*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, Dawn, Ashley and Devon. Plagiarism is always against the law. Thank you.

Disney World was buzzing with activity, being near Christmas time, and everyone was in a cheery mood because of all the lights and decorations that they always put up during this season. Mike had never had the full effect of Disney World at Christmas time, being that she had either been in Boston to way too busy to stop by and see all the displays and decorations. JC smiled as she looked around her in awe, her face showing how happy she was.

"This is amazing, Josh. How come you never made me come here years ago?" she smiled gazing up at all the spectacular lights.

"I don't know, I guess I just figured you were too busy sitting in front of your computer typing away at one of your stories to be bothered with something like this." JC shrugged, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his baggy jeans. Mike turned to him, suddenly somber and thoughtful.

"If you had come to ask me, I would have gone." she stated with a sigh. Years, maybe I've felt this way for years. Even then I would have done just about anything for you, Josh. She shook her head sadly and turned back to the lights above her. JC remained silent, regarding her with amusement.

"Someone's asked me to marry him, Josh." Mike stated suddenly, turning to face him. JC's heart dropped down into his stomach.

"Yeah? Should I be offering my congratulations?" he finally managed through his wildly beating heart.

"I don't know. Should you?" she questioned softly, standing before him.

"I guess it would depend if you said yes or not." JC shrugged, trying to remain aloof though he wanted to grab her and shake some sense into her thick skull. Tell her that she belonged with him.

"I haven't given him an answer yet." Mike shook her head.

"Why not?"

"I don't know. I guess I just needed to come back to Orlando to figure things out." she answered turning to walk again. JC waited a moment, then caught up with her, his hands still deep into his pockets.

"What did you need to figure out?" he questioned cautiously.

"Everything. Whether I belong in Boston or here. Whether I'd be happy married to James or with...." her voice trailed off.

"Who?" he demanded taking her arm in his hand.

"No one, alone, by myself, single." she whispered closing her eyes. JC sighed silently as he let go of her arm. She opened her eyes and gave him a playful grin. "Come on, at least we have tonight. Let's do everything."

"Everything?" JC laughed sadly.

"Yeah, after we're done here, we could go grab something to mow on then go to a jazz club. Maybe drive the few hours to the beach. Whatever. As long as you don't fall asleep on me." Mike grinned impishly as she took his hand and pulled him over to a huge display of Santa, his reindeer and elves. JC just smiled, letting her pull him along. She exclaimed over everything, feeling like a child again experiencing Christmas for the first time. They spent about two hours just strolling around the park, talking and laughing about old times, trying to forget that this could be the last time they could be together like this.

I can't believe she could be getting married. She's only twenty. But you're only twenty-one, what's the difference? JC shook his head as they walked to his car and headed to an all night diner for something to eat.

Mike watched him as he drove with a sad smile. He so damn clueless. I wish I could come right out and tell him that if he asked me not to marry James, I wouldn't. All he has to do is ask.

"What?" JC questioned glancing over at her.

"Nothing." she replied sadly, turning to look out her window. He parked the car and climbed outside, waiting for Mike before he headed to the restaurant. He draped his arm along her shoulders, and her arm slipped around his waist as her head rested on his shoulder. She fits me perfectly. JC closed his eyes, shaking his head slightly.

"Josh, what's wrong?" Mike questioned, stopping suddenly.

"I...nothing. I just missed you, that's all." he smiled shrugging his shoulders. She smiled back at him as they walked inside and sat at a table. She ordered something fast and easy while he ordered only a cup of coffee.

"So, tell me about this guy." he stated, looking over at her.

"Well, he's a nice guy and treats me well. He's studying to become a lawyer and wants to get into politics when he gets older." Mike shrugged and nearly laughed when JC raised an eyebrow at her. "What?"

"Nothing, I just didn't have you pegged as a possible politician's wife." he shook his head with a smile.

"Ah, I see now." she laughed with a nod.

"Do you love him?" JC questioned, startling her.

"In my own way, I guess I do. He definitely wasn't my first love, nor will he ever compare to my first love, but there's not a whole lot I can do about that." she answered, gazing out the window.

"First love? You never told me of him." JC quirked an eyebrow as he sipped his coffee. Mike shook her head as she dug into her food.

"It wasn't important." she stated in between mouthfuls of food.

"Sure it was. Who was he?" JC persisted, hands resting on the table, holding his mug.

"That was so long ago, Josh. Let me remember it all before I tell you." she laughed remaining evasive with her answer.

"Okay, whatever you say." he shrugged as she pushed her plate away from her. "Not hungry anymore?"

"Not really, you ready to get out of here?" Mike questioned pulling out her wallet.

"Yeah, let's go." he agreed sliding out of the booth. They both dropped money onto the table then headed outside to the car. JC drove to an all night jazz club that he had heard of through a friend. The music was good, the drinks better and the people wonderful. JC and Mike sat in the back, just listening to the music for a while before speaking to each other. JC stood up suddenly and walked over to his best friend then held his hand out to her.

"Dance with me." he stated, sounding hopeful. She nodded taking his hand. They walked out onto the dance floor. JC slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him as he took her hand in his free one. She smiled as she gazed up at him for a moment.

"It should be a crime that you can dance so well." she teased shaking her head.

"It should be a crime that you drive me bananas." he countered with a grin. Mike threw back her head and laughed. JC's heart caught in his throat as they swayed to the slow, soulful jazz music played by the band on the stage in front of them. Mike sighed with contentment, resting her head on his shoulder. She never wanted this moment to end, but like the moment in the airport, she knew it must. They danced for hours, just listening to the music and enjoying the time spent together. Soon the club started their last song of the morning and JC glanced down at his watch.

"It's seven am, dear." he laughed.

"What? It can't be, it was only 12:30 an hour ago." Mike exclaimed grabbing his wrist to look down at his watch. It was, in fact, seven. She sighed pulling away from him, reluctantly, and looked around. They were the only customers in the whole club, which suddenly made her uncomfortable.

"You want to get back to the house?" JC questioned softly, and she nodded fear suddenly over taking her heart. She didn't want to leave Orlando again, but she also knew that she couldn't stay and not have Josh. Both leaving and staying were equally as painful. They drove back to the house in silence, neither having the courage to talk. They climbed out of the car and walked inside, only to be greeted with Justin and Chris, who had obviously waited up all night for them.

"Where the hell have you two been?" Justin demanded jumping to his feet.

"A better question to ask, is where haven't we been." Mike smiled facetiously as she kissed Justin's cheek.

"Well, we hit Disney for a while, then we grabbed something to eat, and after that, we hit a jazz club. Anything else you'd like to know dad?" JC teased as he watched Mike grab her bag and make sure she had everything. She quickly scribbled a note on a piece of paper and put it in her pocket, then turned to everyone.

"I hate to have a good time and run, but I have class tomorrow, and I need to get back." she smiled.

"All right. Next time you come home, you better take more than a day. Other people would like to see you, too." Justin sighed pulling her into a hug. She laughed and hugged him back tightly, then turned to Chris and gave him a hug.

"Take care of yourself." he told her as she walked over to JC.

"I will. You do the same." she called over her shoulder as the two headed outside to her car. She shoved her book bag into the back seat, then turned to JC, regret filling her heart. If only you felt the same way. She gave him a brave smile as he held out his arms to her. Somehow he knew that she wouldn't be back. She stepped into his arms, and hugged him tightly, never wanting to let go, and never wanting him to let go.

"Call me when you get back so I know you made it home all right." he told her firmly.

"I will." she whispered, blinking back tears. "You better keep in touch, and I don't care if it's only midnight phone calls."

"You know I will, you are my best friend after all." he smiled as she opened the car door.

"I know, you don't have to keep reminding me." she smiled, almost bitterly. She climbed into the car and slammed the door shut, then rolled down the window.

"Man, deja vu all over again." she snorted as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the note. "I'll see you." she told him, grabbing his hand and putting the slip of paper on his palm, then she backed out of the driveway and started down the street.

JC sighed, opening the note and nearly groaned with frustration when he read what she had written.

Josh, I love you. And because you asked, you are my first love.

He closed his eyes, calling himself a hundreds kinds of fool for not telling her how he felt. He stormed back into the house, up the stairs to his bedroom and slammed the door. He flopped down on his bed and glared at the ceiling, his arms folded under his head. Someone knocked on his door then entered when they heard nothing.

"I take it things didn't go well." Chris stated closing the door behind him. "What happened?"

"Not a damn thing." JC bit out as he tossed the note to his friend. Chris read it quickly, realization dawning on him.

"You gonna go get her?" he questioned taking a seat on a chair.

"I can't. She's getting married to some lawyer politician wannabe." JC sighed shaking his head, his eyes never leaving the ceiling.

"Has she said 'I do' yet?" Chris questioned raising an eyebrow. JC didn't answer. "I didn't think so. Until she says those words to this guy, you still have a shot. If I were you, I wouldn't wait around letting a woman like that get away. You want her, you have to go get her."

Chris stood up, setting Mike's note down on JC's bed then left the room, leaving JC to brood about his current situation. For weeks, no one had dared to go near JC, thinking he would start acting like a bear again. They all knew what he was going through, but none of them knew how to approach him about it. Chris tried several times to talk some sense into his friend, but each time he was told to mind his own affairs. He was becoming impossible to live with, barking at everyone who crossed him. Everyone left him to his misery, because that's where he seemed the happiest.

< center> ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~Two months later~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The dinner at James' house was stuffy, but then his whole family was unbearably stuffy, something she had never really liked about the Whitmores. She gazed longingly out the window, in her mind and heart, wishing she were anywhere but this rehearsal dinner for the upcoming wedding next month. She had heard nothing from JC in two long months and had to find out how he was doing through Chris, who called her on a regular basis. Mike closed her eyes against the pain in her heart.

"Darling, is something wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost." James questioned glancing curiously over at her.

"I'm fine." she forced a painful smile. You don't love him, so why are you putting him through this torture? Because he doesn't love you either, but his mother wanted a suitable wife for his son, and because of my father's standing on the Police Force, I am a suitable match. Mike mentally shook herself and turned to face the people who would become her in laws. Beatrice was a severe looking woman, and very intimidating to the people around her. Her blue eyes could pick you apart instantly in her first icy gaze. Arthur, on the other hand, was a charming man with an easy smile. Someone Mike had never thought would end up with Beatrice, but who was she to question things. Suddenly her cellular phone rang shrilly in the silence, causing the meal to stop and all gazes turn to her.

"Excuse me." she mumbled getting to her feet as she grabbed the offending object from her pocket and rushed from the room.

"Hello?" she whispered.

"Hi." a voice whispered back.

"What's going on?"

"Not a whole lot. Why are we whispering?"

"Because I'm in the middle of the dinner rehearsal."

"Mike." the voice exclaimed loudly.

"Chris." Mike sighed, raising her voice.

"What happened?"

"What do you mean, what happened?"

"Tall guy, dark hair, light eyes, claims to be your best friend, though not a very good one of late."

"What about him?"

"I saw the note, Mike. You can't fool me. You never really could."

"I'm not surprised. Look Chris, he had every opportunity to call me and tell me not to do this, but he didn't. He doesn't feel the same way about me. I've gotten over it, you should too."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not lying to you! What would I have to gain by lying? Absolutely nothing! This is his doing. I gave him the opportunity and he did nothing! He has to make the move, but if he wants to, he better do it soon because the wedding's in three weeks."

"You don't want to marry him."

"Don't you think I know that?"

"All right, so you already knew it. Don't marry him, Mike."

"It's not your decision, Chris."

"I know, but I am your friend, Michaela and I don't want to see you get hurt."

"I appreciate that Chris, but where were you when Josh broke my heart?"

"Trying to beat some sense into his thick skull. He loves you Mike, he just doesn't know how to go about telling you."

"I don't believe it. I'm sorry, but I don't believe it."

"I know you don't. You want me to kill him?"

"No, Chris, you wouldn't be able to find a replacement and Tyler just won't cut it with the fans."

"Too true, everyone loves JC, you know."

"I know, did you forget who you were talking to?" Mike snorted shaking her head as she peered around the corner into the dining room. Everyone looked as if they'd hang her the moment she walked back into the room.

"I didn't forget, it was just my sad attempt at humor."

"You need some work, dear."

"Thanks. Look, I'll let you get back to your dinner. Just remember what I said."

"You remember what I said, Chris. It's all up to him now. I can't anymore."

"I know. If I were standing in front of you, I'd give you the biggest hug in the world."

"I wish you were here, but knowing that is comfort enough. Thanks, Chris."

"Yeah. Talk to you later." he sighed then hung up the phone. Mike closed her cell phone up and shoved it back into her pocket with a sigh as she peered back into the dining room. Beatrice was tapping her fingers on the polished table, awaiting her return. You don't really want to go back in there and you know Chris is right. There's nothing to stop you from walking out of the house right now, and never looking back. Mike sighed, closing her eyes as her mind fought with her heart. You have to stay, you gave your word, her mind railed loudly. But he doesn't love you and you know that you don't love him. It would never work out and you'd never be happy.

"Michaela, are you all right?" James questioned from the doorway.

"James, we need to talk. Is there somewhere we can do that in private?" Mike whispered. He nodded, taking her arm. James led her to an empty room down the hall from the dining room and closed the door behind them.

"What's up?" he questioned, throwing off the refined gentleman routine that he always assumed in front of his mother.

"This isn't going to work." she started shaking her head. "You and me. It's just not going to work, and I know you see it too. We don't love each other and would be unhappy for the rest of our lives of we followed through with your mother's plans."

James sighed, eyeing her. "I know, but what do we do about it?"

"We call the whole thing off, and you propose to the girl you'd rather be marrying. You have a backbone, James, I've seen it. Don't you think it's time to use it on your mother?" Mike inquired folding her arms over her chest. James nodded silently, turning his back to her.

"What will you do?" he questioned suddenly.

"I don't know. Disappear for a while. Maybe go back to Jersey and visit some friends. Go to Aruba. Hell, I don't care as long as I don't have to go through with this wedding." Mike shrugged giving him a weak smile.

"Okay, then I guess it's settled. Michaela, it's been a pleasure knowing you and being a friend to you. I wish you all the happiness in the world." James gave her a winning smile, his eyes filled with joy.

"I wish you the same, James." Mike replied giving him a hug before she left the room to head home, some of the weight lifting off her shoulders and heart. Her dorm room was empty when she made it back to the college. Her roommate Ashley was still in class, but would be back soon. She took out a duffel bag from her closet and started packing clothes. The door opened and Ashley walked in looking harried and exhausted.

"What's going on?" she questioned with a raised eyebrow as she took in the duffel bag.

"I'm going on a vacation of sorts." Mike shrugged with a smile.

"In the middle of a semester?" Ashley replied, shocked.

"Yeah." she laughed with a nod. "James finally decided to use his backbone with his mother. The wedding's off."

"Oh my God, girl. What the hell happened tonight?!" Ashley demanded flopping down on her bed.

"James and I talked, and we agreed that the wedding was a mistake. That's it." Mike shrugged as she zipped up the duffel bag. Ashley jumped to her feet and opened her closet, grabbing her own bag.

"And just what the hell are you doing?" Mike demanded folding her arms across her chest.

"Look, Thelma, do you honestly think I'm gonna let you go on a road trip without me?" she smiled as she opened drawers to pack some clothes.

"What about your classes?" Mike questioned.

"Oh, who cares? I never really liked this college anyway!" she laughed tossing her hands up into the air.

"Well, in that case, I wouldn't dream of it Louise." Mike laughed as the phone rang. Mike reached over and picked it up as Ashley rushed around the room trying to pack things quickly.

"Hello?"

"Hi Mike."

"Justin, what is this? 'N Sync call Mike night?" she laughed as she sat on her bed.

"I just wanted to see what was going on."

"I'm going for a vacation."

"Now? In the middle of a semester?"

"Yes, now in the middle of a semester."

"What the hell for?"

"Don't cuss, you're too young. Because I want to. I need to get away from Boston for a while."

"Are you coming to Orlando?"

"Do you honestly think that would be the wisest move for me to make?"

"No."

"All right then. Listen, I gotta go, Ash is waiting for me."

"Okay, call me soon?"

"I sure will, and Justin?"

"Yeah?"

"Do me a favor."

"All right."

"Tell Chris it isn't happening."

"What's that mean?"

"Don't worry about it. He'll know."

"If you say so, Mike. Hey, why do you sound so happy?"

"Because it's been a good day, kid."

"That's cool. I'll let you go now."

"Take care, and I'll call you in a few days."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye, sweetie." Mike smiled then hung up. Ashley waited for her, bag slung over her shoulder and a smile on her face.

"Are you ready to go?" she questioned. Mike nodded grabbing her own bag and the two headed to the parking lot where Mike's car was parked. They loaded it up, then climbed in. Mike started and revved the engine, then took off at a breakneck speed, leaving Boston in the dust.

Justin walked to Chris's room with a confused look and knocked on the door. The door opened to a tired looking Chris.

"Hey, man, come on in." he held the door open for the younger man. Justin walked in and noticed JC sitting on the floor, lost in thought.

"You look totally befuddled." Chris commented with a grin as he sat back down on his bed.

"Yeah, it's the hair dye going to my brain, or so people say." Justin replied distractedly.

"What's going on?" Chris questioned as his young friend took a seat on one of the chairs.

"Nothing, but I have a message for you." Justin stated with a shrug.

"Yeah?" Chris prompted with a laugh.

"Oh, from Mike. She says it isn't happening saying that you'd know what she meant. She's taking off, she says on a vacation." Justin shook his head, still bemused over the conversation.

"Well, I'll be damned." Chris said softly, shaking his head with a smile.

"What about Mike?" JC questioned climbing to his feet.

"Nothing JC. You made it quite clear that you didn't want to hear about what she was doing." Chris shrugged nonchalantly.

"Is something wrong with her?" JC demanded, becoming impatient.

"No, everything's right with her." Chris smiled looking over at JC. "Well, almost everything."

"What's that supposed to mean?" JC made a face of confusion.

"She called the wedding off, pal. And she's taking a vacation." Chris told his two young friends.

"You can't be serious." JC shook his head, not daring to believe what he had heard.

"Oh, but I am." Chris smiled. JC sighed and walked from the room, deep in thought. Chris laughed grabbing the phone and dialing Mike's cell phone number. She picked up after six rings.

"Hello?"

"Congratulations for joining the single status again." he laughed.

"Thank you, Chris. I feel like a hundred pounds have been lifted off my shoulders."

"I can imagine. Where you headed?"

"Back to Jersey, my first home. Sea Side to be exact. So don't worry about me."

"Believe me, I won't. Damn, I gotta go." Chris lied with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"All right, talk to you later." Mike laughed then the phone went dead. Chris replaced the phone on the receiver and turned to Justin. "Time for a group meeting. Round everyone up, will ya?"

Justin nodded then left the room. A half an hour later, Joe, Lance, JC and Justin sat in the living room while Chris paced in front of them, deep in thought.

"You guys remember when we gave up that vacation a few month back?" he questioned suddenly. Everyone nodded, a bit confused. "I think we should take it now."

"Why now?" Lance inquired raising an eyebrow.

"I dunno, I'm feeling kind of restless." Chris shrugged evasively.

"I'm game. Where we going?" Joe questioned rubbing his hands together in anticipation.

"Are all of you game?" Chris inquired looking from Lance to Justin to JC. The remaining three nodded a bit reluctantly.

"Like I said, where are we going?" Joe questioned again.

"A town called Sea Side, New Jersey." Chris stated with a smile as he folded his arms across his chest. This could work out perfectly, he thought to himself with satisfaction.

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