...With You

Chapter 8


Two Weeks Later

“So when was the last time you talked to him?” he asked.
Madison took her eyes away from the window. “Yesterday afternoon.” She said.
“And you didn’t let it slip that you were coming down?” Carson asked excitedly.
“I know. Pretty good for me, huh?” she smiled.
“Tell me about it. You can never keep your mouth shut about anything!” he laughed at her.
“Hey! When I want to I can keep my mouth shut. I wanted it to be a surprise. Besides, I’m good at keeping secrets, aren’t I?” she said giving Carson a look.
“Of course, Madd. Of course you are, I guess we both are though.” he said.
Madison lowered her head. “Yeah, I guess we are, huh?” she said softly.
“Madd? You alright?” he said, putting his arm around her.
“Yeah. I was just thinking of the secret I’ve been keeping for almost two months. The fact that I’m supposedly dating….” She stopped herself. “Well…you know who.”
Carson’s expression got tight. This was exactly what he wanted to protect Madison from in the first place. JC wouldn’t hurt her intentionally, he thought, but being away from each other was killing her. It couldn’t be helped though. Carson knew that.
“Don’t worry Madison, you’ll see him soon enough. As soon as the plane lands we’ll find them, I promise.” He said.
“Thanks Carson. You have no idea how much this means to me.” She said.
“Yes I do. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters, Madd.” He said.
“I am Carson. I’m happy….but…” she started.
“But what?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Sometimes I just worry about JC and I being together. I mean, how can something like ‘us’ survive? Maybe you were right, maybe it would’ve been better if I hadn’t met him.” She said.
“Now Madison, come on, you’re talking dumb. I know as well as you do that you don’t mean that! You do nothing but talk about him and you together. Don’t make things up that you don’t mean, you’re just gonna get yourself in trouble, ok?” He said. “Now, me on the other hand….I need to find someone! I haven’t seen anyone since Jen. I know I got you, but it’s not the same, ya know?” he said.
“Yeah, I know. Carson, you’ll find someone. You’re a great guy!” she said.
She thought back to the night a few months ago when JC asked her why her and Carson never worked out. She had always wondered that herself. Now that she was with JC, the question didn’t seem to mean much anymore, but it’s didn’t stop her from wondering.
“Carson, why didn’t we ever work out?” she asked softly, keeping her face down into her lap.
Carson snapped his head over to look at her. “You serious?” he asked.
“Yeah” she said, looking him in the eye.
“Madd, as I remember it, it wasn’t me who had the problem with giving us a try.” He said.
“Was it all because of me?” she asked.
“Honestly? Most of it, yeah. Madd, not to be a total ass or anything but you kinda blew me off after that night, not the other way around.” He said.
Madison looked down into her lap. She didn’t know what to say.
“Look, Madison. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that to sound so harsh.” He said.
“Hey, no, it’s ok. It’s the truth right? I should be the one apologizing, I guess.” She said softly.
“Come on, Madd! Don’t look so hurt! You’re killing me here!” he said smiling, nudging her.
“Hey, I asked! I deserved that one!” she said.
“Yeah, well. You deserve better than me anyway. You got your dream guy, my dream girl is out there somewhere.” He sighed. “And speaking of your dream guy, does he know?”
“Does he know that you and I…..” she started “No, he doesn’t know. Are you kidding? He already thinks you hate him, knowing that we sorta slept together really wouldn’t help.” She said.
“Sorta slept together?” Carson asked. “I don’t think we just sorta slept together. We did sleep together, Madd.”
“Yeah, I know.” She said softly. “Do you remember that night?”
“I guess I should, it wasn’t that long ago. But no, all I remember is that it was New Years’ Eve, we were both drunk and the next morning…. Well, I do remember the next morning.” He said. “You didn’t talk to me for a week!”
“Yeah, that was the first and only week we missed our Tuesday date night.” She remembered aloud. “Sorry ‘bout that.”
“I guess we both needed time to think things through.” He said.
Carson laid his head back on his seat. Back at that time, Carson would’ve given anything to be with Madison as more than a friend. He felt himself falling in love with her every minute he looked at her, and it killed him when she wouldn’t talk to him. He lied to Madison just then. He remembered that night like it was yesterday. The night meant too much for him to ever forget. Madison meant too much to him.

Flashback: New Year’s Day

::Knock, Knock::
Carson stood at the door and waited for it to open, but it didn’t. He knew she was home, he watched her walk in the door a few minutes ago.
::Knock, Knock::
“Madison, come on. I know you’re in there!” he yelled through the door.
The door flung open and Madison stood there with a disgusted look on her face. She walked away from the door where Carson was standing. He walked in and closed the door behind him.
“Madd, are we gonna talk about this?” he asked.
“Talk about what, Carson?” she said flatly.
“About what? Oh, I don’t know…last night maybe?” he asked.
“Right. I don’t think there’s really anything to talk about, do you? It was clearly a mistake….” She said.
“Was it?” he asked.
“Of course it was, Carson. We’re friends, best friends, but that’s it!” she said.
“That wasn’t it last night!” he yelled at her.
“Carson! Last night was a mistake. You didn’t want that to happen any more than I did. We were both lonely and the other was there, you and I both know that!” she yelled back. “I don’t believe last night meant that little to you!” he yelled again.
“Carson, it’s not that it meant nothing, it’s just not something I think we should pursue.” She said.
“Really? And I think that would be the next logical step!” he said.
“Do you really want that? Me? Do you really want me?” she yelled.
“Why do you ask as if that’s such a bad thing? Why can’t we be together?!” he yelled.
“It just won’t work, Carson.” She sighed.
“Why? Why won’t it? I’d like to hear one good reason why we should be together.” He said.
“Look. Carson you’re my best friend, I don’t think we should cross that line.” She said.
“Madison, that line is already crossed. Now it’s your decision if you want to cross back over it.” He said walking back out the door, leaving her to her thoughts once more.

Carson opened his eyes to Madison standing over him.
“Come on, dreamer! The plane’s landed. Let’s get outta here!” she said.
Madison climbed over him to get her carry-on out from the overhead compartment. She started to walk away when Carson pulled on her arm.
“Madd? Let’s not bring up that night again, ok?” he asked.
“Yeah, sure.” She smiled. “My lips are sealed.”
“Ok, good. It’s probably better for everyone anyway.” He said.
She smiled at him as she helped him out of his seat. He followed her off the plane in hopes of a good week.

**~*~*~*~**
Meanwhile

“Damn!” JC muttered.
“What’s wrong, man?” Lance asked.
“She’s not home.” JC said. “I always call her now and now she’s not home!”
“Settle down man. I’m sure it’s nothing.” Justin said.
“What’s all the commotion about up there?” Chris said, looking up from what he was doing.
“Nothing. JC is just obsessing again.” Justin laughed.
“Very funny” JC said. “It’s just weird, that’s all.”
“Why don’t you try her cell phone then?” Lance suggested.
“I did. She’s not picking up, all I get is her voice mail.” He sighed.
“When was the last time you talked to her?” Lance asked.
“Only yesterday.” JC answered.
“That long…really?” Joey piped up.
“Shut up.” JC smiled. “I just wish I could see her, that’s all.”
“Well, then you should’ve invited her down with us.” Justin said.
“I know, but I didn’t know if she could get off from work, and I didn’t want to put her into that position.” JC answered.
“Well, you can always fly her out for shows when the tour starts.” Joey said. “Don’t worry man, it’ll all work out.”
“I know it will, thanks man.” JC said.
JC hoped he wasn’t just telling himself that. He was trying not to let himself get too worried about Madison, but it just seemed odd. Where could she be?

**~*~*~*~**

“Ok, so they’re in Cabana 8, right?” Madison asked.
“Yes Madison, we’ve been over this a million times” Carson said.
“I know, I know. I just want to be there when they get in. How am I supposed to get in the room though? They’re gonna think I’m some obsessed fan!” she whined.
“Aren’t you?” Carson laughed.
“Carson! Come on, I’m serious here!” she said
“I know you are, come on, let’s see what I can do.” He said.

**~*~*~*~**

The five guys checked into the resort where they were staying.
“Nice place” Justin observed aloud.
“Yeah, really. MTV went all out this year.” Joey said.
“Mr. Chasez? You have a message.” The desk attendant said, holding out a sheet of paper.
JC opened the folded piece of paper. He noticed the handwriting instantly and smiled.

JC-
Hi Baby. I asked Carson to bring something with him to give to you.
I hope you like it. It should be waiting for you in your cabana.
Talk to you soon!!
-Madison

JC smiled as he finished reading the note.
“What’s that?” Lance asked.
“A note from Madison. She sent something with Carson, said it would be waiting in the cabana.” JC said.
“Well, then let’s go get settled and then hit the beach!” Justin said. “Have you seen the hotties out there?!”
“Yeah man! Let’s get out there!” Joey said.
JC smiled at the two walking ahead like little kids. They only girl he wanted was thousands of miles away.

**~*~*~*~**

Madison paced the room back and forth. Carson had got her in about a half hour ago. She heard people talking that *Nsync had arrived. ‘Where are they?’ she thought to herself. She didn’t know exactly what she was going to do when they did come in, but one thing at a time. First they had to get here. She looked around the room. ‘Geez, I really gotta cut into show biz. My cabana is definitely not this nice.’ Just then she heard a familiar voice outside the door. She looked towards the window and saw JC approaching the door like a man on a mission. ‘He must have gotten the note’ she thought to herself. Madison disappeared into the kitchen as she heard the door being unlocked. She saw them walk into the room and crash onto the couches that were laid out in front of them. All of them relaxed, except for JC, who seemed to be searching over the room with his eyes. She decided not to make him suffer anymore, though it was fun to watch.
“Geez, what took you guys so long!?” she asked, walking out from her spot in the kitchen.
JC’s head whipped towards Madison’s direction.
“Oh my God…..” he said, running towards her. He grabbed her up in a big hug, afraid she was a figment of his imagination. “….What are you doing here?” he asked, his face smothered by the sweet smell of her hair.
“I had some time off, so I came down with Carson.” She smiled.
He pulled away from her and looked into her green eyes that were staring straight back at him. He pulled her back into him and their lips met. They became so involved in their lip lock they didn’t realize the rest of the group still sitting there.
“Get a room!” Chris yelled.
JC and Madison parted and smiled, oblivious to their surroundings, only each other were important.
“You! You had me so worried!” he said.
“Me? Why?” she asked.
“I called and called and got no answer at either of your numbers” he said.
“Well, that’s cause I was here. Surprised?” she smiled.
“Pleasantly surprised.” He said.
“Good. Then my job is done, and now our fun can start.” She said.
“Now that’s my girl.” JC said, picking her up into his arms.
Madison let out a yell, surprised by JC’s actions. Madison surprised him by meeting him down here. But now that she was down here, he had a few surprises for her.

**~*~*~*~**

“Earth to Carson!” Madison yelled.
“Yeah? What’s up Madd?” he asked, absent-mindedly.
“We landed. That’s what’s up!” she nudged him from her window seat.
Carson got up from his seat and followed Madison from the plane. He couldn’t believe a week had gone by and that they were already back in New York.
“It was a good week, huh?” Madison asked.
“Good? I’d say it was better than good!” Carson said.
“Ok, ok. It was great! Amazing! Wonderful!” Madison said excitedly.
“Now that’s better!” Carson said.
The two of them fetched their luggage and started for outside to hail a cab.
“So, you like her right?” he asked, catching Madison off guard.
“Tara?” Madison asked.
“No, the Queen of York? Of course Tara!” Carson cracked.
“You’re such a smart ass. But, yes. I like Tara. She’s a sweetie, and she got you to smile which is more than I’ve been able to do lately!” Madison smiled.
“I smile when I’m with you” Carson said.
“Yeah. But not the way you smile when you’re with her.” Madison smiled. “Seriously though, I like her. I think you two are cute together.”
“That’s means a lot to me, Madd. Really, I’m glad you like her. Not that it would really matter, cause I’m the only one that has to like her. But you’re my best friend and if the two of you get along it would make me that much more happy.” He said.
“I know what you mean, Cars. Believe me, I know what you mean.” She said.
“So, what about your week? You and JC seemed to have a good time.” He said.
Madison smiled as she reflected on the past week.
“Yeah, we had a good week. It was depressing leaving, but the tour’s coming up, so I might be able to get to a few shows.” She said.
“Well, that’ll be nice for you to do. Besides, what’s one more concert when you’ve only seen ten of them?” Carson joked.
“Ha Ha. Very funny. Things are a little different now though.” She smiled.
“True. Very true.” Carson said.
The cab stopped and they emerged onto the stoop outside their apartment complex. They walked into the lobby and the desk attendant stopped Madison.
“Miss Wilkes? There’s a package for you.” He said.
From behind the counter, the man pulled out a box and a note.
“Thank you.” Madison replied.
The man nodded and Carson and Madison continued up the stairs to their apartments.
“So, you gonna open the box or what?” Carson asked eagerly, opening the door to his apartment.
“Yeah, when I get a free hand” Madison answered, opening the door to her own apartment.
Carson set his stuff inside the apartment and went across the hall to join Madison, mainly out of curiosity. Madison smiled as she opened the card. Once opened, it read --

“My Madison”~
I miss you already, and it’s only been a few hours.
I’m going to miss you like crazy, this week was like a tease;
But a good tease. Thank you so much for taking time out
To spend time with me down here. You mean so much to me,
I hope you know that. I will talk to you soon.
Love, JC

She smiled as she put down the card and headed towards the box.
“Is it from who I think?” Carson asked.
“JC? Yeah…he misses me.” Madison said with glee.
“Of course he does! The man’s not stupid!” Carson said.
Madison went to open the box and found a picture of the two of them earlier in the week setting in a beautiful frame that she’d seen in one of the shops down there. A note beside it read: ‘A copy of this is permanently fastened in my bag (and my heart!)’.
“Ah. That’s a cute picture, when was that?” Carson asked, looking over her shoulder.
“The first day down there. I wonder when he did this?” she said.
“Well, It’s a nice picture, one to add to your collection.” Carson smiled.
Madison had a thing with photographs. Ones she’d taken, others had taken. She had a camera on her at all times, you never knew when a photo opportunity would occur. Madison smiled as she put her new picture in her bedroom, next to her bed.

**~*~*~*~**

Meanwhile…

JC sat happily on the plane. Next to him Lance slept peacefully with his headphones on his ears. JC was exhausted, but couldn't find it in him to sleep. The only thing he could think of was Madison. Walking in and finding her there waiting for him was a surprise, a wonderful surprise. The week went wonderfully. The more he saw this girl, the more he always wanted her around. Every minute was something different, and JC never wanted to know what it was like to be without her.

<< Chapter 7 :: Chapter 9 >>