the table and took Erins hand and rushed out of the restaurant.

The nosey photographers followed them to JCs jeep.

"God. They don't give up." JC growled angrily, closing Erins door, once she got in.

Erin held her hands over her red face and slumped forward.

JC got in, flashes still going off. He started his jeep and sped off.

Erin sat there silent and shocked.

"I'm so sorry Erin. I didn't want that to happen. I never want that to happen again," JC said, rubbing her arm softly.

"What? You don't want to be seen with me again?" she asked, looking at him wide-eyed.

"No, no, no that's not what I meant. I just wanna protect you from the media," JC replied, stopping at the back of the hotel.

"Ok. Sorry. I just got confused." Erin looked around, noticing they were now parked behind the hotel. "That was fast."

"I drove a little faster the usual. Do you wanna come up and talk?" he asked, getting out of his jeep.

"Sure," Erin replied, slipping out.

For the whole night they talked. Neither one of them wanted to be anywhere else, just with each other.

Chapter Six © 2003

Days had passed since JC left and Erin had spent most of her time in her room, crying. She missed him and she didn't know what to do with herself.

Becca had tried countless times to get her out of her room, but it was useless. She had given up on trying to get Erin out of her room. But she did have a plan. She walked over to the phone and picked it up, dialing a familiar number.

"Hello?" came the voice from the other end.

Becca smiled. "Hey there gorgeous. Miss me?"

"Becca," he laughed softly, "how are you?"

"I'm good. Always good. How did you know it was me?" Becca asked, sitting down on the lounge.

"Remember that time when JC and I came over, you wouldn't stop calling me that? You'll be forever known as the girl who calls me gorgeous too much..." He laughed softly into the phone. "What's up?" Justin inquired, wondering why she was calling him.

She sighed softly. "It's Erin. She hardly ever comes out of her room these past few days. I'm really worried about her."

"I'm sorry to here that girl. JCs has been a little distant, more so then usual. What did you want me to do?"

Becca smiled and told him her plan, hoping that he would agree and help her out with it.

"Sure, that sounds great. I'm sure he'll be really surprised. I'll make the arangements, you just get her to the airport."

"Thank you so much Justin. I owe ya one," Becca said, smiling brightly.

"It's not a problem. Later." He hung up and went about getting it set up.

~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~

Becca softly knocked on Erins door, she heard her mumble 'leave me alone'. She knocked again.

"Becca please go away," she said, her voice cracking.

She opened the door. "I'm not gonna wait for you to invite me in, cause I know you weren't going to," she said while she walked into the room.

Erin lay under the covers of her bed, on her stomach, face in her pillow.

Becca sat gently on the bed and poked her side. "This is really pointless you know. Laying in here on your own, sulking. It's SO not cool."

Erin rolled over and looked at her best friend, with blood shot eyes. The dark shadows under her eyes worried Becca. The color was drained from her face, making her look deathly. "What is it that you wanted Bec?"

"I want to help you. You need to get out. Being in this room all stuffed up isn't good for your health," Becca replied, worry shining in her eyes.

Erin sighed softly and ran a hand through her messy hair. "I'm perfectly fine Becca. Don't worry about me."

Becca stood up, anger flashing through her eyes. "No! No, you're not fine! If you were fine you wouldn't be in here crying at night. You wouldn't be spending most of your time in here. You wouldn't ignore me. Your my best friend Erin. Just please let me help you." Tears stung her eyes. "Please."

Erin looked down, tears rolling down her cheeks. "I miss him Bec. I miss not being able to hang out with him, I miss talking to him, I miss not being able to see his face."

"Sweetie. I know. Just trust me and go have a shower and get dressed. We're going out." Becca left the room and stood out in the hallway and waited for Erins bathroom door to close.

Erin got up slowly and grabbed some clothes before going into the bathroom and pushing the door shut.

Becca tiptoed into the room and grabbed the suitcase that lay dusty under the bed. She opened it and went about throwing Erins clothes in it. "You're in for a surprise girly."

On the drive to the airport Erin had fallen asleep.

Justin had called Becca while Erin was sleeping, informing her it was all set up and Becca couldn't be any more grateful then she already was.

Erin would be boarding a private plane in less then 20 mintues to visit JC in LA.

When they finally arrived at the airport Becca woke Erin from her nap.

Erin looked around, confused. "Becca. What are we doing at the airport?"

"You're going to LA Erin. Now get your butt out of this car and grab your suitcase. You're plane leaves soon," Becca replied, smiling.

Erin got out of the car and hugged her best friend. "Thank you Becca."

"You should thank Justin also. He got all this set up," Becca said, while pulling away.

"He did?" She asked, smiled brightly.

Becca nodded and handed her, her suitcase. "Just go up to the desk at gate 35 and say Justins name. Show some ID and you're set."

Erin grabbed her suitcase and thanked her.

"Now go tell that boy how you feel."

"I don't think I can do that Becca," Erin said softly, biting on her bottom lip.

"Why the hell not?! You know you love him. All you have to do is tell him," Becca said, placing a hand on her friends shoulder. "He's not gonna rejected you."

"But.."

"No buts. Now shoo." Becca smiled and pushed her playfully. "Have fun."

Erin smiled softly and waved. She made her way into the aiport and found her way to gate 35.

~*~

Erin looked around the private plane in awe. She sat in her seat, nervously fiddling with her hands. She never did like planes, she was terrified of heights.

She rubbed her hands together and swallowed the lump in her throat as she looked out the window, watching as the plane begun to lift off the ground. Closing her eyes tightly she pushed her fears away, knowing soon she was gonna be with JC.

~*~

After serveral hours on the plane, it finally touched down in LA.

Erin yawned softly and unbuckled her seat-belt.

"Miss Erin. It's so good to see you!"

She pushed some of the hairs out of her face, before looking up to see Lonnie, standing just by the door of the plane.

"Oh my god Lon!" She exclaimed happily, standing up and practically running over to him. She threw her arms around him and giggled.

Lonnie smiled, giving her a pat on the back. "Ready to be pampered Miss Erin?"

Erin pulled away from him. "Huh?"

"Well," Lonnie began, picking up her suitcase. "Becca and Justin organized a 'pamper day' sort of thing. Where you just chill and get pretty."

"Pretty?" Erin laughed softly, "That'll take forever to do."

Lonnie stopped walking, causing Erin to run into him. He grabbed her arms and looked at her. "Why do you keep putting yourself down? Don't. You're beautiful Miss Erin. Don't let anybody..and not even yourself think that way, you hear me?"

"O..Ok." Erin was a little afraid of Lonnie. Don't get it wrong, she liked Lonnie, he was just a little intimadating at times.

"Let's go."

Erin was surprised to see a guy holding a piece of cardboard with her name on it. She looked up at Lonnie. "What is with that guy with the cardboard?"

"He's your driver for today," Lonnie replied, handing the man her suitcase.

Erin frowned and followed the guy out to the front enterance. She was surprised when the guy opened the trunk of a black limousine. "You've gotta be kidding me...a limousine?"

Lonnie smiled and walked over to the door, opening it. "Hop in."

She was shocked. I mean come on a limousine? She slowly walked toward and touched the top of it, making sure it was real. She got in and gasped softly. "Wow."

Lonnie poked his head in. "I've gotta go now Miss Erin. I'm a busy man. I'll see you soon." He closed the door without noticing she was about to talk.

Erin left her mouth hanging open once Lonnie had closed the door.

The driver whos name was Frank was very polite to her as he drove her from place to place to get 'pampered.'

By lunch time Erin had a manicure, a pedicure, a facial, a full body massage, her hair done, makeup done and finally got a new wardrobe.

"Last stop of the day Miss Banfield," Frank announced, before getting out. He opened the door for her to get out.

The shoes that covered her feet were simple black boots. She had her hair up, with a few strands of hair that framed her face perfectly, her makeup was light and natural. She wore a simple skirt that stopped a few inches past her knees, the shirt she wore was white, simple and beautiful.

She smiled at Frank and took her suitcase from him. "Thank you." She looked at the house, with wide and scared eyes.

She slowly made her way towards the front door. She bit down on her bottom lip and knock on the door. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes.

The door swung open, Erin looked up.

She couldn't believe what she saw right in front of her.

A blonde wearing nothing but a long baggy shirt stood there. "May I help you?" Her voice was cold, and held no emotion.

"Uh..Sorry I must be a the wrong hou.." Erin begun to say, but got cut off by the sound of JCs voice. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw him.

"Who's at the door?" JC asked, he was wearing nothing but boxers, his hair, all over the place.

She knew right then and there.. he had slept with the blonde.

Erin turned and walked away.

"Erin?!" JC called out, now standing at the doorway. He turned to the blonde bimbo skank. "Get your clothes and get the hell out of my house."

As Erin walked down the road, the tears started to roll down her cheeks. She begun to run when he heard him call out her name again.

JC who had threw on a pair of sneakers was now running after her. "Erin. Please stop." He finally caught up to her and grabbed her arm.

Erin whirled around and brushed his hand away. "Don't touch me." Her voice cracked and a sob escaped her mouth.

"Erin please let me explain," he pleaded, feeling a panic growing in his heart, and a pain.

Erin sniffled and wiped her cheek. "If I never showed up, if we never met.. you wouldn't be running after me JC. You'd still be in there with that girl." The tears rolled silently down her cheeks. "I can't believe I'm trying to be someone I'm not." She laughed softly. "This isn't me. This makeup, all of this. I don't even know why I'm doing this." She wiped her nose with the back of her hand. "You know what's stupid I wanted to be perfect for you. I wanted to be the person you could be attracted to. But now I know, that I'll never be that girl. And that what cut me up inside." She begun to sob silently, wishing she never came.

JC looked at her sadly, his heart breaking. "Erin.." he begun to say, softly.

"No.." she held up her hand. "Don't, just, don't." She looked up at him with a slightly blurred vision, her eyes roaming his face as to memorize him. "Goodbye JC." She took one last look at him and turned on her heel, walking and running away from the one guy she truly had grown to love. Not knowing her felt the same way.

Chapter Eight © 2003

Slowly pulling away from the most mind-blowing kiss JC or Erin had experienced, he sighed softly. Looking over her sweet face he smiled. Erins eyes slowing opened revealing a sparkle that seemed to twinkle in her eyes.

"Please tell me this is going to work. I don't think I could bear to lose you," Erin said, softly and truthfully. She enjoyed running her hands though this hair, which calmed him immensely.

"Of course it's going to work sweetheart. I'm never going to let you go," JC replied, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Erin smiled and sighed. "Good."

JC smiled at her and grabbed her hand, leading her to the bed. They both sat down facing each other.

"Did Justin tell you I was here?" she asked him, placing her other hand his knee.

"No." JC looked down and gathered her hands up in his. He kissed one of her hands before continuing. "He didn't tell me anything about you. He told me to come and get him something and then I found you."

"Time to thank Justin yeah?" Erin asked him, smiling.

"Yes. I wouldn't have come if he didn't pressure me and more or less kick my ass into his car." JC laughed softly.

Erin giggled and stood up with him. They both walked out of the room and down the stairs to go thank Justin.

Walking into the longue room hand in hand, Erins head was spinning. She could hardly believe what was happening. JC loved her and she couldn't comprehend how much she loved him back.

The rest of the day was like a beautiful dream, noone would ever want to wake from.

Spending their day mostly talking and the occasionally kissing, JC decided to ask Erin ask out for their first date and to tell you the truth, he was extremely nervous about it.

"Erin?" They both sat on the couch in Justin's enormus living room.

She turned and looked at him with a smile on her face. "Yes?"

"Uh.." he cleared his throat.

"Is there something wrong?" she asked him, noticing his nervousness.

"No. Nothings wrong," JC replied, looking down at his hands.

"Then why are you so nervous?"

JC coughed and looked up at her. "'Cause I'm trying to ask you out and it's kinda hard."

Erin laughed softly. "You're nervous?! Why? We've gone out together before."

"Well this is going to be a actual date, date."

"Well ask already and you won't be so nervous." Erin giggled.

JC laughed softly. "Will you, my beautiful princess, please go out to dinner with me tonight?"

She blushed softly. "Of course. I wouldn't say no." She leaned forward and kissed him softly.

~*~*~*~*~

JC stood near a limousine he had hired for then night. He wanted everything to be absolutely perfect. He held a single white rose in his hands as he looked up at the front door, anxiously waiting for his girlfriend to come through it. His nerves were getting the best of him as his hands begun to sweat. He couldn't really understand it. He looked down at the rose in his hand and wondered if he should've gotten her more than one, but his thoughts halted when the front door closed shut. He quickly looked up and it felt as though someone had sucked the air out of his lungs.

Erin stood, not that far from him wearing a simple black dress. She smiled shyly and blushed softly and walked up to stand in front of him. The make-up on her face was light and natural, making her glow.

JC swallowed the lump in his throat and handed her the rose.

She smiled and gently took it from him, smiling, she brought it up to her nose and smelt it. "It's beautiful. Thank you."

"Definately not as beautiful as you.." JC whispered, finally able to speak.

Erin felt the heat grow on her cheeks, she looked down shyly, overwhealmed by his comment. She looked up at him, "You are looking overly handsome, all you have to do is that cute little smirk you do and I'll die a happy girl."

JC laughed softly, he reached his hand up and gently cupped her cheek. "Sweetheart, you're just too much." He leaned forward and kissed the corner of her mouth.

Her eyes shut immediately with the feel of JCs lips so close to hers. She ran her hand up his arm slowly and rested it on his wildy beating heart.

JC closed the short distance between them and kissed her softly, feeling all kinds of emotions build up, he deepened the kiss.

Feeling the rest of the world just fade away in such a simple and beautiful kiss Erin wrapped both of her arms around him, falling deeper and deeper into the kiss.

JC pulled away feeling that if they continued their kiss it wouldn't be able to finish.

Erin blushed and placed her face in the crook of his neck as she tried to breath normally.

JCs hand gently rubbed her back, chills rushing down his spine the moment he felt her breath on his slightly damp neck. "We better get going," he managed to choke out as she pulled away from him.

Erin smiled. "Ok."

Justin opened the front door of his house and smiled at the pair. "Have her home early you here me?" he joked.

Erin had decided to stay at Justins house for a while, knocking back JCs offer for her to stay with him, feeling it would be too much to stay with him.

Erin giggled, as she slipped into the back seat.

JC laughed and slipped in next to her, he rolled the window. "Don't wait up." He smiled and watched as Justin laughed.

The driver of the limousine pulled away and drove down Justins long driveway.

Erin rubbed her hands together and shivered a bit.

Noticing this JC pulled his jacket off, revealing a white button up shirt underneath. He moved Erin forward a little and wrapped the jacket around her shoulders.

Erin smiled. "Wow. This is big.." She snuggled into it. "Lucky that it fits..."

JC placed two fingers on her lips and shook his head. "I don't wanna hear none of that anymore Erin. Never again you here me? You're beautiful just the way you are."

She blinked back tears as his warm hand softly cupped her cheek, she leaned into the warmth. "Ok." She looked into his eyes and smiled a little.

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then her nose and finally her lips. He knew their date together was going to be perfect and he wasn't going to let anything interrupt it.

Ordering a simple salad Erin placed her napkin over her lap, trying to calm the butterflies that gathered in her stomach. She looked around the private room JC managed to snag at the restaurant and smiled at the simple beauty of it. It was perfect.

"A little nervous too yeah?" JC asked, after ordering.

"Just a little." Erin blushed and looked down at her lap.

"It's all good. Makes me feel better. We can be a little nervous together."

Erin giggled and looked up at him and watched as his hand glided across the table and gently placed it ontop of hers.

Soft music flowed through the room and JC stood up, his hand now attached to hers. "May I have this dance beautiful?"

Erin smiled and blushed, slowly standing to her feet, her napkin floating to the floor.

JC leaned down and picked it up, placing it by her glass of juice. He winked at her and walked out a little to be standing in the middle of the room with her.

Wrapping her arms around his neck Erin rested her head gently on his shoulder, breathing him in, closing hey eyes, completely content.

JC wrapped his arms around her and they slowly started to dance.

"This feels so nice." The feeling of his arms tightly wrapped around her and the warmth that she felt being so close to him..it just.. it was indescribable.

JC smiled and gently ran his hand over her hair. "It does."

They danced, they laughed, they smiled and they ate dinner without any interruptions. It was exactly the way JC wanted it to be.

Erin covered her mouth with her hand as she yawned softly, walking to her bedroom, JC closely following behind.

After their date JC took her up to a beautiful spot where they just talked. It had gotten really late by the time the limousine had pulled into Justins driveway.

Erin invited JC back to her room. And it's not what you're thinking. It's way too early for that!

JC quietly closed the door behind himself and discarded his jacket, placing it over a chair. He looked at his weary girlfriend and smiled, watching as she struggled to unlatch her sandles off her feet, her eyes were hardly open. Laughing softly he made his way over to her and kneeled in front of her.

She smiled faintly at him, running her hand over his cheek.

He took her sandles off and rubbed her feet a little. "Go change into your pj's. I'll get the bed ready for you." He helped her up and kissed her softly.

She smiled and pulled away walking to her suitcase. "Thank you." She blindly found her sweatpants and shirt that she often slept in and made her way into the bathroom, closing the door behind her body.

JC pulled the blankets back and un-buttoned his shirt, letting it fall from his shoulders he reached for the buttons of his pants. Finally pushing them down his slender legs he stepped out of them and sat down on the bed, waiting for his princess to join him on the bed.

Five minutes later Erin exited the bathroom and made her way to the bed.

JC smiled and laid down, waiting anxiously to hold her in his arms.

She slipped into the bed and moaned softly as she got comfortable, snuggling deep into JCs body as he pulled the blankets up and around them before wrapping his arms wrapped around her. She tried desperately to keep her eyes open. "Tonight was perfect JC," she whispered softly.

"That is was sweetheart. Our first night as a couple. Now you sleep." JC kissed her forehead and ran his hand over her cheek as she fell into slumber.

"I love you.." she said quietly.

"I love you too Erin. I love you too."

Chapter Ten © 2003

Erin could hear the shrill of the phone as she slowly woke up. She glanced at the clock and noticed it was midnight. Picking it up she yawned, "Hello?"

"Hello am I speaking with a Erin?" The male voice asked.

She frowned. "Yes. This is she, how can I help you?"

"I'm calling from LA county hospital, there's been an accident. My name is Dr. Andrews," he explained.

Her blood ran cold. "JC..." she whispered, as she dropped the phone. She quickly threw on a jacket and ran to wake Justin.

Tears fell from her eyes as she shook him. "Justin!"

He shot awake and looked at her with worried eyes. "What is it Erin?"

"Accident..he.." Erin tried to speak, but it wouldn't come out.

"Is it JC?" Justin asked, color draining from his face.

Erin nodded. "Hospital called." She sniffled. "I don't know if he's ok."

Justin slipped out of his bed, wrapping his arm around Erin he grabbed the phone.

30 mintues later

The whole group sat in the waiting room, awaiting to hear the news on their friend.

Erin sat staring at a wall in her pjs, nervously biting her nails. She ran her hand over her face as a fresh @#%$ of tears burnt the back of her eyes, she closed her eyes and rubbed her aching temples.

The guys had offered to sit with her, but she refused. She just wanted to sit alone and wait for this nightmare to end. Cause that's what it was. A horrible nightmare.

They had found out on their arrival at the hospital that the driver of the other car had passed away. Leaving Erin to think the same may happen to JC.

She rested her head back against the cool wall as tears rolled down her cheeks. She was afraid. Afraid of losing the one guy, that believed in her and the guy that she loved too much to describe.

~*~

"Erin.." Justin shook her softly.

"JC..." she whispered, waking up slowly. She looked up at him. "I fell asleep. I wasn't suppose to fall asleep..."

"You were exhausted Erin. It's only been a few hours. You needed the sleep."

"How is he? Have the doctors said anything yet?" She asked, pushing herself up into a sitting position.

"JC is in room 823." Justin grabbed one of her hands in his. "I gotta warn you know, that he's hooked up to a few machines, so don't be scared ok."

She sniffled and thanked Justin as she got up.

"The doctor told me, he was asking for you when he was awake."

Erin turned back and looked at him as more tears fell.

Justin smiled slightly.

Erin slowly made her way to his room. She took a deep breath and opened the door, her heart stopped at the site of him.

Making her way over to him she swallowed the lump in her throat. She slowly seat down on the cold metal seat provided she took his hand into hers, and looked over his pale face. The concern and worry in her eyes grew as she softly ran her hand over his bruised cheek.

A neck brace was secure around his neck and a bandage was wrapped tightly around his head where the large gash was. Two IV lines stuck into his left arm.

She looked up at a bag full of blood and watched as it dripped down into the small thin tube.

Flashback

"Mummy?" The little brown haired girl sat down on a chair and looked at her mother.

The little girls mother looked at her with a small smile on her face. Her time was limited, she only wanted to speak to her precious angel.

"You okay?" the small infant asked. She was 6 years old. She really didn't understand what was happening. All she knew was that her mother was in pain.

"Come here." Her mother grabbed her little hand and smiled softly. Tears gathered in her eyes.

Erin slowly stood up on the seat and sat down on her mothers bed. "Can we go home soon? Me don't like it here." She had hospitals. Doctors with big needles worked there. She was scared.

"I.. I can't come home with you baby.." her mother said weakly. She was finding it hard to speak. It wasn't from the pain she left in her stomach. It was from the pain she felt in her heart.

Erins bottom lip begun to quiver. "Why?" Big wide innocent eyes looked at hero. Her mother.

"Mummy is sick sweetie." It was hard to explain of course. She didn't know how to explain it any other way.

"Mummy get better then get to go home?"

Her mother sniffled softly. "I'm not gonna get better baby. Doctors can't do anything." She was bleeding internally and the doctors couldn't repair the extensive damage done to lower stomach. She had been thrown out of a car. Amazingly she hadn't been killed at the scene. Kinda hard to believe I know. She was lucky she had made it this far.

Fat tears rolled down the little Erins face. She bit her bottom lip softly. "I love you mummy." In some strange sense the young girl knew her mother was dying, but she didn't want to believe it.

"I love you too baby. I am so proud of you. Don't stop shining.." she whispered softly.

Erin leaned down and kissed her mothers forehead softly. "I'll miss you mummy," her voice quivering.

Still holding her little girls hand tightly, she let God take her.

Erin looked up at a bag full of blood and watched as it dripped down into the small thin tube. Tears fell rapidly down her chubby cheeks.

End flashback

Erins heart broke. The whole scene still fresh in her mind, as if it only happened yesterday. She had lost her mother from a car accident. She sighed softly and looked down at the first person she loved completely.

The heart monitor beeped rhythmically, calming Erin.

"JC.." She begun softly. "I lost my mother this way. I just don't think I can take it, if you left me this way. You're the first person that's looked past what's on the outside and loved me for what's in the inside. And I just can't lose you." She sniffled softly and rubbed the back of his hand with her thumb. "I love you so much and I'm so scared. I'm afraid of loving you right now cause I may lose you." She rested her head softly on his chest, hoping she wasn't hurting him in anyway. The sound of his heart-beat filled her ears. She breathed him in, hoping to calm her nerves. He still smelled beautiful.

~*~

JC groaned softly as he opened his heavy eyes. "****." He brought his hand up to his head.

"JC?" Erin asked, quietly, watching from her position on the seat next to the bed. Hope and tears filled her eyes as he turned his head slowly to look at her.

A faint smile played on his lips. "Hey sweetie." His voice was hoarse. He was in desperate need for a drink. "Where am I?"

Erin sat up quickly and wrapped her arms around him, she moved her head forward softly and placed her forehead gently onto his. "Thank god you're awake!" She sniffled softly. "You're in hospital. You were in a car accident last night." She pulled away and looked into his eyes.

JC gently grabbed her hand. "Are needles in my arm?" He looked absolutely terrified.

Erin nodded. "You're afraid of needles?"

He quickly nodded, groaning from the pain he felt. "****. Remind me not to move my head."

She ran her hands softly over his cheeks. "I was so scared.." Her bottom lip quivered. "I thought I was gonna lose you.."

"Aww...sweetie, I'm sorry. But I'm not gonna be leaving any time soon. I love you." JC kissed her hand softly.

Erin leaned forward and kissed his lips softly. "I love you too."

The rest of the group came in and gave their friend hugs, glad that he was awake.

The whole day went by too fast. Doctors performed tests on JC to make sure they hadn't missed anything.

That night, a nurse had given JC a quick sponge bath to much of JCs disgust.

Erin sat by his bedside, her hand tucked safely into his.

"That was just plain awful. It had to be a guy!" JC now sitted sitting up. The neck brace was taken off his neck and he felt a little better.

Erin giggled softly.

"I would have rather you do it." JC grinned.

She blushed softly. "Boys will be boys."

"What is that suppose to mean?" He asked, pulling softly on her arm, hoping she would get up and lay with him on the bed.

"Nothing." Erin giggled and stood up, sitting next to him on the bed. "Am I in the way of anything?"

"Course not beautiful." JC smiled at her, once she got comfortable, laying on her side. He brought their hands up and gently made them run together, clasping them together he kissed the back of her hand. "I was scared."

"Huh?" she asked softly. "When?"

"Just after the crash. I woke up and all I could think about was you and I was scared that I wouldn't be able to see you again. I was afraid I was gonna die and never tell you or show you, how I truly feel about you." He cleared his throat. "I've been waiting all my life for you and just when I was about to give up. I watched you trip, the day we met and I just had to help you. You looked up at me and something just hit me. I never usually offer someone a ride, but you were different. Then we went back to your apartment and I got to talk to you and I felt at ease. I heard about what happened that day when you were explaining to Becca what happened. And I just got so mad and then I felt a need to protect you. I had this plan worked out when I left. My plan was simple. My plan was to make you happy. Get to know you, be your friend. Falling completely in love you wasn't apart of the plan. I never knew I could feel this way about one single being. You've made such a huge impact on my life and I don't think I could bare the thought of never seeing you again. You're so beautiful and parts of this world around us can't see it. I'm so glad that I can.. I love you Erin. I'd do anything for you. You're my world."

Tears welled in her eyes, listening to every beautiful word that left his mouth. She leaned forward and kissed him, the passion and love she was feeling right now couldn't be put into words. So she let him know with her kiss.

Chapter Twelve © 2003

Wiping the sleep from her eyes, Erin made her way down the stairs of JCs house. She made her way into the kitchen and turned the kettle on. As she settled in one of the stools at the counter she looked up at the wall clock. "Nine o'clock," she whispered to herself. "Damn..that's still too early." She ran her hand through her messy hair and sighed softly remembering what had happened last night. She had cried in his arms most for the most of it, finally drifting off as JC begun to sing to her. She didn't want his pity. That's why she won't let him in.

The kettle boiled and Erin gotup and made herself a cup of coffee. Sipping it slowly, she trugged her way over to the door. She unlocked it and pushed it open, bending down she picked up the newspaper that lay on the doorstep. Walking back into the house she kicked the door shut with her foot. She walked over to the table and placed her mug down on the cool surface. Sitting down in front of her hot beverage she begun to flip through the paper.

Her breath caught in her throat when she saw a pic of herself and JC next to a article. She shakily brought the mug of coffee up to her lips as she begun to read it. Her breathing got deeper and faster as she only read the title.

*NSatiable?

*NSYNC star falls victim to gold digger

Sorry, ladies, but it’s official. JC Chasez, the most notoriously private of the *NSYNC heartthrobs now comes with strings attached in the form of a girlfriend. In news that will break the hearts of millions of fans across the country, the star has been seen wining and dining his new love, New York resident Erin Banfield in various eating establishments in NYC and Orlando, Florida where the group has its permanent basis. Maybe Chasez should consider trying a different activity with his latest flame, who certainly doesn’t need to be fed any more; industry insiders and PR specialists have expressed surprise at JC’s choice of partner, who couldn’t be any further removed from any of his past loves, rumoured to include American Pie actress Tara Reid.

"It’s sad." One record company employee commented. "With that nice reddy brown hair she could be really pretty if she took some serious exercise and lost all that weight but as it stands there’s a lot of concern about *NSYNC’s public image and the damage she’s doing to it."

Whatever eyebrows may be raised at his choice, it seems that it has been made and JC is more than happy with the woman on his arm. Certainly the singer has always maintained that celebrity and appearance are not the first things he looks for in a girlfriend and he has taken his opportunity to demonstrate it to the public - he can no longer be accused of hypocrisy after the long string of rumoured celebrity hook ups and love affairs now he is seen to be taking pity on the larger sized woman. Indeed, the story of their new relationship begins on such a street where the charitable Chasez aided Ms. Banfield after she happened to ‘twist her ankle’ in front of him. The kind- hearted star drove her home and many weeks later the pair are now inseparable. It may appear at first to be a fairy tale: beautiful celebrity meets and falls for average girl on the street. The sad truth that the trusting star has been played for a fool appears as more and more disturbing tales of Banfield’s strange and appalling behaviour come to light. It appears that after her first initial taste of hanging with a celebrity she took to stalking in order to create a second opportunity, resorting to interrupting his morning workout and duping fellow *NSYNCer Justin Timberlake into helping her achieve her ends (not to mention giving her a place to stay), even hopping states in her quest to snag JC. Letting nothing and no one stand in her way, she has trampled over the singer’s fans and friends alike to get him.

"It was so horrible." Young fan Faith is visibly distressed as she recounts the tale. "We were so excited, we went out for breakfast and when we saw it was really him we couldn’t believe it. We were so scared, but we went over to ask for an autograph and JC was so nice to us but she was awful. She was glaring at us the whole time and making snotty comments under her breath at us. She even called me a cow, which I thought was really mean coming from her when she’s such a heffer herself. And then she made JC leave just because some fans had tried to talk to him. She wanted him all to herself and wouldn’t let anybody else even try to talk to him. It was so horrible, meeting him should have been the best moment of my life and she ruined it."

Her possessive behaviour has stretched not only to the fans but to personal friends of the star. Pretty blonde Candy had been a close and treasured friend of Chasez until the scheming Banfield set her sights on him. "I wasn’t his girlfriend or anything but we had something special." She sighs sadly, deeply troubled as she recounts the tale. "I stayed at his house one night after we went to a club together. Nothing happened, because he’s a gentleman and we weren’t ready for anything like that, but I answered his door for him in the morning because he was getting dressed and she saw me and went nuts. She was screaming all these awful names and cussing at me and telling me I had to stay away from him because he was hers, but he’d always told me they were just friends. If he hadn’t come to the door when he did I think she would have hit me. It was like he was hypnotised or something, she started crying and pulling this act on him like he’d betrayed her or something and he fell for it." Getting on with her own life Candy holds no grudges but confesses a deep concern for her lost friend. "Obviously she won’t even let him talk to me any more, but I don’t blame JC for that. I’m just scared she’s got her claws into him and that she’s gonna try and take all his money."

It’s a worrying picture, but not a story that hasn’t been heard before. Countless times we hear of bands brought to the brink of disaster by an unscrupulous woman who monopolises the time, attention and spending power of a member and causes dissention amongst the ranks. Normally she is beautiful, but in this complicated story her un-extraordinary and less than perfect appearance seems to work in her favour as she convinces the poor, hapless JC that she is in love with him and not his money. We can only hope for the sake of *NSYNC and their concerned friends and fans everywhere that he soon comes to his senses.

The mug slipped from her hand and fell to the table, then onto the floor, shattering into small pieces along with her heart. Her heart pounded in her ears and she was starting to struggle to get air into her lungs. She threw the paper to the ground as if it burnt her.

JC who woke up to the sound of the smash, rushed downstairs. "Erin? You ok sweetie?"

She turned around and looked at the guy she was completely in love with. "This is why I don't wanna be with you JC." She threw her hand out to gesture toward the fallen newspaper.

His eyes widdened. "What?" he asked in disblief. " I don't understand."

"I don't wanna ruin your image." Tears filled her eyes.

"You're not ruining my image. I don't understand what this has to.." he trailed off. "There's a article about us in that newspaper isn't there?"

She nodded her head as tears begun to wildy fall down her cheeks. "I don't know..I just.."

JC walked over and picked up the newspaper, he begun to skim over it, anger filling his eyes.

Erin ran to the door and flung it open, running out onto the road.

He sighed and threw the paper over his shoulder as he raced after his heartbroken princess.

Erin ran as hard as she could, she was hoping if she could run away as far as possible from the newspaper article it would make her pain leave her heart and soul. She was wrong.

"Erin! Stop!" JC shouted, following her, in slight pain from his injuries. He couldn't be more upset about what that article had said, he was more worried about his girlfriend. He never wanted something like this to ever happen. He couldn't think of what to do to fix it. All he wanted to do was hold her in his arms.

Erin turned around to see if he was close, she didn't see the edge of the gutter. She fell to her side onto the hard and cold ground. She let out a cry as pain shot through her whole body.

"@#%$! Erin!" JC came to a halt and kneeled down with a small wince. His eyes were full of concern and worry. He helped her up into a sitting position.

Tears flew from her eyes and over her pale cheeks. She had a small cut on her cheek.

"Where do you hurt?" JC asked her, touching her sides softly.

"Just a little sore on my side.." She looked down. "I'm a wreck JC. I'm just not worth it.."

He ran his hand gently across her wet and slightly red cheek. "You're more than worth it.. come on, let's get you back to my house."

Erin sniffled softly and got up with his help.

He wrapped his arm around her waist and walked back up to his house with her. He was limping, and Erin felt guiltly.

Justins car was parked out the front. He stood in the entry way of the door. When he spotted JC he spoke. "You left this door wide open man..not good.." He held the newspaper in his hands. "I guess you've both read this?" he asked, watching as the distressed couple walked in.

Erin looked at him. "I'm so sorry you got dragged into it Justin.." she sniffled.

"Hey now girl, don't go apologizing for something you didn't do. It's the stupid media."

"I just feel so.."

"Don't feel responsible," Justin said, watching as they both sat down on the couch.

JC had remained quiet. Trying to think of what to do.

"Look I'll go clean up that mug in the dining room then I'll get out of your hair." Justin smiled and walked away, not wanting to agrue about the cleaning up.

JC sighed softly and ran his hands through his hair, placing his head in his hands he turned to look at the owner of his heart.

His eyes told her so much. It was almost like a story that so badly had to be read. They were the window to his beautiful soul and the look rocked Erin to her core.

Pain. Sadness. Love. All emotions shone through his eyes.

"Erin.." he whispered softly, turning completly, his hands on his lap. "I love you. And I need you. I can't just let you run away from this. It's painful, I know. I never wanted for this to happen. It hurts me so much to see that's it's me that's causing you this pain."

"JC.. it's not you." She shook her head.

"It is!"

Erin placed her hand in his and clasped them together. Tears gathered in her eyes. "I know it wasn't our choice for us to be together, it just happened. Love is a powerful thing and it bought us together.." She sniffled as a tears fell. "I love being with you. I just love you. I just.. hate when people look at me and judge me by my cover. They never look inside. I doubt they even think I have feelings. I hate how people more or less judge you for being with me. You're one of the few people in my life that has seen me..for me. I've lost a lot of things in my life. I know that I never want to lose you.. the most precious gift I have ever found. I'm sorry that I tried to run from this." She pushed herself toward him and kissed his cheek.

His eyes closed at the contact. He fought back tears as her arms fell around his waist. He buried his face in her smooth neck and breathed in shakily. "God I love you.."

Being in his arms was so comforting that she whimpered when he pulled away. He ran his hand through her hair and sighed softly. "The things you do to me..."

Erin sniffled as a few stray tears fell down her cheeks.

"Why are you still crying?" he asked, quietly.

"I'm just too over emotional. I love you and I'm just.." she reached up and touched his cheek, "so very lucky."

"I love you too sweetie. And I'm here for you. Whenever you need me." JC smiled at her.

She smiled back and ran her hand over her forehead. "You sore?" she asked, concerned.

"Just a little, don't worry about me. Go upstairs and jump into the shower." JC kissed her cheek, before she stood up.

"But I will."

He looked up at her, his eyes sparkling. "Will what?"

"Worry about you. I am your girlfriend aren't I?" She grinned and walked out of the lounge room and made her way up the stairs, leaving JC with his a smile on his face and thoughts in his cluttered mind.

Chapter Fourteen © 2003 

Erin stood at the gate, waiting for Beccas plane to get in.

It was a few days after the press conference and things were going ok. Erin was still a little down about the article. She had also decided to find a place to live in LA and of course Becca was coming with, she just didn't know it yet. And that also meant new jobs.

Erin had started to get a little stressed out by it all. She didn't know what type of job that she wanted and the jobs she tried applying for didn't want to take her on.

Of course JC was there supporting her and helping her when she needed the help.

She was pulled from her thoughts when she heard squealing. She shook her head and laughed softly. "Becca.." She watched as Becca happily bounced through the gateway. She was spotted immediately.

"ERIN!" She ran up to her. "Gosh girl I've missed yooou!" She wrapped her up in a hug.

"I've missed you too Becca," Erin said, hugging Becca tightly.

"My gosh girl!" Becca exclaimed, pulling away and smiling brightly. "Look at you! Prettyness!"

Erin blushed slightly and grabbed her carry bag. "Come on. Let's go. You're squealing is attracting attention."

Becca giggled. "Sorry. Just over-exicted to be here."

They walked to the baggage claim and waited.

"So tell me missy. How are you and the boyfriend doing?" Becca asked, grinning.

Erin face simply lit up and her eyes sparkled, she turned and smiled at her. "It's great. More than great really. He is just amazing Bec. He's just so sweet and sweet and just sweet." She giggled. "I just love him."

Becca continued grinning. "I'm really happy for you girl. I'm just glad I kicked your ass out to here when I did."

"You are the bestest friend any person could ever have. Thank you." Erin smiled at her.

"No worries girl. Ahh! That's my bag!" Becca ran to try and catch her bag.

Erin laughed and followed her friend.

"Excuse me." A voice behind her said, and a hand tapped her shoulder.

She turned quickly and was almost blinded as flashes went off. "Oh god.." she whispered softly.

"Erin?!" Becca shouted. She didn't know where she was, she had finally gotten her bag and thought Erin was right behind her. She looked around and saw a small crowd gathered around someone.

Erin tried desperately to get away. People around her were asking questions, cameras shoved in her face.

Justin creeped slowly up to Becca. He grabbed her sides and she squealed in terror.

She turned. "@#%$! What the hell?" She looked him over and relief swept over her features. "Justin! Damn you look good.."

He laughed. "Hey there girl. What's takin' you and Erin so long? I've been waiting forever."

"I think Erin is over there." Becca pointed over to where the small crowd was.

"@#%$." Justin muttered. "Damn reporters." He took off his hat and handed it to Becca. "Erin knows what my car looks like. Meet me there soon."

"Justin what the hell are you doing?" She asked him.

"Creating a diversion. Now grab Erin and run." Justin went over to a young teenage girl and waited for the scream.

"OH MY GOD! IT'S JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE!" There it was.

The reporters stopped and looked over, quickly leaving as Justin took off running. Leaving behind a clearly terrified Erin.

Becca grabbed Erins hand and walked off quickly.

"I wanna..I can't.."

"It's ok sweetie. We are getting out of here. Justin is off running around.. damn he's freakin' sweet!"

They both made it to Justins car and Becca was surpised to see JC standing by the door. He helped her with her bags and looked over at Erin. Noticing her pale face, he rushed to her side. "What happened?"

He wrapped his arm around her. "And where the hell is J?"

"He.." Becca was just about to answer, but she looked at Erin. She grabbed her hand and they both got into the car to talk a little.

He felt his cell viabrate so he quickly fished it out of his pocket.

Justins heavy breathing could be heard. "JC! Man get the car and meet me at the front doors! Don't ask just do!"

JC didn't think twice so he quickly got in and started the car up. He sped off straight for the enterance. He stopped and pushed the door open.

Justin came running, he quickly got in and JC put his foot down.

"What the hell was that man?!" JC asked, getting onto the highway.

Justin couldn't answer, he was still trying to catch his breath.

"He saved Erins butt by sacrificing his own. Damn that boy can run fast.." Becca smiled from her backseat next to Erin.

"Reporters?" JC asked, not taking his eyes off the road, he felt his anger build.

Justin nodded. "They were all around her man. What was I gonna do? Just stand there and watch it happen? Hell no." He wiped the sweat off his brow.

~*~

JC parked the car out of front of his house. And they just all sat there for a moment.

Justin looked back at Erin to see if she was ok.

She simply stared out the window, slightly shaking from it all. Mostly from fear. A tear ran down her cheek.

Right then and there his heart went out to her. He turned back and looked at JC.

"She's not looking so great man," Justin whispered.

"I just wish they would leave her the hell alone already!" His grip tightened on the steering wheel. "****!" he shouted, he slammed down hands down on it.

The sound of his voice made Erin jump, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed quietly.

Becca quickly wrapped her arm around her. "Calm down JC. As if she isn't scared enough.. you're scaring her.."

"****.." he whispered softly, he took off his seatbelt and got out of the car.

Erin got out slowly.

He walked up to her. "Sweetie?" he reached out to touch her, but she moved back.

She quickly ran to the front door and unlocked it, pushing it open. Her sobs echoed through the house as she ran up to the bathroom.

JC stood where she left him, his hands at his sides, his shoulders slumped. He had managed to scare the person he held closest to his heart.

Becca quickly got out of the car and went to go after her, but Justin stopped her. "Justin.." she turned and looked at him.

"It's something JC has to do. Get in the car and I'll take you over to my place," Justin said with a small smile, hoping she would listen to him.

"Ok." She looked at JC. "You better not hurt her.." she walked over to the car and got in.

Justin put his hand on JCs shoulder. "You better get in there.."

"Thanks man," JC said, softly. He walked up the footpath and walked into his home and closed the door. He made his way up the stairs, slowly and sadly.

Erin sniffled and wiped her face with some toliet paper. She sat down on the toliet seat (with the lid closed of course) and put her head in her hands.

JC softly knocked on the door as he went in. "Sweetie.. I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have.."

Erin got up and wrapped her arms around him and buried her face in his chest.

"Erin?" He wrapped his arms around her, hesitating a little.

"Just hold me.." her voice was muffled by his shirt.

He was worried by her shaking body, so he walked out of the bathroom with her and laid down on his bed with her. He got comfy and pulled her up against his body. Running his fingers through her hair he sighed softly, wishing she would tell him what happened.

Erin sniffled and looked up at him. "I was so scared.."

"What happened sweetie?"

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Well.. I was.. they came out of nowhere JC. They just crowded around me, constantly askin' questions, taking pictures and just pushing me around like I was nothing and I didn't think I was going to get out." She felt him stiffen beside her. "Please.. don't get mad.." she looked at him with wide eyes. Innocence and fear shined bright.

He relaxed noticing it. He didn't want to scare her.

"Justin shouldn't have done what he did, but I'm glad and grateful that he did."

JC smiled. His friends cared for his girlfriend.

"But I'm feeling bad.."

"No feeling bad." JC shook his finger which got a slight laugh from Erin. "I really hate how they are treating you beautiful.." he ran his hand over her cheek and looked over her face. "I love you and I'm sorry for scaring you out there. I just.. I got so mad cause they can't just leave us alone."

Erins vision blurred as he kissed her softly. The world simply faded away as she closed her eyes and increased the pressure of the kiss. She ran her hands through his hair as he drew circles on her back.

He pulled away and licked his lips teasingly once her eyes were open.

She suddenly felt dizzy as his lips came in contact with the side of her neck.

JC ran his hands down her sides and pulled her a little closer to him.

"JC?" Erin asked, running her hands through his hair.

"Yes baby," he replied, breaking away for a second.

"Baby?"

JC pulled away. He had never called her that and he really didn't know why he did.

"You've never called me that before.." she said softly, looking at him.

"I'm sorry.."

"JC.." she laughed. "No need to be sorry. It's fine." Erin smiled.

"OK.." JC grinned and went back to attacking her neck with kisses.

"Where is this gonna head JC?" she inquired quietly.

He pulled away again. "It doesn't have to head anywhere. We just..you know.. fool around."

Erin blushed and giggled as she wrapped her arms around him.

"You always blush when I either say somethin' about foolin' around or when we actually fool around." JC laughed softly and rolled them over so she was on top.

"JC.." She put her hands on his chest, afraid she was going to squash him.

"What?" JC looked up at her. He looked into her eyes. "Don't even think that." He poked her sides, causing her to giggle again.

"I don't think it's safe for me to stay here.."

"Why?" JC asked, sadness filling his eyes. "I'll miss you too much."

"Cause I was just suppose to stay here cause you were hurt, but you're all better now." Erin smiled and touched his cheek. "I'd miss you too, but I can't live here."

"Why not?" He ran his hands up and down her jean covered legs.

"That is just such a simple question to ask, but so hard to accept."

JC frowned, feeling a little rejected.

"I've gotta find a place for Becca and I. And JC.. we really haven't been dating long and I don't wanna ruin this.." Erin sniffled a little.

He sat up with her and wrapped his arms around her. "Ok." He laid his head on her shoulder.

Erin smiled and sighed softly, feeling unbelievably comfortable in his arms.

Chapter Sixteen © 2003

The morning sun streamed through the open window and onto the still sleeping couple, lying on the king sized bed.

Their hair was tousled, their lips still slightly swollen from their kisses. Their legs, entwined together.

JC lay on his back, his strong arm was around his girlfriend, his hand resting on her back. His other hand lay gently over hers on his stomach.

Erins head rested comfortably on his shoulder with JCs head resting on hers.

It was quite the kodak moment. Nobody could deny how beautiful they looked right then and there.

"Mmmmm..." JC moaned softly as he begun to wake up. He felt comfortable and extremely happy as he opened his eyes. He smiled as he kissed the top of Erins head. He pushed his nose into her thick dark brown hair and breathed in. "Mmmm.." he moaned again, closing his eyes. "Always like strawberries." He snuggled close to her for a few, before moving her head from his shoulder so it could rest gently on his pillow. He felt even more estactic when he told himself how lucky he was. He had this treasure, this gift laying beside him. And he couldn't have felt more alive when he was with her. He moved onto his side and looked over his sleeping princess.

Erin snored softly as she slept soundly.

Running his hand over her cheek he smiled. "Such a miracle."

She stirred, her legs beginning to move a little. A small yawn escaped her lips as her hazel eyes opened. She gasped a little surprised that JC was already awake.

"Sorry if I scared you," he whispered, before pressing his lips on her forehead.

Erin smiled. "It's ok." She pulled the blanket further around herself.

"How you feeling?" He asked her, his loving eyes sweeping over her face.

"I'm ok, a little sore," she replied, blushing slightly.

"Well," JC started, he kissed her softly, "I'm going to run you a nice hot bath. How does that sound?"

Erin smiled and ran her hand through her messy hair. "Sounds lovely."

JC grinned and moved away from her. He sat on the edge of the bed and grabbed his boxers.

Erin watched as he stood up and pulled the satin material up his legs. She blushed as she watched his butt disappear.

He winked and walked into the bathroom.

Slipping off the bed Erin stood on shaky legs. "Ow." She whimpered softly as she quickly gathered a shirt and a pair of sweats from her small bag. She pulled them on and walked slowly and painfully into the bathroom when she heard him call out for her.

JC turned from where he was sitting on the edge of the bath tub and looked at her. "Why the clothes? You're not planning on taking a bath with those on are you?" he asked her, standing up.

She shook her head in reply.

"Then why?"

"Cause I felt too naked when I got out of bed," she answered quietly, blushing.

"Well you were naked sweetie." JC chuckled.

"I know.. I just.."

"I just nothing beautiful. If you want me to turn around or leave while you get undressed just tell me sweetheart." JC walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"You can stay. I'm sorry for being so shy in front of you," she aplogized.

JC placed his finger on her lips. "There is absoulety nothing to be sorry about. You're adorable when you go all shy on me. It shows me your true innocence and I treasure that. I love you sweetheart and I'm not gonna be upset if you don't wanna do certain things or act a certain way."

Erin smiled at him. "You are so amazing. I can't believe how lucky I am to have you in my life.."

"Same here beautiful. Same here."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

JC had given Erin a back and neck massage as she soaked in the tub.

She had gotten undressed in front of him and she felt that was a step in the right direction for herself.

They now both sat showered, happy and full in his new car. On the way to Erins apartment that she shared with Becca.

"I love this car." JC smiled as he turned the corner into her street.

"I'm really glad." Erin grinned as she watched him drive.

A dark blue baseball cap was on his head, covering his thick curls. She could see some blowing in the wind and it was so damn cute.

"If you don't mind me asking, how in the world did you get the money for this?" JC asked.

Her smile dropped. She hadn't told him everything about herself. It was nothing major, but still it was a secret she wasn't ready to tell.

"I have my way of doing things sometimes. You really shouldn't be asking mister. This was a gift. No questions are allowed to be asked about a gift." Erin turned looked at the apartment building as JC stopped the car.

"Ok, I won't asking anymore questions." JC smiled and quickly got out to open her door.

"Thank you." She got out and grabbed her bag on the way.

JC grabbed it from her and they walked up the steps to her apartment. He placed the bag down near the door and grabbed her hips and brought her close to him.

Giggling softly Erin wrapped her arms around him.

"I've got an idea."

"Oh you do, do you? Did it hurt to think of it?" Erin joked.

JC laughed and pinched her side. "No. I was thinking we could go to a Bed & Breakfast."

"A Bed & Breakfast?" Erin grinned, running her hands up and down his back.

JC dropped a few kisses on her neck, before resting his chin on her shoulder. "Yes. We could go stay at one this weekend," he suggested.

"But today is only Tuesday." Erin whined softly.

JC chuckled. "I know sweetie. But like you said a few days ago. You want to look for work this week."

She pulled away from him. "I know, I know." She sighed softly. She was hoping that trying to find a job in LA wouldn't be hard.

He kissed her a few times and they were beginning to get caught up in it, but Becca suddenly appeared in the doorway.

"Well if it isn't the happy couple." She grinned.

Erin unwrapped her arms from around JC and picked up her bag. "Hey Bec." She smiled.

JC grinned widely at Becca, as he left his arm around her waist.

"Mighty happy this morning are we JC?" Becca asked him.

JC nodded. "Hell yes. Very happy." He kissed Erins cheek as she begun to blush deeply.

"Ooooooo. You two have fun last night?"

Erin hit Beccas arm softly as she walked into the apartment with JC.

"Well when lover boy is gone I want to know what he looks like naked."

"Becca!" Erin laughed softly.

"What?" She asked innocently.

JC laughed and turned to look at Erin. "Well I better go sweetheart, before she possibly starts undressing me with her eyes." He kissed her softly and sweetly before turning around to walk out the door. He kissed Beccas forehead. "It's always a pleasure seeing you." He walked out.

Becca giggled. "Wow." She touched her forehead. "He's got soft lips."

Erin blushed. "That he does." She put her bag on the couch. "So.. what happened with Justin last night?" she asked, sitting down on the couch to remove her shoes.

"Nothing," Becca replied, sitting on the coffee table. "I dropped his drunk ass off at his place. He sure like to drink at parties."

"So.. is there sparks?"

Becca smiled softly. "I think so. I just.. I don't wanna be rebound girl."

"I don't think that's what you would be Bec. He broke up with her a while ago, and I got the impression that he really didn't care much for her," Erin said, hoping for her to be a little happier about the situation.

"Yeah." She nodded, agreeing with her. "I just don't wanna get hurt."

"I know. And if he does hurt you. I'll hurt him"

Becca laughed softly. "You're such a great friend with such a hot boyfriend."

Erin giggled. "He's beautiful." She sighed happily and dropped her head back on the couch.

"Was it everything you wanted it to be?"

"It was that.. and so much more." Erin closed her eyes. "It was perfect. And he was so soft and gentle with the whole thing. And I just felt like crying.." she sniffled softly. "I just hope it was the same for him.."

Chapter Eighteen © 2003

Erin grabbed the make-up brush and touched up Becca light make-up that she had applied. She smiled. "You look great."

Becca sat in front of her mirror. Nervous. Her cheeks were red and her heart was beating wildly in her chest. Justin was picking her up at any second.

"Don't be so nervous Bec. Everything will go fine."

"I'm not nervous." She laughed nervously.

Erin shook her head and laughed. "Liar."

"Well I was never good at that." She stood up and looked at herself in the full length mirror. "Ok I'm ready."

The doorbell sounded through the apartment.

"That's probably Justin." Erin got up and begun to make her way out of the room.

"Erin wait."

She turned around. "What is it?"

"I am so not ready," Becca whispered, falling back into her chair.

"Becca, calm down. It's not like you've never been alone with the guy."

"It's a date Erin. An actual date."

"Suck it up girly. Cause I'm going to go answer the door." Erin left the room and headed down the stairs. Once she hit the bottom of the stairs, Becca begun to rush down. She laughed softly and opened the door.

Justin stood there, single white rose in his hand. He wore one hell of a tux.

"Don't you look sharp Mr Timberlake." Erin smiled at him.

He smiled back. "Well thank you. I think I look quite good myself." He laughed softly and glanced over at Becca and his laughter died and his heart skipped a beat and he smiled again. His grin widened when she smiled shyly at him. "Well Miss Rebecca Shore, you ready for our date?"

Becca blushed. "Yes I am." She walked over to the door and Erin stepped away.

He grabbed her hand. "Then lets go."

She waved a goodbye to Erin and walked off happily with Justin.

Erin closed the door and went into the kitchen to make something for her suddenly aching throat.

~*~*~*~*~

JC begun to get worried as he knocked on the door again. They had made plans earlier in the day to head out to a club later that night. He was right on time. He just didn't understand why she wasn't answering the door.

He walked over to the window to see if it was unlocked, luckily one was and he climbed in. "Erin?" He walked around the apartment and found her asleep on her bed.

She had begun to cough violently in her sleep, bringing her out of her slumber.

"Sweetie?" JC moved to sit by her side.

She jumped slightly and turned to see JC beside her. "JC. Hey." Her voice was a little scratchy.

"Are you ok?" he asked, naturally becoming concerned about her.

"Oh crap." She sat up. "I'm sooo sorry. I totally forgot about the club thing tonight. I was getting ready, but I just felt really exhausted so I had to lay down." She slid off the bed and went to brush her hair.

"Answer me Erin." He demanded softly, getting off the bed. He walked over to her. "Are you ok?"

"Just tired," she replied, sniffling softly. She put down her brush and smiled weakly at him. "You look nice."

JC wore blue jeans, a greg shirt with a blue long sleeved shirt under it and his pac man hat. He smiled at her. He pulled her into his warm and comforting embrace. He ran his hand soothingly over her hair. "Alright. You ready to have some fun?"

"As ready as I'll ever be."

~*~*~*~*~

Erin coughed and took a sip of her juice that sat in front of her. For one; she was still underage.. but only for a few more weeks and two; she didn't like alcohol and three; she felt like @#%$.

They both sat in the VIP room. Lonnie was sitting right behind them, keeping a close eye out.

"You wanna go dance?" JC asked her, after he finished off his drink. He stood up and offered his hand.

"Oh no." Erin shook her head, laughing softly. "I don't dance."

"I could just stay here with you then.."

"No." She put her hand on his chest. "You go out there and dance. I can tell you really wanna get out there. So I'll just watch from up here."

"You sure sweetheart? I really don't wanna leave you here by yourself."

"I'm sure." Erin smiled at him. "Now go." She patted his butt as he walked away. She groaned softly. Her head was throbbing and her throat was still sore. She rubbed her hand over her face weakly. She got up and went over to the balcony and watched as JC made his way through the crowd.

Lonnie walked over to her. "I better go keep an eye on him, you ok here by your lonesome Miss Erin?"

"I'll be fine. Thanks Lon." She patted his arm and flashed him a small smile, before watching him walk away, leaving her all alone. She turned her attention back to JC, who was now dancing with some girl. Of course she became insanely jealous watching as some girl had her hands all over her man. It was when she saw JCs hands move onto the girls butt, that she started to feel light headed.

Her whole world begun to spin as she fell the the ground, a fever crawling over her body.

Lonnie had finally managed to get the girl JC was dancing with off him.

"Thanks Lon. Didn't think I was gonna get away from that one. She made me touch her ass man!" JC laughed, moving through the crowd with him. They both went up to the bar and ordered a drink.

"Do you think Miss Erin will be ok by herself up there?" Lonnie asked JC, sipping on his coke.

"Not sure man. How was she when you left her?" JC took a gulp of his alcoholic beverage.

"She didn't look so hot man. She looked real pale."

JC cast his eyes up to the VIP room balcony, hoping to see her face.

Erin lay on the floor, unconscious. People had walked by, noticing, but not caring.

"I'm gonna go check on her." JC finished his drink and got off the stool. He made his way up the stairs and looked around. He frowned slightly. "Erin?" He walked over to their table and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her, laying flat on her back on the ground. He ran to her side, kneeling to the ground. "Erin? Sweetheart?" He grabbed her hand and looked over her to make sure there was no blood.

She moaned softly as she opened her eyes. She coughed.

"What happened sweetie?" JC asked softly, becoming extremely worried.

Her scared eyes bore into his. She sniffled, finding it a little difficult to breathe, she only started to cough again.

JC quickly whipped out his cell and called Lonnie, he told him quickly what had happened.

Lonnie raced up the steps, hoping nothing really bad had happened to Erin.

~*~*~*~*~

JC yawned softly. It was way after midnight and Erin had been admitted into the hospital a few hours earlier. He hated being there and he hated the fact that she was there. Sick. Lying motionless on the bed. The only movements she made was her chest rising and falling with her every breath.

Fluid had been in her lungs and she had picked up a nasty fold. Other than that she was perfectly fine.

JC ran his hand through his tousled hair and blinked back tears. He didn’t want his girlfriend here. He wanted her safe. Safe in his arms. More than anything right there and then he wanted her in his arms.

A doctor came in and removed the tube from her throat just before she started to wake up.

Her eyes opened slowly and she groaned, taking in her surroundings.

“Erin?” JC immediately grabbed her hand and tucked it safely in his.

She groaned again and brought her free hand to her throat.

“I’ll get you some water.” He quickly grabbed the water jug and a cup and filled it up with the ice cold liquid. He placed a straw in the cup. “Here ya go.”

Erin moved forward a little and sat up a bit and sipped the water through the straw. She swallowed roughly and sighed softly as she left the water cool her aching throat.

JC placed the cup down on the small table beside the bed and grabbed her hands back into his own. “I’m so sorry sweetheart. I shouldn’t have taken you to that club. Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?”

She frowned as she tried to speak, finding it hard. Tears came to her eyes. “Sorry.” she whispered hoarsely.

“Don’t say that,” he said softly. “No sorries from you.” He ran his hand over her forehead and pushed her hair back. “I’m the one that’s sorry sweetheart. I should have seen that you were sick. God Erin you scared the hell out of me.”

A fat tear slid down her cheek.

“Aww.. sweetie don’t cry.” He brought her hands up to his lips and turned her hand over to kiss the inside of her palm.

“Home,” she whispered, her eyes closing at the contact of his lips on her hand.

JC licked his lips and kissed her hand again. “Not for a few hours or so. The doctor wants to keep an eye on you to see how you feel.”

“Tired.”

“I know sweetie. Just rest. Get better so I can take you home.” He smiled and leaned forward and kissed her forehead.

Erin sighed softly and tried to get comfortable.

When she finally dozed off the doctor came in to check on her.

“Everything is going well. How was she when she woke up?” Doctor Lewis asked JC.

“Uncomfortable and hard to talk. I really just wanna get her out of here,” JC explained, looking at her. “Hospitals aren’t her favourite place.”

“I understand Mr Chasez. I’ll get the discharge papers set up.” He left the room.

JC moved toward the side of the bed and grabbed Erins hand. “Sweetie?”

She stirred and moved a bit.

“We can go home now. Doctor gave it the all clear,” he said, rubbing the back of her hand with this thumb.

She opened her eyes and sighed softly. She coughed to clear her throat. “Does that mean I have to get up?” she asked.

“Yes sweetie it does.” JC laughed softly. “Do you need help changing?”

“I’ll be fine. Just need help getting up.” Erin slowly swung her legs around the side of the bed and got up with JCs help.

“I’ll be just outside.” He walked out the door and shut it quietly.

Erin grabbed her clothes and slowly begun to change. Yawning as she pulled on her shirt she started to remember what had happened at the club. She grabbed her jacket with a frown on her face and walked to the door and opened it.

JC smiled and grabbed her hand. “You just gotta sign the papers and we are out of her. I called Lonnie, he’s waiting out front.”

She nodded, still deep in thought and walked with him over to the reception area to sign the discharge papers.

Once the papers were signed she gathered her jacket and a small bag, which had some medication in it. As JC wrapped his arm around her waist she leaned into him and walked out of the hospital with him.

Getting safely into the SUV JC pulled Erin to him and let her rest against him.

Lonnie turned from his place in the drivers seat and smiled a little. “I’m glad you are ok Miss Erin.”

“Thank you,” she replied, snuggling against her nice and warm boyfriend. Her earlier thought were forgotten as she breathed in the scent of the guy she was wrapped up in. She smiled dreamily as her eyes drifted shut.