August 6, 2001 

“Morning, did I wake you?” his smooth voice greeted her delicate ears and a smile graced her lips. Tucking some loose strands of hair behind her ear, she shook her head. 

“No, I just got back from the gym,” she replied, realizing he couldn’t see her silent reply. 

“Anita, it is like 7 in the morning there. At the gym so early, what for?” JC questioned, readjusting his position in the back of the limo that carried all the guys toward their destination. 

“Johnny called me a few days ago to tell me that I have a shoot for Shape in like two weeks. And all I’ve been doing since I finished the tour has been eating, sleeping, and eating,” she answered, making her way towards her refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. Twisting off the cap, she drank the entire bottle in one gulp. 

“Shape, huh? I like your future,” JC joked, earning weird looks from the guys. 

“I bet you do, perv. But, yes, Shape. I’m excited, but nervous. So, I’m hitting the gym overtime. How was the show last night?” Ana questioned, the house phone cradled between her shoulder and ear. Moving around the kitchen, she prepared both Baron and Tajo’s bowls and laid it out for them in the backyard. 

“It was good, especially since it’s closer to the end, closer to home, and closer to you,” his voice softened with the last words. The other guys were in their separate worlds, but he also didn’t feel like dealing with their jokes. 

“Brownie points, babe, definite brownie points,” Ana smiled softly. 

“You know it,” he replied cheekily, “what’s your day looking like?” 

“Pretty chill, I’ll probably head over to WEG a little later, and I was going to call Heather and Tyler about meeting for dinner,” Ana replied, her voice distracted as she walked around the kitchen collecting ingredients for her breakfast. “I’m so hungry, it’s ridiculous.” 

JC smiled at her slight chuckle, imagining her shaking her head full of bouncy brunette curls. 

“That’s definite news to me,” he retorted, smiling when he heard her snort. It was always a joke between them the amount of food they each ate. There was a constant feeling of hunger between them. 

“Cute, real cute, think I’ll make some pancakes,” she muttered, distractedly. She dumped the ingredients on the center island’s counter before opening the bottom cabinets in search of a mixing bowl. 

“Those wouldn’t be banana nut pancakes by any chance, would they?” she heard JC’s voice peaked, and she couldn’t help but smile warmly. The way to any man’s heart would always be through their stomachs. Straightening up, she rested one hand on her hip and gazed out of the large bay windows overlooking the backyard and the dock. 

“Why yes, they would be. Would you like a stack?” she teased before chuckling when she heard his slight moan. It was evil of her to tease him so, but it was also too much fun not to tease the poor guy. 

“Two, please. I can get on a flight and be there by 3,” he replied, a slight teasing edge to his voice. 

“I’ll get set on that order. Fresh orange juice?” she humored him with a slight eyeroll. Shaking her head, she reached into the sink to rinse and wash her hands. 

“Milk will be just fine,” he replied, and she smiled. Milk, of course, she thought. He couldn’t fall asleep when he was home without having a glass of milk before bed. It was comical, really. There were times he’d go to bed muttering about beating that demon, opting to forgo the milk that night. And, then, he’d toss and turn all night until finally giving up and getting up for a glass of milk. And once inhaled, JC would yawn and pass out within minutes. 

“Of course dear, I’ll get working. I’ll see you at 3,” she teased and chuckled, slightly. He let out a breathy laugh before bidding her goodbye, declaring his love for her and sending her an air-kiss. Chuckling, she took the receiver from between her ear and shoulder and set it on the counter. She shook her head as she peeled two bananas and mashed them with the back of her spoon in a small bowl. 

#### 

Carrying pancakes, warm syrup, diced fruit, and a glass of ice cold milk, Ana made her way out to the back porch. There was finally a break in the muggy and rainy weather that had blanketed Orlando for the past few days, and she intended on enjoying the warmth. As she settled at the patio table with her breakfast tray, she looked out towards the sprawling backyard lawn and the twinkling lake’s surface. The morning sun reflected off the surface of the lake, and the slight morning breeze caused miniscule ripples across the surface. Baron and Tajo ran from one side to the other, seemingly chasing one another, enjoying the much-missed sunlight. 

Taking some butter to spread on her pancakes, she went about preparing her meal. First, the butter. Second, the warm syrup. And finally, her teeth. But, before her teeth could munch down on the food, Baron came trotting up to her feet and dropped a bright blue ball at her feet. Looking down at his pleading brown eyes, she smiled and reached down for the toy. Scratching between his ears, she pulled her arm back before tossing the ball away. Both Baron and Tajo ran in search of it. 

“You wouldn’t happen to be trying to keep them away from those delicious pancakes, would you?” his voice startled her, causing her to jump in her seat and squeaked. 

“Don’t do that!” she huffed, her hand clutching her chest and her eyes wide. His eyes crinkled at the corners as his laugh bellowed throughout the backyard. The dogs heard him and stopped their chase towards the runaway toy, quickly changing directionality. He pushed away from the doorway and swiftly made his way towards his now laughing girlfriend. 

“I can’t even get up to hug you. I’m all tangled up,” she chuckled, looking down at her crossed legs beneath her. Shaking her head, she stretched her arms in his direction. He laughed, shaking his head in dismay, before reaching her side and bending down to hug her. Her arms tightening around his neck, and his arms encircling her waist. 

“It’s not 3, yet,” she spoke, her lips pressed against the side of his neck, causing a slight shiver to tremble his bones, a breathy laugh escaping his lips. 

“Yeah, well, I also don’t see those two stacks I requested,” he smiled, straightening up. With her arms still wrapped around his neck, he easily lifted her from her seat and maneuvered his way into the now vacated patio chair. With her now resting on his lap, she lifted her head and cupped his face in both hands. 

“Welcome home,” she smiled, bringing her lips down to his. Softly at first, her lips meshed with his. She reveled in the familiar warmth, texture, and softness that had almost become only a memory. Her nimble fingers lightly caressed the tender skin behind his ears and her fingernails scratched along his hairline. His own strong hands grasped her thigh and hip, keeping her close to him. 

“I’ve missed you,” he confessed, freeing his lips for only a millisecond from the poison that her lips seeped to an addict like himself. With a few more soft kisses, she pulled away and hugged him close. 

“We’ve missed you too,” she cheekily smiled, gesturing to the two dogs that now sat next to the patio chair, their tails wagging and their hot breath fanning over Ana’s exposed thighs. JC reached down to scratch their heads, giving them equal attention. Satisfied for the moment, the two canines trotted off towards the shade that the laurel oak at the lawn’s edge provided. 

“I thought you guys had work to get down in LA,” she smirked, knowing he’d fooled her. And, he too smiled. It had all been a ploy to surprise her. 

“I’m here for five days, mama,” he confessed, nuzzling her neck and making her squeal. A broad smile appeared on her face. Five days of uninterrupted time with him. Finally. 

“Let’s get you some food, come on,” she tugged at his hand, moving to climb off his lap. But, his strong grip kept her from moving. Instead, he stood with her in his arms and warned her to hang on. And, she knew better than to question him, her arms tightening around his neck. In the blink of an eye, he’d managed to toss her body onto his back. Her legs instinctively wrapped around his slender waist, and the pleasant sound of her giggle filled his ears. 

“Didn’t know you were an acrobat Anita,” he teased, moving towards the sliding door leading back inside the house. 

“Jace, really? You didn’t know I was an acrobat?” she teased, twisting her head for him to see the disbelieving look on her face. Catching onto her insinuation, he laughed and shook his head. 

“You’re right, I’m wrong,” he raised his hands in mock-surrender. 

“Damn right.” 

#### 

“Are you sure you want to have the party here?” JC asked a couple of days later as they still lain in bed on an early morning. It was a day after his birthday and the day before they were all scheduled to be in Louisville to resume the tour. They’d spent the previous day together from sunrise to sunset. Ana had planned the entire day full of fun for the both. It’d begun with breakfast, a boat ride on the lake, lunch downtown, then a bit of shopping, and at night after dinner, they’d gone to DisneyWorld to watch the fireworks show before hitting a nightclub. 

“Yes, it’ll be fun. While you’re at the complex, I’m gonna go to the grocery store and get everything. Nothing big, just finger foods, I think. Heather said she’d come over and help out, so I’m all set,” she assured him, her hand reaching out to caress his bare chest. 

“Alright then, I just don’t want you to work too hard. It’s just a few people coming over,” he wanted to make sure she didn’t try to go all out. He’d suggested that they go out and get a restaurant, but she insisted that being at home was more comfortable and everyone could loosen up more. 

“I’ll be good, baby. Plus, I think you’ve been dying to see me and my mad hostess skills at work,” she winked, her hands doing some crazy ninja-inspired quick work. Holding his bare stomach with one hand, while the other rested beneath his head, JC laughed at her foolishness. 

“Oh yes, I am prepared to be blown away,” he exaggerated his expressions causing Ana to laugh as well. Looking at the time on the bedside clock, Ana rolled her body over and settled on JC’s. His laughter quickly subsided, and his eyebrows rose in surprise. 

“Think you have some time for me before you go meet with the guys?” she questioned, her lips already making quick work of distracting him. Soft, wet, open-mouthed kisses splayed over the small sprinkling of hair on his chest. She felt the rumble of his soft moan with her lips. Looking up at his face, she saw the absolute look of contentment and she knew that their recent problems were but a fleeting and distant memory. 

“I’m really glad you’re here, Josh,” she confessed, the closeness of her breath on his lips causing him to open his eyes. And his aqua orbs clashed and reached within her through her own golden orbs. A tender smile caressed his lips, and her lips mirrored his. His soft, calloused fingers reached up to push back a stubborn stand of hair behind her ear. His eyes followed his fingers’ movements before returning to look at her eyes. 

“There’s nowhere I’d rather be,” he whispered, and before she could reply his lips had already descended on her mouth. A slight murmur escaped her throat in response, before she pushed herself closer to the warmth that his skin on her skin provided. The freshness of the crisp linens sheets provided little cooling for them. The morning sun peaked through the sheer curtains, providing dancing sunrays over there dancing bodies. Their bodies moved with fluidity, smoothness, and comfort. They knew one another, and they could read one another’s movements. They could predict one another, and thus, complimented one another.

#### 

It was as if a conglomeration of aromas had exploded throughout his house. Opening the side door from the garage, his nostrils went into a frenzy, desperately trying to identify any of the comforting smells. Like a tracking dog, his nose rose straight into the air, letting his hunger pangs direct his feet. A mixture of savory and sweet aromas hung in the air, and his mouth watered. 

“Are you trying to kill me woman?” he asked, rounding the corner into the spacious French-style kitchen. Standing over the center counter, Ana was putting the final touches on several platters. Turning her head, he was able to see the smirk that hung on her luscious lips. 

“I’m just trying to feed the men in my life,” she joked and smiled when she saw his smirk and twinkling eyes. From the corner of her eye, she watched as he slinked his way through the kitchen and around the counter to stand behind her. Reveling in the warmth that his arms brought to her body as they wrapped around her middle, she closed her eyes briefly and leaned back against him. 

“They’re already jealous that I get you all to myself, and know you’re going to feed them. Expect them over more often,” he kidded, his lips caressing the outer shell of her ear before carving a path down to the side of her neck. Closing his lips over her pulse point, he felt the rumble of her throaty moan against them. Smirking, he continued his assault on her neck. 

“Leave me a hickey, and I will give you a black eye, Chasez,” she half-heartedly warned, feeling herself get lost in the tingling and sparks she felt down her spine. 

“You say that, but you don’t really feel that,” he retorted, wrapping his arms tighter around her middle. Planting one more smooch on the exposed curve of her neck, he rested his chin on her shoulder. “Where’s Heather? I thought she was helping you out.” 

“She just left to go get dressed, and everyone else is on their way. So, shoo…go get dressed. Are you showering?” she asked, reaching over to the sink to rinse her hands. He let her go and leaned against the counter, sneaking some diced pineapple into his mouth. She caught him, and pointed a warning finger his way. He smirked, and puckered his lips out. Laughing, she leaned back to him and kissed his lips. 

“Thank you. I’m going to shower real fast,” he announced, and she nodded. He pecked her lips once more before turning on his heel and leaving the kitchen. Looking around, she saw she didn’t have anything else to do before the guests arrived, so she too hurried upstairs to dress. She had to admit that she was feeling a little nervous, but she also felt silly. They’d been dating for almost a year now, yet this was the first party that she’d hosted as his girlfriend. They’d had impromptu barbecues in LA, but it’d been the guys and a few other friends. Tonight, his family and the guys’ families would be here. 

“Oh quit it,” she chastised herself as she climbed the staircase to the top floor. 

#### 

“Turn it up!” 

The rumbles of the opening guitar chords filled the living room space. Steve, acting as the night’s DJ, heeded to the request and the sound system throbbed with the song’s bass. 

“Where’s the birthday boy?” the question lingered in the air from somewhere in the crowd. It caught JC’s attention and his head turned towards the crowd, almost afraid of who was looking for him. He was seating on the couch talking to his dad and to Justin’s dad, so he had to crane his neck to try and locate the individual. Finally, the crowd began to part down the center and a smile graced his lips. 

There in the center of the dancing crowd, his girlfriend stood with a hand on her hip and two beer bottle necks in the other hand. Locking eyes with him, she pointed at him and lured him to her with a crooked finger. Chuckling, he stood and obediently made his way to her. He could tell by her glazed eyes that she was tipsy, and this only excited him more. Things were about to get wild. 

“You rang?” he smirked, standing in front of her and still looking down at her. Her dark brown crisscross leather platform heels added to her height, but they didn’t do much for his tall stature.  

I don't know why I did the things I did
I don't know why I said the things I said
Pride's like a knife, it can cut deep inside
Words are like weapons, they wound sometimes 

She offered him one of her ice cold Bud Lights, as she continued to sing to him and dance around him. Accepting it, he took a gulp before lightly chuckling at her antics. The striped halter and backless dress swung around her petite frame. The combination of blue-gray and tan stripes offset her glowing bronzed skin and golden eyes. The mess of curls were pulled back in an equally messy bun, and simple diamond studs adorned her earlobes. 

I didn't really mean to hurt you
I didn't wanna see you go
I know I made you cry
But baby 

The crowd of his friends and family watched on happily as his beautiful girlfriend serenaded him. He knew that despite all his efforts to keep her from stressing out about the party, she’d been extremely nervous and stressed. And he knew that this was a testament that she was relaxed and finally enjoying herself. His mother had been thoroughly impressed when Ana had informed her that she’d cooked everything herself. Thinking back to Karen’s expression that clearly read ‘thank god she feeds JC,’ he couldn’t help but chuckle. 

Ana had outdone herself with an array of miniature beef kabobs, sausage subs, shrimp favors, spring rolls, cheese sticks, and a variety of fruity and vegetable platters. Although, she did confess not making the Samosa puffs or the birthday cake. Like a true hostess, she’d walked around all evening making sure everyone was well taken care of. She’d refilled drinks and refilled the food platters. Finally, JC had had enough of her not enjoying the party that he’d enlisted the help of Justin and Chris. 

“Just shut up and drink it,” Justin had demanded as he, Chris, and JC stood over Ana. They’d managed to pry her away from the party and sit her down in the kitchen. Stubbornly, Ana had crossed her arms across her chest. 

“You can’t make me! Besides, I have to get back in there,” she argued, attempting to stand. Unfortunately, there were three far more stubborn men blocking her way. 

“You have no choice, munchkin,” Chris warned also crossing his arms. Looking from face to the other, Ana finally huffed and puffed, surrendering. Taking the glass filled with white liquid from Justin’s hand, she stuck her tongue out at him before tossing it back. 

“Ah…” she groaned, shaking her head in a futile attempt to alleviate the burning sensation in her throat. Blinking her teary eyes, she took the second tequila shot from Chris’s hand and tossed it back. Slamming the glass down, she took the lime from JC’s hand and sucked it between her lips. 

“Ok…let’s go party!” she exclaimed, pushing her way through their human barrier and leaving the kitchen. High-fiving each other, the guys followed. 

And, so, her inhibitions were free. Her arms swung in the arm as she animatedly sang along to the Cher track, enlisting the help from the crowd as the chorus neared.

If I could turn back time, if I could find a way
I'd take back those words that have hurt you
You'd stay if I could reach the stars
I'd give them all to you, then you'd love me, love me
Like you used to do, if I could turn back time 

Bringing the Bud Light to her lips, she smirked and winked at him before tossing the drink back. He laughed; she was such a tease and flirt whenever alcohol was involved. He loved it. It was her true nature that came out whenever she loosened up a little bit. He understood her because he was the same way.

My world was shattered, I was torn apart
Like somebody took a knife
And drove it deep in my heart
When you walked out that door
But I lost everything darling then and there 

Their industry had forced them to mature too early, to take on so many responsibilities that they tended to forget to relax and have fun from time to time. Fortunately, there were moments like these where they reminded each other to let go and live.

Too strong to tell you I was sorry
Too proud to tell you I was wrong
I know that I was blind and darling

Taking hold of her hand, he pulled her to him. Flushed against his sturdy torso, she turned glazed twinkling eyes upwards. Smiling, she locked her lips with his and continued moving to the dance-beat heavy song.

If I could turn back time, if I could find a way
I'd take back those words that have hurt you
And you'd stay if I could reach the stars
I'd give them all to you then you'd love me, love me
Like you used to do, if I could turn back time

He sang along to the chorus with her, arms locked around each other, eyes locked on one another, smiles on their lips, and beers hanging from their fingers. 

“I’m sorry” he mouthed, and she knew what he meant. Even though they’d talked it out several times, there was still some tension between the two. Ana still refused to join the remainder of his tour, opting instead to stay home and tend to mundane, everyday things. Granted she kept busy with the administration side of her career, but she still found herself constantly bored. 

“Happy Birthday,” she shushed him with a finger over his lips. Smiling, she replaced her finger with her lips, burying her fingers in his curls instead. 

#### 

August 25, 2001 

“I’m so ready for these next couple of months,” JC sighed as he sat on the couch at Lance’s parents’ house in Mississippi. The guys had performed the previous night in Jackson, and they had a few days off before their second to last tour date of the year. He was exhausted, and homesick. He’d enjoyed those days at home in Orlando with Ana. It was refreshing to develop a daily routine, and he found himself enjoying being in Florida with her moreso than California. 

“I know baby, you’ll be home soon enough. Now, we can be bored together. Sit around and just watch MTV all day,” Ana replied on the other end of the telephone. She was walking through the house after coming back from an impromptu dance session at WEG. She’d called Darren and asked to join one of his dance rehearsals, just to stay in shape. She had to admit that she missed the daily rigor of performing, but she also enjoyed the daily amounts of anonymity that she’d been experiencing for a while now. 

“Sounds like a plan. But, first, after the Mexico show and VMAs, you and I are going away for a while. No cameras, no fans, no guys, no family, nothing,” JC revealed, slouching further on the couch. He saw the guys walk in with solemn looks on their faces, and he sat up alarmed. He knew his face must’ve looked crazed, but in the pit of his stomach, he knew something was wrong. 

His eyes watched as Lance turned on the television set and reached for the remote to change the channel. Faintly, he could hear Ana talking on the line. But, his ears were muffled and his head was heavy. He felt like he was underwater, the sinking feeling in his stomach. Looking at Joey for some reassurance, all he got was a nod towards the television. Reading the scrolling headline across the bottom of the television, his skin grew cold and his face colored white. 

“Speaking of MTV, let’s see what’s on. I’ve wanted to catch up on ‘Diary’,” Ana spoke, and JC found himself jumping to his feet. 

“NO!” he screamed into the phone, as if he could freeze her fingers, keeping her from turning to that channel. 

“JC, what in the world is wrong with you? I’m not going to hang up or…” his heart shattered as he heard her voice trail off. Closing his eyes, he breathed deeply and began counting. The guys all looked on, sadness and tears in their eyes. With trembling hands, they all covered their mouths or their faces as they heard Ana’s piercing scream through the phone’s speaker. It was gut-wrenching, and soul shattering. With tears streaming from his eyes, JC looked from one brother to the next. He was lost. What could he do? 

“No…no…no…please God…no…NO!” he heard her voice shatter, tears choking her. And before he could say anything, he heard the phone drop and the call end. Turning his attention to the television, he tried to focus on the reporter’s words. 

“Aaliyah, the 22-year-old singer and actress from Detroit, was killed in a plane crash Saturday in the Bahamas. Aaliyah was one of nine people aboard a twin-engine plane that crashed seconds after taking off from the Bahamas, according to Grand Bahama police. All nine passengers died. The singer was in the Bahamas shooting a music video for the latest single ‘Rock the Boat.’ The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board and the Civil Aviation Department of the Bahamas will jointly investigate the crash that occurred a mere 200 feet beyond the end of the runway at Marsh Harbour International Airport at 6:45p.m.Others killed in the accident included Aaliyah makeup artist Eric Foreman, 29, and Virgin Records representative Douglas Kratz, 28, according to police reports. Two other women and three other men, including the pilot, died in the crash; another male passenger died early Sunday morning in Nassau, where he was awaiting airlift to a Miami hospital, authorities said. Here at MTV News, we will keep you updated on this developing story.”