This story involves members of the bands 'N SYNC and 98 Degrees. I am in no way implying anything about the sexuality of any of their members. This is purely a fictional story. Enjoy!
Thanks to all who wrote me after the first chapter. Feedback is still very much needed and appreciated. Please send comments to jeff_langdon@hotmail.com.
The Truth Behind It All - Part 2
Drew advanced on JC and Justin, feeling anger and rage burning inside him. The two 'N SYNC singers backed away from the menacing enemy, bracing for the worst.
"If anything happens to Lance, I'll make sure both of you rot in jail," Drew lashed out. With that he called for the paramedics and stayed by Lance's side, all the while preventing JC or Justin from getting near Lance.
At the hospital, the doctors examined Lance while leaving Drew, JC, and Justin in the waiting area. The air was tense as Drew glared at the other two singers the entire time. JC tried to put on a strong façade but Justin only managed to avoid Drew's eyes. Finally, the tension was so thick that something had to give.
"Who the fuck do you think you two are?" Drew began the barrage. "I bet you you're not the slightest bit sorry that you did this."
"Why don't you just mind your own business?" JC retorted. He already had lots on his mind and dealing with Drew's verbal assault was the last thing he needed to deal with.
"When my friend gets treated like dirt by his supposed bandmates, it's my business. What did Lance ever do to deserve this. He's too good for any of you."
"Shut the fuck up, Drew. What do you care anyways?" Justin finally spoke up.
"Maybe it's because he wants to stick his faggot cock up Lance's ass," JC replied sarcastically.
This last comment was all Drew needed to hear. He lunged at JC, landing a punch to his face. JC fought back by landing a jab to Drew's abs. The two began to brawl, with Justin eventually joining in to help his bandmate. This continued until the nurses realized what was going on.
"What do you think you people are doing?" a nurse demanded sternly. "This is a hospital, not a boxing ring. I suggest that you leave if you cannot exhibit appropriate behaviour. Being a celebrity does not put you above the well being of this hospital's patients."
After the nurse's outburst, the fighting stopped, but the tension only intensified.
"Lance doesn't need this, you bastards," Drew said. "You've had plenty of chances you've squandered them all. When you realize your stupidity it'll all be too late."
Silence followed Drew's damning statement. The silence was so great that all that could be heard was the clock ticking.
Hours later, the doctors emerged from the emergency room. Despite Drew's protests and reluctance, he could not stay at the hospital because of a scheduled interview at the radio station, leaving JC and Justin to receive the doctor's assessment of Lance's condition.
"How is he?" Justin asked weakly, his mind still reeling from the turn of events.
"Well, this young man is extremely lucky that he survived the fall without any serious or permanent injuries," the doctor replied calmly.
"So he's going to be okay?"
"He's a bit bruised up, but other than that, we are not expecting any further complications."
Justin breathed a sigh of relief. "Can we go in to see him?"
The doctor nodded. "He's not awake yet, so please do keep quiet. He needs plenty of rest."
Justin and JC entered Lance's room quietly. They could see Lance sleeping peacefully. Pulling up two chairs, they sat by Lance's bed waiting for him to wake up. As Justin looked at his injured bandmate, tears began to fall gently down his face. "I didn't mean to..." he whispered.
JC pulled Justin into a hug.
"I really didn't mean it..." Justin repeated. "I don't know why I treated him so bad all these years. Justin was crying harder now. He looked back at Lance. "Please forgive me. Please give me another chance," he pleaded.
JC hugged Justin tighter. "We both need a second chance. I treated him just as badly as you did. Maybe it's because I was always scared that he'd become your new best friend and I'd be left with no one. I know it sounds so lame but it's true."
Justin looked at his friend. "You know that that would never happen, Josh. But I treated him so badly because I was scared. I love him, Josh. I've loved him since the first time I saw him. But then I never had the courage to tell him. And when I did, he was already with Jeff. I thought I wouldn't ever get the chance."
"Whatever our reasons were, we were wrong. And we have to come clean with Lance and hope that he'll give us another chance," Josh concluded.
Meanwhile...
"Okay, I think that'll do it for today," announced the DJ. "Thanks again to 98 Degrees for joining us today."
With that, the four members 98 Degrees walked out of the studio and gathered their belongings. Drew was obviously distracted, and this caught the attention of his bandmates.
"What's wrong, Drew?" Nick asked with concern. "You seem worried about something."
"It's Lance...he's in the hospital," Drew answered.
"Why? What happened?" Nick didn't know Lance as well as Drew did, but they still got along quite well.
"He...he got pushed down the stairs," Drew hesitated a bit, not wanting to reveal too much information.
"Who would do such a thing? Is he okay?
"I don't know...I had to leave the hospital before the doctors came out of the emergency room."
"Well, why don't we drive by the hospital to see how he's doing?" Nick offered.
"That'd be great...thanks Nick."
"Anything for my baby brother," Nick smiled.
As Drew gathered his stuff, he could have sworn he saw a snicker come from Jeff. Despite his anger at Jeff, he decided that going to the hospital to see Lance was more important at that moment.
Back at the hospital...
Justin and JC both dozed off a little as they sat by Lance's bedside. Justin was jolted from his sleep by the images of Lance falling down the stairs. His heart was beating rapidly as he woke from his sleep. As he rubbed his eyes and stretched, he could see Lance stirring from his sleep. Justin shook JC from his nap with excitement. "He's waking up!" Justin exclaimed.
After JC realized what was going on, they both got closer to Lance to help him up. Lance slowly opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. "Where am I?" he mumbled.
"You're at the hospital," Justin offered. "But everything's gonna be alright now."
Lance stared at Justin, then JC, then Justin, and back to JC, not saying a word the whole time. Justin and JC started getting worried. Was Lance still angry with them?
"Who are you guys?" Lance finally asked.
...to be continued....
Hope you enjoyed this segment. Let me know what you think!!
I'd love to hear any comments/ideas/questions. Please e-mail me at jeff_langdon@hotmail.com