Justin leaned back in his chair, sliding his hands under his head and propping up his feet on the table in front of him. He exhaled, finally able to relax from the hectic week he had been having. It was rehearsal after rehearsal. Scream after scream. It was all too consuming, and he needed a break.

JC walked into the dressing room and slapped Justin's feet off of the table. He then proceeded to sit on the couch across the room. Justin glared at him and propped his feet back up. Seconds later, Lance walked in and swapped his feet off the table. Another glare was sent and his feet put back up on the table. Chris walked in a minute later and smacked Justin's feet back off the table. JC laughed as Justin glared once more and put his feet back on the table.

Justin closed his eyes and snuggled further down in the chair. He heard the dressing room door open and close and footsteps coming closer. His eyes popped open and he watched as Joey walked up to him, reaching for his feet. Justin slammed them down onto the ground and exclaimed, "I get the point you guys!"

Joey stared at Justin confused. "Dude, man, I was only going for a chip." He picked up a chip from the platter on the table and popped it into his mouth.

Justin closed his eyes and held his head in frustration. He growled and threw himself back against the chair and his feet up on the table. He shut his eyes even more tightly and forced himself to calm down.

"Justin, man, maybe you shouldn't have your feet on the table if people are going to have such a problem with it." Joey said.

Justin opened his eyes and stared at Joey.

"Listen Joe, I need to rest. I want to relax. And if having my feet up on this table," he pointed to the table, "bothers anyone, well they can go and screw themselves."

JC rolled his eyes. "Shut up Justin. You aren't the only one who's exhausted!"

“Whatever. Man, I am going for a walk.” He placed his feet on the floor again, pulled his tall frame up and strode to the door. He walked through the winding hallways, and out the front door. The night air was crisp, and he shivered as it blew against his bare arms. Justin needed some time to think, to clear his head. Somehow he totally forgot what was important, with all the hectic schedules, screaming girls and strenuous choreography. He just wished he had a minute to let his thoughts catch up with his body. He made his way past a newsstand, and looked at all the headlines. Death and destruction ran rampant. Not wanted to depress himself any further, he looked at the tabloids. ‘Jesus’ Image in My Baby’s Diaper’ read one, while another screamed of the affair Julia Roberts was having with President Clinton. The one that caught his attention most, the one he had to laugh at, though was the headline ‘I Switched Bodies with Cindy Crawford.’ “I’d like to switch bodies with her for a few minutes.” He said under his breath, still giggling. The absurdity of these so-called newspapers was overwhelming. He made his way to the teenybopper mags, his face plastered all over them. Somehow, his attention shifted from his own image, and to another young blonde. Nick Carter. They had a lot in common. It was no wonder to either of them that people always compared the two, but they were both kind of sick of it. It wasn’t so much that they were insulted, as they wanted their own identities. Justin looked at Nick in a whole new light tonight. He seemed to have it all. Justin suddenly felt like the cheap imitation. He thought back to the lack of respect that he got all the time, from the crew, band, and even the other guys. Justin walked away; his head slung low, eyes focused on the ground below him. He walked dejectedly to a park across the street and planted himself on a bench. He just couldn’t shake these dumb thoughts. He knew exactly what he needed to do. He pulled his cell phone out of his pocket, his hands grazing the medallion. He pushed a few buttons and hit send.

“Hello” came her soothing voice.

“Hey baby, what’s up?”

“Just packing. Can’t wait to see my man in 24 hours.” She said, her excitement evident.

“This man you speak of is very lucky, indeed.” Justin tried to sound funny, but was failing miserably.

“OK Justin, I can tell something’s wrong. You want to talk about it?”

“Not really Leigh-Leigh. But, knowing you care helps a lot.” Leigh was his anchor. She had known him forever, knew every little thing about him. She was the one who helped him through all the tough times in his life just by being there. It just seemed natural for their feelings to progress, and she had asked him to be her boyfriend six months earlier. It was a little odd for Justin to adjust to this new relationship, at first. But, the newfound benefits he gained were most definitely worth it. He closed his eyes and pictured Leigh. She stood 5 feet 8 inches tall and had very dark blonde hair. Her eyes were a soft brown with flecks of gold accenting her pupils. Justin wasn’t sure that she was really his type, but he felt comfortable with her. He loved Leigh because she knew who she was, and because she loved him for the same reason.

“Timberlake, you know I care. I just can’t wait to get there and show you how much.” Leigh replied, passion filling her voice.

“Me either Leigh. And just think, we almost have 3 full days of vacation before we start performing again. I want to show you around LA.”

“I would rather stay in bed with you.” She said seductively.

Justin knew what she wanted. It wasn’t uncommon for them, being that most of their relationship was conducted miles apart for extended periods of time. But, Justin was not exactly in the mood, and sitting on a park bench having phone-sex was not a good way to further his career. Think George Michael. “Woah, down girl. I’m not in the room, so that isn’t the wisest idea. Although, I like the way your mind works.”

Leigh laughed, collecting herself. “You’re right. Well, I had better finish up here and get some rest. I have a feeling I won’t be sleeping much in the next few days.”

It was Justin’s turn to laugh. “Wait, Leigh…” his voice trailed off.

“Yeah?”

“Um, have you ever…wished you were someone else?”

“All the time. But, then I realize that they probably don’t have it so hot either.” Leigh yawned. “Why, who did you want to be?” Justin’s answer came out muffled, and Leigh couldn’t make it out. “What was that?”

“NickCarter.” Justin said again, a little more clearly this time.

“Oh really? Well, he’s hot, so you have my approval!” Leigh joked.

This was almost enough to send Justin over the edge. Nobody understood how he was feeling, not even Leigh. She compared him to Nick, as well. He just wasn’t good enough. Not for his group, not for his girl, not for anything. Justin sighed. “Well, I’m gonna go. See you tomorrow.” He hung up before she had a chance to reply. Placing the phone in his pocket, once again his hand brushed the necklace. This time he pulled it out and studied it. The garnet rock shimmered in the moonlight, capturing his attention. He remembered what the letter had said. Make your wish count. Justin could think of a million things he wanted at that moment. He just couldn’t decide. “I’ll bet Nick Carter doesn’t have these problems.” Justin said aloud, the words carried off into the stiffening winds. He quickly and quietly walked back to the venue, all the whiles still gathering his thoughts.