Over the next month, things between Tara and Nick were very awkward. Nick would be very quiet around Tara, or if she tried to talk to him, he'd pretend like nothing had gone on, meanwhile deep inside he was hurting.
Tara felt Nick's pain, and she could tell that he was hurting. She felt guilty for making him feel bad, and wished that she could only turn back time to clear up all the mistakes that ever happened.
Tara spent alot of her time at Justin's house, Justin comforting her guilt and making her feel all better.
"Happy Birthday, Frack!" Brian said, giving his little bro a big hug. The date was January 28, four weeks since Tara had told Nick that they were to remain friends. Nick, knowing that this was his birthday, thought of it as the perfect day to start his plan on how to win back Tara's heart, and make her fall in genuine love for him.
"Thanks Frick, glad you could come" Nick said, hugging his friend back.
Nick was holding a large party at his house, everyone was invited, all of his family, friends, all of the BSB, Tara, everyone except Justin.
Tara took a seat out on one of the sunchairs that lined the large inground swimming pool that was in hers and Nick's backyard. Karine and Mar were already out there sunning away.
"Where's Justin?" Karine asked Tara, as she took a seat.
"He's at home, Nick wouldn't let me invite him" Tara replied.
"Well, you can understand that, from Nicks point of view.." Mar said.
"I know, I understand completely.. and Im still here, Nick is one of my best friends. I wouldnt miss his birthday" Tara replied. Mar and Karine looked at eachother.
Everyone was outback enjoying the pool and the sun, and Tara felt a little thirsty. She went inside the house to pour herself a glass of kool-aid, when the doorbell rang.
"Hello?" Tara greeted, opening the door.
"Flower delivery for Tara Byng?" The man said.
"Thats me!" Tara replied. The man handed her a bouquet of a dozen red roses.
"Thank you!" Tara said, and gave the man a few dollars for a tip. She looked at the roses, and saw a card.
"Beautiful roses for a beautiful woman" read the card.
Red roses are Tara's favourite flowers, and she held them close to her nose to get a good smell of them.
Nick walked into the room shortly after, he had just came from upstairs where he had changed into his bathing suit Chicago Bulls Swimshorts.
"well look at we have here..." Nick said, smiling at Tara, who was sniffing the roses.
"Who are these from?" Nick asked.
"I dont know, there isnt a name on the card! I bet they're from justin.." Tara said with a smile.
Nick shrugged his shoulders.
"well.. there's only one thing I can say to that.." Nick said.
"Oh yeah? Whats that?"
"Beautiful roses for a beautiful woman" Nick said. He flashed a grin at Tara, who's mouth dropped a little. Nick walked out of the room and headed outside into the backyard to join the others.
Three days later, Tara went to another birthday party, this one however was for her main man, Justin Timberlake. He was turning 19!
Tara had arranged a surprise birthday party for Justin, with the help of Chris, JC, Joey, Lance and Justin's mom, Lynn.
Tara was to distract Justin for the afternoon while the guys and Lynn set up the party at some sports arena, which they had rented out just for them. Chris and Justin's mom thought it woudl be a good idea to rent the sports arena so everyone could enjoy the various games, and still have room for dancing and eating.
That afternoon, Tara accompanied Justin to a basketball game, which she had bought tickets for them to attend. Knowing Justin's favourite team, she made sure that the game featured them. Although she wasn't much of a sports person, Tara sat there with Justin and enjoyed the game, mainly enjoying watching him have tons of fun.
After the game, Tara and Justin went for a drive.
"Hey, how about we go to that new sports arena, you know, the one over by Old Town?" Tara suggested.
"Really? I thought you hate sports" Justin said "except basketball"
"Well, yeah, but I'm in the mood to play against you right now" Tara said slyly.
"Are you sure?" Justin asked again, smiling.
"of course! I want to beat your butt at football, who knows, maybe I'll tackle you.." Tara said with a grin. Justin grinned back, and drove out to Old Town.
"It looks like its closed.." Justin said, parking his Benz in the parking lot.
"its not, I called earlier.. its probably just not busy right now" Tara said, trying to find an excuse.
"Come on, lets go!" Tara grabbed Justin's hands and ran to the entrance door.
Justin and Tara headed over to the lounge room, which was in complete darkness.
"Well if the place is open, how come the lounge is dark? thats the most happening spot.." Justin said. He flicked on the lights.
"SURPRISE!!!!!" Everyone screamed in unison.
Justin smiled widely in surprise, he really had no idea that there was a party waiting for him.
"Oh my god!!" Justin said, and then he started to laugh.
"Happy Birthday honey" Lynn said, giving Justin a kiss on the cheek and a large hug.
"Thanks, mom! wow... what a nice surprise!!!" Justin said, still speechless.
Justin greeted everyone in the room, and eventually found Tara, who was over talking to JC.
Justin slipped through the crowd and pulled Tara aside to talk to her.
"You knew ALL about this, didnt you?" He asked with a smile.
"Yup!! Your mom, the guys and I planned it all out together" Tara said.
"You really are the best..." Justin said, giving her a hug, holding her closely to him.
"Its no wonder why I love you soo much" he said, and then he gave her a kiss.
"I love you too" Tara replied, smiling at him then giving him a kiss.
"Time for BIRTHDAY PRESENTS!!!!" Chris screamed out, grabbing Justin and pulling him up onto the little stage. A large pile of presents was piled up on the side of the stage, Justin didn't know where to start!
Tara and Lynn passed Justin presents and took away the excess wrapping paper after Justin had unwrapped a present, making it easier for him to find things and for everyone to see what he had recieved.
It took about an hour for Justin to unwrap the large pile of presents, then supper and cake was served.
"You have one last present to unwrap, Justin" Tara said, smiling at her boyfriend.
Tara pulled out a present from behind her and handed it to Justin. It was a large square box.
"what is it?" Justin asked, looking down at it, shaking it a little.
"I cant tell you that! You have to find out!" Tara replied with a smile. Justin took a seat in his chair and read the card that was attatched to the present.
"awwww... I love you too!" Justin said, giving her a kiss.
Justin ripped the paper away from the box quickly and opened it up. Inside was a basketball that was signed by his favourite player.
"Oh my god" Justin said with amazement, picking the ball up into his hands.
"Do you like it?"
"I love it Tara... I cant believe you got this! Where did you get this from?" Justin asked, still in shock.
"I pulled some strings....went to a bball game with Brian, managed to get myself a seat near their bench, and asked him to sign the ball for you" Tara said.
"I love it soo much, I love you soo much! Thank you, Tara" Justin said, standing up to give her a hug.
"I love you too" Tara said, hugging him back. She was glad to see him happy.
Justin gave her another kiss, this time a longer one, and then grabbed her hand to take her over to the tables to get some food.