My New Life

My New Life

This is the first attempt at a story that has been kicking around in

my head for some time now. It is to be a story of friendship that develops

between the main character, Marc Newman and the guys of N SYNC.

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. If you are looking for a story with lots of sex, go away! This is a story of friendship and only time will tell which direction it will take.

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. My e-mail: midwestjames@yahoo.com

This story can also be found on my web site at: http://www.geocities.com/midwestjames

A special thank you goes out to Garret, my new friend and now my editor.

With his help we will hopefully eliminate the annoying spelling and typo errors. And now on with the story.

Last time

Pulling up to the cabin, Lance woke the sleeping pair and everyone dragged themselves into the cabin. Marc spotted a note on the kitchen table. Picking it up and reading it he let out a little groan.

"What's up Marc?" asked Josh.

It seems we spend your last day here at the lake. Dad and Sara are coming over for a cookout."

"That's ok with us, why the groan?"

"I forgot, I have twelve cub scouts coming for a cookout and swimming. Sara's note was to remind me."

"How old are they?" asked Justin.

"They're all twelve I think."

"Cool, they should be fun." said Justin.

"Yeah, that will give you someone to play with." said Chris.

Everybody was tired so the parade to and from the bathroom began. Marc was the last one to get changed. Going to his room he found a very red headed Joey curled up in his bed.

"Hi Joe. I wasn't expecting to see you tonight."

"Justin fell a sleep in my spot talking to Josh. So I'm taking his spot."

"Cool" said Marc as he got into bed and turned off the light. Turning on

his side he looked at Joe .

"Marc, why are you looking at me?"

"I just wanted to see if your head glowed in the dark."

Hitting Marc in the arm, Joey said, "Very funny."

"Good night Joe."

Part 11 Marc's Farewell

Marc awoke to the soft snoring of Joey. Turning his head to watch his friend sleep he thought, 'Boy, am I going to miss you guys. I've never had close friends before, I've really enjoyed this week. Alright, Marc you have to stop doing this to yourself. Tomorrow they go back on tour. They will walk out the door and you will become just a memory. You'll see them at the concert, but then we will be on with our separate lives. Ok Marc, get your ass in gear. You have people coming today. Keep yourself busy and stop thinking about what can never be.'

Getting out of bed, Marc headed for the bathroom to shower and get dressed. He bumped into Justin as he came out of the bathroom.

"Morning Just."

"Morning." he mumbled with half closed eyes.

"You heading back to bed?"

Justin just nodded and walked into a wall.

Laughing at Justin, Marc lead him back to his side of the bed and tucked him in.

After dressing, he went into the kitchen to make a list of what he needed to get for the cookout. Opening the refrigerator he was surprised to find it full. Evidently Sara brought the needed food with her yesterday when she left the note.

'Well I think a good breakfast is in order for the day. It looks like we have enough for a feast. Let's see, pancakes, French toast, bacon, sausage, eggs, and biscuits and sausage gravy. If that's not enough, there is always cereal.'

The smell of breakfast cooking got everyone up and going.

"Morning Marc. Are you cooking for an army?" asked Lance with a grin, after seeing the spread.

"We will need all the energy we can get today. We have twelve kids to keep an eye on."

"Well, there are six of us so that's two apiece, that shouldn't be too bad." said Joey.

"Yeah, that's one kid per eye." joked Chris.

"I hope you like going around cross-eyed. Because you know they're going to be everywhere and into everything. Our only hope is some of them are fans and you get them to follow you around all day."

"Too bad they're boys. Girls would be easier to control." said Justin.

Everybody stared at Justin in disbelief.

"Yeah, if you wanted to end your career, I can see the headlines 'Nsync Hosts Wild Party for Dozen Underage Female Fans. Pictures on

pages 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12.'" said Marc.

"You know I didn't mean it like that. I just . . . Oh hell, that's why I'm no good first thing in the morning. You know my brain doesn't work until I've had breakfast." said Justin.

Swatting Justin up the back of the head, Lance said, "Watch your language Justin! Especially around the kids."

Marc glared at Lance, not approving of his actions.

"Come on, let's get breakfast over with before my guests start showing up."

At breakfast the day's activities were discussed. It was decided that Marc and Lance would take care of the food. Justin and Joey would take care of the jet-ski riding, taking the boys out one at a time and riding tandem. Josh and Chris would keep an eye on the swimming and on shore activities.

"It looks like we have everything covered." said Chris.

"Well actually we do have two more helpers, my Dad and Sara. I expect Josh

will have some help." smirked Marc.

"Yeah, Josh can always use some help, does your Dad do brain transplants?" asked Joey as he ran out the door, with Josh not far behind.

Hearing a car pull in, Marc went out to greet his Dad and Sara.

Tom smiled at Marc as he got out of the car and quickly walked over to them.

Marc went up to his Dad and gave him a big hug. The hug lasted longer than

normal and Tom felt a shudder from Marc. Stepping back, he looked at Marc with concern. "What's wrong?" he whispered.

Hesitating Marc softly said, "Nothing, I'm just glad to see you."

Coming around the car, Sara noticed Marc's reaction to her father's question. "Hey, don't I get any of that?"

Smiling at Sara, Marc enveloped her in a big bear hug. "Of course you do. Don't I always share?" he said while picking her up and swinging her around before putting her down with a kiss on the cheek.

"We've got ice in the trunk, let's get it unloaded and the get the soda cooled down." said Tom.

"CHRIS!! JUSTIN!!" shouted Marc.

Justin and Chris came to the door "What you need?"

"We have a trunk full of ice and soda. We need to get it into the tubs on the patio."

Tom picked up two cases of soda while Justin and Chris grabbed bags of ice and they all headed around the house to the patio.

As Marc went to grab some ice out of the trunk, Sara stopped him with a hand on his arm. Looking at him and knowing something was wrong, she asked, "Do you want to talk about it?"

Smiling at his sister with misty eyes, Marc nodded his head, "But not right now, later, ok?"

"Sure. How about a walk later?"

"Yeah, later." Marc said as he picked up his load and headed around back.

While Lance was getting the grill set up, Marc went down to the boathouse. He found Joey fueling the jet-skis.

"Joe, how is the fuel? Will we need more?"

"Yeah, I used the last of it topping off the tanks. I'll go and fill the cans in a bit."

"Ok, take my car. The body shop will be here this morning to pick up the van and return your rental. My keys are on the hook by the front door."

Chris entered the boat house asking, "Is there any thing you need me to do?"

"Oh, Chris, good. Will you help me set up the volley ball net?"

"Sure, what else needs to be done?"

"We need the safety equipment taken out to the dock. The hook pole and both flotation rings, if something goes wrong we don't want anyone losing his life trying to be a hero."

The boys showed up around 10:00 and to everybody's surprise no one seemed to be recognized. In fact, the scouts thought it was neat that these older guys were willing to spend the day with them. Swimming and jet skiing took up the morning. Marc and Lance had lunch ready by 1:00 and called everyone in to eat.

After lunch everyone joined in a volley ball tournament. There were enough people to make four teams of five players. Marc's team was eliminated in the first round. After watching the others play the next round Marc found himself standing by the water's edge, deep in thought.

Sara came up beside Marc, and not saying anything, took his hand, standing with him. He squeezed Sara's hand as they turned and walked down the beach. They walked for ten minutes without saying anything.

"Marc, what's wrong? Did something happen this week?"

Marc, smiling slightly, said, "Yeah, I made some new friends."

"You've made friends before."

"I know. But never close friends, up until this week you and dad were the only people I was really ever close to."

"Why is that?"

"Afraid, I guess."

"Afraid of what?"

"Letting people get too close. I was afraid of being hurt by them."

"You weren't afraid of dad and me. Why?"

"At first, when I woke up, everything scared the shit out of me. Everything was so new. Everybody was a stranger, hell, I was a stranger to myself. I didn't know who to trust."

"It didn't take long for you to trust us."

"You two had a head start. I got to know and trust you while I was still in the coma. I knew even then, that you would never hurt me and that you cared for me. After I woke up, you taught me how to trust and how to love."

"So what's the problem?"

"I made five really good friends this week."

"And that's a problem?"

Walking quietly for a few minutes, Marc finally said, "Sara, they're more than just friends."

"Really, how much more?"

"Do you think dad would mind adopting my five brothers?" said Marc with a smile.

"Oh, you did get close. So why are you so down?"

"They're leaving tomorrow." Marc said, as his eyes filled with tears.

Sara looked at her brother's face and wiped a tear from his cheek, "Boy Marc, you've got it bad, don't you."

Marc stood there, looking at the sky, not saying anything.

"May I ask which one you fell for?"

He replied with a sigh, "All of them."

"You're in love, with all of them?" asked Sara, a little astonished.

Giggling Marc said, "I'm not in love with them. I love them. I've found something that's been missing in my life for so long. Tomorrow they leave and I don't want them to leave."

"Oh, for a minute there I thought we were going to have a fight over Josh."

"I must say, sis, he is cute. And from what I've seen in the shower . . ."

"Marc, I don't want to hear this!"

"Don't you want to know what he . . ."

"No, thank you. I'd rather find out for myself."

Marc stood there grinning at his sister as the blush rose in her face.

Hitting her brother in the arm, she said, "Marc! You ass. You set me up again."

Laughing Marc said, "When, or if you ever find out for yourself, I think you won't be disappointed."

"That good?" she replied, smiling shyly.

"Maybe even better than good." grinning broadly.

"This is too weird. Talking about my boyfriend with my brother."

"Boyfriend? Josh sure works fast. When did you two have a date that I wasn't at?"

"Marc, I do like Josh a lot. And if there's any chance . . ."

"Sara, the odds are with you. He likes you too."

Smiling, "He does?"

"There's a full moon out tonight. Why not get him to take a walk."

As Sara took Marc's hand, they continued their walk.

"Marc, how much do they know about you?"

"Just the main story. How I came to be here. And school."

"Do they know about your . . ."

"Sexual orientation?"

"Yeah, that."

"Why can't you say it?"

"I don't know."

"Have I disappointed you that much?"

"Oh no, Marc. You've never disappointed me. It's just the word gay. It doesn't fit you. I know you are attracted to men. But you just don't fit the stereotype of the word gay."

"Yeah, I guess I don't fit the stereotype. That's not me. And to answer your question, no they don't know."

"Are any of them gay?"

Laughing, Marc answered, "How would I know?"

"I thought you could tell."

"Sara, this myth about gaydar, is just that. If Justin showed up for breakfast in a dress then maybe I would know if he's gay. But until they tell you, there's no way to know for sure."

"Is there anyone you're interested in?"

"No! They're my brothers, it wouldn't be right."

"Ah, there is someone your interested in, isn't there?"

"Sara, drop it please."

"Ok. What about next week?"

"Oh, I plan to attend their concert on Friday."

"What about Saturday? Do they know about you and the symphony?"

"No, I haven't said anything about that."

"Why not?"

"They leave the next day for Milwaukee, they have interviews and rehearsals set for that day."

"I think you should tell them. I'm sure they would want to be there for you. After all how many times do you get to conduct a symphony orchestra?"

"Well, funny you should say that. The Chicago, Boston, New York and Houston symphonies are all interested in Winter End for their fall/winter schedules."

"Oh Marc, that's wonderful. When did you find out?"

"This morning, when I checked my e-mail, there were messages for me to call them."

"They all want you."

"No. They are just interested. I think it will hinge on the PBS Concert broadcast. If they like what they see, than we will talk about scheduling."

"Well, Dad and I plan to be there for support. You did get us seats?"

"I didn't get you seats, I got you a box."

"Marc, please think about telling them about your concert. I think they would want to be there for you."

"I'll think about it. Let's head back."

"Marc."

"Yes"

"Are you going to tell them about Marcus?"

"No. I'm not ready to deal with Marcus right now. Can we just drop the subject?"

"Yeah, sure." "Marc"

"Yes Sara."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

Upon returning from their walk Marc found the scouts busy cleaning up the yard and returning all the equipment to the boathouse in preparation for leaving. Spotting Marc on the beach, the scouts went over to thank him for

the great day. Marc and the boys talked as he walked them to the waiting vans. After saying his final good byes Marc went back to the patio area.

"That went well." said Chris.

"Yeah, no one recognized us." said Justin.

Giggling at their comments, Marc said, "I hate to burst your bubble, but

you were recognized. The kids were just being cool, not letting on that they knew who you were."

"Really, how do you know?" asked Lance.

"Before they got in the vans to leave, they asked me to see if I could get your autographs for them."

"They were cool." said Chris.

"Of course, I wouldn't expect anything else, their scouts." smirked Marc.

"What are we doing for supper? I'm getting hungry." asked Justin.

"Just, you always seem to be hungry." laughed Marc. "But I'm afraid it will

have to be leftovers."

"Hot Dogs and hamburgers again!" whined Justin.

"No. Sara brought steaks for tonight. Besides there wasn't anything left from lunch."

"Cool, can I cook? I cook great steaks." asked Justin.

"That he can do," said Lance with a smile, "Steak, grilled cheese and cereal."

"Well, I won't have to worry about you ever starving." laughed Marc. "I'll take mine medium, Justin."

The meal, for once today, was not rushed. And Marc had to admit Justin could cook steaks. The meal was very relaxed and conversation was on the light side. Marc sat quietly, enjoying the time he had left with his friends.

While the dishes were being cleared, Marc slipped away and went down to the dock to think.

"Sara, is there something wrong with Marc? He was very quiet tonight." asked Josh.

Hesitating, and not knowing if she should say anything, she replied, "Marc is just a little bummed out."

"Why?"

"You guys are leaving in the morning, and he's having a rough time dealing with it. He's grown attached to you guys." said Sara. Looking up at Josh she found a very strange look on his face.

"Shit! We forgot to make the call today!" exclaimed Chris as he rushed into the cabin for his cell phone. Punching numbers as he returned, he put the phone to his ear then mumbled under his breath as he tried another number. "No answer. Pete must have his cell off."

"Chris, check your voicemail. Maybe he left a message there." suggested Lance.

Chris punched the number to his voice mail and listened. "There are two messages."

"Well?" quizzed Justin.

"Hold on, the first one is from my mom." he said while holding his hand up to keep everyone quiet. Chris listened to the second message. As he did he got the biggest grin on his face.

"Yes!"

Pushing the button to repeat the message, he handed the phone to Joey. The phone was passed to each of the guys as they all listened to the message. Josh was the last to listen.

Looking at the five grinning band mates, Sara finally asked, "Josh, what's going on?"

Still grinning, Josh said, "The call was from our management. We all asked if we could bring Marc on tour with us. And they agreed."

"Let me get this right. You all want Marc to go on tour with you?" she asked.

"Yeah. Don't you think he'll want to go?"

"The only one who can answer that is Marc, and I think you need to talk to him."

"You're right, let's go talk to him." said Justin.

"Wait," said Lance, "If we all go, it will seem like were ganging up on him. I think only one of us should go."

Everyone started to look at each other. Passing glances between themselves, four sets of eyes came to rest on Joey.

"Joe, will you go talk to Marc?" asked Lance.

Marc was standing on the end of the dock looking out over the lake and at the night sky when he heard footsteps coming up behind him. Quickly drying his face, he looked to see Joey approaching, "Hi Joe."

"Marc" Joey said softly. "Marc, you know tomorrow we leave to start this half of our tour."

Weakly Marc answered, "Yes, I know."

"Well, there's a problem. Management requires us to double up on the rooms to keep costs down."

"With there being five of you, doesn't one of you get a room to yourself?"

"Yes. And this time I'm the one who gets the room to myself."

"So what's the problem?"

"I don't want the room to myself."

"Ask someone to switch with you."

"I did, and no one will switch. I was wondering if you would like to be my roommate?"

"What?"

"Marc, I want you to come on tour with me and be my roommate."

Getting upset and shaking his head Marc said, "Joey, this isn't funny."

"Joe is serious, Marc," said Josh from behind him.

Turning, Marc found the other four standing behind them.

"Marc, we all want you to come with us tomorrow, and spend the rest of the summer with us." said Chris.

"What are you going to do, hide me in a suitcase all summer?"

Laughing, Justin said, "No, management wants to talk to you about a job. It seems our web master took a job with someone else. And you do know computers."

"A job on your staff, and I will get to travel with you, and hang with you, when you get free time. Right?"

"No" said Joey. "You will be Pete's assistant in charge of our web site. And you will be my roommate. You will live with us, eat with us, and go to meetings, rehearsals, and concerts with us. I would say that by the end of summer you may be sick of us."

"I doubt that I'll get sick of you guys. But since Joe does need a roommate. I could try it." Marc said with a smile.

"Great." said Justin. "How long will it take you to pack?"

"Pack? Oh, I have to pack. How much should I take?" asked Marc, excitedly.

"Calm down," giggled Lance, "I'll help you pack."

Sara was watching what was going on at the dock when her dad came up to her.

"What's going on?"

"It looks like my brother is going to be traveling this summer."

"Oh? Where will he be going?"

"An all summer sleepover with N SYNC." she said smiling, "The guys want to take Marc with them on tour."

"Oh. Is there something more I should know?"

"Yep. Marc wondered if you would be willing to adopt his new brothers, too."

"Is that all?"

• • • Part 12 A Beginning

For Marc the rest of the evening was a blur. But with Lance's help, Marc managed to get his clothes together. By 10:30, Marc had calmed down enough for his brain to kick in and he was able to function on his own.

Going to the den he pulled a laptop computer out of a cabinet and connected it to his main computer. He sat for a minute, thinking about what he was going to need on the road.

Chris came into the den and found Marc quickly typing on the computer. "Marc, what's wrong? Did you and your computer have a fight? You're not talking to each other."

Smiling at Chris's comments Marc said, "Yeah Chris. The old lady here got jealous when the new lap chick came into the picture . . . Actually the voice system doesn't work when they are linked together. I was just transferring the programs I will need to my lap top."

"How much are you taking?"

"Just the main programs, stuff I think I'll need for web page work, and my music programs. And in a few moments the laptop will become the main control unit. There!" said Marc, pressing the last button.

Plugging a head set into the laptop, Marc said into the mic, "Computer."

The computer said. "Please identify."

Marc said. "This is my tree, don't pee on it."

Identity confirmed.

Computer, connect to slave unit.

Connection confirmed.

Access protocol, Marc 101

Marc 101 ready.

Computer, engage Marc 101.

Marc could hear the computer's modem engage and numbers being dialed. The screen on the desktop computer was showing rapidly changing images of data. It was changing so fast that Chris couldn't identify anything. "Marc what's going on?"

"Oh, right now I'm dumping my hard drives. This should take about an hour."

"Won't you need any of that information?"

"I'm not erasing the data, I'm uploading it to 23 computer main frames around the world. That way I will have access to all my files, anywhere in the world that I may be, without any problem."

"How much are you uploading?"

"Almost 250 gig. Actually, most of it is already there. I use these sites for storage. You might say I'm backing up my hard drive. Just in a big way."

"What will happen after everything is backed up?"

"Then my desktop will format the hard drive, removing all data, and the laptop will reload the operating system and security system."

"Then what?"

"Then I will be able to secure the desktop from anyone accessing it. And with the laptop, I will be ready to travel."

Marc went out back looking for his dad and found him lying on the grass looking at the night sky. Sitting next to him, Marc asked, "Did Sara finally get Josh to take a walk with her?"

Sitting up, Tom said, "They wondered off about half an hour ago." "How are you doing?"

Smiling, [Marc replied,] "I still don't believe what's happening. Today I was trying to come to terms with having to say goodbye. And now, I'm packing to go with them."

"Marc, are you sure about this? Is this really what you want to do?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Dad, this last week has been my happiest in a long time. I have found five someone's to fill part of what is missing in me."

"Are you sure their celebrity status doesn't have something to do with this?"

"No, I've only seen a small part of that side of them. What I have seen, is five great guys, who are interested enough in me to want to share part of this summer so we can get to know each other better."

"Marc, I think the key word here is share. Are you willing to share everything with them?"

"Dad, in time, I know I will have to share everything with them. And I can only pray they will accept me, for me."

"Son, I hope you're right. But what about Saturday? When do you plan to tell them about that?"

"I need to talk to their management first. Justin's mom will be there.

I will fill her in on what all I'm into." Marc said, with a laugh, "She may turn and run when she finds out what I have in the works."

"Marc, I hope it all works out for you. I just want to see you happy." He yawned, "I wonder what's keeping your sister?"

Laughing, Marc replied, "Dad, why don't you head home. You look beat and it's been a long day. I'm sure Josh will be willing to see her home."

"You're right," said Tom, as he got up, "Now, you have a good time and keep in touch."

Giving his dad a hug, Marc said, "I promise. And when you come down Saturday will you bring my tux? Everything is in the blue garment bag in the right side of my closet."

"Sure, no problem. Now, have a good time and behave yourself. I love you, Marc."

Hugging his dad one last time, Marc added, "I love you too, dad."

Marc was sitting on a bench on the patio when Sara and Josh strolled up from the lake holding hands. They stopped and kissed before going into the cabin and didn't notice Marc sitting a few feet away.

Clearing his throat, Marc said, "Sorry. Dad went home awhile ago. Josh can drive you home."

"Thanks Marc," said an embarrassed Josh.

"Josh, would you mind if I had some time with my sister? To say goodbye."

"I'll meet you out front," said Josh.

Sara sat next to Marc, took his hand, and asked, "How are you feeling now?"

"A lot better. I didn't expect anything like this to happen. I was prepared for something completely different."

"Marc, I hope you find what you're looking for in this. These guys like you a lot. Be honest with them. If they truly are your friends they will support you."

"I know, but I need to talk to management first. I want them there Saturday and I only hope we can work it out. I also need you to see that dad brings my tux with you when you come up Saturday."

"No problem. Anything else?"

"Will you see that the food in the fridge doesn't go to waste?"

"Ok, would you like me to do your laundry too?"

Laughing, Marc replied, "No. But I do need a favor. Will you take care of my mail for me?" He asked this as he handed a checkbook to Sara.

"You're on this account so you can sign the checks. Pay the bills as they come in. If anything comes in that you think I need to see, just fax it to me. I'll get you a schedule as soon a possible."

"What if I need to get a hold of you?"

"Use e-mail, I will check several times a day. Or just call Josh. I know you have his cell number. He can relay a message."

Getting up, Marc walked Sara to the car, "Now little brother, you have fun. Don't worry about anything here. And we will see you . . . ahem, you know when."

Wrapping his arms around her and hugging her tight, Marc said, "I plan to. I love you, Sis."

"Love you too. Bye."

"Bye."

Marc awoke at his usual time but this morning he decided not to go on his run. He quietly got out of bed, not disturbing Justin. Taking a quick shower he dressed in jeans and his polar bear shirt. After pouring a large glass of orange juice he went out onto the patio to watch the sun rise.

A sleepy eyed Josh noticed Marc standing out on the patio. Walking out in his bare feet, he said, "God, Marc, it's cold out here."

"Morning, Josh. I'm not out here in my bare feet and underwear."

"The sun rise sure is beautiful." said Josh.

"I imagine you don't get to see many of these when you're on tour."

"Only if we're still up when we are on the bus."

"Bus? How much time do you spend on a bus?"

Laughing at Marc's reaction, Josh replied, "Oh yeah, the bus. Didn't anyone mention the bus? Well, let me fill you in. We travel with three busses. One is for us, and the other two are for support staff. Our bus has a small kitchen area, a bathroom with a shower, sleeping bunks, and a large media lounge."

"Sleeping bunks. How much use do they get?"

"A lot. Marc after we do a show, we leave immediately for the next city. It usually takes us a couple hours to unwind than we hit the bunks for some rest. We sleep until we get to the hotel, then, depending what is on the schedule for that day we might get a couple more hours of rest. Only when we are in a city for several days do we get to know a real bed. So your bunk on the bus becomes very familiar."

"Josh, it's too cold for you to be out here, you're starting to shiver," Marc said as he went into the cabin.

"What other goodies have you all neglected to mention?"

"Well, hotel food varies, some good, some bad. We can't leave the hotel without security. There are hours of interviews, all asking the same questions, with us giving the same answers. Photo shoots, costume fittings, rehearsals, sound checks, performances, studio time, and in there, somewhere, we find personal time."

"Bad food. I don't know if I can put up with bad food." Marc said, with a grin. "Do you think your security is fit enough to keep up with me on my morning runs?"

"I doubt your running will be a problem unless one of us goes along. Than I doubt any of the current ones could keep up on foot."

"Who can't keep up?" asked Joey, coming into the kitchen.

"Security, if any of us joins Marc on his runs," said Josh.

"That would be interesting. I doubt they could make it a quarter mile before they would call for a van to follow," said Joey

"It must make you feel all warm and comfy knowing you're being protected by such an in shape security team," smirked Marc, "Why don't you two get everybody up and going while I start breakfast."

Everybody took their cue from Marc as to the outfit of the day: jeans and their polar bear shirt. Justin came to breakfast carrying his shirt. As he sat down with his bowl of cereal he noticed everyone looking at him.

"What?"

"Have we a new dress code for breakfast," asked Chris.

"I just didn't want to get anything on my new shirt. I'll put it on after I'm done eating."

Everybody exchanged looks and shrugged, then they all removed their shirts.

"And you say I never have good ideas in the mornings," said a grinning Justin.

Smiling, Marc said, "This practice would really be interesting to observe if we did this in a restaurant."

"Management would have a cow," said Lance, "Let's do it some morning."

"I'll do it only if Lance does it first," said Joey.

"Yeah, me too," said Chris

Justin and Josh also agreed. That left Marc as the only hold out. Looking at Marc, Lance said. "We all have to agree on this. We do it as a group or not at all."

"Something tells me I'm going to regret this. Ok, but please, Lance, not on my first week on a new job. They can't fire you all but they can fire me."

"Ok, we'll only do it when management pisses us off about something." said Lance.

The breakfast dishes were washed and the van was being loaded when Josh's cell rang.

"Hello."

"Morning Josh."

"Morning Sara."

"Have you all left yet?"

"No. We are still loading the van."

"Is Marc near by?"

"No, he's locking up the cabin. Do you want to talk to him?"

"No. I just wanted to ask you a big favor."

"Sure, what can I do?"

"Will you keep an eye on Marc?"

"Sure, why?"

"As long as I've known him he only functions when he has control of his life. He is giving up that control by going with you. He is giving himself into your hands and I'm not sure how he will handle it."

"What could happen?"

"He is prone to panic attacks, and he will just shut down."

"Justin had one of those earlier this week and Marc recognized it right away and knew how to handle it. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on him."

"I know this may never happen but I'm glad you're there for him. You have my home and work numbers so call if you have any problems."

"Sure will."

"Now you drive safe and have a good trip. Bye, Josh and thanks."

"Bye Sara, I'll call you tonight. Ok?"

"Yeah, till tonight."

Marc locked the front door and put the key under the doormat. Picking up his backpack, he headed for the van. He noticed Josh on his cell and Marc had to smile, knowing whom he must be talking to.

"Chris, hope you have room for this," said Marc, handing him his backpack.

"Christ, Marc! What have you got in here? It weighs a ton."

"Only my laptop, camera's, notebooks and a change of underwear."

"Here, Marc you drive," said Justin, as he tossed him the van keys.

Marc tossed the keys right back at him. "Can't. It's your rental. I'm not on the paperwork." And he climbed into the back seat.

Josh climbed in next to Marc.

"Josh, why don't you drive?" pleaded Justin.

Looking at Marc with a grin, Josh answered, "Justin, you started this adventure why not finish it?"

Marc smiled and gave a little nod at Josh's statement.

"Go ahead Justin, we trust you," said Chris.

"Go for it," added Lance.

"Justin, I can honestly say, I never felt safer than I do now, in this seat," said Marc with a gleam in his eye.

Justin grinned ear to ear as he took his place behind the wheel.

Josh leaned over to Marc and said softly, "I hope he can find Madison."

"Don't worry. I gave Joe a map with the route clearly marked," whispered Marc.

The trip to Madison took almost three hours. During the drive everybody kept Marc entertained with stories of things that had happened to them on previous tours. Marc had noticed Josh watching him and putting his interest in him and Josh's call before leaving the cabin together, he knew Sara was behind it.

Leaning over to Josh he said softly, "Josh, when you talk to Sara later, let her know I'm not going to flip out, that I'll be fine. And that if things start to get out of hand, I'll come talk to you."

With a stunned look, Josh said, "Sure, I'll tell her."

"Josh, unless you're starting to fall in love with me, please stop watching me. It feels really weird," Marc said, with a smile.

At the hotel Nsync's management and security was waiting in the lobby for the boys' arrival. Lynn stepped off the elevator and walked over to Pete.

"Any sign of them?"

"No. Joey said they were just turning off the expressway when they called. It's been twenty minutes. They should have made it here by now."

Looking off to the side entrance Pete noticed a van of young men unloading but he dismissed them as some sort of sports team from their dress.

"Let's give them another five minutes, than I'll call to see where they're at," said Pete.

Getting out of the van, Marc grabbed his backpack and his suitcase as did the others. Entering the hotel, they stepped off to the side and put their bags down.

"Guys, our security and management is right over there and they haven't spotted us," said Chris.

"Yeah, Pete looked directly at us and did not recognize us," said Joey.

"You guys want to have some fun?" asked Marc, with an evil grin.

"What do you have in mind?" asked Lance.

"Justin, use your cell and call Pete. Tell him he must have given you the wrong directions to the hotel. Say that we're here and there is no one to meet us. That sort of thing, and hang back so they don't spot you."

"Ok, got it," said Justin, as he pulled out his cell.

"All right, Bert, Dave, Tad, and Billie come with me. Follow my lead and think country."

The five of them made their way over near Pete so they could hear his conversation with Justin. Pete could not believe they had gone to the wrong hotel.

Marc started, "Damn guys, looks like some kinda big doings goin on here."

Joey added, "Shour do. It's posed to be some kinda girlie band."

Marc finished it, "Yep. I heardit was that Backstreets Boys Band. Sapos ta be playin at the arenia this week."

A very annoyed Pete and Lynn turned to give death glares to the annoying group. But their jaws dropped as they saw the six grinning young men looking at them.

"Hi mom," said Justin, with a little wave of the hand.

Taking off his cowboy hat, Joey said, "Hey Pete. I think we found the right hotel."

Pete was finally able to close his mouth from the shock. He then smiled Saying, "Great disguise, guys. I didn't spot you and I looked right at you as you were coming in."

Looking at the new member of group, he said, "You must be Marc."

"Guilty. It's nice to meet you, Pete," Marc said, shaking his hand.

"And Lynn, I'm glad to finally meet you in person," said Marc, with a smile.

TBC

The Tour Begins