Disclaimer - I do not own any of the members of 'N Sync (nor would I ever really want to) they belong to their respective owners. I do, however, own all fictional characters such as Mike, Devon, Ashley, Rachel and Carli. Plagairism is still against the law. Please don't do it. Thank you.
Together Again
The sun was gone
I turned on some music
To start my day
I lost myself in a familiar song
I closed my eyes and
I slipped away
More than a feeling
More than a feeling
Well it's more than a feeling
When I hear that old song
They used to play
I begin dreaming
Til I see Marianne walk away
When I'm tired and
I think I'm cold
I hide in my music and
Forget the day
And dream of a girl that
I used to know
Close my eyes and
She slipped away
More than a feeling
More than a feeling
Well it's more than a feeling
When I heard that old song
They used to play
I begin dreaming
Til I see Marianne walk away
Close my eyes and
Slip away
The 'Boston' song that he and the rest of 'N Sync remade nearly forty years earlier bounced around in his head, bringing a smile to his lips as memories faded in and out of his mind. He was the first to admit that he had a full life filled with equal parts of joy and sorrow. After 'N Sync's fame, fortune and popularity had tappered off, he had concentrated on raising his children and had turned to song writing and producing. He now produced the world's hottest musical acts and had written over a hundred monster ballads that had been number one hits, anthems that everyone loved and many turning into that year's favorite wedding song. His greatest accomplishment, though, were his children and he gloried in their success.
His son had graduated at the top of his class in Harvard Law. Randy now had his own practice located in Boston, specializing in civil rights actions. He and his wife Alli had been married for just under ten years. She was the editor of a popular woman's magazine, which was located in New York. During the years they had four beautiful children. Alex, Mark, Toni and Preston. Every summer Randy took his family for a vacation that usually lasted about a month to Orlando to visit his father.
His daughter also had graduated at the top of her class in Harvard, though she received her success in the English department. Jasper now held a job as a script writer lving in Hollywood. Seven years earlier she had married one of the most popluar musicians her father produced. She and Clint had two beautiful children, Jasmine and Trevor. Every summer for a month Jasper took her family to Orlando to visit with her father.
A smile of anticipation touched his face as he padded over to the porch swing and sat down. His family would be arriving that afternoon. His mind drifted over the years that had gone by all too quickly. He had dated, had even had a couple of relationships, but none of them had remotely given him the desire to marry again. He already had a wife that he loved still. To this day he still wore his wedding ring around his neck on a chain. He shook his head with a soft laugh. He had become a sentimental old fool. The phone rang causing him to groan with annoyance. He reached over and picked up the portable phone he had brought out with him.
"Hello?"
"The musicians are acting like children."
"Maury," he laughed at his assistant. "They are children. None of them is over the age of twelve."
"Nothing is calming them down. Any suggestions?"
"Tell them that they can have the rest of the day off. Give them some time to act like kids. Tell them to go to Disney and have a good time."
"Who's going to pay for all that?"
"We will. After all, we have to keep our musicians happy. Kids will be kids."
"Alright, boss. Talk to you later."
"I'm sure you will." he nodded with a smile before he pressed the hang up button and set the phone back down on the table beside the porch swing. He shook his head with amusement. He knew Maury loved the kids of 'Nemisis', but he also knew that Maury would never in a million year admit such a thing in public.
A car pulled into the driveway and he stood up with a smile as Jasmine and Trevor shot out of the car and up the walkway to the house. The phone started ringing again, but this time he ignored it because time with his family was more important at this point in his life.
"Grandpa!" the two screeched, launching themselves into his waiting arms.
"Jasmine, Trev! Don't attack your grandfather!" Jasper called after them with a laugh as she clambered out of the car lookign very pregnant.
"Oh stop, Jazzy. You were always too protective of me." he scolded gently then turned to his grandchildren. "Look at the two of you. Trevor, you must have grown a full foot since last summer. And Jasmine, you're getting more beautiful every time I see you."
"Grandpa, I got MVP player of my little league team last season!" Trevor told him excitedly.
"You did? That's wonderful! Did you hang your trophy up on the mantle?" he inquired, kneeling down on one knee. Trevor nodded with a smile before bolting to the backyard where the tree swing was located.
"Grandpa," Jasmine started shyly, tugging on his shirt sleeve. "I brought you a tape of my dance recital."
"Thank you. I would love to see it. Would you watch it with me tonight?" he smiled down at her. She nodded, placing a kiss on his old and weathered cheek before she turned and joined her brother in the back yard. He slowly climbed to his feet, wincing slightly at the athritis attacking his joints. Jasper shook her head with an exasperated sigh.
"Oh, come here and give your old man a hug."
"Hi daddy." she smiled, giving him a hug the best she could.
"Hi dad." Jasper's husband Clint called out as he brought the luggage inside the house.
"How are you doing, dad? Really?" Jasper inquired as father and daughter sat down on the porch swing.
"Oh, I'm just fine sweetheart. Just the usual aches and pains of old age." he answered with a shrug. "How about you?"
"Wonderful. Eight and a half months pregnant, but wonderful. Its good to see you again, dad." Jasmine swiped at a tear that had slipped down her cheek.
"I'm glad. I worry about you all the way out there in Hollywood." he patted her hand gently.
"You don't have to worry about me, dad. I can take care of myself." Jasper laughed reassuringly.
"You have so much of your mother in you. She was stubborn and head strong, not to mention willfull. And she never did listen to me." he replied honestly, his eyes becoming moist with unshed tears.
"Yeah?" Jasper raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I'm so proud of you, honey. You've done well for yourself." he nodded.
"Thank you, daddy." she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek as Clint walked out onto the porch.
"Clint, how was the drive out here, son?" he inquired as Clint leaned back against the railing.
"Long, tiring and filled with bickering children. Other than that, a trip through paradise." Clint answered with a soft laugh and a shrug of his shoulders.
"Good. Good. Glad to hear it." he nodded, climbing to his feet. He shuffled into the house and made his way to the kitchen to take the steaks out of the fridge. He gathered all the food he would be preparing on the grill that night and set it down on the counter before he got to work. Jasper walked inside, one hand resting on her stomach and the other resting on her lower back.
"What can I do to help?" she inquired.
"Why don't you sit at the counter and make the salad." he suggested, pulling a stool over to the counter. Jasper pulled a cutting knife out of a drawer and sat down. She picked up a head of lettuce and cut out the core and proceeded to shred it into a large salad bowl.
"Daddy?" Jasper inquired as she shredded the second head of lettuce.
"Yes sweetheart?" he raised an eyebrow at her as he unwrapped the steak.
"Do you ever regret anything you've done?" she questioned, almost flippantly.
"Not a thing I've ever done. I do, however, regret that you kids never knew your mother." he answered, throwing the fat from the steaks into the garbadge.
"What would you say if I told you I wrote a script." Jasper started.
"I'd say wonderful. That's what you're doing for a living." he teased giving her an impish grin.
"Don't be a smart ass, dad. Besides, I wasn't finished with what I was saying." Jasper admonished with a good natured laugh.
"I'm old, humor me. Anyway, finish already." he prompted, pouring each of them a glass of iced tea.
"I want you to read it before I try to find a backer because it's about you and mom." she took the offerend glass from him.
"You wrote a script about me and your mother?" he repeated just to make sure he had heard her correctly.
"Yeah." she nodded as she started to slice cucumbers for the salad.
"I'd be honered to read it, honey." he pressed a kiss to her temple before getting back to work on the steaks.
"Hello? Anyone home?" a familiar male voice called out from the livingroom.
"Hephilump!" Jasper yelped, struggling to her feet.
"Woozle!" Randy boomed as he stepped into the kitchen to deliver a bear hug to his twin sister. "Wow. Talk about pregnant. What are you carrying? Twins?"
"Actually, I am." Jasper laughed, rubbing her brother's hair affectionately. Randy rolled his eyes, ducking away from her.
"Hey old man." Randy laughed giving his father a hug.
"Hi Rand. How was your trip down here?" he inquired, returning his son's hug.
"Uneventfull. Alli and the kids slept most of the way." Randy shrugged as he grabbed a carrot stick off the counter. A very harried looking Alli stepped into the kitchen and glared at her husband.
"Your kids are fighting again." she announced. "Make yourself usefull and stop them from murdering one another."
"Yes dear." Randy snickered as he left to see what the problem was.
"Hi dad, Jasper." Alli smiled tiredly and gave her father-in-law a kiss on the cheek. Suddenly the room was attacked by four children.
"Hi grandpa! Hi auntie Jasper!" Preston, Mark, Alex and Toni chorused as they all hugged their grandfather.
"Hey guys, Jasmine and Trevor are in the backyard. Why don't you see what they're up to." Alli suggested as Clint strolled into the room. One by one, the kids disappeared outside so the adults could catch up on the year's events.
He stood off to the side, smiling as he listened to his family talk and laugh as they prepared dinner. He was never as happy as when his children and grandchildren filled the house with life and vitality. They brought laughter and joy into his normally silent house. His life was far from lonely, he just missed his family when they were gone. Soon dinner was ready and everyone crowded into the kitchen to eat. By the time dinner was through, it was nearly nine in the evening. He took all six of his grandchildren upstairs to the bedroom they would be camping out in. He tucked each of them in and began to tell them a bedtime story, something all of them loved when at grandpa's house.
"I think dad should move in with one of us. I don't like the idea of him living alone in this house." Jasper sighed as she and Alli finished up the dishes from dinner.
"You know as well as I do, he won't leave this house. Too many memories here for him to just pack up and leave." Randy pointed out as he leaned back against the counter.
"Honey, you always worry too much." Clint smiled as he lounged back in the chair he was sitting in.
"Dad's just not getting any younger. What if something happens to him. No one would be here to help. That's the point I'm trying to make." Jasper explained, drying her hands on a dish towel.
"I know, Jazzy. The same thoughts have crossed my mind numerous times. I have the same fears as you do. I've thought about taking dad to Boston so many times that I've lost count. Alli and I talk about it all the time. The point I'm trying to make is, dad won't leave Orlando. This is his home. His whole life is here. We can't ask him to leave just because we're scared for him." Randy rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Talking about me behind my back again?" their father inquired from the doorway, an amused smile on his face.
"Daddy," Jasper gasped, momentarily surprised. "We're just worried about you staying here alone. That's all."
"Don't worry about me sweetheart. I'll be fine." he called out reassuringly over his shoulder as he walked up the stairs to his bedroom. He took a hot shower then changed into a pair of sweat pants and climbed into bed. He picked up the script Jasper had left on his bedside table and began reading. As he read each page, his heart began to ache. What his daughter had written was so eloquently beautiful that it brought tears to his eyes. The hours quickly passed, though he didn't notice. He was much too enthralled with his daughter's script to even pay attention for such trivial things such as time. He finally closed the manuscript with a soft sigh. Jasper had captured their story in words and on paper so well that he was left speechless, unable to do anything but sit in his bed and let the tears of pride and astonishment flow freely. He knew Jasper was a talented writer, but he didn't fully realize how very intricate her writing could be. It had been a wonderful story, ending on a sad yet joyful note. Something that he would be proud to see on the big screen. He set the manuscript aside and climbed out of bed. He walked over to the closet and pulled out all his old photo albums then walked back to the bed. He sat down and opened the first book. Most of these photographs were taken in Europe with the rest of the group while they were recording their first album. So many pictures had been taken to document their success and the growing feeling of brotherhood between the members of the group.
He flipped through each page, gazing at the pictures with a wistfull smile. Sometimes he missed performing and touring the world. He missed hanging out in the tour bus with the guys, debating on dance moves for a new song or new costumes for the show. He missed the interviews and the fans that had stopped them in the street to ask for autographs. He missed knowing his music mattered to a few people. He missed the uphoria he felt when he heard the crowds screaming and yelling his name during a concert. Plainly, he just missed everything.
He shook his head, tossing the first book aside. He opened the second book and sighed. A photo of her stared up at him, smiling impishly with the wind blowing her hair in a halo around her face. A big down coat surrounded her shoulders. His coat. They had been in Europe again and it had been a record setting cold spell. He had given her his coat to keep warm, though she had protested saying that he was the singer and he had to keep warm lest he get sick. He made her take it anyway. When she had warmed up enough, he took the picture. He had been intensely happy back then. He didn't miss her as much as he used to, though his heart still ached every once in a while for her touch, her laughter. He flipped the page and nearly laughed out loud at the next picture, having to bite the inside of his cheek to keep from doing so. It was a picture of the two of them sleeping on the couch of the tour bus, strategically covered in shaving cream, toothpaste and toilet paper. When they had finally woken up, an all out war ensued. They had attacked the others with water guns and silly string, totally demolishing the interior of the bus. He shook his head, flipping to the next page. She was sleeping peacefully in this picture. She had dozed off on the bed of his hotel room, waiting for him to return from the concert 'N Sync had performed that night. A soft knocked sounded on his bedroom door, causing him to look up from the picture.
"Come in." he called out softly. The door opened and five year old Trevor rushed in and jumped on the bed.
"Hey pal, what are you doing up at this hour?" he inquired, pulling the little boy onto his lap.
"Hadda nightmare." Trevor explained sagely.
"Those nasty old nightmares. Tell you what, you can stay in here with me until you fall asleep again. Would you like that?" he smiled down at the little boy, rubbing his hair affectionately. Trevor nodded, a small smile transforming his chubby face.
"Who is that?" Trevor questioned as he pointed to a photograph.
"Well, young Trevor, that's me and your grandmother." he told Trevor, hugging him tightly.
"She's pretty." Trevor yawned sleepily.
"She sure was." he nodded, closing the photo album. He set it on the floor then pulled back the covers on the bed. Trevor wiggled under the blankets and yawned hugely, his eyes fluttering shut.
"Grandpa? What happened to grandma anyway?" Trevor mumbled as he drifted off to sleep.
"Its difficult to explain. Someday when I've found the words and you're old enough, I'll tell you." he leaned over and pressed a kiss the the little boy's forehead before turning out the light. Trevor's breathing became deep, signaling that he had fallen asleep. He smile, gazing down at his grandson before he sat down in his favorite chair next to the bay windows. He gazed out at the stars, trying to blank his mind from all thoughts. It was a hard thing to do. Most of the time, thoughts bounced around his head bothering him late at night because it was the only time to really think. A singer from the eighties, he couldn't remember the name off hand but he thought it was Bon Jovi, had released a song in which the chorus was 'hear our cries, the hardest part is the night'. The statement was true. The hardest part was the night. It seemed that all the demons that you refuse to think about during the day come back stronger and more aggressive than ever once the sun goes down and the earth becomes silent. Lately he had been feeling more tired than normal, not a physical tired. It was more emotional and mental. The tired almost stemmed from his soul. It was almost as if his soul was telling him that he was done with what he needed to do.
He closed his eyes as a star arched across the sky, making a wish from the heart like he had done since he was a kid. He settled back into the chair, his muscles relaxing, as he continued to think about his wish. It wasn't anything extravagant, but it was something special. He reached over and opened the window, letting the cool night air into the room. He sat back again and heaved a sigh.
Jasper walked through the house, making sure everything was alright. She had woken up with an unerving dream that had somehow chilled her to her bone even though her room had felt like a sauna. Even as her eyes had snapped open, the dream had faded leaving nothing for her to remember. And leaving her with a sense of dread. She silently opened the door to the bedroom the kids were sharing. She counted five sleeping figures and raised an eyebrow when she noticed that Trevor wasn't in the room. She gently closed the door and walked across the hall to her father's room. She opened the door and peered inside, smiling when she saw Trevor sleeping in he king size bed sleeping soundly. He looked so small, the bed almost swallowing him whole. She shivered suddenly when a cool blast of air washed over her. She stepped into the room, her brow furrowed in confusion as she tugged her robe tighter around her pregnant frame. She glanced around the room, noticing nothing out of place right away. The window was open, but that was it. She stepped further into the room, her heart thudding loudly in her chest. She glanced around and didn't immediately see anything out of place. She shook her head with a sigh as she walked over to the bay window so she could shut it. She shut the window and turned around. Her hand flew to her mouth, smothering a gasp. Her father was on the floor, motionless and his breathing labored. Jasper knelt down beside him, her hand resting on his forehead.
"Daddy?" she inquired, her heart thudding painfully in her chest as she reached for the phone. She placed a call to 911, explaining to them what was happening. The gentleman on the other end of the line told her that an ambulance had been dispatched to the house. She thanked him and hung up the phone, tears burning in her eyes.
"Randy!" she screamed at the top of her lungs, startling Trevor from his sleep who promptly started crying. Minutes later, Randy stumbled into the room rubbing his eyes tiredly.
"What's going on?" Randy mumbled through a yawn. His heart stopped suddenly then proceeded to accelerate at a speed unknown to man. The ambulance showed up just then and things started to move quickly. Jasper climbed into the ambulance with her father while Clint and Randy followed in Randy's van, leaving Alli at the house with the kids. Once at the hospital , they paced around the waiting room nervously anticipating what the doctors would tell them when they found out what was wrong.
"Why aren't they telling us anything?" Jasper demanded, wringing her hands.
"Honey, why don't you it down. This isn't healthy for the babies." Clint pleaded with his wife. Jasper shot her husband a warning look, but sat down anyway. She sighed, eyes closing momentarily while Randy took over pacing for a while. For hours the knew nothing, the doctors wouldn't tell them anything, which made things worse for them. Jasper laid a hand gently to her stomach, wishing there were something she could do to help her father.
He was warm, like the sun was shining directly on him. He opened his eyes and saw the most beautiful beach he had ever laid eyes on. The water was a bright blue and crystal clear, letting him see into the depths of the marine world. The sand was warm on the bottom of his feet. In short, it was the most perfect place in the entire world. He glanced around again, noting huge rocks jutting up on every side. They formed beautiful sculptures and created a wall to surround him with. He shook his head, not knowing what to think of this paradise he was in. He glanced down at his hands and saw no wrinkles. He was young again. He gazed up at a sky so brightly blue and cloudless that tears sprung to his eyes. A strange feeling settled into him, something he couldn't place his finger on. He glanced around and saw a figure in white sitting on the sand, letting the waves roll over it's feet and legs. He squinted, trying to make out who the figure was, but the person was just too far away to make any kind of guess.
He took a faultering step forward, almost unable to move partly from fear and partly from the unknowing. This was something he had never experienced before and he didn't want everything to disappear. He took another step forward, the wind brushing softly across his cheeks. He ran a hand through his hair, ruffling the perfect strands. A seagul cawed in the distance, causing him to look up again.
"We're losing him. Come on, damn it. Stay with us. You have a couple of grandchildren coming tonight."
The voice seemed to come from the sky, faintly at first then louder with each passing second. He closed his eyes,concentrating on the voice that was urging him to stay. The voice that was telling him that his family needed him. The voice that was telling him his daughter was in labor at that moment. Silence prevailed for a moment before the voice started up again, cursing at him. He shook his head, ignoring it for a moment. He took another step toward the figure and it turned out to be a woman. A woman he had never seen before. She climbed to her feet and turned to him in one swift movement.
"Welcome to the decision part of your journey." she welcomed him. "I am Breanna."
"What is this place?" he inquired, gesturing at the beach.
"You're dying, sweetheart." she stated cheekily. "And this is the place your mind conjured up as a place of relaxation. What you have to do now is decide whether you want to stay with your family or go on up to the top floor." Breanna explained, glancing up to the heavens.
"I'm dying." he mumbled to himself. "What happens if I decide to stay?"
"Then, the doctors will miraculously save your life and you'll continue living until the next time you come here. You'll be able to meet your new grandchildren and keep on with life as you know it." she shrugged, brushing at the sand with her toes.
"And if I go?" he raised an eyebrow.
"You go up top." she laughed, repeating herself.
"Will I see my wife?" he demanded instantly.
"Yes." she nodded. "But, in order to do that, you have to give up your family."
He sighed, plopping down in the sand. He was old and had done a lot of living. There was really nothing left for him to do. He would just be lonely and his children would be constantly worried about him living alone.
"I'll go." he stated firmly, climbing to his feet.
"Alright." she nodded as a pathway appeared through the rocks behind her. A familiar figure stood at the end of that path, back facing him. He glanced over at Brianna and she nodded, a small smiled playing on her lips. He started walking towards the figure, his heart slamming in his chest with anticipation. A smile crossed his face when he saw her fidget nervously with the sleeves of the dress she was wearing. He stopped a few inches from her back.
"Someone told me you were waiting for me and I just had to come." he whispered in her ear. Her eyes widened slightly as she spun around to face him. Tears sprung to her eyes, her hands covering her mouth.
"Are you sure?" she gazed up at him, her voice shaking.
"Yes." he nodded, taking her hand in his and bringing it to his lips. She let out a soft cry as she threw her arms around him. The last sound the couple heard was the sound of a crying baby before the portal to heaven was closed.
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