PAINFUL TIMES
Characters:
Tarantella Full name: Tarantella Caster. Facts: Golden-blond, deep-blue eyes, 24 years old, born Mars 28, 1978, 170 cm tall. Brian's ex girlfriend, Justin's ex girlfriend, cousin to June Omega/Joan Lady, lives next door to Nick and Shirley in Tampa, Florida.
June Full name: June Omega/Joan Lady Facts: Blond, blue eyes, 171 cm tall, 18 years old, born June 17 1984, got two sisters (22 and 20 years old), singer, cousin to Tarantella Caster, A.J.'s ex girlfriend.
Shirley Full name: Shirley-Jean Mary Dale Facts: Redhead, grey eyes, 175 cm tall, 18 years old, born January 7 1984, Nick's girlfriend, daughter to Anne and Harvey Dale, lives in Tampa, Florida with Nick, next door to Tarantella.
Kevin Full name: Kevin Scott Richardson Facts: Dark brown hair, green eyes, 187 cm tall, 29 years old, born October 3 1972, Backstreet Boy, Kristin's husband, lives in Orlando, Florida.
Howie Full name: Howard Dwanie Dorough Facts: Dark brown hair, brown eyes, 168 cm tall, 28 years old, born August 22 1973, Backstreet Boy, Sharon's boyfriend, lives in Orlando, Florida.
Brian Full name: Brian Thomas Littrell Facts: Dirty blond, blue eyes, 173 cm tall, 27 years old, born February 20 1975, Nick's best male friend, Backstreet Boy, Tarantella's ex boyfriend, LeighAnne's husband, lives in Orlando, Florida.
A.J. Full name: Alexander James McLean Facts: Colored green hair (dark brown hair), brown eyes, 177 cm tall, 24 years old, born January 9 1978, Backstreet Boy, June Omega's/Joan Lady's ex boyfriend, lives in Orlando, Florida.
Nick Full name: Nicholas Gene Carter Facts: Blond, blue eyes, 190 cm tall, 22 years old, born January 28 1980, Backstreet Boy, Shirley's boyfriend, lives in Tampa, Florida with Shirley, next door to Tarantella.
August 2 2002 (Friday)
- Okay, A.J. said irritated, I know that something is wrong and I demand the truth Joan!
- Fine! She hissed, Fine, but you'll probably not like it...
- Try me...
- Okay, when I got to Nick's place he was really sad...
- I'd really love it if you skipped the lying...
- I'm not lying! He was sad and he said that he wanted to talk! She sighed and looked at him, But then... he kissed me...
A.J. didn't say a word.
- And I can't exactly say that I tried to stop him either... But that was it, we didn't do anything more...
He looked at her quietly.
- Nothing more...
- You lied to me before, you said that nothing had happen... why would I believe you now?
- I'm not asking for you to believe me, I really don't.
It was quiet for a while.
- Okay, he sighed, was he drunk or something? I mean, he loves Shirley, right?
- He does... and no, he wasn't drunk, but really sad and confused...
- So he kissed you?
- Well at least we didn't sleep with each other...
- I didn't sleep with Shirley! She stayed the night in my bed and I slept on the couch!
- I didn't say that you did, I just said that I didn't sleep with Nick.
- I can't believe this, he said and looked at her.
- What?
- You are my ex... and Nick's my friend... What's wrong with you?
- What's wrong with me?! She stared at him, I weren't the one who started it! If you should blame anyone then blame Nick!
- He's my friend! What are you trying to do? Are you trying to break us apart!?
- WHAT?! How can you even say that! It just happened! But fine, if you don't believe me then okay, you go on and believe that. Go on and blame me for it, I don't care! I was just trying to tell you the truth!
A.J. looked at her one last time and walked away.
August 3 2002 (Saturday)
Shirley looked at him.
- Don't you think I already know? Nick can't lie to me...
- You know? A.J. said surprised.
- Of course I do...
- Did he tell you?
- He didn't have to, she sighed, he tried to lie but I could see that he was... I've known him for so long, I've been his friend, his best friend and his girlfriend, I know him pretty well A.J....
- And you don't care?
- Of course I care, but I'm trying to forget, and I'd ask you to do the same... I highly doubt that he'll do it again and I love him. I don't wanna loose him, the time I spent without him made me really sad...
A.J. looked at her for a while, he didn't believe her.
- Okay, she sighed and showed him her wrists, remember this?
He nodded.
- If it hadn't been for Nick I would have tried again... if it hadn't been for him I would have died then...
- It sounds so...
- Extreme?
- Yeah.
- Maybe it is... but I didn't wanna live, he asked me to live for his sake if I couldn't live for my own... I did another try for his sake, I don't live for him but I love him and I don't wanna see him sad. Besides, I know he loves me... I can see it in his eyes.
August 8 2002 (Thursday)
Joan opened the door.
- Hi, he smiled.
- Why are you following me? Joan said and looked at him, Tim told me that you've showed up several times...
A.J. looked at her for a while.
- I'm just following my heart, he smiled.
- You are just being silly, she sighed and walked in to the living room.
- No, I'm not, he said and followed her, I need to know...
- What?
- Did you ever love me?
- Not that again...
- Did you? I was close to ask you to marry me and I'd like to know...
- You never stop loving someone if it's real love.
- Then, do you love me?
- I think you already know the answer, she sighed.
- Maybe I do, but I need to hear it...
- I thought that we would be able to hide it and be friends, obviously we can't...
- You don't wanna get back together with me?
- I've already told you how I feel for you, why I broke up and that I fooled around with Nick, why do you want me back again?
- You know why, he sighed and looked at her, 'All I want is forever'...
- I asked you to do that cause I think you got a wonderful voice! She protested.
- And I did it because I love you!
- What do you want? Another night? Another day? Another week? Another month? What?
- Another chance.
- No, I can't do that...
He looked at her, she was scared, he could see it clearly.
- Okay, but then I want you for the rest of my life.
She didn't answer him.
- Why can't it be you and I? He said after a while, We had it so good...
- Time changes...
- No, that's not why we're not a couple anymore, he said and walked over to her.
- How do you know? She said and looked at him.
- Cause, he sighed and put his arms around her, we both know it isn't... You don't have to lie to me Joan, cause I love you.
- No, she said and shook her head, I'm 18 years old and you are 24...
- Now that's a problem? He said with a smile, You were 16 the first time...
- I know, she sighed and looked at him again, I know that very well...
- So that I love you doesn't make a difference then?
- I didn't say that.
- But it seems like it, he looked her in the eyes.
- It does? Well if I didn't believe you I'd probably have you kicked out of here, so yes, it does make a difference, everything makes a difference.
He smiled and kissed her softly.
- Why did you do that? She muttered and looked at him.
- Cause it makes a difference, he smiled, J... We had it all...
- We almost had it all, she interrupted, we never had privacy.
- Agree, he nodded.
- Good, now let me go...
- I don't want to.
- Let go of me, she hissed, or I swear...
A.J. just looked at her.
- Let go! She tried to push him away, Damnit A.J.! Let me go right now or I swear you'll regret it!
- Give me one more chance, he smiled.
- Okay, that's the way you're going to play it, she muttered and looked at him, Let go or I'll have a restriction order up against you...
- I'm so scared, he smirked, just one chance...
- Maybe if you let me go, she hissed and grabbed his hand and started bending his thumb backwards, Now!
- Ouch, ouch, ouch! A.J. protested and let her go, Ouch!
- I told you to let me go, she muttered, Now get out ot here or I swear I'll...
- No! He interrupted her, Not before you think about it.
She looked at him for a while.
- A bit bullheaded today? She sighed, My answer is no, now go and don't come back.
- I love you, all I want is another chance...
- Seriously A.J., you are really starting to piss me off now! Just go, we'll talk some other time but as friends and nothing else, I won't do it all again.
He looked at her for a while and nodded.
- Will you go? She said and looked at him.
- Yes, he said and walked over to her, just one more thing...
He kissed her.
- Would you stop kissing me! She protested.
- Don't say that you didn't feel anything, he said and looked her in the eyes.
- Okay, so what if I did, that doesn't mean that there can be an us. Just go now A.J. before we both do something we'll regret.
- Like what? Kiss again? I wouldn't regret that...
- You are so annoying today, she muttered and rolled her eyes, Just leave, please.
- If I asked you to marry me, would you?
- What?! I won't even be your girlfriend, why would I wanna be your wife? She stared at him.
- Just a thought, he sighed and started walking to the hallway.
- A.J., she sighed.
- Yeah? he turned around.
- I do love you...
He smiled happily.
- ... but your fans doesn't care, she continued, I'm sorry but I can't be together with you when your fans hate me so much...
- I understand, he sighed and looked at her, So that was the reason you broke up?
- Well you could be a bit of a pain in the ass from time to time, she smirked, but yeah... I think so... that and the jealousy part...
- Oh... I'm sorry... it's just, he looked at her, I... I can't put my thoughts in words...
- So therefore you're jealous?
- No, I'm jealous, I've always been but... Why, that's what I can't...
- Okay, she smiled.
- If I called my angel, would you understand?
- Not really...
- If I said that you offered me a piece of heaven every time you were near?
- No...
- If you do understand that sometime, he sighed, then that's what you are to me.
- An angel?
- Yeah... maybe not all the time but, he smirked, yeah, an angel.
- I'll think about it, she smiled, but I think I need some time alone though...
- I understand, bye J.
- Bye Boner.
He nodded and opened the door.
- I love you.
She smiled as soon as he had closed the door.
August 30 2002 (Friday)
- Nick? Shirley sighed and sat down beside him in the couch.
- What hun? He smiled.
- If you saw one of your friends together with someone new when another of your friends loved that friend, would you tell him?
- Take that again with the real names, he smiled.
- I saw Joan today, with that guy from Prankster Boys...
- Prankster Boys? Nick looked surprised at her.
Prankster Boys were a group of four and the newest addition of the boybands.
- Yeah... the one with brown hair...
- Dark brown or brown?
- Brown.
- Okay, I know whom you're talking about.
- I saw them on the street... they were walking kind of close and holding hands, Shirley looked at him, Do you think I should tell A.J.?
- I think, Nick sighed, that he'll find out soon enough anyway... they aren't a couple anymore you know...
- I know, she sighed, but still... I feel sorry for him.
- Hmm... do you think Joan and her family is completely obsessed with boybands?
- What?
- No, A.J. just told me how Joan's sister was when he met her... and well...
- Yeah, I know, he sighed, Tarantella is together with Justin, and was together with Brian, and J had A.J. and now that guy...
- Yupp...
- I think it's a coincidence... at least that's what I'd like to believe...
- Four guys?
- Two girls.
- Yeah, but both of them...
- And the press is going to love it, I know, Shirley smiled and kissed him, But I won't leave you for anyone.
- Good, he smiled.
September 13 2002 (Friday)
- This really is a Friday 13th, A.J. muttered.
- What's wrong? Shirley looked at him.
- This, he handed her the magazine, it came today...
- June Omega with new boyfriend... Victor Chase of Prankster Boys...
- You don't look surprised.
- I saw them... holding hands on the street, she said carefully, should I have told you?
- No, no, we're not a couple anymore, he sighed, She did find somebody new...
- And you want her back?
- I do...
- Are you going to...
- I think so.
- Can I say something?
- About that?
- Yes.
- No.
- Okay, fine but...
- No.
- Fine! She rolled her eyes, There's a party 27th, are you going?
- Yeah... we kind of have to...
- Going to bring a date? she smiled.
- No... I'm guessing that the Prankster Boys are going to be there... and if not Joan will anyway...
- Leave her al...
- No, I can't! He interrupted, We had it all Shirl... I want that again. I know I should move on and all that but I can't... Do you believe in soul mates?
- I have to make you disapointed with answering that question with a no.
- I thought you did, he said surprised and looked at her, You and Nick...
- I don't believe in anything of that, I'm sorry Bone, she sighed and rolled her eyes, Nick and me just happens to love each other right now, I'm not saying that we'll last forever. The key of life is enjoying what you got at the moment and not wanting something you can't have.
- And you know that because...?
- Cause I've done it all. I've wanted guys I couldn't have, I've had guys I didn't thought I'd be able to get, I've been stuck with loosers, I've been depressed enought to try to kill myself, and now I'm happy again. Life got its ups and downs, that's all.
- That's all?
- Yeah, that's all.
- No, it isn't. If you got the chance to get something you know you can get, shouldn't you try?
- If it's meant to be, then it will come in time.
- You so think you know it all.
- I don't think I know it all, she smirked, I know I know everything.
- And how do you know that?
- Cause I know everything, she looked at him, There's nothing you can do but wait. If you want Joan she'll come, just give her some time and she'll come to you this time. She knows you want her back, right?
- Right.
- Then she'll come if there's a possibility for you two again.
He looked at her for a while.
- You're not going to do as I tell you to, are you? She sighed.
- No.
- What did I expect?
- Didn't you know everything?
- I do, she smiled, and that's why I knwo you're going to keep on with your pathetic tries to get Joan back when she clearly needs some time.
He sighed and rolled his eyes.
- I told you I knew everything, she smiled.
September 15 2002 (Sunday)
- Hi, Tarantella here, she sighed.
- Hi Tara, it's me...
- Justin, leave me alone! She hissed.
- Please Tara... please come back to me, I need you...
- I got a new boyfriend, just leave me alone.
- What? We've only just broken up, he said surprised, How can you have a new boyfriend already? I mean... that you like...
- His name is James, she smirked, and I think that... I'll let him talk to you instead.
- TARA! I wanna talk to you, he protested.
- Who is this?
- My name is Justin, he said and tried to hold back the tears.
- Well that's nice Justin, I'm James, now you leave Tarantella alone and I won't have to go through the effort in breaking your legs.
- I just want to talk to her...
- She doesn't wanna talk to you, he said and hung up.
- But...
He hung up too and looked at the phone for a while. He couldn't believe that it actually was over, sure she'd hit him and thrown things at him, yelled at him and to his fans and friends... even to his family but still...
[Note: I'm just gonna ask you one thing, I started writing this story before I knew about her, but do you notice some similarities with a certain ex(?) Backstreet girlfriend?]
September 27 2002 (Friday)
Kristin looked at Kevin.
- I'm not so sure that going to this party was such a good idea...
- How could you tell, he sighed and looked at Shirley.
Rich, from Prankster Boys, had been talking to her for a while now and Nick was just coming back.
- Maybe I should do someting? He looked at his wife.
- Actually, I think it's better if Nick solves this himself, she sighed, and lets hope he doesn't do that with his fists...
Shirley sighed and looked at him again; he was starting to piss her off. She had told him to leave several times but he didn't care at all.
- What if you and me...
- Hi honey, Nick said, would you like to introduce us?
Shirley looked surprised at him. The tone in his voice told her that he didn't exactly think that she'd tried to get rid of Rich.
- Sweetie, she said and forced herself to smile, this is Rich from Prankster Boys, Rich, this is my boyfriend Nick.
- Yeah, Rich smirked, I've heard of you...
- How nice, Nick said coldly.
- She's your girlfriend?
- I've told you that...
- Yeah, she is, Nick interrupted her.
She sighed and rolled her eyes. She hated when he interrupted her like that.
- Oh well, Rich said and nodded, I guess I'll leave you two alone then...
- Please do, Nick muttered and sat down beside Shirley.
Rich gave Shirley one last look and walked away.
- So why were you talking to him? Nick looked at her.
- I can talk to anyone I like Nick, Shirley looked at him, You don't own me.
- Interesting, please do go on.
- Don't use that tone to me, she hissed.
- What tone?
- Okay, I'm leaving, you can go home with anyone you like, I'm leaving now.
- What? What did I do?
- Bye.
Nick sighed and looked over his shoulder while she walked to the exit. He saw Kevin and Kristin looking at him, she shook her head and sighed.
- What, he muttered.
A.J. tapped Joan on her shoulder.
- June.
- What? She turned around.
- Hi.
- A.J....
- What?
- I'm here with my boyfriend.
- I know, I've heard about that... I thought that there could be you and me again...
- Sorry.
- What did I do wrong then? There must have been something since you're together with a guy in another boybad but won't come back to me.
- He's younger, she sighed.
- Great, he rolled his eyes, I'm too old all of a sudden.
- No, she smirked, no, not that.
- Then what?
- If you'd let me talk I'll come to that.
- Okay.
- He's younger, which means that he isn't going to get married any time soon... and that makes me look okay in the eyes of his fans.
- Still... you chose the freak...
- Yeah, I love freaks, she smiled, freaks like you, freaks like Victor, I love you all.
- And you don't like *NSync becaue...?
- They are all too freaky, she smirked, Did you see Justin?
- Nope.
- Guess what happened.
He looked at her for a while.
- Something with Tarantella?
- Yeah, he tried to get her back, again, she rolled her eyes, and James, you know dark brown hair, brown eyes, the oldest one...
- The psycho, yeah.
- That's him. He hit him...
- So Tara met a man that hits?
- Yeah...
- Aren't you worried for her sake? A.J. looked at her.
- For Tarantella? She'll manage, she smirked, it wouldn't surprise me if she were the one who kicked his butt daily... She wouldn't stay if he hit her.
- So you two got boyfriends in the same band again?
- Yeah, and Rich is interested in Shirley. He loves redheads, and well, Shirley got everything he likes...
- He made a move at her? A.J. stared at Joan.
- Yupp, and then Nick came back... Anyway, that just means that Rich will like her even more.
- The challenge?
- You can say that, I'd rather call it the competition. He's like that. He flirts with Tarantella, Emily and me you know...
- And they don't care?!
- They tell him to cut it out. He's just in it for the sport, at least I think he is. The problem is that Tarantella is really alike him...
A.J. nodded quietly.
- Do you know where Shirley went? Joan said and looked around.
- Isn't she with Nick?
- Nope, he's there, alone...
- Then they must have had a fight I guess... or she just wouldn't fight with him now and decided to do that later at home.
- Probably...
- Won't you come back? He looked at her, Dump Victor and come back to me...
She looked at him for a while.
- Please J, I love you, you know I do and...
- How about you leave my girlfriend alone?
A.J. turned around.
- Oh...
- Yeah, oh.
- Victor, this is A.J., Joan sighed, A.J. this is Victor.
- I'd prefer if you left June alone...
A.J. looked at her. He really didn't want to start a fight with her boyfriend, mostly cause she'd get mad.
- He knows Vic...
- Oh, good, then leave Joan alone or I'll just have to stop you...
- Vic! She hissed.
- What? he looked surprised at her.
- Don't talk to him like that, she sighed, It's okay Boner, but I think that it's for the better that you leave us alone tonight at least...
A.J. nodded and looked at them for a while before he left.
September 29 2002 (Sunday)
A.J. picked up the phone.
- Hello?
- Hi!
- J... hi...
- How are you?
- I'm fine, he said and sat up, and you?
- Just fine, she smiled.
- Why are you calling?
- You're my friend, I'm not aloud to call my friends?
- I'm also your ex boyfriend, he yawned, and you got a boyfriend.
- I'm sorry, did I wake you up?
- Well... yeah...
- Oh, sorry. Did you go on a second party last night or what?
- I'm sorry?
- We met, on the party yesterday...
- The celebrity party was two days ago...
- I know, she smiled, but yesterday, Saturday... you don't remember?
- Not really.
- Oh... you were pretty drunk then I guess...
- Um... yeah, I guess so, he looked at the girl next to him, oh my god...
- What?
- Um... nothing, I gotta go now, bye Joan.
- Bye Boner...
He hung up and looked at her. He couldn't even remember where he could have met her. She was still asleep, so he got up and looked at her.
- Oh my god! He stared at her, Tara?
- Bye then, she said and left.
- Bye Tarantella, A.J. said and closed the door.
He couldn't believe that he'd actually slept with Tarantella. It hadn't been more than a one-night stand but it still made him upset over his own action.
"Still there's no harm done, we're both single... I'm single and Tarantella is together with psycho James... great" he thought.
September 30 2002 (Monday)
- So will you take me back? Tarantella smiled.
- Of course, Justin smiled, you know I will...
"Yeah, I know you would" she thought and smiled.
- Did you break up with James? He said after a moment of silence.
- Mhm, she nodded.
"Not really" she thougth "Actually far away from that..."
- DON'T! Shirley pulled back her arm, I'm leaving!
- Shirley, I didn't mean...
- Bye, she took his car keys and slammed the door.
Nick didn't do anything at all. He stood there for a while trying to remember what went wrong this time, but he couldn't remember what it had been.
October 1 2002 (Thursday)
- Shirley, Joan said, It's Nick.
- I don't want to talk to him, she muttered.
- He says he's sorry... and it really sounds like it too...
- I don't want to.
- Shirley, Joan sighed and sat down beside her, He really wants you to talk to you. He's your boyfriend...
She didn't answer her.
- Don't let a fight ruin what you guys have... you might regret it all your life.
- Which phone? She sighed and got up.
- Kitchen.
Shirley nodded and walked in to the kitchen but hesitated for a moment before she took the phone.
- It's me.
- Hi hun... can I still call you that? his voice was worried, almost scared.
- Yeah, she muttered.
- I'm sorry, I was a complete asshole and...
- Sch, she interrupted him, both of us, it was both of us.
It was quiet for a while.
- Are you coming home? He said carefully, I miss you... and so does the dogs... do you wanna talk to them?
- No, she smiled, that's okay...
- Are you sure? He said with a baby voice, They miss you really, really much...
- Tell them that I'm coming home soon, she smiled, Bye Nick.
- Bye Shirl.
October 24 2002 (Thursday)
- I really should hit you, James hissed and looked at her, but I won't...
Tarantella opened her eyes and looked surprised at him as he let go of her arm.
- Go, I don't want to see you...
She smirked and looked at him.
- Bye then James, she said and left.
He shook his head. He weren't sure who he wanted to hit the most, Justin or Tarantella.
- Brian, she sobbed and threw herself in his arms.
- Tara...? He said surprised, What's happen? What are you doing here?
- James... he threatened to hit me...
- Oh, Brian said and did his best to comfort her.
A.J. and James had become friends a couple of weeks earlier but A.J. had told him that James had a frenzy side too, like Tarantella.
- Who is it? LeighAnne said and walked out in the hallway.
- Tarantella, Brian said confused, um...
- Oh, she looked at her, What happened to you?
- James, she said and looked at LeighAnne.
She nodded and sighed.
- I'm just asking that I can stay the night, I don't wanna be at home if he's there... Not alone anyway...
- Um... well, Brian looked at LeighAnne.
He knew LeighAnne hated Tarantella, literally hated her.
- That's fine, she sighed, you can stay, if it's okay for you Brian...
- Yeah... thanks sweetie...
November 2 2002 (Saturday)
Shirley stopped and looked at the watch, she'd been out for four hours just jogging. She hated to run but she'd been so mad at Nick... She unlocked the door and slowly stepped in.
- Nick, she said and ignored the dogs.
The only sound was the radio playing for the dogs.
- Nick? Shirley walked in and realized that she was completely exhausted.
When nobody answered she walked in to the bedroom, he weren't there.
- Damn you Nick, she hissed and hurried through the other rooms too.
She finally sat down on their bed and cried.
- That bastard, she cried, I'll never forgive him for this... he can stay with his lovers I... I don't care anymore...
November 3 2002 (Monday)
Nick locked the car and looked at the house. A cop had pulled him over and ordered him to go straight home after he'd explained that he was trying to find his girlfriend.
He rubbed his eyes that were swollen after the hours of crying and driving around in Tampa from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. and he still hadn't found her.
Nick slowly opened the door and closed it quickly before any of their 8 dogs got out. He hung up the keys on their hook and saw her jacket.
- Shirley? He hurried up to the bedroom.
- Go away, she cried.
- What happened? Where were you? He said worried and hurried over to her.
- Leave me alone you bastard!
He took surprised a step back.
- Where were you Shirley? I've been driving all night trying to find you...
- Sure you have, she muttered and crawled over the bed to the other side.
- Shirley? He said and walked around the bed, Are you still mad at me?
- You just leave me alone, she hissed, I don't wanna see you ever again...
- What have I done? Are you still mad about the fight?
- You know damn well what I mean! She hissed and hit him.
- Ouch! Shirley! He stared at her, I don't know what you mean, please tell me!
- You just go back to your lover or whatever, I don't wanna see you ever again, she hissed and hit him again.
- Shirley! He said and tried to stop her, I don't got any lovers... Cut it out Shirl!
- LET ME GO! She protested when he picked her up.
- Calm down!
- PUT ME DOWN RIGHT NOW! Shirley yelled and tried to squirm out of his grip.
- Listen to me Shirley, he whispered, please listen to me... that's all I'm asking for...
She didn't answer him.
- I'm not cheating on you, I spent the night driving around trying to find you... look at me, do you think I'd look like this if I'd spent the night with some other girl?
She just looked at him without saying a word.
- I was so worried that something had happen to you...
- It did. You did.
- I never meant to hurt you, he said and let her go, I hate seeing you cry... If I've ever done anything to hurt you then I weren't in my right mind Shirl...
February 8 2003 (Saturday)
A.J. slowly opened his eyes.
- Not again, he mumbled when he saw the blond laying next to him.
- What? She said drowsy and turned around, A.J.?!
- Joan? He stared at her, What...
- ... happened?
- Yeah.
- You're asking the wrong person...
- My head hurts, he muttered and closed his eyes again.
- Well, she said and looked under the cover.
- What?
- I know you sleep in the nude, but I don't...
- And?
- I'd say that we had a lot of fun last night, she sighed.
He watched her for a while, without knowing what to say.
- I love you, he finally said and pulled her closer to him.
She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.
- I wish I could remember what we did, she smiled, now it's just plainly meaningless...
- I totally agree, he smiled.
"Please let time stop" he thought "I just wanna lie next to her like this forever..."
- Wake up sleepyheads, Emily smiled and opened the door.
- What? A.J. said surprised.
- I wouldn't be able to say it better, Joan said and looked at her.
- You guys don't remember a shit do you? She laughed.
- To tell you the truth... no, Joan muttered, Feel free to tell us...
- We played truth or dare... you don't remember?
- Nope...
- I think I remember a bit, she said and sat up.
- Hey! I would like a part of the cover too!
- You just take it all, Joan smirked.
- Anyway... we all got kind of drunk...
- No, you don't say? Timothy walked in, I think I'm still drunk... this is the most wonderful thing that's ever happen to me...
- Shut up silly, Emily laughed, they don't remember anything...
- Well, neither do I... I would like to know why I woke up in the same bed as Victor please...
- Ask him.
- He's still asleep...
- Oh, well okay, she sighed and rolled her eyes, I seem to be the only one that actually remembers anything from last night...
- Yes, and the rest of us would love to know, A.J. said, please tell...
- We played truth or dare, that's it.
- I am naked under this cover, Joan hissed, What did you guys dare us in to?
- Well... Timothy thought that it would be fun if you two slept together... we never thought you'd do it...
- And that explains me waking up next to Victor in what way? Timothy looked at her.
- We decided to have a threesome when they left... no big deal.
- Great, a threesome with Vic... gross...
- Well it could have been worse, Joan sighed and looked at A.J., we could have got married...
- Well nothing like that happened, Emily smiled, don't worry... that's all... that and A.J. kissing Tim...
- WHAT?! A.J. and Timothy stared at her.
- It was Vic's idea, and it was after that you decided to dare them, she giggled, Stop staring at me like that, I'm not a freak you know.
- I kissed him? A.J. pointed at Timothy, I kissed a guy?
- Well no tongue or anything...
- This is the worst morning in my life, Timothy muttered and left the room.
- Oh my god how gross, A.J. sighed and looked at Joan, What are you smiling at?
- I remember that part! She laughed.
- Oh you just shut up...
March 11 2003 (Monday)
- Remember that morning, A.J. smiled.
- Yeah, she leaned against him in the couch, I've never kissed a girl so I don't know how that feels... How is it to kiss a guy?
- Cut it out, I've heard that every single day ever since I accidentally told Nick...
She smirked and turned to the TV again.
- Victor weren't mad?
- Nope... I mean he had his fun with Emily and Timothy so...
- Okay, A.J. smiled and took her hand.
- What are you gonna do with my hand?
- I don't know, he smiled, maybe play with the fingers...
It was quiet for a while.
- I'm going on tour again soon, he sighed.
- I know, so is Vic, and I...
- I love you, he said.
- Love you too.
- No, I really love you...
- Not that again, she said and looked at him, please don't...
- I just don't think that you should waste your time on Victor like you do... he doesn't deserve you...
- Oh, she sighed.
- Please, you know that he's flirting with anything in a skirt...
- No, anything in a miniskirt.
- Is that better? At least you know I'll be faithful...
- I'm not going to change boyfriend now... I've been together with Vic for a long time and we got it really good...
- We had it really good, remember?
- Of course I do, she smiled and kissed him on the cheek, I won't forget that, I promise. But lifes goes on you know...
He nodded quietly.
- Goody, here's my video! She sighed, Change channel please...
- No, I wanna see...
- It's 'My little secret'... Xscape did it before...
- I wanna see it anyway, he smiled and took the remote away from the table before she was able to take it.
- Cut it out!
- I wanna see...
"See baby you're my little secret
If you won't tell I won't tell
And that's how we got to keep it
See baby you're my little secret
If you won't tell I won't tell
And that's how we got to keep it"
- Fine, she sighed.
"Did anybody see ya
Coming to my house last night
When I got your message in my beeper
That you wanna do everything I like
I like being in the same room with you and your girlfriend..."
- Ha! Joan turned of the TV and got up.
- Hey! I was watching, he protested.
- Oooooooohh, poor baby! She smiled and threw him the remote.
- Thanks, he said and turned it on again.
"She'll never guess in a million years
That we got this thing going on
You're my little secret, secret babe
That's how we should keep it
Nobody have to know
So everybody's blind about you and I
They think so but they don't never really wanna know"
- Okay, I'll go now, bye Boner...
- Already? He smiled.
- Yeah, already...
- Say hi to Victor for me.
- Yeah, your boyfriend, she smiled.
- Okay Joan, that's enough, he sighed, leave it, I just wanna forget about it.
"Should never let her know
Never let it show
But you know like I know
That we should never let it go"
- Aren't you nervous about how your album are going to do tomorrow? He smiled.
- 'The covers'? Not really. It's safe, she said and looked at him, I'll be more nervous later this fall... releasing 'Whatever'... brrrrr... I'm going to be completely unstable for weeks.
He nodded and smiled.
- Bye, she smiled and left.
- Bye, he said and watched her leaving.
He couldn't help wishing that they'd been more than friends.
- I love you, he whispered and closed the door.
"Everyboyd cheats
But you gotta know how
You gotta know when
You gotta know why, oh my"
March 15 2003 (Saturday)
Joan stared at him.
- Marry? She looked at him and then at the ring.
- Yes, Victor smiled.
- You are 22... and... I'm 19...
- No?
- I... um... I can't...
She hesitated for a second before she ran out of the room and out to the car.
- J, hi, A.J. smiled, come in...
- He proposed, she said.
- What? He stared at her, Whad did you do? What did you say?
- I... I can't remember what I said, I just remember running...
- But no ring?
- No, she said and threw herself in his arms.
A.J. nodded and held her close.
- I'm breaking up with him, she said after a while.
- You are? He said and did his best to hide how happy she was.
- I'm not ready for anything like marriage...
- When are you going to...
- Tomorrow... I can't today... you should have seen him, I feel really bad, she cried, I... I think he got really disappointed...
A.J. nodded. "I know how he feels" he thought.
March 17 2003 (Monday)
- Okay, Kevin sighed and looked at A.J., what's wrong?
- Hu? A.J. looked up at him, What?
- What's wrong? You've been looking kind of blue...
- What? No, nothing...
- Really? I don't wanna go on tour with you guys again if you are going to be at each other's throat's 24/7...
- Nick and me?
- Actually anyone...
- Don't worry, I'm not going to pick a fight, A.J. sighed, I just...
- Here it comes...
- It's Joan...
- Oh, Kevin said not too surprised, What's wrong?
- She just broke up with Victor...
- And you're sad because...?
- Well...
- No, wait, let me guess, he smirked, you wanna be there now?
- She broke up with Victor cause he proposed...
- Oh... okay, I see...
May 12 2003 (Monday)
- You got a what? A.J. stared at her.
- A new boyfriend, Joan sighed, I know how you feel, but I can't... I can't get back together with you, and not with Victor either and... everything is just a mess... and then I met Peter and he's really sweet and...
- When did you two get together?
- April 28th...
- Oh, so it's two weeks then?
- Yeah...
- So I didn't miss too much while I were on tour?
- No... but I'm not so sure I can stay together with him either... I'm really confused and... I think you understand what I mean.
- I do, he sighed, I do.
May 17 2003 (Saturday)
Joan looked at him.
- What are you doing here?
- Visiting... I thought I might say hi to Hugin and Munin, A.J. said and looked at her.
- Fine, she turned around.
- Where are you going? He said surprised.
- Somewhere else, she muttered and started the car.
- Why?
- I just broke up with Peter, I need to clear my head... preferably without one of my ex's around...
- Oh, he watched her as she left but couldn't help smiling slightly.
- Tara? Joan opened the door, Are you home?
She stepped in and locked the door behind her.
- I guess not... maybe that's for the better, she sighed and looked at the little lonely canary. A year ago the other had died and Tarantella hadn't felt like buying another one.
May 23 2003 (Friday)
Joan smiled and kissed A.J. on the cheek.
- Take care, she said, and take care of Hugin and Munin...
- I promise, he smiled, you don't have to worry.
- I know, I'll be back July 21... bye...
- Bye, bye.
He watched her leave but didn't say another word even though he wanted her to stay.
June 5 2003 (Thursday)
- WELL IF THAT'S HOW YOU FEEL THEN LEAVE! Nick yelled and regretted it as soon as it had come out of his mouth.
- I CAN'T LEAVE YOU! You got more power over me than anyone ever had!
- And what would that be then?
- The power over the heart... You know I love you, and I wish I didn't but I do...
- I don't want you to leave, he said and looked at her, I want you to stay...
- I want to stay...
- Then why are we fighting? He smiled.
- Cause you're cheating on me, Shirley cried.
- I'm not...
- You are, she said and wiped away the teras, stop that, don't you dare keep on doing that... I'll kill you...
- Shirl...
- DON'T TRY TO LIE!!!!!
He looked at her carefully.
- Don't lie to me, she cried and let him hug her, don't...
July 19 2003 (Saturday)
"You hurt me so badly
And I loved you so madly
So last time I saw you
I wanted to cry
I wanted to scream
I wanted to lie
I wanted to be mean"
- SHIRLEY LET ME IN! Nick shouted.
"Last time I saw you
I'm happy for you
That's what I keep telling myself
But why can't I stand seeing you with someone new?
Then why can't I put my feelings on a shelf?
I saw you with her again
I got so mad
Even though we've passed the end
And I got so sad"
- YOU'VE PROVEN YOUR POINT SHIRLEY! NOW OPEN THE DOOR SO WE CAN TALK!
She didn't answer him.
"I wanted to cry
I wanted to scream
I wanted to lie
I wanted to be mean
Last time I saw you
I know I should be happy for your sake
But while you're happy it's my heart that's going to break
And I, I wanted to hit you
Cause yelling just wouldn't do
Last time I saw you"
- AT LEAST TURN DOWN THE VOLUME!
She completely ignored him and tried to wipe away the tears but they wouldn't stop coming.
"I wanted to be mean
Last time I saw you
I wanted to cry
I wanted to scream
I wanted to lie
I wanted to be mean
Last time I saw you
I'm happy for you
That's what I keep telling myself
But why can't I stand seeing you with someone new?
They why can't I put my feelings on a shelf?
I know I should be over you
I know I should find somebody new
But last time I saw you..."
- IF NOT FOR ME THEN FOR, Nick gave up and went to answer the door instead.
He stared at him.
- What are you doing here?
- I... well... Tara asked me to come, Justin said a bit confused, are you guys fighting?
- No, we just love to play music this loud, Nick sighed, come in...
"I wanted to lie
I wanted to be mean
Last time I saw you
Yeah, I so wanted to
Last time I saw you"
- So why are you here?
- Tara...
- Yes, but why, Nick looked up at the stairs a bit annoyed by the music, why are you here and not at her place?
- She told me to wait until James left...
- So you're her little spare? Nick said surprised that Justin actually accepted that.
He just shrugged his shoulders.
- Wait a second...
"I'm happy for you
That's what I keep telling myself
But why, why can't I stand seeing you with someone new?
Then why can't I put my feelings on a shelf?"
- TURN IT DOWN FOR THE DOGS AT LEAST! He yelled to the door.
"Cause I still love you
I still did last timeI saw you..."
The music went back to normal again.
- Thank you, Nick sighed, Justin is here...
- Go away! Leave me alone!
"I'll be, I'll be, I'll be forever yours
You asked me that question
So now I'll be forever yours
It's my decision
And I choose to be forever yours"
- Shirl?
- WHAT?!
- Would you please come out?
She turned of the CD player and opened the door.
- Go away, she said coldly.
- Can you at least talk to Justin then?
- What is he doing here? She said still hostile.
- I know that you think that I'm sleeping around but I'm not and...
- Bye, she said and was just about to close the door again.
- No! He said and stopped her, Shirley, you don't have to talk to me, just talk to Justin then... please?
- Fine, she hissed and pushed him aside and walked down the stairs.
July 19 2003 (Saturday)
- It's gone an hour, Shirley muttered, shouldn't you go over there?
- I never saw him leave...
- Well maybe he did before you got here?
Justin nodded.
- Good.
- But what if he is there?
- Do you want us to come with you as a little insurance?
Justin didn't answer.
- It's probably for the best if we go anyway, Nick sighed, Tara will probably kick his ass as soon as he gets there...
- She'd kick your ass too, Shirley muttered.
- Oh my god! Shirley said and hurried over to Tara, What happened to you?
Tarantella muttered a few curses and removed the ice bag from her eye.
- What does it look like? She hissed.
- Tara! Justin said shocked, I'm so sorry that I didn't come earlier...
- Whatever, she muttered, I broke up with the bastard so he won't come around anymore...
Nick didn't say a word, he just looked at them.
"So you finally met the guy who'd hit you back Tara" he thought and shook his head "I feel sorry for you but what goes around comes around..."