A young girl laid quietly on her twin size bed staring intently at a heart shaped locket thinking about the little boy who had given it to her so many years ago. She opened the clasp and smiled softly at the picture inside. It was taken at her 5th birthday party, they both had cake all over there faces and a cheesy smile to go with it.

She thought back to the day she had received the locket and sadness entered her eyes. It was the day he had left her to go back to Tennessee with his mother. That was the one day she had felt like she was being left alone, to fight all the battles on her own.

Justin and her had been a team ever since she could remember, they would boost each other up to reach the highest of things or when someone picked on one of them the other would come running to save the other. It was like that for many years till he'd left to return back to his first home.

The ringing of her cell phone, startled her out of her thoughts. She set the locket down on the her end table then reached out to grab her phone off the charger. Her eyes scanned over the caller id and a smile lit up her face. She pressed send then put the small device up to her ear and uttered a cheerful hello.

"Hey Ambs, how are you doing?" Justin asked with just as much cheerfulness in his tone.

"I'm doing good. How about yourself?" Amber asked flipping over on her back and staring up at the ceiling.

"Good, just got done rehearsing for the tour." Justin replied while throwing his jacket inside his car and getting behind the wheel. "So what were you doing before I called?"

"Well I was looking at the locket you gave me and thinking about our childhood." Amber replied while a blush covered her cheeks.

Justin chuckled softly and had to agree with her, he to had been thinking about her a lot lately. They hadn't seen each other in a few years but kept contact over phone, but to him it wasn't enough he regretted not being able to see her grow up but he had to follow his dreams and that was one thing he would never give up as long as he lived. "Listen, next week I have off and I was wondering if it would be okay to come out an see you?"

"That would be cool, I get out of school this week so that wouldn't be a problem." She replied, a girly giggle escaping her mouth at the mere thought of it.

"Sounds like a plan. I'll call and make all of the reservations, then let you know what's going on okay?" He smiled truth was he was ecstatic to see her again and almost couldn't wait him self. "Oh by the way how's school going?"

"It's good, being a royal pain in my ass but nonetheless it's going great. I'm happy the year is almost over because then I'll be out of high school." Amber replied

"Well at least you made it through some people don't make it that far. I'm proud of you for sticking with it." Justin replied while turning into his driveway. "Well Ambs I'm home, and I need to take a shower because I stink. So I'll call you later and let you know about the details."

"Okay J, I have some company coming over anyway. I can't wait to see you though J, it's been way to long."

"Me to. Have fun and stay out of trouble."

"You two. Bye" Amber said then clicked off the phone after he said his good byes. She sighed loudly and let a beaming smile cross her features. "God a week is so far away." She muttered standing up and smoothing out the wrinkles in her outfit. She slipped on a pair of flip flops then walked out of her room and down the stairs to wait for her best girl friend.

As she hung up the phone, Amber felt like her whole world was crashing down around her, she was really looking forward to seeing Justin for the first time in a year and for him to see her perform the next night.

She wanted him to see how much she had grown and share her love of music with him. She knew he had obligations and it wasn't his fault that things came up especially with the life choices he had made, but she couldn't help but feel disappointed.

Sighing, she pushed herself up from the bed and padded across the room to look at the picture hanging on her vanity of her and Justin. She couldn't help but sniffle back a few tears even though she knew it wasn't worth crying about and he couldn't do anything, but it still hurt. She'd been looking forward to when she could see him.

She wiped at her eyes while turning away from the picture spotting her notebook lying on the end table. She quickly walked over to it and plopped down on her bed, pulling the book onto her lap and grabbing the pen out of the springs that held the notebook together.

Opening it up to a fresh page she began to write in a feverish pace, jotting down all of her thoughts, dreams, and fears of the upcoming day. She hoped with everything in her someone would love her voice and possibly help her grasp her dreams with both hands.

As she wrote down everything a soft knock came to her door causing her to look up. "Come in"

Her door slowly opened to reveal her best friend who had a bright smile stretched across her features but soon faded when she noticed the far away look on her best friends face.

"What's wrong babe?"

"Nothing" Amber shrugged while closing her notebook and pushing it off to the side.

"Mhmm, right I've known you for ever and that gives me the right to know when you are upset about something." Lisa said walking over to her friend and sitting down next to her.

"I talked to Justin about twenty minutes ago." Amber replied while sighing heavily.

"Okay usually when you talk to him you're hyper as hell." She said while raising one eyebrow at her.

"Well you know how I told you he was coming out this week?" Amber questioned

"Yeah, that's all you've been able to talk about since it was decided."

"Well the call was to tell me something came up and he couldn't make it out to see me till next week."

"Oh honey, I'm sorry I know how much you wanted him to be there tomorrow night."

"It's okay, I'm just bummed you know? I really wanted him to see me perform. But hey duty calls it's his job."

"Yeah, but hey at least he called to tell you he couldn't make it, I know it must have hurt him deeply to cancel."

"I've got to give him that much credit. So what are you doing here so early, I thought we weren't meeting up till later?"

"Uhm honey it is later." Lisa replied while watching the shocked look come over her friends features.

"Oh shit." Amber replied jumping up from her spot with an apologetic look across her features. "I'm so sorry Lyz, I totally forgot with the call and everything it kind of ruined my mood."

"It's okay, but if you don't want to go out anymore I understand."

"No I do. I need something to take my mind off tomorrow night."

"Well get ready real quick and we'll head out."

"Okay." Amber replied while springing into action.

Orlando

Letting out a heavy sigh, Justin placed the phone back down on the table and glanced over at a photo of him and Amber. He knew he didn't have a choice but to make the call, but he didn't enjoy doing it. His work had been his priority and he knew deep down she understood that.

He just wished he could switch priorities every once in a while and this was definitely one of them. Standing up, Justin grabbed the gold frame and smiled, he missed her more than anything and was really looking forward to seeing her bright smiling face. Closing his eyes, he could see her in his mind's eyes.

He could see that smile that he loved so much, the one that felt like she reserved only for him. He could see the way her face lit up when he walked into a room. Opening his eyes, he glanced at the photo in his hands once more before setting it back on the table.

As his eyes scanned the room around him they fell upon his suitcase sitting by the stairs, he padded softly over to it. After picking it up, he walked over to the stairs and began his trek upstairs to his room to unpack his clothes.

Just as he was about to unzip his bag, the phone by his bed started to ring. Sighing to himself, he pushed off the floor and walked over to the nightstand. He glanced quickly at the caller ID then put the phone to his ear.

"Hey Jayce"

"What's up bro?"

"Not to much just unpacking." Justin replied while unzipping his suitcase. "What's up with you?"

" I was just calling to see what you were doing tonight."

"Probably just unpack then hit the sack so I can get up in time for the radio show tomorrow morning."

"Cool, cool. Joey and I were thinking about hittin' a club tonight." JC said, hoping to coax his younger friend into going.

"I'm really not in the mood tonight Jayce." Justin replied pulling out a few of his shirts then walking towards his closet to hang them up.

"Alright, hold on a second my other line is beeping."

"Aight man" Justin said, he knew he was being a party pooper but his good mood went out of the window when he found out he had to cancel his plans to go to Utah. He also knew it wasn't JC's fault but damn he was really looking forward to going.

"Hey J, I got some news."

"Huh." Justin asked shaking his head trying rid himself of his thoughts.

"I said I got some news man." He said while shaking his head at his younger friend.

"What news?" Justin asked

"That radio show we were supposed to go to tomorrow. Well they just called Johnny to tell him they have to cancel."

"What was that?" Justin asked, he couldn't believe his ears it was as if God had answered his prayers. "Jayce you just made my day, better yet, my whole year. I have to go."

"Wait, what are you talking about Justin?" he asked completely confused.

"I'm talking about how I can go out to Utah to see Amber now. I had to cancel on her. " Justin replied with a smile gracing his features.

"Oh okay, well when will you be back?"

"Probably sometime next week who knows. We have time off don't we?"

"Yeah, but that's only a week J. Then we go back to rehearsals for the tour."

"Alright well I'll be back next week. Look Jayce I got to go. I have to call Amber, then call the airline and get a flight out of here."

"Alright. Be careful man."

"I will, see ya in a week.' Justin replied then quickly hung up the phone not waiting for JC to reply. His fingers worked quickly at dialing Amber's number but stopped. "Maybe I should surprise her." Nodding to himself, he hung up the phone then began dialing the numbers to the airport to book a flight the first thing in the morning.

Once he got off the phone, he began to repack his clothes. After he finished he collapsed down on his bed and smiled to himself. He couldn't wait to see Ambers face when he showed up on her doorstep.

The Next Day

Amber stared at her reflection in the mirror while styling her hair. Her hair was half-curled and the remainder just wouldn't cooperate. Seconds later, in a mist of frustration, she slammed the curling iron down and sighed to herself, she just wasn't in the mood to do anything and that included styling her hair. Justin had taken up all of her thoughts causing her to loose her concentration.

Glancing down at her watch she noted she had about an hour an half till she needed to be there, with the way her thoughts kept drifting towards Justin she didn't know if she could actually pull this off.

After letting out a heavy sigh, Amber picked her curling iron back up and made a last ditch effort to pull together some resemblance of a hairstyle. Grabbing her brush, she ran it through the small strand that she had singled out and once it was perfectly smooth, wrapped it around the barrel.

Letting out a slight chuckle, Amber realized that even a simple a task as getting ready had become such a daunting task. She just couldn't focus on anything but Justin.

"Ok, get it together or you're going to be late." she said, releasing the freshly curled piece of hair so that it fell against her cheek.

Setting the curling iron back down, Amber began to run her fingers through her hair to loosen the curls. After tilting her head to the side, she studied the look and although she wasn't exactly thrilled with the result, she knew that time wasn't on her side.

Grabbing the small black case on the dresser next to her, Amber opened it up and began to search through the various cosmetics. After finding what she needed, she laid it all out in an orderly row and proceeded to apply her make-up. When she was done, she tossed the articles back in her case and began searching through her purse for her favorite lip gloss.

"I know I put it in here! Where is it!" she yelled, frustration now evident in her voice as she looked up at the clock. "Ah. I knew it was in here!"

Pulling the small clear tube from her purse, Amber twisted off the cap and began to glide the liquid across her lips. After pressing them together, she did a few small touch ups and then tossed it back in her purse.

"Well, I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be." she sighed, running her fingers through her hair one last time.

She pushed herself up from her seated position then walked over to her closet to grab her shoes. Looking over the her choices quickly, she chose a pair of her many sandals an closed the door. Turning on her heel she sat down on the edge of her bed and began the task of putting on her shoes.

Once she laced up her shoes she padded over to her full length mirror and took in her appearance, nodding to herself she grabbed her purse then exited her bedroom. As she was walking down the hall she could hear voices and smiled slightly when she recognized them.

As she made it to the top of the stairs she saw her family sitting around the living room waiting for her to make an appearance. Plastering a smile to her face she quickly walked down the steps and stood in front of them so they could approve or disapprove in her choice of attire.

Her mother was the first to notice and she honestly had to do a double take she couldn't remember the last time her daughter looked that breathtaking. She was honestly shocked at how much she had grown up. "Aw, honey you look absolutely stunning." She cooed getting up to give her a daughter a quick hug.

"Thanks mom." Amber replied wrapping her arms a little tighter around her mom. "I just wish Justin could be here to see me."

"I know honey. But you know he would be here if he could."

"Yeah I know." Amber agreed, while stepping out of her mothers embrace.

"Are we all ready to go?." Her father asked after hugging Amber.

"Yeah, lets head out" Amber replied with a slight smile to her features.

Across Town

As the limo made its trek across town Justin leaned his head against the window watching the scenery pass by him. As they passed one of the many telephone poles something caught his eyes. He yelled out for the driver to stop. Once the limo came to a halt on the busy street he jumped out and jogged over to pole.

His eyes scanned the advertisement for the add. When Ambers name was mentioned his eyebrows furrowed in thought, quickly glancing down at his watch he noted the time and knew she would be on her way there. Pulling the ad down he jogged back over to the limo. "Change of plans, can you take me there?"

"Sure Mr. Timberlake." The driver replied, pulling back on the street to head down to the new destination.

Mike who was in the backseat looked at his young charge with confusion written all over his features. "What's going on J?"

"Were going to the fair." Justin replied

"Why are we going to the fair? I thought we were going to see Amber."

"We are."

"Huh?"

"She's performing at the fair mike. Now it all makes sense she sounded so down on the phone yesterday when I told her that I couldn't come. Damn it must have broke her heart, to know I wouldn't be here for this."

"Well she's about to get one hell of a surprise then." Mike smiled clapping the young man on the back.

"Yeah, she is."

After twenty minutes of driving they finally arrived in front of the fair. As Justin stepped out he could here the last few notes of the previous performer he smiled slightly. Hopefully he had made it in time for her performance. "C'mon mike I don't want to miss it."

"Hold your horses J." he replied while grumbling to himself. "Let's go."

You didn't have to tell Justin twice he was on his way through the park before Mike could get the go out. Right as he made it to the stage the announcer took the stage and put the microphone up to his lips.

"First and foremost I want to thank everyone for coming out, this turned out be a huge hit, and very successful. This next act is going places, she has the voice of an angel, and she moves like nothing you ever seen before. Please put your hands together for Ms. Amber Andersen singing Too Little Too Late.

As the first few notes of the song began Amber stepped out onto the stage and brought the microphone to her lips. "Ooh no, Come with me,
stay the night, You say the words but boy it don't feel right, What do you expect me to say (You know it's just too little too late) You
take my hand, and you say you've changed, But boy you know your beggin don't fool me, Because to you it's just a game" she sang moving across
the stage to look out around the audience.

So let me on down
Cause time has made me strong
I'm starting to move on
I'm gonna say this now
Your chance has come and gone
And you know

As she swaying softly to the music she closed her eyes while belting out the next verse.

It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
Boy you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real, it doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)

As she was walking to the other side of the stage she caught a glimpse of her family and smiled brightly. They singing along
with her while waving at her.

I was young and in love
I gave you everything but it wasn't enough
And now you wanna communicate
Go find someone else
In lettin you go, I'm lovin myself
You gotta problem
But don't come askin me for help
Cause ya know

It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
Boy you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real, it doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)

She couldn't believe how free she felt up on that stage doing her thing, and singing words that were so close to her heart. She now knew why
Justin loved performing so much. Speaking of Justin, she scanned the crowd in hopes of seeing him but knewdeep down she wouldn't. Boy did
she get a shock when she noticed him jumping up and down by the wings of the stage rooting for her.

I can love with all of my heart baby
I know I have so much to give (I have so much to give)
With a player like you, I don't have a prayer
That's the way to live, yeah oh

It's just too little, too late
Yeah

Justin watched as she sang with all of her being and he was honestly shocked at how amazing she sounded. He knew she could sing but he didn't
know she could sound so angelic and beautiful. Deciding to duck out before she finished he took one last glance in her direction then walked away
to hide out behind stage.

It's just too little too late
A little too wrong
And I can't wait
Boy you know all the right things to say (You know it's just too little too late)
You say you dream of my face
But you don't like me
You just like the chase
To be real, it doesn't matter anyway (You know it's just too little too late)

Bowing her head as the last few notes of the song faded out across the crowd. When she heard the thunderous sounds of applause her shot up and
a bright smile plastered across her face. Bring the microphone up to her lips she muttered a quick thank you before exiting the stage.

As she made it down the steps her family was waiting for her on the side. She quickly closed the space between her and them by jumping into her dads
arms. "Oh my god it was amazing dad." She squealed

"No you were amazing sweetheart." He replied hugging on tightly to her.

"Yeah she really was." A voice said behind her.

Amber froze and quickly chastised herself for hearing voices knowing good an well the one person she really wanted to be there wasn't. "I'm hearing
things."

Justin chuckled softly then took a couple steps closer and tapped her on the shoulder. "Naw you aren't hearing things baby doll."

Quickly turning around, Amber gazed up at Justin and the shock that was present on her face, made Justin chuckle even more. "You're here."

"Yeah, I'm here. You didn't think I'd miss this do you?" Justin asked raising a single eyebrow in her direction.

"Well you didn't know so. Oh what am I saying. I'm glad you're here Justin." Amber said while launching herself into his arms.

"Me to Ambs. Me to." Justin replied wrapping his arms around and hanging on for dear life. "Why didn't you tell me about this Amber?"

"I wanted to surprise you." Amber replied while stepping out of his embrace. "You've inspired me with your love of music to do this Justin. An I finally understand why you love it so much."

"Well does it count that I'm surprised?" He smiled while wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "But if you would of told me then I would have made a better attempt at trying to be here."

"Speaking of you being here, I thought you had that radio show today?"

"It got cancelled at the last minute."

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to be here?" Amber questioned while watching his smile grow even more, she could only guess what his answer would be. "Let me guess you wanted to surprise me?"

"Yep, but hell I got a bigger surprise seeing you up on that stage. Damn girl you had that crowd, I'm very proud of you."

"thank you J."

"You're welcome. Now about that song was it just me or were you trying to tell me something?"

Turning her head away so he couldn't see her blush she answered shyly. "No."

"Okay. Well how about I take ya'll out for lunch?" Justin asked casting his gaze towards her family.

After nodding there heads in approval Justin looked at amber silently asking her if it was okay.

"Yeah lets go." Amber replied grabbing her purse from the table and resumed her previous position by Justin's side. Turning her head so she could see the big burly bodyguard behind them. "Are you coming Mike?"

"Do I have a choice?" he asked giving her a big toothy grin.

"No ya don't." Justin replied

"Then ya I'm coming Ambs." He replied while falling into step behind them. He really didn't mind going because the sparks between Amber and Justin were enough to spark his interest, they were so smitten for each that anyone would know by just looking at them. "It's going to be an interesting couple of days."

A young woman walked quietly down a long hallway while scanning the numbers in search of the room she wanted. When she found the room of her choice, she took a deep breath and raised her fist to knock softly on the panel of wood in front of her. She could hear foot steps leading up to the door, then listened for the clicking of locks as they were unlatched.

The door swung open revealing a heavy-eyed man. When recognition dawned on his features, a lazy smile spread across his lips "Good morning."

"Mornin' sunshine," she replied allowing her gaze to scan the man in front of her. It was obvious by his disheveled state of dress and the way he was standing, that he had just awakened. "Sorry I woke ya up."

"It's cool." he said stepping back to allow her access into his hotel room. "Make your self at home."

Nodding softly to his request, she began moving forward into the quaint room. Once inside she took a good look at her surroundings and smiled in satisfaction. For a hotel room it was pretty nice. Probably the nicest she had ever seen.

Justin watched as she looked around and explored the upsides of being in his world. He couldn't help but smile at the wonder and excitement on her face, it was refreshing to see. He had gotten so used to staying in lavished suites and being treated like a God most of the time, that he had completely forgotten how it felt to stay somewhere so beautiful.

As she examined her surroundings, Justin took the opportunity to really look at her since he hadn't had the chance to do so the other day. Smiling softly, he allowed his gaze to appreciate her frame. From her long brown hair that rested in layers on her shoulders, to the pink halter top and tight jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places, and finally down to the white Vans that covered her feet

By the time he was finished, Amber had turned around and was staring at him with raised eyebrows and her hands at her hips. "Like what you see?"

Justin's eyes widened considerably and he swallowed hard. Oh he knew he was caught now he had to find a way out of this one. "Real smooth Timberlake." He mentally chastised himself. "Yeah, I was just wondering when you had gotten so grown up on me."

"Hmm by checking out my chest?" She joked and walked slowly over to him. "I know they're purrty, and if you want a peak just ask." If it was possible, Justin's eyes widened even more at her statement, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She had no clue when she had gotten so bold but she really liked it. Maybe it was something that Justin caused inside of her.

Justin stood there completely flabbergasted; he didn't know what to make of her boldness. It shocked the hell out of him really. He knew she was a shy person at best, but to hear something like that come out of her mouth, and the suggesting tone she used was completely mind-blowing. He cleared his throat then opened his mouth to reply.

"Well if you do then, let me look for a very big magnifying glass first." He replied with a wink. He watched as her smile fell and a shocked expression took over her features.

"Ha ha, you're so funny." Amber replied and stuck her tongue out at him.

"Oh that was mature."

"Bite me."

"Where and how hard?" Justin asked raising his eyes brows in question, while taking a step closer to her.

"Uhm, uh. Never mind I didn't mean it literally." She replied while taking a step back to distance herself from him. She could smell the scent on him that was all male and it was doing a number on her senses, it took everything inside of her to not attack him right there on the spot.

Little did she know, Justin's thoughts were lingering on the same exact thing. The mixture of her perfume, and shampoo were enough to make his temperature rise a few degrees. He shook his head in hopes of whisking away the thoughts that would undoubtedly get him in some trouble. "So how about I take a quick shower and then we can go get something to eat?" He asked hoping the change of subject would help there current state.

"Okay, you do that and I will wait right here." Amber smiled silently, thanking the heavens for the distraction from her thoughts.

After Justin disappeared into the bathroom, Amber took a deep breath in hopes to calm her hormones, which didn't seem to help any. Throwing her hands up to her face, she groaned quietly in to her palms as she tossed herself back onto his bed.

Sighing, she brought her hands down to rest at her side, and couldn't help the smile that broke out across her face. She couldn't believe that after all of the wishful thinking and praying to the heavens every night for the past few years she was finally able to spend time with him. It felt so damn good, to have her best friend back.

Her very good-looking best friend, oh she wasn't immune to his looks she didn't think any one could be. He was totally captivating, in every aspect from his eyes all the way down to his toes. She now knew why so many people wanted a piece of him. She hadn't really understood it the last time he had been out to see her. Oh but she definitely did now.

The sudden ringing of a phone broke her out of her thoughts. Sitting up she looked around the room and couldn't place where the ringing was coming from, as if a light bulb was turned on in her mind she reached into her purse and brought her ringing cell phone out. Glancing quickly at the caller ID, she then put it up to her ear.

"Hey Girl, what's up?"

"Mm not to much, just chilling at my moms place." The caller replied "What you doing?"

"I'm just sitting here on Justin's bed, waiting for him to get out of the shower."

"Oh do tell?" Lyz replied sitting up from her previous position. "Did you guys make hot monkey love?"

"No, even as enticing as that sounds. No we did not. He's just getting cleaned up before we go out." Amber chuckled

"A girl can dream right?" she replied

"Oh for sure."

"So what are you two going to do when he gets out of his shower?"

"Probably go get something to eat. Hey do you wanna join us?"

"Well I wouldn't want to impose on your best friend time." Lyz said even though her thoughts were saying otherwise.

"You wouldn't be imposing on our best friend time as you say it. I really want you to meet him. What do you say?"

"Alright, but I've already ate, so how about you guys swing over on your way back?"

"Will do." Amber replied

"See ya in a bit girl."

"See ya." Amber said then flipped her phone shut, then tossed it in her purse.

"Who was on the phone?" Justin asked coming out of the bathroom with a pair of socks in one hand and his shaving kit in the other.

Amber watched him move about the room and took in the beauty of him. The curls on the top of his head were tamed, his face freshly shaven, a loose t-shirt covered his torso along with baggy blue jeans on his bottom half. He looked damn good and he knew it to.

Out of the corner of his eye, Justin watched her as she openly admired him. A sense of pride consumed him as his earlier embarrassment at checking her out drifted away. The heat of her gaze set off many confusing sensations throughout his body, some good and some bad. Shaking away his thoughts, he turned to look at her, "Well in your own words.... Like what you see?" he smirked with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh yeah, I love how you're wearing the curls now days." Amber replied in a lame attempt to mask her true feelings, while on the inside she was screaming yes to his whole appearance.

"Thanks." He replied he was hoping for a different answer but then again he knew she wouldn't say what was really on her mind. He could read her like an open book, she was fighting herself to answer the question differently but her pride and shyness wouldn't allow her to do so. Shaking his head softly he returned his gaze to hers with a soft smile playing on his face. "So you still haven't answered my first question."

Amber blushed slightly when the reason she hadn't answered him dawned on her, she was too busy checking him out. "It was Lyzzie, she just wanted to see how I was."

"Cool. Even though I don't know who she is."

"Oh she's one of my best girl friends."

"Well I'd like to meet her." He said as he sat down on the edge of the bed to start putting on his shoes.

"Well you're going to get the chance, because after we eat lunch we can go over there and see her."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Justin replied standing up then padding softly across the room to the dresser to grab his keys, wallet and phone. After stuffing his things into his pockets he turned back around and let his gaze fall upon Amber. "Are you ready?" he asked throwing on a baseball cap and dark sunglasses.

"Yeah, let me just grab my purse and we can go."

*~*~*

"Is there anything good around here to eat?" Justin asked, opening up the passenger door to Amber's Ford Focus and sliding in.

"Hmm let me think." Amber replied starting up the car, then reaching over to turn down the stereo, which was blasting one of her many mix cd's. "How about Denny's it's just down the road?"

"That's fine, as long as they have good food I won't complain." He replied with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Alright Denny's it is."

While Amber concentrated on the road ahead of her, his eyes scanned around the spacious car. It wasn't what he was used to, but it was nice to say the least. "So when did you get this car?"

"It was a graduation present from my dad." Amber replied glancing at him through the corner of her eye. "Do you like it?"

"Yeah it's nice, sounds like it has a nice stereo system."

"Oh it does." She smiled then reached over to turn up the stereo when she heard one of her favorite songs come on. As she steered the car down the busy street she couldn't help but sing the words to the song softly.

Sitting back in his seat Justin listened as she quietly sang the words to the song. In the years he had been in the business he didn't think he had ever heard a voice likes hers, it was smooth and silky sounding.

When the song came to and end she blushed softly realizing what she had done. "Sorry if that bothered you"

"No it's okay, I enjoyed it. Just like I really enjoyed your performance last night." Justin replied

"Thanks." She blushed as she pulled into the parking lot of Denny's. "Well were here."

"I see that, but seriously Ambs I really did enjoy the performance, I don't think I have ever been more proud of you than I was last night."

Nodding her head, she pulled the keys out of the ignition then pushed open her door and hopped out of her car. "Thanks Justin."

"No problem." He replied meeting her at the back of the car. "Let's go eat."

After the two were seated and the waitress had taken there orders, the two sat across from each other in the small booth. Amber had her head down gazing deeply into the clear liquid in her cup, while Justin was looking at her contemplating over something he had wanted to ask her since the following night.

Amber could feel his gaze on her, which was making her nerves stand on end. She had no clue what was so fascinating about staring at her but it was making her want to look up and ask him what was going on in his mind. But, on the other hand it made her excitement grow at the mere thought that he might be just as interested in her as she was in him. After taking a couple of deep breaths, Amber looked up and met his eyes. "Yes." She asked softly

He could feel his cheeks heat up and he knew without a doubt he was blushing. "Uhm I wanted to ask you a question." She nodded softly for him to continue. "Well I was wondering, if you ever gave any thought to singing professionally?"

"What do you mean?" Amber asked slightly taken back at his question she was fully prepared for him to ask a different question in regards to what she hoped he was feeling. She mentally chastised herself for getting her hopes up. "He probably only thinks of me as the little girl he grew up with." She thought to herself and could feel her self grow depressed at the mere thought.

Justin watched as her shoulders slumped, and watched as a defeated look took over her once happy features. Clearing his throat, he sat up a bit straighter and shook his head of his thoughts. "Well what I meant was like I do, you know recording your own album being signed to a major record label the works."

"Well I've always dreamed of doing something like that. I think it would be amazing to do it ya know, have my own album out and do tours an all that jazz. But hell I get stage fright just singing in front of a few thousand people."

"We all get stage fright it's just something that you have to learn to get over. I really think you'd make it far Amber. No I know you would make it far."

"I don't even know where to begin to even follow that dream."

"That's why you got me and the guys." Justin replied with a wink.

"Yeah I do. But I really don't want to ride off your guys fame. If I were going to do it, I'd do it on my own. I don't want to be known as someone who rode on the coat tails of America's golden boys." Amber replied

"You wouldn't. Yeah we would help you get a demo out there but you wouldn't be riding on our coat tails. Hell, you can say you don't even know us if you want to. I just know you have some major potential Amber. And I don't want you to throw that away by singing at fairs and shit like that."

"I'll think about it." She said ending the discussion. There wasn't much to think about, what she wanted to do was jump on the chance. She knew that these chances didn't come easily and she knew her fair share of people who have tried to make it in the music business and get signed to a major record label. It wasn't easy and she knew it but the help of people that knew what they were doing would be a plus and hell maybe it would give her a chance to spend more time with Justin. Nodding, she already had her mind made up but needed to talk to someone before she gave Justin her answer.

"All I ask is that you think about it." Justin replied with a smile. He knew she was chomping at the bit to say yes to his proposal but knew the way her mind worked she wouldn't say anything till she had time to process the information and talk it over with people she held dear. Mostly her family and such.

After there food came they began to eat in a comfortable silence both going over the previous conversation in there minds. One hoping the other would say yes and the other thinking critically over everything presented to her. Once there plates were clear, they
stood up to get ready to leave.

Amber pulled out her wallet fully prepared to pay for lunch but stopped when Justin's much bigger hand covered her own. "I'll get it." Justin smiled.

"Alright." Amber replied while watching him saunter up to the register to pay. Shaking her head, she pulled her arm through the strap of her purse and rested it comfortably on her shoulder, then padded up to the register and stood next to Justin.

"Let's go so I can meet Lyz." Justin smiled pulling on his hat and slipping on his sunglasses, after they were situated on his head he poked out his elbow for her to loop her arm through.

Amber nodded her head then weaved her arm through Justin's outstretched elbow. She quickly glanced at them, and then motioned towards the door for them to start walking out.

Once the two were seated inside Amber's small car they began there journey towards Lyzzie's apartment complex.

Justin watched as Amber maneuvered the car down the highway and couldn't help but gaze at her thoughtfully. She had grown up over the past year. It was amazing to him really, how he had watched this girl grow from a baby to a beautiful woman. A beautiful woman that prior to recent events, he had always thought of as the little sister he never had.

However, now he was seeing her in a new light. A bright light that was causing him to wonder how it felt to have her in his arms. How her lips felt against his. How it felt to just know she was his. And how these new thoughts scared him.

He wasn't supposed to possess such thoughts and feelings for her. his friend, his best friend. He wasn't supposed to be falling in love with her.

Immediately, Justin's eyes widened at the final thought. Turning his head, and trying to get his thoughts under control, he looked straight out the window. Still, the weird feelings remained. Resting his head against the cool glass window, Justin sighed low. He was still trying to recover from his recent breakup and the last thing he needed was to dive head first into another relationship. Hell no. Not right now.

"You okay Jus?" she asked

"Yeah I'm fine," he replied with a sigh, offering no further explanation.

Though not convinced, Amber slowly focused back on the road. "Alright, well we got another 5 miles to go then we'll be there."

"Okay, can't wait" Justin said leaning his head back against the seat and closing his eyes. He was still having a hard time dealing with what he was feeling and wasn't really in a talking mood. In all reality he didn't know if she felt the same and didn't know how he would deal with her only thinking of him as a friend. So it was better to push his feelings off to the farthest corners of his mind. He plastered a smile to his face as they exited the freeway and turned to look at her. "So how did you and Lyz meet?"

"Uhm, we met in seventh grade, we had the same math teacher. Well she would help me with the math problems because hell I sucked at math. And we kind of formed a friend ship out of it. I think it also helped that we were fans of you guys, well she didn't know how much of a fan I was, and that I knew you. She didn't find that out till later. But ever since we have been real close." Amber explained pulling into Lyzzie's neighborhood.

"So she is a fan of us?" Justin asked with a raised brow.

"Oh yeah, her favorite is Chris." Amber chuckled.

"Oh god, couldn't it had been C or Lance, why Chris?" Justin groaned rubbing his hands over his face and chuckling softly.

"Well you can ask her yourself, because there she is." Amber said pointing to the small blonde sitting on the front porch of her house. Amber quickly pulled in the driveway then threw the car in park and cut the engine, before dashing out of the car and into her friends arms. "Hey Lyz."

"Hey girl," Lyz replied returning the embrace, looking over her friends shoulder at the curly haired man getting out of Amber's ford focus. "Oh he's a lot cuter in person Ambs." She whispered pulling back from her friend and watching Justin walk up to the two.

Amber chuckled softly at her friend. "What would Chris think if he knew you were talking about another man." Amber joked poking her friend in the side.

"Shut up Ambs." Lyz retorted with a glare in her friends direction.

"Alright, well Lyzzie this is Justin Timberlake." Amber said introducing the two.

"It's nice to meet ya Lyzzie." Justin said extending his hand out.

"It's nice to meet you to Justin. Amber's told me all about you." She replied shaking his hand in her own.

Justin slowly tugged his hand away and reached inside his pocket to retrieved his ringing cell phone. "Hold on a second girls I got to answer this." Justin said with an apologetic smile on his face, he answered the phone while turning on his heel and walking towards the car.

"Okay J." Amber replied then turned towards Lyzzie. "I've got to talk to you about something."

"What's that honey?" Lyzzie asked noting the confused expression on her friends face.

"Justin asked me to go back to Orlando with him. He also said that he could help me get a record contract." Amber said nibbling her bottom lip.

"Well that's awesome babe." Lyz exclaimed, "Why aren't you happy about this?"

Sighing softly she looked down at her feet while taking a deep breath then looking back up. "I'm ecstatic really I am." She trailed casting a gaze to Justin making sure he was still on the phone, then returning her gaze back to Lyz. "I want you there with me, I don't think I can do this without you. You've been my rock for the past 5 years so I can't imagine doing this without you. And I'm scared, what if I don't get the record contract what am I going to do? Follow Justin around the world like a lost little puppy."

"First off I have faith that you'll get this contract, talent is just oozing out of you they would be crazy not to sign you, and you know you're good to, but you're letting your anxiety get in the way girl. You can't let that hold you back, you've let it take a control of you, all you're life." She pointed out. "An I'm honored that you want me there and you know all you have to do is ask an I'll be there. I wouldn't miss you following you're dreams for anything in the world."

"Thanks Lyz, I knew you would put this in perceptive for me, and you're right I can't let my anxiety hold me back anymore. So I'm going to do this. I'm going to show the world that I have what it takes to be a star." Amber replied a smile taking over her features. "I don't know what I would do without you."

Snickering softly Lyz put her arm around Amber shoulder giving her a half hug. "You'd probably die with out me, there to keep you in check."

"You're so right." Amber chuckled looking up in time to see Justin walking back towards them. "Who was on the phone J?"

"It was just my mom seeing how I was, she said for me to tell you hi." Justin replied pocketing his phone. "So what did you two girls talk about while I was busy? Anything important"

"Well I told Lyz about you asking me to go to Orlando with you. Which brings me to what I need to ask you." Amber said with a sweet smile.

"Okay. What's that?"

"Well seeing as I'll be moving clear across the country and all I wanted to take a little piece of home with me." She replied motioning towards Lyzzie with her hands. "And Lyzzie is that little piece of home."

"So let me get this straight. The only way you'll go is if Lyz comes along?" he asked receiving a nod from the two girls. "Hmm that's a hard decision." He continued letting a smile spread across his features. "I don't see any problem with her coming, hell maybe she can finally meet Chris and tame his hyperactive ass."

With a squeal of delight Amber launched her self into his arms hugging him to her small frame tightly. "Thank you Jus."

"You're welcome sweetheart." He replied wrapping his own arms around her, closing his eyes and savoring the feel of her in his arms.

Lyzzie watched as the two hugged and couldn't help the smile that took over her features. They didn't have a clue how cute they were together, or how perfect they were for another. The sparks between them were plain as day, you'd have to be blind not to notice them.

She knew from past conversations with Amber that she was starting to look at Justin with more then friendship, and from the look on Justin's face now, she knew he was feeling the same thing. Things were about to get really interesting in Amber & Justin land, an she had front row seats to the action.

"Lyzzie are you alright?" Amber asked waving a hand in front of her face.

Shaking her head softly to whisk away her thoughts, Lyz blinked her eyes a couple of times to focus on her friend. "Yeah I'm fine, what were you saying?"

"Well Justin and I were talking about going back to my place so he can look over my lyrics and such."

"Okay" Lyz replied

Couple Hours Later

"So Justin do you think this next album will be a hit?" Lyz asked leaning up between the seats.

"I don't know if it will be or not. You can't really tell if it will be or not till the fans hear it or it is completely done, right now were in the process of finishing the album we've only recorded about 4 songs because we've been busy with appearances, award shows and photo shoots so we haven't really had the time to work on this album." Justin replied with a groan. "And were about to get even busier with the rehearsals for the two award shows coming up soon, and a short tour this summer."

"Whoa, not to seem pushy or anything, but with all of the stuff you've got going on how are you going to make time for Amber?"

"Well we have rehearsals for another couple of weeks, so during the time I don't have them I'll be helping her get a demo together or something along those lines. I really don't know at this point I'm still trying to figure that out."

"Don't worry about it J, I know you got a busy schedule, so when you have time we'll work on it. I can always just watch ya'll rehearse and pick up a few dance moves in the process." Amber said with a wink. "And it will give me some time to check out that new choreographer ya'll got."

"Oh I heard he was a sexy beast." Lyz said with a growl.

"Mhm a damn sexy beast." Amber chuckled casting a glance towards Justin.

"What am I, chopped liver?" Justin asked with a pout.

"J you know you're sexy so I don't have to tell you." Amber joked turning her head to give him a smile. "Stop pouting you big baby."

"Hey I might be a baby, but I've learned that the pout works to get me my way."

"Oh yeah the almighty Timberlake pout." Amber replied sarcastically.

"Hell I think a pout is sexy on a man, I don't know how you can stand it Amber."

"Eh be around him you're whole life and you tend to be immune to such things." Amber shrugged while spinning the wheel to turn into her driveway. "We're here." She announced cutting the engine and pulling her keys out.

"God this place brings back memories." Justin smiled opening the door and stepping out into the humid Utah air.

Smiling softly to herself Amber stepped out of the car and swung her purse over her shoulder. "Mhm, nothing has changed much since you were last here, it's still the same home I grew up in. An looks like no one is home." Amber said walking up to her front door and pulling the screen open to unlock the door. After getting the door unlocked she pushed it open then motioned for Lyz and Justin to step inside.

As Justin stepped into the foyer he took a look around and smiled softly, a rush of memories hit him some good, some bad and some just not worth mentioning but they were memories after all that he cherished nonetheless. "Just like I remember." He said walking over to the pictures on the wall, letting his eyes wander over the many photos of Amber, her family or himself. "Wow I forgot about this one."

"Which one?" Amber asked walking over to stand beside him. She let her eyes roam over the photograph and let a small grin spread across her features. The picture was from Halloween, Amber was dressed up as Beauty and Justin dressed up as the beast. They were dancing together at one of her moms many Halloween parties. "I think I was in kindergarten and you were in fourth grade I believe."

"Yeah I was in fourth grade, it was a few months before I left for Orlando to join the Mickey Mouse Club."

"Yeah I remember." Amber said with a smile. "Well how about ya'll have a seat and I'll go grab my notebook."

"Okay." Justin and Lyz replied in unison.

While Amber ran upstairs Justin continued his perusal of the pictures hanging on the wall. He furrowed his eyebrows when he came across one he didn't recognize, it was of Amber and blonde haired guy, from the looks on there faces they were dating. "Hey Lyz who is this guy?" Justin asked

"Oh that would be John Lawson, Amber's first love." Lyz ground out. "A real asshole if you ask me."

"Where was this taken?"

"At Junior prom. It was right before they broke up." Lyz said

"Why'd they break up if you don't mind me asking?"

Lyz shifted her weight a couple of times then looked down at her shoes, she didn't know much about what happened only bits and pieces, she knew enough of what happened to cause her to despise John, besides it wasn't something she liked to remember, it caused her blood to boil and her temper to rise with just a slight hint to that kind of discussion. She also felt that it was something that Amber should share with Justin when she was comfortable enough. "I don't feel comfortable sharing something like this with you, it would be wrong of me. You'd have to ask Amber."

"Okay I respect that." Justin replied glancing between Lyzzie's frown and the smile on Amber's face in the picture. She looked beautiful, so happy and carefree like he remembered her to be, it was like he was staring at a different person all together.

"Sorry it took me so long, I couldn't find my notebook." Amber said softly padding down the stairs and coming to a stop next to Justin.

"It's okay, I was just looking over these photographs." Justin said quickly glancing at her then back to the wall full of memories.

She followed Justin's line of sight and the picture he held in his hands caused her breath to catch an a million awful memories to flood her.

Noticing her sudden change of stance Justin waved a hand in front of her face. "Ambs you okay?" he asked with worry lacing his tone.

The sudden movement across her line of sight she slowly snapped back into the present, blinking her eyes trying to whisk away the fog that clouded her sight. She finally focused on the man in front of her, the expression on his face made her want to get down on her knees and beg for mercy, he looked so damn confused and worried that it warmed her heart but at the same time made her want to share this with him, but she knew she couldn't do that not yet. Not when she wasn't ready to accept it and move on.

She cleared her throat and plastered a smile on her face. "Yeah I'm fine. Let's look over these lyrics." Amber suggested holding up the tattered book in her hands and motioning towards the couch. "Shall we?"

"Are you sure you're okay Ambs?" Lyz asked raising her eyebrows in questions, the now happy face her friend was sporting didn't fool her, she wasn't happy and was only putting up this front so Justin wouldn't worry about her, but she knew different. She had seen the same thing happen many times. Someone would look at the picture or bring up the name and it would cause the same reaction she had just scene.

"Yes, I'm fine." Amber said flashing her teeth towards her friend in hopes to reassure her she was.

"Here it's full of poems and lyrics I don't have music for any of them yet tho." Amber said handing over the notebook.

"Alright." He said grabbing the notebook and flipping open to the front page. He read over the first couple of lines and smiled softly. "When I'm lost in the rain...In your eyes I know I'll find the light to light my way... When I'm scared, losing ground...When my world is going crazy." He read aloud quietly. "This is good, I like it Ambs."

"Thanks, here I want you to read my favorite." Amber said reaching over and turning the page.

He let his eyes scan over the words and smiled softly. "I like this verse." He replied putting his index finger at the beginning. "Will you sing it for me?"

"Sure." Amber smiled reading over the words and clearing her throat. "I was naive, your love was like candy... Artificially sweet, I was deceived by the wrapping... Got caught in your web and I learned how to bleed...I was prey in your bed and devoured completely" When she finished she looked up at Justin with a soft smile playing on her lips. She was shocked to find that there faces were only inches apart, staring softly in to each others eyes, she couldn't help but think they were the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Clearing his throat he broke the contact and focused back on the notebook in his hands. "That was beautiful Ambs, it really was." He spoke softly shooting a glance at her through the corner of his eye. "I really like these so far."

"It really was Ambs." Lyz agreed, she had been watching them and didn't miss the sparks that were flying between them, you'd have to be blind not to notice them. "Oh show him my favorite song. Fighter"

"Okay." Amber replied turning the page allowing Justin to read over the lyrics.

"Well I thought I knew you... Thinking that you were true...I couldn't trust, called your bluff...Time is up cuz I've had enough...You were there by my side...Always down for the ride...But your joyride just came down into flames...Cuz your greed taught me how you changed...Mhm"

"Wow now that is a song. That one I like." Justin said amazement clearly written across his features. "You've got a real knack for this kind of thing Ambs."

"You really like them?" Amber shyly asked

"Yeah there amazing. When we get to Orlando you should show these to JC, I think he could come up with some sick beats for a couple of these. I can almost guarantee you, he'll love Fighter." Justin said

"Alright I'll do that." Amber replied

"Good" Justin grinned putting his arm around her shoulders and hugging her sideways. "By the way what is Fighter about?"

"This song explains something that happened to someone close to me. Uhm, It's about a girl who has been beaten down so many times she can't count, between physical and mental abuse but she finally decides to fight back against everyone who has ever hurt her or told her she wasn't good enough, it's basically saying she is stronger from all the pain she has endured in her life between family, school and friends. So it's her redemption really." She explained

"Well I like it nonetheless and hearing the explanation really puts it in perceptive for me and I also understand where it is coming from." Justin replied he just hoped that she would share this deep dark secret that she was holding in side of her self with him so he could understand her better. The past couple of hours he had noticed changes in her, it was understandable that she would change as she grew up, but these weren't good changes. She was more cautious and quiet, which wasn't like her at all.

Usually when they hung out he couldn't get her to shut up so he could get in a word edgewise. An now it felt like he was pulling teeth to get her to talk to him. So he decided to make a vow that he would find out what happened to her, to not only help her get over whatever had this hold over her and also to hopefully return her to the Amber he knew and loved.

Orlando, Florida
4:00pm

As the plane was taxied towards the terminal, Amber felt a strong self of pride shoot through her, she couldn't believe she was finally in Orlando out on her own, and more importantly on her way to achieve her dreams. The dreams she held so close to her heart in hopes someone would recognize them and possibly help her achieve them or give her some light on a way to do it herself.

She never guessed in a million years she would be flying across the country to get a shot at possibly entertaining millions across the globe. She knew there was a lot of work ahead of her and she was eager to start, she couldn't wait to go through the precious songs she had written and find ones that would be suitable for a board of music execs to hear and ultimately decide if she was good enough to spend the kind of money it took to put out albums promote tours and so on and so forth.

She knew in her heart of hearts she was good enough to do it, she just hope she had the courage to do it. But she figured with Justin helping her she could do anything. If she wanted to be completely honest with herself, Justin was in a way her hero, all her life she had watched him grow and want to be a musician an help people through his music, and all the while not knowing that he was helping the one person he was closest to his whole life.

His drive and dedication to make his dream a reality had passed on to her, and ultimately helped her through some of the toughest times of her life.

Out of the corner of his eyes he saw Amber shift towards the window to get a better look at the Orlando sky, or so he thought tell he turned and could clearly see the thoughtful expression that took over her features when she was deep in thought.

She had been unusually quiet during the trip which shocked him because he figured she would be asking him all kinds of questions about what it was like to live in Orlando, or something along those lines. Or maybe even asking him about what he planned to do once they returned, if he was going to dive straight into helping her get the demo done an out into the waiting hands of the many record company execs across the world.

Which was his plan any way once she got settled and met the guys. He couldn't wait for her to meet the people who he had became close enough to call family since he was all of fourteen years old. If he remembered correctly she had met one of them, when they were in Utah on the last tour, almost a year ago, it was Chris, he remembered that day clearly they had just finished the set and he was on his way out of the dressing room to meet her and Chris had asked to tag along since the other guys were going out to a club and he hadn't felt like going.

So being the nice person he was told him he could tag along, and once Chris had seen her, he had taken and immediate liking to the small brunette standing by one of there beloved bodyguards. "She's a beauty J, I see why you've hidden her from us all this time." He remembered Chris saying.

"I didn't hide her from you guys, it's just I wasn't ready to expose her to the world we live in, she's all of 17 years old Chris. I figured when the time was right I'd let you guys meet her." He had said while a bright smile took over his features. "I have to say you are a sight for sore eyes Ambs."

"I was about to say the same to you." She had smiled that brilliant smile of hers. Then quickly latched her self to his own body. "I missed you J"

"Same here" he replied hugging her tiny body to his much bigger one. "Let me a get a look at you."

He remembered her stepping back with that smile of hers still firmly plastered on her face, and when he had made approving noise of how much she had grown up he remembered her blushing profusely. "Damn you're all grown up, and looking good."

"Thanks J" she replied then shifted her attention to Chris. "And who is this?"

"Oh this is one of my band mates and good friend. Chris Kirkpatrick."

"It's a pleasure to meet you Amber, J here has told us many things about you." Chris said taking her outstretched hand and shaking it softly.

"Same to you Chris, even though I vaguely remember Justin mentioning you." Amber replied with a thoughtful expression on her face. "Well maybe he did mention you a little bit more, you must be the one with all the energy that J here is always complaining about to me on the phone." She said casting a look towards Justin who was making a slitting motion towards his throat.

When she had leaned towards his ear to whisper something to him and to this day he still doesn't know what was said but he could remember the devilish look Amber had given him while doing so, and he knew right then and there that they would be great friends. He had a feeling she would get along fine with the rest of them, or at least he hoped that would be true.

Which would be soon as he heard the call to unbuckle seat belts and exit the plane was made. "Well here's go nothing" he mumbled grabbing his carry on bag and standing up to stretch.

When he was done he quickly walked across the aisle to wait for Amber and Lyzzie to get ready to go. "You girls about ready to take off?"

"Yeah let me just grab my bag from up there and I'm good." Lyz replied unlatching the hatch then pulled out her backpack.

"What about you Ambs?" Justin asked looking towards, she was bent down as much as she could in the little space trying to gather up her things.

Standing up straight she through her backpack over her shoulder and shot him a excited smile. "I'm ready, I can't wait to meet the guys and see your mom again."

"I think mom is going to meet us at the gate but I'm not sure. I talked to her a couple of days ago." Justin replied

"Cool well I guess we'll see wont we."

"Okay kids it's clear, lets go." Mike said walking up next to Justin and putting a big beefy hand on his shoulder.

"Did you happen to see my mom out there?" Justin asked standing off to the side so Lyzzie and Amber could walk ahead of him.

"No, but that don't mean she's not out there waiting for you guys." Mike replied motioning for Justin to walk ahead of him. "It's fan and reporter central out there so I would put on a smile J, I have Tiny and Lonnie waiting for us at the door so it shouldn't be to bad of scene to get out of here."

"Alright, where's the girls?" He questioned wincing when the bright flashes hit his eyes. "Oh joy" he mumbled softly then looked up with a bright smile.

"I had them escorted to the car once they hit the door, I didn't want either of them to have to deal with the questions that would no doubt follow if they saw you together."

"Thanks I want to keep Amber out of the media for as long as possible, well at least till she gets settled here."

"It's going to be a struggle Justin, especially if she is with you everywhere you go. Reporters and fans are going to be curious about the two mystery women all the sudden hanging around you, a lot of shit could hit the fan from this."

"Lets talk about this more when we get to the house, I don't want people to eavesdrop and get the wrong idea." Justin said

20 minutes later

When the two girls made it to the front of the airport there was a curly haired blonde leaning against a shiny black SUV with a pair of sunglasses perched on her nose and a bright smile on her features. Amber recognized her immediately. Breaking out into a jog she covered the last bit of distance and through herself into the blondes arm.

"Well hello to you dear." Lynn said wrapping her arms around the small brunette. Ever since Justin had told her that he was bringing Amber back with him, she had been ecstatic to see her. "Stand back so I can get a good look at you."

Amber unwrapped herself from her then tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. She smiled softly as Lynn sized her up and nodded in approval.

"Wow you're all grown up, and just as beautiful as I imagined." Lynn cooed pulling her into her arms once again.

"It's good to see you Lynn." Amber said

"It's good to see you too. An who is this that you brought with you?" Lynn asked sizing up the blonde next to her.

"This is my best friend Lisa Elliston. Lisa this is Justin's mom Lynn Harless."

"It's nice to meet you Mrs. Harless." Lisa said holding out her hand.

"Well hello Lisa it's a pleasure to meet you. And please call me Lynn." She said taking her hand and pulling her into a hug.

Amber stood back and watched the interchange between the two people who meant the most to her, and couldn't help but smile, from the look on Lynn's face she already liked Lyzzie and that meant more to her then anything.

Lynn stepped out of the embrace and smiled softly at the two young girls before her. "Well girls lets get in the car, because any minute Justin will be running out to escape the teenies, and he'll want to be able to get out here before they attack." She explained

"Alright, but what about our luggage?" Amber asked getting in the car.

"It's already in the back. They brought it out while you were still on your way out." Lynn said pointing to the pile of suitcase in the back of the car.

"Oh okay." Amber replied scooting over so Lyzzie could climb in.

As Lyz and Lynn began talking Amber watched silently out the window. Taking a deep breathe in relaxation she slouched down in the seat and waited for Justin to burst through the doors. No more than ten seconds later the airport doors swung open, he was running at full speed down the steps and towards the car, she watched as many of his adoring fans spilled out of the doors in pursuit of there beloved idol. She could tell he was chuckling softly by the sparkle in his eyes, which caused her to smile in return.

Once he made it to the car he wrenched open the door and jumped in, before he could get the door fully closed the car was in motion.

"Hey Mom what's up? Justin asked shaking out his shoulders, before turning to smile at his mom.

"Hey baby" Lynn cooed leaning over to peck his cheek. "Did you have good time back there?"

"Oh yeah, but damn this time they put on quite a chase."

"You're telling me." Mike spoke up from the front seat.

"I don't think I have ever seen so many teenagers and reporters in one place." Amber said with a look of awe gracing her features.

"Get used to it Ambs, because that will happen to you when you make it big." Justin explained wrapping one arm around her shoulder and giving her a half hug. "So mom where's the rest of the pack?"

"Oh most of them had some things to do today, but said they would drop by later to say hi." Lynn said casting a sly glance in Amber and Justin's direction, there was something undeniably different about they way the two look at each when they thought the other wasn't looking. If she wasn't mistaken she'd say they were falling for each other.

In her opinion they would be the couple of the century, they had so much trust between them that a relationship would only enhance there bond. But if she knew the two of them as well as she did, they wouldn't act on their feelings, to afraid to take that chance of ruining something they had known all of there life. "So did you have fun in Utah Justin?"

"Yeah I did. Amber showed me around town since the last time I was out that way I didn't get to see the sights."

"That's awesome honey, Utah can be a beautiful place." Lynn replied then shifted her attention to the brunette next t her. "So Amber, Justin told me that you want to pursue a singer career, is that true?"

"Yeah it is, he's going to help me get a demo out." Amber said tucking a piece of hair behind her ear.

"You should read her lyrics Lynn, there amazing." Lyz boasted causing Amber to blush in return.

"Well then I'll have to do just that, after you get settled of course." Lynn smiled

Amber sat back and watched silently as Lynn turned to Justin and starting asking more questions about his time in Utah. Her eyes slowly gravitated to Justin's excited features as he told her about some event that happened to them. She really wasn't hearing all that much since her attention was solely focused on Justin's face, she was too busy admiring his handsome features. From his brown curly hair on down to his expressive blue eyes, and his pink lips that looked all to good at the moment especially with the way her thought process was heading.

She had to quickly remind herself that they were just friends, and he probably still thought of her as the little girl he grew up with. That thought alone made her smile disappear and her mood turn sour. She wanted him to look at her like the young woman she had grown up to be and not the person he use to chase around the playground.

But that was another dream of hers that would undoubtedly never come true. Her first major one was about to and she didn't want to upset the gods for being ungrateful So she pushed those depressing thoughts to the back of her mind and hoped they would stay there.

She sighed to herself and turned her head to look out the window instead. She watched as the car slowly inched it's way up a long driveway only to stop a short distance from a black gate, once it started to open her eyes were trained on one of the most beautiful houses she had ever seen.

"Wow this place is beautiful." Amber sighed blissfully.

"It is, I bought it for my mom about 2 years ago. Well for her and I." Justin boasted softly with a look of pride gracing his features. "I figured I didn't need a house of my own because I'm hardly home at the moment so I gave it to mom so she could get more use out of it than I ever can."

Amber shot a small glance in Justin's direction and gave him a small smile then turned back towards the window. "That seems understandable, and you've always been a mommas boy."

Justin raised a challenging eyebrow in her direction. "Yeah I guess I am but there's nothing wrong with it, you've always been a daddy's girl?"

"Mhm that I have. But I'm not a grown man living with his mother." Amber kidded softly, turning her full attention towards him.

"I explained to you why I still do.." Justin trailed off when she held up a hand to make him stop.

"You did, but I think it runs deeper. You might be going through separation anxiety and not know it. Or you're still trying to grow up and learn that it's okay to leave you're moms side." Amber said with a evil smile gracing her features.

"Why you little." He said before he smiled evilly at her and leaped across the car towards her and started to tickle her. Before she could escape his clutches he caught her around the waist and held her there while his fingers ran across her sides causing her kick and squirm to get out of his arms.

"Oh my god stop please." She cried through her laughter.

"Nope, not till you take it back." Justin crowed happily.

Lynn watched the spectacle from a far and couldn't help but shake her head, some things never change in her opinion. They've been doing this exact same thing since they were kids, pulling each other into an argument and when one couldn't take it they'd attack the other and it would turn into a tickling match that could last a while till the other gave up.

As the two cried with laughter she turned her attention to a very quiet and amused Lyzzie sitting next to her. "So do you want to get out of the car while these to continue?"

Lyz mutely nodded her head and tore her attention away from them. "Do they always do this?"

"Yep, been doing it since they were babies. An it was usually Amber who started and Justin who would start tickling her till she peed her pants, or gave in and took whatever she said back." Lynn explained opening up the door and stepping out into the fading sunlight. "Well hey guys what are you doing here so early?"

"We were in the neighborhood and decided to come over early." JC said padding over to her and pulling her into a hug. "Where's Justin?" he asked stepping back so Joey could do the same.

"He's in the car torturing Amber." Lynn smirked then moved out of the way so Lyzzie could climb out. "Boys this is Amber's friend Lyzzie. Lyzzie this is JC and Joey"

"Nice to meet you two." Lyz said holding out her hand to JC.

JC gave her a once over then held out his own. "You too." He shook her hand then turned his attention back to Lynn. "Amber is here?"

"Okay I give up, I take it back, please just stop tickling me, I'm going to pee my pants." Amber cried

"Hmm, say your sorry." Justin said while his fingers slowed down some but didn't stop.

"I'm sorry."

"Good girl." He said then released the hold he had on her. He looked over her disheveled appearance and shot her a satisfied smile. "Damn Ambs you look rough."

"Thanks to you." Amber glared smoothing down her hair then punching him in his shoulder. When she looked up she noticed the car was empty. "Hey where did everyone go?"

Justin shrugged then looked towards the opened door to his left. "Hmm Joey and JC are here. C'mon let's go see them." He said before exiting the car and holding his hand out to Amber.

"Alright." Amber said grabbing her backpack then putting her smaller hand in his much bigger one. She let him pull her out into the fading sunlight then dropped his hand when she saw the two other guys standing next to Lynn. They weren't paying her any attention so that gave her a chance to check them out. If she remembered correctly Justin had shown her a picture of them, but she couldn't remember who was who.

Justin looked at her oddly when she dropped his hand and noticed the distinct look of nervousness wash over her, he slowly slipped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her forward to meet 2 of his best friends. "Don't worry they'll love you Amber." He whispered.

"I'm not worried.. Do I look worried to you?" Amber asked craning her neck so she could look at his face only to be met with a look of disbelief. "Okay so maybe I am a little bit worried. What if they don't like me Justin?"

"Like I said they'll love you." Justin smirked squeezing her shoulders to his side in a half hug. "Hey guys I thought ya'll weren't going to be here till later."

"We decided to come a little bit earlier, and plus we were in the neighborhood." Joey replied then followed Justin's arm down to the small brunette at his side. His eyes widened slightly at her, she looked nothing of the pictures Justin had showed them. "So this must be Amber that we have heard so much about."

"Hello and you are?" Amber asked raising her eyebrow at the man before her.

"Amber this is Joey, he is the biggest flirt I've ever known."

"It's nice to meet you Joey." Amber said extending her hand out to him.

He softly shook her much smaller hand and flashed a flirty smile her way. "Don't believe everything he says I don't flirt that much."

"Bullshit, that's crock and you know it." JC said turning his attention Joey. "An he's a liar so don't mind him Amber, I'm JC."

"Hello JC, since we giving out titles what is yours?"

"Hmm, none that I know of. I like you Amber you're going to fit in well with this crowd." JC smiled

"This man here can sleep more than the usual human, and he is basically the group father." Justin said giving a playful glare in JC's direction. "Where's Lance and Chris?"

"They should be here in a while. Lance has some other things to do.. And I don't know what the hell Chris is up to and frankly I don't know want to know. If I knew then that would mean I would be thinking like him."

"So true, and that is a just a dangerous thing to be doing." Justin shuddered softly then looked towards the end of the drive. "Well speak of the devil there he is."

They all watched as his car came to a stop and the engine turned off, and he stepped out the site, before they could say anything they watched as his smiled brightened and he squealed happily. "Amberpoo"

"Chrissy" Amber laughed then jogged up to him, and jumped into his arms.

"How ya been squirt, and what are you doing here?" Chris asked as he hugged her small frame to him.

"I've been good, I graduated high school last week and figured I needed a change so I when Justin asked me to come back with him I said I would."

"That's cool, hmm this wouldn't have anything to do with that dreams of yours would it?"

"A little bit." Amber said with a slight blush.

"That's cool, he's the best at getting this stuff done, and plus you'll need JC's help with those songs." Chris said releasing his hold on her, then walking up the path to join the rest of them. "You didn't tell me you were bringing my Amberpoo back with ya?"

"I didn't know I was, till the last minute." Justin said

"Oh Chris I got someone I want you to meet." Amber said unlatching herself from his clutches and pulling Lyzzie in front of her. "Chris this is my best friend Lyzzie. Lyzzie meet Chris."

"Well hello there." Chris said giving her a once over with his eyes then grabbing her hand and leaning down to kiss the back of it.

"Hi Chris." She said trying to keep her excitement in check but failing in doing so. The moment his lips touched the back of her hand all she wanted to do was jump up and down like a school girl. "It's nice to meet you."

"Believe me the pleasure is all mine." Chris winked

"Alright ya'll lets go inside so the girls can unpack and get settled in." Lynn said ushering the group towards the house.

As Amber stepped inside the door she was I complete awe of the place. If she thought the outside was beautiful well then the inside was gorgeous. It wasn't anything extravagant but gorgeous in the homey way. From the white walls with pictures hanging all over them to the sparkling hardwood floors leading into the living room, and towards the stairs.

"Justin why don't you show the girls to there rooms."

"Alright Mom, c'mon girls." Justin said motioning with his hands towards the stairs once he got there attention.

"God this place is so beautiful, I've always wanted to live in a house like this." Amber said as she climbed up the stairs behind Justin.

"Yeah well now you get the chance." Justin said with a smile as they reached the top of the stairs. He padded softly down the hall the opened up a door to his right. "Lyzzie this is your room, you have your own bathroom, and closest. Make yourself at home. Amber if you'll follow me I'll show you to yours."

"Alright" Amber said following after Justin. The walked a couple steps down the hall then he turned around to face her, she smiled up at him.

"Here it is." He said turning back around and opening up the doors. "This room has the most amazing view out of the whole house, at first I was going to use as my own, but I figured I let be used as a guest bedroom." Justin watched as she slowly walked in and took in her surroundings, her eyes gravitated between numerous things at once, and finally landed on the balcony doors.

His eyes followed her as she dropped her bag on the bed, on her way by then turned the knobs and pushed them open. He let out a sigh at the sight of her leaning against the rails looking out towards the ocean. He loved the way the sunlight glistened off her dark brown locks causing them shine and beg to be noticed. An when she turned around towards him the light cast a halo effect around her. He swallowed hard and padded towards her.

"You were right, this view is unbelievable. I don't think I've ever seen an ocean so blue." Amber sighed softly gazing thoughtfully up at him. "Actually if I want to be completely honest I've never seen the ocean before."

"That's because you've never set foot out of Utah. Even when I offered to fly you out to Florida for the summer a few years back."

"Well I explained my reason for turning that down. I had stuff that went on that I needed to take care of." Amber said turning her back on him and gazing up at the sunrise.

He wanted so badly to know what she kept so locked up inside of her, and why she was so cautious around people. He'd seen that first hand, when she had first seen Joey and JC, it was like she closed off her true self and put on an act. An act that he had seen through in no time at all.

"An I told you I understood." He said but deep down he was hoping she would open up a little bit more. Oh well that's what he got for wishful thinking. "Alright I'm going to leave you be so you can unpack."

"Okay" she said softly, and listened for the door to shut behind him. She heaved a sigh of relief, when he left the room. She knew he was getting curious of her behavior she could read it in his eyes, and his tone of voice. But she knew she couldn't explain the events to Justin, he would freak out and go on a head hunt.

Growling softly she pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind and walked into the room to start unpacking her things. As she pulled things from her suitcase, she heard a faint knock on her door. Sighing softly to herself she put down the pair of jeans in her hand and walked softly over to the door.

She wrapped her hand around the knob and slowly opened to reveal a smiling Lyzzie on the other side. "Hey what are you doing?"

"Mm nothing, just thought I would run across the hall and see your room." Lyz said pushing her way into the room. "Hmm this is nicer than mine. Oo you have a balcony."

Amber watched as her friend bounced around the room like she had no cares in the world. "Mind telling me what's go you so worked up?"

"Nothing, I'm just happy to be out of Utah that's all." Lyzzie shrugged walking back over to the bed and sitting down on the corner. She saw the raised eyebrow of her friend then sighed happily. "Okay, okay. I just met Chris, so give me a break. He's such a sweet heart."

"Mhm, you talked to him all of five seconds."

"Sooo, I still gathered that he is a sweet heart and I swear I about melted when he kissed my hand."

"I saw that. It was rather comical to see." Amber kidded

"Oh shut up. You're just jealous." She retorted sticking her tongue out at her.

"Oh real mature Lyzzie." Amber said with a roll of her eyes.

"Oh an like the tickling match between you and Justin was mature? Mhm right." She drawled shooting a glare in her friends direction.

"Whatever" Amber replied mimicking her friends actions. "So what did you think of the rest of the guys?"

"Hmm JC reminds me of dopey from Snow White and the seven dwarfs. He looks like he could fall asleep at any minute. Joey is just I don't know how to explain him. But he's cool. They both are. And you didn't tell me that you met Chris before."

"I swore I did. It was a couple of years ago." Amber shrugged picking up the pile of clothes and walking into the closet.

"What you'd think of the guys?"

"There alright, I'll know better when I get to know them. I don't want to pass judgment but from what I see there cool. All I got left to meet is Lance."

"He's here I heard Justin open the door and greet him on my way over to your room."

Amber finished putting away her clothes then looked towards Lyzzie who was staring intently at a painting on the wall. "Well I'm done, so do you want to go down stairs?"

"Sure let's go." Lyz said breaking her attention away form the painting and joining her friend at the door.

Justin was the first person to notice Amber and Lyzzie make there way into the living room. He smile softly at the two then motioned for them to come over. "Hey girls, I want you to meet the bass of the group. Amber and Lyzzie this is Lance bass"

Amber smiled softly and held out her hand to blonde guy in front of her. "Hi Lance it's nice to meet you."

Lance nodded softly then took her hand into his own and shook it softly. "It's nice to finally meet you."

After Lyzzie and Lance shook hands the group settled down in the living and began chatting to get to know each other. All the guys were interested in getting to know the one person who Justin talked about non-stop. She was the one person they had been curious about since they met him.

Amber watched patiently as JC's eyes scanned over the pages of her notebook. To say she was nervous was an understatement. She knew in the back of her mind he wouldn't criticize her for them. But all the same these were based on events in her life, and were very personal for someone to read over and tell her if they were good enough for her demo or not. By the time he looked up her fingernails were bitten down to the quick from her incessant nail biting.

"So what do you think?" Amber asked softly eyeing him.

"There really good, I especially like this one." He said clearing his throat then flipping back a page. "I'm heavily broken, and I don't know what to do, can't you see that I'm choking, and I can't even move, when there's nothing left to say, what can you do I'm heavily broken, and there's nothing I can do" He read aloud softly then let his eyes meet her emotion filled ones. "I would really love to help you record this song, I've got a killer beat worked out in my head already."

"Well if we succeed in getting me a recording contract then I'll let you do that." Amber said, the excitement she felt at just knowing he liked one of her songs was barely being kept at bay. "Which one do you think we should use for a demo?"

He flipped a couple of pages before handing her the notebook and pointing to the song he wanted. "That one, we can record it to be a more upbeat song, and all of us guys can help you out with a dance routine for it or you can come up with it on your own. But I really think the Executives will love this song."

Amber read over the lyrics quietly and couldn't help the bright smile that took over her features. She couldn't believe she was sitting here with none other than JC Chasez talking about what song she should record for her demo. Not only was he going to help her record this demo, but also they were quickly forming a friendship while doing so.

"I have to say Amber, you've got a real talent for songwriting, it's making me curious to see how you sing." JC commented"

Curiosity is about to kill the cat, because I just got off the phone with the secretary at the studio and she said they have a room free. So do we want to take it?" Justin said casting a quick glance in Amber's direction.

"Yeah we'll take it. That is if you're ready Amber?" JC asked

Justin watched silently as Amber's wide brown eyes connected with his, it was that look alone gave him the confirmation that she was scared and unsure of the events taking place. He couldn't blame her he felt the same way when they recorded their own demo. It was an exciting process, also a scary one. Getting up in front of those executives wasn't an easy task.

He remembered when they auditioned for there own recording contract. And the stress they went through to get there routine and vocals perfect. He also remembered the excitement when they got the call back saying they wanted to meet with them and discuss a contract. It was one of the best moments of his life. Now he was about to go through it again, but this time he was helping out someone he held dear to his heart.

"Hey J, you alright?" JC asked standing up then walking softly over to his friend. He clamped a hand onto his shoulder and shook him softly.

"What was that?" Justin asked blinking rapidly.

"I asked if you were alright." JC chuckled eyeing his young friend warily. "You totally spaced out there for a bit."

"I was thinking." Justin shrugged

"Okay. Well Amber went to get ready then we're going to head out to the studio."

"Okay." Justin agreed looking down at his basketball shorts and tank top. "I guess I better go change."

JC watched as Justin retreated from the room and couldn't help shaking his head. "Oh he's got it bad." JC mumbled while shaking his head. Looking up towards the stairs, he caught sight of Amber as she bounced down them. "Are you ready?"

"Yep, where's J?"

"Went to go change clothes." JC said eyeing the young girl as she came to a stop next to him. "You excited to record your demo?"

Amber shrugged softly then let her eyes wander around the room. They landed on a picture of her and Justin the night he left Utah. A soft smile spread across her features as she padded across the living room to retrieve it. "Wow, we were so young in this picture." She mused.

"You didn't answer my question Amber" JC said coming to stand next to her.

"Yes I did, I shrugged." Amber retorted not letting her eyes waver from the picture for a second. "I don't know how I feel about recording it today. I have so many confusing thoughts running through my mind, between this demo, Justin, and my life in general."

"Do you want to record it today? Because if you don't we can wait, till you get a little more settled here in Orlando." JC asked gently. He didn't miss the slip-up of Justin's name and intended to find out more about that in the near future.

"In a way I want to, because it would be one more step closer to making my dream come true. Still in a way I don't, because I'm scared that I won't be good enough to get the contract. And that's even if you guys like what you heard."

"I'm going to let you in on a little secret. If one of us likes what we hear then we all do. Justin has a keen sense about these types of things. So I am pretty sure that since Justin is so smitten with you're voice, I will be to." JC smiled titling her head up by his index finger to look into her troubled eyes. "Even though I barely know you Ambs, I have a gut feeling you are going to go far. Those lyrics I just read gave me all the confirmation I needed to know that you are going to be a star."

Blushing softly Amber looked into his blue eyes and smiled. "Thanks Jayce, I appreciate it."

"Anytime sweetheart." He smiled

"So we ready to go?" Justin asked padding softly in the room.

"Yep let's go." Amber said bending down to grab her notebook and purse from the coffee table, after retrieving the two she stood up straight and shot Justin a smile, as she walked towards the door.

Hour Later

She sat between Justin and JC discussing the song they were about to record. She was only half listening to what they were saying. It was stuff she had heard before, how to pronounce specific words to make them sound better, and some other little tips to deal with her voice.

She had sat in on many recordings throughout her life and knew all of this, but alas, she didn't say anything to the two because she didn't want to offend them when all they were trying to do was help her out.

"Okay guys I think I got it"

"Are you sure?" JC asked casting a weary glance at her.

"Yep, let's get started." She smiled standing up from the couch, she walked softly towards the recording booth. Once inside she let out a breath and prayed to God that she could do this. She let her eyes wander around the room, there was a single microphone hanging from the ceiling, a wood stool sat in front of it with a stand that held her music.

They had already worked out the beat for the song, so all they need was her singing the lyrics. Taking a seat in front of the microphone, she put the headphones on her head and smiled softly at the two guys looking at her in the next room.

"Ready?" Justin asked watching her intently for any signs of backing out. When she nodded her head softly, he flipped a few switches, causing the beat to flow through her headset.

She closed her eyes counting the beats then leaned forward and let the first few notes fly out of her mouth. "You're beautiful but you don't know, can't see what's there inside your soul, always feelin like you're not good enough"

Justin watched her intently as she sang with all of the emotion her little body could muster. He heard her voice before but he had no clue she could sound like this. It was as if a totally different person was sitting there behind the microphone. "Wow."

"You've got that right." JC said training his shocked eyes on the man standing next to him. "I don't think I've ever heard a voice like hers. It's filled with so much emotion, damn, it just drags you in. I have a feeling every record label in the country is going to be knocking on your door step."

"Me to." Justin mumbled softly. He couldn't for the life of him take his eyes off her. The moment she opened her mouth to sing, he was memorized by her voice. "I've heard her sing before Jayce, but I've never heard her sing like this."

Amber opened her eyes and locked her brown orbs on Justin's blue ones, as she sang the next worse. "You never think you measure up, never smart or cool, or pretty enoughalways feeling different from all the rest, oh"

By the time the song was over, JC and Justin were both sitting there with there jaws slack which only made Amber chuckle in return. "How was it boys?" she asked raising a single eyebrow in there direction.

Justin shook himself softly then clear his throat. "Amazing." He breathed in the microphone. "Damn Ambs, your going to have record companies breaking down the damn doors for you."

"Thanks J" She beamed giving him a brilliant smile full of white teeth. "What did you think Jayce?" she asked

"Phew.." he said wiping his brow. "I'd have to agree with Justin. That was fantastic I don't think I have ever heard a voice like yours. It so full of emotion and just drags you in. I think you'll have a contract by the end of the week." He smiled softly.

Justin watched Amber silently as she digested the information and felt a great sense of pride fill him to the brim. He always had a feeling that she would follow some what in his foot steps, he knew she had a voice that could wow an audience since they were very little, but to cause this kind of emotion out of two musicians who knew the ways of the music world was a great accomplishment. He couldn't wait for the rest of the guys and his mom to hear the demo.

He also couldn't wait to give this to Johnny, truth was he had talked to him a couple days ago about her, and he was really interested in helping with getting her the audition with jive. So all he had to do was have Jayce fix up the demo then burn the cd and put it in Johnny's awaiting hands.

"Want to go grab some lunch before we get to work on editing this?" Justin asked both JC and Amber.

"Yeah" Amber replied taking off the head phones placing them on the stool then straightening her shirt and walking out of the booth. "I'm starved"

"So am I"

"What's new? You're always hungry j." Amber kidded poking his stomach.

"Hey, what can I say I'm a growing boy." Justin said in his best little boy voice.

"Mhm right." Amber sarcastically replied giving him a cheesy grin.

"Do you see this Jayce, she's giving me lip." Justin pretended to be offended

"I see it." JC nodded softly then let a slow grin spread across his lips. "But you need it, keeps that ego knocked down a few levels."

"What is it pick on Justin day? Because if it is I must have not gotten the memo." Justin scoffed throwing his hands in the air.

"That was good Jayce." Amber giggled giving him a high five.

"I know huh."

"That's it, I forbid you two to ever hang out. No more.. Nuh uh. Not when ya'll are going to gang up on me." Justin said walking a little faster down the hall.

"Awe poor baby feels picked on." Amber whispered to JC then ran up next to Justin and threw her arm around his waist. "You know J, if I didn't give you shit, you wouldn't know I loved ya."

"Mhm right. If this is how you show you love me then I sure as hell don't want to know what you would do if you hated me." Justin replied wrapping an arm around her shoulders pulling her to his side. "But I wouldn't have you any other way." He smiled kissing the top of her head.

Twenty minutes later the trio walked into a quiet little coffee shop a couple blocks down from the recording studio. As they stepped up to register Amber took a quick look around and smiled softly, it was small compared to the ones she'd been in before with about five tables, a book shelf full of items you could purchase, ranging from t-shirts with the company logo, to custom made jewelry, and candles. When Justin nudged her in the side she directed her gaze toward him with a raised eyebrow and spoke softly. "Yes"

"What do you want?"

"Oh, uhm" She mumbled looking up at the menu. "I'll have a iced mocha, and cup of Wisconsin cheese soup please." She watched as the lady wrote down her order then directed her soft green eyes toward JC.

"I'll have the same please." JC said

"I'll find a us a table." Amber said stepping around the two men, and padding softly towards a table in the back. After sinking down in the chair she pulled out her note book pulled the pen out of the spine and began to write feverishly.

While waiting for there order JC turned around and leaned his elbows on the counter. He spotted Amber across the room leaned over the table then nudged Justin softly in the side. "Does she ever stop?" he questioned

"Mm, not really she told me once that she always has ideas for songs mulling around her mind and whenever she can find a quiet moment to herself she'll pull her notebook out and write them down. Hmmm which reminds me of someone." Justin said eyeing his older friend thoughtfully.

"Who?" JC asked, then caught the look he was giving him. "Oh yeah I use to be like that."

"Use to? Pfft you still do it from time to time."

"Hey what can I say, when you get an idea you got to write it down." JC shrugged while giving his friend a smile. "But you do it also so don't act all innocent J."

"Hey I'll admit it, when I got a good hook I will write it down so I don't forget but also I don't carry a notebook with me in my back pocket constantly. Hmm I wonder what she's writing."

JC silently eyed his younger friend as many emotions passed over his features. He'd been watching the two all day and he thought he was picking up on something other than friendship vibes, or it was something the two were feeling he wasn't sure. But the look on Justin's face right was a big neon sign saying, "I'm in love with her, but don't know what to do about it."

He couldn't blame him Amber was a really good looking and she was a total sweet heart but he sensed something else with her, like she had this big dark secret she had to hide, and from what he could tell she was feeling about the same for Justin. Interesting he thought.

Oh this was a real life fairytale at it's best and he had a front row seat to the action. He wondered how long they could keep there feelings a secret he highly doubted would last a week but knowing how stubborn Justin was he was probably fighting tooth and nail with himself trying to convince his heart he couldn't be in love with someone he thought of as a sister.

Shaking off his thoughts he turned his attention to the man standing beside him. "You know she's probably writing some deeper meaning song to go with the rest."

"You're probably right." Justin sighed turning around to face the people working behind the counter. "What's wrong man?"

"Nothing just thinking about something." Justin said desperately trying to keep his mouth shut. He wanted to talk to someone who knew Amber as long as he had, figure out if it was just him or if what he was seeing out of her was what he thought. "I just got a lot on my mind is all Jayce."

"Alright. Let's go sit." JC said grabbing the tray with the food and walking towards the table. "So what you writing Ambs?"

Ambers head shot up with a soft smile. "Nothing really, just some thoughts and stuff like that." She replied closing the notebook and stuffing it in her bag.

"Cool." JC said placing her drink and bowl of soup in front of her.

Once there food was passed out and in front of the respectable party they grew quiet and began eating. Justin was half way through his sandwich when he looked up at Amber. "So Amber what do you think of Orlando so far?"

Holding up a finger to signal for him to wait a second she swallowed her bite of soup and wiped her mouth with the napkin that had been resting in her lap. "I love it, it's a lot different from Utah, warmer than I expected."

"Yeah it is. I got to say I'd choose Orlando over Utah any day. Cleaner air better atmosphere."

"Oh I agree." Amber replied looking out the window at the ocean. "An it has amazing views. I've always wanted to live close to the ocean." Justin chuckled softly at her dreamy expression which received a glare in return from Amber. "What's so funny Timberlake?"

"Nothing, it's just the look on your face." She quietly raised an eyebrow in Justin's direction preparing to come back with something witty when the chime above the door signaled a new customer was in there presence. She let her eyes gravitate towards the new person, instantly recognition dawned on her features, causing her breath to shorten and her face to pale.

She couldn't believe of all places in the world, he had to walk into the very same coffee shop she was sitting in. Of all places in the US he was in Orlando, her new home. She watched him walk up to the register and briefly speak with the employees then turn on his heal and sit down at the closest table. He looked almost the same as he did when she had last seen him.

Before she could turn away he glanced over at her and gave her a smile which caused her blood to run cold, and her eyes to widen. She waited for him to get up and stalk over to her, but all he did was sit there and quietly stare at her with an amused twinkle in his eye. It was like she was frozen in place, with fear coursing through her, an the horrible memories flittering through her mind. She told herself to look away but her muscles weren't listening to a thing her mind was telling them so she sat there staring as he stared back, challenging her to stand up and walk away.

When he winked at her, she wasn't surprised when her skin started to scrawl, just the mere thought of him was causing the sensation. She bit down on her bottom lip to keep from crying out and alerting the two guys sitting next to her. Finally not being able to stand it any longer she abruptly pushed out of her chair causing it to crash against the floor and fled the room, bursting into the near by bathrooms.

Walking over to the sink she looked at her self in the mirror and willed the tears to stay at bay, she could feel them bubbling up to the surface. As she closed her eyes one squeezed out which opened the flood gates as the memories zoomed through her mind, the good, the bad and the absolute terrifying memories that she had kept hidden in the darkest parts of her mind for the past 6 months.

She bit back a sob and wiped at her eyes angrily she promised her self she wouldn't cry about him anymore. It angered her to see herself letting the tears slide down her face. But she couldn't help but let them go. Seeing him after all this time and in the one place she was hoping to escape all of the memories. This was her new home it was supposed to be some place where she could start over and reinvent herself.

The place where all of her dreams were going to come true for the first time in her life

When the tears subsided she bent over and turned on the faucet splashing cold water on her face to remove all the traces of her tears. If there was one thing she didn't want Justin or JC to know about this was it, an if she went out there with the traces she had been crying they would undoubtedly question it. Which she knew she wasn't ready to talk about this event.

She walked silently over to the paper towel dispenser and dried her face, then looked at herself in the mirror and gave her reflection a small smile. She sighed softly then opened the door and walked out. As she made it to the table she looked over JC's and Justin's faces noting the shocked and worried expressions and gave them a shy smile.

"Are you alright?" Justin asked raising a single eyebrow in her direction.

"Yeah I'm fine, just had to use the restroom." Amber said plastering a fake smile on her face. She stole a quick glance in his direction and sighed softly. He had the look he usually got when he knew she was lying, there was no hope of getting out of this one without explaining why she left the table so abruptly. Before he could open his mouth to speak she beat him to it. "Justin let's just finish our meal and I'll tell you later alright?"

"Okay." He sighed noting the pleading look on her face. Shaking his head he decided to let it go till they were in a private place. He couldn't help but worry over her actions before. He had watched as her eyes widened and how her breathing pattern had changed, when the door opened and someone walked in. He wondered who he was and why he had caused such a reaction out of her. Making a mental note to find out later he gave her a small smile and finished his meal.

"Are we ready to go?" JC asked looking around the table at all there plates.

"Yeah, let's get out of here." Amber said standing up grabbing her purse. Then proceeded to walk out the door. Once the humid air of Orlando hit her face she let out a sigh of relief she had felt suffocated in there. She knew she needed to come up with a story fast, or she might possibly have to tell Justin about her past, which she dreaded even doing so.

Justin watched her walk out and shook his head sadly. "I'm worried about that girl." He sighed standing up and pushing in his chair. He turned his head and gave the guy sitting across the room and sly look.

"C'mon man we got work to do." JC said slapping a hand on his younger friends back and motioning towards the door. "Shall we?"

"Yeah, let's go. I need to have a long talk with Amber." Justin said walking towards the door of the shop.

"Well you can do so at the studio." JC said trailing behind him, when they met up with Amber he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. "C'mon beautiful let's go edit that demo."

Studio Hour Later

Justin sat back quietly watching as Amber ignored him, she was up front with JC asking questions about what he was doing seemingly trying to learn as much as she could about the editing process. But he knew what she was a doing, she was putting off the inevitable oh she thought she was being sneaky about it. If she thought she was being sneaky about it she was dead wrong, but he'd let her slide for a while he knew this process was exciting, and he knew for a fact she had been there when they were editing one of there cd's a couple of years ago.

So he'd let her have her moment then he would corner her. He was going to find out one way or another what was bothering her and why she acted the way she did at the coffee shop. It was nagging on his brain to find out. There was only one reason why someone would pale like she did and if what he thought was true he'd hunt the fucker down and beat him to a bloody pulp for laying his hands on her.

He couldn't understand what kind of man could hurt a woman that way, and in his opinion someone like that was lower then a piece of dirt on the bottom of his shoe. The perfect moment arose when JC stepped out to make a phone call. So he stood up and walked softly over to the mixing board and sat down next to her.

"This is so exciting Justin, I never knew there was so much into recording a song." Amber gushed smiling brightly.

"Mhm, it is exciting." Justin nodded reaching over to take her hand. "But I didn't come over her to talk about songs, I want to talk about what happened at lunch."

"Oh." She said looking down at her lap. "It was nothing Justin, just forget about it okay."

He bopped his head back and forth for a second as if he was thinking then lifted her head up by his index finger and searched her eyes. He could read the fear easily but he didn't understand why she was so scared to tell him, all he wanted to do was help her. "No, I can't just forget about it Ambs. It worried me when I watched your face pale, and the shortness of breath I heard. Please put my mind to rest and tell me what caused this all I want to do is help." He said softly reaching up with his left hand cupping her cheek softly.

She snuggled her cheek into his hand and looked up into his blue eyes. She blew out a breath and sighed softly. "That guy that walked in, was my ex-boyfriend John. It just surprised me to see him there that's all J."

"I don't believe that. There is more and it's pissing me off that you're keeping it from me. Amber please talk to me." He replied with a lot more venom then he meant. He took a deep breath and counted to ten. "I just want to understand what is going on with you. You're not the same Amber I left in Utah two years ago."

"I am the same Amber, just a lot of shit that has happened the past couple of years. Shit that I'm not ready to talk about, or don't know how to talk about it." She replied, she didn't think she acted any different, but it was understandable since he knew her so well that he would pick up on new things about her.

"Well you may not be ready to talk about it but I am. I'm going to tell you what has been running through my mind all you have to do is tell me yes or no."

She sighed in annoyance while standing up out of her chair and walking softly over to the nearest wall to lean against it. "It's not that easy Justin, because once I say yes to any of those questions you'll need the whole damn story to understand why I gave you that answer. And I'm just not ready to give you those answers so please just drop it."

He watched her quietly for a moment and considered his options. He could either keep pressing and wait till she broke and spilled everything which in return would cause her to blow up at him and not talk to him the rest of the night. Or he could wait till she was ready which it would produce much better results.

He weighed his options carefully while doing so he couldn't get past his stubbornness or pride for that matter so he chose the first one. So he stood up out of his chair and walked softly over to her, once he was standing and inch in front of her. "All I'm trying to do is help you Amber, I know deep down somewhere inside of you wants to tell me. Please let me in that's all I'm asking. Give me something to go on please I'm begging you." He pleaded pulling her forward by her forearms and into a hug.

Pulling back she looked up into his pleadings eyes thought over what he said for a moment. "I... I can't" she mumbled blindly fumbling for the door handle upon finding it she gave him one last fleeting look before pulling it open and slipping out the door and into the hallway where she walked as fast as she could get away from everything. Passing JC he opened his mouth to question her but she waved him off while shaking her head.

Justin watched her retreating form and wanted to punch himself, "Fuck, I'm so fucking stupid." He growled walking over to the mixing board and sat down with a huff. All he could think was the pleading brown eyes staring into his own blue ones. "I should have stopped."

"Stopped what?" JC asked with confusion written across his features, he looked between the man at the board and the door he had just came in from. "Where did Amber go?"

"She left because of my dumb ass" Justin groaned looking over at JC. "I should of backed off but no I'm to fucking stubborn to quit while I'm ahead, and now my best friend probably wont ever speak to me again."

"I don't understand? What happened in the whole ten minutes I was out of the room?" JC asked coming to sit next to his distressed friend.

"Remember the way she acted at the coffee shop when that guy walked in?" Justin asked receiving a nod in return. "I confronted her about it. Jayce this isn't the Amber I've always known, she was never this shy around people, and never so guarded. I swear she was this outgoing fun loving person. I don't even see that girl anymore. So yeah I'm worried and want to find out what I can do to get her back. This girl that I see now is a shell of the person I use to know, is it a crime to want to find out what caused the change? What was so horrific to change someone who would always brighten my day with just one smile."

"No it's not a crime but I can tell you this Justin. I've been watching her so I can get a feel of her personality. Yeah you remember this girl that you've always known but ya'll were kids right?" JC asked watching as Justin nodded to his questions. "An when was the last time you seen her before you went out to Utah. How old was she?"

"16 I think, but she was the same girl I grew up with.""Okay, well now she's an adult don't you think she's grown up a little bit and maybe this is who she was underneath."

"No Jayce, I know that girl inside and out. She was always like I told you. There has to be something I'm missing. I've been thinking about this a lot lately, even her mother said something to me about her not being herself. God all I want is to know what the hell happened to my best friend." "And the woman I am falling in love with" he added that last part in his head not quite ready to admit it out loud.

"Well J all I can tell you is to wait till she is ready to talk about it. If what you say is true, then maybe when she tells you it will explain the change. I don't know what else to tell you, but I know if you keep pushing, you're going to push her right out the door."

"Don't I know that." Justin sighed leaning his elbows on his knees and putting his face in his hands. "What should I do till then?"

"Just be her friend, don't mention any of this. Right now she has enough on her plate without you pushing at her for answers. Let's just help her get this record contract and then maybe she will be ready enough to tell you what is going inside of that head of hers."

"Alright I'll do that. Are we done with the demo?" Justin asked

"Yeah, let me just burn this to a cd and you can give it to Johnny." JC asked turning so he could flip a few switches. "John is going to go nuts when he hears this. He was talking to me about something along the lines of finding a voice like hers a couple of days ago."

"Well he's got it. I have a feeling by mid summer all of Amber's dreams are going to come true."

"Oh me to. If we get her album done in time, I think we should mention to Johnny for her to be on our tour, ya know just to promote her music. Maybe have her do a song or two, after our opening act."

"Yeah that would be cool. But let's not get to ahead of ourselves she still needs to wow the jive execs."

"Yeah true." JC said nodding his head, then turned towards Justin to give him the cd. "Give this to Johnny before you leave."

"That was my plan all along. What are you going to do?"

"Work on some of our new songs. I don't got anything planned tonight, and I figured I could edit them some more."

"I don't know about you man, you're a damn workaholic." Justin replied shaking his head. He patted his friend on his shoulder. "Well I'm going to go see if I can find her then go home for a bit."

"Okay. Remember what I said, don't push at her anymore."

"I wont." JC watched Justin's retreating form and shook his head softly. "that boy is head over heels for that girl, I sure hope Amber can see that." He mumbled to no one but his self.

After walking a ways down the hall Justin stopped at a door and smiled to himself. Raising his fist he knocked twice then waited for the man on the other side of the door to answer.

"Come in." a gruff voice replied from the other side of the door.

Placing his hand on the door handle he turned it then pushed the door open. When he stepped into the office he noticed his long time manager and friend sitting behind the huge oak desk chatting on his cell phone. Smiling brightly when Johnny looked up and noticed who it was. Quickly ending the call he placed the phone on his desk an stood up to embrace the younger man.

"Hey J, I wasn't expecting to see you till later on." Johnny said pulling back and rounding his desk to sit back down. "Please sit."

"Well it didn't take as long as I thought." Justin replied taking a seat in the plush chair in front of the desk.

"She's that good?" he asked raising a bushy brow in Justin's direction.

"Better, once we got her in there and the music started there was no stopping her. She hit every note perfectly I was amazed. I swear man I've known this girl her whole life and I don't think I've ever heard her sing like this." Justin replied holding up the disc then sliding across the desk where Johnny picked it up.

"Do you mind if I listen to it with you hear? I've been really curious to hear her voice since you mentioned her. I also have to be honest I got a hold of her performance from the fair last week and she blew me away. She has this stage presence that is unbelievable."

"Go ahead, I haven't listened to it since Jayce edited it." Justin replied, and watched as Johnny slipped the disk into his computer. When the soft melody hit his ears he almost groaned in satisfaction. Closing his eyes for a minute he listened to her voice.

"Wow."

Justin opened his eyes and focused them on the older man in front of him. His eyes were wide and his mouth was open a sliver as he listened. "That was my reaction."

When the song was over Johnny sat the a moment and composed himself. "Holy shit, that girl has a voice of an angel. An is the exact thing I am looking for. Shit if I could I would sign her right here an now."

Justin chuckled softly then leaned forward and stared into Johnny's eyes. "She's amazing isn't she? Just wait till you see her sing live I know you watched the performance but that ain't nothing to compared to seeing her live and in person."

"Well I'm going to get this ball rolling I want this girl signed by the end of the month. America needs a voice like this."

Justin smiled in satisfaction as he stood up."Well I will leave you alone so you can do so. When you hear something call my cell."

"Will do man." Johnny replied leaning forward and picking up his phone. "Have you gave any thought to being her manager?"

"Naw man, I want her to have a fair chance, and plus she doesn't want to ride on our coat tails. Managing is all you man."

"She's a smart girl." Johnny decided then waved at Justin.

Justin waved then slipped out the door with a wide smile. Oh couldn't wait to tell Amber, about this. This was going to make her day. "An hopefully, it will cause her smile and to actually talk to me." He mumbled walking down the hall. When there was no sign of her in the building he pulled out his cell phone and quickly punched in the numbers and put it up to his ear.

"What do you want Justin?" she answered the tone of her voice causing him to wince.

"Where you at?" he asked ignoring the tone of her voice.

"I'm standing by you're care because I forgot you drove us here."

"Alright I'll be out there in a minute. Then we need to talk about something."

"Are you deaf? I already told you I didn't want to talk about it so just please drop it."

"Well I wasn't talking about that. But since you bring it up, I want to apologize." He said walking up to her he flipped his phone shut and stood in front of her. "When you are ready I want to hear it, but for now I have something better that I want to talk to you about." He smiled then opened her door for her and motioned for her to get in.

"Alright" she sighed getting into the car and making herself comfortable. She watched as Justin rounded the front of the car then opened up the drivers door and slid in. "So what do you want to talk to me about."

He flash his white teeth then turned so he was looking at her. "Well while you were out here, JC and I finished the your demo." Justin said watching her intently.

She waited for him to continue and when he didn't she felt like slapping him. "That's it?"

"No hold on my dear." He cooed brushing a piece of hair behind her ear. "Well I took your demo to Johnny."

"And?"

"Well he thought it was crap." Justin said biting down on his lip to keep from smiling, her face was to good she was all smiles and once he said it was crap it fell and her eyes began to water.

"Oh" she sighed trying with all her power not to show her discouragement. "Really? Well did you tell him it was only my first time, and that I can do better. I mean damn what does that man expect. You can't just throw someone in there and expect them to be perfect. Did he do this to you guys?"

When Justin couldn't take her frantic rambling any more and the all to hurtful look on her features he burst out in a giggle. "Oh my god" he chuckled

"I personally don't think this is funny Justin. This is my future hello all I've ever wanted to be was a singer. An why the hell are you still laughing?" she seethed glaring in his direction.

He held up a finger while his other hand held his sides. "Phew. Damn you sure know how to make a person laugh. And you're all to gullible I swear Amber. You need to lighten up."

"I don't see how someone in my position could be lightened up. Someone who was just told in not so many words she sings like crap."As she continued to ramble he sat back and watched her, her arms were flinging all around her and her face was turning a nice shade of red. "He loved it." He said grabbing both her hands and putting them in her lap.

"Wait what?" she asked shaking her head then tuning her brown eyes to his blue ones. "But you said?"

"I know what I said." Justin shrugged while squeezing her hands.

"You asshole." She screamed pulling one of her hands free and slugging him in the shoulder. "You prick, that was just rude. How could you make me think that?" she glared then punched him again in the same spot.

"Ow, jeez back off rocky. I'm sorry when i got in the car you looked to serious so I had to mess with you."

"You suck." she replied sticking her tongue out at him then turning in her seat, folded her arms across her chest and stuck out her bottom lip.

"Aw, now you know the pout is all mine. So it wont work on me."

"So." She huffed sticking her bottom lip out even further.

"Ambs." He sighed leaning forward. "Amby pamby poo" he pouted in his best baby voice.

"Nope not going to work." She said shaking her head."Not till you get on your knees and beg for my forgiveness."

"Well it's a little hard to get on my knees in this car. But will it help if I say that Johnny is in there working on getting you an Audition as we speak."

"Maybe, tell me more.. Tell me everything he said." She said turning towards him then held up her finger to his lips. "The truth Justin or so help me god I will beat you to death."

"You wouldn't, you love me to much.." He grinned but it faltered when he noticed the all to evil glint in her eyes. "Ahem any way. He said that you had a voice like an angel, and that if he could he would sign you right here right now. An he is anxious to see you perform live."

"He said that?" Amber asked letting a wide grin spread across her lips. When he nodded his head she flung her arms and wrapped him in a hug with a squeal. "Thank you Justin."

"Your welcome sweetheart." He said wrapping his own arms around her. "Your very welcome." Truth was he couldn't wait for everyone to see this amazing girl sing live, or better yet he couldn't wait to watch her blossom into the star he knew she would become.

When Amber had stepped foot into the house later that night she said hello to Lynn and Lyzzie then told everyone she was going to go lie down for awhile. Which was where she was now, lying on her bed curled up in a ball. She hated that she felt so unhappy, when everything she ever wanted was at the tips of her fingers and all she had to do was reach out and grasp it. This was the one thing she had dreamed of for years and it was finally the time for it to be a reality and all she could do was sulk over seeing "him".

Softly she wiped at her eyes and moved into a sitting position. She let her eyes wander around the room and wondered if she would ever be rid of his memory or the thought of him lurking close by. It worried her that he was in the same state as she was. One of her many reasons for moving to Orlando was to escape him and to be as far away as she could get..

Sighing again, she swung her feet to the floor and stood up. Padding over to her closest she pulled open the door and stepped inside. Looking over her many choices, she pulled down a pair of sweats and a tank-top to go with them, then walked out closing the door with her foot. Laying the outfit down on the bed, she proceeded to toe off her shoes then grabbed the hem of her shirt and yanked it up and off her body.

Discarding the shirt, she then replaced it with the tank top. She wondered what the hell was up with Justin today. He wasn't always that pushy with stuff that she didn't want to talk about, he usually backed down and waited till she was ready. It had been so weird to see him that way. Once she was done changing she padded softly over to the door. Pulling it open she exited her room and quietly walked down the hallway.

Justin stared helplessly out the window thinking about the fight from earlier. The devastating look she gave him while he pressed her for answers remained on his mind. That look alone had told him so much, yet he kept on pressing when he knew it was wrong, but his own stubbornness had clouded his judgment..
Which had only put him right back at square one with very little answers. It was beginning to drive him insane not knowing what was causing his best friend and the woman he was in love with all this pain and the changes he saw in her today.

Sighing heavily he brought his hands up to his face and scrubbed them over his cheeks and jaw line. "I'm going to figure out what she is hiding from me and who exactly john is." He mumbled to himself

"I thought I broke you of that habit years ago." Lynn said walking into his room to make her presence known. She had been inside his doorway for the past couple minutes watching him as he looked outside. He had looked so deep in thought she hated to disturb him but when he had started to talk to himself she had her perfect opportunity to find out what was going on.

e jumped slightly at her voice then turned around to face her. "Yeah well so did I." he sighed then turned back around. "I was just thinking out loud."

"Mhm." She agreed walking up to him and placing her small hands on his broad shoulders. "What's wrong baby?"

"Amber and I got into a fight today."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Nodding his head, he turned around and looked down into his mom's eyes. She was the one person he could go to with any problem to get advice or just to make it better. They had always shared a special bond while he was growing up. She had been there through all of his hard times with the band and for all the good ones, she was his rock plain and simple. "I could probably use some of your advice to."

"Okay baby, let's sit down and you can tell me all about it." She smiled grabbing on to his hand and leading him over to his bed where she sat down. "Start from the beginning."

He sat down next to her then turned so he could face her. "Before I start I need to ask you a question?"

"Okay."

"Have you noticed any changes in Amber?"

"Well she's growing up of course there's some changes in her. But to answer your question yes, she's even more beautiful then I imagined her to be."

haking his head he sighed heavily and rephrased his question. "No I mean in her personality"

"I really haven't noticed a change in her sweetie, she acts the same. Why have you noticed something?"

I don't know, maybe it's just me. But I could have sworn she closed off when she met the guys. You should have heard her mom. She was scared to meet them, she asked me if I thought they would like her."

"That's typical baby, she knows they mean the world to you and wants to fit in with your friends. Just give her some time to adjust."

"True."

"So what was this fight about?"

"I started it with my big mouth. I'll tell you what happened so you can understand better." Justin said taking a deep breath. "After we recorded the demo we went to get something to eat at this little coffee shop down the street from the studio. Well once we order and sit down to eat this guy walks in. Well Amber notices him and immediately her faces turn white and her breathing pattern changes. Well I noticed her get quiet so I looked over at her and I swear there was fear written all over her face."

"Who was the guy?"

"Hold on a minute. Well they have this staring contest for about fifteen minutes then she finally gets up and leaves the table. So I look over towards the guy to see why she's so upset and he just stares at me with what I think was hatred in his eyes. Now I've never met this man before in my life mom so it shocked the hell out of me. Well about ten minutes later Amber comes walking back out and sits down...

"I watch her for a few minutes as she makes glances his way and finally when I can't stand it anymore. I ask her what was wrong and she tells me that she will tell me later, and I agree since it's not the place to get into it. Well we leave about ten minutes later" Justin explained pausing for a moment to take a breath then continue. "Well when we get to the studio she completely ignores me, and she's obvious about it to mom. It was like she was afraid to talk to me and it frustrated me so bad. So when we finally talked I laid it on her."

"Justin you didn't.." Lynn started to say but trailed off when she saw the all to serious look on his face.

"I did and I feel bad I do. But I was frustrated and hurt that she wasn't talking to me so sue me. All I got out of her was his name and what he meant to her. The guys name is John and he is her ex boyfriend. After that she wouldn't say anything else. So I bugged her and bugged her till finally she blew up at me and walked out. Mom I'm afraid this guy is the reason why I see the changes in her."

"Well you obviously asked her about it. I wont say anything about you're tactic to getting answers, but I will say this. She will tell you when she is ready, you know her better than anyone. When she is good and ready to share she will. You and I both know that she can't keep anything from you for long."

"True, but what do I do in the meantime? This is driving me insane."

"Be her friend that's all you can do." Lynn smiled softly watching as he hung his head and shook it back and forth. "For right now focus on helping her with the record contract. She's going to need all the support she can get." She continued hooking her fingers under his chin and bring his head level to hers.
She quietly searched his eyes for understanding and what she seen in them caused her to smile. "Baby how long have you been in love with her?"

His eyes widened while his mouth opened and closed repeatedly. After clearing his throat several times he attempted to reply. "I.. I.. I'm not in love with her." He stuttered diverting his eyes away from the disbelieving look he knew she was giving him.

"Justin, when are you going to get honest with yourself?" Lynn asked with a sigh, then turned his face so he was staring directly at her. "I know you are, so don't lie to me boy. It's plain as day in your eyes, I've always told you that your eyes give you away. An right now there saying I love her but I'm scared. What are you so scared of baby?"

"I don't know why." He muttered but deep down he knew why his track record spoke volumes. When he couldn't take his moms pleading eyes anymore he broke down and let his emotions go. "I'm scared of rejection, I'm scared that she doesn't feel the same way. But above all else I'm scared she'll turn out like Britney. Which would completely shatter what's left of my heart and sanity."

"Honey you can't let Britney hold you back from being happy. I know what went down wasn't pretty and if I ever get my hands on that girl, let's just say it wont be pretty. Ahem where was I.. Oh yeah, I know you're scared of rejection but have you thought maybe she is to and is just waiting for a sign that you feel the same way."

"What if she doesn't feel the same way?"

She clasped his hand in hers and smiled softly at him. "Trust me baby she does, you can tell when you look at her. Her eyes speak volumes when you're around, and she's probably just as scared as you are. I've always thought you two were perfect for each other. Now I'm going to leave you alone so you can think on what I said. But take this with you."

"What's that?" he asked

"When you can't stand the thought of her with anyone else, then you know it's time to make your move." Lynn said then stood up and smiled down at him. "An I know for a fact when you do, she wont be able to resist you."

"Thanks mom" Justin replied standing up and enveloping her in a hug.

"You're welcome baby." She said kissing his cheek then stepping back. "I'm going to go start dinner."

After walking all the way through the house Amber found herself sitting out back on the porch swing, swaying gently with the breeze. She knew she was isolating herself but it's what came natural to her, when she was hurt, depressed, angry, or just plain in the mood where she didn't want to speak with anyone she would go and find a quiet place where she could be alone.

Pulling her knees up to her chest she wrapped her arms around them, then laid her head down sideways to stare out across the pool. Sighing heavily she couldn't believe what a whirlwind of a week it'd been, she was mentally exhausted from it. But she knew there was no way in hell she'd be able to sleep off the exhaustion not with the excitement of her demo and the fear of being in the same state with "him".

God she really didn't want to think about him, but it was inevitable not to with the problems he'd already caused by just showing up in her life again. The sad part was he'd been on her mind since Justin a saw picture of the two of them. She couldn't believe how mad she was at him for showing up in her life again, one of the points to moving to Orlando was to hopefully to rid herself of the memory of him. That didn't happen, he either followed her or it was a coincidence they were in the same state.

It pissed her off to know that he'd already caused a fight between her and Justin. But it was expected given the reaction she'd shown earlier in the day. It would raise even her own suspicions. Yeah she was pissed at Justin for the way he handled himself but she couldn't blame him for doing so. Even though he should know, she wouldn't budge till she was good and ready to do so. Which hammered in the fact even more that she needed to tell him what happened.

But how could you open up about this kind of things? How did you look your best friend in the eye and tell him about the mistake you made, then paid for it in the cruelest way possible. It just was not something she had the strength to do, it would tear her to pieces to see the disgust, and disappointment register on his handsome face. She knew what his reaction would be and she just couldn't loose him.

"Penny for you're thoughts?" Lyzzie suggested softly as not to startle her. She watched Amber sigh and slowly turn to look at her. Almost instantly she recognized the sadness in her friends eyes and it worried her, especially when she should be riding high on life, with her demo just being recorded.

Chuckling softly more out of amusement than happiness she stared intently at her friend and took a deep breath. "I'd be a rich woman, especially since it feels like that's all my head is full of."

"Knowing you that's true." Lyz replied softly, wrapping an arm around her friends shoulder and giving her a half hug. "What's wrong honey?"

"Everything." Amber sighed for what felt like the thousandth time in an hour.

"Could you be anymore vague?"

"Justin and I got into a fight today."

"What about?"

Hesitating for a moment Amber weighed her options carefully, she could either tell Lyzzie about her encounter with john and deal with a very hot headed and violent friend from just the mere mention of his name. Or she could not tell her at all and feel like shit for lying to her best friend, but all in all she really needed her friend at the moment, she needed someone to reassure her she was safe and that he couldn't hurt her again. So she chose to come clean and pray for the best.

"I saw John today." She paused watching the reaction his name caused, it took a lot to really piss Lyzzie off but it seemed like with this particular person it only took the slight indication of his presence that made her madder than a hornet. "Now before you storm out of here and go off searching for the guy, please listen to what I have to say."

Amber watched as Lyzzie sat there staring straight ahead breathing deeply for a couple minutes before she turned to look at her. The fire burning in her eyes didn't shock her any, she'd seen it one to many times before, but what got her was the undeniable need to protect her best friend that she seen just underneath the fire.

When Lyzzie finally spoke her voice was calm a little to calm for Amber's liking. "Tell me everything, and Amber you better tell me every last thing, I mean every look, every emotion you felt etcetera, etcetera or so help me god I will beat the living shit out of you."

"Okay." She spoke hesitantly taking a deep breath, she began telling her everything that happened. Starting with how the recording went then gradually brought john into it. When she was done she felt like a the world had been lifted off her shoulders. By the time she was done, she could tell Lyzzie was about to breath fire if it was possible.

"Is that all? Why'd you and Justin fight?" Lyz asked while unclenching her fists.

"He wanted me to tell him who he was and why I reacted the way I did. He knows John is my ex-boyfriend but that is all. I can't bring myself to tell him everything that happened Lyz. I don't think I can handle the look of disgust that will be on his face, from one keeping this from him, and two from the mistake I made."

"Do you really think he will be disgusted with you? The victim in all of this?"

"Yes I do. I can't handle it, it would just tear me apart." Amber replied clasping her hands in front of her and ringing them. "Especially when I think I'm falling in love with my best friend." She said softly, so soft Lyz had to strain to hear her.
"First off, I'm just going to be blunt." Lyz replied taking a deep breath then spoke her mind. "Amber you're being stupid. Justin wont be disgusted with you, he'll probably think along the same lines as I do and want to hunt him down and murder him. Hell we could make a little club out of it." She smiled evilly thinking of all the things she'd like to do to him. Out of the corner of her eyes she caught the look Amber was giving her and cleared her throat.

"Sorry you know how I get when it comes to him. Ahem. Yeah he might be a little pissed you didn't tell him in the first place but I don't think he would throw away a lifetime friendship over something like that. Justin's not stupid." She explained then turned towards Amber and took her hand in hers. "An about the falling in love part. Honey you are in love you just haven't accepted it yet. Now I know you're going to ask me how I know, and I'll tell you. Whenever you're around him you beam with love, you are so completely wrapped up in that boy you can't think straight. My advice is to go after him and tell him how you feel, then when the time is right tell him about John."

"But what if he don't feel the same? What if he still thinks of me as the little girl he watched grow up. I don't think I can take the rejection."

Shaking her head Lyz chuckled softly, either she was completely blind or her self-esteem was so low she couldn't see past her own insecurities. She'd witnessed the sparks back in Utah they were in plain site. "Don't worry honey, I have a feeling he'd love to hear what you have to say and he might surprise you. You never know."

Amber thought about her friends words, the idea was just ludicrous, Justin couldn't be in love with her, she wasn't his type. He'd always gone for the big breasted bimbos in his teens and even his last girlfriend was in that same category it just wasn't possible for him to be in love with her. She shook her head. "Nah there's no way he could be in love with me. I'm plain old Amber nothing special." She said standing up and pacing across the deck. "And plus I can't tell him, I'll start to then get all tongue-tied and end up making a fool of myself. There's just no way. I've made up my mind I'm not going to tell him and that's final."

"Whatever Amber, I'm just going to be blunt about this, and then I'll leave you be." Lyz replied standing up and grabbing onto Amber's shoulders to keep her in place. " You're being stubborn and it's starting to tick me the fuck off. So listen up. You either tell him or not, but think about this. How are you going to feel when he starts to show interest in other girls huh? Yeah I know that look you're going to sink into your depression and be all pissed off and start hating men. But this time it will be your own damn fault. And when this does happen because I know it will, don't come crying to me."

She didn't mean to come off so mean but sometimes Amber needed a little push in the right direction especially when it came to relationships. She was tired of watching Amber throw away opportunities that were smacking her in the face but she was too stubborn to see them. She vowed to herself if she didn't see any improvement in the two of them in the next couple days she'd bring in the reinforcements.

Smiling to herself she walked into the living room only to be met with Chris and Lance's screams and hollers at the T.V., they were playing some game against each other and from the looks that Lance was shooting Chris he was loosing badly. She let an amused smile grace her lips while she walked over to the couch and wedged herself between Chris and the arm, then focused her attention on the screen.

"Hi Lyz" Chris said quickly shooting her a glance then turning his attention back to the game.

"Hi Chris." She said coyly casting a quick glance at his face.

"YES TAKE THAT BASS! WOO" Chris shouted then proceeded to stand up and do a victory dance causing Lyzzie to sit back and watch with a shocked look on her face. "You owe me ten dolla boy"

Lance batted away the hand that Chris stuck out then stood up and stretched. "I don't have it on me buddy. Just add it to the pot that I owe you."

"No way not this time, give me my money Poofoo." Chris demanded grabbing Lance's head and putting him in a headlock.

"I swear to god Chris if you don't let me go.." Lance trailed off trying to maneuver his arms so he could grab a hold of Chris but only being met with failure since Chris was moving around while he held onto Lance's head for dear life.

"What are you going to do about it huh?" Chris joked proceeding to run his knuckles over Lance's head. "Are you going to give me my money?"

With a growl and shout Lance finally got a hold of Chris and flipped him over his shoulder making Chris land on the floor with a THUD. Reaching into his back pocket he pulled out his wallet then opened it and grabbed a bill and threw it on Chris's chest. "There." He said stuffing his wallet back in his pocket. "How'd that feel buddy?"

Blinking open his eyes to get rid of the stars swirling around his head Chris let his eyes focus on Lance's smirk then growled. He snatched the money off his chest then rolled over so he could get off the floor. "Not fair man, not fair. Just because I'm short doesn't mean you can throw me around like a rag doll."

"Hmm that may be true." Lance thought about it for a second then smiled. "But it sure is fun."

"Uh huh just wait Poofoo I'll get you one of these days oh yes I will."

"Oh yeah I'm really scared." Lance retorted running a hand threw his spikes then let his eyes survey the room. When they landed on a giggling Lyzzie he blushed softly. "Oh hi Lyz, how are ya today?"

"I'm pretty good. And yourself?"

"Hmm I feel very satisfied. Did you enjoy the show?"

"Very much so. How are you Chris?" Lyz asked innocently which only received a glare in return. "Hmm someone's being a grouch." She pouted

"He doesn't take to people besting him well." Lance replied taking a quick glance out of the corner of his eye towards Chris. "Well I have a phone call to make. I'll catch ya later Lyz."

"Bye Lance." Lyz waved then directed her attention towards a brooding Chris. "Hey Chris did you notice he only gave you a dollar?" she asked taking a glance at the money in his hand.

"Why that little." He trailed off taking off after Lance. "Get back here you ingrate." He yelled as his feet slapped against the wood.

"Wow those two are just wow." Lyz giggled to herself.

"Do you usually talk to yourself Lyzzie?" Justin asked padding softly into the living room.

"Oh hi Justin. No I usually don't." she smiled perfect timing, he's just the person I want to talk to, she thought to herself.

"Okay, because I was going to say I could give you some good tips on how to break the habit."

"I'll take your word for it." She replied

"So what was all the commotion in here about?" Justin asked

"A bet that Lance wouldn't pay." She shrugged and let her eyes discreetly wander over Justin's lanky frame.

"Typical Lance."

"So what are you up to?"

He shrugged his shoulders then walked over to the arm chair next to the couch and sat down. "Just bumming around the house waiting for a phone call." He replied

"Cool, I heard about the incident earlier."

"Oh. And?"

"Justin, let me give you a little advice about this issue." Lyz paused and waited for him to nod then continued. "You're going about this all wrong. You and I both know you can't push her for answers she'll clam up and hide in her shell. You need to be discreet about it, throw in little comments here an there. I know you're not the type of person to beat around the bush, but with her you have to be. She's just so damn shy these days, and guarded that you have to break down her walls of self defense, to get in."

Justin nodded softly then stood up and paced around the room. "I talked to my mom earlier and she said about the same thing. She also said that she hasn't noticed any changes in Amber, like I have and I know you have just by the way your talking. Shit you've been around her 24/7 the past couple years so of course you have. All I want is to understand what caused these changes. It is driving me insane." He growled grabbing onto his curls and pulling roughly.

"Yes I have noticed the changes but they are expected with what she went through." Lyz replied really not knowing how to reply without giving to much away.

"I would agree if I knew what the hell happened to her." He growled letting his blue gaze settle on Lyzzie who was fidgeting in her seat. He could tell she wanted to say more but was bound by laws of friendship and her promise to Amber. "I guess I will have to wait for her to explain everything to me."

"I guess you will. I've told you once Justin, and I will tell you again. I can't say anything I wish I could but I wont. I made a promise to Amber and I intend to keep it."
"I understand." He sighed sinking down into the arm chair once again. He leaned over with his head in his hands and shook it. "Women I swear to god." He mumbled.

Sighing softly to herself she opened up the sliding glass door and slipped through then proceeded to walk through the kitchen into the living room. When her gaze landed on Justin and Lyzzie she scowled softly. "Great" she mumbled she knew with both of them in the room it wasn't good because they would probably grill her on the problems from before.

"Hey Ambs." Justin said hesitantly.

Frowning slightly she turned around and gave him a half smile. "Hi Justin." She said softly walking over to the couch and sitting down with a huff.

"What's wrong?" Justin asked raising an eyebrow in her direction.

"She just heard something she didn't quite agree with." Lyz smirked casting a quick glance at her friend.

"Naw that's not it at all Lyzzie." She said hotly making sure to pronounce her name slowly. "I'm just tired of being interrogated every ten seconds about specific issues that I would rather not talk about, but some people think it's a game to see who can crack me first."

Justin looked between the two friends and whistled softly, the daggers they were shooting each other were in plain site. "Okay did I miss something?"

"To make a long story short, I told Amber something she didn't quite want to hear." Lyz said with a shrug.

Justin held his hands up in defense and wondered which one would break first. From the looks of Amber he would guess it would be her. "Okay I'm just going to get out of here before a cat fight happens. I'll see ya'll later."

"Don't bother Justin. I'm going to go find Chris and see what he is up to." Lyz said standing up and walking swiftly out of the room.

"I'm going to go upstairs and call my mother. See ya around J." Amber said quickly getting up and running up the stairs.

"Women. Damn confusing if you ask me." Justin mumbled leaning back and turning on the TV.

Chapter 7
Couple Days Later

Groaning softly Justin rolled over and pulled the blankets over his head to block out the pestering sun and hopefully catch at least a few more minutes of sleep. He cursed loudly when he heard the shrill ring of his cell phone and rolled over to snatch it off the table next to his bed.

He flipped it open and mumbled a hello into the small device.

"Hey Justin." The voice on the other end said in a chipper voice. Which only in turn made Justin growl.

"Hello Johnny." He yawned pushing the covers off his head and sitting up.

"Sorry didn't mean to wake you man." He replied looking at the time and shaking his head. "I have some good news."

"What's that?" Justin asked his voice and mood immediately brightening.

"Well I got a call from Jive HQ in New York."

"What'd they say?" Justin questioned wiping the sleep from his eyes.

"In not so many words the said they loved her voice and think she has some major potential in the music business. But they would like to put a face to the voice so they are asking that we get some head shots done to send to them. Then once they get those they will give her an audition."

"Wow, that's awesome. I didn't think it would happen this fast. I just gave you that demo a couple of days ago."

"Yeah well I figured with a voice likes her we need to get her out there fast. The teenies will love her."

"Oh I have no doubt." Justin agreed

"I just wanted to tell you the good news, I have a few phone calls to make and some favors to cash in on. So I will call you when everything is set up. In the mean time go tell the girl the good news."

"Yes Sir." Justin saluted standing up and stretching out his cramped muscles. "Bye Johnny I'll talk to ya later."

"Bye Justin."

After Justin flipped his phone shut, he rolled over and slipped his legs out from underneath the covers. He stretched his arms above his head and grunted softly as the pops ran down his spine. Sighing softly from the release of tension in his back he stood up and pulled his pajama pants over his hips.

He padded softly over to the door and slipped out.

Yawning softly Amber made her way into the kitchen only to be met with Lynn's smiling face. "Good morning Lynn." Amber mumbled wiping the sleep from her eyes.

"Well good morning darling. How'd you sleep?"

"Pretty good, once I got to sleep." She replied taking a seat at the counter. "How about yourself?"

"I slept okay." Lynn shrugged slipping into the seat next to her. "So I heard the demo."

"What'd you think?" Amber asked biting softly down on her lower lip.

"I absolutely loved it. The song was amazing and you're voice I had forgotten how wonderful it sounded. Justin also mentioned to me that you wrote the song?"

"Yeah I did." Amber said with a smile on her face.

"What gave you the inspiration for that song?" Lynn asked

"I've always felt like I don't fit in all through my life, you know this. I'm sure Mom and you talked all the time. I was constantly being made fun of for a stutter, and my weight. I've never been what you call a popular person. The song came from that, it's how I feel. You know everyone is special, beautiful, etc. in their own way."

"Well I'm sure girls who listen to it will take it to heart and understand the song better then others." Lynn replied

"Yeah I hope so." Amber sighed casting her eyes down towards her hands. "If I ever get the chance to put it out there." She mumbled the rest quietly.

"You will honey, it may take time but you will get your chance. I don't think any record exec in there right mind would pass up a voice like yours." Lynn said patting Amber's shoulder then standing up. "I'm going to go grab a shower before the boys wake up."

"Okay. Who stayed over last night?" Amber asked softly

"Lance and Chris I think. I don't know those boys are in and out of this house so much I can never tell who stays an who doesn't." Lynn shrugged patting Amber on the shoulder. As she made the way out of the kitchen she collided into Justin's chest.

"Whoa mom where's the fire?" Justin asked wrapping his arms around her back to steady her.

Blinking her eyes rapidly she looked up into her sons eyes. "No where. I just wasn't looking where I was going. Oh damn I feel like I just ran into a mountain." She said rubbing a hand over her face.

Chuckling softly he flashed his teeth at then unwound his arms from her back and stepped to the side. "Sorry mom, but I was in a hurry got some news to share with Amber."

"It's okay baby." Lynn said eyeing him warily.

"I'll tell you later but she needs to know first."

"Okay, well then I'm off for a shower." Lynn excused herself then glided down the hall towards the stairs.

Shaking his head he padded softly into the kitchen and stopped short as Amber came into view. She was staring silently out the window with a thoughtful expression on her face. The sight in front of made him sigh quietly the way she was sitting had the sun casting a halo effect around her long brown hair. Letting his eyes travel down he noticed the baggy t-shirt and pink pajamas bottoms.

In his opinion she looked cute, with her legs curled up to her chest as much as she could in the kitchen chair. Smiling to himself he padded softly over to the table and sat down across from her. "Anything interesting out there today?" he questioned softly.

Letting a slow grin spread across her lips Amber turned her head and gazed thoughtfully at him. "Not really, I was just thinking."

"What about? If you don't mind me asking."

"I don't mind." Amber said looking into his blue eyes. In all her life she didn't think she had ever seen eyes so clear and blue, they were like sparkling sapphires. "I was thinking about the demo, and what it's going to be like if I get signed. Then I started thinking about what if I don't. What am I going to do?" she sighed casting her eyes down towards her hands.

"Well did you figure it out?" Justin asked he was busting at the seams to tell her what Johnny said but figured he would ease her fears gradually. This was a learning experience, he was finally going to get into her head.

"Well I've watched you five, the past couple of years and figured it would be some what like that. Photo shoots, recording, dancing, parties, beautiful clothes. Money out the butt. But what I'm wondering is how it feels to know you have the power to impact such a large number of fans with your songs and feelings. You can't make music without feeling, you know this. Tell me something." She spoke softly with a dreamy like quality to her voice.

"What's that?"

"How does it feel?"

"It's the best feeling in the world, not only do I get to do what I love the most but I get put something out there that everyone will like and be able to relate to. All the glamour don't matter to me. Yeah it's a big plus but it don't matter."

"What about if you don't get signed? What are you going to do?"

"I was thinking if I don't, I'd go to college out here or see if ya'll need me for something."

Nodding his head he stared at her thoughtfully, he wanted to know what was going on in that pretty little head of hers, to get inside and figure her out. Figure out what made her tick, he just wanted to understand her better. You'd think after 18 years of friendship he'd have this all figured out but he didn't. She was a big mystery to him. "So what else is going through that head of yours?"

"A lot of stuff. My family, friends, life,. I miss my family so much and I want to see them, and in some ways I wish I was still there. But in others I'm glad I took this step, I think I needed to get away and discover myself ya know." She smiled slightly then cast her eyes down towards the table. "I just hope moving here to follow my dreams wasn't a mistake."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well I moved clear across the country to do something not many in there lifetime get to do, and to be totally honest I'm scared shitless that I'm not going to make it. That my voice isn't good enough or even worse I'm not good enough for the part."

"Now why wouldn't you be good enough? Because I know for a fact the Jive record Execs see what I see in you."

"I don't know." She shrugged while her eyes widened when his statement sunk in. "Wait, what did you just say?"

Flashing his teeth in a broad smile he shrugged. "I said the jive record execs see the same thing I see in you." He said whiled flicking a piece of flint off his shirt.

"What does that mean?"

"It means that they want head shots of you then when they get those you're going to have an audition for a contract."

"Wow you mean they really liked it?" Amber asked shyly

"Yep they did."

"That's awesome." She squealed jumping up out of her chair and engulfed Justin in a hug. She couldn't believe it her dreams were finally coming true after all the tears and sweat she had put into writing her songs and perfecting her voice she was finally getting a chance to show people she was good enough.

"Yeah it is. All I'm waiting for is Johnny to call and let me know where we need to go."

"I can't begin to describe how I feel at this exact moment." She said standing up straight and letting a thoughtful expression come over her features. "I feel like I could jump up and scream at the top of my lungs, then on the other hand I don't want to get my hopes up ya know?"

Sighing heavily he ran a hand over his face and fought not to strangle the poor girl. It really irritated him when she let her insecurities mess with a good thing. He knew at that exact moment a million what ifs were going through her brain. He just didn't understand why she couldn't have faith in her talent and let it take her places.

"Amber I'm going to say this once and only once. You've have an amazing talent all around, and you need to start having faith in it. I know for a fact if they didn't see something in that demo they wouldn't have contacted Johnny and told him to get head shots of you. So be excited and celebrate don't let your own insecurities with life ruin such a wonderful thing."

"It's not that easy Justin. I can't just turn them off, it's like second nature to me."

"I'm not asking you to turn them off." Justin said standing up and putting his hands on her shoulders. "I'm asking you to have confidence in the talent that god gave you. You're such an amazing girl and I wish you would wake up and see that. I don't know what people have done to you over the years to make you think you're not."

Turning her head away so he couldn't see the tears shining in her eyes she sniffled quietly and blinked her eyes rapidly to keep the tears at bay. "I don't know what to say."

"Well how about this." Justin offered turning her head so he could look into her eyes. "Promise me you'll work on believing in your self, because that's when people will be able to see the real you, and I know for a fact they'll love you even more for it."

"Okay. I will work on it."

"No, no. I want to hear that promise girl."

"I promise I'll work on believing in my self." Amber said raising an eyebrow in his direction. "Is that better?"

"Very much so." Justin said pulling her in for a hug. "I love you Amber, you're like the little sister I never asked for." He chuckled but on the inside he was thinking something totally different, he didn't see her as his sister anymore, he saw her as what she had become, one beautiful girl that he was falling in love with.

"I love you to J."

The next couple of hours Amber sat around the house patiently waiting for the call to come, she was still in shock over the news Justin had shared with her earlier. She still was having a hard time believing that her dreams were starting to come true. The things she had thought about over the years, the glamour, the fans, the music just the whole enchilada.

She'd been dreaming of the exact moment she hit the stage in front of twenty-thousand fans to show them what she was made of, and show all of the people in school she was more than they thought she was. She wasn't the short chubby girl she once was, she had finally lost all her baby fat and toned her muscles to wear she was fit, which the many hours she spent dancing helped.

Smiling to herself she got up off the couch and decided to do a little exploring. She had been there almost a week and hadn't had the chance to really look around. She had heard Justin talking about a dance studio he had just added to the house so she figured she would go check it out.

Taking a quick detour up to her room she grabbed her cd case and begun her search. She padded softly down the stairs and made a right to walk through the living room. When she made it to the kitchen she peeked in and smiled when the coast was clear. Walking quietly across the tile she opened the basement door and hopped down the stairs.

At the bottom of the stairs she scanned the wide room in search of her previous quest, when she spotted the room she wanted she made a beeline towards the doors and stepped in.. It was a huge room with speakers in all 4 corners and a impressive stereo sitting along the white walls. On one side of the room there was mirrors lining the wall.

Walking over to the stereo she opened the tray and began to put her favorites cd's in the slots. When she was down she closed the tray and pressed play. She cranked the volume then put her case on top of the stereo, then positioned herself in the middle of the room. Letting the beat of the song take over her body she began to move.

After stepping out of the shower, Justin grabbed a towel and wrapped it around his bottom half, looking up at the mirror he wiped the steam off the mirror so he could see himself clearly. Grabbing his toothbrush and the tooth paste he put a small amount on the brush then began to brush his teeth.

While brushing he thought Amber's reaction the news and couldn't keep a smile off his face it was great to see the smile that spread from ear to ear. He had to admit she was so beautiful when she smiled it just lit up her eyes, the eyes that he had always loved, the ones that changed from brown to a light green when she was happy and a dark brown when she was pissed.

Throughout the years he had seen plenty of the brown but not enough of the green and that thought alone saddened him, in her 18 years of life she had seen so much hurt that it made his own heart hurt for her. He could remember when her parents divorced he had got the call at 2 in the morning from her crying saying how it was all her fault.

Of course he had argued saying that it wasn't and hoping she would take it to heart. But he knew to this day she still blamed herself. He just prayed that she knew deep down it wasn't.

Sighing softly he put his toothbrush down then padded out of the bathroom towards his closet to find something to wear. After selecting an old t-shirt and pair of jeans he pulled them on and sat down on the edge of his bed to pull on a pair of socks and his shoes.

When he was done he heard the distinct ring of his cell phone and reached across the bed to grab it. Flipping it open he muttered a small hello into the device.

"Hey J, I got the information for the photo shoot."

"Cool, what time and where?"

"It will be at the Jive studio at 5 o'clock"

"Awesome does she need to bring anything along with her?"

"Just her smile."

"Okay thanks Johnny, for everything."

"No problem man. Tell her good luck for me."

"I will, good bye" Justin said flipping his phone shut after his manager said his good byes. Smiling himself he dropped his phone in his pocket and made his way out of his room and down the stairs.

When he entered the living room he looked around for any sign of her, shaking his head softly he padded towards the kitchen, when he notice his mom was the only occupant he sighed softly and sat down at the table.

"Who ya looking for sugar?" Lynn asked closing the door to the refrigerator and coming to sit down in front of him.

"Amber, I have some good news and she is no where to be found."

"Have you tried the basement?"

As if a light bulb clicked on in his brain he jumped up and gave his mom a light peck on the cheek. "No I haven't but I will now." Taking his moms advice he quickly crossed the distance between the table and the door flung it open, taking the steps by twos he flew down the stairs and stopped at the end when a blast of music met his ears.

Smiling to himself he walked slowly to the door of the dance studio and watched her silently. As she executed a turn he watched her feet, in his opinion she had really good form but that could of come from being in dance since the time she was three, she really had come along way from those years.

He watched for another couple of minutes waiting for the music to stop he opened the door when she struck her ending pose and called out her name softly.

Spinning around in shock she let a small smile play on her lips. "Sorry I just needed to dance off some steam."

"It's okay, I don't mind." Justin said taking in her appearance, she was wearing pinks short and a white wife beater. "Did you make that dance up?"

"Yeah, well I was just letting the music direct body basically." She shrugged.

"It was good, but I got something that's even better."

"What's that?" She asked walking towards him.

"The photo shoot is at 5'oclock"

"Awesome, then I guess I better go get a shower."

"That would probably be a good idea seeing as you stink." He said a with a sniff then wrinkled his nose.

"Oh thanks." She replied sticking her tongue out.

"Hey don't hate me for telling it like it is."

"Okay whatever you say J."

"Well since you pointed out in not so nice terms that I stink I will be taking that shower now."

"Okay." He replied watching her gather her things an make her up through the door and up the stairs. "Hurry though."

"Uh huh I will." She smiled

"Gotta love that girl." He mumbled with a shake of his head.

Chapter 8
New York, Hilton Hotel

A young girl sat on a plush couch in a posh hotel room with a book in her hand and her eyes scanning over the words on the page. She let her mind form the many images that the words conveyed like a movie playing on a screen. She was so engrossed in those images that she didn’t notice a man creep up on her and put his hands over hers asking guess who in a childlike like voice.

After marking her place and setting the book aside she pretended to think for a second then let a teasing smile play over her flawless features. “Oh I don’t know” she purred in her silky voice reaching up she grabbed the man’s wrists pulling them away from her eyes. “Could it be my annoying best friend?”

“Ouch that hurts Ambs.” The man said with a pout on his heart shaped lips.

“I’m sorry” she said with fake sympathy.

Still pouting he rounded the couch and sat down next to her. “Sure you are.” He replied picking up her hand examining the smooth contours of it, relishing in the softness of her skin. “So what were you reading?” he asked not taking his eyes away from her hand.

She watched as his eyes scanned over the shape of her hands and took pleasure in the feel of his smooth fingers running across the back of it. “I… uh...” she stuttered completely lost in the feelings he was creating with just a simple touch.

He knew exactly what he was doing to her and had to admit it was on purpose to see what kind of reaction he would get. He wasn’t surprised at all, and deep down had hoped he would get something to the effect. Watching her face he smiled inwardly, her eyes were closed and a look of complete and utter relaxation was etched into her features.

She had to admit she couldn’t believe the extent of the feelings he was causing with just a simple touch.  The electricity from it was enough to make her mind fuzzy and make the words catch in her throat. She opened her eyes only to be met with his blue ones and the emotions deep within his soul was enough to break her. Before she knew it, she was leaning forward, her eyes closing only to fly open when her lips met his. She was shocked to find his own eyes closed, and his lips moving against her own she let her eyes close and decided to embrace what she had always wondered. The delight she felt from just this simple thing was overwhelming her senses. And when his hand cupped the back of her neck and his fingers entwined in her hair she couldn’t help the sigh that escaped from her lips.

She had never felt anything like this before, the desire that was burning within her was so strong; she couldn’t help but give in to it. Wrapping her arms around his neck she pulled herself towards him, flushing her body against his.

Justin knew what he was doing was wrong, but couldn’t help wanting to throw all his morals out the window to just experience, what it would be like to feel what he had always wondered  it would feel like to be with her that way. Halfheartedly he pulled back and stared down at her face. “We shouldn’t do this.” He breathed

Amber nodded her head not trusting her voice to work at that exact moment. She couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed, she had finally thrown all her reservations out the window and let herself feel something she had always wanted to feel and he was telling her not to.

He watched the disappointed take over her face and rushed to explain what he meant. “It’s not that I don’t want to Amber, because I do.” he laughed nervously reaching up to rub the back of his neck. “It’s just you mean so much to me Ambs, I don’t want to ruin what we have together, and that’s all that would of happened if we were to continue.”

“Okay.” She whispered ducking her head causing her hair to create a veil over her face.

He hooked his index finger under her chin and gently guided her face so it was even with his. He watched as her eyes pooled with unshed tears. “Please don’t cry Amber.”

“Why shouldn’t I?”She asked incredulously “I feel like a fool I finally let myself feel something for once and I’m getting told it’s wrong.”

“It’s not wrong Amber. Don’t you get it; I respect you to damn much to let myself take advantage of you.”

“I wanted it just as much as you did. So how the hell would it be you taking advantage of me huh?”

“I’m sorry Amber, you can be mad at me or whatever all you want. But I can’t do that to you.” He confessed bowing his head and getting up from the couch. “I’ve got some things I need to do before we go to jive, so I’ll talk to you later.”

She watched as he shuffled his way out the door, growled softly as the door closed she stood up and stomped towards the bedroom of her suite she threw open the closet in search of an outfit to wear at the audition, searching through the many pairs of pants she had brought, in hopes of figuring out what she wanted when she had arrived.

“Fuck it; I’ll just grab the first pair that strikes my fancy.” She said pulling down a pair of dark jeans. Then grabbed a shirt off the hanger and decided it was good enough, then continued her stomping on to the bathroom.  

Almost an hour later she stared into the mirror, her long brown hair cascaded in curls down her back, and a touch of very light make-up graced her face; to go with that, she had added silver hoop earrings to her ears. Her outfit was what really caught her attention, a white top with black bold letters that read “Be Who You Are” along with black jeans and her favorite pair of van sneakers.

She grabbed a small gold chain from the corner of the sink and fastened it around her neck, letting the small gold shaped heart rest against her chest. “There now I’m ready” she smiled turning on her heel she switched off the light and padded across the carpet to the door, grabbing her small hand bag and exiting the room.

Hour later
Jive HQ

As they all waited in the plush lobby of jive, waiting for one of the execs to come down Amber sat in one of the many chairs placed against the wall scribbling on a small notebook she carried in her purse. Stopping for a second she read over the words she had previously written then poked her tongue out of the corner of her mouth and began writing again. “I like it” she said a little louder than she expected.

“Like what?” Justin asked his interest piqued

“Uh, nothing” She stumbled quickly closing the notebook before he could see.

“No come on tell me please?” he pleaded poking out his lip in his famous puppy dog face then coyly reached for the notebook.

“No, I don’t think I will.” Amber replied holding the notebook out of his reach and sticking her tongue out at him. “You know after all the years we’ve known each other; I thought you would learn that the face does you no good against me. I’m immune to it.”

“Aw come on Amber, you wouldn’t of said anything if you really didn’t want me to know what you were writing.” He said giving her his best Cheshire cat grin. Spotting a moment of weakness he plucked the notebook out of her fingers and quickly walked to the other side of the room before she could take it back. Flipping it open to a random page he read over the little inscription raising his eyebrow he looked up from the paper. “What are these?”

“There little pieces of songs.” Amber explained feeling the blush creep up her cheeks.

“There really good, I especially like this one.” He said turning the notebook towards and pointing to the words she had just barely written down.

“Thanks, but like I said there just little pieces I doubt they will ever be used.”

“Why? Most of the songs hold a lot of meaning, and this one, I can just see there is an underlying emotion to it, that you’re audience will love.”

“I’m not even signed yet so I don’t know how you can say my audience.” She shrugged walking up to him and pulling the notebook out of his fingertips. “What kind of message does it give you anyway?”

Before he could answer a tall dark man walk up and enveloped him into a man hug. “Justin my man, how are you?”

“Doing good Stephens, how about yourself?”

“Not too bad.” He replied stepping back then turning his attention towards Justin long time manager and friend Johnny Wright. “Johnny how are you, been awhile hasn’t it?”

“Good.” He replied

“Mr. Stephens I would like you to meet Amber Andersen.” Justin said motioning towards the small brunette next to him.

“It’s so nice to finally meet you.” Stephens replied extending his hand towards her.

“It’s nice to meet you to.” Amber replied taking his out stretched hand and shaking it softly.

“Shall we head up?

After getting nods from the group he lead the way to the elevators once everyone was on, he turned towards Amber giving her a soft smile. “Now, just to give you a little insight to what is going to happen.” He began as the elevator began to climb. “You will be in a conference room with all the major executives of Jive, they will ask you a couple of questions then they will have you perform your song.

After that they will discuss with some things over with your manager, and then make their decision. Do you have any questions?” he asked as the elevator stopped and the doors slid open.

“No I don’t.” She said freezing in front of the set of black double doors in front of her, she could feel her palms begin to sweat, and the rhythm of her heart pick up speed. What lie behind those doors decided her future, and she didn’t know if she could go through them and face it.

“Amber, are you okay?” Justin asked waving a hand in front of her vacant eyes.

Shaking her head she looked at Justin. “I don’t know if I can do this.” She mumbled

Grabbing her hand Justin pulled her away down the hall. “What happened to that promise you made me?” Justin asked resting the palms of his hands on her shoulders,
when she only looked at him like he had three heads he sighed heavily. “You know the one where you were going to work on believing in yourself?”

When recognition dawned on her features he smiled triumphantly. “Yes that promise.”

“I don’t know.” She shrugged

“What is it going to take for you to finally figure out how fucking amazing you are?” Justin said the frustration evident in his posture.

“I really don’t know.” Amber said her voice just barely above a whisper, she felt like a child who had just been reprimanded by her father.

“Let me tell you something.” Justin said taking a couple deep breaths, all he wanted to do was bash her upside the head to try and knock some sense in to her but knew he
couldn’t do so with so many witnesses so he chose the less violent route. “If those people in that room didn’t like you’re demo you wouldn’t be here! Some other girl who wants the same damn thing you do would be standing right here waiting to go in and then she would get the contract. Do you know why?”

“She believes in herself.” She said softly

“What was that I didn’t hear it?” He asked cupping his right ear.

“She believes in herself.” She said again only this time a little louder.

“I still didn’t hear you.”

“She believes in herself.” She yelled

“Now why don’t you?” Justin asked raising a single eyebrow in her direction.

Nodding softly Amber stared down at her feet letting his words sink in. Suddenly as if someone had struck her lightning she wondered the same question, she couldn’t think of a single reason why she shouldn’t believe in herself, and yes some people throughout her years had pushed her down and told her she wasn’t good enough but why should she let those stupid people ruin her dreams.

All she wanted was a chance, one chance to prove that she was worthy. One single opportunity to prove that she was good enough, and now she was getting that chance and all she was doing was sulking because of those people. “I believe in myself.” She said firmly

Staring into her eyes he saw something that he hadn’t seen in a long time and it made him happy, there was actually a fire burning in those brownish green orbs. “That’s what I like to hear” Justin said happily. “Now I want you to use all of the hurt, and all of the anger you have in that little body of yours and knock them dead.”

“I will.” She replied, pecking his cheek then turning on her heel and walking towards the doors. “I’m ready now Mr. Stephens.”

“Alright let’s get this started.” He replied pushing open the doors.

As she stepped through the doors she notice a long U shaped table with men in fancy suits sitting around it, and to her surprise she didn’t feel nervous she felt revved up and ready to go. The names they stated were all a blur to her, the only real thing she could think about was showing these people what she was made of. She sat in the chair that was offered and gave them all a confident smile.

“Miss Andersen we’ve listened to your demo and have to say we loved it, but the music today is about the package you present, it’s not just about the voice that is sad to say but it’s true. Now we’re going to start this off by asking you a few questions, kind of like a get to know you. How old are you?”

“I’m eighteen.” She watched as they all began writing on the yellow notepads in front of them.

“How do you feel about your life being an open book to the public? As Justin has probably explained you will have to privacy in this business, every little thing you do will be publicized”

“I’ll admit I don’t really like the idea, but if it’s what I have to do in order for my dreams to become a reality I’m sure I can deal with it.” She said praying silently that it was a good enough answer.

The execs nodded softly.

“Mr. Wright has told us a little about you, now we want to know how much experience you have.”

“Well I’ve been singing since I could talk really, I’ve performed a lot in my hometown at fairs and weddings, I also entered every little talent show there was in school or showcases around the state.” She paused to collect her thoughts and try to calm her racing heart.

“I don’t know really how you want me to answer the question without coming off conceded so I’ll just say anything to do with performing I was in it, because I love to perform, being up on that stage is the best thing to me in the whole world, it gives me so much freedom and it makes me feel like I can do anything I put my mind to.” She watched silently as everyone in the room just stared at her with blank expressions on her face and silently prayed she hadn’t blown it.  Taking a deep breath she looked towards Justin who was smiling from ear to ear.

Once they all composed themselves and stopped writing on their pads the man in the middle of the table smiled softly at her. “I don’t think we’ve ever had a person answer a question so boldly like that before, I’m going to be honest with you Miss Andersen. I like you a lot. How about you sing for us now?”

“Okay” She said softly pushing up from her chair, and middle aged guy walked over to a small stereo system in the corner and fiddled with some buttons while another moved the chair she was previously sitting on to create the space she was supposed to perform in. “I hope you don’t mind I brought another song along with me, because I found the one I recorded wasn’t really a dance song. The song I’m going to do for you it’s called Fighter.”

“That’s fine. It’s you’re audition.”

 “Thank you.” Amber replied smiling softly then stood in the middle of the floor and waited for the music to begin. Striking the opening pose she counted to 8 when the beat started. “After all you put me through you’d think I’d despise you. But in the end I want to thank you because you made me that much stronger.” She began to sing then broke out in the steps, poring all her frustration, and hurt she had felt the past couple years into this single performance. She was in her element doing what she did best, showing people that she mattered, that she was just as good if not better than the rest.

'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

As the song came to a close she struck her final pose breathing heavily. She looked around discreetly at all the people in the room and mentally gave herself a high five, every one of them were either sitting or standing with their jaws on the floor and their eyes wide. It was so quiet in the room you could hear a pin drop. “Thank you.” She spoke softly taking a deep breath.

When she heard clapping behind her she whipped around and saw Justin standing clapping wildly which caused the rest of the room to join in. She felt the blush creep her cheeks, ducking her head she smiled softly.

“Thanks Miss Andersen if you don’t mind we’d like a word with your Manager.”

“Okay.” She said quietly walking softly to the doors.

“And miss Andersen?”

“Yes sir?”

“That was amazing. You go girl.” He said pumping his fist in the air, giggling softly she walked through the doors with Justin hot on her heels.
Once outside the doors Justin spun her around and picked her up into his arms in a hug. “Oh my god Ambs that was awesome, I’m so fucking proud of you.” He yelled swinging her around.

Laughing softly she hugged she held on to his shoulders. “I can’t believe I actually did it. I wasn’t even nervous Justin. I used all the stuff you told me, and it was just like BAM I was a totally different person.”

“No what you did was you actually let all those stupid little insecurities fly out that damn window and you were yourself.  You showed those people in there the real Amber; the Amber I’ve always known was in you.” He said setting her down on her feet and staring softly into her eyes, his heart swelling with pride.

She stared back all while noticing how close he was actually to her, she could smell the sweet scent of his breath fanning across her face and couldn’t believe the pull there was between all she wanted was to kiss him. Leaning the couple inches between them she let her lips connect with his and sighed happily this was heaven to her, it didn’t matter if she got signed there were so many more opportunities out that all that mattered was this man in front of her, and all she wanted was to be with him.

Deciding to throw all her insecurities that were holding her back from him she pulled away and waited for his eyes to open.

“Wha...” he started to say before she put her fingers to his lips.

“Don’t say anything please.” She pleaded stepping back and giving him a soft smile. “Justin I have something to tell you, it’s something I’ve wanted to say since you surprised me at the fair in Utah.”

“Okay.” He said mildly confused.

“I love you.”

Song Credits
Fighter By Christina Aguilera

Chapter 9

He couldn't believe the words she had just uttered; it felt like he had waited a life time for her to say those three little words. And now that she did, all he could do was stare at her like she was some kind of monster here to kill him. He shook his head and cleared his throat, willing the words to come out before she thought he didn't feel the same.

"Justin?"  He could hear her voice but just couldn't quite focus enough to answer her so he continued to stare at her. "If you don't feel the same its fine, I just wanted you to know how I felt. I'm tired of holding it in," she said putting one hand to his face, and relishing in the feeling of his soft cheek, she stared into his blue eyes and smiled at him.

"I love you Justin Timberlake, and I hope someday you'll feel the same."  She pecked his lips softly then walked down the hall towards the bathroom. All the while praying the tears that were pricking at the back of her eyes wouldn't fall until she was behind closed doors.

As if someone had slapped him, Justin came out of his reverie. "Amber!" he said loud enough for her to hear. "Please don't walk away."

"I have to. I know I said I could handle it but I can't," she whispered stopping just outside the door of the bathroom. "From your reaction I can tell you don't feel the same, so if you please just give me some time to get over this please."

"But that's the thing. I do feel the same." He said crossing the distance between them and putting a hand on her shoulder.

"You do?" she questioned hopefully turning around so she could look up into his eyes.

"Yes I do." He smiled, raising the hand that rested on her shoulder to her cheek where he wiped the lone tear that escaped her eye. "I've loved you since I saw you up on that stage in Utah. It hit me so damn hard I couldn't breathe, and ever since then it's only gotten stronger."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't know how to, to be honest. I mean I've always looked at you like my little sister and then bam I'm seeing all of you and it's causing reactions within me that shouldn't be there,  and I didn't know how you felt.  And if you want me to be completely honest, I didn't think I could handle the rejection," he explained staring into her watery brown eyes, leaning down he laid his lips on hers as if to seal his confession with a kiss. He pulled his lips back a centimeter and whispered.  "I love you Amber Ann Andersen."

"I love you too." she smiled; getting up on her tiptoes so she could wrap her arms around his neck. She kissed him once softly then again. "God I love your lips." She confessed crushing her lips to his.

One Month Later

"Okay, just once more please Amber?" JC pleaded, he knew she was getting frustrated and he couldn't say he blamed her. She was singing the same verse over and over, which he knew how that felt from his own recording days; it was irritating when you couldn't give the producer what he wanted. Nonetheless he was doing the same to her. "Okay, sit back close your eyes, take a deep breath and count to ten."

Her eyes fluttered closed, her chest rose with the breath in she took, then fell as she blew it out. After counting to ten she opened her eyes and looked towards the other room catching his gaze. "Ready?" he asked

She nodded her head and watched as he counted down from 5 on his fingers, and once he reached 1 he pointed towards her and flicked a switch. Leaning forward she put her lips an inch from the microphone, opened her mouth and willed herself to sing the way he wanted.

When she croaked the lyrics instead of singing, his eyes narrowed into slits. With one flick of his finger he cut the music, and then walked briskly towards the recording room. Opening the door, he took note of Amber sitting on the stool her eyes looking at her lap where her hands were wringing themselves together. "I'm so...."

"Please for the love of god, do not apologize; I don't know if I can take anymore today Amber. Now I can tell your mind isn't on your music at the moment." He held up a hand when she tried to explain. "Don't explain; don't do anything, just go. Go get something to eat or whatever. You have an hour and if you don't come back ready to work, so help me God, I'll murder you. I don't care how much J will hate me."

She pulled the headphones off her ears and hung them on the stand holding the music. She hopped down from the stool and walked slowly towards the door, before exiting she reached up on her tippy toes and kissed his cheek. "See you in an hour," She said jogging out the door.

She jogged down the hall of the studio in search of the one thing that had been occupying her mind all day. It had been a month since the fateful day when she told him she loved him, and the topping on that wonderful cake her dream finally came true, she was a recording artist for Jive records.  She could still remember how she felt when Johnny had come through the doors telling they would call and let her know, she had felt so down but Justin was sure to reassure her that it was normal. All the while she knew he was just as nervous as she. And when Johnny had got the call...

*One Month Before*

She and Justin sat on the tan suede couch of the suite waiting for the call that would in sense decide Amber's future. The phone had rang a good couple of times and every time it did they would all hold their breath hoping it was the execs on the line to tell them the good news. The TV they had intended to watch till they called long forgotten, while Johnny had escaped to the small kitchenette with the excuse of making some calls for Nsync.

"God what is taking them so long?" Amber groaned slumping down on the couch and rubbing her eyes tiredly. "I mean it shouldn't take this long right?"

"Who knows?" Justin shrugged his shoulders. "I mean you have to think it would be a big decision, they have to decide if they want to spend thousands of dollars on you, it's not just something they can go hey she's really damn good let's sign her."

"Well I know that." She replied sighing softly she couldn't help but feel a little discouraged.

"Don't be sad, from their reactions in that room I know they liked you and from what I gathered from Johnny they think you are really talented, they would completely stupid not to sign you."

"Okay J." Amber smiled laying her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. It had been one of the longest days of her life, but it was one of the best. At the shrill ring of the hotel room phone her eyes popped open, and her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest as she watched Johnny jog out of the kitchen to answer it. As soon as he answered, she knew exactly who he was talking to; his voice instantly went business like. She watched silently as he paced back and forth wanting so bad to hear what the person on the other end was saying.

She wondered what was being said, because his face would go from a smile to serious every so often, and then a huge grin broke out across his face and she knew. She didn't have to have him tell her, she could tell and her best day turned into one of the greatest days of her life. "I got it."

"Your damn right you got it. You blew them out of the water Amber. They want you signed and working on your first single ASAP!" Johnny exclaimed walking over to her and pulling her up into a hug. "I have never heard the CEO of jive as excited as he was."

"So when does the sign the contract?" Justin asked

"Tomorrow before we leave for Orlando. So kids I'm going to go make the arrangements for the flight then hit the sack and I suggest you both do the same." He said pulling his phone out of his pocket and walked to the door that led to the bedroom of the suite. "Good night kids."

"Holy shit I got it Justin. I actually got it." Amber exclaimed she couldn't remember the last time she felt so happy in her life.

"I'm so proud of you." Justin said pulling her to his chest; he hugged her tightly to him. "See I told you they loved you."

"I know I should have listened to you." She replied looking up at him.

*End Flashback*

Since the day she signed her name on that dotted line, she'd been working non-stop. The song they wanted to release as her single was recorded and scheduled to air in the next few days.

Shaking away the thoughts she stopped outside studio 5, she peeked through the window at the only occupant, he was bent over a sound board, twisting knobs and flicking switches every few seconds, then he would sit back close his eyes and listen intently to whatever was playing. She watched him nod his head flick a switch, and push away from the board. Which she figured was a good time as any to make her presence known.

Pushing open the door she padded softly towards him and snaked her arms around his neck then rested her cheek against his. "Shouldn't you be in the studio working on your album?"

"Yeah I should," she replied pecking his cheek she rounded the chair so she could sit down in the chair next to his.

"Well?"

"I don't know what it is, I just can't concentrate. We've been going over and over on this same part, he wants it a specific way and I just can't get it right." she groaned flopping back in the chair and throwing her hands over her eyes where she rubbed then fiercely.

"What song is it?" he asked softly. "Maybe I could help," he added as an afterthought

"It's a song I wrote before." She sat up and motioned between the two of them. "It's about two people, who know they love each other, but aren't willing to tell the other. So the girl just decides to keep it a secret, because she would rather have him as her friend than nothing at all."

"Okay."

"Why can't it just come naturally like with the other songs came out so smooth and beautiful? But this one little verse just has to be a pain in my ass." She stood up and threw her arms up in the air with a growl then proceeded to slump against the nearest wall hugging her midsection with her arms.

"I don't know babe," he said standing up and walking softly towards her. Reaching out he unhooked one of her arms from around her waist and brought her hand to his lips where he kissed it softly, and his other hand went to her cheek where his thumb rubbed it affectionately. "Your stressing over it too much, maybe you need something to take your mind off of it."

"How am I going to do that?" Amber replied hypnotized by the blue sparkle of his eyes.

"Like this," he whispered wrapping the arm he held around his neck, pulling her close so he could crush his lips to hers.

The arm that was still wrapped around her waist snaked its way up his chest to dig her fingers into the short curls at the base of his skull. Through the last month she had learned that kissing Justin was like heaven on earth, his lips were so soft and he knew just how to kiss her so she just melted into his arms like silly putty. And this kiss was no different, with the passion he was pouring into this kiss she could be a big ole pile of goo on the floor at his feet, his lips were causing so many different feelings at once that she didn't know how she was still standing.

When her back met a wall her eyes instantly popped open only to be met with his closed lids, and when he began kissing down her jaw towards her ear she thanked god that he had her pinned between the wall and his chest. "Oh God Jus," She moaned as he caught her earlobe with his teeth and began nibbling on it.

When she hooked her calf around his thigh he took it as a sign, his hands cupped her ass and lifted her so she could wrap them around his waist. He trailed soft kisses from her ear down her neck towards the V of her shirt where he could see just a hint of cleavage. Shifting his weight so he adjusted the hold he had on her better so he could support her with one hand, he smoothed his right hand up her side pulling the fabric of her shirt aside, and dipped his head down and let his tongue taste her sweet skin.

Before his tongue could continue its assault a soft knock echoed through the room and the sound of someone clearing there throat could be heard.

"Well I... Uh came down here to apologize to Amber, but I see you two are uhm busy." JC said motioning to the two of them. "But I'll uh catch you later."

"Oh my god, tell me that did not just happen." Amber moaned burying her face in the fabric of Justin's shirt.

"I wish I could, baby girl." Justin replied releasing his hold on her ass, letting her slide down the front of him.

Groaning softly Amber pushed away from him, adjusting her wrinkled shirt. Once her clothes were adjusted and her hair was fixed she looked up at Justin and gave him a tight lipped smile. "I guess it's kind of a blessing in disguise."

"Why's that?"

"Uhm look where we're at, Justin." Amber motioned with her hand around the room. "I really don't think we intended our first time to be in a studio of all places."

"I guess." He shrugged

"Whatever. I'm going to go grab something to eat. Want to join me?" she asked holding out her hand to him.

"Sure just let me uh-" he replied looking down at the bulge of his pants.

Giggling softly, Amber waited patiently for him to readjust himself. Once he was done; he took her outstretched hand and brought it to his lips where he laid a soft kiss to it. "Let's go." He winked.

Later That Day

As far as lunches went she had to say that was probably one of the best, she got to share it with some of the funniest guys around, and not only that she got to share it with someone that she loved with all of her heart. Her life at the moment was so full at the moment that she couldn't remember a time when she felt so complete; she knew not many people could say that.

So after her recording the rest of the song with JC, she was on her way out to the car she borrowed from Justin when she noticed a piece paper clipped to the windshield. Her heart sank when she recognized the familiar writing scrawled on the sheet. Instantly all the memories she had been trying to push back to the farthest corners of her mind came rushing back, hitting her all at once, causing her breathing to become erratic. Reaching out with a shaking hand she grabbed the piece of paper and unfolded it; only to drop it as if it had burnt her when she read the single line.

"You will always be mine"

She stood there for what felt ever, just staring down at the paper on the ground not believing it was happening again. Ever since that night; it was the same thing he would leave a note reminding her of what happened. As if she needed it - the mental scars were enough of a reminder. But this time it was different. He knew she was with someone else, and that would be his breaking point.

Letting out a shaky breath she bent down picking up the paper and quickly stuffed it in her pocket, she pulled out her keys hitting unlock an immediately climbed into the car. Once she was in and all the doors were lock she laid her forehead against the steering wheel and let the tears flow down her cheeks.

Sighing in frustration he slammed his phone down, if he got that damn recording saying the caller wasn't available one more time he was going to throw his phone. He'd been trying to call Amber for the past two hours and, still had not been able to get a hold of her. This wasn't like her; she always answered his call no matter what, even if she was mad at him, even if it was just to hang up on him.

So here he sat waiting impatiently for her to decide to show up, and hopefully when she did, he hoped she was okay.  He dialed her number once more and put it to his ear in hopes that maybe she would answer. As the third ring sounded in his ear, the front door to his house creaked open and he could hear her tennis shoes squeak on hardwood floor.  Hanging up the phone he walked swiftly into the living room where she was sitting on the couch bent at the waist with her hands covering her eyes.

"Amber?" he voiced coming to stand in front of her. He bent down on his knees where he brushed her hair away from her face, tucking it behind her ears. Then he wrapped his long fingers around her wrist and pulled it away from her face. The first thing he noticed was the dried tear streaks on her cheeks, and the sadness that haunted her eyes. "What's wrong baby?" he asked softly,

"Nothing" she sniffled pulling her wrist from his grasp wiping at her cheeks. This was what she wanted to avoid. The questioning gaze, the worry, and just plain having to explain what was wrong, after the day she had, all she wanted to do was curl up in her bed, bury her head under covers and just hide there for eternity.

"Bull." Justin snorted in disbelief cupping her cheek he stared into her sad brown eyes "Baby I know that something is wrong, you don't cry for nothing." He reasoned brushing his thumb over her cheek.

"This is about the guy in the coffee shop isn't it?" he asked softly when she only stared at him.

She just stared at him, the thought of it alone bringing on a million different memories, and finally the memory that she had locked up so tight to never be visited again surfaced and she could feel her blood run cold, and breathing become erratic from the nightmare she once lived through.

Flashback
July 2003

A young girl walked solemnly up a flight of concrete stairs, dreading even taking the next step that would only bring her closer to her destination and a situation that she knew in the back of her mind that wouldn't end well at all. As the door came nearer her heart began to beat faster and faster feeling as if it would beat out of her chest. Her palms broke out in a sweat she rubbed them against her jeans hoping to dry most of the sweat. She took a deep breath then raised her fist to knock softly on his door.

Raising a closed fist she knocked softly then she began ringing her hands in front of her stomach, she could hear the audible click of locks and the  creak of the door could be heard as it swung open she was soon met with the face of her boyfriend of 3 years, his lips spread in a wide grin as soon as he saw who was at his door, she could tell he was genuinely happy to see her, which only made the news she had to tell him that much harder.

He instantly pulled her to him where he wrapped his strong arms around her back squeezing her affectionately. "Hey Baby." He cooed kissing the top of her head. It'd been two months since he had seen her; the military had shipped him off to Kentucky for boot camp and all he had been able to think about for those three months was getting home so he could wrap her up in his arms. He tilted her head up and laid his lips across hers, and when she barely returned the kiss he knew something wasn't right. "What's wrong baby?"

Sighing softly Amber pulled away from him and hugged her stomach. "We need to talk." she mumbled, nervously staring down at her feet. The urge to look up into his brown eyes was so strong but she knew if she caught one glimpse she would lose all the courage she had built up in the car.

"Okay." he drawled raising a single brow in her direction. "Let's sit down." He motioned towards the single sofa sitting in his living room. He didn't like the feeling of dread that was settling in the pit of his stomach, and it didn't help that she wouldn't even look up at him.

She nibbled on her bottom lip as she followed him into the living room.

Nervously he sat down on the couch pulling her down next to him, only to have her stand right back up. The previously lifted brow soared higher at her coldness.

"You can, I'd rather stand." She said; taking a deep breath in hopes of calming her racing heart she then rested her hands on her slight bump and raised her brown eyes till they connected with his. "Remember that party?" when he nodded softly she continued "well you know how we got so messed up and ended up in bed. Which was nice don't get me wrong. Well uh were kind of uh." She stuttered. He watched as her hands nervously fidgeted in front of her belly, and it began to click inside his head.

"Are you pregnant Amber?" John asked, her head flew up and her eyes grew as big as saucers, from her reaction he really didn't need her to speak and confirm what he already knew but for her sake she needed to say it, and when she only stood there staring at him like he had three heads. He had to remind himself that she was just nervous. "Are you?"

"Yes." She answered softly bowing her head her hair falling to cover her face. "I'm sorry John, I found out a couple weeks after you left."

He didn't quite know why the idea just didn't sit well with him. "Are you positive?"

"Yes." She nodded then began frantically digging into her purse coming up with a plastic baggy and a sheet of paper handing it over to him. "Here's the pregnancy test I took. I just came from Planned Parenthood to have it confirmed."

"Oh." He mumbled silently studying the piece of paper confirming the she was indeed pregnant. Well from the look of her you'd know. "Are you sure it's mine?" he questioned softly looking over the top of the paper with a raised brow.

"Of course it's yours John, check the timing if you want. I haven't had sex since that night of the party with you." She scoffed; offended he would even ask such a thing. Cheating wasn't even in her vocabulary let alone something she would do.

He began shaking his head vigorously. "No I don't believe it's mine. Sorry" he gritted out flinging the papers at her.

"What do you mean?" she asked bending down to scoop up the papers.

"What do you mean? Are you honestly asking me that after what you did?" He hollered standing up from the couch; he grabbed her forearm digging his short nails into her sensitive flesh.

"Ow John, you're hurting me. What did I do?" she asked with a shaky voice, pulling at his fingers with her other hand trying to desperately to get him to release her arm.

"Oh don't play so innocent Amber. I'm not as stupid as you think I am."He scoffed harshly throwing her arm back at her then wiping his hands across his jeans as if to rid himself of the filth he saw in her. "You disgust me, running around with that prick while I'm away. Then getting knocked up with his kid and trying to push it on me."

"What are you talking about?" she asked rubbing the sore spot on her arm where dark red marks were beginning to appear in the shape of his fingers. She started to back up when he advanced towards her. All while wondering what the hell his problem was.

And suddenly it clicked, as she parted her lips to explain, she felt the stinging sensation of a slap radiate across her cheek. Her hand automatically flew to her cheek; she stared up at him with her mouth gaping open. "It's not what you think." she whispered cringing softly when he took a step towards her and raised his hand

"BULLSHIT" he yelled sending another slap across her face. "DON'T fucking lie to me Amber."

"I'm not lying." She cried covering her face with her hands while the tears fell down in waves. Soon she felt him lift her up off the ground only to meet the wall a second later. She curled herself in a ball to protect her stomach; all she could think about was protecting the growing baby inside of her. "Please stop." She cried weakly.

He couldn't stop himself he was too far gone to even think about listening to reasoning. All he could do was feel his hand or foot deliver blow after blow to her tiny body, and when she uncurled herself and just stared up at him, with those innocent eyes he lost all sense of reality and delivered the final blow to the cause of his anger.

Justin watched as she got lost in the memory that she was currently reliving, and couldn't' help but wonder what she was seeing, He grabbed her hand lacing his fingers in hers, he reached up with his free hand and  wiped the silent tears from her cheek. "Amber will you please tell me what is going on?"

She sat there silently staring at him, working out the pros and cons of telling him. It would feel so good to release this evil demon in side of her, but on the other hand she didn't quite know how he would react and that scared her. It scared her so much that she was willing to brush it off and promise to tell him later.

And even if she decided not to do it would just come out sooner rather than later with the way things were going. The more sensible side of her argued.

If she wanted to be completely honest with herself she knew how and what he would do. It was her own stupid insecurities that were holding her back. She wanted to just mentally slap herself and blurt the whole thing out to just get it over with. So going against her own insecurities she cleared her throat and began to speak.

"I was 16 when I met my first love, his name was john. He was I believe 18 at the time, and we dated around for about a year, and then he informed me that he wanted to go into the military. And I supported him, so the night before he left we said our good byes. And I lost my virginity that night; well little did I know in the heat of the moment we forgot the most important thing, a condom. ." she paused diverting her eyes down to where her fingers were plucking a loose string on the hem of her shirt.

"Well a couple weeks later I found out I was pregnant. So when he came home I did the right thing and went to tell him. Well I guess before I could get to him one of his friends had told him that I was hanging around with this other guy. And when I told him I was pregnant he accused me of cheating on him with that said guy."

She stopped completely and looked away to wipe away a few stray tears that escaped her eyes.

Clearing her dry throat she continued. "He beat me up, and wouldn't let me explain that nothing happened with that guy. He beat me so bad that I lost the baby." As the last syllable passed her lips, she let the sobs she had held back for so long take over.

He sat next to her. The girl he watched grow up. She seemed so broken. On the outside she portrayed herself as a strong girl, but underneath all that she was shattered. Just sitting there hunched over while the sobs tortured her body she looked so small, her tender 18 years ringing true. All he could do was sit there completely stunned, not knowing how to process what she'd just told him, he could feel the anger bubble inside him but not at her; at the jerk who decided it was okay to beat her and rip her child away.

He reached out as her sobs increased but just before his fingertips could touch her, he faltered. What could he possibly say to make her feel better? He didn't want to use some lame line that would sound patronizing but he wanted to no needed to...comfort her somehow.

With a tentative hand he reached out and lightly put his hand on her shoulder.

"I don't know what to say, to make you feel better baby. I want to say something comforting but I don't want it to be something you've heard a million times." He paused finally pulling her into his arms, sighing internally at the feeling of her tiny body meshed with his. He placed a soft kiss to the top of her head while running his hand up and down her back while she cried.

"It's okay Justin you don't have to say anything." Amber sniffled burrowing her head further into his chest till her face was completely hidden in the fabric of his shirt. "What you're doing now is just what I need." She said his shirt muffling her voice.

"Okay."

They sat there for what felt like hours both taking comfort in each other.

When her crying subsided she pulled back and wiped at her eyes. "Thank you, I probably needed that."

"No problem."  He mused looking down at the wet spot on his chest. "Feel better?"

"Yeah I actually do. I've held onto that for so long, that it had been eating at me for so long, and it feels really good to finally release it. I feel like a million pounds of weight have been lifted off my chest." Amber smiled softly up at him, gazing into the depths of his dark blue eyes, she could feel herself being pulled towards him, and it was like a magnet to metal the force so strong. She only stopped a breath away from his lips, watching as his eyes glanced quickly towards her lips then back up.

"I'm glad." Justin breathed softly god all he wanted to do was close the space between them and kiss her, he wanted to kiss all her pain away, and show her how someone should really be loved. So when she licked her lips and closed the space between them laying her perfect heart-shaped lips across his, he felt like his whole world exploded into a big ball of light. Bringing his hand up he cupped the back of her neck pulling her so she was straddling his lap, his other arm wrapping tightly around her waist pressing their bodies against each other.

When her lips parted on his he took as a sign to deepen the kiss and tentatively touched the tip of his tongue to hers, and they both moaned loudly, shocks of electricity shooting through their body all the way down to the center. And when he felt her hands slide underneath his t-shirt and touch the smooth skin of his back he all but lost his control.

Before they knew it, she was on her back and he was positioned between her legs, going to places they just weren't ready for yet. He pulled back amongst her cries of protest and sat back on his ankles. "I think we should stop. Or we are going to go to a place that neither of us are ready for at this moment."

"Oh." She said one side of her brain was screaming at her to just throw all caution to the wind and give in to her deepest desire and the more logical side was agreeing with him, knowing that they weren't ready for this level of intimacy; they had barely been dating a month.

"I mean, I want this so bad. But I don't want it to be when you're so vulnerable and looking for a way to make yourself feel better."

"I understand Justin."  Amber replied pulling herself into a sitting position then began picking at the hem of her shirt. "It would just be another mistake to add to my long list of them." She mumbled

"And that's what I don't want baby." Justin said softly hooking his finger under her chin to bring her eyes level with his. "When we do make love, I want it to be with both of us having a clear head, and it will mean something else entirely."

"I agree." Amber replied smiling softly for him.

"I love you too much to mess this up Amber."

"I love you to." Amber replied leaning forward to place a soft peck to his lips.  Pushing herself back she tucked a few stray strands of hair behind her ear then stood up. "I'm going to go take a shower, and then maybe we could watch a movie?"

"That sounds wonderful."

"Okay."

After giving him one last kiss he watched as she walked out of the room, and wondered if she had really told him everything or if there really was more to this story with John. He knew she wouldn't lie to him, but the whole scene when she came home still played in his head. She didn't exactly elaborate on why she was so late coming home and why she had been crying.

He made a mental note to ask her later. But for now he would leave it be, from the crying jag earlier he knew she had had enough for the night and decided to just sit down and watch a movie with his girl.