Justin shifted in his seat as the plane came to an abrupt landing. His eyes felt heavy from jet lag, and lack of sleep. Him and the guys were flying home from Europe, where they wrapped up their world tour.
"Hey Curly! Get a move on it boy! We are getting off," Lance said crouching down to eye level with him.
Justin slowly allowed himself to get up, stretching his arms, rotating his neck in circles. As soon as they made there departchure from the plane, the air was contaminated with screams, and a hysteria of teen girls. Trying his hardest to look enthusiastic, and happy Justin forced a smile and waved. Tiny flickers of lights caught him off guard all around him, as he heard his name being called from a million different positions. His eye caught hold of a young girl crying at his sight. He felt his head spinning with anxiety, and confusion as he ran his hands through the crowd, meeting hands with a few lucky fans, he sighed. It was all getting to be just to much. He needed a break. As much as he loved doing what he was, everything was finally starting to come into reality to him. Show after show, promotions, rehearsals, fans, the public, endless nights, photo shoots, interviews. Scanning the mob of people for one person inparticular. He felt someone's hands wrap around his shoulders, turning he expected to see an overly excited fan. But, to his surprise it was the one person he wanted to see.
"Mom," His voice submerged in an almost whisper. Hugging her and kissing her cheek he finally pulled away.
"Oh I've missed you so much! What do you say we get out of here?" She asked, placing a comforting hand to rest on his shoulder.
"Sounds wonderful," Was all he managed to say.
Pushing their way through the crowd, Justin waved good-bye to the throng of girls that had gathered around the airport terminal. After getting his bags, they quickly made their way to the airport parking lot, to leave.
"So sweetie. Tell me about your trip. I haven't seen you in 2 months!" Lynn wondered turning her car onto the highway. Her eyes remained focused on the road ahead of her, as she listened closely to what Justin had to say.
"It was, it was something. We had fun, but it was so tiring Mom. I am going to sleep the whole day tomorrow. I need to catch up on 2 months worth of rest," He yawned leaning his head back to rest on the back of the seat.
"OH no Hunny. Not tomorrow. We're waking up around 9. Church starts at ten,"
"Mom! You know I don't usually complain about church or anything. But, I have just been on a tour around the world! Concerts every night!" Justin tried to reason.
"Oh I know, trust me. That's why it is even more important that you go. That's also means that you haven't been to church that whole time. I don't care how big a super star you are Justin. As long as your my son, and living at my house you're not going to get any special treatment. you know that sweetie. Plus, people have missed you around the church. You used to go there so much." Her voice seemed firm, yet full of care and understanding.
"I know Mom. I want to go. It was just that I was tired, but don't worry I know that doesn't matter. Church is more important," He smiled. He thought his answer would satisfy her. The rest of the car ride was completely silent, Justin dozing off and awakening several times. The car moved into a driveway of a large white house. Dark blue trimmings, and porch brightened it up, to where it was beautiful. A large garden overlooked the front windows. and hanging baskets decorated the porch. Slowly Justin climbed out, dragging himself inside.
::BEEP BEEP:: The alarm clock rang without warning. Justin groaned and stumbled out of bed. Groping the wall for support. Ever so slowly he made his way into the bathroom. Turning on the shower, hot steam invaded the bathroom fogging the mirror. The water beat down, in a stream of heat massaging his tense shoulders. He felt his tiredness wash away, into the drain. Soon stepping out, he dressed in black pants, And a blue button up collared shirt. Gelling his untamed curls he took one last look in the mirror before going downstairs, into the kitchen.
"Good morning!" His Mom greeted smiling at him.
"Morning Mom. So when are we leaving?"
"Um," She glanced at her watch. "About now, come on we better go," She answered opening the garage door. Justin stepped into the car, and strapped his seat belt.
The local church was about 10 minutes away, so they were there very soon. As Justin and his Mom approached the large doors, that stood just below the Churches stained glass windows. A large cross stood tall on the roof of the building, simplifying the true aspects of being there. They stopped to talk and catch up with some old friends. Everyone was excited, and happy to see Justin again, it had been while. Finally they made their way inside, for services were soon to start.
"Come sit over here with us!" One of Lynn's friends whispered and gestured them over. Sliding in, the preacher passed by them and to the front. Heads were bowed and an opening prayer began.
"OK, now lets give a hand for out very own St. Clemets Choir," He announced about 45 minutes later. A large group of people, varying in age, took the stage. Wearing white robes, with gold trimmings. The director cued them off and they started with something simple.
"Oh happy day, Oh happy day, when Jesus was," Everyone sang out, Justin smiled, he had truly missed this. He heard singing, different groups, and songs everyday. But, this was real music. The choir sang 3 more songs together and then someone, who he had never before seen took stand at a single microphone.
She was about average height, maybe an inch or two taller. Very thin, with a perfect figure. Dark chocolate locks framed her face. In soft, cork screw curls, reaching about even with her shoulders. She had deep blue/green eyes that stood out among all of her features. She smiled at the pianist who took that as her cue. A soft melody filled he air. as she opened her mouth allowing a sweet song to escape the tips of her pinkened lips.
The Lord had a love of stories, but He was all alone;
So He brought us to life, creations of His own.
He gave us a home on this globe near the sun;
Our lives are now His stories; He cherishes each one.
We are the stories, the stories God tells.
He is the Word, and the Word within us dwells.
Each life is a story, so listen to it well.
For we are the stories, the stories that God tells.
Each story has value; our stories intertwine;
My life can change your story, and yours can alter mine.
In listening to others, we do an act of grace;
In our sisters and our brothers we look at God's own face...
Justin was immediately taken back by the girls voice, It was powerful, strong, and thick with emotion. She seemed to be singing with all the passion in the world. Yet there was a mere 50 people in the room. There was more heart and soul in that one piece than he had ever seen, or done in front of thousands of people. She received applause, But not much. The room was filled with only a soft thunder of claps. not nearly enough at which she had deserved. As church ended, Justin stood and let his mother out.
"Mom, who was that girl singing the solo?" Justin's own curiosity grew greater as he waited for an answer.
"Oh, um. That was just another choir member." Her answer was clear, yet hesitant at first.
"Oh, what's her name?" He asked, Not sure why he had the sudden curiosity.
"Her name? Hunny, we better get going now. Come on," Lynn said leading him outside.
"Why so soon? We usually stay like an hour after services. I want to meet some people. Say hi, get aquatinted. I haven't been here in ages. and there are so many new faces," He said looking around.
"Oh, I guess you're right. Come on I'll introduce you to some people," She smiled and led him toward an older couple. "Mrs., and Mr. Wilson this is my son Justin," she introduced. Justin smiled politely and shook both of their hands.
"It's a pleasure to meet you sir, ma'am" He smiled. As he walked by, and introduced himself to several others, the dark haired girl had caught his eye. She was headed back stage. He excused himself from his company and quickly approached her.
"Excuse me," Justin asked tapping her on the shoulder. She turned around greeting him with a smile.
"Yes?" She asked in a sweet voice. It resembled somewhat of a northern accent.
"I just wanted to compliment you on your voice. You sing very beautiful," Justin flashed a quick smile, his eyes twinkling as he complimented her.
"Thanks. That's so sweet of you to say," she smiled back.
"Its only the truth. Oh by the way, I'm Justin." he introduced sticking out his hand to shake hers. She paused at first, then accepted his gesture shaking his hand back. Her skin was soft, and fare. Her grip wasn't strong, yet not weak either. He could tell she was holding back.
"I'm Alyssa Taylor. It's nice to meet you," She told him. Just as he was about to ask her to possibly go out sometime. To better get aquatinted his Mom came up beside him.
"Justin! My heavens I have been looking everywhere for you. I think it's time we get going," she decided pulling him away.
"UH. Yeah I guess. It was a pleasure Alyssa. Hope to see you again soon," he waved.
"Uh-huh. Maybe so," she nodded and disappeared in the crowd. Justin caught up with his Mom who had walked ahead.
"Mom? What was that all about? That was so rude!" he told her.
"What are you talking about hunny? It really is time for us to leave now," she assured.
