Butterfly Kisses

Time Square in New York City is booming with Justin Timberlake fans, who line the outside of TRL studios for an autograph signing.

The twenty-three year old, laid back, Tennessee crooner can’t see past the sea of adoring fans. His southern charm woos the admires waiting to see him up close.

Randy, his body guard, eyes anyone that attempts to get to close for Justin’s comfort. He’s a tall muscular African American, with a sharp eye for troublesome activity. He could easily take care of an unwanted individual.

To Justin, Randy acts like an older protective brother, who uses his hands to give him hugs when he’s down.

At Justin’s “meet and greet”, he peers into a girl’s soft chocolate eyes, as he signs an autograph. Her comforting smile brings joy instantly in his busy life. She steps away, allowing the next fan the opportunity to meet him. Justin's warm expression fades, as she disappears.

She doesn’t belong here in the dead of New York City. She's been on an emotional roller coaster, unsure when it'll all come to a stop. She looks down at the scribble on the paper, having no clue who just signed it. It doesn't matter, money does. This may bring her the money she needs to survive. She doesn’t belong here.

Justin smiles tiredly walking into the small convince store, looking back to see if anyone is following him. He doesn't understand why they do? He's just a guy doing what he loves. He sighs, seeing the fans behind him. He passes a sweet smile, and waves, as he reads the local newspaper, another day in the life of Justin Timberlake.

A beautiful young woman sits outside of the small store, listening to the commotion inside. She glances down at the paper. "Justin Timberlake? I wonder if this is the same one."

"Miss, is this the same signature as that man is giving inside?"

The large woman laughs, "Yep, that's Mr. Timberlake's. Don't be getting messed up in him. He's an egotistical twit! He's not worth your hassle!"

"He..........seems nice."

"Nice? Justin Timberlake is a joke. What he does is act. He should be an actor, because musician doesn't even fit as a title."

Justin makes his way to the exit, as he reads his new comic book, saying goodbye, to his followers.

He moves with confidence, until he exits. "S........Sorry, Ma'am. I didn't mean to bump into you........." He sighs nervously. It's the girl from earlier. "My name's Justin. I think we met at the “meet and greet”. I usually don't get this close with people. I'm sorry about all this."

"You don't have to apologize. It was an accident."

"Would you like to go out to eat? I feel I owe you something."

She lowers her head. "No, I'd rather not. I am going home. I have a long way to go."

His eyes dim, "Okay, you have a nice evening then. May I at least ask what your name is?"

She's silent, for several minutes, "Aalyiah."

Justin wipes a slight tear from his eye. "I used to be friends with a girl by that name. She's no longer a part of my life."

Aalyiah touches Justin's face. "She must have been a very special girl. I hope you'll get to be with her, again." She steps away, as he tries to hug her, because she doesn’t want to be emotionally involved with anyone. "Well, I really need to go!" She heads down the unpaved street, out of his sight.

At the restaurant, Trace Alya, Justin's best friend and personal advisor, snaps his fingers at him. "Yo J, aren't you going to order?"

Justin takes a deep breath in. "I'll just have a garden salad."

Trace stares at him. "J, are you a rabbbit?"

Justin frowns, crossing his arms. "No, I'm some bunny who loves you!"

Trace smirks, "Funny Justin. What's going on with you? You and Cam work things out?”

Justin stirs his iced tea, adding more sugar. "There's no way that'll happen. It's been a good month. I'm about ready to give up on the game of love."

"Come on Justin, if you don't play you'll never win. There's plenty out there."
"I'd love to add another failed relationship to my dating resume. At this rate, I'll never get hired" He takes a sip of the tea. Mr. Timberlake is off the dating market, for good!"

Trace moans, "Girls get you places, J."

Justin laughs, "Yeah in a lot of trouble. I'm no player, but I'm portrayed as one, which ruins my relationships."

"Clubs are the ticket, Man."

"Trace, clubs are a ticket to having one night stands, not lasting relationships."

Trace stands up, "Fine, do what you like."

"I'm doing what's right. A person at a club is the last person I'd trust."

"Justin, you're too damn good! You need to let loose."

"Trace, I'm already in hot water over the whole Super Bowl, mistake. I can't make another foolish one."

The two remain quiet through the meal. Justin barely eats.
"Justin, eat something! I've seen worms with more fat. You couldn't be any skinnier!"

"I'm not hungry. I want to go back to the hotel."

The night is calm for a large city like New York. It's as if everything has stopped.

He notes a whimper coming from the side of the building.

His voice speaks soothingly to the figure. "Don't cry I want to help you." He approaches her cautiously, sticking out his hand for her to grab. He's able to get a glimpse of her, after pulling her from the shadowy area. "Let's get you inside."

The room is warm, and inviting, not like Aalyiah is expecting.

Justin gently wipes her tears away. “What happened?”

She trembles unable to tell him the truth, “Family problems,” she blurts out.

“You can stay here tonight, if you’d like. It’s not safe out there.”
Trace pounces into the room. “Who’s the girl, J?”

“I’m helping her, Trace. She needs a place to stay.”

Trace blinks his eye, “I’ll leave you two alone.”

“I’m sorry Trace is being an idiot. You can have that bed over there, if that’s okay with you?”

She nods her head looking around the posh hotel. “The Ritz Carlton must be one expensive place. The room is the size of two rooms, with plush chairs, cable TV, every channel they could think of, beautiful vibrant flowers, and a mini bar.

Justin walks out of the bathroom, with his shirt off. “Opps, I usually sleep like this. Is that okay? I can put on a tee- shirt.”

She studies his muscular upper body, in awe. “No, that’s fine.” She moves closer, where the scratches and bruises are more noticeable. She doesn’t dare ask him about the sores, afraid of being kicked out.

Aalyiah sings quietly, to herself.

“He is not what they perceive.
There’s so much more underneath.
Those soft eyes bring relief.

One person who truly does care
That’s going to be by my side,
To take the uneasy ride.

This man must be an Angel.
A haven I now see
He’ll set my soul free.”

Justin overhears her heavenly voice, and smiles. It eases the pain from the bruises and scratches.

She glances at him, as he sleeps. Aalyiah sighs, as tears roll down her cheeks. “It was a nice thought last night to think of him as my angel, but he has his own battles. He has no time for me.”

Aalyiah enters the bathroom to aide her many painful marks. She takes a washcloth, and gently wipes away the dried up blood, cleaning the areas.

Justin stands outside of the bathroom, sleepily. “Are you ok?”

She tries to smile, “Yeah, I’ll be alright. How are you?”

“I’m sore. I don’t like these hotel beds.”

“Are you sure that’s the only reason?”

Justin frowns, crossing his arms. “Please don’t tell anyone about those!”

“Alright, I’ll keep quiet. Since you confessed something, I should too. I didn’t exactly tell you the truth last night, Justin. I’m homeless, because my parents died two years ago. I was sent to live with my aunt and uncle, but they were nothing but trouble, so I ran away.” Tears flow from her eyes. “I’ve been sexual abused, several times. I’m so afraid of what my future holds.”

Justin hugs her tightly. “Don’t go back out there! You can stay with me, until we find you a good home to stay at………………………”

She places her hand on his shoulder. “I’m not worth your time. Justin, you’ve done more for me than my aunt and uncle did, in a year’s time. Goodbye, Justin!”

Justin doesn’t run after her. That’s not the right thing to do, no matter how much he wants to help her. He falls to his knees, “Please bring her back!”

Trace enters the room, searching his friend’s eyes. “I guess, she didn’t work out, huh?”

Justin stares at his face. “Trace, she wasn’t a one night stand. You wouldn’t understand. We really connected.”

Trace shakes Justin, “If she cared, she wouldn’t have left. She’s probably one happy Justin fan, right now.”

“Who’s Justin Timberlake? He’s my ultra ego, because in the real world I’m Justin. This girl saw me as Justin, who I truly am.”

“No, Justin, in the public’s eye you’re whatever the media says you are. That’ll never change!”

“Screw the media. I’m going to be Justin for once! I’m going to find a way to get her back!”

“Don’t go “On The Line” on this.”

“Trace this is real life, not a movie.”


Chp. 2

The small room is just like Justin remembered last time he stayed there. A night light brings a glow to the wooden floor. He tosses the suitcase on the ground, beside hpis favorite blue guitar. He doesn’t hesitate to get into his pajamas, and fall asleep.

The door creaks open. A boy tipy toes into the room, approaching Justin, with his flashlight. He smiles getting onto the bed.

A light beams into his eyes. Justin covers his eyes with his hand. “Jonathan, please go away. I just got back from New York City. I promise we’ll play, later on.”

The eager child sighs, “We never get to play anymore!” He storms off angry at his older step-brother. Tears trickle down his face, as he meets his father, Randy Timberlake.

Randy smiles tiredly, “What’s going on?”

Jonathan sobs in his father’s warm arms. “Justin won’t play.”

Randy laughs a little, “He’s not had much sleep. He just got here a few hours ago, Jonathan, and he can’t sleep well on the plane. You know riding them is very tough on him. He’ll feel more up to playing later.

Young Steven comes out of his room, sleepily. “Daddy is big Bro okay?”

Randy picks him up in his arms, “Of course he is. Justin’s just sleeping, like we all should be.” He carries Steven back to his bed, placing him in the covers.

Randy sits on his son's bed, making sure he is ok, after he has a conversation with Justin's mom.

He arises looking around his old bedroom, for some sort of comfort, but finds none.

He tells himself, “You have to move on from this. There’s no way she’ll ever come back in your life. She’s merely an image in your mind, now. Waiting around in hopes of seeing her again was a lost cause.” Tears fill his eyes. “Why must I lose everyone I care for?” He slams his suitcase down on the bed.

He hears the door open, and attempts to bring forth a smile, “Hi, Daddy.”

Randy hugs him, “It’s great to see you again. How have things been?”

Justin’s half smile, and dim blue eyes say it all, while Justin desperately attempts to hide the truth. “I’m………………..” He’s cut off by Jonathan. It comes as a relief to him that he doesn’t have t say anything about what life is really like.

Jonathan rushes into his brother’s arms, nearly knocking over his father. “Sorry Daddy. I missed Justin, so much!”

His voice is stern, “Justin, we’ll talk, later.”

Justin swallows hard, “Okay Daddy!”

Chp. 3

That same day, Aalyiah boards the plane.

“Ticket please, Miss.”

She gives the man her ticket. “Here it is.” Her face beams, as she takes a seat. She’s getting away from the place that caused her so much pain, going back to her roots: a small town in Tennessee.

“That scribble saved my life. Thank you, Justin, wherever you are.”

One hundred dollars is all she has left, as she gets off the plane, in the heart of Memphis, which is a good hour from where she lived. She doubts that she will have enough money for a taxi ride and the life essentials she’ll need.

She makes her way past the terminal into the food court, taking in all the smells from local restaurants.

Aalyiah instantly recognizes the big yellow arches. She’s drawn to the golden crisp fries, and piping hot cheese burgers, with the melted cheese dripping over the hamburger, refreshing green lettuce, cherry ripe tomatoes, on a sesame seed bun. She rips the small packet of ketchup and mustard, drizzling it over the burger, and fries.

Her mouth waters as she takes a bite. She hasn’t been getting much of any good food lately, so this was a treat, but a costly one, at a dollar-ninety-nine. She has to eat though, and MC D’s Happy Meal is the cheapest it seems.

The airport’s the perfect place to stay for now, because there are always people, so she doesn’t stick out. It’s, for the most part, safe. Also the temperature doesn’t change dramatically.

She sits on a bench looking over the Happy Meal toy. A soft, fuzzy Beanie Baby Bear in baby blue lies in the shrink wrap. She removes it from the packaging material, cuddling it. She reads the small print on the insert that comes with the bear.

“Harmony can’t bear to not have you be his friend. His love of music is a sign of his peaceful nature. Music is a journey into his soul. Harmony hopes music unlocks what’s inside of yours, setting your heart free.”

She rests her head on the bear, sleepily, closing her eyes.

Back at home Justin throws his items into his suitcase, quickly, as Randy enters the room.

Randy stands in front of him, gazing into his son’s helpless eyes. “What’s going on, Son?”

Many thoughts run through his troubled mind, “Cameron.” It’s the first thing that comes to the surface, as the more important topics plunge further away.

“Son, it’ll be okay. Not every relationship will work out.”

“Daddy, I’ve already had four failed relationships.”

“Just keep on searching, Justin. Is anything else on your mind?”

He jokes, “Something’s always up there.”

Randy shakes his head, not understanding why his son won’t tell him what’s going. He hopes his biological mother can find out.


Chp. 4

Lynn Harless studies her son, as she takes off his light blue jacket. She folds down his turtle neck, making note of the abrasion to him. “What’s this Justin?”

“It’s nothing Mom, really.” His eyes tell another story, as he rubs his hands together, nervously. He walks out of the room.

Lynn opens up her son’s suitcase, which appears normal on the top. She removes the clothing, as she usually does startled by the blood stains on his shirt, “Justin what’s this all about?”

He reenters the room, “It’s from a bloody nose,” he says coolly. That was only half the truth.

“How’d you get the bloody nose?”

Justin stutters, “Just one of those things you don’t expect. It’s all past now.” He stares at the material, folding it into a ball. “I missed you, Mom.”
“Justin, what is going on? You tell me everything. You come to me when you’re ready to talk about it.”

He sighs, “Okay. I’m sorry I can’t tell you.”

Justin sits down on his childhood bed, moving his fingers along the blue sheets. He rubs his face against the fluffy blue blanket, smelling the clean smell of just washed covers. It reminds him of his boyhood. “I wish I could go back to hiding in those blankets, to hide from the scary things. The smell of Mom’s washings eased me.”

His cell phone rings, making him jump in fear. He picks it up shaking, “Hello?”

“Mr. Timberlake this is the New York City Police Department. We need you to come back to New York City, as soon as possible, to help us with our investigation. You’re the one who saw the unlawful act, and you’re the only one that may be able to give us a lead.”

Justin breathes heavily, “Yeah, lead to my death. They about killed me before. I’m never going to another club again! Do you realize I’m famous, and easily recognized? I want to stay far away from that place!”

“Mr. Timberlake you must come. Everyone that night is under investigation, though we know you stumbled upon the operation.”

Justin’s heart races, “When’s the best time?”

“We would like you here within the next couple of days, if that is possible.”

He whispers, “I’ll be there.”

Justin brings his hands to his face. “How am I going to explain this one to my Mom?”


Chp. 5

His mom enters the room, crossing her arms. “Justin, what’s this I hear about you going back to New York City?”

Justin clears his throat, “It’s a business matter.”

“You need a vacation, Justin. Getting a little rest is a great business choice.”

“Mom, it’ll be alright. I’ll be back in plenty of time to rest up, before heading back out on the road, again.”

She hugs him tightly, “Are you sure everything is okay?”

He shrugs his shoulders, “Yeah.”


After only one day, Aalyiah’s ready to head into Memphis, but isn’t willing to pay, if she doesn’t have too.

It’s a simple tactic really; wait for someone to drop their ticket on the floor, and then pick it up, without being noticed, to hand to the man checking the ticket on the bus. They never thoroughly check the tickets, not enough time, or pay for the people to care to check.

She searches for a ticket, which is quite easy to find, and takes a seat, her grandfather taught her something, to be a criminal, and be untruthful. This isn’t breaking away from it all. The only thing she’s breaking is the law.

She sits up intently listening for the stops, watching her back. Her eyes widen as a ten year old from her area appears with his mom. She bends down, in hopes they won’t notice her.

The pesky boy yells, “Hey Ah, how’d you get back?”

She keeps her head down, hoping the boy will give up.

The mother places her finger to her son’s lips. “Timothy Tyler, we do not yell on the bus. Let’s leave the girl alone. Aalyiah is in New York City. That’s not her.”

Aalyiah exits as soon as they get to the town of Millington.

Two days later, Justin puts his backpack over his shoulder, and grabs his favorite cap placing it on his head. He boards the private plane, depressingly. Justin waves to his mom through the window. He turns away from the window, not ready to say goodbye.

He rubs his stomach nervously, as the plane takes off. Justin tries to calm himself, but it’s difficult when you’re all alone. He takes out a magazine from his backpack! A crayon falls out into his lap. He chuckles, “Steven’s back to coloring in everything, again. He doesn’t understand that adult magazines don’t have coloring pages.” He throws the crayon back into his backpack, and grabs his notebook filled with lyrics, to pass the time.

He’s happy the ride is over with. He hates flying. His stomach’s able to return to normal.

A chills runs down his spine, as if someone’s eyeing him. He laughs nervously, “The press isn’t much different than these people.” He heads up to his hotel room, and locks the door. “Stop being so paranoid, J,” he tells himself. His cell phone rings. Justin wobbles backward into the plush couch. His voice is shaky, as he puts the phone to his ear, “Hello?”

Trace laughs, “Did I scare you?”

Justin breathes heavily, “No, not at all. I need to keep my line open, Trace. I know we really haven’t talked much, but I got to go unpack.”

Trace asks Justin, “J” why didn’t you invite me on this business trip.”

“Well, it’s one of those solo ventures. I had to do on my own. I’ll talk to you later, okay?”

Trace sighs, “Justin, this isn’t like you. I’ll let you go. You tell me when you’re ready to tell me what’s really going on. Don’t call me until you can explain. Bye, Justin………………….”

“Trace you don’t………………………………….” He hears the dial tone. Justin slumps down on to the floor. “This isn’t fair. I can’t tell these people, who care about me, what’s going on.”


Chp. 6

“Trace means too much to me. I need to tell him, even if the police don’t want me to. I can’t keep secrets from Trace. I’ve trusted him before, and I know he’ll keep it hush, hush.”

He dials Trace’s number, and waits for what seems like a lifetime to pick up. “T……….race, I’m ready to talk.”

“Just calm down, Justin, and tell me what’s going on.”

“Last time I came into New York, I got into a bit of trouble. Remember that night you insisted I go to Suede with you?”

“Yeah, and we went and had a good time. I left before you did, with my girlfriend. I couldn’t find you. I just thought you had left for some reason, and went back to the hotel. What happened?”

“Well, what I remember is discovering more than dirty dancing, that night. My memory draws a blank after I discovered a bunch of corrupt law officials. They all had badges on saying NYC Police Department. They had brought drugs into the club, and were selling them underneath the table among themselves. I was accidentally offered some, because the lights had dimmed, and my shirt looked similar to theirs. I declined the offer as the lights came on, and they were less than happy about that and who I was.”

Trace sighs, “Damn, Justin, that’s crazy!”

“That isn’t the worst part, Trace. I jumped up, and tried to get away, but one of them grabbed me, as I made it out of the exit. I was too scared to move or scream. It was pure terror! He grabbed my neck, and shook me hard. I felt dizzy and fell down. He hit me in my chest, causing me to pass out.”

“Justin, why didn’t you tell me about this?”

“Man, I was terrified. The whole incident scared me to death, like I said before! He was gone when I came to. The police want me to go to the station, because an eye witness that night saw me there, getting beat up, and couldn’t understand my involvement in this whole mess.”

“I could’ve helped you deal with it all.”

‘I’m sorry, Trace. I didn’t want to bother you and your girlfriend.”

“I’m the one that should apologize, if it weren’t for me you wouldn’t be in this mess.”

Justin sighs, “It’s both our faults. Let’s try to overcome this mistake, and not do it again. We’ve been best friends forever. I don’t want to lose that now!”

Trace laughs, “Of course we’ll be friends forever! Friends make mistakes, but the important thing is to work them out. You’ll always have my back!”

“Thank you, Trace. I know you won’t tell anyone what’s going on. I miss you, Buddy.”

“I miss you too!”








Chp. 7

“No!” He screamed, in horror, and disbelief.

His hands tremble, as he holds Aalyiah’s limp body in his injured fingers. Her head lay against his warm, chest, bringing warmth to her chilled still body.

“I don’t under……….stand how a pretty girl like this got into all this mess. She doesn’t deserve to die. It can’t be happening. It just can’t be real!”

His heart breaks as he looks at her. “Please don’t leave me. I can’t lose another person I love so dearly. It’s too much for me!”

Blood now is covering his hands, as he becomes colder from his own injuries.

He wraps his shirt around her, to keep her alive, until it’s safe for the paramedics to enter the scene.

His own life is in jeopardy, but he doesn’t care. She’s his life now, and with out her nothing seems right.

He peers into the man’s eyes, as he keeps her in his trembling arms. “How could you treat your granddaughter like this?”

“She wasn’t supposed to be involved. The whole thing now spells corruption. We never wanted her, but then her parents were killed, as the guardians we had to take her in. It wasn’t the place for her. I regret it all now, that it’s too late.”

He jumps up off his bed, wiping the sweat off his red face! His heart races, and his whole body shakes, “Oh my God, That was some nightmare! May that be all that it is. I need to get out of this place, as soon, as possible!”

He lies his head back down on the pillow, singing quietly to himself. “Jesus, help me through this, all! I cannot do this on my own!”

He can’t sleep, as he watches the clock on his nightstand. His eyes eventually close, at quarter to four. The alarm goes off at six.

Justin smacks the clock radio, “I’m so damn tired! I really do not feel like going downtown, in an hour and a half!”

He opens his eyes sleepily, going toward the kitchen, to get his favorite cereal, and milk.

He sniffs the coffee he makes in the pot, and eats his cereal, trying to become more alert. Nothing seems to be working, as he drifts in and out of sleep.

Chp. 8

Aalyiah opens her eyes, tiredly, getting off of the step, where she’s been sleeping all night. She makes her way down the street in search of food. She walks in front of two homes.

A friendly old woman offers her to come inside, “Are you a’ right, Dear?”

“I’m just sleepy, “Ma’am, haven’t been eating much lately.”

“Would you like to come inside, for a bit? I just took my peach cobbler out of the oven. I’m sending it to my grandson, in New York.”

She smiles, “Sure, thanks.” She follows the woman inside, of the country type setting, with loads of photos of the family. She nears closer to one of the pictures on the wall, trying not to gasp. “This must be Justin’s Grandma’s Home! Hopefully, he’s not around.”

The two sit down at the table. Aalyiah waits in silence for the questions to start coming, about why she’s hungry, dirty, sickly looking, but she doesn’t ask anything of her.

She rubs her hands nervously together, before taking a piece of one of the woman’s pies. Her stomach churns, as she eats each bite, which feels like a snails pace to her.

Aalyiah can’t seem to shake off the sleepiness, as she begins nodding off in her chair. “I’m sorry! I’m really tired. I’m not trying to be rude.”

“I understand. Why don’t you go rest on the couch? No sense going back out there, when you need rest. It’ll be safer in here.”

Aalyiah nods her head, following her to the living room, more pictures of Justin. She lies down on the couch, and drifts off to sleep.

Lynn enters the house, taking her mom aside questioning, “Who’s the girl?”

“I recognized her, but she doesn’t know me. She used to live around here, until her parents were killed, two years ago. For some reason she’s back in town, and seems to be homeless, maybe her grandparents died, as well.”

Lynn sighs, “She’s a beautiful girl. Is she okay?”
“I think she may just be tired. It’s hard to say though.”

She wakes, looking at the two. “Thank you for everything. I best be going, now.”

The old woman smiles, “Stay as long as you need.”

Aalyiah observes Lynn closely, taking in her features, figuring this must be his mom.

The phone rings, and Lynn picks it up, glancing at the girl. “Hello Justin.”

Aalyiah makes her way towards the kitchen taking in the smells, and over hearing bits of the conversation, between Justin and his mom. She breaks into a slight song.

She shrieks after hearing, “You have a very angelic voice dear.” She turns around peering into the old the tender hearted woman’s eyes.

Justin stops talking, “Who’s singing, Mom?”

His mom sighs, “Why?”

“It’s a beautiful voice.” He knows that angelic voice, and wants to be with her. He mumbles, “Maybe fate does have plans for us to be together.”

“Justin, what are you talking about?”

“Nothing, I was just in a dreamy mood. I’ll try to be home, as soon as I can. Bye, Mom, I love you!”

Justin bends his knees sitting down on the cold floor. “I’ve got to find her. I shouldn’t be here. I should be there, but I can’t be.”

Aalyiah’s still shocked because Justin’s Grandma heard her voice.

“You should take up singing in the church.”

Aalyiah swallows hard, if she sings in front of people, she’ll surly be noticed. Someone may even contact her grandfather with info as to where she is. “It’s just a hobby, nothing special.”

She sadly peers out the window at the puddles on the ground, and rain coming down, knowing these people didn’t want her to leave. “I’ll wait a few minutes, until the rain subsides.”


Chp. 9

Justin has returned from the New City Police Department. He wants nothing more than to go home, and be with his family, and see her again. He sits down on the bed, watching the clock sadly, and tiredly. He can go home in two days, after more investigation is done.

He rests his head on the pillow, and turns on the TV. He flicks through the numerous cable channels, toying with the several buttons on the remote control. Justin laughs, “Half of these I don’t know what they’re for. I haven’t used one since………….well I can’t remember.”

He closes his eyes, but opens them, as he hears a woman’s voice, being sexual, and explicit. It stuns him for a moment.

He smirks at the image that appears on the screen. “That should not be allowed on cable TV! Though, I can’t deny she’s hot! Good thing I don’t have a girlfriend she’d be ticked!” Justin chuckles, “Opps, that isn’t a cable channel!” He changes the channel quickly.

Justin pushes himself off the bed, after clicking off the TV. He wonders what other mischief he may get into. He searches through the drawers for a pad of paper to write on.

He takes his brother’s blue crayon from his backpack, and begins to doodle. He draws an oval, and then one below it, and cylinder shapes attach to it. He scribbles over the top part of the oval, and adds two dots in the middle of the oval, and a squiggly shape underneath the dots, directly in the center.

Justin signs his name at the bottom, and writes, “For the girl I dream of. Blue was not my color of choice. It doesn’t display your beauty, and warmth. Ironically, it shows my sense of mourning for losing all my special girlfriends because of their betrayals. I’m about as blue as a boy can be.”

He folds up the paper, and places it in his pocket. He sticks the crayon back in his backpack. He makes his way to the bed, still tired from not getting much sleep.

He rests his head on the fluffy pillow. Justin gets in the covers, to rest up from his lack of sleep. Justin wishes his mom was with him, as he tries to go to sleep, to ease his fears. He takes about an hour long nap. Justin drowsily gets up, and makes his bed. He feels less sleepy after the nap.

Back in Tennessee, Aalyiah waves goodbye to the old woman, and her daughter. She heads down the muddy street, hoping to blend in with everyone else. She finds a church to go into, out of the damp weather. She’s hesitant to enter, after all the corrupt things her family has done.
It’s not all that bad, but rather comforting, the glow of the candles and the beautiful stain glass windows bring some light into her darkened life. She sits down, and begins to nod off as she stares at an angel figure the church has near the podium. She blinks her eyes, “Justin’s an angel?” She stands up, walking towards the statue, observing it better. The resemblance is no longer there.

Chp. 10

Justin stops by the recording studio the next day to record a song he has written. He figures he should do something work related while he’s in town.

He’s surprised by who drops by. He glances at the elderly man, wearing glasses, who stands upright, and is in a good looking business suit, with tie.

Justin stands there with his lyrics. “Hi, Sir. I’m just doing some recording. Is anything wrong?”

Clive studies the young man. “I’m just over seeing that none of our artist are breaking the laws with their lyrics. May I see your newest song?”

Clive places his hand on Justin’s shoulder, “Don’t be shy, Son. I won’t show anyone else.”

He presents the piece of paper to Clive Davis, the founder of the Record Company Justin works for. Justin feels as if a frog is in his throat.

Clive chuckles, “You used a blue crayon, now that’s creative, nothing wrong about that!”

Justin’s silent, as his cheeks turn red, and hands become sweaty. He finally gets out, “That’s all I had....... a blue crayon.”

Clive inhales, “You could have bought a pen, Justin, or asked for one. Pens aren’t gold. It really doesn’t matter, it’s still good. I’ll see you later, Justin.”

Justin gets back to pressing knobs, working on piano arrangements for the song, and tidying up the studio, before actually getting into the recording box. He spends nearly an entire day in the studio before feeling the song is complete. Justin plays back the track.

An assembly of piano, acoustic guitar and occasional harmonica fills the room as the moving musical ballad begins. His soft compassionate voice aches with despair throughout the song.



“I barley know your name,
Because of that smile, life will never be the same.
Your Angelic voice I miss
My world won’t be complete, until I have you.

Ask God to keep you safe,
Until we can reunite, in the same special place.

Tears fall off my cheeks,
I tremble, on my knees, attempting to speak.
These words are hard to get out!
My broken heart is filled with uncertainty.

Ask God to keep you safe,
Until we can reunite, in the same special place”.

He turns off the music, and pops the disc into a packet to keep it from getting scratches, and places it in his pocket. He returns back to his hotel room, to prepare for the next day at the police station.

Justin flips through a large folder of suspects that were at the scene of the crime, trying to bring back to memory if he had engaged in conversation with them. His mind draws a blank on most of the faces, aside from the man that knocked him out. He sighs.

The investigative cop pats his back, “I know it’s painful to go back to that night, but we really need your help.”

Justin shudders after coming to Aalyiah’s picture. “I can’t do this!”

“Son, do you recognize this woman?”

Justin nods his head sadly, “We’ve met before.” He bounces his legs up and down, “That’s all.”

He peers into Justin’s eyes, “She’s in grave danger, Justin. This group is not one she should be mixed with. We’ve learned that she is the lead man of this group’s granddaughter. She’s rarely visible, trying to avoid corruption. When she does appear its easy to tell this isn’t where she’d like to be. She hasn’t been seen since that night, by our investigative team.”

Justin breathes heavily, trying to get a good breath. “I haven’t seen her in awhile.”

“Son, do you know where she may be?”

Justin moves his hands through his mass of curls, “Last I saw of her was in New York. I was letting her stay at my hotel, and she left.”

He stares at Justin, making Justin tremble. “Justin, I don’t feel you’re telling me everything. I promise you, we won’t hurt her, or you. We just need to know the facts. Do you know where in New York she’s staying?”

He chokes on his word, “Tennessee.”

“Tennessee isn’t a part of New York, Justin.”

Justin’s face is pale, “No, she’s in the state of Tennessee.”

“How did she get there? She has no money.”

Justin shrugs his shoulders, “I don’t……………….know. May I go home now?”

“Yes, you may go home. You look a little sick. We’ll be calling if there are any more questions.”

He leaves the building, massaging his upset stomach, shaking his head, “That was awful.”

Chp. 11

Back home, Justin wraps his arms around his mom, Lynn, overjoyed to see her. His grip is strong, and worrisome to his mother. “I missed you, Mom.”

She smiles, ruffling his curls, as she peers into his frightened eyes. She whispers, “What’s wrong, Justin?”

He turns his head toward the floor. “I’m just happy to see you, Mom.”

Lynn moves her hand under her son’s chin, making his eyes meet hers. “Justin, I really would like to know what’s wrong with you.”

He wipes away a tear. “Mom, there’s something I’d like to tell you. I’m very afraid. It’s hard to hide this. I’m in trouble with some people.”

“Who are you in trouble with?”

He shrugs his shoulders, “Corrupt cops.”

Lynn rubs his back, as he sits on the bed. “I’m sure they’ll get caught, Justin. I wouldn’t worry about them.”

Justin’s heart sinks, “It’s not just about me.”
She asked concerned, “Is Trace involved?”

“Trace isn’t involved. He wasn’t even there when it all happened. I met this girl, while I was in New York. She came to a fan signing outside of the TRL Studios. Her beauty and presence caught me off guard.”

He grins. “She wasn’t one of the run of the mill fans. The rest were decked in Justin Timberlake gear from head to toe. The others were hyper, waiting for the right moment to pounce on me.”

His slight smile fades. “When she left my heart melted, as if a piece of my heart had broken off.” He grabs at his chest pretending to peal off something, as a tear drifts down his hurt face.

His eyes remain dim. “I saw her again later that day. We talked some, but then parted ways.”

His blue eyes widen. “That wasn’t the last I saw of her. That night I was standing outside, and heard crying. It broke my heart to see this pretty girl, I saw earlier, in pain. I invited her to stay with me that night and she accepted. She left me the next morning, and I haven’t seen her since. I found out yesterday, that she is involved with these creeps, but not by choice.”

“I’m sorry, Justin. I wish I knew where she is.”

“I just want to be with her, and protect her, and listen to her sweet voice.”





















Chp. 12

Justin brushes away his tears, as he gets off the phone with his father, Randy Timberlake. His stepmother, Lisa, passed away due to a brain injury, from falling off a horse. It didn’t seem fair to him. He hasn’t had very many opportunities to spend with his stepmother, and now all that is lost. He feels everything important to him he’s having to give up. He rushes over to his father’s house to be with his father, and two stepbrothers.

Aalyiah turns her head to the back of the church. A bunch of people begin to enter. “That’s odd. This isn’t normal mass service hours.” She glances around quickly, noting a large rectangle object covered by a blanket, as people approach it bending down.

A crowd of people have gathered by the time she makes her way to the last pew, and she’s stuck there, surrounded by mourners.

She sits down, as a small child comes to her, with tears in his tender eyes. She welcomes the youngster in her soothing arms, waiting for his mother to come, but she never does.

A tall young man walks up to her, bending down to the child’s level. “Buddy, Mommy’s up there. Your older brother already went to see her. How about we go together?”

The child nods tearfully. Big Bro sad, too! Is she seeing my Mommy, too?”

Justin looks up at her, recognizing her face, “I don’t know, Steven.”

Steven won’t let go of her. “She smells like Mommy. Mommy shouldn’t go to heaven.”

Justin sighs, “Heaven’s a very good place. She won’t hurt anymore.”

Aalyiah shakes her head, “Sure.” She realizes the child isn’t about to let go. She walks toward the casket, soothingly massaging the child’s back. “It’ll be alright.” She stays with the child, through the service, as Justin sits beside her, feeling her warmth in his time of sorrow.

Randy makes his way back to Steven, with Jonathan in tow. He thanks the lovely young lady for comforting his son. He glances at his eldest son, Justin, who seems enchanted by her. Justin, are you alright?”

In a monotone voice he says, “I’ll be okay. It’s just a hard day.”

“Don’t worry, Son. It’s been tough for us all. I’ll see you at the gravesite, in a bit.”

“Yeah, okay. I’ll be along. I just need some time to myself.”

“That’s fine.”

Justin trembles as she touches him. He embraces her. “I never thought I’d see you again! We really need to talk, but I can’t right now. I have to go to the graveyard. Where can I see you again?”

She pushes in on him, “We can’t see each other, Justin. It’ll never work out.”

“Please let me see you, just one more time, on a happier note!”

She sighs, “Fine, one time.”

His eyes widen with delight, “Thank you. How about we meet here tomorrow?”

“Okay, here it is.”

The next day Justin stands outside of the church waiting for her to come. He hears the church bell, and looks toward the door. There she is. He gestures for her to come his way.

The two sit under a large oak tree, on a blanket. He grasps onto her warm hands. “I’m sorry about always not being able to meet you on good terms. I bought you this rose. Thank you so much for taking care of my younger step- brother yesterday. I know how much you desired to leave.”

“He’s young, and needed that. Justin, I don’t want you to get involved in this whole mess I’m in.”

“I already am.”

She glances at him confused, “How?”

“I found out about those corrupt cops, and they beat me up. They nearly tried to kill me, until the police arrived.”

Aalyiah gasps, “It’s horrible, the way it all happened.”






Chp. 13

“Aalyiah, I can’t have you leave me this time. Life isn’t the same without you. Please stay around. I want to protect you, from them.”

She stands up from the blanket. “Justin, I’m not right for you. You have a lot going for yourself, and I don’t have much of anything, especially to offer to you.”

“All that matters is that you have a good heart, and you do.” He moves closer to her, to give her a hug.

She yelps, “Ouch.”

He asks concerned, “What’d I do?”

“N- nothing, It’s just one of those things I do when somebody usually touches me, and I’m not ready for it.”

“I’m sorry. I won’t touch you anymore.” Justin begins to walk away.

She runs up to him. “I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings.”

Justin remains silent, as his heart aches in pain.

She steps in front of him. “Don’t go, Justin.” She can’t run anymore. She stumbles, but Justin catches her.”

She sighs, “I need to lie down.”

Justin sits down sadly, “Are you going to be alright?”

“I’m really not sure. I’m so tired right now.”

Justin realizes he’s not going anywhere, because she’s asleep. He doesn’t feel right just leaving her.

He tries waking her, but she’s a sound sleeper. His hurt is fading, as he holds her in his arms. He moves his hand away, as he feels a movement in her stomach. “I hope she’s not sick.”








Chp. 14

Her chocolate eyes peer into his dazzling sapphire eyes, “Angel in the darkness.”

Justin smiles confused. “I’m no angel. You must be quite tired to be calling me an angel. I’m Justin, remember?”

Aalyiah grins, “I know who you are. You are angelic. The only problem with you is the wings aren’t visible.”

Justin’s attitude turns sorrowful. “I guess this will be our last meeting. I wish you all the best of luck.”

She moves closer to him. “Wait, I don’t want you to leave. I’m not very good with this relationship stuff.”

Justin laughs, “Same. Where are you staying?”

“I stay wherever it’s dry. The church is the warmest, and safest, because I blend in.”

“Come stay at my house for a bit.”

“No, I’m fine here. It’s better that way, because people don’t get suspicious.”

“Okay, but you’re always welcome at my home.”

They part ways, but Justin returns to the church the next day. He enters the church hunting for her. His blue eyes wander around, as he searches for her, calling her name, “Aalyiah.” He comes to the front pew. He breathes a sigh of relief. She’s sleeping.

He gets on his knees, as he watches her sleep. Justin’s fingers run through her brown hair, and move across her warm outer coconut toned skin, “Hey there Sleepy. How are you?”

“I’m happy to see you. How long have you been here?”

“I’ve been here not too long. You sure do sleep a lot.”

“Lately, I’ve needed that. Do you ever just wish you could break away from your past?”

“It happens all the time. There are things that have happened that I’d like to go back and change, like my friend’s tragic death.”

“I’d like to go back before my parents were killed, into that safe environment. Life up until meeting you has been devastating. I was fourteen when I moved in with my grandparents, and had never even seen them prior to then. My parents told me we never had the money to see them, but I think they knew that place was bad, and wanted me to be far away from that. They took me into their home of drug dealing. My Granddaddy never was caught, because he was part of the police team, so nobody suspected him of such a crime.”

“I’m sorry you had to endure all that! A beautiful woman like yourself doesn’t deserve it.”

“That’s not the worst of it, Justin. When I took off, I expected life to get better, but soon learned that was far from the truth. I was sexually abused, and treated like trash, so I went back to my grandparents, for a few months. I lived in fear that they were going to attack me for leaving, as they threatened to after I left the first time.”

“I won’t let anyone hurt you ever again. Please come home with me. The weather is getting quite nasty.”

She steps outside with him, to glance at the yellow, red, and orange leaves blowing everywhere, and the bright landscape of multicolored trees, as the sun is setting. It’s rather breathtaking, as the fall air hits her face, making rosy red cheeks appear.

The two hold hands while walking through the masses of colorful leaves, admiring the jack-o- lanterns on the door steps, and crazy scarecrows around the small Tennessee town.

They step into his childhood home. Justin gives her a short tour of the two story building, with four rooms on the bottom floor, and two on the top. He guides her into his romantic room, with a scented vanilla candle glowing in every corner, rose petals are strewn all over an open book of poetry.

She’s in awe of the photo of Justin and his mom on the nightstand. She notices his acoustic guitar on the floor. She gazes up at him, “This room’s great!”

“It’s even better with you in it.”

“I should be getting back to the church. It’ll take me a good ten minutes to get there.”

“You shouldn’t go alone. I’ll take you in my new Escalade.”

She nods her head, “Alright”

Five minutes have passed. “Justin, where are we going?”

He grins, “I couldn’t just let you starve, so we’re going out to eat!”

“Justin, I’m not dressed well enough to eat out.”

“Everything’s cool. Don’t worry about it.”

He stops the car for a second, to reach for a large bag in the back seat. “I bought this for you.”

She pulls a shimmery dress from the bag. “This is amazing Justin. You didn’t have to do all this.”

“I really care about you, and you’re worth everything. But, even without the dress, you’re one of the most stunning ladies I know from the inside, which is what truly matters, to your outer beauty.”

“How’d you know I’d go along this far?”

“I didn’t. I just hoped and prayed you would.”

They sit at a table for two, and talk quietly. At the end of the evening, Justin pulls out a small black box. “I wanted to give you something special to remember the night by, so I bought you this locket, with my picture inside. I hope when you feel lonely you look at the locket, and remember that there is somebody out there that cares about you deeply.”

“I will. It’s been one of the best evenings I’ve ever experienced.”

Justin begins the drive home, as he notices her eyes closing. “There’s no way I’m bringing her back to that church.” He carries her inside his home, placing her gently on the couch.












Chp. 15

His lips brush against hers, as his blue eyes sparkle with delight. Snow- flakes drifts to the ground, while he wraps his soothing arms around her.” It’ll be alright. I’m not going to let them hurt you.”

Aalyiah attempts to smile. “I saw them, Justin. I know they’re after me. We need to get out of here. They’re highly dangerous”

“We’re not going anywhere. We’ll just keep our eye out for any strange activity. I want Christmas to be special for us.”

“Justin, everything with you is special.” She kisses him softly on his rosy red cheek. “I’m just scared.”

“I promise I’m not going to be out of your sight all night. Christmas is a happy time. We shouldn’t be thinking of bad stuff. Let’s go see the Christmas tree, and baby in the manger display.”

She follows him to the beautiful snow covered tree, with vibrant lights, and silver and gold decorations. “It’s gorgeous, Justin. I don’t know why my parents never brought me here.” She stares at him. “Justin, what’s wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I……….don’t know, you’re just so beautiful. Isn’t this nativity scene great?”

“I think the nativity set is nice. Ow that hurts.”

Justin comes out of his daze. “What happened?”

“I felt a pain in my stomach.”

“Hopefully it’s just a bug.”

Aalyiah laughs nervously, if only he knew that this has been going on for several months he wouldn’t pass it off so easily. “Can we go home?”

“I guess. I thought you’d enjoy all this, but you seem uncomfortable. Did I do something you didn’t like?”

“No, it’s just a bit chilly. I think its best we head back to the house.”

Justin rushes to Aalyiah, after hearing her scream downstairs. He brings her to his room, trying to calm her down. “He’s gone. I’m right here. Are you alright?”

Aalyiah rests her head on Justin’s fluffy pillow, feeling his warmth. “I’m fine, aside from these stomach pains. My grandfather just scared me. I don’t want anything to do with him.”

She has another sharp pain, and flinches, grabbing at her lower stomach. Tears flow from her eyes, as he rubs her stomach, carefully. The pains are becoming less apart from the last one.

Justin glances at her nervously. “I’m getting worried about you.”

“Justin, I shouldn’t have kept this from you, but I’ve been having pains on and off, for several months now. I’m deeply sorry for keeping that from you.”

“I forgive you. I’m going to take you to the hospital.” He helps her off of the bed noticing a wet substance, where her lower body had just been. It dawns on him what’s going on. “You’re pregnant.”

She falls to the floor in pain. “I must have got pregnant during the rape. I can’t make it.”

“We have to make it. You can’t give birth here. I have no clue about bringing babies into the world.”

She cries, “I can’t do it. It hurts too much!” Her body trembles. “Justin, get me through this!”

Justin rushes to the linen closet. He pulls out blankets, and wraps them around the upper part of her body to keep her warm.

An hour later, Justin smiles tenderly at her, as he holds the baby girl in his blood stained hands. He kisses Aalyiah gently on the forehead. A horrible thought crosses his mind. “No, the bad stuff’s behind us. It won’t happen to us. Aalyiah’s my world.”

She smiles at him tiredly, “What are you mumbling about?”

He kisses her, “Oh, it’s nothing.”










Chp. 16

The words he fears coming out of somebody’s mouth are, “She died.” He attempts to push it to the back of his mind, as he cares for the newborn in his arms, rocking her back and forth.

“Aalyiah, what’s her name?”

“Let’s call her Daisy Melody Marie.”

Sweat drips from his forehead, as he attempts to breathe normally. His body is still shaky.

“I love that name,” he says as he picks up the bloody blankets. He throws a bunch of them into the wash, and returns to her. He places a blanket over her. “Do you think we should go to the hospital to have things checked out?”

“No, it’s best it all happened this way.” She closes her eyes, drifting off. “I love you, Justin.”

He grasps her hand. “I love you, too. Merry Christmas, Aalyiah.”

Lynn walks into his room, in shock, “Justin what happened?” She sorts through the blood soaked sheets.

He smiles, trembling, “Mom, she had a baby. I helped deliver the baby girl. This is her daughter, Daisy Melody Marie.”

Lynn’s taken back by all the blood on her son’s shirt, and the newborn in his loving arms. She smiles tenderly admiring the sweet grins coming from her oldest son’s face, and beaming baby blues.

His innocence from early childhood has returned, in her eyes. She sees wonderment and uncertainty in him.

She tells him what she’s been telling him since he was little, “Take slow steps and you won’t fall. You might stumble, but you’ll get back on track. It’s just a new adventure.”

He nods his head, “This is going to take a lot of practice.”

“I know you’ll make it, Justin!” She kisses him softly. “If you need anything, you’re Dad and I will be right here.”




Chp. 17

Daisy rests in Justin’s arms. He attempts to relax by the decorated family Christmas tree. The small infant is enchanted by the colorful array of lights from the tree, and soft Christmas melodies.

Aalyiah’s not fully recovered from the pregnancy. She’s tired from her natural childbirth, though the process didn’t take long. She’s overjoyed to have a baby, but at the same time filled with sorrow, not knowing the father’s identity.

The infant and Aalyiah are tested for sexually transmitted diseases, at the Timberlake home. They both test negative for all. Aalyiah and Justin are ecstatic over the news that both mother and child in good health. This is a great sign of new beginnings for them.

After the holidays, Justin and Aalyiah go out looking for items for the newborn. The small store is packed with baby essentials. Justin reads everything, making sure it’s just right for this newborn. He won’t settle for anything but the best.

Aalyiah laughs, “Justin, this blanket is fine. You don’t need to inspect it.”

He smiles giving her his best baby face expression. “I just want what’s best for her.”

“She’ll have the best. You seem like the perfect father.”

“I don’t know…………..I have this music career.”

She steps up to him, and gives him a kiss that he won’t soon forget. “Is music as good?”

“That was purely heaven! Nope music doesn’t do that!”

She giggles, “You’re too cute!”

The two return home, with the baby supplies. The baby will be sleeping in Justin’s old bedroom. Aalyiah and Justin will stay in the room with the infant. As they’re rearranging furniture, Justin’s cell phone rings.

He answers it, “Hello?”

“You have my granddaughter, and I demand you send her back to New York City!”

“I’d never let her go back to that lifestyle. You can’t force anything upon her!” He clicks the off button on the phone, angrily, as his heart sinks in his chest.
Aalyiah peers into his fearful eyes. “Justin, what was that about?”

He moves his eyes out of her view. “Your grandfather demanded you come back to New York City. I won’t have that. I hung up on him.”











































Chp. 18

The cold New York air hits their faces, as they breathe heavily. They enter the small home, where they’ll be staying for protection reasons.

It’s hardly warm. The home is cold, appearing gloomy due to the lack of light, and color. No place for a family to be, but that’s how it has to be. Guards watch over the young couple, making sure nobody causes them harm.

To be under constant surveillance is unnerving for Justin and Aalyiah. There’s hardly any intimacy between them, because everyone’s watching them. Their emotions at times take over, and arguments arose. Making up usually happens quickly.

The madness won’t be over until the unlawful persons are put behind bars, and who knows how long that’ll be.

Dark shadows are everywhere, as Justin gazes through the barely lit room, one evening. He closes his eyes, wrapping his loving arms around Aalyiah. A loud bang alarms him, and he gets up to see what’s going on.

Randy, his guard assures him it’s nothing, so he returns back to bed.

The baby screams, sending Justin quickly to the room. Her mother cries, “Leave my baby alone. I’m not going back to work for my grandfather! Leave, now!”

Security surrounds the area, as the tall dark figured man takes off.

Justin aids Aalyiah and her injured baby. “What’d he do to her?”

Aalyiah trembles, crumbling in Justin’s comforting arms, “Shook her hard. He wouldn’t stop, until he heard somebody coming. I don’t want to lose her, Justin.”

Her breathing has slowed, and her small face is a ghostly white. The two take turns holding her, as paramedics work on her.

A paramedic looks at the two grimly. “I’m afraid this situation doesn’t appear good. The injuries she sustained are life threatening. 10% of infants will live after something like this. The other 90% do not.

Tears trickle down their cheeks, as the baby gasps for air. They get into the ambulance, with her. It’s horrible to watch them put her on a ventilator. All the life she has seems gone, and there’s nothing they can do.


Chp. 19

Daisy showed no sign of life, all night long. Their hearts ache, with sorrow, holding her one last time, before they disconnect the breathing tube.

A priest is close by, saying a prayer for Daisy. “May our Father keep her from anymore harm, and welcome her into his kingdom, a kingdom where she will be able to spread her wings, and fly. “

Justin adds to the prayer. “Father we are not ungrateful for our time with this blessing from you. It seems unfair that you chose to take a harmless infant, but we understand you had your reasons. Aalyiah and I pray that you will help ease our woes over time. Though, we will never be fully recovered from this tragedy, until we all meet again in your heavenly home.”

Aalyiah rocks her in a rocking chair, as tears stream down her face. Aalyiah hands the infant over to Justin.

She can barely speak, “That was beautiful, Justin.”

Justin cradles her, as tears form in his eyes. He kisses Daisy’s head, carefully. A warm unexplained feeling comes over him.

He watches as the tube is removed, and the infant is gasping for air. It’s difficult for him to witness this first hand. His stomach is sick, and palms of hands sweaty, as he swallows hard, gasping for air himself. The air couldn’t be any thicker, or mood graver. He makes his way toward Aalyiah, whose eyes are already red from crying.

Aalyiah’s hair is mangled, as Justin brushes it gently in place, removing the hair from her eyes, and wet face. Her lips tremble, as Justin kisses her to try to comfort the horrible emotions inside. Her breathing is irregular, as she nearly passes out.

The monitors all show very minimal signs of life that would soon end. The teary couple cuddles, as they come to grips with their loss. Their hearts race, pounding hard enough to feel it. The loss is nearly unbearable for the two. To get past this tragedy is impossible for them.

A faint cry comes from behind them, and then a scream from the nurse.

Aalyiah and Justin turn around recognizing the cry, and glance at the nurse.

The nurse informs them, nearly yelling in excitement, “Daisy’s alive! She’s crying. This doesn’t mean she’ll make it though. Only time will tell.”

Chp. 20

The wet basketball bounces off the icy pavement, in a rhythmic motion. Slushy snow melts on his bare hands, as he attempts to distant himself from his hardships. The ball swishes between his hands, as he moves into a slow dribble. He picks up the speed, beginning a lay up. Rushing up the court he dunks the ball in the hoop.

Aalyiah nudges Justin, who is on her shoulder, “Justin, wake up!” He doesn’t budge. She lightly tugs at his shirt. “Justin, Daisy needs us!”

His blue eyes open, as he jumps up. “Is she okay?”

Aalyiah nods her head. “Daisy is doing much better. I thought you might want to come with me to see her. I didn’t feel right leaving you here, all alone.” She gently takes Justin’s hand, as they leave the entrance area.

Justin gazes at the elevator lights drowsily. He yawns, extremely exhausted from the lack of sleep. “I’m sorry about being so tired.”

“It’s alright. I’m tired too. We can rest a bit in her room. Her last room was a bit too noisy, but now that she’s stable there is less care required.”

Justin gasps at Daisy, though he has already seen all the monitors, and special equipment. There are tubes everywhere, as he watches Daisy sleep. Justin touches her tiny fingers, talking to her. His eyes water, wishing he didn’t have to go through this.

He stares at her from the chair, trying to keep his eyes open, but begins drifting off to sleep.

His sorrow fades temporarily. Justin imagines the basketball is back in his hands. This time there is no snow. The sun warms up his spirit, as the ball bounces freely between his hands. He makes several baskets, smiling.

Aalyiah wakes from a short slumber, and tip toes towards Daisy’s crib, stroking her head gently. A tear falls from her eye, as her body trembles. Fear lingers in her mind because of her daughter’s uncertain future. She sings softly to Daisy.

“Little Angel may God take care of you
Taking away the pain in those eyes,
Those hardships and cries.

Mommy misses your coos’
And all the special things you do.
Little Angel I’m right here,
And will forever be there.”

Justin gazes up at Aalyiah and her angelic voice. He stands, bringing his arms around her. Justin leans forward, placing his lips on her cheeks. “I love you two. I’ve grown so close to that infant in only a few weeks time, and because of her have grown even closer to you.”

“Justin, this is a lot for you to have taken on. You don’t have to be a part of this. None of this is your fault. It may tarnish your musical career.”

“Music is a great release for me. I had an awesome musical career, but I was constantly unhappy. I was lacking something very important, a girlfriend who desired me for more than my pay check.”

“All my girlfriends, up until you, lied and cheated on me. For the first time ever, I finally have somebody that sees me for who I am, a nice guy, not somebody trying to manipulate women. You’ve seen me as the caring son, and older brother. Many people out in the public never get to see that. I would never turn my back on you two. Your willingness to accept me as Justin, and not Justin Timberlake means so much to me! “

She smiles kissing him, “I love you too, and can’t thank you enough for everything, because you don’t have to do any of this for us!”


Chp. 21

Aalyiah tends to her daughter. She nurses the infant, in the early morning, as Justin lay sleeping. She’s overjoyed that Daisy is finally home from the hospital, but depressed because she realizes this is no place for an infant. Arrangements have been made for Daisy to live with Justin’s Mom, Lynn, until they return home.

Aalyiah gently touches Daisy’s sore body, as she bathes the little girl in the warm water. She lightly washes away the gunk from the medical pads. “I know it hurts, Sweetheart. Shhh………..” Aalyiah takes a fluffy pink baby towel out, and slowly dries Daisy off. “Let’s go wake Justin.”

Aalyiah sits on the bed, with Daisy snuggly in her arms. Sunlight warms the bedroom, as Aalyiah turns to face Justin. She pulls away the covers, tapping his shoulder. “Hey Justin, don’t you want to get up? Today’s your Birthday”, she exclaimed!”

Justin takes the pillow, placing it over his head, “Thanks for wishing me a happy birthday. Five more minutes of sleep”, he pleads. He brings the blanket back over his body, opening his eyes.

He attempts to focus on her, but the sun’s glare causes him to squint, and wipe away tears streaming from his face. Justin shields his eyes with his muscular hands. Justin sneezes, “Sorry about that.” Another sneeze comes, “Sorry.”

Aalyiah plays with his massive curls. “I think you may be coming down with a cold. You’ve been over working yourself since the incident with Daisy. Getting four hours of sleep is hardly enough to stay healthy.”

Justin half smiles, “I’ll be fine. That’s about all I got when I toured. I’m probably allergic to something. What are we going to do today?”

“What would you like to do?”

“I haven’t played basketball in awhile. I miss that, but there are no courts around here that aren’t buried under snow.”

Aalyiah smiles, “I’m going to take you some place special.”

His eyes widen, “Where?”

Aalyiah laughs, “I can’t tell you. It’s a surprise.”

Along with Justin’s Mom, family, and security she’s been planning a special day for Justin. She didn’t realize that the last day of January is Justin’s Birthday, until speaking to his Mom, Lynn.

Later that day, Aalyiah blindfolds Justin, as he holds her hand. “You can’t see, right?”

Justin giggles, “No! It’s all black. Where are you taking me? I don’t like surprises.”

“You’ll find out soon enough.” She guides him through the streets, as two body guards stay close beside them. “We’re coming to a road. I’ll tell you when we’re at the edge.” They take a few more steps. “This is the edge.”

The two get into a black van with tinted windows. Aalyiah helps seat Justin, and buckle the seatbelt. “We’re almost there.” She kisses him softly on the cheek.

Justin feels the plush leather seat. “I wish I knew what was going on.”

The van stops. Aalyiah grasps Justin’s hand, pulling him up. She assists him down the steps, and back onto a street into a large area, with a basketball court, where his family is.



Chp 22

Aalyiah removes the blindfold from his eyes. “We’re here.”

Justin blinks his eyes, trying to focus after having no light for a good thirty minutes. His face beams at all of his family and friends, who Justin has missed greatly. He turns to Aalyiah, “Thank you so much! The room is amazing. I love the baby blue decorations, the basketball theme, and most importantly how you got all of my closest family to come.”

“Your Mom helped me plan all of this. I wanted to give you something special because you’ve been there for me. I don’t even think this is enough to repay you. You’re such a special person, Justin. I’ve never met anyone like you before.”

A loud sigh comes from Justin’s family and friends, as they gather around the couple. They take in the love the two love birds shine for each other. Well, all but one.

Jonathan laughs making a strange face. “Ew girls!” He runs up to his older brother, “Why do you like girls?”

Justin bends down to the boy’s level, “Well, I didn’t always. Girls can be fun. You just have to be the right age.”

“But, girls take away from me.”

Justin picks up Jonathan in his arms, “Never. You’ll always have me, girls or not.” He places Jonathan back on the ground. “I want you to meet Aalyiah, Jonathan.”

Jonathan stays close to Justin, as they approach Aalyiah. “This is Aalyiah, Jonathan, and her daughter Daisy.”

He turns toward his brother, grabbing onto him. “She was at Mom’s funeral. I want Mom back!”

Justin holds him tightly, “You’ll see her someday. I promise! How about we go play some basketball with Steven?”

Jonathan’s eyes light up, “Aalyiah too?”

“Aalyiah has to take care of Daisy.”

“Okay, bye Aalyiah. It was nice meeting you.”

Aalyiah nods her head, “Nice meeting you, too.”
Justin, Jonathan, and Steven engage in a quick basketball game.

Justin has Steven on his shoulders, due to the child being too small to make a basket. He gently makes his way to the hoop, allowing Steven to make a basket. Justin has a great time playing with his brothers, and wishes he could do it more often. He lets out another sneeze.




Chp. 23

That night, Justin can’t stop coughing. He opens up a bottle of cold medication, and pours it into a small container to drink. He sniffs the red liquid, “Yuck.” He takes it in one gulp. Justin makes his way toward the couch, after a quick drink to rid the awful taste from the medicine, and grabs a bunch of tissues for his runny nose.

Justin’s sound asleep, after about ten minutes on the couch. His head rests on a pillow. Aalyiah covers him with a blanket. He spends the night on the couch, coughing and sneezing in his sleep.

He wakes looking at Aalyiah, throat too sore to speak. His voice is hoarse, and barely audible. “I love you.”

“I love you too. You get some more rest.”

He closes his eyes, not feeling well enough to get off the couch. He takes more medication. Justin takes the red syrup slowly. He cringes at the nasty flavor. Chills run through his trembling body. “Don’t take Aalyiah”, he manages to get out before going back to sleep. Justin can’t get his mind off Aalyiah possibly being in trouble.

Aalyiah lightly touches Justin. “Sweetheart, you’re Mom is going to take Daisy back to Tennessee. I thought you may want to say goodbye to Daisy.

Justin can barely keep his eyes open. He waves goodbye, but probably is too sick to remember she left. Justin’s blue eyes trail off. He places his hands in front of him, as if Aalyiah is there to hug. “I’m sorry, Aalyiah, that Daisy is gone with Mom.”


“Sweetheart, I’m on the floor. It’s not your fault. We’ll see Daisy soon enough.” She sighs, helplessly, not letting Justin see her true emotions of sorrow and guilt. Tears flow down her face, wishing she could hold her little girl, who’s still not fully recovered. She sits beside the couch, watching Justin sleep in pain.

His eyes open, and she leans against his warm chest. Justin’s arm drops over her, comforting her. Justin shuts his eyes.


Chp. 24

Three weeks later, Justin moves his hand along her stomach. A slight smile over comes him. “I must be the luckiest guy a beautiful bride to be, and a child on the way.”

Aalyiah shakes her head, “Of course you are, and you’re all mine.”

Justin fondly remembers yesterday, when he bent down on his knees, pulling out a small black box. He popped the box open, as Aalyiah gasped at the diamond ring. His blue eyes sparkled with delight. His fingers grasped the ring. No words needed to know if she’d say yes, the answer showed in her beautiful eyes.

Today is equally as amazing for the two. Now he’s with her getting an ultra sound. He watches as the cold jelly goes on Aalyiah’s lower stomach. Justin grasps her hand, gazing into her eyes. He wipes away the tears forming in her eyes. “I’m right here. I’m not going to let anything happen to you, or this baby, no matter what.”

On the ride home the two glance at each other, hands trembling. Justin takes her back to the house, nervously. He isn’t about to let anything happen to her, and their baby.

He’s with her everyday, as much as possible. Anything they can do as a family, he tries doing. He never takes for granted the time they have together, the nights where they couldn’t help but gaze into the other ones eyes, and kisses that linger on their lips to this day, as winter sets in.

The simplest things can be the most dangerous. At seven months. It seems smooth sailing for Justin and Aalyiah, until one eventful evening.

“Aalyiah, where are you,” Justin asks with fret in his voice? His eyes wander around, as his heart begins to race.

There isn’t one clue to lead him to where she is. His heart falls into his stomach. “This isn’t like her.” He reaches for the cell phone on the counter, to hopefully give a clue to her where a bouts. Chills run up and down his spine. “They took her. They tricked her.” He rushes to his car, barely able to see with the mass of tears in the way.

He drives as fast as he can to the old New York City building. His breathing is heavy, as he trembles. “Please let her be okay!” His nightmare is becoming a reality as he pulls up to the building, rushing inside. He plays the event of the dream in his head, as he searches for her aimlessly.


“No!” He screamed, in horror, and disbelief.

His hands tremble, as he holds Aalyiah’s limp body in his injured fingers. Her head lay against his warm, chest, bringing warmth to her chilled still body.

“I don’t under……….stand how a pretty girl like this got into all this mess. She doesn’t deserve to die. It can’t be happening. It just can’t be real!”

His heart breaks as he looks at her. “Please don’t leave me. I can’t lose another person I love so dearly. It’s too much for me!”

Blood now is covering his hands, as he becomes colder from his own injuries.

He wraps his shirt around her, to keep her alive, until it’s safe for the paramedics to enter the scene.

His own life is in jeopardy, but he doesn’t care. She’s his life now, and without her nothing seems right.

He peers into the man’s eyes, as he keeps her in his trembling arms. “How could you treat your granddaughter like this?”

“She wasn’t supposed to be involved. The whole thing now spells corruption. We never wanted her, but then her parents were killed, as the guardians we had to take her in. It wasn’t the place for her. I regret it all now, that it’s too late.”

Chp. 25

“What the………………..is that?”

A bright light comes into his eyes. Justin can’t figure out where it’s coming from. There is no source the building is black.

The light dims, as he follows it in hopes to find Aalyiah. Warm air brushes his face, making it easier to breathe. He stumbles over numerous objects on the floor, getting minor injuries. His hand is bleeding from cutting it on the knife on the ground. He wraps it in his shirt, which quickly soaks up the small amounts of blood.

Justin squints, peering into the eyes of a young man, who bares his resemblance. He gasps, glancing at the man’s wings, but settles seeing there is no need to be afraid.

“Which way do I go?”

“It’s not up to me to tell you, Justin. That’s up to you to decide. Your heart guided this far, let it continue. Nobody but yourself has got you to this point. That light you’ve seen is from inside of you. You are her angel in the darkness, Justin. You’ve proven that. Don’t give up on her now!”

Justin nods, blinking his blue eyes, he’s gone. Justin follows the light, as he hears Aalyiah crying. He rushes to her. “I’m right here, Aalyiah.” Justin holds her ghostly trembling body. He growls at her grandfather, keeping her warm, from the elements, and protecting her from further harm.

The grandfather steps back in horror, at the white glow around Justin. “What the…………… is that around that foolish boy?”

Aalyiah gazes up at him. “I told you my angel in the darkness would come.” Her eyes close. She opens them just as police arrive, and an ambulance.


“Used to sit all alone
I was distances from my home.
All my friends were gone.
A sad song’s all I could sing.

Nobody gave me the time of day
Abusive words they’d say.
You taught me to love again,
And was able to make me grin.

“A dark storm surrounds his world.
He hides it with a grin.
Secrets are lost within.”