Picking Up The Pieces

[Kristen07]

Hey y'all,
This is one of my most recent *NSYNC fics I have written. I hope y'all enjoy :)

~Prologue~

It was a gloomy and stormy night, with the raindrops heavily beating on the windows, as if they were threatening to knock the house down, the thunder was roaring was like a lion, and the lightning was flashing at the speed of light.

It was on nights like these that JC Chasez felt most at ease, because all the commotion outside reflected his mood, dark, gloomy, lonely. The reason he was feeling this way was because life had fallen apart for him in the last 6 months.

The first reason was because *NSYNC, the band that had been his life for the past 10 years had broken up. Ailing record sales, horrible battles with the record company, the guys’ personal lives, and the fact making music with all that going around them wasn’t fun anymore. They all didn’t want it to end, but they knew it was for the best. The five of them were still the best of friends.

As devastating at that was, there was something that happened 3 months afterwards that really hurt him. Alysse, the love of his life had been killed in a car accident. She was also 4 months pregnant, so she and the baby were killed instantly.
JC remembered that painful phone call he received the night she had been killed.

*~ Flashback~*

JC picked up the phone. “Hello?�

“Josh? It’s me Adriana � Adriana was Alysse’s 22-year-old stepsister. She sounded as if she had been crying. This worried him.

“What’s wrong, Adri?� He asked.

“Its… its Alysse!� Adriana was barely getting this out.

JC got panicky. Alysse? He had seen her just under two hours ago and she was fine. What could have possibility happened to her?

“She… was in a car… accident… killed her and the baby instantly� Adriana said, crying.

“When did this happen?� JC asked.

“Just about an half hour ago� said Adriana

JC had felt a funny feeling about a half hour ago, so no wonder he had felt that. I’ll be... over… in a minute� He said weakly, hanging up.

The drive over to the hospital was a blur. All JC remembered was that he didn’t believe the news he had just received.

He arrived, seeing Adriana, Alysse’s other stepsister, Natasha, who was 24, her stepfather, Jonathan, and her mother, Annie.
Annie walked up to him. “Tell me it isn’t true� JC whispered.
Annie shook her head “I’m sorry to say this, but it is�
Hot tears few down JC’s cheeks. It was indeed true. He walked to another waiting room, put his back against the wall, slid down till he hit the floor, curled himself in a ball and cried for the longest time.

*~Flashback~*

That night was one of the hardest of his life. The funeral was even harder. He had a hard time keeping himself together and reading the eulogy he had written.

It had been 3 months since, but to JC it seemed like it was already an eternity. The days just dragged on, and the nights were cold long and lonely.
He had pretty much pushed away most of his friends and family during all this, except one. His best friend and companion, Jessica. She comforted him, talked to him and pretty much just made things easier for him. She now lived with him because he asked her to and so he wouldn’t totally be alone.

Once again, as it often did, his emotions overwhelmed him and he buried his face in his hands and cried for awhile. After he was done, he looked to the window. It was still pouring the rain down, but not thundering and lightning as it was. He decided it was time to get some sleep.
Tomorrow was a new day, maybe things would be better…

[StargateGirl]

:cries: That's so sad. :cries:

[StargateGirl]

Is there any more of this story?

[Kristen07]

yeah, there is. here's chap. 1

~Chapter 1~

The next morning, the sun was shining; you couldn’t even tell the storm had been there the night before. JC awoke, feeling better, but not totally ok. He hadn’t been completely happy since that night and wasn’t sure we would ever be. “Well, might as well get myself up and face the new day�

He came downstairs to notice Jessica making breakfast for the both of them. “Good morning� she greeted him cheerfully.
“Hi� JC said weakly, sitting down at the table.
“You feeling ok?� she asked him.
“I don’t know, I just had a rough night last night. Did you hear the thunder?�
Jessica shook her head. “No, I just slept like a log!� She chuckled.
“Well, that added to the loneliness, emptiness and sadness I was feeling. But I think I’m ok now�
“You sure?�
“Yeah Jess, I’ll let you know when I do need you, ok?�
Jessica nodded and then breakfast was served.

They ate in silence and then Jessica suggested, “Why don’t you go and see the guys?�
JC shook his head and inwardly rolled his eyes. They had already been through this conversation a million times. He just didn’t feel like going out and seeing anyone. He preferred the safety and comfort of the house.
“I’ve already told you a million times, I don’t feel like doing that�
“I was just suggesting, because going out and talking to other people besides me might make you feel better. I hate to see you so lonely, you know?�
Jessica studied Jessica for a moment. She was pretty, with a 5’4Չۈ ¢â€žÂ¢ athletic frame since she was a dancer, and straight brown hair with some blond highlights, with bright brown eyes. He had known her since he was 5, when he moved into a new neighborhood. It had been instant friendship ever since. They definitely had been through a lot together, and it was almost ruined by a fight that they had about 2 years ago. But everything was just fine now.
“What?� Jessica asked him.
“Oh, I’m sorry, I just got in a little trance for a second� He got up.

He sat down the back porch, thinking. “Life can be so freakin unfair sometimes� He thought bitterly. “Like now. Why did this have to happen? Why am I to be left alone and Alysse and my child are to be taken away form me? This is so unfair!�
The hot tears came to his eyes, but he tried to push them back “I don’t want to cry, I’ve done enough of that lately�
He sat back, looking over the scenery. It was early spring, everything was new and blooming. The gr[arse] was a lush green and the trees were growing their new leaves. “Everything looks so beautiful� JC thought, sighing. “Maybe I will take a walk�

10 minutes later he was walking along the neighborhood when he saw a puppy playing with a young child in the yard. “Alysse was a animal lover� JC thought. He then thought of a time when she had brought a sickly stray puppy back to their house to nurse it back to health and put it up for adoption.

*~ Flashback~*

Alysse walked in the front door, a sickly looking stray Black Lab puppy in her arms. “Where did you get the puppy, Lysse?� JC asked her.
“I found it wondering around today and I couldn’t stand letting it wonder like that. Do you mind if he stays the night with us?�
“No, not at all. This puppy looks like it needs a home� JC patted the puppy’s head and it licked JC’s face.
“She definitely likes you. Come on, let’s get her comfortable�

Alysee make a little bed for the little puppy and stayed with it all night so she wouldn’t be scared. The night morning they took her to the vet and the vet said that the puppy was a she and there was some undernourishment, it seemed as if she had been starving for weeks.
The vet asked them if they could keep the puppy. Unfortunately, they couldn’t because of JC constantly being away and Alysee working.

*~ Flashback~*

“That showed how much love Alysee had for everything� JC thought, walking on.

An hour later, he returned to the house and he finally decided to take up Jessica’s suggestion and go pay a visit to the guys. They and their girlfriends were almost always over at Justin’s, so he decided to go over there.
He picked up his car keys and Jessica looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “You’re actually going somewhere?�
“Yeah, I finally decided to take you up on your suggestion. I’m gonna go over to Justin’s house and see if anyone is over there. You wanna come?�
“No thanks, I have other stuff to do. You go on ahead�
“Oh ok. See you later, Jess�
“Bye�
He headed out to his car and thought, “I certainly hope I can hold myself together today�. He started the car, and pulled out of the driveway.

[StargateGirl]

aww... hopefully he can... but leaving to see the guys was a good start for him.

:D I like! :D

[Kristen07]

Thanks Les, i'm glad you're enjoying this story. There's a couple more chapters to come.

[StargateGirl]

You're welcome! :)

I can't wait to read them. :D

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 2~

JC arrived in the house and heard much laughter coming form the living room so he stood outside the room and listened. Joey was doing his best Paris Hilton impression, whining about not have enough Cristal to drink, where were his servants and he even had the pouty face and rich walk down pat as well. Everyone was laughing their butts off.
JC didn’t want to ruin the mood, since he knew he would create awkwardness if he entered the room. But he decided to come in anyway.
The room quieted and everyone was eyeing JC and it was making him a little uncomfortable. Then tension in the room was very palpable.
“Wow, JC, it’s about time you came out� Justin said, trying to avoid offending him.
“Do… you want to talk about it?� Lance asked him.
JC shook his head, and everyone understood. The mood lightened and everyone hung out and goofed off for a while till Tina, Justin’s girlfriend, said “We have a surprise for everyone�
“Ooo… what?� Krista, or Kat to everyone else, asked excitedly.
“As a reward for the guys having a long and great career, we decided that for the summer we are going to take a vacation and live in Miami Beach for 3 months�
“Wow that is great! You guys didn’t have to do this!� exclaimed Noemi, Chris’s girlfriend said.
As everyone chatted excitedly about the trip, JC hung back. He wasn’t sure he should go, because he would be hurt and jealous by the fact that the guys would be there with their girls, and he would still be grieving over Alysse. But on the other hand, he did need a change of surroundings and try to get his mind of everything that had been happening. Maybe even Jessica could come with them.
Justin turned to JC. “We didn’t mean to exclude you JC. You can be come with us, and you know Jessica is more than welcome to come as well�
“It’s all right, J. I was just thinking. When are we leaving?� He asked.
“Nexr Saturday, so in about a week� Kat replied.
“Sounds good� JC said “Maybe I can get away and everything will get better� He thought.
He sighed heavily.
“You still miss Alysse, don’t you?� asked Betha, Lance’s wife.
“Very much so. But hopefully this trip will provide me with some comfort and answers. I need a change of surroundings anyway.�

~Back at the house later that day~

JC was just finishing up dinner when Jessica walked in the door. “Hey Jess, where have you been all day?�
“Oh nothing, just been doing stuff. How was your visit with the guys?�
“Pretty good, they’re going on a big group trip to live in Miami Beach for the summer.�
“Cool! Are you going?�
JC shrugged. “Maybe. But I definitely will if you will.�
“I’d like to, but you know that I don’t get along with Noemi very well� Jessica told him.
“I’m sure it can be arranged so that you won’t be near her much� JC said. “Come on Jess, please?� JC gave her the puppy dog look.
Jessica laughed, shaking her head. “The Chasez puppy dog eyes. It never fails�
“So does that mean yes?�
“Yes it does Josh. When are we going?�
“Next Saturday, so we got a week to wait� He said.

[StargateGirl]

Aww.. :D

[Kristen07]

~Chapter 3~

~ A week later~

The whole gang was gathered at Justin’s house, ready for a vacation. There was lively chatter and everyone seemed to be in a good mood, even JC.
The group had arranged to take two vans, Justin, Tina, JC, Jessica, Lance and Betha in one, and Chris, Joey, Noemi and Kat in the other. The latter group had already left and everyone else was waiting on JC to make the last minute preparations.
He was, upstairs packing, the final thing was his favorite picture of him and Alysse, taken when they had only know each other for 2 months, which he carefully placed on top of his other stuff. “OK, ready to go� He thought “ Hopefully I can get my mind off this pain� He picked up his stuff and headed downstairs.
“You ready to go, JC?�
JC nodded “Yep, let’s go�
His stuff got loaded in the van and as Justin pulled out of the driveway, Tina cheered “Miami Beach, here we come!�
The whole van cheered.
Justin flipped on the radio and then “I Want You Back� came on.
“My gosh� Lance said. “Still playing that song after all these years�
Everyone sang along that one and after that it became a big karaoke and laugh fest all the way there, which Jessica won.

They arrived to Chris saying, “It’s about time you got here. You guys are slow�
JC wanted to snap at him to shut up but decided against it because he didn’t want to ruin his good mood.

The house was gorgeous. It had 6 big bedrooms, most with an oceanside view, 4 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, den, office, a huge kitchen with a bar/island to sit at, and the house was right on the beach.

“Wow, this house is great� Jessica said in awe “I can’t believe you all got this�
“Hey, we thought everyone deserved it� Tina said. “Pick out the room you want and then we’ll meet back in the kitchen�
The couplers took up for rooms, and JC and Jessica took the remaining two because that was the most comfortable arrangement.

Everyone gathered back in the kitchen for a little meeting. Lance said “Ok, we need to figure out what foods we want in the house and make a list�
Everyone threw the foods they wanted and Jessica wrote them all down.
“Now we need volunteers to go the store�
Tina, Jessica and Kat volunteered.
“Aww… when are we gonna get to do the exciting stuff? This is really boring�
“Patience, Chrissy Boy. There’s just a couple more things take care of then we will go the beach� Noemi told him calmly.
Chris hated to be called by that, you usually got a death glare if you did. But since Noemi was his girlfriend, he put up with it.
The three girls left and everyone prepared for the beach while they were gone. When they returned, they got ready and some others put away the groceries.

Once they were at the beach, Chris and Justin went surfing, Lance, Joey, and the girls got involved in a volleyball game, while JC just sat and observed everything.
The sun was setting slightly, and this reminded him of the night he proposed to Alysse. That was one of the best nights of his life.

*~ Begin Flashback~*

It was sunset, the ocean waves falling peacefully on the sand, JC and Alysse walking in silence, holding hands.
Nerves were running high in his system about what he was about to do. It wasn’t that he was unsure that she would say yes, it was that he didn’t want to seem too cheesy while doing it.
Alysse noticed this. “What’s wrong, honey?�
“Nothing, Lysse� He replied. He then took a deep breath. “Alysse, you have made me so happy ever since we have been together. I can’t imagine my life with anyone else, and I want forever with you.� He got down one knee and opened the box, which had the most beautiful diamond ring in it. “Will you marry me?�
Alysse was completely shocked but she replied with the answer he wanted to hear “Yes I will�
JC smiled, placed the ring her finger, stood up and shared the sweetest kiss with her.

*~ End Flashback~*

“You feeling ok, Joshua?� Jessica asked him.
“Yeah, I was just in a flashback moment.� He told her.
“Why don’t you join us in a couple games of volleyball?�
“Sure� JC got and followed Jessica to where they were they were playing volleyball.

The group had lots of fun and laughs, and played after the sun down and the night was getting on.

Back at the house, everyone changed clothes, and then Joey suggested that since the night was still young that the group go and enjoy the Miami nightlife. Everyone opted in except JC and Jessica. Noemi called them party poopers, but Jessica snapped back that maybe that maybe they would join them another time. Luckily that was all that occurred between them.

Jessica and JC were sitting the back porch, looking at the ocean waves when JC asked her “Why do you and Noemi hate each other so much?�
“It’s not so much that I hate her, it seems that she has something against me, what I don’t know� Jessica didn’t seem to want to talk about it.
“Oh ok� JC said.
Then out of the blue Jessica said, “I miss Eric�
Eric was a guy she dated in high school and was killed in an accident because he went to party and drank too much, and then tried to dive home, when the accident happened, killing him and his two best friends.
JC gave her a confused look “Eric? Why are you still talking about him? It’s been years�
“Josh, take it from someone who knows. The pain never goes away, no matter how long it is, it just lessens and you learn to move on. You do still get emotional about it, even if it’s been years ago because the person meant so much to you�
“True... even though I don’t think the pain will ever lessen�
“Why not?�
“Because… well it’s kinda hard to explain. I haven’t really found anything that will bring closure and I’m starting to think that I never will� JC sighed.
“Josh, it’s only been 3 months. You have to give yourself time to grieve and heal. These kinds of things take time, you just can’t expect it to go away all at one time, you know?�
“Yeah, but there are times when I wish it would go away and times that I want to stay like that, you know?� JC sighed his eyes welling up with tears.
Jessica hugged him “It’ll be ok, Jace, you’ll see�
“I hope so� JC whispered.
They held each other for a few minutes and then talked about other things.

Laying wide awake later, JC was deep in thought. He knew Jessica was right, but he wasn’t sure if he would ever feel better.
And he had realized something else. He had almost seen Jessica… in a different light. There was something different there, he couldn’t put his finger on what, but it was there. Maybe… just maybe… he was falling in love with her. “No, it can’t be that. You have been best friends ever since you can remember, why change it now?�
JC turned over and fell into a fitful sleep.

[StargateGirl]

awww

more?

[Kristen07]

Yes there is more.


~Chapter 4~

JC awoke the next morning, mixed emotions running through his body. The words that Jessica had said to him hit home last night, he knew she was right, but he was still doubtful that he would ever feel better about this. “Just as she said, you just need to give yourself time. Don’t be too hasty�
And there was the other thing he was feeling towards her. He was surprised that the feeling came up so quickly after losing Alysse, and it was unwelcome. “Jessica and I have been best friends since I can remember, why should change it now?�
“Besides� His conscience continued “You ARE still grieving over Alysse after all so quit noticing other girls till you are ready to move on�
He just shook his head and got up. He showered and dressed and then walked downstairs.
The kitchen clock displayed “10:32�. “Wow, you slept late, Mr. Sleepyhead. Did you and Jessica wear each other out last night?�
Jessica shot Joey a mean look while JC decided not to respond. He was not in the mood for cracks like that.
He surveyed the breakfast table and Justin and Tina were noticeably absent. “They are still upstairs� Kat told him simply.
He nodded, got some food and sat down. No one talked to him after that, they sensed that he didn’t want to talk to anyone.

After breakfast, JC headed to the back porch for some quiet time. He studied the waves, how graceful they seemed as they crashed on the sandy beach, and then went back to the ocean. “Lysse and I used to spend a lot of time on beaches� He thought sadly.
And it was true. Their first date was on a beach, he had proposed to her on a beach, and then they had gotten married on a beach. He and Alysse loved beaches and spent time on them whenever they could.
For the next few hours his mind was drifting down memory lane. He thought of their first date, random other little times; the first time he had introduced her to Jessica (Things were a little tense between Alysse and Jessica at first, but they learned to like each other), and the first time she met the guys. Now that was a memorable occasion.
*~ Begin Flashback~*

The guys were staying in their manager, Johnny’s compound and JC was taking Alysse to meet the guys. He hoped they would like her but she had re[arse]ured him that they would.
Justin did a little too much for his liking.
“Hey sexy mama what’s your name?�
“Alysse Jonesboro, and what’s yours?’
“Justin Timberlake pleased to meet you.�
JC groaned inwardly. He didn’t need his friends hitting on his new girlfriend because she might decided she liked one of them more and run off with one of them.
But Alysee gave him a re[arse]uring smile that said that it was nothing.
After she met everyone else and they were touring the grounds, everyone seemed to be ganging up on him and planning something. “What the heck are they whispering about?� He thought. “Probably nothing I need to know about. Little did he know.

Everyone arrived at the swimming pool and when JC walked to the edge, he felt someone from behind push him into the pool.
After he came to the surface, everyone was laughing their butts off at him, Alysse especially. “You’re looking pretty good wet Josh� Chris said teasingly.
He just got out of the pool, water dripping down off him every second, very disgusted. Alysse walked up to him.
“You did that, didn’t you?� JC asked.
“Sorry Josh, the guys thought it would be a good prank and a way to flirt with you�
“Yeah, what a way to flirt with your new boyfriend� JC muttered.
“It’s my way of showing that you have made a… splash with me!�
JC chuckled. “Thanks� They kissed, provoking “awwws� from the other guys and then they went walking on the grounds.

~End Flashback~

JC smiled and chuckled to himself. Alysse sure had unique ways to show her love for him.

Jessica walked out onto the porch “Are you ok, Josh?�
“Yeah, I just wanted to sit out here and think.�
“Do you want to browse the beach with me, since we really haven’t done a thing since we got here?�
“Yeah, just let me put on some different clothes� JC said.

20 minutes later, the duo was walking in South Beach, window-shopping the shops on the street, watching the variety of people go by and occasionally glance over to the beach coast. Jessica was taking all this is in in amazement; it was obvious she hadn’t been to the beach much.
“When was the last time you have been to the beach, Jess?� JC asked.
“Since the summer that I was 9, I think. A long time. I remember the those seagulls calling, the peacefulness of the ocean waves, all the fun shops to explore in the boardwalk... it was a fun time�
They watched some guys trying surf the waves. “You surf, don’t you JC?�
JC shrugged “Yeah, but I’m not as good as say, Justin or Chris is. I fall off the board more.
“What’s it like?�
“It’s adrenaline rush like you have never experienced before. When you are between those waves, it’s all or nothing. You have so much time to make through it or you ‘ll fall off “
“You don’t get scared?�
“Nah, not at all� He replied. They walked on, this time doing a little shopping for them. Jessica bought a couple souvenirs for people back home while JC just tagged along with her.
“Don’t you like shopping, Josh?� Jessica asked him.
“Eh, not my most favorite activity in the world but I’ll do every once in awhile� He said. “I’ll buy something if I find something that intrigues me�
“OK�
They shopped a little longer and then had a late lunch/early dinner at a quaint little café.
“You look pooped� JC commented.
“Hey, walking and shopping can weart a girl out� she took a sip of her water. “Have you enjoyed today so far?�
JC nodded. “Mostly. I’m starting to have fun again, the most I’ve had in awhile� He sighed.
Jessica knew exactly what he was referring to. “Did I offend or hurt you by what I said last night?’
“No, not at all, I needed to hear it. And I’m sorry I seemed shocked when you wanted to talk about Eric, it was just kinda out of the blue, you know?� JC said.
“Years down the road from now, there will be times when she’ll pop into your mind and you’ll be like, whoa where did this come from, but it’ll still be nice think of the past, at least for a little bit, but don’t live the rest of your life dwelling on it, you know?�
“I’ll try not to� JC said. “Not to be rude, but can we please switch the subject to something lighter, I don’t want to talk about it anymore�
“We sure can� Jesssica said “Do you think the others will make us go clubbing at least one night?�
“Yeah, knowing them. I’m not much for it but when I’m in the mood for it I will�
“I haven’t been to one before. What do you do at those?�
“Dance, have random hookups and makeouts, drink, just have a good time�
“That really doesn’t seem like my idea of a good time� Jessica said.
“Don’t worry, if we do, I’ll be your dance partner and companion�
“She’s so beautiful� JC thought, smiling to himself. Jessica really wasn’t dressed up much, just had on a tank top and jean shorts with her brown hair up in a ponytail but something about her…
“Stop it, JC� he told him “You shouldn’t be doing this�
“Are you all right, Jace?’
“Yeah, my mind just slipped for a minute, I’m sorry� He signed the check. “Well, you ready to head on back to the house?�
“If you are�
They gathered up their stuff and headed back to the house.

Lance and Betha were the only ones home when they got there. “Hey!� Betha said. “You guys are back!�
“Yep, we decided to go ahead and retire here for awhile� Jessica said.
JC went to the second living room and sat down. Lance followed him. “So, did you have a fun time with Jessica today?�
“I think so� JC said. “It was goods to actually have a fun time, I haven’t had much of those lately�
“Did you think of Alysse while you were there?�
“Not once� JC said. “Which really is an accomplishment in itself, actually. I was spending almost every minute of every day thinking of her, but today I have only thought of her once�
“Which means you’re healing� Lance said.
“Yeah, but I still think the grieving is nowhere near over�

[StargateGirl]

:D

[Kristen07]

This is the last full chapter I have of this. I ran into this HUGE wall of writer's blcok and still haven't been able to get past it. I'm glad y'all enjoyed this :)

~Chapter 5~

The days went on and the group spent them shopping the trendy shops, lazing around the beaches, things you do at the beach. Almost everyone had tried exploring Miami’s nightlife, except JC and Jessica; they didn’t like it as much.
But one night the group wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“Come on, come out with us and have a good time!� Joey insisted.
“Obviously we have differing views on what’s a good time� JC said.
“Just this once, guys, please? We won’t beg you come with us again� Chris said.
Jessica gave in “All right, we’ll go get ready�
JC gave her a shocked look. She had said that clubbing wasn’t her idea of a good time, and she usually didn’t follow the crowd, so why was she giving in now?
They were upstairs, when JC asked her why she gave in. Jessica replied by saying “Come on Josh, let’s go out and have fun with the group, we have been such loners for the beginning of the trip. And I’m sure even a workaholic such as yourself went out occasionally before Alysse p[arse]ed away.�
Well, she did have a point there; maybe they should go ahead and do that. “All right, you win� He said and went to his room to get ready.
25 minutes later, he was ready, but he still really didn’t want to go, but he knew he needed to please his friends.
He walked downstairs and everyone was waiting for him. They split into two vehicles again and agreed to meet for dinner at the Blue Parrot, a trendy Miami restaurant.
At 8, they arrived at the restaurant and were seated. Dinner took about an hour and half, and it was a very enjoyable affair. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood and ready for a good time at the club later.
After dinner, they drove the club, Sunset Avenue, and the surroundings fit the name. It had a big dance floor, like any other club did, but the VIP room was decorated in sunset colors, orange, yellow, pink and purple. That’s where Jessica and JC wanted to disappear to, but the group insisted they stay in the dance floor part, which they did.
For the first few hours, it was a good time. They were dancing to the lively club music, having a couple drinks (Jessica didn’t because she swore that she would never drink alcohol in her life)
At about midnight, JC and Jessica finally escaped to the VIP lounge and then sat down on the comfy couches.
“You look a little drunk� Jessica commented.
“Nah, I’m fine, it’s only two drinks� But JC still felt a little nauseated and dizzy. He knew he should stop.
“Which is two too many� Jessica replied.
“I told you, I’m fine. Anyway, one of us has to be stable enough to get us back home, you know� JC said in a tone with a good bit of annoyance in it.
Jessica was confused by his violent anger, and kind took aback, he had never acted that way towards her before.
JC knew he had scared her, but he didn’t care at the moment, he was thinking about his pounding headache. “Ugh it hurts. And yet Alysse used to bug me the way Jess is now�
“Why does she have to come up every day?� He asked himself “You’re trying to get over her, not think about her every second of the day, now’s not the time, get her out of your mind�
JC shook his head, rose up and walked back to the floor.
He [arse]essed the floor, to see where everyone was at. Joey and Kat and Chris and Noemi were in the middle of it all, being the life of the party, which didn’t surprise JC at all. Bethea and Lance were just out there dancing and so were Justin and Tina. JC really didn’t feel like hooking up with some random girl and go out on the floor, so he sat at the door.
“Want another drink, sir?� asked the bartender.
JC shook his head “No, I’m fine�
“You sure about that?� The bartender asked gain.
“Yes, I am sure� JC said firmly and turned from the counter to face the floor so he wouldn’t bug him again.

A few minutes later, Lance and Bethea joined him. “Are you all right, Josh?� Lance asked him.
I nodded “Just a little tired and have a headache�
“How many drinks have you had?� Bethea asked
“Two, and an hour went past between them, but Jess was bugging me about the fact that I even HAD them. You two?�
“We’ve only had one each� Lance said. “You really don’t look like you’re having fun�
“I am, but… I just don’t know� I sighed “Let’s not get into personal issues, this isn’t the place for it� I told them.
They understood, and the conversation turned light until we left at about 1:30 am.

Back at the house, I knew I owed Jessica an apology, so I went to her room. She was up reading a book, and looked up from it. “Hi�
“Hey Jess, I owe you an apology for earlier. I didn’t mean to use such a harsh tone�
“It’s all right, Josh. How are you feeling right now?�
“I’m tried, but other than that, I’m fine� He told her
“Ok� They talked for awhile, but then the unexpected happened. Jessica and JC started kissing, and even getting a little heavier than that, but realizing what they
they abruptly pulled away
“Oh Josh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to push you so soon…�
“It’s fine Jess� He said. “Well, goodnight�
“Goodnight, Josh�

JC laid awake in bed, thinking. First he had started falling in love with Jessica, and now he had just made out and almost started having sex with her. What the hell was he doing? “Well, partially you were still drunk, and caught up in the moment� He told himself. “You shouldn’t let yourself do that, it’s too soon to fall in love�
“Too soon to fall in love?� He thought. “I can fall in love whenever I want�
“But you aren’t ready� His conscience seemed to be saying “Like tonight, you compared Jessica to Alysse and how they both bugged you about something. If you are truly ready to fall in love, you need to not compare the new girl, whether it be Jessica or someone else, to Alysse. Sure, you and her had a special relationship, but to move on to a new one, you need to get past that�
There was a point, but JC was sick of the conflict going inside his mind, so he tried to sleep, but it didn’t come easy, he kept going back to what had happened in the past hours.
“Gosh, will these thoughts quit being so active so I can get some sleep?� He thought angrily.
But that approach didn’t work, he tossed and turned till dawn, thinking, and then finally fell in to the most fitful of sleeps.

[StargateGirl]

grr... :( I hope your writers block goes away.

I like this story.

[Kristen07]

Wow... this story is a few years old but i actually want to start writing it again. Now i just have to refresh my memory on who's who and get rid of this darn writers block.... :Sigh: :Frustrated:

[Leslie]

Yay! :)