CHAPTER 6
Lance sat up and looked around. Chris and Justin were still sleeping, Justin snoring very loud and obnoxious. Lance climbed out of bed, stood up, and stretched. Stifling a yawn he walked over to the joint door between the rooms. Putting an ear up to the door he listened for movement. Silence. He turned around and walked towards his suitcase. Lance picked out a navy Nike tee shirt and some jeans. He took them into the bathroom with him. He started the shower making sure there was a towel hanging up. He closed the door just as Chris woke up.
Chris looked over at the clock on Justin’s nightstand. 5:45. He rolled over and groaned. “That boy is crazy, it’s way too early.” Chris decided as he drifted back to sleep.
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“Vanessa I… They’re… Vanessa your parents were killed by a drunk driver.”
“NO!!!!!! Grammy NO!!!”
Vanessa jerked in the bed and fell off the side. Her body hit the floor with a ‘thud’. She groaned and opened her eyes. She sat up and put a hand to her head. The throbbing pain of her headache was worsened as she stood up. Vanessa winced as she reached for the aspirin in her bag.
“Knock, Knock.” The hallway door said.
“Vanessa it’s Lance. I heard a noise, are you okay?” He asked with concern.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Hold on for a sec.” Vanessa called to him. She poured out two aspirin and closed the bottle.
“Okay. I brought you breakfast.” Lance said still standing in the hallway. Vanessa walked over and opened the door. She smiled when she saw that he was carrying two Styrofoam cartons and two small cartons of milk. Lance walked in and set the food down on a small table next to the door.
“Good morning!” He said in a chipper voice as he closed the door.
“Same to you. Thanks for bringing breakfast, it smells yummy.” Vanessa said as she grabbed one of the cartons of milk. She opened it and took the aspirin from the pocket on her flannel pajamas. She popped them into her mouth and took a swallow of the milk. Lance threw her a funny look.
“Sorry, I have a really bad headache. So, lets eat!” She said pulling the small table over to the end of the bed. Lance grabbed a chair from the opposite side of the room and pulled it up to the table. Vanessa sat down on the bed facing the table. Lance sat down it the chair.
“I brought french toast. Hey, remember when the cook at camp got fired…”He said with a smile.
“And we were so sad because we thought we wouldn’t ever get to eat french toast again! Yeah.” Vanessa said with a smile as she looked at Lance. They looked at one another for a second and then both burst into laughter.
“Hey what’s so funny?” A groggy voice said from the joint doorway. Lance and Vanessa looked over at the doorway. Justin walked into the room rubbing his eyes.
“Nothing, sleepy.” Vanessa said. “Nice flannel pj’s, I think we shop at the same store.” Justin looked down at his pajamas, and sure enough he and Vanessa were wearing the same flannel pants. He smiled faintly and sat down on the bed next to her.
“Whatcha having for breakfast?” Justin asked pulling his gold necklace out from under his white tee shirt.
“Lance brought me french toast.” Vanessa said opening the carton.
“Mmmmm, smells good. I’ll be right back.” Justin said as he stood up. He wandered back into his room. Vanessa watched him leave and she laughed.
“He is so lost!” She said with a giggle as she cut her french toast. Lance and Vanessa talked for a couple of minutes about last night’s show. Justin floated back into the room and sat back down on the bed.
“Where’d you go?” Lance asked Justin as he opened his milk.
“I ordered my breakfast by room service. A box of Apple Jacks and some milk.” Justin said with a grin. “I love my Apple Jacks!” Vanessa laughed and stood up. She walked over to her duffel bag and pulled out a box.
“Justin, catch!” Vanessa said as she tossed the box at Justin. He grabbed the box out of the air and looked at it. Both Lance and Justin busted up laughing at the box of Apple Jacks Justin was holding.
“I love ‘em too.” Vanessa said sheepishly. There was a knock at the door and Justin set the box down to answer it. It was his cereal and milk. He thanked the attendant, took his breakfast, and shut the door. As he sat back down on the bed Chris strolled in from the next room.
“A party? And I wasn’t invited?! You guys suck!” Chris said as he pulled a chair over to the group.
“Well we didn’t want to wake you up, old man.” Justin said with a grin as he dug into his cereal. Chris shot him a dirty look, “At least I’m old enough to go clubbin’, tiny tot.”
“Anyway,” Vanessa said trying to change the subject, “ the show last night was great. I didn’t know you guys were so good on stage!”
“We’re still learning, but it’s coming along.” Lance said.
“Yeah we just hope that one day Lance learns how to dance!” Chris said laughing. Lance smiled and blushed.
“Like I said we’re still learning.” Lance said trying to repair his pride. Vanessa giggled as he itched the back of his head, as he frequently did when he was embarrassed.
“So what are you guys up to today?” She asked.
“We have a radio gig at noon and then a photo shoot at two.” Lance said picking up his empty breakfast carton. He walked over to the trashcan and dropped it in.
“So when do we leave Georgia?” Vanessa asked as she lifted the milk carton to her lips.
“Around six tonight. You should ride with us in the bus.” Justin told her as he shoveled in another spoonful of cereal.
“I don’t know, do you think Lou would get mad?”
“No, it’s not like you’re breaking any rules. Is she?” Justin turned and asked Lance. Lance shook his head ‘no’.
“ Great! I’d love to spend some time with you guys.” Vanessa said with an illuminating smile. Suddenly there was a rustling over by the joint door. Everybody in the room looked over. There stood Joey and J.C. in their pajamas.
“Hey a party! How come no one came and got us?” Joey asked. Vanessa and Lance looked at one another. Everyone stared as they burst into laughter.
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Lance yawned as he walked out of the studio. The guys had just finished the photo shoot at a soundstage with movie sets. His favorite set was the one from an old spaghetti western, it reminded him of camp.
“Hey, Earth to Lance! Come in Lance!” Chris called to Lance from the limousine. “Are you coming or would you rather walk back to the hotel?” Lance snapped out of his memories and walked over to the limo. He climbed in as the chauffeur closed the door. The limo pulled away from the studio and onto the freeway.
“So who’s ready to party?” Justin said with excitement.
“What do you mean, party? Were going back to the hotel and then leaving on the bus.” J.C. said.
“Yeah but Vanessa is coming on the bus with us!” Justin said still excited. Lance smiled too as the limo pulled off the freeway.
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Vanessa looked around the room. She finally decided she hadn’t left anything and walked out the door making sure to close it behind her. She walked down to the elevator and pushed the button. As she stepped into the elevator car a voice came from down the hall.
“Hold the door, please!” Lynn yelled. Vanessa stuck her foot in front of the door and held it as Lynn hustled in. “Thanks! Are you riding in the crew bus?” Lynn asked as the door of the elevator slid shut silently.
“Umm, no. Justin invited me to ride with them to North Carolina.” Vanessa said quietly. She bit her lip and turned towards Lynn, who looked a bit surprised.
“Are you sure you want to do that? I thought you didn’t want to look like one of their girlfriends or be in the public eye.” Lynn said with concern.
“I want to spend some time with the guys so I guess I have to take my chances.” Vanessa finished with a sigh. The doors of the elevator opened and the two walked out.
“Well, I hope for your sake that we don’t run into a lot of fans with cameras or else your picture will be everywhere.” Lynn said as she walked towards the glass doors of the hotel. Vanessa stood in the lobby of the hotel for a moment, her forehead creased in deep thought. She shook off any doubts and sauntered out of the hotel.
Lance looked out the window of the limo and spotted Vanessa standing in front of the hotel. He smiled and put the window down as the limo pulled up in front of her.
“Hey who’s this gorgeous girl?” He said with a grin. She smiled when she recognized him. The chauffeur opened the door and all the guys hopped out. Lance immediately walked over to Vanessa and embraced her in a hug.
“Hey you!” She said as they broke apart. “How’d everything go?”
“Great, the radio gig went off without a hitch and the shoot was the usual stuff.” Lance said as they began to walk around the side of the hotel towards the busses. Suddenly Justin jumped into step with them.
“Are you ready to par-tay Shorty?” He said looking over at Vanessa.
“When am I not ready to party?” She answered with a grin. The group reached the bus and Vanessa hopped in. Lance pulled Justin over to talk in private.
“Hey, uh, I’d like to spend a little time alone with Vanessa later tonight, if that’s alright with you.” Lance said with a serious face.
“Sure I’ll leave you two alone.” Justin said in a suspicious tone.
“Great! Thanks Justin.” Lance said as he walked back towards the bus. Justin followed and climbed in the bus after Lance. The two walked into the bus and looked around. J.C., Joey, and Vanessa were standing next to the kitchen table.
“Hey guys why are you just standing there, and what is behind your back?” Lance asked. The three looked at one another and smiled. They whipped out the silly string from behind their backs and fired freely on the victims. Justin and Lance tried to shield themselves but their efforts were pointless.
“I’m melting! I’ll get you my pretty and your little dog too!”
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Justin looked over at Vanessa with a pouty puppy dog face. She looked over at him and laughed.
“All right one more time, but that’s it!” She said and his face lit up. He ran over to the stereo and tinkered with the controls. The rhythmic melody of Spice Girls ‘Wannabe’ pumped out of speakers. He picked up the television changer and began to sing. Vanessa joined in, crooning her heart out into a brush. They danced out of the back lounge and into the front of the bus. He twirled her around as the other guys looked on and laughed. He dipped her. She was pulled up and their faces met less than an inch apart. They stared into one another’s eyes for a second and then Vanessa turned away with an uncomfortable look. The song ended and Vanessa collapsed onto the couch in a heap of laughter.
“The Spice Girls, Justin? I should make you sing to The New Kids on the Block!” She said with a grin. He looked over at her and stuck out his tongue. “Okay I guess not. Anyone want some mint chocolate chip ice cream? I saw it in the freezer earlier when I got some ice.” Vanessa asked walking over to the kitchen.
“Lance does.” Justin said as he looked over at him. Lance smiled at Justin and then turned towards Vanessa.
“I’d love some. Grab two spoons and lets go eat it in the back room.” He said and walked towards the back room. She followed carrying the spoons and ice cream. As soon as they were both in the room Lance shut the door. “I was thinking we could watch a movie.”
“Sounds good to me, what movie do you want do watch?” Vanessa questioned as she plopped onto the couch.
“I was thinking we could watch ‘Ferris Beuller’s Day Off’, what do you think?” He asked. She nodded her head in affirmation as she pulled a blanket off one of the shelves. He grabbed the video and put it in the VCR.
“Justin still has the changer, I’ll be right back.” Vanessa said as she opened the door. She walked out and Lance sat down on the couch. He untied and took off his shoes; he set them down on the floor at the end of the couch. Vanessa walked back into the room and shut the door.
“Justin was sure acting funny. I asked him if the guys and him wanted to watch a movie with us and he practically yelled ‘no’! I think he needs to lay off the sugar.” Vanessa said with a playful smile. She sat down on the couch next to Lance and handed him the controller. As he set up the movie Vanessa took her shoes off and placed them next to Lance’s. The TV screen flickered and the movie started. Vanessa picked up the ice cream, opened the lid, and handed a spoon to Lance. She scooted close to him and he put the blanket over both their laps. They dug in, as Ferris Beuller faked sick on the TV screen.
An hour later the ice cream was demolished. The empty carton was set down on a shelf and the movie was just getting to the good part. Vanessa, her legs tucked to the side of her, leaned over onto Lance and he put an arm around her. He looked down and watched her laugh as Ferris sang ‘Twist and Shout’. He felt tingly all over like his whole body had fallen asleep. Her laugh was like a melody that played at his heartstrings. He knew at that moment that he was falling for her. How could I have been so blind? He silently thought. She has been the light of my life for these past months.
Vanessa took her eyes off the movie and looked up at Lance. He smiled down at her and held her tighter. She smiled back and leaned her head back on his shoulder. She sighed as her mind wandered. In her head the thoughts of her and Lance danced around and around. Vanessa knew she had strong feelings for him but did he feel the same? Was he being so nice just to help her through this tough time or is it something more? Should I tell him? No, she finally decided, we’re just friends.
They watched the rest of the movie that way, thinking of one another. As the movie ended Vanessa stood up to rewind the video and Lance stretched. He stood up and switched off the speakers. Vanessa shut off the TV and went to pick up the empty ice cream carton. Lance smiled as he walked over to pick up the spoons. As Vanessa turned around and walked towards the door she tripped over the shoes. Lance stepped forward to catch her.
“Are you alright?” He asked as she regained her balance and stood up.
“Yeah, I’m fine.” Vanessa said. She turned around and met face to face with her southern gentleman. They stood for a moment, looking into one another’s eyes. Her heart a flutter and mouth dry Vanessa could not turn away. The look in Lances eyes intensified as he put his hands around her waist. Her breath drew in sharply and…Justin opened the door.
“Hey, is there…” Justin paused as Lance pulled his hands away from Vanessa, “Never mind.” Vanessa turned away from Lance and sighed.
“What were you looking for, Justin?” She asked and walked up to him.
“Oh I was just wondering if there was anymore ice cream. I didn’t mean to, uh, interrupt.” He answered looking down.
“No it’s okay. Umm, there’s no more ice cream, sorry. I’ll tell you what, I owe you an ice cream sundae in North Carolina.” Vanessa said smiling. She followed Justin out of the room and glanced back. Lance was sitting on the couch, his elbows on his knees and his head in his hands. She frowned and turned around; her mind was racing and she asked herself, ‘What just happened?’
Lance sighed. He silently yelled at himself for being stupid. How could he have done that? He probably scared her. As he sat up he realized that the last thing she needed was romance. Hopefully she would forgive him. He stood up and walked out of the room. He reached the end of the bunks and saw Vanessa. She was talking to Justin and his arm was around her. Justin cracked a joke and her face lit up in a dazzling smile. Lance felt his heart drop to the floor. She looked so happy with Justin and he had seen that look on Justin’s face before. He turned around and silently climbed into his bunk. Lance closed his eyes and fell into sorrow.
The sun shone bright through the bus window as Vanessa climbed in and made her way to Lance’s bunk. She stopped in front of it and hesitated. She took a deep breath and opened the curtain.
“Lance? Lance wake-up! You’re going to be late.” She said shaking the lump under the covers. He squirmed and rolled over. His eyes opened to the sight of Vanessa and he propped himself up on an elbow while rubbing his eyes. She stepped back and let him climb out of the bunk. He was wearing the same clothes as last night and his hair was sticking out in all directions. He looked at her and took a deep breath.
“Vanessa, can we talk?” He asked itching the back of his head.
“Yeah, let’s sit down.” She replied as she walked over to the kitchen table and sat down. Lance followed and sat across from her.
“I want to apologize for what happened last night. I-“
“It’s okay you don’t have to explain.” Vanessa interrupted. “ Whatever happened last night was last night. Besides today’s a beautiful day, too pretty to worry.” She said calmly. He looked out the window and then back at her.
“Thank you, for being so understanding.” He said as he stood up. She also stood up and looked at him.
“No problem, you’re my best friend and I could never be upset with you.” She told Lance as she hugged him. He returned the hug and sighed. They pulled away and Lance smiled at her.
“Do you want to go get some breakfast?” He asked. She laughed.
“Sure, but first go change and then we’ll do something about your fro, Poo-foo!”