“What are you trying to ask me?” Johnny asked irritated.
“You said no outside relationships right? Like no guys on her bus? Well she has a boyfriend and he’s been sneaking into her bus.” JC swallowed as he said the bitter lies.
“Then she’ll probably be off the tour by tomorrow morning. Thanks for telling me JC.” JC nodded and left. Later that day, Justin came storming into the room.
“Julie’s off the tour. Some jackass said she was sneaking guys into her bus and Johnny took her off the tour. If I find out who-”
“Justin,” Lance interrupted. “Calm down.” But to no avail, he continued ranting and raving. Finally, an hour later, he was calmed down, without the use of violence or handcuffs. But instead of feeling relieved because he wouldn’t fall in love with her, he felt wrong. Very, very wrong.
********************
(3 weeks Later)
“You know what?” Justin asked. His three bandmates looked at him.
“What J?”
“Julie can’t tour anymore. Anywhere. She has to find some other profession.” Lance looked at him in shock.
“You’re kidding right?” Johnny did it?” Justin nodded. “Why that little-” JC stepped into the room.
“Hey JC, you wanna know something?” Julie can’[t go on tour. Ever. If I ever find the jerk that did this-” JC’s face went pale.
“Oh my god.” He said, burying his face in his hands. Justin came up to him.
“What’s wrong JC? Do you have any idea who told Johnny?” JC mumbled something unintelligible.
“What was that JC?”
“I said I did it! I told Johnny those lies after Julie and I kissed and-” JC could see the growing rage that justin was showing and he shrank dwn into his seat.
“Why the hell did you do that?” Justin yelled.
“So I wouldn’t fall in love with her.” Justin laughed.
“Well I’m pretty sure that worked because she won’t want to talk to you after this.” JC sensed that he should leave so he got up and left. He went to his room and sat down at his desk. He began to write as he did when he was upset.
I did what I did out of fear. Fear of love. Fear of passion. Somebody once told me, that we can’t live without passion. It’s true. It hurts sometimes, more than we can bear. If we could live without passion, maybe we’d know some kind of peace. But we’d be hollow...empty rooms...shuttered and dank. Passion is the source of our finest moments. The joy of the love, the clarity of hatred, and the ecstacy of grief. It lies within all of us. Sleeping, waiting, and though unwanted, unbidden, it will stir, open it’s jaws and howl. It speaks to us, guides us. Passion rules us all, and we obey. What other choice do we have? For without passion, we’d truly be dead.
JC put his pen down and sighed. If it wasn’t for passion, Julie would still be here. JC sighed again in frustration. He had to find Julie and tell her that it was his fault that she couldn’t tour. And convince her, find some way to tell her, that he fell in love with her.
**********************
“Thank you and come again.” Julie said, pocketing her tip. For the past three weeks, Julie ad been working at the Hard Rock Cafe, after getting kicked off tour. Somebody had told Johnny that she had been having guys on her bus. Julie had an idea of it was. JC. All because he was afraid to love her. It was hard working in the cafe because people kept recognizing her.
“Julie, table four.” Mark, her boss told her. Julie headed to tabe four, seeing a familiar head of curly brown gold curls. No one had a head of hair lie that. All five members of N SYNC were sitting at table four, her next table. All five heads turned as she approached and Justin’s mouth dropped open. Julie acted like she didn’t know them.
“Hi my name’s Julie and I’ll be your waitress. What can I get you?” Justin stood up and pulled Julie aside.
“OK, I understand not wanting to talk to JC but at least acknowledge that you know us.” Julie put her hands on her hips.
“JC lied to Johnny and I get kicked off the tour! And I’m supposed to talk to you? It hurts Justin, just the sight of you. That’s how much care about you guys.” Justin looked down at the ground.
“I have to get back to work.” Later, Julie brought out the food they had ordered.
“Will there be anything else?” Julie asked. JC nodded.
“A talk with you after your shift.” Julie looked up.
“All right. 9:00 out front.” They paid their bill and left. Julie was anxiously awaiting the talk. She had a few things that she wanted to say. Julie finished her shift, and her co-worker Cory, had agreed to lock up the resteraunt. JC was sitting on a bench in front of the resteraunt. A few feet down the street, one of N SYNC’s bodyguards Anthony, stood watching for fans. Julie sat down next to JC.
“You said you wanted to talk....so talk.”
“I don’t know where to start Julie.” JC said. Julie put her hands on her hips.
“How about you start with an apology? I’m sorry for ruining your career? I love you even though I don’t want to? Start with those.” JC looked at her, tears shining in his sapphire eyes.
“I am sorry Julie. You have no idea how sorry I am. I’m sorry for ruining your career. And...I do love you.” Julie looked up at him.
“What did you say?” Julie managed to whisper.
“I love you with all my heart. I was afraid to admit it but I do. You are the most amazing person I have ever met and you....complete me. Please forgive me Julie.” Julie felt tears slide down her cheeks, leaving salty trails. She got up and left. It was her turn to leave.
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