DISCLAIMER: Ok, you guys know the routine. If you are underage, don't read this. If you find stories with homosexual themes offensive, you're at the wrong site. I don't know any of the members of NSYNC personally and therefore have no knowledge of what their sexual preferences might be. This story is fictional
Enjoy!
CHAPTER 17
Justin had been quiet the entire morning, barely speaking. You knew he was extremely nervous and wished there was something you could say that that would calm him, but you knew nothing would help. He sat with Atlas content in his arms, but Justin looked as though he had lost his best friend.
You sat next to him and rested your hand on his leg. He looked up at you and tried his best to smile. It was unconvincing.
"Justin, this will all be over in a few hours. We can get through this. We've done it before."
He nodded his head in agreement. "I know Gary. I'm just not looking forward to it."
You wrapped your arm around him and gave him a quick hug. "I know. Neither am I, but we need to do it. I'm not hiding you from my family. Mom needs to know."
He exhaled deeply as the taxi stopped at a two story brick home. He recognized the address and what color was left in his face seemed to drain. You gave his hand a tight squeeze as you opened the door and stepped on to the sidewalk that you had played on for hours on end as a kid. You wanted to show him around the neighborhood. Show him the school you attended as a small child, show him Danni's house and the church where you had sung weekly in the choir. That would all have to come later.
You stepped up to the front door and as you placed your key in the lock you turned to Justin. "You ready?"
"No, but I don't think I ever will be, so let's just do it."
You entered quietly and stepped onto the newly refinished hardwood floor. You had done some major damage to that floor as a kid. You had spilled every drink imaginable and the roller skating had not helped. You kinda thought mom would have waited until your brother was older to refinish it, but obviously she was anxious to see it restored to its original condition.
"Hey, is anybody home?" you shouted.
Within seconds you could hear the pounding of a child running down the stairs. For the first time since you left the hotel Justin managed a slight grin.
"That's Chase, right?" You never had a chance to say a word before Justin had his answer. Bounding into your arms was a five year boy whose eyes left no doubt that he was your younger brother.
"Mommy, Gary's home!" Chase yelled. "And he brought his boss with him."
Justin looked at you shocked. He extended his hand to Chase. "Hi Chase, my name is Justin, but I'm not Gary's boss. He and I are friends."
"Yes you are," he corrected innocently. "You're Justin of NSYNC, right?"
Justin grinned sheepishly. "Yes I am."
"Well, Gary said he works for NSYNC," he explained. "So you must be his boss."
Justin laughed. "Ok, Chase I guess your right."
His laughter ended abruptly as your mother entered the room. Without putting Chase down you hugged her tightly. "Hi, mom. It's great to be home."
"It's great to have you home. I was beginning to think you had forgotten the address. You're not very good at keeping in touch."
"Sorry, mom," you said apologetically. "We've just been incredibly busy." Realizing you had yet to introduce Justin you quickly added, "Mom, this is Justin Timberlake."
A broad grin covered her face. "Well, I don't think Justin needs an introduction. Its not like Chase doesn't have pictures of NSYNC covering his walls, but it is certainly nice to meet you Justin."
Embarrassed, Justin's face turned bright red. "It's nice to meet you too, Ma'am," he responded politely. "You have a beautiful home. I love the hardwood floor."
You laughed to yourself. Justin had no idea how many points he had just scored with Mom.
"Why, thank you Justin," she beamed. "It's always been one of my favorites as well."
Suddenly, Chase realized that he Justin was holding puppy. "Mommy look, Justin has a puppy!"
Chase squirmed to get out of your arms and Justin knelt down so that he could talk at eye level with your younger brother.
"His name is Atlas." Justin informed him. "Would you like to take him outside and play with him for a while. He's been in the hotel room, so he would probably like some exercise."
"Can I Mom?" he pleaded.
"Of course you can, Chase. Why don't you fill up a bowl of water and take it out back with you, in case he gets thirsty."
Chase nodded in agreement and reached to take Atlas from Justin. He handed over the wiggling puppy and Chase took him carefully into his arms.
"Chase, don't play rough with him Ok?" you warned. "He's still just a puppy."
"I won't, Gary," he said halfway though the house. "I promise."
Your mom turned to the two of you. "I have to finish up a few things in the kitchen. Why don't you boys sit at the kitchen table and we can talk for a while Chase is occupied. She had already headed into the kitchen, indicating her statement was more than a casual request.
You had barely been seated when she spoke.
"So, Gary I guess this is the one" she stated in a matter of fact tone.
Her words confused you. "Pardon me? What do you mean this is the one?"
She joined the two of you at the table. "I always knew that when someone special came into your life you would tell me. Justin is obviously that special person."
You found it difficult to breathe, and much harder to talk. "You mean you know?"
"I've known for a long time Gary," she said softly. "I also knew that if, and when, you were ready, you would tell me. There was no point if forcing the issue. I learned years ago not to push you on issues you didn't want to discuss."
She turned to Justin. "How serious are you about this relationship Justin? The entertainment industry is not exactly known for individuals who believe in commitment and I'm sure you have plenty of offers."
You started to speak, but Justin interrupted you. "That may be true ma'am, but that's not me. I'm totally committed to Gary. I've never been with anyone else and plan on keeping it that way."
"How old are you Justin?" she asked.
"Nineteen"
You felt sorry for him. Your mom kept firing questions, but he seemed to be holding his own and you were proud of him.
"Does your family know about you and Gary?"
"Yes ma'am," he answered with assurance. "We told my mom when we were in Orlando. She was upset at first, but she really likes Gary. They're good friends now."
"Don't you think nineteen is a little young for this serious of a relationship?" she continued.
"No, ma'am. What's the point of playing the field, when you already have exactly what you want."
The barrage continued. "If you have never dated anyone else, how do you know Gary is right for you?"
You could see in his eyes that the questioning was getting to him. "Ok, mom Justin is not under arrest. I'm sure he feels like he's being grilled at police headquarters."
Your mom was unrelenting. "And if Justin feels that way, I'm sure he can speak for himself! Right, Justin?"
"Yes ma'am," he answered softly. He could feel his stomach churning. "I've never been happier in my life and Gary is the reason. He makes me feel special as a person and he's always there for me. That's how I know he's right for me. Dating someone else would only prove what I already know. I've found the person I want to spend the rest of my life with."
Chase burst into the room with Atlas trying his best to keep up with him. "Mommy, are Gary and Justin staying for dinner?"
"I hope so," she said looking directly at Justin. "I'd love for them both to stay. Justin do you like veal cutlets?"
"Yes, ma'am! Actually, I'm not a very picky eater. Any home cooked meal is fine with me."
Chase jumped into Justin's lap excitedly. "Since you're staying for dinner, can you come out back and play with me and Atlas?"
He never gave Justin time to answer but jumped out of his lap and taking his hand pulled him toward the back door. "And then maybe we can go swimming."
"Sure," Justin answered. "That sounds great."
"Justin, you don't need to entertain Chase" your mom interjected. "You're a guest. Why don't you just have something cold to drink and relax for a bit."
Justin smiled at the thought of being considered guest. Evidently, he had passed the test. At least enough to be invited to dinner. "I don't mind at all. My little brother is only about a year older than Chase and I really miss playing with him. Gary, are you comming?"
"I'll be right out, I just want to talk to mom for a minute."
Justin and Chase headed out the back door and you and your mom were left alone in the kitchen.
"You we're a little hard on him, don't you think" you said accusingly.
"First of all, I don't appreciate your tone" your mom pointed out. "Secondly, my questions aren't half as bad as what the two of you will have to face if your relationship ever becomes public. Have you considered that?"
"Yes mom, of course we have, but we both feel it's worth the risk. We are both totally committed to each other."
"Gary, I have nothing against Justin. I honestly don't, but you being involved with someone like him is just asking for trouble. He's young and he is in the public eye constantly. You may be up to handling the pressure, but is he?"
You knew she was right. You could keep your cool, but Justin was another story. "I hope so mom. But I have no choice now, I'm in love with him."
She leaned over and kissed your cheek. "I know." She stood and casually began wiping off the kitchen counter. "Now how about you pour something cold to drink for Justin. I'm sure your brother is running him ragged."
You exhaled deeply. It was over. You and your mom were very similar in that regard. She had said what she needed to and now the subject was dropped.
"Mom, I really wanted to spend some time with you and Chase while I was in town." "Once we leave on tour I won't be able to come home very often. Do you mind if Justin and I spend the night?"
You were glad she answered quickly. It let you know she was truly accepting the idea of you and Justin.
"Gary, you and Justin can stay here anytime. My only concern is Chase. I don't want him to know about you two. I think he is too young."
"I know mom," you agreed. "As far as Chase is concerned, Justin and I are just friends. I'll sleep in the spare room and Justin can have mine."
You hadn't noticed Chase's entrance. "You're spending the night?" he said excitedly. "Where are we sleeping?"
You laughed. "I'm sleeping in the spare room, and I guess if you want to, you can sleep in there with me. We haven't got to do that for a while."
His faced turned somber. "Where is Justin going sleep?"
"I thought since he was company, I'd let him have my room since it has a private bathroom."
"Why can't we all sleep in your bed?" he begged. "It's big enough and I want to sleep with Justin too."
Justin's voice came from behind you. "It works for me. I'm used to sleeping with a bunch of guys."
Immediately, he realized how that must have sounded. "Uumm, what I meant was, that when the five of us first got together everyone stayed at my mom's house. My room wasn't that big so we all ended up sharing beds. It was crowded, but actually I think that's why we are so close now. With five guys sharing a bedroom, you had to get along or else."
Mom smiled at him realizing his comment had made him feel very uncomfortable. "I knew exactly what you meant Justin, and I know Chase would love to do that. I have to warn you though, he has a tendency to toss and turn while he sleeps."
She had put him at ease, and a boyish grin covered his face. "Hey, he can't any worse than my brother Jonathan. I end up with bruises when I sleep with him."
Chase lifted his arms up hoping Justin would pick him up. Naturally, Justin obliged. "Can we Justin, pleeeease? I promise I won't kick."
"Gary, its up to you" Justin said smiling.
Chase wiggled out of Justin's arms and jumped immediately into yours hugging your neck tightly.
Not wanting to hear anymore begging, you gave him his answer. "Sure, why not."
Still not satisfied he Chase asked, "Can I sleep in the middle? That way I can sleep next to both of you."
"Yes, you can sleep in the middle, but only if you take a long, hot bath first." You looked at Justin and winked. "I don't want any sweaty guy sleeping next to me."
With that, Chase ran upstairs and for the first time you could remember he was anxious to take his bath. Seeing him today made you realize just how much you missed him, and how much he meant to you.
TBC......Comments to Dannibailey@hotmail.com