Included are lyrics for "Christmas Shoes" by Newsong
Justin flips through the pages of an old scrapbook his mom made years ago. He sniffles softly, before taking a sip of his hot cocca. "I haven't been home in a long time," he sighs turning towards the man in the chair,"It's not that I didn't want to come home. I miss every inch of my home. I can still smell the sweet aromas of pies and lots of cinnamon. Mom loves cinnamon, and I have a thing for it too," Justin admits slowly, "but today isn't about that. Today's about when I was a little boy.
I remember being eleven years old and being excited about Christmas, even though we were not a wealthy family. My mom knew how to make Christmas good. She had been sick, and it brought me down. But, my mom wasn't going let me be sad on Christmas. She made me promise to have a good time, "because worrying helps nothing." I believed her, and still do to this day.
I felt compelled by Momma's words and thought about what would make her happy. There were these shoes she had seen in the store, but could not afford. I wanted to buy her those with the money I had been saving. I prayed that God would let Momma be there on Christmas with new shoes.
I worked very hard to get those shoes. I walked into the store with my tattered clothes, and people stared at me. They whispered and pointed at the little boy in dingy white clothes. I smiled like little boys do and pretended to look at the model trainsets. I wandered towards the shoes.
"Sir," I said.
I want to buy these, for my Momma, please."
He laughed,"Ok, then do you have the money for these?"
I nodded slowly looking up into his eyes, "Yes, it's in this bag."
I followed him to the cashier box where I stood with a line of people who looked at me strangely, as if I didn't belong with my bag of coins and dollar bills.
One remarked, "Shouldn't you be out playing?"
"Not today Sir," I answered, "I'm Christmas shopping for my mom."
One man with packages on top of packages stood tall as he looked at me. He smiled like he was remembering his youth, as I stepped forward to pay.
I put the pennies on the counter with the bills hoping he'd say it's enough.
Then, he looked at me, "Son, there's not enough here."
I searched my pockets franticly, before turning to the man with all his packages and said, "Momma makes Christmas good at our house. Some years she just does without."
He put some money down, as my eyes grew wide, "Thank you," I said, before running off home.
Momma was waiting for me. As I handed her my gift, she kissed my forehead. "Oh Justin," she sighed. "I love this gift."
I wrapped my arms around her, "Anything for you Momma,"I said.
"That's a very touching story," the reporter remarks, "and now you do "Christmas Shoes" each year for one deserving child."
"They're all deserving. It's so hard to pick just one, and if there are more than one, I'll do it for all of them to see that joy I felt years ago."
"And you're Momma, how is she doing?"
"We've come far since that December day, and she still wears those Christmas Shoes every Christmas."
Showing posts with label drama violence alturnative universe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label drama violence alturnative universe. Show all posts
November 14, 2006
November 10, 2006
Monster Mash
Who would know if I was a monster? No one! Why? It is Halloween. I dress in silly attire, sppokified for desire.
I like candycorn how about you?
The "Monster Mash" is a hit to me.
I live in the hills with my friends. Monsters can be good. I hope you understand. My name is Max. What is yours?
The streets are full of ghouls, gblins, ghosts and witches too, as the sunshine brighly. I stand tall in a silly yellow hat. Green eyes with a spooly glow look around to amke sure not a soul knows. I am real. No one bats an eye. I march a long say ,"Trick or treat."
I eat lots of tiny colored sweets. Chocolate bars and some small toys I put into my goody bag. I head on down the road, and through the trees. Over a moutain I skip to the beat of music fading quickly. Closer I am to my home. Inside I find Mom and Dad waiting to hear of my monster tale.
I like candycorn how about you?
The "Monster Mash" is a hit to me.
I live in the hills with my friends. Monsters can be good. I hope you understand. My name is Max. What is yours?
The streets are full of ghouls, gblins, ghosts and witches too, as the sunshine brighly. I stand tall in a silly yellow hat. Green eyes with a spooly glow look around to amke sure not a soul knows. I am real. No one bats an eye. I march a long say ,"Trick or treat."
I eat lots of tiny colored sweets. Chocolate bars and some small toys I put into my goody bag. I head on down the road, and through the trees. Over a moutain I skip to the beat of music fading quickly. Closer I am to my home. Inside I find Mom and Dad waiting to hear of my monster tale.
November 05, 2006
The Charmer
Opening up his blue eyes the one person Justin cared to see is nowhere in sight. Tears form in his cloudy eyes, that are barely open, He swallows hard, gazing at the nurse to his left, wishing he could call out to her, but he knows that is impossible.
Tired, Justin closes his eyes, hoping his mom would be there shortly, as he cries himself to sleep.
Lynn Harless Justin’s mother enters the recovery room, where Justin lies still slightly groggy from the drugs. She bends over gently kissing his head. “I am here, Sweetheart.”
Justin mouths and points to the bear in her hands.
Smiling, she sits in a chair next to his hospital bed. “Do you remember this bear, Justin?”
He nods is head carefully with a confused expression cast over his sore mouth.
“I thought you may want it since it brought you so much comfort when you were younger. I did not know what else to bring, then I saw your teddy bear sitting in the attic that your grandmother gave to you, and thought you may like it for comfort.”
He mouths, “Thank you,” as his eyes close. He cuddles the bear, drifting to sleep.”
The next day, Justin hugs his mom tightly, at his L.A. Pad in the Hollywood Hills. He rests his head upon her shoulder, nervous to let go.
“Shhh…….”, Lynn says in a hush tone, as the tears drip down her shirt from his eyes. “Justin, I am not going to leave you, until your girlfriend gets here. I know you are scared, and sick, and cannot talk.”
He grunts softly, turning his head toward the window, blinking his blue eyes, at the streaks of lights that blind him. Anger fills him, seeing the stalkratzii at his home, when he just wants to be alone with his mother. He bolts upstairs frustrated making his way towards his bedroom, where the teddy bear sits.
Resting his head on the pillow, he cuddles the bear in his arms, closing his blue eyes, and drifting to sleep.
Lynn sighs gently running her fingers through his curls, trying her hardest not to wake him, knowing the bear is being the charmer once more.
Tired, Justin closes his eyes, hoping his mom would be there shortly, as he cries himself to sleep.
Lynn Harless Justin’s mother enters the recovery room, where Justin lies still slightly groggy from the drugs. She bends over gently kissing his head. “I am here, Sweetheart.”
Justin mouths and points to the bear in her hands.
Smiling, she sits in a chair next to his hospital bed. “Do you remember this bear, Justin?”
He nods is head carefully with a confused expression cast over his sore mouth.
“I thought you may want it since it brought you so much comfort when you were younger. I did not know what else to bring, then I saw your teddy bear sitting in the attic that your grandmother gave to you, and thought you may like it for comfort.”
He mouths, “Thank you,” as his eyes close. He cuddles the bear, drifting to sleep.”
The next day, Justin hugs his mom tightly, at his L.A. Pad in the Hollywood Hills. He rests his head upon her shoulder, nervous to let go.
“Shhh…….”, Lynn says in a hush tone, as the tears drip down her shirt from his eyes. “Justin, I am not going to leave you, until your girlfriend gets here. I know you are scared, and sick, and cannot talk.”
He grunts softly, turning his head toward the window, blinking his blue eyes, at the streaks of lights that blind him. Anger fills him, seeing the stalkratzii at his home, when he just wants to be alone with his mother. He bolts upstairs frustrated making his way towards his bedroom, where the teddy bear sits.
Resting his head on the pillow, he cuddles the bear in his arms, closing his blue eyes, and drifting to sleep.
Lynn sighs gently running her fingers through his curls, trying her hardest not to wake him, knowing the bear is being the charmer once more.
Spaces In Time
Justin’s little hands grasp onto his older brother, Jonathan’s, as he lifts Justin into his loving arms, “No buh byes,” Justin babbles teary eyed.
“Not yet, Justin,” Jonathan smiles patting his little brothers back, as he searches for Steven to put Justin in his crib. “Looks like I have crib duty tonight,” he chuckles, as he reaches for the baby blue blanket, and begins singing a lullaby.
Jonathan has a busy life, and is sad that he will not see Justin until Christmas. Justin is too young to understand why he only sees his brother a few times a year.
Steven 16 helps with his 1 year old brother, as he tries to complete homework.
Justin scribbles on a piece of paper, unaware that Jonathan is gone. Putting down his crayons, he moves toward the soft play structure his brother bought him. He loves crawling in and out of the holes.
Returning with a girlfriend in toe, Jonathan holds his youngest brother in his arms. The near two year old, sleeps soundly, as Jonathan grabs Justin’s baby supplies, for the concert venue.
Justin looks around, at the familiar setting, and set of faces. “My voice,” he tells himself.
“No Justin,” a woman says, “This is Jonathan’s voice. You are a baby.”
He shrugs his shoulders remembering his birth, and going to the nursery. His features relax bringing his birth to memory.
Jonathan and a pretty girl come into his mind. They were first to visit him in the nursery.
They talked of getting married, and having their own child.
Jonathan sang a funny lullaby that sounds familiar. Justin’s can’t place it, His memory is too fuzzy. He hopes when he is older and can read that he will figure out where the song comes from. He believes he sang the song, but does not understand how, since he is just a baby.
Going further into his memory Justin recalls being inside of a warm, dark, tight space, before coming into the world. He could hear faint voices from within the womb. He liked hearing his brother’s voices, especially Jonathan’s.
He stares sleepily at the lady, fighting to stay awake. His eyelids close, and he wakes in the womb. Thinking that it is a dream, Justin’s body relaxes, as he listens to Jonathan’s voice trying to stay awake, and remember what is said. It sounds jumbled, as he drifts to sleep.
The woman smiles at Jonathan. “You take good care of your brother.”
He nods, “I love him, and being the older brother. He can come on tour when he is old enough.” He grins tiredly singing the lullaby.
When Justin’s speech improves, he tries to talk to his older brother, but it is still too hard to get the right words out.
Jonathan is promoting a new album with a musical group he is close too *NSYNC.
Talking to another baby Justin admits, “I should be the big brother.”
The baby coos, “But it is funny being the baby. Lance is my older brother. He is in *NSYNC. There is an older Justin too. They call him Randal. Sometimes the *NSYNC guys call him J.J. I bet he would like you. He has curls too, but has no siblings. He seems lonely.”
“Where is he?”
“He is sick a lot. He had a doctor visit.”
Jonathan attempts to cheer up J.J., after his doctor appointment. He asks what J.J. stands for.
Justin chuckles “Just Justin. It probably sounds corny, but that’s my pet name. They always make me out to be the boss. There is no boss in *NSYNC.”
“I call my younger brother Justin all sorts of things. He loves it.”
Running his fingers through his new set of curls Justin laughs. “That’s cute. Do you believe in time warps?”
Jonathan stares at him, “Time what?”
“It is a mystery thing you get trapped in time, and can’t get out. Lately things have been awkward. Maybe it is the medicines. I just don’t feel like me. I don’t believe Justin the singer is supposed to be sick.”
“I find it odd,” Jonathan shrugs. “I saw you on the television doing “Rock Your Body,” and a strange feeling came over me, as if I had seen it before, but it was a lot different than your version. There was no flash of lights. You were at a club having fun, and at the end we discovered you were dreaming.”
Justin takes a deep breath, “And what is up with this lady I have been seeing all over the place? She is just bizarre. She speaks in a monotone voice, and gives weird presents.”
Jonathan asks, “What kind of presents?”
Justin pulls a necklace out of his pocket, “Stuff like this. I like the color, but will not wear it.”
“I have a necklace like that too. Mom and Dad gave it to me, before they passed away.”
Justin sighs, “I don’t know how I could ever find out if this is really my life.” He closes his eyes.
People are talking, as he glances around the nursery looking for the baby. A young couple he over hears chatting about desiring a child, as they admire a new baby boy entering their family.
The sound of a woman’s voice echoes in his mind, as he looks her straight in the eye, and she hands him a necklace, telling him to use it wisely or he would be sorry.
Thankful for the gift he praised the woman putting the piece around his neck, but removing it when out of eyesight.
Opening his eyes, Justin eyes the woman. “You are mad at me, because I did not keep the necklace on. Am I even Justin?”
Jonathan shakes Justin, “What is wrong with you? There is no woman standing here.”
“I saw her,” Justin cries. “I wish this all could be explained.”
“Do you believe we are not who we say we are?”
“Honestly Jonathan, I do not know what to think. I get these daydreams, of being at the hospital nursery, and they spook me out, every time. I think they are a message, or warning of some sort.” He pauses, “When was Justin born?”
“He was born about two years ago! Why?”
“That was around the whole time this mess started. Why did your parents give you that necklace?”
“I really don’t know,” Jonathan sighs. “He told me it was a good luck charm, but I do not get into all that stuff, so I only wore it for them. I took it off the day I found out they had died.”
“The other four members of the group think I have lost my marbles. Maybe, they are right. Only I see her, and feel as though life is not what it should seem.”
He runs his fingers along the metal of the bed, smelling the scents of the hospital, as Jonathan enters the room, with his youngest brother.
Randal grins, looking into the small child’s eyes. “I think he knows the truth, and with that we can get out of this time mishap.”
Jonathan sits in the chair holding his brother. “You are stuck here, and my brother can’t help you. You cannot rely on a baby!”
“What if I told you Jonathan that your brother is not a baby at all?”
“That makes no sense. I just want you to get better Justin.”
“Not yet, Justin,” Jonathan smiles patting his little brothers back, as he searches for Steven to put Justin in his crib. “Looks like I have crib duty tonight,” he chuckles, as he reaches for the baby blue blanket, and begins singing a lullaby.
Jonathan has a busy life, and is sad that he will not see Justin until Christmas. Justin is too young to understand why he only sees his brother a few times a year.
Steven 16 helps with his 1 year old brother, as he tries to complete homework.
Justin scribbles on a piece of paper, unaware that Jonathan is gone. Putting down his crayons, he moves toward the soft play structure his brother bought him. He loves crawling in and out of the holes.
Returning with a girlfriend in toe, Jonathan holds his youngest brother in his arms. The near two year old, sleeps soundly, as Jonathan grabs Justin’s baby supplies, for the concert venue.
Justin looks around, at the familiar setting, and set of faces. “My voice,” he tells himself.
“No Justin,” a woman says, “This is Jonathan’s voice. You are a baby.”
He shrugs his shoulders remembering his birth, and going to the nursery. His features relax bringing his birth to memory.
Jonathan and a pretty girl come into his mind. They were first to visit him in the nursery.
They talked of getting married, and having their own child.
Jonathan sang a funny lullaby that sounds familiar. Justin’s can’t place it, His memory is too fuzzy. He hopes when he is older and can read that he will figure out where the song comes from. He believes he sang the song, but does not understand how, since he is just a baby.
Going further into his memory Justin recalls being inside of a warm, dark, tight space, before coming into the world. He could hear faint voices from within the womb. He liked hearing his brother’s voices, especially Jonathan’s.
He stares sleepily at the lady, fighting to stay awake. His eyelids close, and he wakes in the womb. Thinking that it is a dream, Justin’s body relaxes, as he listens to Jonathan’s voice trying to stay awake, and remember what is said. It sounds jumbled, as he drifts to sleep.
The woman smiles at Jonathan. “You take good care of your brother.”
He nods, “I love him, and being the older brother. He can come on tour when he is old enough.” He grins tiredly singing the lullaby.
When Justin’s speech improves, he tries to talk to his older brother, but it is still too hard to get the right words out.
Jonathan is promoting a new album with a musical group he is close too *NSYNC.
Talking to another baby Justin admits, “I should be the big brother.”
The baby coos, “But it is funny being the baby. Lance is my older brother. He is in *NSYNC. There is an older Justin too. They call him Randal. Sometimes the *NSYNC guys call him J.J. I bet he would like you. He has curls too, but has no siblings. He seems lonely.”
“Where is he?”
“He is sick a lot. He had a doctor visit.”
Jonathan attempts to cheer up J.J., after his doctor appointment. He asks what J.J. stands for.
Justin chuckles “Just Justin. It probably sounds corny, but that’s my pet name. They always make me out to be the boss. There is no boss in *NSYNC.”
“I call my younger brother Justin all sorts of things. He loves it.”
Running his fingers through his new set of curls Justin laughs. “That’s cute. Do you believe in time warps?”
Jonathan stares at him, “Time what?”
“It is a mystery thing you get trapped in time, and can’t get out. Lately things have been awkward. Maybe it is the medicines. I just don’t feel like me. I don’t believe Justin the singer is supposed to be sick.”
“I find it odd,” Jonathan shrugs. “I saw you on the television doing “Rock Your Body,” and a strange feeling came over me, as if I had seen it before, but it was a lot different than your version. There was no flash of lights. You were at a club having fun, and at the end we discovered you were dreaming.”
Justin takes a deep breath, “And what is up with this lady I have been seeing all over the place? She is just bizarre. She speaks in a monotone voice, and gives weird presents.”
Jonathan asks, “What kind of presents?”
Justin pulls a necklace out of his pocket, “Stuff like this. I like the color, but will not wear it.”
“I have a necklace like that too. Mom and Dad gave it to me, before they passed away.”
Justin sighs, “I don’t know how I could ever find out if this is really my life.” He closes his eyes.
People are talking, as he glances around the nursery looking for the baby. A young couple he over hears chatting about desiring a child, as they admire a new baby boy entering their family.
The sound of a woman’s voice echoes in his mind, as he looks her straight in the eye, and she hands him a necklace, telling him to use it wisely or he would be sorry.
Thankful for the gift he praised the woman putting the piece around his neck, but removing it when out of eyesight.
Opening his eyes, Justin eyes the woman. “You are mad at me, because I did not keep the necklace on. Am I even Justin?”
Jonathan shakes Justin, “What is wrong with you? There is no woman standing here.”
“I saw her,” Justin cries. “I wish this all could be explained.”
“Do you believe we are not who we say we are?”
“Honestly Jonathan, I do not know what to think. I get these daydreams, of being at the hospital nursery, and they spook me out, every time. I think they are a message, or warning of some sort.” He pauses, “When was Justin born?”
“He was born about two years ago! Why?”
“That was around the whole time this mess started. Why did your parents give you that necklace?”
“I really don’t know,” Jonathan sighs. “He told me it was a good luck charm, but I do not get into all that stuff, so I only wore it for them. I took it off the day I found out they had died.”
“The other four members of the group think I have lost my marbles. Maybe, they are right. Only I see her, and feel as though life is not what it should seem.”
He runs his fingers along the metal of the bed, smelling the scents of the hospital, as Jonathan enters the room, with his youngest brother.
Randal grins, looking into the small child’s eyes. “I think he knows the truth, and with that we can get out of this time mishap.”
Jonathan sits in the chair holding his brother. “You are stuck here, and my brother can’t help you. You cannot rely on a baby!”
“What if I told you Jonathan that your brother is not a baby at all?”
“That makes no sense. I just want you to get better Justin.”
October 18, 2006
Kiss Me At Midnight
"I love you," he whispers into her ear.
"I love you too J, but really did we have to come from Memphis to New York City for you to tell me this?"
"Ya do realize you're totally killing this romanticness Lauraine?"
"Its freezing, and there's looniebins all around. It's New Year's Eve, and I'd be just as happy to be snuggling with you under the warm sheets."
"That'll happen later. Just wait a few more seconds. I brought you here for a reason," he sighs wrapping his arms around her waist.
"And the count down begins," they hear loudly through the speakers, as the crowds cheer.
"Justin are you listening?"
"10."
"Of course, I am look up at the ball," he pleads.
"9".
She asks, "What for?"
"8"
"You'll see."
"Sometimes I got to wonder about you."
"7".
"I know. I do things differently, and I know we've been talking about it, for a long time," he pauses trying to block out the other noises,"and that's why we are here tonight to start something new."
"New?"
"6".
"Yeah, as in our relationship," he smiles sticking his hands into his pockets, and bringing a box with ribbon out."
"Five".
"Oh Justin,"
"4."
"It's what we've been waiting for."
"3".
"It is," she beams.
"2".
"So will you please kiss me as I get down on my knees and propose?"
"1."
"I'll kiss you at midnight and say,' I do!'"
He envelopes her after placing the engagement ring on her finger.
"I love you too J, but really did we have to come from Memphis to New York City for you to tell me this?"
"Ya do realize you're totally killing this romanticness Lauraine?"
"Its freezing, and there's looniebins all around. It's New Year's Eve, and I'd be just as happy to be snuggling with you under the warm sheets."
"That'll happen later. Just wait a few more seconds. I brought you here for a reason," he sighs wrapping his arms around her waist.
"And the count down begins," they hear loudly through the speakers, as the crowds cheer.
"Justin are you listening?"
"10."
"Of course, I am look up at the ball," he pleads.
"9".
She asks, "What for?"
"8"
"You'll see."
"Sometimes I got to wonder about you."
"7".
"I know. I do things differently, and I know we've been talking about it, for a long time," he pauses trying to block out the other noises,"and that's why we are here tonight to start something new."
"New?"
"6".
"Yeah, as in our relationship," he smiles sticking his hands into his pockets, and bringing a box with ribbon out."
"Five".
"Oh Justin,"
"4."
"It's what we've been waiting for."
"3".
"It is," she beams.
"2".
"So will you please kiss me as I get down on my knees and propose?"
"1."
"I'll kiss you at midnight and say,' I do!'"
He envelopes her after placing the engagement ring on her finger.
N Time
N Time
Late one sunny Saturday afternoon, I was walking by a second hand shop. I admire a cool *NSYNC Clock, in the huge window display. I have to purchase it, so I do. I enjoy collecting *NSYNC Memorabilia.
A tall, handsome store clerk states, "The *NSYNC Clock appears to be going backward."
"I still want the clock", I declare to the gentleman.
The store clerk mentions, "Early, a furious, wrinkly old woman came by and threatened me. She didn’t feel I am giving her a fair deal. I have a suspicion that the wicked lady did something to the clock. She did exchange the clock for another."
In another part of town, *NSYNC is settling down for the night in their work out studio.
Justin's room has a glossy hard wood floor. Weights lay beside a neatly made bed. A fabulous Bass Guitar stands next to his nightstand.
*NSYNC chats before heading to bed. They all joke with Chris about his large toy collection.
"Chris you have more toys than Toys R' us", Justin teases. Justin starts to sing the Toy's R' Us Theme Song.
*NSYNC falls asleep approximately around 10 p.m.
Justin hears the alarm clock, and jumps frantically out of bed to see what time it is. He trips on his long pj's. It's 8:30 a.m... Justin looks at himself in the mirror. His appearance is unusual; he has no facial hair, and is about two feet shorter, making his clothes baggy. He rolls up his jammies, so he won't get hurt. He thinks he's dreaming, and pinches himself.
Justin shouts, "Chris come!" Justin's vocal range sounds weird.
Chris, Lance, J.C., and Joey quickly enter the bedroom. *NSYNC stares at each other.
Chris breaks the silence, "It's the kooky clock!"
Justin questions, "What Clock! What do you mean?"
J.C. recalls, "Oh, yeah! I remember yesterday that lady at the clock store. Do you think she cast a spell on us?"
Lance replies, "Yes."
Joey inquires, "What are we going to do?"
In unison all but Joey yell, "Go back to the clock shop."
Joey speaks excitedly, "That sounds excellent! How will get there?"
Justin suggests, "Chris can drive us."
Lance has a better idea, "Let’s call to find out if there open."
They all agree. Lance hands Chris his cell phone. The line is busy so he calls back later.
*NSYNC decides to go to the clock shop. They get into Chris' car. Chris sees he needs more gas. Stopping to get gas delays them from getting to the clock shop.
The traffic is hectic on the way there. They all worry about becoming younger.
Chapter 2 Blue
They arrive at the clock shop, and look at the florescent red sign. This makes them have a horrible feeling.
Justin has giant tears in his eyes, and is trembling, says in a shaky voice, "What are we going to do now?"
Lance calmly answers Justin, "There's hope. Look the window has the man's phone number. It states you can call it, if the store isn't open.
J.C. Compliments Lance,” Good observation!"
Lance hands Chris the phone, the cell isn't working it needs to be recharged. The battery is low.
They rush home to call the man. Nobody picks up the phone. They attempt this several times unsuccessfully.
Justin has an exhausting day. Nighttime is upon them. Justin positions his head on Chris' lap, sobbing. Chris consoles Justin.
Chris suggests, "Justin, let's go to your bedroom? You can change into your pj's."
Justin replies, "Ok." He lies on the comforter, weeping. Justin sneezes.
Chris tells Justin, "You need your rest! You sound like you have a cold."
Justin responds, "I'm so young, and am afraid of what may happen to me. I can only go back so far.
Chris speaks to Justin, "I know you’re sleepy.” Chris makes Justin cover himself with the sheets. Chris turns on a night light.
Justin feels like a little kid. Justin wants to be up doing things instead of going to bed.
Chris assures Justin, "Everything is going to be ok.” He gives Justin some children’s cold medicine.
The cold medicine makes Justin sleepy. Justin falls asleep around eight p.m.
Justin has an awful dream, and awakes sometime after three a.m. Justin's pj's are twice the size of him. Justin wants to get off the bed, but it's too high, he's afraid he'll fall.
Chris quietly comes into Justin's room. "What's the matter, Justin", Chris asks.
Justin tells Chris, "I had a bad dream. No more sleep, go bye!"
Chris understood Justin. Chris guesses Justin's about three or four. He suggests they look at a book.
Justin desires to read the book, but finds more interest in the pictures than reading. Chris explains the words meanings.
Chris asks Justin questions to see how much he remembers about his past. He has Justin attempt to write his name. Justin thinks he spells it correctly, but doesn't. Justin's speech is getting worse. Justin's drowsy.
Chris leaves after he is asleep. He feels helpless wishing he could resolve the problem. He returns after only a few hours of sleep. He checks on Justin.
Justin opens his eyes. Justin's pj's are triple the size. Justin tries saying Chris' name but doesn't pronounce it correctly.
Justin discovers the guitar on the floor, and says "Play!" Then he crawls to the end of the bed.
Chris places Justin on the ground. Justin tries standing, but is wobbly. Chris helps him walk to the guitar. He plays with the guitar.
"Is Justin sleepy?" Chris asks Justin because he's rubbing his eyes. Chris puts Justin in the bed.
Justin wants to explore. All the things Justin wants are to out of reach. Justin starts to cough, and sneeze.
Chris brings Justin to the kitchen. He reaches for a bottle with a reddish color liquid. He sticks some in a cup and gives it to Justin.
The kitchen is rather unfamiliar to Justin. The appliances make noises that Justin's afraid of. The baby drops make Justin feel better.
Chris gives Justin a new pacifier that originally was to go to Joey's daughter Brinniah. Shhh... "Rock a bye Justin; it's time for sleep, and counting sheep. Hopefully, we won't have to bring you to the Dr.'s, little one." Shortly after Justin falls asleep.
Chp .4
Justin opens his eyes, lifting his head for a brief time. Justin feels wet. Justin bawls because he is miserable. Justin hears footsteps.
Chris enters, inquiring what's wrong in a soft voice. This makes Justin's cries stop temporarily. Chris rubs Justin's stomach.
Justin reaches out his short, skinny arms wanting to be held.
Chris gently lifts Justin, cradling him. Chris figures Justin may need his pants changed. Until Chris goes to the store, he uses a towel as a diaper for Justin.
Holding a warm blanket around Justin, Chris sits in the rocking chair, rocking back and forth. Chris speaks to Justin in a soothing voice. Chris rocks Justin for about an hour, and then gives Justin a pacifier.
Justin doesn't understand Chris, but his voice is reassuring. He becomes drowsy, and then his eyes close.
When Justin's sleeping, Chris decides this would be the best time to walk to the store. He knows he has to bring all of them. Chris assumes Justin will be hungry soon; he's going to need food. Chris wants to get in and out of the store. He picks up the items Justin will need, which are a pack of baby diapers, formula, and a baby bottle.
Chris brings Justin back to his room.
Chris tries calling the store manger again, but couldn't get through on ether number.
Chp. 5
Lance is looking for his Mick Mouse. Chris finds a Mickey Mouse, and gives it to Lance, from a mound of toys Lance cuddles Mickey Mouse.
J.C. And Joey spends time drawing, and building with colorful blocks, from Chris' vast toy collection. J.C. attempts teaching Joey his ABC’s, but Joey does fathom the concept.
J.C. says to Chris, "Why does Justin need attention?"
Chris' reply to J.C. is, "Justin's a few months old, and requires a lot of attention.
J.C.'s responds to Chris,” May I help take care of Justin?"
Chris responds with, "You can help."
This makes J.C. feel mature even though he's only six.
Chris thinks it's time to check on Justin.
Chris tells J.C. and Joey, "I need to keep Lance out of danger, so I'll bring him with me to Justin's room.
Chris speaks to Lance quietly, "Don't make noises, Justin's sleeping. We don't hear any sounds coming from his bedroom. "
Chris approaches the bed, it moves.
Justin feels hungry. He looks around the huge room. There are several things he wants to understand. His words come out as babble. It's now about noontime.
Chris thinks Justin's body appears smaller, as he talks to Justin. Chris can tell Justin's muscles are tense. Justin feels that he doesn't understand things, less and less. He's still got a cough.
Chris carries Justin in the kitchen, and gets the formula, and baby drops.
Justin sees Lance eating, and glances at the label, but he can't interpret the wording. Lance is using a fork to eat.
This fascinates Justin.
Lance faces towards Justin, and pauses his eating, showing Justin his fork. Lance explains to Justin the fork is for eating with. Lance places the silverware piece in the palm of Justin's hand.
Justin is curious of what to do with the silverware piece, and drops the fork on the floor.
Chris feeds Justin carefully in his arms.
Justin drinks the bottle, slowing down near the end. When the formula's almost gone, Justin's sleepy. Justin didn't mind the taste, but didn't like feeling gassy.
Chris pats Justin in small circles on his back, making sure he's not going to spit up his formula.
Chris figures everything is fine, so he brings Justin to the living room, where he rests, as Chris assists Lance, J.C., and Joey.
Chris tells Lance, J.C. and Joey,"Behave while I give Justin a bath."
Lance wants a bath, and whines until he se bright shiny toys that occupy him.
In the bathroom, Chris places at basin in the sink. Chris takes of Justin's clothes, placing him in the tub. Chris quickly cleans Justin. The bath lulls Justin. Chris dresses Justin by taking off a tee shirt that belongs to one of Chris' stuffed animals.
Chris gives Lance crayons, and coloring books. These belong to Chris' younger sister Emily, when she comes over to play.
Justin watches Lance from the couch.
Chris checks on Justin and Lance from time to time. Chris is assembling a crib that belongs to Joey that Joey uses when his daughter comes over. It'll be a better bed for Justin, Chris feels than the bed.
Justin's getting hungry again, making him fussy.
Chris takes out Justin's fuzzy, soft, baby blue blanket, snuggling it around Justin. Chris brings Justin back to his room. Chris sits down with Justin, giving him his formula. The formula helps relax Justin.
Chris realizes Justin doesn't need much formula this time. He notices Justin's attention is on simpler objects.
Chp. 6
J.C., Joey, and Lance, ask if they can go outside, and play,
Chris tells them, it’s going to take me a few minutes to get Justin ready."
Chris carries Justin, and strolls Lance, J.C. and Joey outside into a near by playground. Chris sits on a park bench in the sun, with Justin.
Justin's mom comes by, asking Chris where is parents are. Chris responds by saying "In the house down the block."
She inquires, "Why aren't you in school, because I learn at home."
She questions, how old are the infant?"
Chris implies, "Justin's about three months old."
Justin's mother doesn't realize this baby is her son.
Chris won't tell Lynn what's going on because; he doesn't think she'll believe him.
Lynn has young boy with her. This is Justin's younger brother Steven. Steven is about four years older than Justin now.
Justin remembers Steven slightly, “I feel strange being the younger one now", he thinks.
Steven wants to know if he can hold Justin.
Chris answers Steven, " I f your careful. I'll show you how to hold Justin properly. If he you want you can help me feed Justin."
Lynn agrees to let Steven hold Justin. She thinks Chris needs a break, especially after seeing the four young boys he's caring for. Lynn figures these youngsters are Chris' brothers.
Justin looks into Steven's eyes, he's nervous. Justin's afraid Steven might drop him accidentally.
Justin doesn't realize it's time to eat, until the bottle goes into his mouth. Justin didn't want Lynn and Steven to leave, even though he feels drowsy.
They all go back to the house beat, trying to keep each other alert, but fall asleep. Chris wakes first, sees Lance, and brings him to get up Justin.
Justin's already up, looking around. Justin doesn't have much memory. This is his first time in the crib. Justin's only a few weeks old.
Chris says to Justin, "How's Justy doing this afternoon?" Chris looks down at Justin lightly touching his belly.
Chris found warmer clothing for Justin. He found a Cabbage Patch Baby, with something warm on, and felt it'd be perfect for Justin.
Chris mentions to sleepy eyed Justin,”It's time for his bottle. "
The bottle quiets Justin; he doesn’t need much before being full. Justin finds it hard work to drink the bottle. Justin spit-up some formula.
From the hall, Justin catches something out of the corner of his eye; it's sparkling, and bright. Chris assumes Justin notices the Christmas tree.
Chris shows Justin it, as he continues to feed him. Lance also admires the tree. Justin wonders what it's for. Chris tells Justin and Lance, This is for Christmas." Chris slowly brings Justin back to the crib.
Chris comforts him placing him back in the crib. He places Justin carefully on his back. He puts up a mobile that Justin finds interesting. Justin looks around his crib, trying to spot things. Everything's out of reach, even the mobile.
Chris gives Justin a pacifier. Justin doesn't know what a pacifier is. Chris sticks it in his mouth.
"Paci, is like ba ba, makes me epy", Justin feels. "
Chris announces, “We need to go to the mall, and buy something. Lance, J.C., Joey, and Justin we're going to visit Santa.
J.C. and Joey are a happy about seeing Santa. Lance and Justin aren't sure what think about Santa.
Chris places Justin in Brianna’s carriage, and they head to the mall. It didn't take long to find what they need.
They go see Santa, J.C. and Joey go first since they're older. Santa gives them a candy cane.
Lance tells Santa what he desires. Santa gives Lance something to color, since Lance isn't old enough for candy canes.
Justin's last to meet Santa. Santa can tell Justin's ready to slumber, but is trying to stay awake.
Santa tells Justin, "Your first Christmas will be so much fun." Santa gives Justin back to Chris, and then winks, and says," Everything’s going to turn out fine!"
Chris places Justin back in the carriage. They walk though the mall on there way out. Some people stop to look at Justin. Justin doesn't mind people looking at him. Justin's in a sleepy state. The mall looks different now that he's an infant. The last store they went through has baby products, so Chris buys some baby drops, and some herb for a baby bath. Then they go home.
Chris recalls how this all began. "I remember it has to do with an out of sync clock. We were walking into a clock shop. Some evil lady comes in mad at the storeowner, and she says she’s going to put a spell on the clock, making the man go back in his past. Infuriately it went wrong, and we’re going back in time instead. I know the clock needs to be fixed, so I’ll try again to contact the store, and explain the situation."
The man says" I don't believe that woman cast a spell on *NSYNC. Somebody bought the clock."
Chris asks, "Can I have their phone number," and then calls the person.
I pick up the phone, and listen to Chris' story. "I’m trying to believe you, Chris".
Chris suggests to me how to fix the clock. I try to get it to go forward, but am unsuccessful.
Chris asks me if threes a name on the clock.
I reply, "There’s an address, where the owner can be reached.”
Chris suggests, Can you bring over the clock, to see if I can get the lady to change the clock. Can you bring over some clothes for us to wear, if I have any available."
I give Chris her phone number, so he doesn't have to wait to call her.
Chris calls the crone, and gets her sister, who is nice. The witch realizes time is running out, and snaps her fingers, and is at the house in a few minutes. The witch knows that if by midnight they can't stop the spell *NSYNC will disappear forever.
She looks through the spell book, which takes a long time. They only have a few hours left.
I arrive at the house, giving Chris the clock, and pj's. Chris informs me that I can stay if I want to. I decide to stay. I notice that they're all really shy, at first. We talk about things that interest them to make them fee more comfortable.
Chris and I help the little ones get on their pj's.
Chris positions Justin on his lap, since he can't support himself. The soft baby blue blanket is around Justin.
Justin wears on piece baby blue pj's.
Lance is beside Justin, in zip-up pj's, with his Mickey Mouse Doll, that he hasn't let out of his sight all day.
J.C. wears a two-piece pj's set, with a Sesame Street Character on them. J.C. smiles because he can read what his pj's say. The pj's say,"Bedtime is fun."
Joey has Superman pj's. He tries pretending he's Superman, but Chris stops him so he won't get hurt. Joey admires the bright logo on the pj's.
Chris looks like he needs a break, so I tell him to do something fun.
Chris doesn't want to at first, but then he decides to he plays a video game. Chris can't stop thinking about the other guys.
Lance sees a basketball on the carpet; he picks it up, and drops it a few times, before bringing it to Justin. Lance puts it in Justin's reach. Justin doesn't understand how to reach for it.
Justin has disappointment because doesn't know how to obtain the ball. This makes him ready to cry. Chris holds him, and tells him everything’s going to be alright. Chris sticks the baby blue blanket around Justin, making him feel more comfortable. Chris picks up Justin, and goes towards Justin's room.
Chris holds Justin, in an upright position, in the rocking chair. Chris takes a book sitting on the chair, and opens it, as he continues to rock Justin. He mentions to Justin he's going to read the book to him. When the story is done, Chris lays the book back on the chair.
Justin enjoys the rocking motion.
Chris picks up Justin for a sec, and went over to turn on the CD player, on low.
Chris returns to the rocking chair. Justin's head lies near Chris' heart. Chris brings Justin back to the living room.
Justin's ready for a nighttime bottle, because he's hungry.
Chris prepares Justin's bottle, as the other guys watch him, in his blanket on the couch. J.C. holds Justin, until Chris returns.
In the meantime, the witch has found the page with the spell on it. She has to look down the list, to find the spell. Now they only have a half-hour left.
Chris returns with Justin's bottle, and holds the bottle, so Justin can drink it.
A few seconds later, the good witch has found the spell.
Chris says, "Thank God, we only ten minutes left before were gone forever!"
The good sorceress repeats the magically spell, and then tells them to all go to bed, so the curse will go away.
I glance at the clock, and it is now going forward, instead of backward.
Chris and the other guys, all stay in the same room together that night. Chris watches all the guys that night, to make sure they are all ok, and then he finally falls asleep.
Justin awakes first the next morning, He notices that he is back to being 21 again. Justin wakes the other guys, and gives each one of them a hug. Justin tells the other guys he doesn't remember very much.
They are all happy, they no longer are children.
Justin states they are saved just in time.
We all agree, and laugh, and we agree never to go to anymore clock stores.
Late one sunny Saturday afternoon, I was walking by a second hand shop. I admire a cool *NSYNC Clock, in the huge window display. I have to purchase it, so I do. I enjoy collecting *NSYNC Memorabilia.
A tall, handsome store clerk states, "The *NSYNC Clock appears to be going backward."
"I still want the clock", I declare to the gentleman.
The store clerk mentions, "Early, a furious, wrinkly old woman came by and threatened me. She didn’t feel I am giving her a fair deal. I have a suspicion that the wicked lady did something to the clock. She did exchange the clock for another."
In another part of town, *NSYNC is settling down for the night in their work out studio.
Justin's room has a glossy hard wood floor. Weights lay beside a neatly made bed. A fabulous Bass Guitar stands next to his nightstand.
*NSYNC chats before heading to bed. They all joke with Chris about his large toy collection.
"Chris you have more toys than Toys R' us", Justin teases. Justin starts to sing the Toy's R' Us Theme Song.
*NSYNC falls asleep approximately around 10 p.m.
Justin hears the alarm clock, and jumps frantically out of bed to see what time it is. He trips on his long pj's. It's 8:30 a.m... Justin looks at himself in the mirror. His appearance is unusual; he has no facial hair, and is about two feet shorter, making his clothes baggy. He rolls up his jammies, so he won't get hurt. He thinks he's dreaming, and pinches himself.
Justin shouts, "Chris come!" Justin's vocal range sounds weird.
Chris, Lance, J.C., and Joey quickly enter the bedroom. *NSYNC stares at each other.
Chris breaks the silence, "It's the kooky clock!"
Justin questions, "What Clock! What do you mean?"
J.C. recalls, "Oh, yeah! I remember yesterday that lady at the clock store. Do you think she cast a spell on us?"
Lance replies, "Yes."
Joey inquires, "What are we going to do?"
In unison all but Joey yell, "Go back to the clock shop."
Joey speaks excitedly, "That sounds excellent! How will get there?"
Justin suggests, "Chris can drive us."
Lance has a better idea, "Let’s call to find out if there open."
They all agree. Lance hands Chris his cell phone. The line is busy so he calls back later.
*NSYNC decides to go to the clock shop. They get into Chris' car. Chris sees he needs more gas. Stopping to get gas delays them from getting to the clock shop.
The traffic is hectic on the way there. They all worry about becoming younger.
Chapter 2 Blue
They arrive at the clock shop, and look at the florescent red sign. This makes them have a horrible feeling.
Justin has giant tears in his eyes, and is trembling, says in a shaky voice, "What are we going to do now?"
Lance calmly answers Justin, "There's hope. Look the window has the man's phone number. It states you can call it, if the store isn't open.
J.C. Compliments Lance,” Good observation!"
Lance hands Chris the phone, the cell isn't working it needs to be recharged. The battery is low.
They rush home to call the man. Nobody picks up the phone. They attempt this several times unsuccessfully.
Justin has an exhausting day. Nighttime is upon them. Justin positions his head on Chris' lap, sobbing. Chris consoles Justin.
Chris suggests, "Justin, let's go to your bedroom? You can change into your pj's."
Justin replies, "Ok." He lies on the comforter, weeping. Justin sneezes.
Chris tells Justin, "You need your rest! You sound like you have a cold."
Justin responds, "I'm so young, and am afraid of what may happen to me. I can only go back so far.
Chris speaks to Justin, "I know you’re sleepy.” Chris makes Justin cover himself with the sheets. Chris turns on a night light.
Justin feels like a little kid. Justin wants to be up doing things instead of going to bed.
Chris assures Justin, "Everything is going to be ok.” He gives Justin some children’s cold medicine.
The cold medicine makes Justin sleepy. Justin falls asleep around eight p.m.
Justin has an awful dream, and awakes sometime after three a.m. Justin's pj's are twice the size of him. Justin wants to get off the bed, but it's too high, he's afraid he'll fall.
Chris quietly comes into Justin's room. "What's the matter, Justin", Chris asks.
Justin tells Chris, "I had a bad dream. No more sleep, go bye!"
Chris understood Justin. Chris guesses Justin's about three or four. He suggests they look at a book.
Justin desires to read the book, but finds more interest in the pictures than reading. Chris explains the words meanings.
Chris asks Justin questions to see how much he remembers about his past. He has Justin attempt to write his name. Justin thinks he spells it correctly, but doesn't. Justin's speech is getting worse. Justin's drowsy.
Chris leaves after he is asleep. He feels helpless wishing he could resolve the problem. He returns after only a few hours of sleep. He checks on Justin.
Justin opens his eyes. Justin's pj's are triple the size. Justin tries saying Chris' name but doesn't pronounce it correctly.
Justin discovers the guitar on the floor, and says "Play!" Then he crawls to the end of the bed.
Chris places Justin on the ground. Justin tries standing, but is wobbly. Chris helps him walk to the guitar. He plays with the guitar.
"Is Justin sleepy?" Chris asks Justin because he's rubbing his eyes. Chris puts Justin in the bed.
Justin wants to explore. All the things Justin wants are to out of reach. Justin starts to cough, and sneeze.
Chris brings Justin to the kitchen. He reaches for a bottle with a reddish color liquid. He sticks some in a cup and gives it to Justin.
The kitchen is rather unfamiliar to Justin. The appliances make noises that Justin's afraid of. The baby drops make Justin feel better.
Chris gives Justin a new pacifier that originally was to go to Joey's daughter Brinniah. Shhh... "Rock a bye Justin; it's time for sleep, and counting sheep. Hopefully, we won't have to bring you to the Dr.'s, little one." Shortly after Justin falls asleep.
Chp .4
Justin opens his eyes, lifting his head for a brief time. Justin feels wet. Justin bawls because he is miserable. Justin hears footsteps.
Chris enters, inquiring what's wrong in a soft voice. This makes Justin's cries stop temporarily. Chris rubs Justin's stomach.
Justin reaches out his short, skinny arms wanting to be held.
Chris gently lifts Justin, cradling him. Chris figures Justin may need his pants changed. Until Chris goes to the store, he uses a towel as a diaper for Justin.
Holding a warm blanket around Justin, Chris sits in the rocking chair, rocking back and forth. Chris speaks to Justin in a soothing voice. Chris rocks Justin for about an hour, and then gives Justin a pacifier.
Justin doesn't understand Chris, but his voice is reassuring. He becomes drowsy, and then his eyes close.
When Justin's sleeping, Chris decides this would be the best time to walk to the store. He knows he has to bring all of them. Chris assumes Justin will be hungry soon; he's going to need food. Chris wants to get in and out of the store. He picks up the items Justin will need, which are a pack of baby diapers, formula, and a baby bottle.
Chris brings Justin back to his room.
Chris tries calling the store manger again, but couldn't get through on ether number.
Chp. 5
Lance is looking for his Mick Mouse. Chris finds a Mickey Mouse, and gives it to Lance, from a mound of toys Lance cuddles Mickey Mouse.
J.C. And Joey spends time drawing, and building with colorful blocks, from Chris' vast toy collection. J.C. attempts teaching Joey his ABC’s, but Joey does fathom the concept.
J.C. says to Chris, "Why does Justin need attention?"
Chris' reply to J.C. is, "Justin's a few months old, and requires a lot of attention.
J.C.'s responds to Chris,” May I help take care of Justin?"
Chris responds with, "You can help."
This makes J.C. feel mature even though he's only six.
Chris thinks it's time to check on Justin.
Chris tells J.C. and Joey, "I need to keep Lance out of danger, so I'll bring him with me to Justin's room.
Chris speaks to Lance quietly, "Don't make noises, Justin's sleeping. We don't hear any sounds coming from his bedroom. "
Chris approaches the bed, it moves.
Justin feels hungry. He looks around the huge room. There are several things he wants to understand. His words come out as babble. It's now about noontime.
Chris thinks Justin's body appears smaller, as he talks to Justin. Chris can tell Justin's muscles are tense. Justin feels that he doesn't understand things, less and less. He's still got a cough.
Chris carries Justin in the kitchen, and gets the formula, and baby drops.
Justin sees Lance eating, and glances at the label, but he can't interpret the wording. Lance is using a fork to eat.
This fascinates Justin.
Lance faces towards Justin, and pauses his eating, showing Justin his fork. Lance explains to Justin the fork is for eating with. Lance places the silverware piece in the palm of Justin's hand.
Justin is curious of what to do with the silverware piece, and drops the fork on the floor.
Chris feeds Justin carefully in his arms.
Justin drinks the bottle, slowing down near the end. When the formula's almost gone, Justin's sleepy. Justin didn't mind the taste, but didn't like feeling gassy.
Chris pats Justin in small circles on his back, making sure he's not going to spit up his formula.
Chris figures everything is fine, so he brings Justin to the living room, where he rests, as Chris assists Lance, J.C., and Joey.
Chris tells Lance, J.C. and Joey,"Behave while I give Justin a bath."
Lance wants a bath, and whines until he se bright shiny toys that occupy him.
In the bathroom, Chris places at basin in the sink. Chris takes of Justin's clothes, placing him in the tub. Chris quickly cleans Justin. The bath lulls Justin. Chris dresses Justin by taking off a tee shirt that belongs to one of Chris' stuffed animals.
Chris gives Lance crayons, and coloring books. These belong to Chris' younger sister Emily, when she comes over to play.
Justin watches Lance from the couch.
Chris checks on Justin and Lance from time to time. Chris is assembling a crib that belongs to Joey that Joey uses when his daughter comes over. It'll be a better bed for Justin, Chris feels than the bed.
Justin's getting hungry again, making him fussy.
Chris takes out Justin's fuzzy, soft, baby blue blanket, snuggling it around Justin. Chris brings Justin back to his room. Chris sits down with Justin, giving him his formula. The formula helps relax Justin.
Chris realizes Justin doesn't need much formula this time. He notices Justin's attention is on simpler objects.
Chp. 6
J.C., Joey, and Lance, ask if they can go outside, and play,
Chris tells them, it’s going to take me a few minutes to get Justin ready."
Chris carries Justin, and strolls Lance, J.C. and Joey outside into a near by playground. Chris sits on a park bench in the sun, with Justin.
Justin's mom comes by, asking Chris where is parents are. Chris responds by saying "In the house down the block."
She inquires, "Why aren't you in school, because I learn at home."
She questions, how old are the infant?"
Chris implies, "Justin's about three months old."
Justin's mother doesn't realize this baby is her son.
Chris won't tell Lynn what's going on because; he doesn't think she'll believe him.
Lynn has young boy with her. This is Justin's younger brother Steven. Steven is about four years older than Justin now.
Justin remembers Steven slightly, “I feel strange being the younger one now", he thinks.
Steven wants to know if he can hold Justin.
Chris answers Steven, " I f your careful. I'll show you how to hold Justin properly. If he you want you can help me feed Justin."
Lynn agrees to let Steven hold Justin. She thinks Chris needs a break, especially after seeing the four young boys he's caring for. Lynn figures these youngsters are Chris' brothers.
Justin looks into Steven's eyes, he's nervous. Justin's afraid Steven might drop him accidentally.
Justin doesn't realize it's time to eat, until the bottle goes into his mouth. Justin didn't want Lynn and Steven to leave, even though he feels drowsy.
They all go back to the house beat, trying to keep each other alert, but fall asleep. Chris wakes first, sees Lance, and brings him to get up Justin.
Justin's already up, looking around. Justin doesn't have much memory. This is his first time in the crib. Justin's only a few weeks old.
Chris says to Justin, "How's Justy doing this afternoon?" Chris looks down at Justin lightly touching his belly.
Chris found warmer clothing for Justin. He found a Cabbage Patch Baby, with something warm on, and felt it'd be perfect for Justin.
Chris mentions to sleepy eyed Justin,”It's time for his bottle. "
The bottle quiets Justin; he doesn’t need much before being full. Justin finds it hard work to drink the bottle. Justin spit-up some formula.
From the hall, Justin catches something out of the corner of his eye; it's sparkling, and bright. Chris assumes Justin notices the Christmas tree.
Chris shows Justin it, as he continues to feed him. Lance also admires the tree. Justin wonders what it's for. Chris tells Justin and Lance, This is for Christmas." Chris slowly brings Justin back to the crib.
Chris comforts him placing him back in the crib. He places Justin carefully on his back. He puts up a mobile that Justin finds interesting. Justin looks around his crib, trying to spot things. Everything's out of reach, even the mobile.
Chris gives Justin a pacifier. Justin doesn't know what a pacifier is. Chris sticks it in his mouth.
"Paci, is like ba ba, makes me epy", Justin feels. "
Chris announces, “We need to go to the mall, and buy something. Lance, J.C., Joey, and Justin we're going to visit Santa.
J.C. and Joey are a happy about seeing Santa. Lance and Justin aren't sure what think about Santa.
Chris places Justin in Brianna’s carriage, and they head to the mall. It didn't take long to find what they need.
They go see Santa, J.C. and Joey go first since they're older. Santa gives them a candy cane.
Lance tells Santa what he desires. Santa gives Lance something to color, since Lance isn't old enough for candy canes.
Justin's last to meet Santa. Santa can tell Justin's ready to slumber, but is trying to stay awake.
Santa tells Justin, "Your first Christmas will be so much fun." Santa gives Justin back to Chris, and then winks, and says," Everything’s going to turn out fine!"
Chris places Justin back in the carriage. They walk though the mall on there way out. Some people stop to look at Justin. Justin doesn't mind people looking at him. Justin's in a sleepy state. The mall looks different now that he's an infant. The last store they went through has baby products, so Chris buys some baby drops, and some herb for a baby bath. Then they go home.
Chris recalls how this all began. "I remember it has to do with an out of sync clock. We were walking into a clock shop. Some evil lady comes in mad at the storeowner, and she says she’s going to put a spell on the clock, making the man go back in his past. Infuriately it went wrong, and we’re going back in time instead. I know the clock needs to be fixed, so I’ll try again to contact the store, and explain the situation."
The man says" I don't believe that woman cast a spell on *NSYNC. Somebody bought the clock."
Chris asks, "Can I have their phone number," and then calls the person.
I pick up the phone, and listen to Chris' story. "I’m trying to believe you, Chris".
Chris suggests to me how to fix the clock. I try to get it to go forward, but am unsuccessful.
Chris asks me if threes a name on the clock.
I reply, "There’s an address, where the owner can be reached.”
Chris suggests, Can you bring over the clock, to see if I can get the lady to change the clock. Can you bring over some clothes for us to wear, if I have any available."
I give Chris her phone number, so he doesn't have to wait to call her.
Chris calls the crone, and gets her sister, who is nice. The witch realizes time is running out, and snaps her fingers, and is at the house in a few minutes. The witch knows that if by midnight they can't stop the spell *NSYNC will disappear forever.
She looks through the spell book, which takes a long time. They only have a few hours left.
I arrive at the house, giving Chris the clock, and pj's. Chris informs me that I can stay if I want to. I decide to stay. I notice that they're all really shy, at first. We talk about things that interest them to make them fee more comfortable.
Chris and I help the little ones get on their pj's.
Chris positions Justin on his lap, since he can't support himself. The soft baby blue blanket is around Justin.
Justin wears on piece baby blue pj's.
Lance is beside Justin, in zip-up pj's, with his Mickey Mouse Doll, that he hasn't let out of his sight all day.
J.C. wears a two-piece pj's set, with a Sesame Street Character on them. J.C. smiles because he can read what his pj's say. The pj's say,"Bedtime is fun."
Joey has Superman pj's. He tries pretending he's Superman, but Chris stops him so he won't get hurt. Joey admires the bright logo on the pj's.
Chris looks like he needs a break, so I tell him to do something fun.
Chris doesn't want to at first, but then he decides to he plays a video game. Chris can't stop thinking about the other guys.
Lance sees a basketball on the carpet; he picks it up, and drops it a few times, before bringing it to Justin. Lance puts it in Justin's reach. Justin doesn't understand how to reach for it.
Justin has disappointment because doesn't know how to obtain the ball. This makes him ready to cry. Chris holds him, and tells him everything’s going to be alright. Chris sticks the baby blue blanket around Justin, making him feel more comfortable. Chris picks up Justin, and goes towards Justin's room.
Chris holds Justin, in an upright position, in the rocking chair. Chris takes a book sitting on the chair, and opens it, as he continues to rock Justin. He mentions to Justin he's going to read the book to him. When the story is done, Chris lays the book back on the chair.
Justin enjoys the rocking motion.
Chris picks up Justin for a sec, and went over to turn on the CD player, on low.
Chris returns to the rocking chair. Justin's head lies near Chris' heart. Chris brings Justin back to the living room.
Justin's ready for a nighttime bottle, because he's hungry.
Chris prepares Justin's bottle, as the other guys watch him, in his blanket on the couch. J.C. holds Justin, until Chris returns.
In the meantime, the witch has found the page with the spell on it. She has to look down the list, to find the spell. Now they only have a half-hour left.
Chris returns with Justin's bottle, and holds the bottle, so Justin can drink it.
A few seconds later, the good witch has found the spell.
Chris says, "Thank God, we only ten minutes left before were gone forever!"
The good sorceress repeats the magically spell, and then tells them to all go to bed, so the curse will go away.
I glance at the clock, and it is now going forward, instead of backward.
Chris and the other guys, all stay in the same room together that night. Chris watches all the guys that night, to make sure they are all ok, and then he finally falls asleep.
Justin awakes first the next morning, He notices that he is back to being 21 again. Justin wakes the other guys, and gives each one of them a hug. Justin tells the other guys he doesn't remember very much.
They are all happy, they no longer are children.
Justin states they are saved just in time.
We all agree, and laugh, and we agree never to go to anymore clock stores.
The Ring
The Ring
Justin gazed fondly into her eyes, holding the ring in his hand. It was merely a toy ring but, to him and Randi, it meant the world. They put them on
necklaces, while sitting at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
Justin and Randi were riding on Cinderella's horse drawn carriage, days before Valentines.
After this, their world turned upside down. Valentine's Day, their young hearts were broken. The youngsters became separated.
He remembered a cool brisk day in Orlando, Florida. Valentine’s Day was here again. He despised it. He missed his girl that was left behind.
Their relationship was a storybook unfolding. It should’ve been a happily ever after. In his heart, he knew Randi was the one.
Their parent’s broke the news, Randi's family was moving, leaving the children in dismay. The twosome had become closer over the Disney venture. They didn't
let the other out of their sight.
Valentine's Day her family departed. He barely remembered it. Justin was four years old, and morning was not his favorite time of day. He cried as they packed the car, and so did Randi.
Justin walked to her, giving her a kiss, his first kiss. He told her he loved her, as he wiped tears. He promised he’d never take off his ring, and would always remember her.
His tears increased, as his mother lifted him into her arms. Lynn comforted Justin, stroking his blond curls with her fingers, while his head rested sleepily on her shoulder. He waved goodbye, rubbing his eyes.
He trembled, as Lynn placed him in his bed.
Justin tried to keep contact with her, though it was hard. Justin never gave up hope of seeing her.
All through school, he met several nice girls. They all questioned him about his ring that he wore. One girl tried to get him to take off his ring. He refused. Justin hid it, during gym class, under his shirt. Randi didn't take off her ring either.
When Justin was eleven, he tried out for Star Search. Millions of kids auditioned, but Justin was one of two kids from his home town of Milington, Tennesee that made the cut. He didn't win, but wrote to Randi and told her to watch. She did.
She smiled seeing him wearing the ring. It meant he was in love with her. Justin preformed a country song called "Achy Breaky Heart", and secretly dedicated it to his girl, Randi.
While at "Star Search," Justin discovered they were doing auditions for the Mickey Mouse Club. Justin auditioned, and scored singing "When a Man Loves a Woman." He chooses this song for his girl.
Justin fell for a fellow Cast-mate, Britney. She kissed him, but Justin remained reluctant. He managed for several months to have a non -serious relationship. The partnership developed, but Justin never removed the ring.
The Mickey Mouse Club had a party for the cast members. Justin, of course, went. He becomes interested in another girl named Danielle. Once again, Justin avoided too much of a relationship with a girl. He had a feeling that if he became attached to her, he'd lose his true love. Justin did fall in love with Danielle, but it didn't last. Justin could tell that she merely liked him for his celebrity status, and soon discovered she had another boyfriend. This crushed him.
Two years later, the show ended, with Justin returning home. He received a call from a long time buddy, Chris. Chris asked if he wanted to join a group. Justin agreed, suggesting Chris let his friend J.C. in the band. Chris liked the idea.
J.C. recommended his pal Joey joins. Justin and J.C. went to watch Joey along side their present manager, Lou Pearlman. Lou was impressed by Joey's acting and singing talent. Joey was best friends with J.C., and wanted to be a part of this group.
This took up Justin's time. He didn't think about girls much. Justin was happy that the fifth member, Lance, who joined the group at the last minute, had girl problems. Justin looked to Lance, and the other guys, for advice on love and friendships.
*NSYNC became a success overseas, and in the States. He had swarms of female fans. They weren't whom he adored.
Britney returned, as the opening act for *NSYNC. Their passion grew. Britney couldn't get Justin to take off his ring.
Justin hid it, so she couldn’t see it. He wanted a love to last. Justin dated Britney for two years! She cheated on him months before he released his solo album.
Meanwhile, Randi had remained true. She prayed he loved her. She was excited to see him, at his concert. She missed the meet and greet.
She looked down at her necklace, and wanted to cry, but someone called her name. It was Justin.
He smiled and showed his ring, around his neck.
They hugged, and went backstage. They chatted until the show.
Justin brought Randi out, and sang "Still on My Brain", to her.
After this night, Randi and Justin started seeing each other often.
One special Valentine's Day, their hearts became whole again. Justin was promoting his album. It didn't take long before Justin purposed. It was one year
ago on Valentine's Day that they found each other. He felt it fitting to purpose on that day. She accepted.
In preschool, all the kids wanted to learn how to write a letter to a friend. The youngsters were far too little to write a true letter, but they tried hard to
make one. Justin's letter only had a few words, but it was very sweet. .
Justin recalls their first love letter to each other, on the day of their wedding. He takes a wrinkly piece of paper out of his tux pocket, and reads it.
Dere Justin,
yur my best frend. I luv u for eder.
Luv,
Randi
Randi remembers the letter. She recalls the letter he wrote to her, at that tender age.
Dere Randi,
I luv u. And will alwayze.
Luv,
Justin
The wedding that they have been dreaming of is now a reality. It's a day they'll never forget. To this day Randi and Justin continue to wear their rings
around their necks, as a symbol that they will always love each other!
Justin gazed fondly into her eyes, holding the ring in his hand. It was merely a toy ring but, to him and Randi, it meant the world. They put them on
necklaces, while sitting at Disney World's Magic Kingdom.
Justin and Randi were riding on Cinderella's horse drawn carriage, days before Valentines.
After this, their world turned upside down. Valentine's Day, their young hearts were broken. The youngsters became separated.
He remembered a cool brisk day in Orlando, Florida. Valentine’s Day was here again. He despised it. He missed his girl that was left behind.
Their relationship was a storybook unfolding. It should’ve been a happily ever after. In his heart, he knew Randi was the one.
Their parent’s broke the news, Randi's family was moving, leaving the children in dismay. The twosome had become closer over the Disney venture. They didn't
let the other out of their sight.
Valentine's Day her family departed. He barely remembered it. Justin was four years old, and morning was not his favorite time of day. He cried as they packed the car, and so did Randi.
Justin walked to her, giving her a kiss, his first kiss. He told her he loved her, as he wiped tears. He promised he’d never take off his ring, and would always remember her.
His tears increased, as his mother lifted him into her arms. Lynn comforted Justin, stroking his blond curls with her fingers, while his head rested sleepily on her shoulder. He waved goodbye, rubbing his eyes.
He trembled, as Lynn placed him in his bed.
Justin tried to keep contact with her, though it was hard. Justin never gave up hope of seeing her.
All through school, he met several nice girls. They all questioned him about his ring that he wore. One girl tried to get him to take off his ring. He refused. Justin hid it, during gym class, under his shirt. Randi didn't take off her ring either.
When Justin was eleven, he tried out for Star Search. Millions of kids auditioned, but Justin was one of two kids from his home town of Milington, Tennesee that made the cut. He didn't win, but wrote to Randi and told her to watch. She did.
She smiled seeing him wearing the ring. It meant he was in love with her. Justin preformed a country song called "Achy Breaky Heart", and secretly dedicated it to his girl, Randi.
While at "Star Search," Justin discovered they were doing auditions for the Mickey Mouse Club. Justin auditioned, and scored singing "When a Man Loves a Woman." He chooses this song for his girl.
Justin fell for a fellow Cast-mate, Britney. She kissed him, but Justin remained reluctant. He managed for several months to have a non -serious relationship. The partnership developed, but Justin never removed the ring.
The Mickey Mouse Club had a party for the cast members. Justin, of course, went. He becomes interested in another girl named Danielle. Once again, Justin avoided too much of a relationship with a girl. He had a feeling that if he became attached to her, he'd lose his true love. Justin did fall in love with Danielle, but it didn't last. Justin could tell that she merely liked him for his celebrity status, and soon discovered she had another boyfriend. This crushed him.
Two years later, the show ended, with Justin returning home. He received a call from a long time buddy, Chris. Chris asked if he wanted to join a group. Justin agreed, suggesting Chris let his friend J.C. in the band. Chris liked the idea.
J.C. recommended his pal Joey joins. Justin and J.C. went to watch Joey along side their present manager, Lou Pearlman. Lou was impressed by Joey's acting and singing talent. Joey was best friends with J.C., and wanted to be a part of this group.
This took up Justin's time. He didn't think about girls much. Justin was happy that the fifth member, Lance, who joined the group at the last minute, had girl problems. Justin looked to Lance, and the other guys, for advice on love and friendships.
*NSYNC became a success overseas, and in the States. He had swarms of female fans. They weren't whom he adored.
Britney returned, as the opening act for *NSYNC. Their passion grew. Britney couldn't get Justin to take off his ring.
Justin hid it, so she couldn’t see it. He wanted a love to last. Justin dated Britney for two years! She cheated on him months before he released his solo album.
Meanwhile, Randi had remained true. She prayed he loved her. She was excited to see him, at his concert. She missed the meet and greet.
She looked down at her necklace, and wanted to cry, but someone called her name. It was Justin.
He smiled and showed his ring, around his neck.
They hugged, and went backstage. They chatted until the show.
Justin brought Randi out, and sang "Still on My Brain", to her.
After this night, Randi and Justin started seeing each other often.
One special Valentine's Day, their hearts became whole again. Justin was promoting his album. It didn't take long before Justin purposed. It was one year
ago on Valentine's Day that they found each other. He felt it fitting to purpose on that day. She accepted.
In preschool, all the kids wanted to learn how to write a letter to a friend. The youngsters were far too little to write a true letter, but they tried hard to
make one. Justin's letter only had a few words, but it was very sweet. .
Justin recalls their first love letter to each other, on the day of their wedding. He takes a wrinkly piece of paper out of his tux pocket, and reads it.
Dere Justin,
yur my best frend. I luv u for eder.
Luv,
Randi
Randi remembers the letter. She recalls the letter he wrote to her, at that tender age.
Dere Randi,
I luv u. And will alwayze.
Luv,
Justin
The wedding that they have been dreaming of is now a reality. It's a day they'll never forget. To this day Randi and Justin continue to wear their rings
around their necks, as a symbol that they will always love each other!
October 17, 2006
2 Sided tale
Justin snuggles under the warm blankets staring off into the distance. He has been under the weather lately, and the move to a new town has not been easy.
Tired, he feels his eyelids droop, as he drifts to sleep. He hears his younger brother’s voice and mumbles to himself.
Steven sits beside his brother’s bed, worrying about Justin’s health. Justin is depressed from his physcological illness, and chronic fatigue.
Justin is different here though, at least for now. He is intrigued by the garden he found inside this huge old estate. It is so enchanting almost haunting.
Engrossed in his surroundings, Steven brings his older brother out of his world, “Justin, what are we having for dinner?”
Justin sighs, “I guess, I should make something.” He stumbles to his feet, slowly staggering towards the staircase, when he collapses on the wood floor.
Steven frowns aiding his brother, by helping him stand, and get down the stairs.
Unstable, Justin sways back and forth, as he makes his way toward the closest chair for support.
Asking Steven about his day at the new school, Justin tells Steven about the man he met today. The man is tall and very strong. He can move things Justin cannot. He could possibly be Justin’s new friend. Steven smiles at his brother’s news, and Justin grins, giving his brother a loving hug.
Unsteady on his feet, Justin sleeps downstairs with Steven. His muscles ache in the morning, as he sits in the kitchen. He has enough strength to get his brother to school, before crashing in the living room.
He hears the familiar voice of the man, and turns his head toward the figure, “Hey Jimmy,” he says weakly, above a whisper.
Jimmy warmly smiles, “You look exhausted, Justin. You should get some rest.”
Rolling to his side Justin blinks, “This room looks so old and worn.”
Jimmy laughs, “It was built long ago, Justin.”
Sitting slowly, Justin looks at him, “This place looked different yesterday. It is like I have gone back in time. Have I?”
“Not exactly Justin, you are stuck between two worlds. I know this is confusing. It will all be explained, but for now you will sleep.”
Justin wakes at the sound of Jonathan’s voice. His body trembles under the covers. “The doctor is here, and he will make you feel better.”
Eying the doctor Justin mumbles the name Jimmy, as he sees resemblance in the two.
Staring at him, the doctor questions, “Who is this Jimmy your brother speaks of?”
Steven shrugs his shoulders, “Some new friend he has made. I do not know how he made a friend, as he is too ill to do much of anything.”
“Is he still seeing a physiatrist, and taking the prescribed pills?”
Steven nods lying to the doctor for his brother’s sake. “He has been so quiet. The pills make him sleepy.”
“He would do so much better in the Ray View Hospital,” the doctor admits to Steven. “They took good care of him last time.”
He was too sad,” Steven complains. “We take care of each other.”
Justin stares at his brother confused, “Do I have to go to the hospital? I do not think I am crazy. I did not like the hospital. I missed you. The hospital was scary. I will take my pills, but do not make me go back there,” he begs.
“No more hospital,” Steven tells him. “Remember all the scary people went away?”
Justin nods his head, “They are not real. They are in my head, and cannot hurt me, like Dad did.”
Steven smiles, “Just take your pills and you will feel better.”
"I take pills," Justin says.
"When was his last evaluation?"
"March 26th the clinic said he has serve mental deficits, but with family could live with others."
"Its quite common with his rare condition to have cognative regression," the doctor explains. "Can he read and write?"
"A little bit but it is hard to get him to focus. He loves simple rhymiming games. He adores counting things in gardens or pointing out objects that he reconizes in them. He has learned some basics at a school designed for the mentally handicapped back in Memphis. Unfortunately, they could only handle his care until he was twenty. He attended for about six to eight months. They suggested another program, but he didn't fair well as they were over booked with individuals."
Getting a job is not easy for Justin, with his physiological problems. Hardly any place will offer work, afraid of Justin’s mental state.
In order to obtain a career Justin has a physiological examination at the Ray View Hospital.
His doctor believes Justin still requires hospitalization, and will do what it takes to get him back into the clinic.
Justin is quiet in the hospital setting . He interacts with the people around him, though he keeps to himself mostly.
The doctor shows Justin the hospital’s indoor garden. Justin could work in the calming atmosphere, and learn to work with others.
Shaking his head, Justin tells the doctor, “I want to work outside the hospital. I can do this.”
The doctor studies Justin’s features, “Do you see things that are not real?”
“No,” Justin sighs. “I only see Steven.”
“Do you remember who Steven is?” the doctor asks.
“Steven is my younger brother”, Justin replies. “We live in a big estate far away from my Dad.”
“Do you know where your dad is?”
Justin slouches in his chair, “Tennessee.”
“I’m sorry Justin, but your dad passed away, long ago.”
Wiping tears from his blue eyes, Justin stares into the distance, “He is not dead,” the young man mumbles to himself.
“You have had a long day, Justin and need your rest. We will talk about you getting a job later.”
Stressing over getting a job, Justin talks to himself on the bus. He stares at his hands thinking they are two separate people. He stops putting a hand behind him, and says, “Goodbye.”
A nurse on the bus gives Justin his medication. The drug causes drowsiness, and Justin does not understand why he is sleepy.
After Steven returns home and finds his brother talking to his hands, as if they were people, Steven finds it in Justin’s best interest to have some mental help services.
Steven promises him it is only during the day time to ease his brother’s mind.
Attending day hab services at the Ray View clinic, Justin knows he is some place safe, while Steven attends school. He talks constantly about Jimmy, concerning his doctors. They want Justin to be a full time patient, but cannot because he has not harmed anyone else or himself.
Justin has no recollection of his past, only of Jimmy, and those constantly around him. He frequently talks about seeing people or things that do not exist to the usual eye. He stares out the window with confusion, bringing his hands to his face.
He chats with them. His doctor refers to them as personalities Justin would like to have, but mentally cannot come to a conclusion as to how to do so. The doctor plays along not wanting to upset his patient.
Justin does not refer to Jimmy while communicating this way. He brings up Jimmy when seeming to have a normal conversation, before reverting to his hands.
An argument breaks out between Justin and the imaginary people he thinks are his hands, but something stops him from harming himself, and Justin returns to his spot by the window.
He withdraws from talking to his hands for several days, as the doctor shows him to the garden.
"The garden is a safe happy place," the old man implies. "It is a nice place to work, and make new friends."
Justin shakes his head doubrfully. "Jimmy tells me no," he replies gazing at his hands. "Jimmy is good friend. He made Charlie and Vince not want to argue anymore!" He points to his left hand, "Vince will tell you he is happy." He grabs his right hand and lightly taps it, "Charlie would tell you, but he is not home."
The doctor, asks "Why does Jimmy tell you no Justin?" He sighs, as his patient stares blankly at the garden.
Justin grunts and begins rocking himself, "You know Jimmy. You are Jimmy." Covering his face with his hands he sobs. "Jimmy said he'd help Justin."
Reaching into his pocket the man pulls out a shot, and sticks his patient in his forearm. "It'll be okay," he informs Justin.
Justin tells Steven about his day, when he is no longer feeling sleepy from the shot. He talks about the doctor and how Jimmy and the doctor he believes are the same people.
Steven glances at his brother's medical records, seeing no man that matches the description Justin is giving, even odder the man who made a house visit is not on the list of people who work at the hospital.
Something very strange is going on, and he has to figure it out for him, and his brother's sake.
In the attic Steven finds pictures of a doctor who used to work at Rayview, and wonders if Justin may be thinking that this is Jimmy, because he cannot come to grips what death is to him, all is living.
"Jimmy's friend Vince is here with him in the photo," Justin exclaims. " Jimmy is a bad doctor. Jimmy is sorry for lying about being a sleepy doctor," he mumbles. "I am sorry too!"
Steven smiles, "Don't be sad. None of this your fault."
Justin's eyelids droop, "Dad was in a fire," Justin blurts out of nowhere. "He gave me matches, and said we'd play a game. He said Mommy wouldn't be mad if we played! We played the match game before."
Steven nods wondering if his brother is able to distinguish between fact and fiction, as the newspaper nor his father ever admited to any of this. It stated that Justin was left to his own devices. His father had noted that Justin was not all there in the head, but never did anything to help him. Justin had grabbed the matches, and lit a match setting the house on fire. He still has burn marks on his abdomen. The police could not charge a child, and he was sent to the RayView Hospital. Soon after his father died, from complications from smoke inalation. His condition worsened after the passing of his father.
A program for mentally retarded people offers services to Justin, who 90% of the time seems on a childlike level. They try to get him to overcome some of his main phobias, by having him roleplay.
Mental regression is common with some mental illnesses. They give him the oportunity to work with others on his level of functioning. He ranks in the lower class, due to his inability to keep a conversation going, and his talks with his hands. He can not learn new things, due to these factors.
One of the staff members for mentally retarded people talking in a soothing voice to Justin. She asks him questions related to grade school. He does not fare well on the testing. She questions if it is his disease or if he has always been at this low IQ. His past school reports show him in the slightly below normal range in reading.
Moving his fingers along the surface of his fuzzy baby blue book, he grins. The specially designed book is to stimulate him, and bring him out of his imaginary setting. There are many textures and colors and shapes to boost his communication and soothe some of his frustrations. The pages are extremly durable, and meant to take a beating.
Justin keeps mentioning Jimmy, adding in that Jimmy knew their father. He explains that it was Jimmy's idea to play the matches game.
Scaring on Justin's body may be keep evidence that his father was trying to rid himself of Justin, due to the young man's problems.
In the family garden, Justin is found talking to thin air, as Steven watches from a distance, amazed by what he sees! MOVING OBJECTS. He slides down against the wall silently, waiting for the items to stop.
Justin is content with what is going on, and rocks himself back and forth, putting himself into a sleep like trance. In his sleep induced state he resorts to chating with his hands or so it seems, until Steven notices something he has not before. There is some sort of fabric[floating, barely visable] next to both of Justin's hands, maybe his brother isn't so crazy, or is he know falling ill too? He refuses to tell the doctors what he saw, if they knew he would be in big trouble.
With each day, Justin's mental state worsens, and it takes doctors long hours to get him to communicate with them.
A package of matches lie on the flooring, left by an uncareful worker at the Timberlake Hosehold. Grasping onto the package, Justin goes toward the cubboard where the lighter is. Opening the cabinet, he finds what he is looking for................... He lights the match after several attempts......."Just like Daddy used to do"............"Pretty flame." Laughing he rests the flame on the ground......"This time it will be okay Mommy! Daddy will be okay......... He can finally sleep....So pretty and hot it is! Daddy likes it Mommy!!!!! He is watching!!!!! Jimmy told Daddy I was no good at games!!!!! Daddy wanted to play one final GAME! This is for Daddy! He can come out and play one more time before sleep! Come Daddy........ Come, I'm waiting........with.....all...... these...pretty...flames."
Steven understands everything as he enters the room, and sees what his brother has been seeing all along........Justin's father was evil, and trying to discard his son, and Jimmy was in on it all along.
Tired, he feels his eyelids droop, as he drifts to sleep. He hears his younger brother’s voice and mumbles to himself.
Steven sits beside his brother’s bed, worrying about Justin’s health. Justin is depressed from his physcological illness, and chronic fatigue.
Justin is different here though, at least for now. He is intrigued by the garden he found inside this huge old estate. It is so enchanting almost haunting.
Engrossed in his surroundings, Steven brings his older brother out of his world, “Justin, what are we having for dinner?”
Justin sighs, “I guess, I should make something.” He stumbles to his feet, slowly staggering towards the staircase, when he collapses on the wood floor.
Steven frowns aiding his brother, by helping him stand, and get down the stairs.
Unstable, Justin sways back and forth, as he makes his way toward the closest chair for support.
Asking Steven about his day at the new school, Justin tells Steven about the man he met today. The man is tall and very strong. He can move things Justin cannot. He could possibly be Justin’s new friend. Steven smiles at his brother’s news, and Justin grins, giving his brother a loving hug.
Unsteady on his feet, Justin sleeps downstairs with Steven. His muscles ache in the morning, as he sits in the kitchen. He has enough strength to get his brother to school, before crashing in the living room.
He hears the familiar voice of the man, and turns his head toward the figure, “Hey Jimmy,” he says weakly, above a whisper.
Jimmy warmly smiles, “You look exhausted, Justin. You should get some rest.”
Rolling to his side Justin blinks, “This room looks so old and worn.”
Jimmy laughs, “It was built long ago, Justin.”
Sitting slowly, Justin looks at him, “This place looked different yesterday. It is like I have gone back in time. Have I?”
“Not exactly Justin, you are stuck between two worlds. I know this is confusing. It will all be explained, but for now you will sleep.”
Justin wakes at the sound of Jonathan’s voice. His body trembles under the covers. “The doctor is here, and he will make you feel better.”
Eying the doctor Justin mumbles the name Jimmy, as he sees resemblance in the two.
Staring at him, the doctor questions, “Who is this Jimmy your brother speaks of?”
Steven shrugs his shoulders, “Some new friend he has made. I do not know how he made a friend, as he is too ill to do much of anything.”
“Is he still seeing a physiatrist, and taking the prescribed pills?”
Steven nods lying to the doctor for his brother’s sake. “He has been so quiet. The pills make him sleepy.”
“He would do so much better in the Ray View Hospital,” the doctor admits to Steven. “They took good care of him last time.”
He was too sad,” Steven complains. “We take care of each other.”
Justin stares at his brother confused, “Do I have to go to the hospital? I do not think I am crazy. I did not like the hospital. I missed you. The hospital was scary. I will take my pills, but do not make me go back there,” he begs.
“No more hospital,” Steven tells him. “Remember all the scary people went away?”
Justin nods his head, “They are not real. They are in my head, and cannot hurt me, like Dad did.”
Steven smiles, “Just take your pills and you will feel better.”
"I take pills," Justin says.
"When was his last evaluation?"
"March 26th the clinic said he has serve mental deficits, but with family could live with others."
"Its quite common with his rare condition to have cognative regression," the doctor explains. "Can he read and write?"
"A little bit but it is hard to get him to focus. He loves simple rhymiming games. He adores counting things in gardens or pointing out objects that he reconizes in them. He has learned some basics at a school designed for the mentally handicapped back in Memphis. Unfortunately, they could only handle his care until he was twenty. He attended for about six to eight months. They suggested another program, but he didn't fair well as they were over booked with individuals."
Getting a job is not easy for Justin, with his physiological problems. Hardly any place will offer work, afraid of Justin’s mental state.
In order to obtain a career Justin has a physiological examination at the Ray View Hospital.
His doctor believes Justin still requires hospitalization, and will do what it takes to get him back into the clinic.
Justin is quiet in the hospital setting . He interacts with the people around him, though he keeps to himself mostly.
The doctor shows Justin the hospital’s indoor garden. Justin could work in the calming atmosphere, and learn to work with others.
Shaking his head, Justin tells the doctor, “I want to work outside the hospital. I can do this.”
The doctor studies Justin’s features, “Do you see things that are not real?”
“No,” Justin sighs. “I only see Steven.”
“Do you remember who Steven is?” the doctor asks.
“Steven is my younger brother”, Justin replies. “We live in a big estate far away from my Dad.”
“Do you know where your dad is?”
Justin slouches in his chair, “Tennessee.”
“I’m sorry Justin, but your dad passed away, long ago.”
Wiping tears from his blue eyes, Justin stares into the distance, “He is not dead,” the young man mumbles to himself.
“You have had a long day, Justin and need your rest. We will talk about you getting a job later.”
Stressing over getting a job, Justin talks to himself on the bus. He stares at his hands thinking they are two separate people. He stops putting a hand behind him, and says, “Goodbye.”
A nurse on the bus gives Justin his medication. The drug causes drowsiness, and Justin does not understand why he is sleepy.
After Steven returns home and finds his brother talking to his hands, as if they were people, Steven finds it in Justin’s best interest to have some mental help services.
Steven promises him it is only during the day time to ease his brother’s mind.
Attending day hab services at the Ray View clinic, Justin knows he is some place safe, while Steven attends school. He talks constantly about Jimmy, concerning his doctors. They want Justin to be a full time patient, but cannot because he has not harmed anyone else or himself.
Justin has no recollection of his past, only of Jimmy, and those constantly around him. He frequently talks about seeing people or things that do not exist to the usual eye. He stares out the window with confusion, bringing his hands to his face.
He chats with them. His doctor refers to them as personalities Justin would like to have, but mentally cannot come to a conclusion as to how to do so. The doctor plays along not wanting to upset his patient.
Justin does not refer to Jimmy while communicating this way. He brings up Jimmy when seeming to have a normal conversation, before reverting to his hands.
An argument breaks out between Justin and the imaginary people he thinks are his hands, but something stops him from harming himself, and Justin returns to his spot by the window.
He withdraws from talking to his hands for several days, as the doctor shows him to the garden.
"The garden is a safe happy place," the old man implies. "It is a nice place to work, and make new friends."
Justin shakes his head doubrfully. "Jimmy tells me no," he replies gazing at his hands. "Jimmy is good friend. He made Charlie and Vince not want to argue anymore!" He points to his left hand, "Vince will tell you he is happy." He grabs his right hand and lightly taps it, "Charlie would tell you, but he is not home."
The doctor, asks "Why does Jimmy tell you no Justin?" He sighs, as his patient stares blankly at the garden.
Justin grunts and begins rocking himself, "You know Jimmy. You are Jimmy." Covering his face with his hands he sobs. "Jimmy said he'd help Justin."
Reaching into his pocket the man pulls out a shot, and sticks his patient in his forearm. "It'll be okay," he informs Justin.
Justin tells Steven about his day, when he is no longer feeling sleepy from the shot. He talks about the doctor and how Jimmy and the doctor he believes are the same people.
Steven glances at his brother's medical records, seeing no man that matches the description Justin is giving, even odder the man who made a house visit is not on the list of people who work at the hospital.
Something very strange is going on, and he has to figure it out for him, and his brother's sake.
In the attic Steven finds pictures of a doctor who used to work at Rayview, and wonders if Justin may be thinking that this is Jimmy, because he cannot come to grips what death is to him, all is living.
"Jimmy's friend Vince is here with him in the photo," Justin exclaims. " Jimmy is a bad doctor. Jimmy is sorry for lying about being a sleepy doctor," he mumbles. "I am sorry too!"
Steven smiles, "Don't be sad. None of this your fault."
Justin's eyelids droop, "Dad was in a fire," Justin blurts out of nowhere. "He gave me matches, and said we'd play a game. He said Mommy wouldn't be mad if we played! We played the match game before."
Steven nods wondering if his brother is able to distinguish between fact and fiction, as the newspaper nor his father ever admited to any of this. It stated that Justin was left to his own devices. His father had noted that Justin was not all there in the head, but never did anything to help him. Justin had grabbed the matches, and lit a match setting the house on fire. He still has burn marks on his abdomen. The police could not charge a child, and he was sent to the RayView Hospital. Soon after his father died, from complications from smoke inalation. His condition worsened after the passing of his father.
A program for mentally retarded people offers services to Justin, who 90% of the time seems on a childlike level. They try to get him to overcome some of his main phobias, by having him roleplay.
Mental regression is common with some mental illnesses. They give him the oportunity to work with others on his level of functioning. He ranks in the lower class, due to his inability to keep a conversation going, and his talks with his hands. He can not learn new things, due to these factors.
One of the staff members for mentally retarded people talking in a soothing voice to Justin. She asks him questions related to grade school. He does not fare well on the testing. She questions if it is his disease or if he has always been at this low IQ. His past school reports show him in the slightly below normal range in reading.
Moving his fingers along the surface of his fuzzy baby blue book, he grins. The specially designed book is to stimulate him, and bring him out of his imaginary setting. There are many textures and colors and shapes to boost his communication and soothe some of his frustrations. The pages are extremly durable, and meant to take a beating.
Justin keeps mentioning Jimmy, adding in that Jimmy knew their father. He explains that it was Jimmy's idea to play the matches game.
Scaring on Justin's body may be keep evidence that his father was trying to rid himself of Justin, due to the young man's problems.
In the family garden, Justin is found talking to thin air, as Steven watches from a distance, amazed by what he sees! MOVING OBJECTS. He slides down against the wall silently, waiting for the items to stop.
Justin is content with what is going on, and rocks himself back and forth, putting himself into a sleep like trance. In his sleep induced state he resorts to chating with his hands or so it seems, until Steven notices something he has not before. There is some sort of fabric[floating, barely visable] next to both of Justin's hands, maybe his brother isn't so crazy, or is he know falling ill too? He refuses to tell the doctors what he saw, if they knew he would be in big trouble.
With each day, Justin's mental state worsens, and it takes doctors long hours to get him to communicate with them.
A package of matches lie on the flooring, left by an uncareful worker at the Timberlake Hosehold. Grasping onto the package, Justin goes toward the cubboard where the lighter is. Opening the cabinet, he finds what he is looking for................... He lights the match after several attempts......."Just like Daddy used to do"............"Pretty flame." Laughing he rests the flame on the ground......"This time it will be okay Mommy! Daddy will be okay......... He can finally sleep....So pretty and hot it is! Daddy likes it Mommy!!!!! He is watching!!!!! Jimmy told Daddy I was no good at games!!!!! Daddy wanted to play one final GAME! This is for Daddy! He can come out and play one more time before sleep! Come Daddy........ Come, I'm waiting........with.....all...... these...pretty...flames."
Steven understands everything as he enters the room, and sees what his brother has been seeing all along........Justin's father was evil, and trying to discard his son, and Jimmy was in on it all along.
October 09, 2006
Stronger Than Yesterday
I listen to your words, and find meaning as if you were telling me a complex formula to save all humanity. Like a puzzle the pieces slide into place, and life becomes a little clearer for me.
I'm stronger than yesterday, when I feel your comforting hands around my trembling form. I am whole and the edges are smooth after being jagged for too long. My mind cannot control what my heart tells me is destinty.
A mind is not something to waste but without a heart it is as helpful as a computer or toaster oven.
My eyes are bleary, laying my head upon your chest, closing my eyes remembering I'm stronger than yesterday.
I'm stronger than yesterday, when I feel your comforting hands around my trembling form. I am whole and the edges are smooth after being jagged for too long. My mind cannot control what my heart tells me is destinty.
A mind is not something to waste but without a heart it is as helpful as a computer or toaster oven.
My eyes are bleary, laying my head upon your chest, closing my eyes remembering I'm stronger than yesterday.
*NSYNC's Nightmare Hollowing Halloween
Trailer below:
Chapter 1 - The Nightmare Begins:
"You're deaf," the doctor tries to explain , by writing on a piece of paper, as a very groggy Justin lies still on the hospital bed.
Closing his eyes, tears stream down his bruised face.
A soft grunt comes from his mouth. More tears slips over his cheekbone's, as an unusual pressure builds in his ears. The sensation fades, and he grows drowsy.
Justin remains in his own little world, until his hearing devices are turned on.
Chapter 2: Goodbye
Bobbing his head of curls, he walks past many plots, finding himself with a small gathering of people. They have come to bid farewell to a girl he gave a ride home too.
She had been drinking, and he couldn't have been more sober, but something went horribly wrong, and Justin suffers greatly.
Chapter 3: An Unlikely invitation
Being deaf, Justin never expected an invitation to a party!
He did not feel like celebrating Halloween, or anything, but the invation always pops into his head, nearly plaguing him to answer "yes."
Yawning, he places the invite on his nightstand, before closing his eyes.
"Carolina," he mumbles sleepily, "I really don't want to go."
"You must," she replies, "It is part of your destiny."
He stares at the unearthly light, perplexed, as his eyelids droop close.
He crumples the invitation angrily tossing it into the wastebasket, exiting his room for breakfast.
"Morning Sugar," his mom smiles, and pours him some tea.
"Momma," he sighs cautiously..."I had a dream," he manages slurring his words.
Lynn gazes into his fearful eyes, "Was it about the accident?"
He shrugs his shoulders, "Carolina," he pauses, "wants me to go the party."
"It would be a great opportunity for you to attend," his mom grins, "you've been so down lately. What happened wasn't your fault. Its time to start letting go."
"I....."he stumbles, "she.....just... I don't know."
Lynn laughs, "Justin, Carolina was always good at knowing things. Maybe, this is something amazing for you."
"I think otherwise," Justin breathes deeply, and takes a sip of his tea.
Placing the cup on the table, he glances in her direction to speak, when his friend enters through the door.
"Justin," Trace says apathetically, "I received an invite to that party, and...," he stops studying his friend's features.
"I'm not ready," Justin admits sadly, "no matter what my dreams tell me."
"I don't know anything about your dreams, Just, but Jive throws the best parties! It wouldn't be right for me to attend, and leave you behind to sulk. You're going to go, if I have to drag you there myself, and that's final."
Laughing, Justin stands, "You always were so persistent, but we'll see man!"
Surveying his bedroom, after his shower, he discovers a piece of paper lying on his bed. Moving closer he examines the sheet horrified, "How'd this get here?"
A womanly voice replies, "It is your destiny, Justin," as his blood runs cold.
Chapter 4: Soul Searching
The drive to the old mansion, on a large hill, labors his breathing thinking what lies ahead for him.
Crashes of thunder pulsate through his trembling form, as his knuckles turn a ghostly white. The wind howls furiously, and the sound of rushing wind rustles through his ears. Chills travel down his neck to his spinal collum.
Quickly, his head jerks to the side, hearing cries for help, but no person insight.
Knock, knock, on the hard wood door frame.
"Good evening you must be Justin! I will be your Butler for the evening my name is Jeeves."
Studying the man, Justin breathes heavily, "I.. I would like to hold onto my coat. Is that okay with you? I'm sorry I have not gotten into costume yet."
"No worries, kind Sir. You can change when you are ready. Not all the guests have arrived yet."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Justin makes his way inside the candle lit mansion, gazing at the worn interior, as his heart skips a beat.
The touch of someones hand resting on his shoulder, causes Justin to turn his head nervously."
"It's okay, J. It's just me, Lance. Why are you so on edge?"
"I.I..I do not like this place. Its very creepy. You know how I feel about Halloween."
Lance pats Justin's back, "Chill! It'll be okay. You are going to have lots of fun. What Star Wars character are you?"
" I'm Yoda," Justin says slightly grinning, "The intellectual one."
"Funny J, and you're so green too."
"No, I am not," Justin groans. turning his head toward the casket display, "Whaaa...... in there?"
Lance laughs, "Go find out for yourself. I'm not spoiling surprises." He pushes his unsure friend toward a cauldron of candy, "Dig in."
Justin shakes his head,"Ew, no way, am I putting my hand in there. I am going to go change. Where do I go?"
Pointing Justin toward a door marked with a red "X", he watches as his friend makes his way there, waiting patiently for Justin's return.
It is a quiet little bathroom, with a dusty mirror covered in cobwebs, as Justin unpacks his costume, listening to the Halloween music blaring.
Undressing until he is only in his boxers and a tee-shirt he grabs onto the costume, slowly slipping it on over his thin legs, and over his waist line up to his shoulders. Carefully, he places the Yoda costume over his head of wet curls. and adjusts it to feel right with his new hearing aides.
Picking up his clothes, he folds them putting the articles in his blue duffel bag. He taps the floor, getting his Halloween shoes just right, as he feels the floor give, "A trap door, but why?" he muses.
Not willing to check out his findings, he slips out the door, duffel bag in hand and heads toward the large coat rack.
Grabbing some punch, he gazes around the room, finding Lance who is dressed like R2 D2 in the corner talking to a woman in a witch costume. A tear slides down his cheek, recognizing the familiar face, even underneath the make up.
Reaching for his light saber, he pretends to battle Darth Mal, ignoring everyone else. Closing his eyes, he softly smiles. Bump!
Opening his eyes, Justin blushes, "Sorry, I was just in my own space."
She chuckles, "It's okay. I saw you standing over here, and wanted to come join you. Usually Jive throws good parties, but this one seems out of place."
"I have that feeling too," Justin admits. "I just want to get out of here. Halloween isn't for me. I........" He pauses, "Where'd she go?" He moans, being alone with his thoughts once more. Tired, he sits in a chair, next to a prop corpse.
He reasons with himself, "I could just sneak out. They'd never notice, and I'd feel a whole lot better."
"You're not going anywhere tonight, or eternity," a creepy voice whispers, leaving Justin frightened.
"We'll see," Justin mummers, searching through the sea of faces.
Chapter 5: Glowing Pumpkins
He makes his way toward his pal, Trace, hoping he can help.
Trace is dressed in a repulsive wig harboring over the candy corn. Justin catches a glimpse of Trace's designer jeans, "William Rast," and grabs onto them. "Trace, can we trade costumes?"
"Yoda, J? You want me to be Yoda? He is not even scary!"
" I.I. Don't want to stay, Trace. Strange things are happening. I think something wants me."
" Every girl in practically America and the world wants you, and has for awhile. What's the big deal?"
"The big idea Trace is it is Halloween, and I can't see these people's faces."
"Get a grip J! It will be okay! Look at that weird spinning thing, crazy!"
Justin stares at the spinning object, going into a hypnotic stance, "Glowing Pumpkins?"
Trace laughs, "Yes, go see them! They are in the crypt, below the bathroom. All your friends have seen them."
Justin staggers toward the bathroom, going inside, sitting on the floor confused, "Why am I here?"
He glances around trying to remember, seeing a pumpkin on the counter top, "Must find the glowing pumpkins," he reminds himself.
He taps the ground for several minutes, finding the trapdoor, lowering himself into the darkness.
A candle is at his side, and Justin reaches for the brightly glowing light confused, "Where are the glowing pumpkins?"
A hissing voice exclaims, "Follow the lighted path to the pumpkins."
Justin loses his balance tripping over his shoelace, and out of his trance like state. Shaking his head, he stands slowly, hearing a voice command.
"Follow me, and you will find your glowing pumpkins!"
"Trace," Justin questions, but gets no answer. "I am getting tired, and want to go home." Still no response. "Trace, I..I..I.. mean it. I know I have played some tricks on you, and I am sorry, but I want this night to end."
"Going home is not an option. It is going to be a long, long night, and so you must conserve your energy. We would not want you falling asleep, in the midst of this nightmare. You may never wake up," the Ghoul taunts. "Look at the candle in the corner. I know you want too. You need to see the glowing pumpkins, Justin."
Justin keeps his head down, "No way! Give me my friends!"
The ghoul snickers, "They are your friends, and are all waiting for you to join them! Do not disappoint them."
Refusing to adhere to the creature, Justin stands still, feeling a cold chill run through his body, as he hears a voice inside his head, "You will go see the pumpkins. You must listen to this voice, and do as I say. LOOK CLOSELY AT THE CANDLE! THE CANDLE WILL GUIDE YOU TO YOUR FRIENDS, JUSTIN."
Like a Zombie, Justin drifts through the crypt, heavily in a deep hypnotic state.
Stopping in front of the glowing pumpkins, He sits down on the ground, waiting patiently for his next cue. His arms fall at his sides, making contact with a grave.
He stares blankly at a spinning circle, going deeper into trance. He repeats what the evil voice tells him, "I am your pumpkin," as his eyelids become droopy. "I am from your pumpkin patch," he mumbles.
His mind wanders, as sleep overcomes him. The ghoul places him into a wagon.
A figure steps in front of him. She is dressed all in black, with a veil over her eyes."I am here repaying a favor."
"For what?" he asks.
"You risked your life for me." it explains." Taking his clammy hands she whispers, "We are running out of time. The transformation has started."
Stiffening of his joints cause him to move slowly through the burial ground. Extending his arms he moans at the prickly sensations running through them.
His cries turn to mumbles, disappearing into the night.
Stopping at the pumpkin patch he plops to the ground, feeling heavy, and stuffed. Rolling to the warmest side he attempts to run his hands along his frame, but his arms will not seem to allow it. He grumbles having the urge to move his hands in an upright position, and there is some sort of pressure on his head.
The few colors he can make out are blending together, getting lighter, but he can still roll, and with that maybe he can escape this creature's clutches.
He believes, he can break the spell, if he can get away. The touch of cold hands against his frame, causes him chill bumps. A weird sensation runs through him, as he is cut from the pumpkin patch, and the creeper brings him to be with his friends.
The glowing pumpkins scare him, though he cannot make out their faces. Everything is confusing, as thoughts run through his mind, and he hears the pumpkins talking, but cannot quite understand them.
He seems to be in a transiting stage, stuck between two different forms. The ghoul shows him a glowing pumpkin. It is blurry, and warm against him. It makes him feel strange, and he is able to see things again, but not like before. Everything is bright, and something cold is underneath him, some sort of table, as he rolls to the side, noting he has gained weight, making movement difficult.
Something pokes him, and he sighs, as the creature pulls at his stem, and vine. He smiles thrilled that he has not been fully disconnected from the vines. He communicates to the limb to get away from the ghoul's clutches, but she will not allow it.
She rubs his surface with her cold hands, and he begins to think of a long sleep, turning a deeper orange.
With his world getting fuzzier, and an odd sensation in his side arouses him to roll on his side onto a cool rubbery smooth surface.
Chanting voices yell, "You must save us, and she shall help you for your good deeds."
A soft moan escapes from him at the sudden tingly wet feeling.
"He is ready for display," he hears the ghoulish creature snicker, as he argues with the female.
"He is still moving," she points out.
"It is just a reaction to the spray. His exterior is stiff, and his breathing has slowed dramatically, as he goes into a deep sleep. He will awake, and it will be too late. Maybe next year somebody will figure how to stop me from living off these foolish individuals."
Chapter 6: A Soft Spot
On display, Justin sighs helplessly, as he feels the touch of human hands, "A soft spot," he listens to the human tell their friends, "he's no good with that marking."
Warmness surrounds his inner core, as slight pressure on his insides occur, and he finds a way to roll on his side, as fingers grasp his plump frame. "I'll get you down, before you cause more trouble," she tells him. "The ghoul must be tricked, by looking into his glowing pumpkins, which will reverse, and release all the lost souls. You have not given up, so he may not have your soul, only your body is in his possession."
He wonders how his soul is captured, as the candle burns inside of him, and his eyes flicker in the darkness. Being in the middle of all the pumpkins fear sets into him. He is much larger than the others, stronger willed, and the only jack-o-lantern with a soft spot.
With the dimming of the candle inside, he grows weary, awaiting the ghoul.
The sound of a lighter sends a shiver through his core, and his eyes lighten with fiery glow, as if the Devil has control of him.
"Look at me," he shouts angrily, but the ghoul refuses Justin's proposal. Feeling a strength surge through him, he lunges forward, knocking the ghoul to his knees.
"This has never happened before," he stammers. "This boy is different, and must be stopped."
He is no match for Justin, as he watches the young man bounce about like a crazed basketball.
He falls victim to the burning light, as silence, and a sense of peace fill the air.
"Their souls are free," The good Spirit informs him.
"But what about our bodies?" he questions.
"Some will return others will not," she replies.
"And mine?" he asks.
"Oh your day shall come to be human, after your much needed sleep," she says rubbing his outer layer with lubricant to protect it from rotting. "You're going to start to feel nice and cozy," she says.
He falls asleep waking in human form, but with the mind set of a plant temporarily, or maybe not!? You never really can tell whose being a good ghoul and whose being a bad ghoul, and perhaps there was only one to begin with!?
Chapter 1 - The Nightmare Begins:
"You're deaf," the doctor tries to explain , by writing on a piece of paper, as a very groggy Justin lies still on the hospital bed.
Closing his eyes, tears stream down his bruised face.
A soft grunt comes from his mouth. More tears slips over his cheekbone's, as an unusual pressure builds in his ears. The sensation fades, and he grows drowsy.
Justin remains in his own little world, until his hearing devices are turned on.
Chapter 2: Goodbye
Bobbing his head of curls, he walks past many plots, finding himself with a small gathering of people. They have come to bid farewell to a girl he gave a ride home too.
She had been drinking, and he couldn't have been more sober, but something went horribly wrong, and Justin suffers greatly.
Chapter 3: An Unlikely invitation
Being deaf, Justin never expected an invitation to a party!
He did not feel like celebrating Halloween, or anything, but the invation always pops into his head, nearly plaguing him to answer "yes."
Yawning, he places the invite on his nightstand, before closing his eyes.
"Carolina," he mumbles sleepily, "I really don't want to go."
"You must," she replies, "It is part of your destiny."
He stares at the unearthly light, perplexed, as his eyelids droop close.
He crumples the invitation angrily tossing it into the wastebasket, exiting his room for breakfast.
"Morning Sugar," his mom smiles, and pours him some tea.
"Momma," he sighs cautiously..."I had a dream," he manages slurring his words.
Lynn gazes into his fearful eyes, "Was it about the accident?"
He shrugs his shoulders, "Carolina," he pauses, "wants me to go the party."
"It would be a great opportunity for you to attend," his mom grins, "you've been so down lately. What happened wasn't your fault. Its time to start letting go."
"I....."he stumbles, "she.....just... I don't know."
Lynn laughs, "Justin, Carolina was always good at knowing things. Maybe, this is something amazing for you."
"I think otherwise," Justin breathes deeply, and takes a sip of his tea.
Placing the cup on the table, he glances in her direction to speak, when his friend enters through the door.
"Justin," Trace says apathetically, "I received an invite to that party, and...," he stops studying his friend's features.
"I'm not ready," Justin admits sadly, "no matter what my dreams tell me."
"I don't know anything about your dreams, Just, but Jive throws the best parties! It wouldn't be right for me to attend, and leave you behind to sulk. You're going to go, if I have to drag you there myself, and that's final."
Laughing, Justin stands, "You always were so persistent, but we'll see man!"
Surveying his bedroom, after his shower, he discovers a piece of paper lying on his bed. Moving closer he examines the sheet horrified, "How'd this get here?"
A womanly voice replies, "It is your destiny, Justin," as his blood runs cold.
Chapter 4: Soul Searching
The drive to the old mansion, on a large hill, labors his breathing thinking what lies ahead for him.
Crashes of thunder pulsate through his trembling form, as his knuckles turn a ghostly white. The wind howls furiously, and the sound of rushing wind rustles through his ears. Chills travel down his neck to his spinal collum.
Quickly, his head jerks to the side, hearing cries for help, but no person insight.
Knock, knock, on the hard wood door frame.
"Good evening you must be Justin! I will be your Butler for the evening my name is Jeeves."
Studying the man, Justin breathes heavily, "I.. I would like to hold onto my coat. Is that okay with you? I'm sorry I have not gotten into costume yet."
"No worries, kind Sir. You can change when you are ready. Not all the guests have arrived yet."
Breathing a sigh of relief, Justin makes his way inside the candle lit mansion, gazing at the worn interior, as his heart skips a beat.
The touch of someones hand resting on his shoulder, causes Justin to turn his head nervously."
"It's okay, J. It's just me, Lance. Why are you so on edge?"
"I.I..I do not like this place. Its very creepy. You know how I feel about Halloween."
Lance pats Justin's back, "Chill! It'll be okay. You are going to have lots of fun. What Star Wars character are you?"
" I'm Yoda," Justin says slightly grinning, "The intellectual one."
"Funny J, and you're so green too."
"No, I am not," Justin groans. turning his head toward the casket display, "Whaaa...... in there?"
Lance laughs, "Go find out for yourself. I'm not spoiling surprises." He pushes his unsure friend toward a cauldron of candy, "Dig in."
Justin shakes his head,"Ew, no way, am I putting my hand in there. I am going to go change. Where do I go?"
Pointing Justin toward a door marked with a red "X", he watches as his friend makes his way there, waiting patiently for Justin's return.
It is a quiet little bathroom, with a dusty mirror covered in cobwebs, as Justin unpacks his costume, listening to the Halloween music blaring.
Undressing until he is only in his boxers and a tee-shirt he grabs onto the costume, slowly slipping it on over his thin legs, and over his waist line up to his shoulders. Carefully, he places the Yoda costume over his head of wet curls. and adjusts it to feel right with his new hearing aides.
Picking up his clothes, he folds them putting the articles in his blue duffel bag. He taps the floor, getting his Halloween shoes just right, as he feels the floor give, "A trap door, but why?" he muses.
Not willing to check out his findings, he slips out the door, duffel bag in hand and heads toward the large coat rack.
Grabbing some punch, he gazes around the room, finding Lance who is dressed like R2 D2 in the corner talking to a woman in a witch costume. A tear slides down his cheek, recognizing the familiar face, even underneath the make up.
Reaching for his light saber, he pretends to battle Darth Mal, ignoring everyone else. Closing his eyes, he softly smiles. Bump!
Opening his eyes, Justin blushes, "Sorry, I was just in my own space."
She chuckles, "It's okay. I saw you standing over here, and wanted to come join you. Usually Jive throws good parties, but this one seems out of place."
"I have that feeling too," Justin admits. "I just want to get out of here. Halloween isn't for me. I........" He pauses, "Where'd she go?" He moans, being alone with his thoughts once more. Tired, he sits in a chair, next to a prop corpse.
He reasons with himself, "I could just sneak out. They'd never notice, and I'd feel a whole lot better."
"You're not going anywhere tonight, or eternity," a creepy voice whispers, leaving Justin frightened.
"We'll see," Justin mummers, searching through the sea of faces.
Chapter 5: Glowing Pumpkins
He makes his way toward his pal, Trace, hoping he can help.
Trace is dressed in a repulsive wig harboring over the candy corn. Justin catches a glimpse of Trace's designer jeans, "William Rast," and grabs onto them. "Trace, can we trade costumes?"
"Yoda, J? You want me to be Yoda? He is not even scary!"
" I.I. Don't want to stay, Trace. Strange things are happening. I think something wants me."
" Every girl in practically America and the world wants you, and has for awhile. What's the big deal?"
"The big idea Trace is it is Halloween, and I can't see these people's faces."
"Get a grip J! It will be okay! Look at that weird spinning thing, crazy!"
Justin stares at the spinning object, going into a hypnotic stance, "Glowing Pumpkins?"
Trace laughs, "Yes, go see them! They are in the crypt, below the bathroom. All your friends have seen them."
Justin staggers toward the bathroom, going inside, sitting on the floor confused, "Why am I here?"
He glances around trying to remember, seeing a pumpkin on the counter top, "Must find the glowing pumpkins," he reminds himself.
He taps the ground for several minutes, finding the trapdoor, lowering himself into the darkness.
A candle is at his side, and Justin reaches for the brightly glowing light confused, "Where are the glowing pumpkins?"
A hissing voice exclaims, "Follow the lighted path to the pumpkins."
Justin loses his balance tripping over his shoelace, and out of his trance like state. Shaking his head, he stands slowly, hearing a voice command.
"Follow me, and you will find your glowing pumpkins!"
"Trace," Justin questions, but gets no answer. "I am getting tired, and want to go home." Still no response. "Trace, I..I..I.. mean it. I know I have played some tricks on you, and I am sorry, but I want this night to end."
"Going home is not an option. It is going to be a long, long night, and so you must conserve your energy. We would not want you falling asleep, in the midst of this nightmare. You may never wake up," the Ghoul taunts. "Look at the candle in the corner. I know you want too. You need to see the glowing pumpkins, Justin."
Justin keeps his head down, "No way! Give me my friends!"
The ghoul snickers, "They are your friends, and are all waiting for you to join them! Do not disappoint them."
Refusing to adhere to the creature, Justin stands still, feeling a cold chill run through his body, as he hears a voice inside his head, "You will go see the pumpkins. You must listen to this voice, and do as I say. LOOK CLOSELY AT THE CANDLE! THE CANDLE WILL GUIDE YOU TO YOUR FRIENDS, JUSTIN."
Like a Zombie, Justin drifts through the crypt, heavily in a deep hypnotic state.
Stopping in front of the glowing pumpkins, He sits down on the ground, waiting patiently for his next cue. His arms fall at his sides, making contact with a grave.
He stares blankly at a spinning circle, going deeper into trance. He repeats what the evil voice tells him, "I am your pumpkin," as his eyelids become droopy. "I am from your pumpkin patch," he mumbles.
His mind wanders, as sleep overcomes him. The ghoul places him into a wagon.
A figure steps in front of him. She is dressed all in black, with a veil over her eyes."I am here repaying a favor."
"For what?" he asks.
"You risked your life for me." it explains." Taking his clammy hands she whispers, "We are running out of time. The transformation has started."
Stiffening of his joints cause him to move slowly through the burial ground. Extending his arms he moans at the prickly sensations running through them.
His cries turn to mumbles, disappearing into the night.
Stopping at the pumpkin patch he plops to the ground, feeling heavy, and stuffed. Rolling to the warmest side he attempts to run his hands along his frame, but his arms will not seem to allow it. He grumbles having the urge to move his hands in an upright position, and there is some sort of pressure on his head.
The few colors he can make out are blending together, getting lighter, but he can still roll, and with that maybe he can escape this creature's clutches.
He believes, he can break the spell, if he can get away. The touch of cold hands against his frame, causes him chill bumps. A weird sensation runs through him, as he is cut from the pumpkin patch, and the creeper brings him to be with his friends.
The glowing pumpkins scare him, though he cannot make out their faces. Everything is confusing, as thoughts run through his mind, and he hears the pumpkins talking, but cannot quite understand them.
He seems to be in a transiting stage, stuck between two different forms. The ghoul shows him a glowing pumpkin. It is blurry, and warm against him. It makes him feel strange, and he is able to see things again, but not like before. Everything is bright, and something cold is underneath him, some sort of table, as he rolls to the side, noting he has gained weight, making movement difficult.
Something pokes him, and he sighs, as the creature pulls at his stem, and vine. He smiles thrilled that he has not been fully disconnected from the vines. He communicates to the limb to get away from the ghoul's clutches, but she will not allow it.
She rubs his surface with her cold hands, and he begins to think of a long sleep, turning a deeper orange.
With his world getting fuzzier, and an odd sensation in his side arouses him to roll on his side onto a cool rubbery smooth surface.
Chanting voices yell, "You must save us, and she shall help you for your good deeds."
A soft moan escapes from him at the sudden tingly wet feeling.
"He is ready for display," he hears the ghoulish creature snicker, as he argues with the female.
"He is still moving," she points out.
"It is just a reaction to the spray. His exterior is stiff, and his breathing has slowed dramatically, as he goes into a deep sleep. He will awake, and it will be too late. Maybe next year somebody will figure how to stop me from living off these foolish individuals."
Chapter 6: A Soft Spot
On display, Justin sighs helplessly, as he feels the touch of human hands, "A soft spot," he listens to the human tell their friends, "he's no good with that marking."
Warmness surrounds his inner core, as slight pressure on his insides occur, and he finds a way to roll on his side, as fingers grasp his plump frame. "I'll get you down, before you cause more trouble," she tells him. "The ghoul must be tricked, by looking into his glowing pumpkins, which will reverse, and release all the lost souls. You have not given up, so he may not have your soul, only your body is in his possession."
He wonders how his soul is captured, as the candle burns inside of him, and his eyes flicker in the darkness. Being in the middle of all the pumpkins fear sets into him. He is much larger than the others, stronger willed, and the only jack-o-lantern with a soft spot.
With the dimming of the candle inside, he grows weary, awaiting the ghoul.
The sound of a lighter sends a shiver through his core, and his eyes lighten with fiery glow, as if the Devil has control of him.
"Look at me," he shouts angrily, but the ghoul refuses Justin's proposal. Feeling a strength surge through him, he lunges forward, knocking the ghoul to his knees.
"This has never happened before," he stammers. "This boy is different, and must be stopped."
He is no match for Justin, as he watches the young man bounce about like a crazed basketball.
He falls victim to the burning light, as silence, and a sense of peace fill the air.
"Their souls are free," The good Spirit informs him.
"But what about our bodies?" he questions.
"Some will return others will not," she replies.
"And mine?" he asks.
"Oh your day shall come to be human, after your much needed sleep," she says rubbing his outer layer with lubricant to protect it from rotting. "You're going to start to feel nice and cozy," she says.
He falls asleep waking in human form, but with the mind set of a plant temporarily, or maybe not!? You never really can tell whose being a good ghoul and whose being a bad ghoul, and perhaps there was only one to begin with!?
October 04, 2006
The Legend of Lumberjack Joe
The adirondack moutains is the picturest setting for so many storries. With the changging of the leaves, and the days getting darker work must be done to keep yourself warm. In the centuary we live in we can get heat by pressing a button, but one-hundred years ago when Lumberjack Joe lived in these parts that was not the case. It has been said that this lumberjack is still hanging around, and some say when the wind begins to hallow, and the trees of his labor shake knocking off the leaves an old man's voice can be heard in the distance.
Now Joe he lived alone, and worked in the woods from sunrise to sunset never paying minds to the change of weather. Others had warnned Joe of the rain storm that was comming, and he could clearly see the bolts of lightning, and hear the crashes and roars of thunder, as his body grew chilled. He sat beneath a tree leaned over with deep gasping breaths with no one else around to hear or see him. He closed his eyes and thought of a way to escape as the wind lashed against his skin.
Standing at the slightest break in the storm he rushed toward a cabin falling into a muddy mess of a pit, as he felt his leg give way, and knew there was nothing else he could do.
Jack's still out there I believe watching for someone to make the same mistake as him. Look where his fingers dug into his murky grave, and see his tools of the day appear by his barriel ground. Feel the coldness of his boney fingers as he attempts to free himself on these bitter fall days. Step away from Jack's pit before he pulls you in, and follow the rusty old sign out of the woods before it is too late, or Jack will be sure to invite you into his company, for he knows not how to get out of his hole he has dug for himself, and perhaphs netheir do you.
October 02, 2006
Closed Door
Slowly, I approached my door with my cat in my arms. The door creaks open, and I peak inside to find it empty. Moving inside I strip my clothes and joke that whatever is in the room may leave.
Moments later, the door pops open and a chill runs through me, as I scurry into bed for a night of odd dreaming. Waking I am aware in my mind that someone will be calling to cancel today's plans, as it occured in my dream that evening. Surely enough there is that dread phone call and my mother telling me that a relative of the woman who was to come over had passed away.
September 21, 2006
E-Mail My Heart
It just doesn't happen does it you wish something and then it happens, and something beyond your wildest dreams comes out of it? It happened to me a few years back. I'm an avaid fan of Micheal Jordan that dude is truly amazing and awes me. As most fans of anyone these days we make up e-mails using our favorite star's likeness. That's not entirely amazing. It's just part of life of fans and their obessions with celeberties. My name is Justin but lately everyones been calling me JT. Its not esential to my story anyway, just a little extra tidbit on me.
I was scemeing up an e-mail that ould be great and use Micheal's favorite #, and was really annoyed that somebody had taken the one I had entered, so I yelled "I wish I knew who took the e-mail I wanted."
I have to say what happened next has definately made me think before I speak. It had been a month or more and I was preparing my dinner when I came back to my computer I had a message of plea from a girl who was interested in me due to my profile. I could tell she was very uneasy as she talked of how she hated everything in her life, and I talked to her on and off pleaing with her to get help, and some how I got her through her messes, and then I realized something piculiar she had that e-mail adress I wanted, and my my jaw drops as I tell her and she says I can have it if I want, but I could not accept, because it didn't feel right, but saving her life couldn't have been a better reward when all I wanted to begin with was a e-mail confessing my love to a celeberity whom will never see it.
September 18, 2006
Memphis Ties
WARNING THIS STORY CONTAINS SEXUAL REFERENCES/ALCHOOL AND OTHER THINGS THAT ARE NOT SUITABLE FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES!
View trailer below:
Tag line: Even famous people must sometimes find out the hard way how life can be unfair.
His vision blurs sitting on the hardwood flooring, holding a glass clumsily in his hands.
The pregnant woman beside him laughs,"I got the hottest guy in music drunk."
His eyes are red with pain, and his cheeks are stained with tears,"No more pain," he slurrs, "noregrets." Justin attempts standing, and looks around the room,once on his feet, "This is like that sh** boat. Everything is spinning or coming in some direction."
She reaches for his arm,"Keep it down. The landlord already hates my pregnant a**."
"But, I'm on a tilt-a-whirl," he manages, stumbling over his feet.
"You are going sit back on the d*** floor," she half demands, pushing him onto the ground.
He whimpers momentarily, unable to control his actions,"I'm still spinning, but everything's getting dark, and I'm feeling sleepy."
He groans, waking to complete darkness, as the inside of his head pounds, like a drum.
Slowly, his fingers move along the dirty floor searching for his keys. Grasping onto the cold metal, he lets out a relieved sigh.
"You're a** is going nowhere, Timberlake," a woman whispers grabbing the keys from his hand easily.
"But they need me," he whines, attempting to stand, failing miserably,"My legs why won't they work for me?"
"Because, you're drunk. You're brain aint getting the signals."
Signals?" he questions with confusion. He reaches for her hand, missing,"Sh**signals." He mumbles, feeling the need to lean against the wall, before vomiting onto himself, "allreadyforhome."
She pulls off his top,"Come with me, Justin," she says barely above a whisper, getting him on his unsteady feet, and ushering him to a room.
His body is wet with sweat, as he finds his way to the unfamiliar bed, and feels her hands against his skin. She works her way over his body with delicacy, something he hasn't felt in a long time.
An amused sigh escaped his lips, when she presses around his special spot. He feels it bulge, and stiffen, as she throws his jeans into a Conner of the room.
His mind wanders.
He attempts to get up, but his body is too weak from the alchool, "Gottogethome," he cries.
"You are, so just relax." Her hand moves along his waistline. She half giggles,listening to his grunts growing fainter, "Time for sleep J."
Waking, his eyes can't seem to quite focus on the surroundings, and his head hurts to the point of crying, and his body,"Why am I naked? he asks coldly.
"You like to sleep that way," the woman from last night answers, as she walks into the room, pulling her hair back into a scrunchies. "It really doesn't matter Just. All that matters is you're OK."
"I don't feel okay," he croaks, pulling the blanket over his lower body. "I want to be home."
"What exactly would you call home?" She smiles sitting next to him.
"Home is where I feel safe, or so I thought up until those creeps robbed me." He closes his eyes, "I just needed some time to breathe, after all that sh**! Things should be normal, so I won't be forced into some physacatric home."
"I doubt it'll come down to that."
His home is a mess, as he slumps onto the hardwood distraught and angry. He wraps his arms around his legs protectively, "Better soon,"he slurs, feeling his eyelids grow heavy.
His mother moves his limp body to his bed,"Justin," she says, but he makes no movement or sound.
He hears a faint voice calling his name, and slowly comes too.
"Are you okay Justin?" His mother asks with concern.
He blinks at the tears stinging his eyes,"Trying to be." He pauses, and looks toward the window,"Who is the pretty lady outside Mom?"
Lynn shrugs,and gazes out the frame,"Nobody is out there, love."
"She is such a pretty person Mom. I wish you could see her."
Lynn smiles,"I wish I could." Her fingers run through his curls, as he drifts to sleep.
"You like it here," the pregnant woman chuckles, pulling the door open.
"This place is like a crack house," he admits."When my doctor told me it'd be good to see something worse than than the hell I'd been living I laughed. Nobody would expect a pop star in his prime to be hanging around a hole like this. Somehow I've become addicted to this joint. I thought about doing handyman work."
"You?" She raises her eyebrows,"What exactly can a boy like you do, other than sit on my floor and sulk?"
"I was thinking of fixing the floorboards. They left me with some nasty bruises, being all jagged."
After fixing the boards, he sits on the floor. His tired expression meets the woman who took his keys last night.
Her eyes search his looking for anything positive, but he is lost in himself.
"How's it been?" she asks knowingly.
"Oh, it's been you know kinda crazy, and I haven't felt too well."
"You're going back out on the road soon. That ought to be special......"
Sniffling he turns his head in the other direction, "I suppose. I'm going to miss it here."
"You can always come and visit," she smiles sitting on the floor next to him.
"This place won't be here when I come back. It has nothing anybody, but you and I would want. This place is sh**, when it comes to looks. I've seen places in third world countries with more light. You come here, and it is like I'm sucked into a fu'**in hole of darkn ess. I half like, but the other part of me hates this place, warning me that the devil plays hard here. He wants me to fall into this hell hole, and be damned, because my life seemed so heavenly before, and now I live as if I have no life. Those men took away my soul, and spitted it back at me in a million pieces. I don't ever think my life will be the same. I don't even know if I can look past it all."
Kissing his forehead, she whispers, "You will. Close your eyes."
"I'm not in the mood," he whimpers, as her hands run down his sweaty undershirt,"Come on Just," she encourages, pulling his shirt down over his bruised abdomen,"you and I need to talk in the bedroom."
"No," he yells jerking his head to the side.
"Shh," he hears closing his eyelids tightly, but something inside of him is telling him to obey.
Giving in, she drags him to the bedroom. His head of curls rests against her shoulder, "Justin look at me," she demands. His blue eyes focus on her blurry face. "Don't be afraid. I know you are starting to remember the girl that only you could see..."
"What girl?" he questions. "You're talking crazy."
"No Just, my twin sister came to you. She told me."
"You have a twin Val?" He blinks at the tears stinging his eyes.
"Yes, but she is no longer here at least not physically. She thinks you are a very special guy."
"No, I'm just a dude trying to make life work," he manages, and I think it is insane to fathom that those that have gone before us have come back......" He pauses suddenly feeling cold.
"She's working her magic right now, JMan, by making your non-believing a** chilled.
"More so y'all didn't pay the electric bill and the company aint too pleased. I can afford it, if you want me to pay."
"That isn't it! Now listen to your heart! You can be so difficult at times," she yaps.
"I can't deal with made up sh**! Next you'll tell me about a lovely little fairy who can grant my every wish. This is the real world, crackhead or not. You have too see the difference."
"I'm not going to tell you about a fu'**in fairy, or that Santa is going to come down your fancy a** chimney. What I'm telling you is the God's honest truth Timberlake. You're going to see that one way or another, eventually."
What is that some effed up threat?" he grumbles distancing himself from her.
"I am not about making threats. You'll see soon enough."
"I am tired of all this," he sobs walking toward the door."I want out."
She grabs at his hands,"Stay, you're a mess."
"Because of you," he groans
"You wanted to live the idol life! I wasn't the one who broke into your classy home. You put yourself out there. You cannot blame me for that," she states grabbing his chin harshly, "Look at me."
"I can't," he moans, taking a deep breath,"I just need out. No more commitments."
Her hand creases his peachy face,as her free hand wraps around his body,"You aren't thinking. Just relax," but he moves out of her grasp, taking off out the door.
Two a.m., Justin coughs shuttering at the terrible sensation running through his head,"Momma?" he chatters hoarsely in the darkness.
Silence surrounds his achy frame. Lifting his head from the hard surface, he winces at the shooting pain through his skull.
"Fu**," he mummers as his eyes focus on the red sticky substance covering his hands. Reaching for napkins in the glove compartment, he wipes away the blood, leaning his head against the leather interior of his Chevy.
His body shakes violently,as he eyes the river, inches from him,"I shouldn't be here."
"You have a purpose for being here tonight," a voice calls out, "hang in there. You're going to make it through this."
"I'm so tired,and cold, and my head......" He grabs his scalp,"Hurts."
A bright blinding light surrounds his motionless frame. He senses it enveloping him, sucking him into an unknown universe. Justin opens his mouth to speak, but no words he can utter, as his eyelids grow heavy, and he drifts into a deep sleep.
Six-forty-three a.m.,His eyes flutter in the dim lit room,"Momma?" he questions nervously receiving no answer he sighs.
"Shh," a womanly voice whispers.
"I need to see Momma," he tries weakly.
"In time Justin. You're not doing too well right now, and need your rest." She gently pats his hand,"Tell me about what happened last night?"
"I lost my balance on a stupid rock," he shrugs.
"You're not telling me everything, and I need to know to help you."
"I'm too damn tired for this." His eyelids droop,"So sleepy."
Covering his body with a heated blanket, she glances at the numerous monitors,"Do you want me to call Val, and tell her to come down?"
Val?" He ponders the thought, racking his brain, remembering who Val is,"sure."
Eleven-thirty a.m.,"What were you thinking?"
"I had no idea what I was getting myself into," he sobs."I'm so sorry. You can leave, if you want too."
"I have no plans to go anywhere," Val declares.
"You really care about me," he shutters,"and I'm so stupid for not letting you in."
"Let's not worry about this right here. You have a nasty bump on your head. I'll take you home with me...."
"I want to be alone, my own home, even if it is broken."
"No, you're not stable, and I can't even think how your mother will react to all this," she grimaces.
He slowly sits dizzily,"My real home is where I need to be," he pleads."
"Fine, I'll drive you there, but were not staying. Grab some personal items, and then were heading back to the apartments."
"Whatever," he sighs, as his breathing begins to slow.
This is the room that still has the warmth and compassion he loves most. A baby grand piano is the centerpiece of the empty living room: Justin's heart and sole linger within the ivroy keys. Whether he pounces or delicately tackles the keys he finds great comforter.
The sun bounces of his dull color face,as his fingers move into place. He cringes at the growing nauseated feelings running through his body.
They wash away. The music whisks him from the trouble suffocating his mind, body and soul, as Val watches him in utter amazement.
He pulls himself from the keys, gazing at his bag of personal items,"I guess I'm ready."
"Good," she says linking her arm around his waistline for support.
"You don't pack lightly do you?" she chuckles,"If I didn't know better I'd think you were Santa."
"Santa doesn't exist, so there's no comparison. It really isn't much, or at least I don't think it is." He rests his head against the interior,"I'll put something back if you think should."
"I'm not letting you step foot in that house of horrors for a long time," she dishearteningly admits.
"But Momma is going to wonder...."He pauses shakily, "I'm going to have to at least talk to Momma."
"I'm not holding you back from speaking with your mother, Justin. I just don't thing you are ready to face her, after you're Stormy night. You cannot keep living like you do. Does she know how unhappy you are?"
"She's unclear about me, and my life after the break in. She doesn't want to believe I'm broken, and I want nothing to do with the ties that bound me. I never wanted her to feel like I've dejected her, but Memphis isn't for me anymore. I'm don't know where it would be right...." He stops wiping at the tears burning his blue orbs. "I want to get this right," he sobs, at the car comes to an abrupt halt.
"You will," he hears, as a chill runs through his spine.
"Who said that?" he questions eyes wide with worry?"
"Said what, Justin?" she implies.
"Somebody said I will find my way," he deeply breathes.
"You can," she smiles, bringing her arms around his frail form, in hopes that he won't continue on about the voice,"Shh."
"Take me home," he cries with desperation.
"We'll be there shortly," she assures,"Try to relax, Justin."
The apartment is chilly, as Val wraps a blanket around his troubling form, "Are you feeling better after your nap in the car?"
He shrugs his shoulders,"Not at all. Why won't you talk to me about the voice? Is it because I'm going crazy?"
"Because you didn't want to deal with the woman I told you about before, and I doubt you are willing to believe, just yet."
He questions, "Am I in some kind of weird cult?"
"No, ghosts happen, and one just so happens to be my sister."
"You're right, I'm not ready to deal with this. Sorry for sounding insensitive," he sighs sadly,"Something has to change, and soon."
"Things always have a way of working themselves out. Give it time, Just."
"I'm not sure I can," he weeps softly into her worn tee-shirt,"Am I savable?"
"Of course you are," She pats his back,"You want to rest in here while I go speak to Alley?"
"I suppose," he closes his eyes, leaning against his pillow.
He awakes to darkness, and distant chatter,"Alone again," he muses shifting his distraught form to the side of the bed. His fingers run along his bruised scalp, and down his battered sweaty facial features. "Nobody fu**in wants me," he breathes heavily.
"They're all probably sh** wasted, and forgot all about the damaged star sleeping in the room not too far from them....
Footsteps, he hears them, as the sounds of voices fade from his ears. Loud and clunky shoes hitting the old wooden boards, coming closer send Justin into a tailspin.
"Anyone in here?" a husky man shouts, pounding on the door.
Gasping, Justin watches the door handle, and then the door fly open revealing a bulky man in uniform. He squints at the gruff figure flashing a light.
"Sir you'll have to get up. We've been stinging this place for the last week."
"Sh**," Justin seethes under his breath, as he quickly pulls the sheets from himself, and stands before the man.
"I won't do anything, if you come with me. Hands behind your back."
Justin cringes, as his head fills with a deep blistery sensation. The icy cuffs against his skin burn, as they grow tighter.
"Out with you now,' the officer demands.
Sitting on the floor, he watches the police search the apartment. His body trembles, knowing he is next.
"An injection," he states to himself, as his blue eyes grow wide,"He wants to shoot me up with whatever @#$% is in there to get something out of me."
His eyes are menacing trying to look at every nook and cranny on Justin's body, "This will all be over soon," he grumbles, taking Justin's nightshirt sleeve, and lifting it quickly.
Another officer questions, "What's your name son?"
"Justin," he stutters softly, turning to face this new man. He closes his eyes feeling an intense jab in his arm.
Twenty minutes later, Justin yawns drowsily attempting to focus on his surroundings. Everything is fuzzy, coming out of the sedation drugs.
"You are in the hospital again," a womanly voice says.
"Cause I fu@#ed up," he replies growing angry.
"You made a bad choice, but it will be okay. You need to move on. Val is so sorry about all this."
"Now, the world thinks I'm a criminal," he sobs.
"No, they were informed it was a misunderstanding. It will blow over, like your attitude should."
"I would try if something started to go right for a change," he explains, as his voice becomes hoarser.
The next morning,"Momma," Justin says with fear evident his deep blue eyes,"I'm not ready for another interview like this."
"Just tell them what we discussed Justin. We'll get through this."
"That's just it Mom, I'm not about to lie. I had that concussion long before landing my a@@ in that crack house. I have connections with them. I'm not about to give them hell when they did more good for me than bad. Val that girl is amazing..."
"Justin, that is no place for you to be living. It is got they were exposed like this, before you got hurt."
"Hurt?" His eyes grow wide, "Hurt was me being dejected by my own mother after three guys decided to break in, hold me a gun point and tell me I was a fu'@#er, and shouldn't be alive. You tried to pass it off as something I could easily get over, but I hadn't. When you started realizing what a wreck I was, you sent me to see this weird man who smelled like bad Colene, and only cared to take me on because I had buckets of money to keep him in business, as long as my paycheck would keep going up. He told me to go see how the real world is, visiting a home full of people on drugs. I learned a lot from these guys."
"I never meant to hurt you, by doing that. I figured the doctor knew a lot better than I would have.' Her hand runs along is back creating soothing motion, "Shh, you can call this off and you and I can spend some time together to think this all through...."
His tired blues wander the room, before meeting hers, "I owe this to my fans to stay true. I have to do this for them to understand my reasoning."
"Okay Justin," she says turning on her heels to walk out of the room.
Five p.m., Justin answers the phone in a raspy sounding voice,"Hello?"
"Hey there J Man, sorry about all that. The police released me finding nothing to convict me of, other than being in the wrong place at the right time."
"I miss you Val," he sighs, and closes his eyes.
She inquires, "You want me to stop by later?"
"That'd be great," his voice full of desperation.
"You've done some organizing," she laughs.
'I had to get to it eventually. It may help to get past the trama, I've faced. Mostly, it's a lot of glass. They mutilated my costome picture frames."
She bends to the floor gazing at the destroyed photos, eyeing one piticular photograph,"Do you know who this girl is?"
He shrugs his shoulders,"I can't think straight," he mumbbles running his fingers along the healing facial bruises. His eyelids are heavy, and reasonably swollen.
"How is your head feelling?' she asks with concern.
"Sleepy from the pain medications," he sighs.
She clould listen to him play the piano for hour with ease.
He stops abruptly, at the sensation of somebody's hand's atop of his, "Stop," he seethes, "fuc**n stop please."
His head shoots in every direction, "what is this?"
Val grasps his hands, "No one is here, Just. Keep playing.
"I hear her. Why can't you?" He wipes at the tears stinging his saphire eyes.
"I'm not sure," she sighs.
He pounds on the keys, closing his eyes, and falling into a trance like state. His breaths slow, as the rockish meldoy lulls to a ballady masterpiece.
Later, his eyes drift from face to face. There's a sea of eyes starring trying to figure him out, understand where he is comming from.
He steps forward into the disco light, and quickly grabs the microphone. His voice is smooth, and soothing, and he pulls it off seeming in good sprits, when inside he couldn't be more broken.
His newest album is selling like hotcakes. A small smile forms on his face at this accomplishment, but it quickly fades when someone in the audience reminds him of the atttack, "Why didn't you give it to them? You act all big and mighty in these songs, but really you're a @#$%!"
Justin half shouts, "I was fu**in scared, ya know? When somebody has a gun to your head unless you're physco you aint gonna fight it at the chance they'll blow your brains out. I'm here to preform, and that's what I'm gonna do."
The fans are gone, and he is safe in her arms in his bedroom, "Shhh," she says,"You're with me now, and everything is going to be okay."
"I believe you," he whispers,"more than ever, I do."
"You'll always have a place with me," she tells him, pushing the fine curls from his eyes.
"Memphis ties us together. No other location will ever be as special as Memphis, even after the heart break...."
She kisses his head lovingly, as his eyes close.
"He's falling fast for you," her sister smiles, "just like I had said."
"It's early yet," Val replies," and he is still struggling to survive, anything else happens, and he made need to be hospitalized. He's so lost in himself he can't cope with what is around him."
"Sometimes bad brings the good out of people, and Justin is one of them. He hasn't climbed to the peak of the hill yet."
Val shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know what you are getting at."
"You'll see shortly," she says before vanishing into thin air.
The ringing of his cell phone wakes him, "Hello?"
"Mr. Timberlake, I have some unfortunate news, I need you to come down to the police station, because we believe we have found your biological father and step-mom perished in a car wreck."
"I'll be right there," he breathes unsteadily.
At the station, Justin gasps at the two boys sitting with a female officer.
"Justin," the children cry, as he approaches them, with his heart caught in his throat.
"Are you two okay?"
Jonathan the oldest wipes at his eyes,"We want Mommy and Daddy."
Bending down, Justin embraces them,"I'm not sure we can have them." He sniffles, and picks Steven off the ground holding him tightly in his arms,"We're going to get through this together." He wraps his freehand around Jonathan's fingers, "I have go talk to the policemen. I promise to be back in a few minutes. The nice police woman will watch you for a bit more, okay?"
The two kids nod their heads, as Justin places Steven in her arms, and walks away.
View trailer below:
Tag line: Even famous people must sometimes find out the hard way how life can be unfair.
His vision blurs sitting on the hardwood flooring, holding a glass clumsily in his hands.
The pregnant woman beside him laughs,"I got the hottest guy in music drunk."
His eyes are red with pain, and his cheeks are stained with tears,"No more pain," he slurrs, "noregrets." Justin attempts standing, and looks around the room,once on his feet, "This is like that sh** boat. Everything is spinning or coming in some direction."
She reaches for his arm,"Keep it down. The landlord already hates my pregnant a**."
"But, I'm on a tilt-a-whirl," he manages, stumbling over his feet.
"You are going sit back on the d*** floor," she half demands, pushing him onto the ground.
He whimpers momentarily, unable to control his actions,"I'm still spinning, but everything's getting dark, and I'm feeling sleepy."
He groans, waking to complete darkness, as the inside of his head pounds, like a drum.
Slowly, his fingers move along the dirty floor searching for his keys. Grasping onto the cold metal, he lets out a relieved sigh.
"You're a** is going nowhere, Timberlake," a woman whispers grabbing the keys from his hand easily.
"But they need me," he whines, attempting to stand, failing miserably,"My legs why won't they work for me?"
"Because, you're drunk. You're brain aint getting the signals."
Signals?" he questions with confusion. He reaches for her hand, missing,"Sh**signals." He mumbles, feeling the need to lean against the wall, before vomiting onto himself, "allreadyforhome."
She pulls off his top,"Come with me, Justin," she says barely above a whisper, getting him on his unsteady feet, and ushering him to a room.
His body is wet with sweat, as he finds his way to the unfamiliar bed, and feels her hands against his skin. She works her way over his body with delicacy, something he hasn't felt in a long time.
An amused sigh escaped his lips, when she presses around his special spot. He feels it bulge, and stiffen, as she throws his jeans into a Conner of the room.
His mind wanders.
He attempts to get up, but his body is too weak from the alchool, "Gottogethome," he cries.
"You are, so just relax." Her hand moves along his waistline. She half giggles,listening to his grunts growing fainter, "Time for sleep J."
Waking, his eyes can't seem to quite focus on the surroundings, and his head hurts to the point of crying, and his body,"Why am I naked? he asks coldly.
"You like to sleep that way," the woman from last night answers, as she walks into the room, pulling her hair back into a scrunchies. "It really doesn't matter Just. All that matters is you're OK."
"I don't feel okay," he croaks, pulling the blanket over his lower body. "I want to be home."
"What exactly would you call home?" She smiles sitting next to him.
"Home is where I feel safe, or so I thought up until those creeps robbed me." He closes his eyes, "I just needed some time to breathe, after all that sh**! Things should be normal, so I won't be forced into some physacatric home."
"I doubt it'll come down to that."
His home is a mess, as he slumps onto the hardwood distraught and angry. He wraps his arms around his legs protectively, "Better soon,"he slurs, feeling his eyelids grow heavy.
His mother moves his limp body to his bed,"Justin," she says, but he makes no movement or sound.
He hears a faint voice calling his name, and slowly comes too.
"Are you okay Justin?" His mother asks with concern.
He blinks at the tears stinging his eyes,"Trying to be." He pauses, and looks toward the window,"Who is the pretty lady outside Mom?"
Lynn shrugs,and gazes out the frame,"Nobody is out there, love."
"She is such a pretty person Mom. I wish you could see her."
Lynn smiles,"I wish I could." Her fingers run through his curls, as he drifts to sleep.
"You like it here," the pregnant woman chuckles, pulling the door open.
"This place is like a crack house," he admits."When my doctor told me it'd be good to see something worse than than the hell I'd been living I laughed. Nobody would expect a pop star in his prime to be hanging around a hole like this. Somehow I've become addicted to this joint. I thought about doing handyman work."
"You?" She raises her eyebrows,"What exactly can a boy like you do, other than sit on my floor and sulk?"
"I was thinking of fixing the floorboards. They left me with some nasty bruises, being all jagged."
After fixing the boards, he sits on the floor. His tired expression meets the woman who took his keys last night.
Her eyes search his looking for anything positive, but he is lost in himself.
"How's it been?" she asks knowingly.
"Oh, it's been you know kinda crazy, and I haven't felt too well."
"You're going back out on the road soon. That ought to be special......"
Sniffling he turns his head in the other direction, "I suppose. I'm going to miss it here."
"You can always come and visit," she smiles sitting on the floor next to him.
"This place won't be here when I come back. It has nothing anybody, but you and I would want. This place is sh**, when it comes to looks. I've seen places in third world countries with more light. You come here, and it is like I'm sucked into a fu'**in hole of darkn ess. I half like, but the other part of me hates this place, warning me that the devil plays hard here. He wants me to fall into this hell hole, and be damned, because my life seemed so heavenly before, and now I live as if I have no life. Those men took away my soul, and spitted it back at me in a million pieces. I don't ever think my life will be the same. I don't even know if I can look past it all."
Kissing his forehead, she whispers, "You will. Close your eyes."
"I'm not in the mood," he whimpers, as her hands run down his sweaty undershirt,"Come on Just," she encourages, pulling his shirt down over his bruised abdomen,"you and I need to talk in the bedroom."
"No," he yells jerking his head to the side.
"Shh," he hears closing his eyelids tightly, but something inside of him is telling him to obey.
Giving in, she drags him to the bedroom. His head of curls rests against her shoulder, "Justin look at me," she demands. His blue eyes focus on her blurry face. "Don't be afraid. I know you are starting to remember the girl that only you could see..."
"What girl?" he questions. "You're talking crazy."
"No Just, my twin sister came to you. She told me."
"You have a twin Val?" He blinks at the tears stinging his eyes.
"Yes, but she is no longer here at least not physically. She thinks you are a very special guy."
"No, I'm just a dude trying to make life work," he manages, and I think it is insane to fathom that those that have gone before us have come back......" He pauses suddenly feeling cold.
"She's working her magic right now, JMan, by making your non-believing a** chilled.
"More so y'all didn't pay the electric bill and the company aint too pleased. I can afford it, if you want me to pay."
"That isn't it! Now listen to your heart! You can be so difficult at times," she yaps.
"I can't deal with made up sh**! Next you'll tell me about a lovely little fairy who can grant my every wish. This is the real world, crackhead or not. You have too see the difference."
"I'm not going to tell you about a fu'**in fairy, or that Santa is going to come down your fancy a** chimney. What I'm telling you is the God's honest truth Timberlake. You're going to see that one way or another, eventually."
What is that some effed up threat?" he grumbles distancing himself from her.
"I am not about making threats. You'll see soon enough."
"I am tired of all this," he sobs walking toward the door."I want out."
She grabs at his hands,"Stay, you're a mess."
"Because of you," he groans
"You wanted to live the idol life! I wasn't the one who broke into your classy home. You put yourself out there. You cannot blame me for that," she states grabbing his chin harshly, "Look at me."
"I can't," he moans, taking a deep breath,"I just need out. No more commitments."
Her hand creases his peachy face,as her free hand wraps around his body,"You aren't thinking. Just relax," but he moves out of her grasp, taking off out the door.
Two a.m., Justin coughs shuttering at the terrible sensation running through his head,"Momma?" he chatters hoarsely in the darkness.
Silence surrounds his achy frame. Lifting his head from the hard surface, he winces at the shooting pain through his skull.
"Fu**," he mummers as his eyes focus on the red sticky substance covering his hands. Reaching for napkins in the glove compartment, he wipes away the blood, leaning his head against the leather interior of his Chevy.
His body shakes violently,as he eyes the river, inches from him,"I shouldn't be here."
"You have a purpose for being here tonight," a voice calls out, "hang in there. You're going to make it through this."
"I'm so tired,and cold, and my head......" He grabs his scalp,"Hurts."
A bright blinding light surrounds his motionless frame. He senses it enveloping him, sucking him into an unknown universe. Justin opens his mouth to speak, but no words he can utter, as his eyelids grow heavy, and he drifts into a deep sleep.
Six-forty-three a.m.,His eyes flutter in the dim lit room,"Momma?" he questions nervously receiving no answer he sighs.
"Shh," a womanly voice whispers.
"I need to see Momma," he tries weakly.
"In time Justin. You're not doing too well right now, and need your rest." She gently pats his hand,"Tell me about what happened last night?"
"I lost my balance on a stupid rock," he shrugs.
"You're not telling me everything, and I need to know to help you."
"I'm too damn tired for this." His eyelids droop,"So sleepy."
Covering his body with a heated blanket, she glances at the numerous monitors,"Do you want me to call Val, and tell her to come down?"
Val?" He ponders the thought, racking his brain, remembering who Val is,"sure."
Eleven-thirty a.m.,"What were you thinking?"
"I had no idea what I was getting myself into," he sobs."I'm so sorry. You can leave, if you want too."
"I have no plans to go anywhere," Val declares.
"You really care about me," he shutters,"and I'm so stupid for not letting you in."
"Let's not worry about this right here. You have a nasty bump on your head. I'll take you home with me...."
"I want to be alone, my own home, even if it is broken."
"No, you're not stable, and I can't even think how your mother will react to all this," she grimaces.
He slowly sits dizzily,"My real home is where I need to be," he pleads."
"Fine, I'll drive you there, but were not staying. Grab some personal items, and then were heading back to the apartments."
"Whatever," he sighs, as his breathing begins to slow.
This is the room that still has the warmth and compassion he loves most. A baby grand piano is the centerpiece of the empty living room: Justin's heart and sole linger within the ivroy keys. Whether he pounces or delicately tackles the keys he finds great comforter.
The sun bounces of his dull color face,as his fingers move into place. He cringes at the growing nauseated feelings running through his body.
They wash away. The music whisks him from the trouble suffocating his mind, body and soul, as Val watches him in utter amazement.
He pulls himself from the keys, gazing at his bag of personal items,"I guess I'm ready."
"Good," she says linking her arm around his waistline for support.
"You don't pack lightly do you?" she chuckles,"If I didn't know better I'd think you were Santa."
"Santa doesn't exist, so there's no comparison. It really isn't much, or at least I don't think it is." He rests his head against the interior,"I'll put something back if you think should."
"I'm not letting you step foot in that house of horrors for a long time," she dishearteningly admits.
"But Momma is going to wonder...."He pauses shakily, "I'm going to have to at least talk to Momma."
"I'm not holding you back from speaking with your mother, Justin. I just don't thing you are ready to face her, after you're Stormy night. You cannot keep living like you do. Does she know how unhappy you are?"
"She's unclear about me, and my life after the break in. She doesn't want to believe I'm broken, and I want nothing to do with the ties that bound me. I never wanted her to feel like I've dejected her, but Memphis isn't for me anymore. I'm don't know where it would be right...." He stops wiping at the tears burning his blue orbs. "I want to get this right," he sobs, at the car comes to an abrupt halt.
"You will," he hears, as a chill runs through his spine.
"Who said that?" he questions eyes wide with worry?"
"Said what, Justin?" she implies.
"Somebody said I will find my way," he deeply breathes.
"You can," she smiles, bringing her arms around his frail form, in hopes that he won't continue on about the voice,"Shh."
"Take me home," he cries with desperation.
"We'll be there shortly," she assures,"Try to relax, Justin."
The apartment is chilly, as Val wraps a blanket around his troubling form, "Are you feeling better after your nap in the car?"
He shrugs his shoulders,"Not at all. Why won't you talk to me about the voice? Is it because I'm going crazy?"
"Because you didn't want to deal with the woman I told you about before, and I doubt you are willing to believe, just yet."
He questions, "Am I in some kind of weird cult?"
"No, ghosts happen, and one just so happens to be my sister."
"You're right, I'm not ready to deal with this. Sorry for sounding insensitive," he sighs sadly,"Something has to change, and soon."
"Things always have a way of working themselves out. Give it time, Just."
"I'm not sure I can," he weeps softly into her worn tee-shirt,"Am I savable?"
"Of course you are," She pats his back,"You want to rest in here while I go speak to Alley?"
"I suppose," he closes his eyes, leaning against his pillow.
He awakes to darkness, and distant chatter,"Alone again," he muses shifting his distraught form to the side of the bed. His fingers run along his bruised scalp, and down his battered sweaty facial features. "Nobody fu**in wants me," he breathes heavily.
"They're all probably sh** wasted, and forgot all about the damaged star sleeping in the room not too far from them....
Footsteps, he hears them, as the sounds of voices fade from his ears. Loud and clunky shoes hitting the old wooden boards, coming closer send Justin into a tailspin.
"Anyone in here?" a husky man shouts, pounding on the door.
Gasping, Justin watches the door handle, and then the door fly open revealing a bulky man in uniform. He squints at the gruff figure flashing a light.
"Sir you'll have to get up. We've been stinging this place for the last week."
"Sh**," Justin seethes under his breath, as he quickly pulls the sheets from himself, and stands before the man.
"I won't do anything, if you come with me. Hands behind your back."
Justin cringes, as his head fills with a deep blistery sensation. The icy cuffs against his skin burn, as they grow tighter.
"Out with you now,' the officer demands.
Sitting on the floor, he watches the police search the apartment. His body trembles, knowing he is next.
"An injection," he states to himself, as his blue eyes grow wide,"He wants to shoot me up with whatever @#$% is in there to get something out of me."
His eyes are menacing trying to look at every nook and cranny on Justin's body, "This will all be over soon," he grumbles, taking Justin's nightshirt sleeve, and lifting it quickly.
Another officer questions, "What's your name son?"
"Justin," he stutters softly, turning to face this new man. He closes his eyes feeling an intense jab in his arm.
Twenty minutes later, Justin yawns drowsily attempting to focus on his surroundings. Everything is fuzzy, coming out of the sedation drugs.
"You are in the hospital again," a womanly voice says.
"Cause I fu@#ed up," he replies growing angry.
"You made a bad choice, but it will be okay. You need to move on. Val is so sorry about all this."
"Now, the world thinks I'm a criminal," he sobs.
"No, they were informed it was a misunderstanding. It will blow over, like your attitude should."
"I would try if something started to go right for a change," he explains, as his voice becomes hoarser.
The next morning,"Momma," Justin says with fear evident his deep blue eyes,"I'm not ready for another interview like this."
"Just tell them what we discussed Justin. We'll get through this."
"That's just it Mom, I'm not about to lie. I had that concussion long before landing my a@@ in that crack house. I have connections with them. I'm not about to give them hell when they did more good for me than bad. Val that girl is amazing..."
"Justin, that is no place for you to be living. It is got they were exposed like this, before you got hurt."
"Hurt?" His eyes grow wide, "Hurt was me being dejected by my own mother after three guys decided to break in, hold me a gun point and tell me I was a fu'@#er, and shouldn't be alive. You tried to pass it off as something I could easily get over, but I hadn't. When you started realizing what a wreck I was, you sent me to see this weird man who smelled like bad Colene, and only cared to take me on because I had buckets of money to keep him in business, as long as my paycheck would keep going up. He told me to go see how the real world is, visiting a home full of people on drugs. I learned a lot from these guys."
"I never meant to hurt you, by doing that. I figured the doctor knew a lot better than I would have.' Her hand runs along is back creating soothing motion, "Shh, you can call this off and you and I can spend some time together to think this all through...."
His tired blues wander the room, before meeting hers, "I owe this to my fans to stay true. I have to do this for them to understand my reasoning."
"Okay Justin," she says turning on her heels to walk out of the room.
Five p.m., Justin answers the phone in a raspy sounding voice,"Hello?"
"Hey there J Man, sorry about all that. The police released me finding nothing to convict me of, other than being in the wrong place at the right time."
"I miss you Val," he sighs, and closes his eyes.
She inquires, "You want me to stop by later?"
"That'd be great," his voice full of desperation.
"You've done some organizing," she laughs.
'I had to get to it eventually. It may help to get past the trama, I've faced. Mostly, it's a lot of glass. They mutilated my costome picture frames."
She bends to the floor gazing at the destroyed photos, eyeing one piticular photograph,"Do you know who this girl is?"
He shrugs his shoulders,"I can't think straight," he mumbbles running his fingers along the healing facial bruises. His eyelids are heavy, and reasonably swollen.
"How is your head feelling?' she asks with concern.
"Sleepy from the pain medications," he sighs.
She clould listen to him play the piano for hour with ease.
He stops abruptly, at the sensation of somebody's hand's atop of his, "Stop," he seethes, "fuc**n stop please."
His head shoots in every direction, "what is this?"
Val grasps his hands, "No one is here, Just. Keep playing.
"I hear her. Why can't you?" He wipes at the tears stinging his saphire eyes.
"I'm not sure," she sighs.
He pounds on the keys, closing his eyes, and falling into a trance like state. His breaths slow, as the rockish meldoy lulls to a ballady masterpiece.
Later, his eyes drift from face to face. There's a sea of eyes starring trying to figure him out, understand where he is comming from.
He steps forward into the disco light, and quickly grabs the microphone. His voice is smooth, and soothing, and he pulls it off seeming in good sprits, when inside he couldn't be more broken.
His newest album is selling like hotcakes. A small smile forms on his face at this accomplishment, but it quickly fades when someone in the audience reminds him of the atttack, "Why didn't you give it to them? You act all big and mighty in these songs, but really you're a @#$%!"
Justin half shouts, "I was fu**in scared, ya know? When somebody has a gun to your head unless you're physco you aint gonna fight it at the chance they'll blow your brains out. I'm here to preform, and that's what I'm gonna do."
The fans are gone, and he is safe in her arms in his bedroom, "Shhh," she says,"You're with me now, and everything is going to be okay."
"I believe you," he whispers,"more than ever, I do."
"You'll always have a place with me," she tells him, pushing the fine curls from his eyes.
"Memphis ties us together. No other location will ever be as special as Memphis, even after the heart break...."
She kisses his head lovingly, as his eyes close.
"He's falling fast for you," her sister smiles, "just like I had said."
"It's early yet," Val replies," and he is still struggling to survive, anything else happens, and he made need to be hospitalized. He's so lost in himself he can't cope with what is around him."
"Sometimes bad brings the good out of people, and Justin is one of them. He hasn't climbed to the peak of the hill yet."
Val shrugs her shoulders, "I don't know what you are getting at."
"You'll see shortly," she says before vanishing into thin air.
The ringing of his cell phone wakes him, "Hello?"
"Mr. Timberlake, I have some unfortunate news, I need you to come down to the police station, because we believe we have found your biological father and step-mom perished in a car wreck."
"I'll be right there," he breathes unsteadily.
At the station, Justin gasps at the two boys sitting with a female officer.
"Justin," the children cry, as he approaches them, with his heart caught in his throat.
"Are you two okay?"
Jonathan the oldest wipes at his eyes,"We want Mommy and Daddy."
Bending down, Justin embraces them,"I'm not sure we can have them." He sniffles, and picks Steven off the ground holding him tightly in his arms,"We're going to get through this together." He wraps his freehand around Jonathan's fingers, "I have go talk to the policemen. I promise to be back in a few minutes. The nice police woman will watch you for a bit more, okay?"
The two kids nod their heads, as Justin places Steven in her arms, and walks away.
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