My New Life Chapter 22
Like anyone who writes feed back,
good or bad is needed.
The good feed back, strokes our ego. The bad feed back, strokes
the delete key.
This story can also be found on my web site at:
http://www.geocities.com/midwestjames
Legal Disclaimer:
This story is totally fictional and is not meant to imply anything about the personalities of Justin Timberlake, Lance Bass, J.C. Chasez, Joey Fatone, or Chris Kirkpatrick of the music group *Nsync. If you are under the age of 18, offended by male/male material, or it is illegal to view such materials in your area, you should be leaving now.
My New Life
By James
Last time:
Marc was working at his computer aboard the tour bus when his instant messenger chimed in.
"From: Not a Angel"
"To: Phoenix Rising"
Hi, Marc. How is the tour going?
Phoenix Rising
Hi Angel girl. Hectic. But I'm having fun.
Not a Angel
You still in Chicago?
Phoenix Rising
Yes, we have a concert tonight. Then head for Indianapolis for tomorrow night's concert, then on to Lansing for a concert the next night.
Not a Angel
It sounds like you won't get much rest.
Phoenix Rising
We will be able to sleep on the tour bus.
Not a Angel
We? Is there room for the Colonel?
Phoenix Rising
Yes, plenty of room. To change the subject. How are your studies? Have you caught up yet?
Not a Angel
Yes, I am caught up. Now I am trying to get ahead so I can visit your country.
Phoenix Rising
You're coming! When? Where? For what?
Not a Angel
Starting the last week of August. I will be working on my new album. I will be recording it , in New York.
Phoenix Rising
Great! After the tour ends, I'm suppose to appear with the New York Symphony in mid September. Hopefully we can finally meet in person.
Not a Angel
I want to do more than just meet. Marc, I want you to work on the album with me.
Phoenix Rising
Oh, wow! If it could be arranged, Yes I would love to work on your new album.
Have your people contact my manager, Lynn Harless she can be reached through BMG, in Orlando.
Not a Angel
I will get my manager right on it. I do hope we can work together.
Phoenix Rising
So do I. I can't wait to tell the Colonel about this. Oh wait, I can't tell him about working with you. Until he figures out who you are.
Not a Angel
How about if I start e-mailing Colonel? Maybe if we talked he would figure it out.
Phoenix Rising
Sorry. Only the Colonel can give you his e-mail address. How about I give him your instant messenger ID? Go in and remove your ID from you personal information. I will bet he will try that first thing.
Not a Angel
That should work. I will do it right away. Lets see how long it takes to figure it out. Have you been able to perform with the boys yet?
Phoenix Rising
No not yet. I will be in the band for sound check today. If everything goes alright maybe the band leader will let me do a show soon.
Not a Angel
Well good luck with your sound check. I want to get started on everything. Hope to get back to you in a couple days. Have fun.
Phoenix Rising
Okay, Angel. Talk to you later. Bye.
Marc was shutting down his computer when he saw the limo pull in. Locking his laptop in a cabinet, Marc went to find Pete and tell him about "The plan."
Part 22
The Plan
"Has any one seen Marc?" asked Lance.
"Haven't seen him, but I heard Marc call Pete over the walkie talkie. He needed to talk to him.," said Chris.
The door opened and all heads turned to see Marc come in with a big grin on his face. "Hi guys, how the interview go?" Marc asked as he went over to Lance.
"It went alright. How did your morning go?" asked J C.
"I had a good workout. It helped me get things back in order," Marc replied.
"Have you figured out what to do about us?" asked Joey.
"Sure did," said Marc. Putting on his serious face, he looked at his three problems. "Pete has agreed with this. You three are to write a 1,500 word essay on the evils of drinking in public."
"What?!?" all three shouted , stunned at their punishment.
"To be typed, double-spaced, two copies, and it has to be done by next Tuesday," said Marc, as he turned to Lance and gave him a wink.
"You can't be serious," sputtered Chris.
"I don't believe this!" said J C.
Turning back to the guys Marc's smile grew to a broad grin.
"Shit, Marc, this is a joke. Isn't it?" asked Chris.
" Yeah, I was only kidding," admitted Marc.
"Well, what did you come up with?" asked Joey.
"Well, I didn't come up with this, Beth did." said Marc.
"Beth, our dancer?" asked Justin.
"Yeah, she came up with the idea," said Marc.
"Well what is it!" everyone said together.
"On our free night in Detroit, we all are attending a 50's sock hop. Correct costume is required," said Marc.
"What?" exclaimed Chris.
"To keep you guys out of trouble, I have made arrangements with the hotel for a large private meeting room. Some of the dancers and I will decorate it as a 50's high school sock hop. All Nsync personel will be invited for a evening of dancing and fun," Marc explained.
"How many will be attending?" asked Lance.
"It will be just the touring staff, no locals. If everyone shows up sixty-four."
"There aren't that many people on tour with us," said Chris.
Shaking his head, Marc said, "You guys need to visit the lower floors once in a while. There's more than your band and dancers. You have almost fifty support staff traveling with you; makeup, wardrobe, sound, lighting, and security just to mention a few."
"I just did not realize we had that many people on tour," said Justin.
"Well there is that many, and you guys need to get to know them. Talking with them can be real enlightening," said Marc.
"In what way?" Josh asked.
"It seems that there were five unnamed performers who were so into themselves and on an ego trip, that several of the dancers had considered not returning after vacation break. But luckily, for everyone, those five did not return," Marc said as he watched his five very embarrassed friends.
"I guess we were becoming a pain in the ass," Joe said softly.
"Like I said, luckily they did not return," said Marc. "Now what do you think about our solution to the problem? Think it will work?"
"Is it just a dance?" asked Justin.
"No. We are planning more than just a dance. At one end of the hall, we will set up a Malt Shop. That's were the food well be. We're planning burgers and fries, hot dogs, chili dogs, shakes, malts, and a full ice cream setup for sundaes and banana splits. I did mention that costume is required; well we are planning to award prizes for best costumes. Also a talent contest is planned. Oh! It has been decided you guys can not enter as a group. Solos, duets, or a trio will be permitted. You just can't perform as your normal group."
"And who decided this?" asked JC.
"The committee, and if you don't like it, you can volunteer to be on the committee for the next dance," smiled Marc.
"How many of these dances are you planning?" asked Lance.
"Four for right now. Each will have a theme. The first one being a 50's Sock Hop."
"What are the other themes?" asked Justin.
"Well, we think we will be doing a Country Western theme, we also talked about a Mardi Gras and a surfing theme. I suggested a toga party, but was shot down by the girls," Marc said with a smile.
"Yeah! Toga Party!" shouted Justin.
"Toga, Toga, Toga," all the others began to chant.
Marc just shook his head and laughed. "If you want it, you need to get involved," said Marc. "Right now the girls won't permit it."
"I know, we can get Marc to dress up as a Roman Gladiator and show the girls what they'd be missing," suggested Chris.
"I'd like to see that," Lance said .
Marc just grinned at Lance as the blush rose, and everyone else just laughed at his reaction.
The door opened as Pete stuck his head in. "Are you guys ready? Marc, Brian has been looking for you."
"Thanks, Pete," Marc said as he got up to leave.
The sound check went off without any problems. They went through all the numbers, but one, once. Joey had some problems with Giddy Up, coming in late.
After the sound check, Marc joined Lance and the guys for something to eat.
"Boy, Marc, it didn't take you long to fit into our band," observed Chris.
"When are you going to join us on stage for a concert?" quizzed Justin.
"I don't know. It's up to Brian, when he thinks I'm ready he'll let me do a concert with you," said Marc.
"Well you sure sounded ready," said Chris.
"Did you get over to St. John's?" asked Lance.
"St. John's?" asked Josh.
"Yeah, where the other half of us went last night," Marc said with a smile. "I dropped off tickets for tonight's concert. Father Andrew and the choir will be in the first two rows."
"I hope they didn't have too much trouble arranging transportation at the last minute," noted Lance.
"I had already arranged for a charter bus to pick them up. All Andy had to do is get permission slips signed. Most of the kids were already at the church. I don't think it took to long to get everyone signed up."
"What time will they be arriving?" asked Josh.
"If no one's late, the bus should be leaving St. John's at six. They should be here by six-thirty. Why?" Marc asked.
"Half of us haven't met your friends," Josh said. "How about you bring them back stage for a meet and greet."
"Yeah! That's a great idea," Justin eagerly agreed.
Marc was out front of the arena watching for the charter bus to arrive. He spotted it turning into the bus unload area. Running to meet it, Marc was able to reach it before anyone had a chance to get off. As the door opened, he stepped aboard and was greeted by Andy. "Hi, Marc, anything wrong?"
"Not really. We're just changing the location of where you all are getting off," said Marc. Leaning into the driver, Marc gave him directions to the secure area.
"Can I have everybody's attention," Marc shouted. "I'm glad to see everyone made it tonight. There has been a little change in plans."
"Yeah, our tickets aren't any good," shouted someone from the back of the bus.
"No! Your tickets are good; it's just I kind of have to sneak you in the back door. And hide you out until the first act starts," Marc said, while giving Andy a wink.
"What you do double book the seats?" asked Andy with a grin.
"In a way. I told my boss the tickets were for a group of twelve-year-old girls. And I did not expect to see him here tonight."
"But he did show up," Andy injected.
"Yeah, but the good thing is he always leaves right after the first act goes on stage. So, when he sees the seats empty he will assume no one is coming. And once he leaves you all can take your seats," Marc said pleased with his little story.
Andy gave Marc a `what are you up to look.' Marc and Andy got everyone off the bus and lined up. Going to the front of the line Marc announced, "You have to be super quiet. I will take you to a safe room to wait until the concert starts. Now everyone stay together."
Marc knocked on the door and it opened a crack. "Is it clear?" Marc asked someone on the other side. The door opened wide, and Marc led the group inside and down a long, dimly lit hallway. Taking several turns until Marc was sure no one knew where they were. Stopping at a door, Marc opened it to reveal a darken room. "Ok everyone just follow the wall on your left, when everyone is in we can turn on the lights."
One by one, everyone entered the room and followed the wall until everyone was in. Marc closed the door behind him throwing everyone into total darkness.
Reaching for the lights, Marc slowly brought up the light level, not wanting to blind anyone with bright lights. As everyone's eyes adjusted to the new light Marc's guests were greeted with smiling faces of NSYNC sitting at a table on the other side of the room.
Faking surprise, Marc exclaimed, "Oh, hi ,guys!"
Joey's smile faded as he turned his attention to Marc. "So, Marc, I see you're up to your old tricks, selling bootlegged tickets again."
All heads turned to see Marc's reaction. "Who me?" Marc asked indignantly.
Turning to his guests, Marc said, " Ladies and gentlemen, please take a seat," indicating the folding chairs in front of them.
With his nose still out of joint, Marc walked up to the front table ignoring Joey. "Bootlegged tickets, indeed," Marc said while snubbing Joey.
" Ladies and gentlemen, may I present you hosts for tonight, Justin, Chris, Lance, JC, and what's his name," bringing on a round of giggles from the choir. "Also known as NSYNC!!"
Marc made his way to the back of the room to watch his friends conduct the meet and greet, each one make opening remarks introducing himself to the group of fans. Then the floor was opened up for questions, and ended with everyone getting autographed photos. The boys spent over forty minutes with the room of fans, but it was time for them to get ready for their show.
Taking his guests on a more direct route, Marc showed them to their front row seats.
"Marc, thank you for everything. It's more than we ever expected," Andy said.
"Andy, enjoy the concert. We leave right after the concert so I won't get to see you again. You've got my e-mail, let's keep in touch," Marc said as he shook Andy's hand.
"Have a good summer, Marc. Enjoy your time with your friends. And take care of your guy. I think you have found what you have been searching for," said Andy.
As Marc was returning to the backstage area one of the stagehands called out, "Marc, Brian is looking for you."
"Thanks," Marc replied as he went off to find Brian.
As the opening act was into their last number Lance and the guys were playing around with the hackey sack. "Lance, have you seen Marc?" Justin asked.
"No. Not since the meet and greet," Lance answered. "He's probably still visiting with Father Andrew."
Pete came in and said, "It's time guys, you ready?"
"Yeah, let's do it," Justin said with enthusiasm.
Everyone followed Pete out of the dressing room to the backstage area where their band and dancers were waiting for the prayer before the show. Everyone formed a circle holding hands waiting for Justin to say the prayer. As Lance and Joey were about to join hands, Marc stepped between them taking their hands. Each turned to look at Marc, who was dressed in the costume of a member of the band. The three friends smiled as Justin gave the prayer. Giving his friends' hands a tight squeeze, Marc stepped back breaking contact. Taking his drumsticks out of his back pocket, he gave Lance a wink as he went to take his place on stage.
The show rocked. And before the last song the guys introduced their dancers and band. Lance and Justin had switched whom they would introduce so Lance could introduce Marc. Which he did with gusto,
" Sitting in on percussion, a great musician, composer, and awesome friend. From Big Bear Lake, Wisconsin. Give it up, for Marc Newman."
The show had ended a half hour ago and everyone was getting cleaned up. Lance sat on a couch in the dressing room waiting for his turn at the shower. There was a knock at the door, and then Marc entered still in costume, carrying his backpack. Smiling up at Marc, Lance asked, "Where have you been?"
"Doing the work you guys don't see. I had to help pack up the instruments," Marc answered.
Justin came out of the shower room still drying his hair. Spotting Marc, his face lit up in a big grin. "The man with the beat. Great job tonight, Marc."
"Thanks, Just. I had a blast tonight," Marc said.
"The shower is free, who's next," Justin announced.
Lance was getting up out of his seat when Marc made a dash for the shower and closed the door in Lance's face.
"Hey! I'm next," Lance shouted through the closed door.
Justin and Chris began to laugh at Lance yelling at a door. Grinning, Joey said, "Scoop, you need to move faster with Marc around. I'm surprised he didn't invite you to share the shower."
Just then, the door opened, Lance was pulled in, and the door slammed shut. Shaking his head, Joey went up to the door and pounded on it a couple times. "You two behave yourselves, and don't take all night in there," he shouted.
Pulling Lance through the door, Marc stopped all protests with a deep kiss.
Pulling back, all Lance could say was, "Wow."
Smiling at his love, Marc asked, "Want to share the shower?"
"You bet," Lance said as he started to pull Marc's shirt up over his head.
JC entered the dressing room after a talk with Pete. Looking around he saw everyone either had changed or was in the process of dressing. Counting heads, he asked, "Lance in the shower?"
"Yeah, he and Marc are in there, `Taking a shower'," Chris said, bobbing his eyebrows.
"At least I can hear the water running," said Justin with a grin.
"The next few days are going to be hard on them. There won't be much time they can be alone together," Joey pointed out.
Justin had been sitting with his ear to the wall, trying to listen to what was coming from the shower. Josh tossed a pillow at him, "Justin get away from there. Let them have some privacy,"
A little embarrassed at being caught, Justin said in his defense, "They can't be doing much. I only heard them talking with the water running."
With their showers finished and dressed in clean outfits, Marc was at the mirror combing his still damp hair. Lance came up behind him and wrapped his arms around Marc's waist as he looked over Mark's shoulder. "Feeling better?" Lance asked.
Marc smiled at their reflection. "Yeah, it turned out to be a great day," Marc said, turning in Lance's arms. "And thank you for the introduction tonight. It meant a lot to me."
"You don't think I may have over done it a bit?" Lance asked.
"You did have me a little worried. I was afraid you weren't going to end with awesome friend," Marc said with a chuckle.
Smiling shyly, Lance admitted, "Justin wouldn't switch with me until he knew what I was going to say. He had to edited my introduction."
"He did! What was left out?" Marc asked.
"Let's see. Handsome, sexy, great kisser, and passionate lover," Lance answered.
Marc's eyes grew big with surprise and he said, "I'm glad he edited your speech, or we both would have been looking for new jobs."
Leaning in, Lance gave Marc a soft kiss, "I would have been telling the truth."
"Just remember that when we can't find any private time over the next few days," Marc pointed out to him.
"Don't remind me, It is going to be torture," Lance said looking around the room seeing if they had forgotten anything. "Wonder what's going on out there, no one has been pounding on the door trying to hurry us up."
Going to the door, Marc put his ear to the door.
"Justin! Get away from the wall, stop trying to listen in on what they are doing in there," Josh said.
"I can't hear much, all they do is talk," Justin said a little disappointed.
Returning to Lance with a big grin, Marc reported., "Justin has his ear to the wall."
Smiling, Lance suggested, "Should we give him something to listen to?"
"James, you're reading my mind," Marc said as they went over to the wall where they knew Justin must be sitting.
Giving the wall a bump with his hip, Marc started, "Oooh yeah, that's it! Right there, yes! Yes!"
"Marc, are you sure you want this? I don't want to hurt you," Lance said struggling not to giggle.
"Yes, James, I want it. Just be gentle," Marc panted.
"Oh, God! This is tight."
"Slow down, James, "it"