(God, why did I tell JC I didn't want him to come with me? I would have been more than happy if he had come with me. I am such an idiot sometimes. What the hell was I thinking? I'm going to have to go two weeks without seeing that wonderful, gorgeous man. It's a good thing that he is one of the favorites of the group. I can always go buy one of those stupid teeny mags. I'm sure they'll have at least one picture for me to drool over of him. One of these days I am going to have to tell him how I feel about him. I don't think he'll freak out too badly. He was fine when all of us came out. I'm just a little leary of what he'll say if he finds out how I truly feel about him. What am I to do?)

********

"Ladies and Gentlemen please fasten your seatbelts...."

(Well, I guess that little problem is going to have to wait. Time to fry bigger fish. How do you tell your parents that your gay when they are the biggest bible-thumping people you have ever met?)

(OK, time to get my ass up and off the plane. I hope they sent Stacey or Ford to pick me up. I'm not ready to face mom or dad yet.)

(Oh great it's mom. OK smile and act happy.)

"Hey, mom. How are you doing?"

"We're doing good, missed you. Come on. Do you have any bags that we need to pick up?

"Yeah, two."

"Ok, well lets get them and get out of here before some girl notices you and we have a mob."

"Thanks, ma."

*****

At the Bass Residence.

"Hey, James. It's good to have you home son."

"Thanks dad, it's good to be home. How have things been going here?"

"Good. How have things been going for you and the group? How are the boys?"

"Everybody is fine dad. I'm sorry but would you mind if I go take a shower and clean up a little. I feel grimey from traveling."

"Sure son. Go ahead."

"Great."

********

Later that evening.

ring, ring

Great that's my cell phone. Who the hell is calling me now. (Looks at caller ID) unkown caller. Great must be one of the guys. What do they want. Probably Joey or Justin wondering when we have to be back in the studio. I swear Josh is the only one that can remember anything about our schedule.

"Hello?"

"Hey Lance. It's me, JC. How's it going?"

"It's going ok. I haven't said anything yet."

"Oh, well when are you going to tell them? You know I could try to get a flight there if you want? Just so you could have some moral support."

"No, thanks. I don't think that is necessary. I'm pretty sure they are going to freak out I just need to do this for myself. Then I can be free to be honest to everybody about everything."

"Geez, vague much there Lancesten?"

"Yeah, whatever. Look I gotta go. My sister, Ford and the baby just got here. I'll call you tomorrow. Same time, same station dude."

"Sure, look if you need to talk you call my cell anytime, you got that?"

"Yeah, I here ya, JC. Talk to ya later."

"Bye"

God, why does he have to be so sweet. I can't believe I keep telling him no, that I don't want him here. He's probably starting to feel like I don't want him around at all. I just don't want him to see the reaction I know my family is going to have. He doesn't deserve to see that. Nobody does. Now where did I put that magazine. Ah, yes, there he is. Next time I talk to him I'll have to take this out. It really is a good picture of him.

OK, get a hold of yourself there Lance. Don't need mom walking in while you're lusting over a picture of him. Good lord, what would she say. Oh, yeah. WHAT ARE YOU DOING? ARE YOU SIME KIND OF PERVERT. GET THE HELL OUT OF MY HOUSE. Or something along those lines. Yeah, that would go over real well.

******

Later in the visit.

"Mom, Dad. I have something I want to tell you. Could you please come in here and sit down. Thanks."

"Honey, what is it?"

"You know you can tell us anything, son."

"Yeah, well. You might not agree once I tell you what I have to say. I just want you all to know that I love you all very much and you didn't do anything wrong in raising me."

"Good lord son. What on earth is so bad that you are saying something like that." my mom asks.

"Funny you should ask mom. Well, I guess the best way to do this is to just say it so here goes. Mom, Dad, I'm gay."

OH shit, here it comes. Better get ready to run.

"YOUR WHAT? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY? HOW CAN THIS BE? I DIDN'T RAISE NO FAG." This from my dad.

"Mom, what about you? Do you have anything to say?"

"GET. OUT. I. DON'T. WANT. A. FAG. IN. MY. HOUSE."

"That's what I figured you would say. I'll be leaving in an hour. I couldn't get a flight out any earlier. Don't worry I won't bother you anymore. You know where to reach me if you need me. Just contact Lynn. She'll get the message to me. I'm sorry you feel this way but, I'm not surprised and I can't change the way I am."

I trudge back up to my room. Get my bags and head for the airport. I guess maybe I should have had Josh come with. I feel like crap and I still have a week to myself in that big as house in Orlando by myself before his cute little ass shows up. Maybe I'll call him and see if he can come back earlier.

ring, ring.

"Hey, this is JC. I can't come to the phone right now. Please leave your name and number and I'll call back as soon as possible."

Damn, where is he. Oh, well. I'll just try later. Gotta get on the plane now. Man, my head hurts.

"Excuse me, stewardess."

"Yes, sir."

"Could I get a couple of asprin, Tylenol, something for a headache please?"

"Sure, I'll be right back."

"Thanks."

I wonder where Josh is. He said he was going to be available all day if I needed to talk. Maybe I should just take a nap and then try him when i'm in the cab.

"Here you go sir."

"Thanks. Could you make sure that I'm not disturbed. I would really like to get some sleep before we land."

"No problem sir."

Great, now maybe I can relax and get rid of this headache. I doubt it. Damn things last forever. Why do I "truly" have to be the shy, sensitive one of the group? I hate this crap. Man, I really need Josh's shoulder to lean on now. I hope I can get a hold of him later.

*******

At Lance's house in Orlando.

Boy, I'm glad he gave me this key after all. I couldn't have stayed home another second. I can't believe his mom and dad through him out. Good thing I stopped here before I flew all the way there only to find him on his way here. That would have been a mess. I hope he don't mind that I came home early. Well, I'll find out soon enough. The flight gal said his flight was supposed to land 30 minutes ago. He should be here any minute. God, I hope he isn't pissed that I'm here.

(The door opens and in walks a very bedraggled looking Lance Bass)

I know I locked this door when we left. Why the hell is it unlocked and why does it smell like Chinese food? Josh must be here. Oh, please let it be Josh. I could really use a friendly, happy face right now.

"Josh, is that you?"

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind. I came back early."