As the door slammed shut behind her and she ran from the apartment block out into the pouring rain, only then did the tears start. As the tears streamed down her face and the rain soaked her jeans and t-shirt she hailed a cab, intent on going to see the one person she could count on in a situation like this.

“Where to Miss?”

“261 Oceanview Drive please” she managed through sobs. As the taxi drove through the familiar streets she’d grown to know so well the reality of what had just happened set in and her head began to spin with the thought of it all. By the time the taxi pulled up outside a new oceanside apartment block 20 minutes later her head had cleared a little and a sense of relief washed over her as she arrived at her safe haven. She paid the driver and walked up stairs to the second floor, carrying only a small backpack, all she had time to grab in the short space of time. She walked along to the door of apartment 348 and knocked timidly.

___________________________________*______________________________________________

“Hey Chris, wanna go shoot some hoops dude?” Justin asked brightly, trying to sound enthusiastic to his unusually quiet friend. Chris just shook his head sadly as he sat by the window staring out at the angry storm whipped ocean. Justin turned to the 3 other guys in the room, shrugged and gave them a “Don’t-say-I-didn’t-try” look.

“Hey Chris the Steelers game is gonna be on in a minute........you’re gonna watch it with me right?” Lance asked.

“Nope” Chris said flatly, his gaze still directed out to sea.

“I give up” mumbled Lance.

“Ok........well, Joey you ready to go?” JC broke the uncomfortable silence that had settle over the room.

“Yeah.....just lemme grab my jacket....” Joey replied as he walked out of the tense filled living room.

“Chris you sure you don’t wanna come with us” JC asked hesitantly

No response.

“Hey where you guys goin’ anyways?” Justin asked curiously

“We promised Johnny we’d go pick up his niece from the airport. Her plane gets in at 3...........come on Joe! We’re gonna be late!”

“Great, some spoilt little 9 year old for you to entertain for the afternoon........have fun!” Justin teased

“Well actually it’s more like 2 days....Johnny can’t make it back to come pick her up until Tuesday so she has to stay here until he gets back from Miami. And....uh....Justin.......she gets your bed......”

“What?!?” Justin cried

“You heard me”

“C’mon man...........when was I consulted about this???”

“Justin I don’t have time to argue.......I.......”

Knock-knock-knock

The hesitant knock diverted the attention of the arguing friends. JC opened the door to reveal a thin, rain soaked girl, her face stained with tears and the tiniest hint of a smile on her lips at the sight of her tall, handsome cousin.

“Hey Josh” the girl managed weakly

“Amber!?! What happened? Come in!” JC ushered his cousin towards the living room. “Amber you’re saturated. What happened? Is it Mark?”

Amber only managed to nod as the mention of his name brought the tears flooding back.

“You left him? Awwww...hun, don’t cry” JC said, bringing his strong arms around her in a comforting hug.

“You can stay here as long as you want, don’t worry about it”

Amber smiled her appreciation at her cousin’s kind words and gesture.

“Guys we have a new guest. This is my cousin Amber from across town. Amber this is Joey, Justin, Lance and over there is Chris”

JC gave the guys a “Just-don’t-ask-right-now look .

“Oh great, does she get my room too?” Justin remarked sarcastically. JC shot him a glare.

“Justin, why don’t you go with Joey to the airport....the flight lands in ½ an hour”

“Right, nice to meet ya Amber........see ya later” Joey smiled at Amber as he dragged a reluctant Justin out of the room.

“You’re gonna owe me big time Joshua Scott Chasez!” Justin called as Joey pulled him out the door.

__________________________________________*______________________________________

“Hi Amber. I’m Lance” Lance smiled his friendly Mississippi smile. Amber managed a smile in return but her eyes were drawn to the silent, wild haired guy sitting by the window who hadn’t moved since she’d arrived.

“Ummmm...Chris........my cousin Amber is here. She’s gonna be staying for a while.

“Uh-huh” Chris mumbled, not moving

“Erm......don’t worry about him.....he’s not usually like this......... he’s ah.......he’s just had a rough time......uh.......relationship-wise.......” JC explained quietly.

He looks like I feel......miserable Amber thought to herself as she stared at the quietly mysterious guy by the window.

________________________________________*___________________________________________

“D’ya know what this niece of Johnny’s looks like Joe?” Justin asked, getting impatient, thinking about how much he’d rather be shooting some hoops right now than standing waiting for some snobby pre-teen to come through the gate.

“Yeah I kinda remember what she used to look like......but I haven’t seen her in about 4 years now and......”

“Joey?” an unfamiliar female voice called. Both Justin and Joey turned to stare at a tall, brunette with wide brown eyes. “It is you.......I’d remember that face anywhere! And you must be JC.” the girl said looking into Justin’s blue eyes.

“Aaaahh...ummm....uh....J-Justin actually. JC couldn’t make it......... he had a...uh.....a previous engagement” Justin stuttered, amazed by the girls huge brown eyes, he couldn’t look away from them.

The girl began to feel uncomfortable under Justin’s stare but Joey saved the moment by breaking the uncomfortable silence.

“Wow.....Lauren you look so different! I......I never would’ve picked you out of the crowd anyway....”

“Well Joe, the last time you saw me was 5 years ago and I was just a geeky little 12 year old then” Lauren smiled. Well she sure is far from geeky now! Justin thought to himself as he and Joey helped Lauren with her bags and walked out toward Justin’s Mercedes. Annoying little 9 year old..... yeah right! Justin chuckled to himself.

____________________________________*______________________________________________

“Hey, we’re here” Joey called as they came into the warm apartment from the lashing rain outside. Chris still sat at the window, oblivious to the football game that Lance, JC and Amber watched on tv.

“Ok guys, and Amber, this is Lauren. Lauren that’s Amber, JC, Lance and that.......thing over there in the corner is Chris” Joey explained. Everyone exchanged “Hi’s” , even Chris managed a weak “Hey” from his position in the corner.

“Ok, well we have a slight problem to sort out........who sleeps where .........” JC said. “Now, since Joey and Lance have the lounge and my room is the smallest in the apartment.....Justin you can sleep on the floor in your room and Chris you can do the same in yours” JC delegated. No complaints came from Justin, but finally Chris spoke up in something other than one syllable for the first time in hours.

“What? Why? Who’s gonna be in my bed?”

“Uh...Chris....if you’d been on this planet for the last hour or so you’d have known that Amber is here to stay for a while and she gets your bed to sleep in” JC retorted. Chris looked across at the dark haired girl sitting on the couch next to JC and looked into the saddest dark eyes he’d seen, he couldn’t pull his gaze from hers until............

“Hey, why’s she wearin’ my shirt?” Chris exclaimed

“Her clothes were soaked through and this was like the only clean thing in your room. Chris, man where have you been for the past hour? Your home planet?”

“I only let Gina wear that shirt” Chris replied flatly. Silence fell in the room. All the guys new that that was the one shirt that Chris’ girlfriend, Gina, often wore......but that was over now, it just seemed like everyone but Chris could accept that fact. Amber shifted uncomfortably as Chris’ eyes glared at her, and his shirt.

“I-I’ll give it back now if ya want.......I-I’m sorry......I don’t have anything else........” Amber blushed embarrassed by Chris’ angry attention.

“Don’t bother” Chris spat out as he stormed from the room. The silence returned to the tension-filled room.

“You’ll have to excuse Chris, he’s not usually like this.....girl troubles” Joey explained to break the stunned silence in the room.

“Man, I’ve never seen him like this before” Justin added with a concerned tone.

“Do ya think he’s gonna snap out of it? They’ve been broken up for two weeks now” Lance remarked.

“He’ll get over it. Now how ‘bout some dinner?” JC brushed the events aside, although deep down he was real worried about his good friend. It had been two weeks and Chris had be known to bounce back easily after the numerous break ups in the past.

“Sounds good” Lauren offered. Amber nodded in agreement but her thoughts were on the angry young man that had just stormed out.

_______________________________________*______________________________________________

Chris ran through the teeming rain, confused thoughts running through his head. Why’d she have to end it? Why had he been such a fool in the first place? Why hadn’t he seen it coming? Why was that girl wearing Gina’s shirt? Who was that girl? Had he really been that out of it that he hadn’t realised what had been happening immediately around him all afternoon? Yes he had. And what for? This isn’t like you Kirkpatrick, snap out of it, she’s gone, forgotten. But something deep inside him still hurt, longed for her gentle touch, longed for someone’s touch.

----------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------------

The 5 guys and 2 girls sat in the living room long after dinner, talking and joking. Amber hadn’t felt this secure in months but couldn’t help glancing across at Chris, who’d calmed down a lot since their confrontation earlier. But each time their eyes met she felt that sense of security slipping. There was something about his warm, dark eyes that reminded her of the one she’d much rather forget. Why does she keep looking over here Chris thought to himself She does have the most amazing green eyes and .....Chris broke off from thoughts and looked away but he couldn’t ignore her strong presence in the room. Justin glanced shyly across at Lauren sitting on the couch opposite him. She’s so beautiful he thought to himself And funny! She’d been the centre of the conversation for most of the evening and Justin was growing more and more intrigued by this dark featured girl with every story she had to tell. Lauren glanced bashfully across at Justin and thought about how sweet he had been. Her uncle Johnny had told her various things about the group he managed and she recalled stories of the cocky, arrogant young teenager he’d referred to but since she’d arrived and he’d opened the car door for her at the airport until he’d pulled her chair out for her at dinner she’d changed her impressions of the tall, curly haired guy. It’s nice to finally find a guy my age not obsessed with looking macho in front of his friends. Not to mention how hot he is Lauren smiled to herself.

----------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------------

“Well I’m beat” yawned Lance

“Yeah me too. And we have a big rehearsal tomorrow don’t forget guys.” JC hinted.

“I take that as your hint that it’s time for bed huh Dad?” Justin replied.

“Goodnite guys.........and girls” JC added. “Justin, Chris; you’ll take care of these girls right?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem” Justin beamed as his blue eyes met Lauren’s.

--------------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------Lauren stood and stared at the walls of Justin’s room filled with basketball shirts, posters and trophies. Her eyes settle on the larger than life poster of a scantily clad Janet Jackson and she smiled to herself.

“Ah.....Justin?”

“Hmmmm?”

“Where can I...um....get changed?”

“Oh...ah......um.....bathroom’s two doors down on the left”

“Ok...thanks”

By the time Lauren returned to the room Justin was already settled in on the pull out couch, his eyes closed and a contented look on his face. Lauren had to stand and stare at his angelic face for a few moments before sliding between the crisp sheets of the bed on the opposite side of the room.

“Goodnite Justin” she whispered as she switched off the bedside lamp.

“Goodnite Lauren” came the soft reply through the darkened room

----------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------------

“You can change in the ensuite” Chris said as he prepared himself a bed on the floor of his own bedroom.

“Ah...no...it’s ok, I’ll sleep in my clothes” Amber replied looking around at the scores of hockey and football memorabilia that decorated Chris’ walls.

“Huh? Oh...ya wanna borrow something’?” Chris enquired

“No......I don’t-“ Amber began as she remembered this afternoon’s calamity.

“No really it’s ok........I’m really sorry for the way I acted this afternoon......it’s just.....I.......” Chris broke off as he rummaged through his chest of drawers.

“I understand” Amber said weakly. Chris gave her a puzzled look.

“I just got out of a pretty tough relationship myself” Amber explained. They stared at each other for a moment and Chris’ lips finally broke into a slight smile, the first in weeks.

“Here, ya can change in there” he said as he handed her a white t-shirt and grey boxer shorts and gestured towards the bathroom.

“Thanks” she smiled back. When she returned Chris was already dozing on his makeshift bed on the floor. As she switched off the lamp and snuggled under the covers she was alone with her thoughts for the first time in hours. Two nights ago she had been cuddled up to her boyfriend in their own bed in her own familiar apartment and now here she was alone in a strange bed with a mysterious guy sleeping on the floor beside her. Finally Amber began to drift off into a much-needed peaceful sleep.

----------------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------

Chris’ eyes opened slowly and as they focused slowly on the ceiling above him he was unsure of where he was. As he sat up to stretch his back and neck ached, a harsh reminder of where he’d just spent his night. He looked up at his comfortable looking bed and at the dark haired girl sleeping peacefully in it. Her long dark hair framed her angelic face and he couldn’t help but stare for a few minutes before creeping out of the room, careful not to wake the sleeping beauty in his bed. He was greeted in the kitchen by the smell of bacon and eggs cooking and 4 lively guys looking bright and ready to face the day. I used to feel like they look. Why can’t I just do that now? He thought sadly to himself .

“Hey dude. How’d ya sleep?” Lance asked lightheartedly.

“Awfully. My back and neck are killin’ me” Chris replied bluntly as the 4 guys gave each other bewildered looks. The familiar silence fell across the room again as everyone continued their breakfast in absolute quiet.

“Good morning everyone” Amber’s greeting broke the silence as she entered the room, fresh from a shower.

“Hey cuz, how’d ya sleep?” JC inquired.

“Really well. I really needed it” Amber smiled. She felt rested and comfortable and looked much brighter than when she’d arrived yesterday afternoon.

“I’m gonna go take a shower” Chris interrupted. Everyone watched as he stalked out of the room, concerned looks on their faces.

“Man, I don’t know about that guy......he.....”

“Leave it man, he’ll be ok” JC broke off Joey’s sentence in a reassuring tone. Lauren sensed it was time to change the subject.

“So what’s goin’ on today guys?” she asked.

“Well we have rehearsal all day but we’re free this evening....what do ya wanna do?” Justin piped up.

“Well what’s Orlando renowned for?”

“Theme parks!” the 3 guys chorused in unison.

“Theme park it is” Lauren laughed “You’re in too right Amber?”

“Oh.....ah......sure” Amber replied preoccupied.

------------------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------

“Man, I haven’t been here in ages” Justin said as they pulled up outside the guys favourite theme park.

“Hey Chris, how many times ya think ya can ride the Tower of Terror without puking?” Justin asked.

“Is that a challenge?” his friend returned

“Great, I can feel the testosterone levels already reaching breaking point” Lauren remarked.

“You ever been here before Lauren?” Joey asked.

“No, never”

“Then may I offer my services as your personal official theme park tour guide?” Justin suggested.

“OK...sure” Lauren replied laughing

“Chris are you up for the challenge?” Justin asked of his friend again.

“Bring it on Curly” Chris replied. Chris had brightened up much more today and his close friend was glad to see the old Chris slowly reappearing.

“Hey Amber, why dontcha join us. Two thrill seeking guys running wild in a theme park and I can tell I’m gonna need some help” Lauren offered.

“Sure...ok” Amber agreed.

“Meet you guys here in 2 hours......at 10:30pm sharp ok?” JC – the ever organised one – called. As they reached the park’s infamous ride, Amber stared up at the colossal structure and heard the screams of those already on the ride.

“Not scared are ya?” Chris asked from behind her, noticing the frightened look on her face.

“Me...scared? No.....” she replied defiantly.

“C’mon!” Justin called. As the attendant strapped her into her seat next to Chris her knuckles whitened as she gripped the bar tightly. Chris noticed this and reached across to lightly place his hand reassuringly on hers.

“Ya sure you’re ok?” he asked again as he looked into her widened eyes.

“Ummm....” as she hesitated it was too late and the rollercoaster began. After 6 minutes of twists and turns Amber’s throat hurt so much from the constant screaming.

“Amber...you can open your eyes now...it’s over.” Her iridescent green eyes opened to stare into Chris’ deep brown eyes and he laughed.

“You ok? C’mon, we’ll go try something a little tamer” Chris smiled as he helped her off the ride, her legs shaky with fear.

“Wow, that was so awesome....it was.....Amber you ok” Justin broke off mid-sentence.

“You look pretty pale hun, you alright?” Lauren asked in a concerned tone.

“I think I’m gonna take Amber on something a little quieter. You thrill seekers have fun....” Chris said.

“Ok, we’ll meet you later!” Justin called after them. Amber stared across at the dodgem cars.

“Now that I could handle” she said. “Ok

....but before we go over there let me just inform you who you’re going up against....I am the dodgem car king. I’ll just warn you now” Chris teased.

“Oh really”

“Yeah really”

“We’ll have to see about that” Amber challenged.

-------------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------------

“Where do ya wanna go next?” Justin asked as he watched Chris and Amber walk off toward the dodgems.

“Lead the way, you’re the tour guide” Lauren replied.

“Well how about we try something a little quieter?”

“Sounds good to me” Lauren smiled, her stomach still settling from the Tower of Terror ride.

“Right this way then ma’am” Justin smiled as he cautiously reached for her hand. Lauren took his hand in hers and they looked into each others eyes before heading off across the park hand in hand.

--------------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------------

“Ok ok I take it back! You are one mean dodgem car driver!” teased Chris.

“And don’t you forget it!” Amber teased back as she and Chris walked away from the dodgems arcade. JC, Joey and Lance leaving the Tower of Terror saw the pair walking away laughing together.

“Is that Chris? Is he actually smiling?” Lance asked, puzzled.

“He’s laughing even” JC added.

“Amber looks pretty happy too” Joey noticed. JC smiled to himself. It was good to see his old friend and cousin finally smiling again. And it looks like they’re getting on pretty well too JC thought to himself with a smile.

------------------------------------------------------------------------*----------------------------------------------------

“Ooooh can we go on the ferris wheel, please Chris?” Amber pleaded.

“Uh...ummm...sure” Chris hesitated as he looked up at the rotating seats hundreds of feet above him. Amber grabbed his hand and dragged him toward the ride.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------*---------------------------------------------------

“Well this is a lot tamer” Lauren remarked

“I’ll say....but it’s nice” Justin agreed “to be here with you” he added shyly.

“You’re too sweet Justin Timberlake”

“Is that a good thing?” Justin looked slightly concerned. He’d been called a lot of things by girls before, but he hadn’t come across sweet before.

“Yeah, very good” Lauren reassured him.

Justin leaned forward slowly and placed a soft kiss on Lauren’s lips. As she returned his kiss and ran her fingers through his soft curls he reached blindly forward for her warm hand and their fingers intertwined as the ferris wheel began it’s downward descent.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------

“Wow the view is so beautiful from up here. Chris, look how beautiful the city looks.....Chris?”

“Uh-huh” Chris replied weakly, gripping tightly to the crossbar.

“Chris Kirkpatrick, if I didn’t know any better I’d say you were scared. Are you afraid of heights?”

“Uh-huh” Chris admitted.

“You’re not afraid of the Tower of Terror but you’re scared on the ferris wheel?”

“Ummm...yeah....pathetic huh?” he asked

“No...it’s kinda cute” she replied. Chris stared at her for a moment and Amber realised what she’d just said.

“Uh....look, it’s JC, Lance and Joey!” Amber broke the uncomfortable silence.

“Well, well, they must be getting on well for Chris to be sitting hundreds of feet up in the air on a ferris wheel” Joey commented from the ground below.

-----------------------------------------------------------------*---------------------------------------------------------------

“Wow, I’m so ready for bed” Lance said as they walked back into the apartment. Everyone sleepily agreed in unison.

“Oh hey, the big game’s on in 10 minutes, anyone gonna stay up and watch with me?” Justin asked.

“Yeah, I’ll stay up with you” offered Lauren.

“Well, goodnite y’all” JC said.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------

“Uh Chris” Amber said diffidently.

“Hmmmm?”

“That floor doesn’t look so comfortable , and I know how badly you slept last nite”

“I’ll live”

“Well your bed is pretty big and uh...I’m not that huge...I mean...well ...you could sleep up here tonite....”

“Umm...well...ok...thanks” Chris climbed into his bed on the far side and switched out the light.

“Chris? I had a really good time tonite....thanks”

“Yeah...me too.....now you better not be a blanket stealer” Amber laughed nervously.

“Goodnite Chris”

“Goodnite Amber”

------------------------------------------------------------------------*-------------------------------------------------------

Justin watched the basketball game intently from the couch in the living room. Lauren stifled a yawn.

“Tired?” Justin inquired.

“Hmmm? Oh...yeah...a little”

“Well, here...I’ll move over to the armchair and you can have the whole couch to spread out on” Justin offered.

“No it’s ok...I’ll just lean against ya here if that’s ok?”

“Uh...sure” Justin said as she leaned her back against his chest. He hesitated for a moment before slowly placing his strong arms around her waist in front of him. Lauren yawned again and was soon drifting off to sleep. The game ended and Justin switched off the tv. He slowly tried to maneuver his way off the couch without waking Lauren who was asleep in his arms. She stirred. He was stuck. He grabbed the blanket off the back of the couch and spread it out over himself and Lauren as he settled back on the couch with Lauren’s head resting gently on his chest. He kissed the top of her head lightly and closed his eyes.

-----------------------------------------------------------------*-------------------------------------------------------------

Chris was dreaming. He had to be. Gina stood in front of him, her long blonde hair flowing over her shoulders. He walked towards her and enveloped her in his strong arms. She felt so soft under his touch and she embraced him back. He sighed with contentment at having her in his arms again and looked down into....Amber’s face?

-----------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------------

Amber saw Mark standing before her, his shiny, golden hair fell slightly into his bright blue eyes. She felt his strong arms wrap around her once more and hold her tight like they used to. She missed his familiar touch and hugged him back. She gazed up into his face and met............Chris’ eyes?

------------------------------------------------------------*----------------------------------------------------------------

The early morning sun came streaming through the blinds in the living room and Justin blinked as it met his eyes. He looked down, Lauren still sound asleep on his chest. He brushed her dark hair out of her face and she stirred. Slowly she focused on Justin’s smiling face and she smiled back.

“Good morning you, have I been here all nite?”

“Yeah, you fell asleep and I couldn’t move without waking you, I hope you don’t mind”

“Not at all” she replied as she bought her lips to Justin’s for a soft, sweet kiss.

---------------------------------------------------------------*-----------------------------------------------------------

Amber stirred as she ran her hands across Mark’s firm chest and smiled. She missed his strong arms around her so much and now she felt safe and secure again. Without opening her eyes she slowly began to kiss Mark’s neck the way she knew he liked first thing in the morning and he stirred.

------------------------------------------------------------------*-------------------------------------------------------------

Chris’ arms tightened around Gina’s waist as he bought one hand up to slowly caress her back as he had done so many other mornings before. The warmth of her body against his gave him that all over sense of wellbeing that he had missed since they broke up. As she ran her hands over his chest his whole body relaxed......but as her lips began to travel the length of his neck which he was not so familiar with he slowly opened his eyes..............

-------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------------

Chris jumped up as he looked into the startled eyes of Amber.........

“I’m so sorry......I.....uh...it’s just..........”

“I know.....it’s all my........I mean....I just thought..........” they were both lost for words. His dark eyes met her deep green eyes and they stared in amazement for a moment before Chris broke the gaze and looked away.

“I’m really sorry........I was having this dream and............” he started.

“Oh yeah......me too......I totally didn’t mean to.............I mean ...........can we just forget this happened......please?”

“Oh yeah........it was just a misunderstanding” he replied.

“Exactly” she breathed a sigh of relief.

“Ummm...well I’m uh....I’m just gonna go take a shower” Chris said.

“Oh yeah me too........ummm.....in the other bathroom.......of course” she laughed nervously

“Of course” he laughed nervously in turn.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------

“C’mon you guys people are gonna start arriving soon!” JC yelled at anyone who was listening. The living room furniture had been shifted around in preparation for the party that the guys had planned to see Lauren off who was leaving tomorrow.

“Hey JC, where do ya want these?” Lance asked referring to a tray full of cups that he’d just bought out of the kitchen.

“Umm...just put ‘em on the table thanks Lance” JC replied, a slight sense of tension to his voice. JC always had to be concerned that everything was running smooth and he sometimes almost forgot to let loose and have a good time.

“Hey JC, it’s a party, lighten up dude” Joey remarked as he walked in carrying a box of beers fresh from the fridge.

There was a knock on the door and the first of the guests arrived.

“I’ll get it” Lance called as Joey began to crank up the stereo and the party began.

--------------------------------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------------------------

Lauren and Justin danced in the middle of the living room floor. As the song began to end Justin took Lauren’s hand and led her outside to the balcony.

“Justin, what is it?” Lauren asked as Justin closed the sliding door behind him.

“Well you’re leaving tomorrow and I have something I want to give you before you go. I was gonna give it to you tomorrow as you left but I think the time is right now” he explained.

Lauren looked kinda puzzled as he reached into his pants pocket and bought out a small box.

“For you” he said simply, handing her the box. She opened it slowly to reveal a silver bracelet engraved with the words:

Lauren,. Remember me always, your “sweet” guy, Justin

“Justin, it’s beautiful, thank you” she whispered, holding back a tear.

“Not quite as beautiful as you” Justin replied as he leaned in to kiss her tenderly on the lips. Lauren began to shiver in the evening ocean air and Justin wrapped his strong arms around her warmly as they stood close together, never wanting to part.

-------------------------------------------------------------*--------------------------------------------------------------

Amber sat on the couch in the corner glancing around the room for the one person she wanted to see the most, but knew she shouldn’t. Since this morning’s confrontation, things between Amber and Chris had been kinda uncomfortable and he hadn’t said one word directly to her all day. The loud music was distracting her from her thoughts and she headed out to the balcony for some fresh air. She closed the sliding door and leaned on the balcony staring far out to sea. The waves crashed on the shore and the cool ocean breeze made her shiver as she hugged her arms around herself. She heard the sliding door opening behind her and turned to see a male figure silhouetted against the bright lights inside.

“Thought I might find you out here. I’ve been looking all over for you” the familiar voice said.

“Chris? Why aren’t you in there partying?” she asked

“Not really in the mood, and besides, I had to talk to you first.”

“Oh? What about?” she asked, mystified.

“Ummm....well.....about this morning actually”

“Oh...I thought we’d agreed not to bring that up again. It was just a stupid mistake, that’s all” she said quickly.

“Well, yeah, but it’s been on my mind all day. And I have to admit something.........” She listened anxiously for what was to come next.

“Y’see.....well.......I........uh.......” he stumbled. “I was dreaming, and it was about my ex-girlfriend.......but then..........it......well it was you,” he finally conceded. “And then this morning when I found it was you in my arms and not her.......well.....I........I didn’t regret it. Hate me if ya want, you probably think I’m a total pervert or somethin’ .....but..........”

“No!” she almost shouted. “No I don’t” she continued more quietly. “I was dreamin’ too.......only it was you too....instead of my ex-boyfriend .......and then this morning........well........I was kinda.......I dunno .....disappointed........”

Chris stared into Amber’s deep green eyes, slightly surprised at her revelation.....but relieved all the same. The cold breeze tousled her hair around her face and her skin looked so soft in the moonlight as she stared back at him, mesmerized by his warm brown eyes. She shivered again in the cold wind and he slowly stepped forward to envelope her in his warm, strong arms as he bent his head down to meet her lips in a soft, tender kiss. She returned his kiss as she caressed his face and neck with her warm hands. His arms wrapped tightly around her, one hand caressing her back; they felt they could stay in this embrace forever. But a song with a strong beat began pulsating through the house and as they broke from their kiss Chris looked into Amber’s eyes and smiled devilishly “Let’s go dance” he said, taking her by the hand and leading her in to the party, where the living room floor was crowded with dancers. JC was watching the party scene from the side of the living room when he heard a knock on the door. He noticed Chris and Amber enter the apartment from the balcony, both looking very pleased with themselves as he left to answer the door. He opened the door to reveal a slender woman with flowing blonde hair standing in front of him, a look of total shock passed over his face.......”Gina?” JC asked bewildered.

“Hi JC” Gina replied “Is Chris here? I really need to talk to him”.

To be continued............................................