Chapter 12

The rest of the month was full of bliss for the couple. Being with Pascal made Justin put more feeling and emotion into his music. The other boys fed off of off Pascal's charisma and good-natured attitude, and they too became more focused on their singing. More than anything, she taught them all to be a good sport at all times. Sometimes they did not want to go to autograph sessions and be perky towards their fans, but she reminded them that the fans are what got them where they are, and for the most part are sweet individual who just want a second or two with them. But, soon the month was coming to a close and the boys would be going home to Orlando and Pascal to Montreal.

The night before the final goodbye was to take place, Justin and Pascal were sitting outside on one of the balconies of the hotel. He had draped his arm around her tenderly, and she was leaning into him gingerly.

"You know that I don't want this to end, but you know that I......" Justin started regretfully.

"Mon amour, you do not have to explain. I see how important your career is. We are both young. This stuff happens," Pascal lamented sadly.

"I know this is hard, but I don't wish that we had never decided to be more than friends.

"True, this is breaking my heart, but I would not have missed being with you for the world." They kissed for a while and sat saying how much they would miss each other. Finally, Pascal brought up a subject which neither really wanted to bring up but knew had to be discussed.

"Justin, we are going to be thousands of miles apart, so we cannot keep this going. I think we should agree that we should date other people. I do not want to think about being with anyone else, but it is logical." Pascal said wistfully.

"You are right. We will get over this, but I just want you to know that it will probably be a long time before I meet another girl that even comes the least bit close to what you are." Justin said tenderly.

"Ditto." He helped Pascal get up and they kissed goodnight with a sad air.

The next morning at 7, the group was huddled around Pascal. Her flight left at 8:30am. Everyone hated to see her go.

"Well, I just want to say thank-you for giving me this opportunity. I will never forget this month for as long as I live. You are all very special people and deserve all the recognition that you recieve from your fans. Remember to just be yourselves and smile all you can. Je tem, mon petit chous!" She hugged them all. It was a moment of sweet sorrow. It was like losing a member of a family and a piece of one's heart for each of them.

Justin was taking this the hardest. They held on to each other the longest. He looked into her eyes and said, "Promise me you won't forget me and that you will write and call. Promise me you won't give up your dreams. You are too talented not too be successful and famous, okay?" He kissed her briefly but lovingly on her lips.

"And promise me that you will stay with 'N Sync for as long as you can. Grow from one another and support each other. Stay the wonderful individual that you are." She smiled faintly, but resolutely. Then, she took a deep breath and picked up her bags. The bodyguards helped her down to the car. When she got to the bottom, she looked up at the window and saw them all watching her go. She gave them a reassuring smile and wave. Now was not the time to fall apart. She got in the car and made her way to the airport.