| “I know everyone is here to see my sing, but I have to do something and it definitely cannot wait. I have to tell someone something very important, and this is the only way I can get it said today,” she said into the microphone, silently praying that JC hadn’t left the building. “I don’t know how to say this...I’m pregnant.” The entire crowd gasped. “Since I’m making big announcements today, I’m leaving the business to be a full-time mom,” she said to the shocked crowd. She turned to look at the curtain, but JC wasn’t there. ‘Oh gosh, I hope he heard me.’ Suddenly, Annabelle felt a small tap on her shoulder. She whirled around hoping to see JC, but was disappointed to see that it was Jay Leno. “Congratulation, Annabelle. We’ll be back after these messages,” Jay announced to the camera. “I’m so sorry about ruining the show, Mr. Leno.” “Please, call me Jay, and you didn’t ruin the show. We’ll be back from commercial in a few minutes; would you mind if I interviewed you?” Annabelle accepted his offer and followed Jay to the chairs after she looked towards the curtain once again. Still no JC. ‘I think I just told the whole world before I told JC,” Annabelle silently cursed herself. “Belle!” Justin, Lance, Joey and Chris called as they ran towards her. “How could you not tell us? You shocked the hell out of us,” Joey asked. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t planning on telling anyone yet, but then everything happened. I’m sorry,” she apologized, near tears. “Aww...Belle, we aren’t mad. Just surprised. Congratulations,” Justin soothed. “We’re back on air in 1 minute,” a producer called from the back. The guys quickly hugged Annabelle as they shuffled backstage. “In 5..4...3...2...” “Welcome back to the show, right now, we’re talking with pop superstar and mom-to-be Annabelle Cooper. That’s right, mom-to-be. Annabelle just announced her impending motherhood less than 5 minutes ago. So, Annabelle, how are you feeling?” For the next few minutes Annabelle put on her game face and answered Jay’s questions, but thoughts of JC constantly haunted her. “One question before we go. How is the father taking this?” Nervously wringing her hands, Annabelle tried to answer. “Well...um, you see, he’s....” Suddenly a familiar voice called from behind the curtain. “He’s a little shocked, but other than that he’s couldn’t be happier.” Annabelle quickly turned to face JC, who was taking his place next to her on the sofa. “Wait a minute, aren’t you JC Chasez from Nsync,” Jay asked. “I usually am, but today I’m JC Chasez, father-to-be,” JC said receiving a big aww from the obviously shocked crowd. “Well that’s it for the show today. I don’t think we could handle anymore surprises,” Jay signed off. Once the camera shut down, 4 voices could be heard yelling from across the studio, “JC! Belle! Get over here!” Exchanging a brief kiss, Annabelle and JC made their way to the other guys, who stood with their hands on their hips. “So, how long has this been going on,” Joey asked sounding like a concerned father. “Almost two years,” Annabelle quietly answered. “Is there anything else you have to confess,” Justin asked. “We’re engaged,” JC answered with his head guiltily bowed. “I knew it! Pay up you guys,” Chris excitedly screamed. “Well, I won the ‘how long have they been going out’ bet,” Lance chimed in. “You knew! You knew all along! Wait a minute, you guys placed bets on our relationship,” Annabelle guiltily accused. All four guys bowed their heads and murmured their apologies. Excited, Annabelle ran to each guy and hugged them to death. “I’m glad you guys knew. I felt so bad for lying. I love all of you! All of you are going to be godfathers!.” “Belle, you can loosen the death grip now,” Justin managed to say while Annabelle’s arm cut off his circulation. Grudgingly, Annabelle let go of them. “We’ll leave you two alone to talk. Don’t take too long. We have to celebrate,” Chris announced. Congratulations were given once again, as the others made their way back to the green room. “So...did you mean what you said earlier? Are you happy about this,” Annabelle nervously asked. “Of course I’m happy! I was shocked at first. I was almost out the door when I heard you say you’re pregnant, I’m not sure but I think I fainted! Wow! We’re going to be parents. Are you sure you want to give up your career? You don’t have to,” JC said his tone serious. “I spent most of the day thinking about it, and I’m sure. I went through my memory box, and you know what I found out? I found out that all my favorite memories from the past few years had nothing to do with my music. Everything in that box represented a special time I shared with you or the other guys. As long as I have you guys, I know I’ll be happy only singing to our baby, and to you, if you’re lucky,” she teased. “Because of you, I’m the luckiest man alive,” JC whispered as he pulled in for a kiss. |
| Chapter 8 |