A love story like those in the story books. They meet for the first time
when they are 11 years old at the "New Mickey Mouse Club" in Orlando where
both work and go to the Disney school. "Even then we liked each other and
joked around alot," remembers Britney. Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake
had a lot in common even then. Both are from the South in America, she
from Kentwood near New Orleans, he from Memphis. Both recognized early on
their talent as singers and dancers, and as kids dreamed of becoming
pop stars.

  For some time they lost contact with each other. Only on the 17th of
November 1998 when Britney was in Orlando, FL at the Tupperware Center as
'N Sync's opening did they see each other again. Justin Timberlake stood
during her 10 minute appearance, hidden behind the black curtain. That
"little girl from next door" had turned into a young woman. He followed
every one of her dance moves. He was happy and proud seeing all of the
fans who were into her. "But it was on the next day at the second concert
that we first rant into each other," says Britney.

  Justin waited impatiently for her set to end. He offered her a Coke
backstage and chatted with her for a long time. Britney: "We had a lot to
tell each other! I told Justin that a few months ago I broke up with my
boyfriend in Kentwood and that I couldn't fall in love again so fast."
Justin wouldn't give up. He had fallen head over heels in love with her
and wanted to spend all of his free time with her. The tour would last
until January 17, 1999 and would guarantee 50 performances. Britney: "We
had enough time to get to know each other. I soon revealed that I was in
love with Justin."

  They both became inseparable and would meet privately as often as they
could. They decided to keep their romance a secret so as not to anger his
fans. Britney's success with her debut single "Baby One More Time" and
album of the same title, both of which went to number one on the US charts
within a few weeks, turner her into a superstar. She was labeled as the
new Pop Princess. Justin, with the incredible success that N Sync has had
in the USA, is her perfect prince. For her birthday on December 2 he gave
her a gold ring which she always wears. After the concert in Las Vegas
they celebrated together.

  Justin's 18th birthday on January 31 would be especially exciting for
both. "Why remains our secret," Britney says and turns red. Since then
they see each other rarely but talk on the phone almost every day. While
Justin and N Sync begin their arena tour in Jacksonville, Fl on March 3,
Britney stays home with her parents in Kentwood. The reason: just before
shooting the video for her second single "Sometimes" she injured herself
during a dance routine as a piece of bone in her knee splintered off and
became lodged under her kneecap. With a heavy heart, Britney packed her
suitcase and flew to Kentwood. Just a while after she went under the knife
in New Orleans.

  Justin had to pull himself together so as not to let his worries affect
him. Luckily the operation was successful, and on March 9, his first free
day during the N Sync tour, Justin flew from Pittsburgh to New Orleans to
surprise Britney who had since been brought home by her mother Lynne. He
brought a huge bouquet of flowers with him. Both had tears in their eyes
as they embraced. While Justin tours with his group throughout America,
Britney waits with longing in her home in Kentwood for his telephone
calls. Both write each other love letters and can hardly wait until they
can be together again.

  As soon as Britney is well, as full schedule awaits her as she plans to
tour the world. That will be the test of their young love, but Justin and
Britney are sure that they can survive the long time apart. Britney: "We
have waited six years to fall in love an become a couple."