This is a sexually explicit story (at times) involving homosexuality. By continuing to read, you affirm under penalties of perjury that you are not a minor or in the company of a minor and are entitled to have access to this story.
The following is a fictitious story with no real basis or credibility. It is solely for the enjoyment of the reader. Its all just fun. It does not imply anything about the sexual preferences or lifestyle of Justin Timberlake or any other celebrity mentioned in the story.
Previously
Jackson smiled.
"He's here with him, father, I saw them come into the hospital together. Tell me what you wish, my father."
"Victor is there in the morning. When he is with you, you must complete the next step."
Jackson beamed with a new zest in his heart.
"It shall be done, my father. I shall see it done. He won't know what's coming."
The man smiled, his own heart filling with happiness.
"Do not fail me son. I want to read of it in the newspapers."
"I will not fail, father."
"God be with you, my son."
The phone went dead.
Jackson looked around staring at everyone.
He located a new file in his cell phone.
They didn't know, no one knew. They didn't know what tragic event would befall this city.
What tomorrow would bring.
When he found the file, he smiled a wide grin, relishing in the anticipation of putting the plan inside into motion.
Walking behind him, one would see the five words in the name of the file:
"The Death Of Justin Timberlake."
Chapter 54
Michael's Choice
Justin and Michael stayed with Vicky the rest of the evening until visiting hours ended.
Michael kissed her goodnight as he left, Vicky smiling at him.
Steve drove them back to Vicky's apartment, Lonnie and Paulo following.
Before entering the apartment Steve told Michael what to expect.
The apartment had been ransacked, Steve had tried to tidy it up himself.
The writing was still visible on the living room wall.
Michael stared at it, Justin holding him close.
"What does he want with me." Michael said, mostly to himself.
Paulo and Lonnie grabbed some buckets and hot soapy water and scrubbed the wall clean while Justin took Michael into the kitchen.
They all tidied up the place, putting things back to normal, somewhat.
They'd picked up food on the way home, a couple of pizzas and wings.
Michael wasn't hungry.
Justin forced him to eat, Michael eating one slice of pizza.
After dinner Justin and Michael cuddled up on the couch, Lonnie and Paulo settling down a little while later with them to watch a movie.
Tigger curled up in Michael's lap while they sat on the couch.
Josh and Lance called, Justin updating him on Vicky. Michael talked with them for a few minutes, Josh and Lance both sending him their love.
Michael started yawning, Justin sensing his tiredness.
Justin ushered him off to bed after only thirty minutes of watching the movie.
Paulo and Lonnie said goodnight to both of them.
Michael was exhausted, Justin helping him undress and guiding him into bed.
"I love you, Jus." Michael said as Justin tucked him into bed,
Justin climbed into the bed beside him, snuggling up to him.
"Love ya back, babe."
Michael smiled falling asleep against Justin's bare chest.
Michael was walking in a dream. Or what he assumed was a dream.
He was in a chamber, dark and shadowed. Ahead of him stood a large platform.
On the platform stood a table, a large book resting open on it.
"Hello, Michael." A gentle voice said from the shadows behind the table.
Michael looked up to the platform seeing a man walk out of the shadows.
Michael immediately recognized the man.
Was it his father, or was it Fredrick?
Michael stared at the man, sensing his own powers come alive.
"Relax my son, do not be afraid. It is I, your father, not your hateful uncle."
Michael looked at him, seeing the golden hue of his eyes and the beautiful smile on his face.
Michael rushed up to the platform, wrapping his arms around the man.
The man enveloped him in his powerful arms.
"Oh, father, is it really you?"
Michael looked into his golden eyes.
"It's you, it's really you.." Michael was weeping, sobbing into the chest of his father.
"Yes, my son. My beautiful boy. My sacred angel."
The man held him as Michael wept, feeling the love he'd been denied for so long.
Michael eventually pulled away from him, staring into his golden eyes.
"I'm sorry my son, sorry for what I was forced to let you endure. I always wanted to be there for you, for your happiness and love. I was denied that by my own brother. And he hurt you just as much as he hurt myself. I'm deeply sorry for that." The man had tears flowing down his cheeks, Michael smiling at him, with his own tears showing.
"It's not your fault, dad. It was never your fault. I know now it was him, it was always him."
Ramone put his hands on his son's shoulders.
"I'm so proud of you son. So proud of the remarkable, loving, caring man you've become."
Michael smiled a wide smile, looking into his father's loving eyes, golden like his own.
"I come to you now, Michael, because I need to help you. To show you what you need to know."
Michael looked at his father, seeing the love he'd needed for so long.
His father walked over to a mirror hanging on the wall to the left of the table.
"Look into this mirror, Michael. You need to see what's going to happen."
Michael walked to the mirror, his father putting his arm around him.
Michael looked into the mirror, his father watching him with concern.
Michael saw the mirror change and a vision materialized in front of him.
He saw it all, what was to happen. He saw the place and knew the time. And he saw the two men. Who they were and what they were destined to do. What they were going to do to his Justin. He saw the final fate of his lover.
He saw it all unfold, Paulo's desperation, the courage of Lonnie, and finally, the tragic end result.
Michael sobbed, his father quietly holding onto him.
Ramone let Michael cry himself out. He stood there, his son in his arms, crying for his lover, for the man who'd loved him.
Michael looked up at his father.
"How does this help, father? How does seeing this help me? It rips my heart out."
Ramone looked at his son, again putting his hands on his shoulders staring into his golden eyes.
"This is an isolated future, Michael. God has shown you this for one single purpose. God wants you to make your choice."
"My choice? You mean the choice of which Daniel spoke of?"
Ramone nodded.
"Tell me, father. What is the choice?"
"I'm sorry, Michael. Even I do not know that. That is between you and God."
"But how do I know if I've made the right choice? What is the right choice?"
"Search your heart, Michael, and you will understand what that choice has to be."
Michael laid his head on his father's chest, Ramone hugging him close.
"I love him so much, he's my everything."
"I know son, I've seen your love grow. A greater love has never been known in this world. Out of great pain an unbelievable love has grown. But God has set you on a path, a path of his making. The needs of the many must outweigh the needs of the one. You are only one in this great plan, Michael. Your needs are secondary to the final outcome. I'm sorry, my son. Your choice lays ahead of you. What God wills to happen, must."
Michael nodded, feeling the depth of the words his father had spoken, and feeling the finality of it all.
"Then the future is certain? I cannot change it?"
Michael's father didn't answer him, he only looked into his son's moist eyes, seeing the despair there.
He turned and walked up again onto the platform, standing in front of the large book.
"This book is the book of Knowledge, Michael. In it is written all that's been, and all that will be. The future is the future. Anything written here must be played out.
Do you wish to read it, to see the truth of what will be, and what must be?"
Michael walked up to the table, looking down on the book. He felt a wonder fill his soul, as if he was in the presence of a great truth. He looked at the words written, but not focusing on them.
"No, father. I wish to remain oblivious. I'd rather walk through life living each day as it comes."
His father smiled at him, putting his hand on Michael's shoulder.
"You are your father's son. I believe the same as you, Michael. Each day is a gift from God, to be lived to its fullest."
Michael smiled, sensing that time with his father was running down. He looked into his father's golden eyes.
"I love you, Dad." He said, the emotions evident in his voice.
"And I love you, Michael. It's time to go, son. But I promise you, when you need me the most, I shall be there."
Michael hugged him close, smelling the cologne he'd always worn. It truly was his father.
"And tell my father, I love him. He's never been alone, I've always been with him."
Michael opened his eyes, his head resting on Justin's chest.
He looked around at the darkness of his apartment bedroom.
The clock on the nightstand read three o'clock.
Justin was sleeping soundly. His breathing relaxed and strong.
Michael looked up into his beautiful face, the tears falling from Michael's eyes.
Michael silently got up, walking into the washroom.
He closed the door and leaned against it. He didn't turn the light on. The darkness was what he needed most.
He closed off his mind, not wanting Justin to sense his distress.
He sank to the floor, great sobs issuing from his body.
He muffled them into his knees, not wanting Justin to hear.
Michael sat there for an hour, crying for his lover, for the loss he already felt.
Then he quieted down, and began to think.
He thought about everything that had happened, all that he'd learned, from all the people he'd talked to and all that was supposed to happen.
Then he felt a realization, deep inside him. It was something that so many had said to him. Everything came into focus.
The choice.
He now knew what it was.
And what his final choice had to be.
One simple phrase spoken by so many , and it meant only one thing to Michael.
What Michael had to do.
He got up quietly, going back into the bedroom.
He looked at Justin sleeping, the covers down around his waist. Michael looked at the beauty in front of him, his beautiful man.
"I love you, Jus. For you I do this. For only you."
He walked quietly out of the room, down the hall. He opened the door to Vicky's room, seeing Lonnie and Paulo sound asleep.
He walked down to the living room, sitting down.
He pulled some paper and a pen out of the drawer in the coffee table.
He sat quietly under the light from a small lamp, writing his truth, the truth they all needed to know.
He knew they all would be there when this was read. They'd all know what his love and happiness meant.
Justin woke up, seeing the early sign's of daylight shining in the window.
Michael was asleep against his chest, his bottom lip resting against Justin's right nipple.
Justin smiled looking at the man he'd come to love deeply.
They'd fallen asleep against each other last night, even as tired as they were they needed that connection.
And as always it filled Justin's heart deep with Michael's love.
Michael stirred beside him, opening his golden eyes.
"Good morning, Jus. I love you."
Justin smiled, kissing him on the forehead.
"Love you more, Mico."
Michael stared at him, as if he were looking into Justin's soul.
"A greater love has never been known in this world." Michael said, kissing Justin on the lips.
The remark surprised Justin. It was such a statement of truth and love.
Before Justin could reply, Michael was on top of him kissing him fervently.
Justin's excitement grew, feeling the burning desire in Michael.
Michael was on fire. His hands, lips and body attacking Justin.
Justin felt Michael's passion burning into his soul.
Michael was making love to him as if it was his greatest need.
Then Michael gave himself completely to Justin, his own need seemingly so great.
Justin made love to him with great passion and tender care.
He'd never felt Michael's responding to his touches and desire so exciting.
It was as if Michael needed this greatly.
Justin was crying when their lovemaking was finished, Michael holding him tightly.
"That was unbelievable, Mico. It's like nothing we'd ever experienced before. What's gotten into you?"
Michael looked up into Justin's blue eyes, the bluest pools of beauty Michael had ever known.
"Your love, your pure love. It's taking me to new heights of happiness, Jus. I love you so much, I needed to show you how much I love you, and how much you make me love you."
Justin leaned in kissing him deeply.
They lay together, their bodies against one another.
"Jus, I had a dream last night."
Justin looked into his eyes, not sensing anything but happiness.
"I saw my father, Jus. My real father. He was as I'd always remembered him. So caring and loving. He told me he was proud of me, that he was happy that I found love with you."
Justin smiled at him, kissing him again.
"I felt the love I'd always wanted, Jus. His love, the love I'd been denied."
Michael smiled, Justin seeing what this meant to him.
Michael then stared at Justin, his gaze penetrating deep into his heart.
"What is it, Mico? You're staring at me with the deepest gaze."
"I love you, Jus. I'll love you forever."
"As I love you, Mico." Justin leaned in kissing him again.
They got up, showering together, a little heated, but loving, just the same.
Michael began making breakfast for everyone, Lonnie and Paulo getting up about half an hour later to the smells of bacon cooking.
Everyone sat down to breakfast, Michael laughing with everyone, no one sensing any change in him.
Michael smiled at Justin, Justin feeling his love shining through.
"I love you, Jus." Michael said in Justin's mind.
"Love ya back babe." Justin replied.
"You were fantastic this morning, I wish we could do that all day." Michael thought.
"You're too much of a horndog today, Mikey. I don't think I could keep up." Justin winked at him.
Michael laughed out loud, Lonnie looking at him.
"Care to share the joke, Mikey." Paulo smiled.
"It's between me and my incredibly sexy boyfriend." Michael winked at Justin.
Justin blushed deep red, everyone laughing.
"Mikey, I love what you can do to Justin. It's priceless." Lonnied smiled.
"He knows I love him, and that he's fantastic" Michael licked his lips.
Justin couldn't believe Michael's desires so openly displayed.
"We should get ready to go down and see Vicky." Paulo said.
Michael's face changed a little, but his smile stayed on. Justin didn't notice but Paulo did.
Paulo didn't say anything, but he sensed something was wrong.
Michael and Justin went to their bedroom to get dressed.
Michael kissed and touched Justin while they dressed, Justin wondering why Michael was so touchy/feely suddenly.
"Man, babe. Your a bundle of testosterone today. "
"I can't get enough of you, I want to put you on and wear you as a second skin, your body excites me so much."
Justin laughed, Michael kissing his neck, sucking on the skin.
"Michael, is this because of yesterday, of my being jealous. Are you lavishing me with love to make me feel better."
Michael put his arms around Justin, looking in his eyes.
"It's simple, Jus. You excite me. I want you to see what you do to me. I love you so much, and want to show you that. I love you Jus. Don't ever forget that. I'm yours forever."
Justin looked at Michael, seeing and feeling everything Michael said was true.
"I'll love you forever, Michael. "
"Justin. will you always listen to me?"
"Yes, love. Always."
"I may say something to you in your mind soon, would you please do as I say."
Justin looked strangely at Michael, sensing something bothering him.
Michael smiled at him.
"Yes, Michael. If that's what you want, then I'll do it."
They kissed, Justin believing it was a sign of the depth of Michael's love for him. Michael knowing it could be the last true kiss of love.
They spent the morning with Vicky.
She looked so much better. Still bruised and black and blue, but her energy was back.
She was up and moving around, Michael wheeling her to the sunroom in a wheelchair.
She laughed and joked with everyone, Michael constantly smiling at her.
She felt Michael was hiding something. She didn't know why she felt that, it just came to her as she listened to him talking.
He talked about things in the past, times of laughter and fun. Justin's courting him, their favorite moments of happiness.
Justin was a ball of happiness, his love for Michael evident.
Even when Jake showed up that morning to visit, Justin's demeanor hadn't changed.
Vicky was told by Steve what had gone on between Justin and Michael in regards to Jake.
Justin actually told Jake what had happened between him and Michael.
Michael was amazed at that.
Jake felt embarrassed, trying to assure Justin that he wasn't after Michael. He looked at Paulo, Vicky immediately seeing where his affections were aimed.
Justin laughed it off, apologizing to Jake for any discomfort he'd caused him.
Justin put his arm around Michael and told everyone that he trusted Michael completely, his jealousy never again to show its ugly face.
"Love conquers all." He said, Michael smiling and kissing him.
What that meant, Vicky didn't know.
But she still felt something was wrong with Michael.
He seemed too over-enthusiastic, as if he was trying to overplay everything.
She needed to get him alone to find out what was going on.
Justin seemed oblivious to anything wrong.
Then it dawned on her.
That's what Michael wants Justin to think. He doesn't want Justin to know something's wrong.
Zach walked into the sunroom, smiling at everyone.
"Vicky, I'm happy to say you're looking wonderful today. It looks like you're free to go home tomorrow."
"Fantastic, Zacky. Best news of the day." Michael smiled at him.
Vicky saw the fakeness of his smile.
His eyes weren't smiling.
Everyone laughed at Michael's exuberance, everyone except Vicky.
"I'm a little tired again, can you wheel me back to my room, Mikey." Vicky said.
"Sure thing, Vicky. Let's go." Michael pulling the chair around and kissing Justin lightly.
"We're going across the street and picking up some lunch for everyone, babe. Meet you in the garden downstairs." He smiled, Lonnie and Jake smiling at Michael.
Michael's face changed slightly, Vicky and Paulo picking up on it, Justin did not.
"Sure thing, sweetie. Get me a chocolate milk shake." Michael smiling again.
Justin, Jake and Lonnie headed down the hallway, Michael watching them go.
When they'd disappeared into the elevator, Michael turned back to Vicky.
They both could see the tears in his eyes.
"What's wrong, Michael." Paulo and Vicky said together, looking at each other.
Michael looked at them both.
"Nothing, absolutely nothing. Everything is as it's supposed to be."
Paulo and Vicky exchanged glances, Michael wheeling her back to her room.
Neither saw Michael slip the envelope into Vicky's robe pocket while Paulo helped her back into bed.
Michael hung the robe over the chair opposite her bed.
"Michael, something's wrong. Call me stupid, but I've seen it on your face all morning. I know you've been trying to hide it, but it's showing through." Vicky said.
Michael lowered his head, then looked into her eyes.
She saw an acceptance in Michael's eyes.
"Promise me something, Vicky."
Vicky didn't like what Michael was saying.
"Okay, Mikey. What is it?"
He took her hands in his, smiling at her.
"I've seen a vision of you. You're going to meet someone special. Promise me that you'll always live life the way you've always done. You're such a free spirit, never lose that. I love you, Vicky."
Michael smiled, kissing her on the lips.
Vicky stared at him, not knowing what to say.
"Come on, Paulo. Let's go stare life in the face. Let's go meet the guys in the garden for lunch."
Michael got up looking at Vicky with a tear in his eye and a smile on his face.
Paulo and Vicky looked at each other, Paulo shrugging his shoulders.
He followed Michael out of the room, Michael not looking back.
They walked in silence down the hallway, getting on the elevator.
They were the only two on the elevator.
Michael turned and looked at Paulo.
He smiled at him and Paulo looked deep into his eyes. He also saw the deep acceptance in Michael's eyes.
"I'm so glad I met you, Paulo. I love you like a brother. Take a chance with Jake, Paulo. His love is there for you, you won't regret it."
Paulo looked shocked, staring at Michael, not believing that Michael knew his hidden desires.
Michael remained quiet as they descended.
They were almost on the ground floor, when Michael again said something.
"Forgive me, Paulo. They all had it wrong. One is important, when the one is Justin."
Paulo didn't understand what Michael was saying.
"What do you mean, Mikey?"
Michael smiled and walked out the opening doors.
Paulo never got to hear Michael answer his question.
They walked the short distance through the wide doors into the hospital garden.
They saw Jake and Justin sitting on a bench surrounded by lush vegetation. Lonnie was leaning against a tree.
Michael's vision was about to come true.
Michael smiled as Justin looked up at him.
He saw it all replaying again in front of him. His vision before his eyes.
He looked at Justin, his smile widening as he spotted Michael coming through the door.
Justin raised the chocolate milk shake in his right hand. Michael smiled at him, a tear falling down his cheek.
Michael walked forward to his destiny. Paulo walking ahead of him, smiling at Jake.
Michael saw the two men, coming from different directions.
He recognized both of them immediately.
Victor Ortez, Daniel's father. Michael couldn't forget his scruffy face, it was burned in his mind from the night he'd shot his own son.
Michael turned looking at the other younger man.
He'd changed his hair color and his eye color.
His face looked somehow different, more plastic, and smoother. Michael realized why.
Plastic surgery, of course. After a fiery car crash, you'd need it.
Michael was staring at the face of Paul Richards
Both men were walking towards the center of the garden, to Justin and Jake.
It was now time for Michael to change this future of this vision.
"Get down, Justin. Fall on the ground now." Michael screamed in Justin's mind.
Justin looked shocked doing exactly what Michael said, remembering what he'd said to him earlier.
Lonnie noticed Justin falling, not sensing what was going on until he saw the man pulling out a gun from under his coat.
Paulo saw the same thing, but he didn't have a chance to react.
The older man, who'd pulled out his gun first, frantically fired two shots.
One bullet hitting Paulo in the upper chest, Paulo falling forwards.
Jake screamed trying to catch Paulo as he fell forward, pulling him down on the ground with him.
Michael moved with lightning speed, falling down beside Paulo.
He reached into Paulo's jacket, pulling out his revolver, aiming it at Victor.
The gun exploded in his hand, the sound deafening to Michael.
The bullet hit Victor in the chest, propelling him backwards.
Victor landed on his back, shock registering on his face. He was grabbing his chest, struggling to breath.
Lonnie was at Justin's side in a flash, pulling his bulky form on top of him to protect him. He didn't know if there was only one man.
Jake was beside Paulo, holding him in his arms, Paulo fighting to not black out, the pain in his chest excruciating.
Michael tried to get up, his leg feeling on fire. Victor's second bullet had hit Michael mid-calf.
Michael saw Paul rushing forward towards Lonnie. Towards his Justin .Lonnie looked up, hearing someone approach.
Paul's foot hit Lonnie squarely in the face, knocking him backwards, away from Justin.
Justin lay exposed to the world staring up at a young, crazed looking man.
"The angel of vengeance shall destroy you." He said smiling evilly at Justin.
Michael sprang to life, seeing Justin laying on the ground and Paul pulling out his gun.
"No, God no. I won't let this happen." He screamed.
Michael thrust out his hands, his power flowing through them. It hit Paul squarely in the chest, knocking him backwards.
Michael was beside Justin in a flash, Justin trying to get up.
"Stay down, Jus. I love you, stay down."
Justin stared into Michael's golden eyes, seeing the truth there now. Michael had known this was going to happen, and Michael was trying to change the outcome.
"I love you, Jus. Always." Michael said staring into his blue eyes.
Paul was on his feet again, staggering, and aiming his gun. Aiming it for the center of Justin's head.
Time slowed down, Michael knowing what was coming. And in a split second of time, in the time it took for Paul to pull the trigger twice, Michael made his choice.
He stepped forward in front of Justin's prone body.
The first bullet hit him in the chest, the second entering his head on the left side of his temple.
As a reflex reaction, Michael's finger pulled the trigger on his gun, which still remained in his right hand.
His bullet hit the gun in Paul's hand, taking off one of his fingers, shattering the guns firing mechanism.
Paul screamed, dropping the gun, then running through the garden, disappearing out a doorway.
Michael fell forward, rolling onto his side, blood gushing from his chest and head.
Justin screamed his name in a heart-wrenching gasp of pure anguish.
Paulo stared at his cousin, watching him fall down, seeing the blood on his chest and on his face.
He'd failed his grandfather, he'd failed his family and most of all he'd failed Michael.
He sobbed, calling for Michael, as Jake held him in his arms, Jake crying also.
Justin crawled over to Michael's motionless body, taking him into his arms, cradling his bleeding head to his chest, where it had laid so many times before.
Lonnie struggled to his feet, screaming for someone to help them.
People came running through the doorway Michael had entered from, a doctor and two nurses.
Justin sat on the ground, cradling Michael in his arms, his blood soaking Justin's shirt.
Justin was lost, lost in a moment of time; his lover, the man he'd loved with all his heart had sacrificed himself to save him.
Justin felt that in his heart and his soul.
And Justin felt Michael's presence leaving him. His love remained, but the man was gone.
Justin thought out from his mind, calling for his Mico, hearing only silence.
Vicky lay in her bed, her mind was still on Michael.
She still couldn't get his words out of her mind. It almost seemed as if there was a finality to his words. As if he wouldn't be around for this mystery man to enter her life.
And his eyes seemed distant, as if a great weight was on his mind.
She owed him so much, her very life no doubt. His healing had saved her, she was certain of that.
She'd heard some kind of commotion outside her window, down on the grounds, which was below her fourth story room. She'd thought it sounded like gunshots.
Why would she be hearing gunshots at a hospital?
Her mind was still on Michael a few minutes later when she saw a nurse enter her room.
The nurse looked flustered, walking rapidly to the window. She looked down as if she was trying to view something.
"What are you looking at? " Vicky asked.
"There was a shooting downstairs a few minutes ago. Two men were shot. It happened down there in the hospital gardens. " The young nurse said, still looking down.
Vicky's heart stopped, her mind focusing on one detail.
The garden. Michael and Paulo had gone down there to meet Justin.
Vicky started trembling, her feelings taking over.
"Who was shot? Tell me who was shot?" She said loudly.
The nurse looked at her, seeing she was getting upset.
"I don't know, they've closed it all off. All I know is it was two men."
The door to Vicky's room swung open, Steve and his parents coming in, smiling at Vicky.
They saw her distressed look. Sensing something was wrong.
"What's wrong, Vicky." Her mother said with concern.
"There's been a shooting downstairs."
"Yes, we heard something about it a few minutes ago at the nurse's station.." Her dad said.
Steve put his arm around her, sensing something was really upsetting her.
"It's Mikey and Paulo. They're down in the garden, they're down there where the shooting was." She was starting to cry.
Steve looked at her with shock, getting up quickly.
"I'm going down, I'll find out what's going on. I'll find them, Vicky." He ran out of the room, Stella holding her daughter in her arms, looking at her husband.
Steve ran down the corridor, taking the stairs instead of the elevator. It was faster.
He came out on the ground floor, immediately surrounded by police.
"You can't go through here, it's closed off, please go back." Said a uniformed policeman.
"I'm looking for friends, they were in the garden. I have to find out if their alright."
"I'm sorry, you can't come through here." The officer said again firmly.
Steve looked past him and saw Jake coming through the garden doorway.
"Jake!" He yelled.
Jake looked towards him, Steve seeing the tears in his eyes and the blood on his shirt.
"Steve, over here." Jake beckoned to him.
The officer looked at him, and let Steve go through.
Steve ran up to him, putting his arm around him.
"Are you alright, Jake? Where's Justin and Michael?" Steve said with concern.
Jake started choking up, Steve seeing the raw emotion on his face.
He looked past Jake seeing the stretcher coming through the doorway.
It carried Paulo who was moving around to see behind him, a nurse trying to hold him down.
"Please relax sir, we need to get you medical attention."
Paulo was looking behind him, Steve following his gaze.
What came next turned Steve's heart cold.
Another stretcher followed, Michael was laying on it. His chest was covered in blood, as was his face.
A doctor was giving him CPR while a nurse was trying to stop the flow of blood coming from Michael's head.
Steve started trembling, realizing what he was seeing. Michael was dying, or dead.
Behind the stretcher walked Lonnie with Justin.
Justin had blood all over his shirt.
His face was a mask of raw anguish. His eyes were red with tears, and his lips quivered frantically.
Lonnie was holding onto him with all his might, as if Justin would fall down if he didn't have the support.
Lonnie looked towards Steve, seeing him and he immediately started crying.
Steve ran to them, looking down on Michael as the stretcher rushed past.
Justin was in Steve's arms in a moment, sobbing uncontrollably.
Steve held onto him, his own emotions lost.
Lonnie wrapped his arms around both of them.
"He saved us, he saved all of us. Why? Why did he do it?" Lonnie said, Steve not knowing what to make of that.
A doctor came out telling Steve that a room had been set aside for them for privacy.
Another nurse helped them move along quickly, Steve guiding Justin forward, the doctor following them.
They walked past the emergency rooms, where the stretchers had disappeared into, the nurse leading them down the corridor.
They came into a private waiting room, Steve sitting Justin down in a chair.
Lonnie sat down in another one, putting his head between his legs, crying deeply.
The doctor looked both men over quickly seeing no wounds or cuts. He quickly surmised that they were both okay, just in deep shock.
"You can stay here, no one will bother you. We'll let you know the status of your friends as soon as possible."
"Doctor, Michael, he's hurt badly, isn't he?" Steve said, the doctor looking at him.
"He has a gunshot wound to the head and the chest, he's in critical condition. We'll do everything possible to help him."
"Zach Warren is a surgeon here, he's Michael's best friend. Call him, let him help Michael." Steve said frantically.
The doctor nodded, promising he would.
The doctor left, leaving Steve with his two friends.
After a few minutes Jake came into the room, sitting down beside Steve who had his arms around a silent Justin.
Justin was in deep shock, saying nothing, as if he didn't see anyone.
Steve could only imagine what thoughts were going through Justin's mind.
Steve looked at Jake, Jake running his hands through his hair.
"What happened, Jake? What happened out there?" Steve asked.
Jake began to tell him what had happened, Steve never leaving Justin's side. Justin remaining quiet.
Lonnie looked up at Jake, listening to him tell the story, his own emotions still not under control.
"One of the bastards is dead, Michael shot him. The other fucker got away." Lonnie said, throwing a small chair across the room. Steve had never seen Lonnie so upset.
Lonnie sat down beside Justin, looking into his sad face.
"I'm sorry, Just. I'm sorry I didn't do my job, I'm so sorry I let them get to him." Lonnie was crying again.
Justin looked up at him, taking the large man into his arms.
"It's okay, Lon. It's not your fault. You did all you could do. And Michael did so much more. He saved me, I know now he did. I saw it in his eyes. He knew what he was doing. What he had to do."
Steve and Jake stared at him, dumbfounded.
Justin looked at them, both of them seeing his tortured eyes. The pain in them was immeasurable.
"Michael sacrificed himself to save all of us. I know now he did, I saw it in his golden eyes at the last moment, just before he told me he'd love me, always." Justin began crying again, Lonnie putting his arms around him now, comforting him, but to no avail.
Everyone remained quiet, deep in their emotions.
They all felt that Michael had done something for all of them.
Jake looked at Steve.
Steve patted his knee, asking him how Paulo was.
"They've taken him to surgery, his wound isn't critical, but they need to remove the bullet from his chest. He'll be okay, eventually. But I don't know about his heart." Jake said quietly.
Steve hugged Jake to him, now knowing that Jake and Paulo were interested in each other.
Steve stood up looking at Jake.
"Keep an eye on them, Jake. I'll be back. I have to go upstairs and tell Vicky what's happened. I came down here for her, she knows something's happened. I'll be right back, then we have to make some calls."
Jake nodded , sitting beside Justin, rubbing his shoulder, Justin oblivious to his presence.
Steve walked out of the room, seeing the officer he'd talked to earlier.
"Please post someone on this door. I don't want anyone bothering them, understand?" Steve said with firmness.
"Is it true it's Justin Timberlake and Jake Gyllenhaal in there?" The officer said.
"Yes, it is. And they need privacy. Their friends are in critical condition."
"I'll make it my mission that no one disturbs them, sir." The young man nodded.
"Thank you, officer Morrison." Steve said looking at his name tag.
"I'll return shortly. I'm sure the press will be descending on this hospital in droves."
"No one will talk to them, I promise you."
Steve smiled a small smile walking away.
Upstairs Vicky was in a panic.
What was taking Steve so long. He should be back by now. Her parents were quietly waiting with her, she could see their concern for their son.
The door opened on the room, Steve walking slowly in.
Vicky only had to look at his eyes and the blood on his shirt to know the truth.
He went up to her, taking her in his arms, looking at his parents.
"Michael's been shot, Vicky. It doesn't look good. They're fighting to keep him alive.
Paulo was wounded too, but he's not critical. Justin says Michael saved them all." Steve began crying again, his father holding him.
Vicky stared at her brother, now knowing the truth.
Michael had known it was going to happen, that's why he looked so different, why he tried to fool Justin.
She began crying, sensing that Michael was going to leave her.
That Michael may already be gone.
"Lets go see Justin. He's going to need all of us to help him get through this." She said, hugging her brother.
"You shouldn't, sweetie. You're still recovering."
"Nothing is going to stop me from being there for Justin. Nothing."
Steve saw the determination in her eyes, knowing nothing could change her mind.
Steve got her wheelchair, her mother helping her on with her robe.
Vicky was wheeled out and down the corridor to the elevator.
Downward they descended, Vicky putting her hand into her pocket to get a kleenex.
She felt something else there, pulling her hand back out, she saw a letter in it.
It was addressed to Victoria. She instantly knew the handwriting.
Steve looked at her, wondering what was wrong with her.
"You okay, Vicky. You look white as a ghost."
She traced her fingers across the letter, staying quiet.
Her parents exchanged looks as Vicky opened the letter. Inside was a written page and another envelope.
She opened the letter and began to read, a tear falling from her cheek.
My dear Victoria
Thank you.
Thank you for not stopping me. As I write these letters, I can't help but feel that you will have seen right through me, that you will figure out what's going on.
And knowing you, you probably have.
You always were able to read me pretty well.
But if you're reading this, then it may have worked.
What I had to do may have happened.
And if so, then please don't think bad of me.
It's what had to be done.
It was my choice, my decision.
I did it for only one reason.
For him.
For his love and my happiness.
Enclosed you'll find another letter.
It's for my Jus.
Read it to him, I don't think he'll have the strength to read it himself.
Please support him and love him. He'll need all of you. He's so special, I love him so much.
I love you too, my crazy angel.
Remember what I told you, stay as you are, and happiness and love will flow along with you.
Love ya, toots.
Michael
Vicky closed the letter putting it back in the envelope with the other.
Steve looked down at her, seeing her trembling.
She put the letter back into her robe pocket.
She sensed she should wait for the moment Justin needed the letter.
"You okay, VIcky?" Steve putting his hand on her shoulder, seeing her tears.
"Just a letter from an admirer." She smiled, wiping her tears.
They walked into the waiting room, bypassing the police officer standing outside.
Jake looked up, Steve seeing that Justin hadn't moved.
Jake hugged Vicky, she only looking at Justin.
She got up out of her wheelchair sitting down beside him.
"Hey, Jus. How ya doing, sweetie?"
Justin looked up into her eyes, Vicky seeing the lost look in his.
"He's gone, Vicky. I feel his love but I can't feel him. I think he's lost."
Vicky hugged him to her, Justin laying his head on her chest, tears flowing down his cheeks.
She felt his pain, knowing how lost Justin was without his Michael.
She felt the letter in her pocket, knowing what it might mean to him.
Everyone sat quietly, watching Justin and praying within themselves.
Steve began calling different people on his cell phone.
First he called Lynn, telling her what had happened calmly.
Lynn sank down in a chair stunned, Randall taking the phone from her.
Randall and Lisa were still there, they were all catching an early flight back home that night.
Randall said they would all head to Michael's home to catch Nana and Alberto before they left for the airport for their return flights home.
Nana needed to know from someone she knew.
Then Steve called Josh.
"Hello, Lance here."
"Hi, Lance. It's Steve."
"Steve? Is everything okay? Vicky's okay, isn't she?" Lance was concerned.
"Vicky's okay, Lance. But Michael isn't. There's been a tragedy."
Steve explained everything to Lance, Lance sitting down in shock, tears beginning in his eyes.
He hung up the phone, Josh walking into the room, seeing Lance crying.
He was beside him in a flash.
"What's wrong, Lance?" Josh looking into his tearing green eyes.
"It's Michael. I think he's gone." Lance cried into Josh's shoulder, Josh feeling his own heart break.
They all sat waiting, knowing the longer they waited, the more hope faded.
They all turned hearing the door open.
Zach walked in, looking at everyone, his eyes falling on Justin.
Justin stood up walking up to Michael's best friend.
"It's pretty bad, Jus. Michael has a lot of damage. To his brain and his heart. We have to operate now. It's our only chance. He needs surgery. But I won't lie to you, it doesn't look good. The damage is extensive. "
Justin saw the pain and anguish in Zach's eyes, seeing his love for Michael dying.
"Never give up on hope with Michael, Zach. He's too special to give up so easily."
Zach smiled at Justin, hugging him close. They both had tears running down their faces.
"I can't assist in the operation, because of personal reasons, but I'm going to be there, to give moral support. I'll stay with him, he won't be alone, Jus."
Justin smiled at Zach, kissing him on the cheek.
"Thanks, Zach. Thank you for loving him."
Zach released Justin, turning to everyone.
"Paulo came out of his surgery okay. He's sleeping. He'll be awake in a few hours if you want to visit him. As soon as I'm able to, I'll update you on Michael. But it may be a while, it's going to take a long time to repair everything."
Zach went up to Justin again, hugging him deeply.
"Justin, he loves you so much, I'll do everything I can."
Justin nodded, Zach walking out of the room.
Vicky stood up walking beside him.
"I love him just as much, I need him." Justin said to himself. Vicky holding him close.
Four hours later, everyone showed up.
They'd all flown together on Alberto's private jet.
When they walked into the waiting room, they saw a lost Justin. A young man who was missing half his soul.
Lynn held her son in her arms, Justin sobbing deeply.
Randall and Lisa comforting him also.
Nana stood alone, Silas walking up to her, gently holding her.
Justin looked up at her, Nana guiding him into her arms.
"My sweet, Justin, don't cry. Our Mico's love still glows in our hearts. Let's hold onto that. "
Josh and Lance sat looking at Justin and Michael's grandmother. Josh turning and looking at Lance, seeing the tears and sorrow in his heart. Josh hugged him close, Lance crying on his shoulder.
Alberto sat alone thinking of his new grandson, and the loss his death would mean. Not just to the family, but he sensed to the world.
Joey and Chris were still on the way, coming from Florida and New York.
They all sat down quietly waiting.
Everyone's thoughts were on one man, one special man fighting for his life.
They all looked up as the door opened.
Zach walked in, everyone looking at him, and Zach only looking at Justin.
Zach walked across the room, standing in front of Justin, then sinking to his knees, the tears flowing.
"Oh, Jus, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
Justin felt his heart crack.
End of Chapter 54.
What more can I say, my heart is a bundle of emotions.
I walk this journey with you, my tears flow with yours.
Angel.