"Lance, you mind explaining why you tore out of the pizza shop like a bat out of you-know-where?" Lance and Joey were strolling through the busy mall the next afternoon. A terrific way to spend their few hours off. Lance swung his shopping bag nonchalantly. "It’s no big deal." Joey left it at that. There was no point in wasting precious breath. The two adjusted their hats and sunglasses. Disguises were a result of the unbelievable fame they had accomplished. Joey guided Lance into an Abercrombie and Fitch store. They browsed through the shirt selection, and after finding nothing, ventured up to the second floor of the mall. Lance loved mall areas. They were brimming with so many interesting sights, sounds, and smells. Joey spotted the food court. "I’m gonna buy a soda. You want one?" "Nah, I’ll sit on the bench." Lance tried to relax, but couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. Of course people are looking at you, nitwit! You’re acting paranoid. Then he heard his name. Lance. It was faint at first. Lance. Gradually, it grew louder. "Lance." He spun around and gasped. The mysterious woman was standing beside him. He jumped up. His instinct told him to be irritated. "Are you stalking me?" She grabbed his wrist urgently. "You are in grave danger." Lance tried to jerk his arm away. Her grip didn’t loosen. "At least tell me your name." "Anna Zether." "Okay, Anna Zether. How am I in grave danger?" Anna withdrew the box. "Take it now." Although hesitant, Lance accepted, eager to be rid of her persistence. "Now Lance, pay close attention. I want you to destroy this box and its contents." His eyebrows raised. "Destroy it?" "Immediately. I went through a lot of trouble to obtain it. The contents inside are meant for you. But its purpose is evil. Accept the gift, and you will become a prisoner to its evil." Lance shoved the box back in her hand. "I don’t know if you’re high or nuts, but if what you claim is true, then I’m not keeping it!" "I cannot destroy it for you. Only you have the power to do so. Remember my words." Lance heard Joey calling him from the distance. Joey walked up. "Joey," Lance introduced, "This is Anna." Joey looked puzzled. "Who are you talking about?" Lance turned to the place where Anna had been standing. She had disappeared. Lance’s jaw practically fell to the floor. "I-I-I…" Joey guided him to the stairs. "Are you going schizo?" For a moment Lance thought perhaps he was losing it. It wasn’t normal to see and hear strange girls invisible to everyone else. He jammed his hands into his pockets. His fingers brushed a tiny box. But wait-he’d returned the gift! Right?
Later that evening, Lance toyed with the box while sitting in his dressing room, patiently awaiting the makeup artist. Nsync had an hour before show time. He decided to obey Anna for whatever reason. Being a prisoner of evil didn’t sound very appealing. Still, it would be nice to know what was inside the box. Curiosity wracked his insides. So tempting…one little peek couldn’t hurt. Lance lifted the lid.
Wrapped in cotton was a ring. It had a thick silver band. In the middle of the band was a single blue stone. Though hardly ornate, its plainness contained a fair amount of intrigue. The band size might fit his finger. Just trying the ring on can’t hurt. Lance slipped the ring around his index finger. Perfect fit. He liked it. An hour later, costumed and ready, the guys awaited backstage for their cue. Lance realized he’d forgotten to take the ring off. "Hey," J.C. asked, "Where did you get the ring? It’s kind of cool." Lance licked his lips. "A fan." No use in mentioning Anna, since he was the only one who’d seen her. Lance attempted to pull the ring off his finger. It refused to budge. He pulled and wriggled until his finger was sore, but the ring seemed to be attached to him. "Darn it," Lance muttered.
Then, something peculiar happened. The ring became very warm. The stone brightened. He blinked rapidly. Am I seeing things? The ring pulsated on his finger, growing slightly warmer and brighter. A wave of dizziness washed over Lance. Chris guided him to a chair. "You sick, man?" His stomach churned, his head throbbed, his hands and feet were numb, his muscles were weak, and there was a bitter taste in his mouth. "No Chris, I’m fine. Doing just great." As each minute passed during the concert, Lance began feeling slightly better. They were now dancing to "Pop." The audience sang along. The dizziness and nauseousness had passed. When the show ended, the guys piled into their limo. Everybody was grateful to be heading back to the hotel. Lance’s eyes continued darting to the ring. It was very bright and very warm. "Justin, you notice how bright this stone is? Doesn’t the band feel warmer that normal?" Justin examined the ring. "What are you talking about? Doesn’t look bright or shiny to me, and the band is stone cold."
