| Chapter Four |
“Ms. DeLoach, looking at your background, you no doubt have seen what this business can do to a person. Especially if that person does more than he or she is capable of.” Nikki nodded quietly and he continued, “You’ve been feeling weak, you haven’t been able to get better after a cold, and all of this adds up to one thing. I think your body is going through so much stress and so much anxiety that its decided to just not function anymore.” Nikki’s eyes were wide, and she was clutching JC’s hand in hers, “So what are you trying to say? That I have to quit the business? Because if that’s what you’re telling me, then you can forget it. I don’t care if it kills me, I can’t stop…” “Nik.. come on. Let him talk.” “Nikki… I’m sure you love this. And there is no reason that you have to quit altogether. But you do need to take some time off. Time for yourself, and maybe, in about a month, you can start to work with your group again. But if you continue at the pace you’ve been following, you will kill yourself. Do you hear me?” She sighed, but nodded her understanding. “So now what? Do I have to stay here for a month or what?” “No, in a day or two you can go back to your house. Now, I don’t now your situation at home. If someone is living with you, they need to make it a priority to be at home most of the time. You will be able to get around, but too much activity will just make you have another attack.” “You don’t have to worry about that. I think she has someone to lean on at home. Trust me.” Nikki looked at JC with an amazed expression. “Yeah, um… I guess. Thanks doctor.” When the door had clicked shut, Nikki hugged JC to her. “Thank you. But…. Your tour… you can’t take that much time off!” He rolled his eyes, “Please Nik. Remember me? JC Chasez? I can do whatever I want. And if the fans don’t understand that one of the most important people in my life needs me right now… then they don’t deserve a concert from me anyway.” They heard clapping behind them and Nikki looked over her shoulder at Arlee. “How do you do that?” “It’s a skill. So… I’m guessing you two made ou- er, I mean up?” She ducked as JC threw a piece of ice at her head. “Hey! I could get you for insubordinance Prince!” “I STILL don’t get it… Prince?” Nikki and Arlee started giggling as JC threw his hands up in protest and walked out of the room. “I need some coffee. Some tylenol. New friends.” Arlee smiled at Nikki. “I’m gonna miss you when you’re gone girl. And he better take very good care of you. Or he’s gonna have me to answer to.” “Oh yeah, and we both know how you strike fear into even the most strong man’s heart.” Nikki rolled her eyes and Arlee pretended to choke her. “No, but really Lee… come with me! I mean, I’ll pay you, and I know Josh’s heart is really with the tour. He can’t leave all those fans disappointed.” The older woman shook her head, “No, I can’t honey. I would, but you don’t need to rely on me anymore. You have Prince now. I was told when I took this position, ‘don’t get close to any of the patients’. Well.. I couldn’t help myself with you. I can’t Nikki. But I’ll never forget you.” Nikki’s eyes welled with tears. “I’m gonna miss you so much!” She pulled Arlee into a hug and sniffled, “I’ll call you if Josh misbehaves. You’re an amazing person Arlee.” “Back at ya kid.” And she walked out of the room for the last time. Later that week, JC pushed a door open as he walked into Nikki’s bathroom. He stared at his reflection in the mirror. “What do you mean you’re quitting the tour? That’s poposterous. You can’t do that to us! To yourself!” “And exactly what am I doing to myself Johnny? I have to take care of her. She needs somebody right now. You remember when Lance went down with this. How come he gets all the time in the world, yet I have to forget my best friend is helpless right now?” Johnny rubbed his temples and groaned, “JC, I love Nikki too. She’s a really sweet girl. But you shouldn’t get involved with anything like this. Its too emotional for any of the fans to understand. They’ll start rumors, and those almost ruined BOTH of your lives last time!” “GOD, Johnny, screw the fans! I love them, and I’m very grateful for everything they’ve done to help me get where I am now. But now its my time to give to someone else. I owe this to Nikki, and if I have to quit NSYNC to be with her when she needs me… then so be it.” “You are not quitting the group. Why do you have to do this? You don’t owe her jack JC, and you know it.” “Johnny, I don’t care if you control my career, I don’t care if you control my proffesional life, but you are NOT going to control my personal life and feelings. Those are something that I’ve cherished, so I’m walking out that door right now. If you want to stop me, be my guest. But it won’t work.” He splashed cold water on his face and walked back into Nikki’s room. “Hey, you’re awake.” She smiled at him, “Yeah. You okay? You look a little… off.” She moved to one side of the bed so he could lay beside her. “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just a little tired.” He smiled at her and kissed her forehead. “You ready to watch the movie?” She nodded but watched as he stood to retrieve the videotape. He wasn’t just tired. She wanted him to open up to her. But he wasn’t. “We’re gonna have to work on that.” She sighed. “We really need to work on that.” |