Eleven
 

Thursday November 14th 2002
Fernwood Resorts
Pennsylvania

     Jc walked across the room and stood by the window. Outside the snow was falling gingerly over the pine trees. When he left his house close to two weeks earlier he drove around Orlando for a while before ending up at the airport. He bought a ticket to the first flight out of Orlando and got on the plane not looking back. He didn't care where he was going as long as he was away and by himself. He was feeling miserable. He was angry with Bobbie but hurt that his friends had kept something from him. He knew Juls and Justin were only looking out for him but either way Jc felt he needed to be away. He threw a sweat shirt on and went out the door. Snowflakes gathered on his wild hair as he walked to the blue Expedition he'd rented. He was a bit hungry and drove up the road from the cabin to a small diner.

"Good morning Sunshine!" the lady behind the counter said with a smile.

"Good morning Mrs. Reed."

"What can I get you sweetie pie?"

"Same." Jc simply replied. For the past two weeks he had been there he was becoming accustomed to going to the diner almost at the same time everyday. He'd ordered his sesame seed bagel with cream cheese and a large coffee.

"Coming right up sweet stuff." Mrs. Reed said walking into the kitchen area. A few seconds later she walked back out and stood across Jc. "How are you feeling today?"

"I'm alright." Jc said softly. He wasn't alright at all. He was heart broken and had a million things on his mind. The first night he came into the empty diner Mrs. Reed had encouraged him to talk. He told her everything without hesitating. He had been surprised to find that she didn't recognize him and that made him  much more comfortable. He figured his personal life was safe with the old lady. She wore an apron and had long gray hair. She reminded Jc a lot of his own grandmother.

"Well, you don't look it Scott." she said warily. Jc had told her his name was Scott which wasn't necessarily a lie. Part of him still wanted to keep his privacy. "Have you talked to those friends of yours?"

"No I haven't."

"I think they need to know that you're alright Scotty-boy. At least physically."

"Maybe I'll call them tonight."

"I really think you should. If they are as caring and wonderful as you described them to be, I bet they are going crazy looking for you."

"Who knows."

"I think you know. You are far too young to be moping, sweetie. You need to go and face reality."

"I don't think I want to see her right now, Mrs. Reed."

"Sweetheart, you need to. Your heart needs to make that closure with her." she put her wrinkled hand over his and looked into his blazing blue eyes. "No one is saying you should forget, but if you want to live with peace you have to forgive."

"She hurt me, I can never forget that."

"I know this is hard, but running away isn't going to fix anything."

"I know."

"Then go home to your friends. They will help you through this." she stood from where she sat across from him. "I'll be right back with your order.

"Thanks Mrs. Reed."

     After eating his bagel and talking to Mrs. Reed for another hour he headed to his log cabin. When he got in the door he noticed an envelope at the foot of the door. He picked it up and took the piece of paper from inside.

     Jc smiled a little. They really were his best friends and he knew they had the best interest at heart. He sat by the window and grabbed the phone. After making a few over due phone calls back to Orlando he looked out the window. The scenery was so peaceful and calmed. He closed his eyes and slept.

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November 17th 2002
Orlando

"What do you mean you can't say?" Juls questioned the blond man across the kitchen table.

"I'm sorry Juls I can't. He needs to be alone. I'm sure he's alright."

"How do you know that Lance?"

"Because I know, Jc. He'll be back."

"Damn it, I hope so. I feel awful about this."

"Juls, once again would you stop blaming yourself for her actions. Just because John is your friend doesn't mean you should take the blame. They are adults."

"Yeah but I don't know." Juls rested her head on the table as she talked. "I can't believe she did this."

"Me neither, Juls."

"I'm going over there. I need to talk to her or it will eat me alive."

"You sure about that?"

"Yeah I'm sure." Juls got up and grabbed her jacket and purse. "Tell Justin I'll be back later, okay?"

"Okay bye." Lance continued eating his lunch as Juliana headed out the door.

     Juliana pulled up at Jc's house and let out a sigh. She didn't really know what to say. Bobbie was one of her best friends and she loved her. Finding out that she didn't only betray her husband but also betrayed the friendship they had killed her. She got out of the car and walked up to the door. She knocked on the door and a few seconds later, Bobbie opened.

"Do you know where he is?" Bobbie asked first.

"Can I come in?"

"Yeah fine." Bobbie opened the door wider as Juliana walked passed her. "So?"

"Lance knows where he is but he won't tell me."

"Why not?"

"Because you know how they are. Loyalty."

"What did you need, Juls?"

"I just need to talk to you. The guilt that has been looming over me is driving me insane. I don't want to keep feeling this way."

"Why do you feel guilty, Juls? This is between Josh and I. It has nothing to do with you."

"Oh no? You see? It has everything to do with me. How did you meet John?"

"Juls, John is his own man. You don't have to feel responsible for what we have."

"What you have? What do you have? A relationship? Is this a long term thing? How long have you been sleeping with him Bobbie?"

"Why are you asking me this Juls? You're going to be on Josh's side anyways. You already made up your mind about me. I can tell."

"You're right I am on his side, Bobbie. He's the one that was cheated on. But you are both my friends and you must have atleast a make-shift reason."

"First of all my situation with John, I can't explain. The connection we have is something new to me. When you were in Paris and we were looking for you I would go see him just to ask about you. He's a good man."

"I know he is Bobbie, but he isn't your husband. What about Jc?"

"Jc stopped loving me a long long time ago. Even before you came along. He doesn't care about me like he used to."

"Bobbie are you crazy? If he didn't love you, he wouldn't have asked you to marry him. He definitely wouldn't run away from his friends. He wouldn't be out somewhere with a broken heart right now."

"He's a good actor, Juls. You don't know him like I do."

"He loves you, Bobbie."

"Juls you don't know anything. It's over."

"So you're just going to end it? Just like that?"

"It's been over for a long time."

"Bobbie he's a good man, you need to ask for forgiveness."

"Who said  I was sorry, Juls?"

"How can you say that Bobbie?"

"I'm saying what I feel, Juls. He broke my heart a long time ago. I was just to scared to come to my senses. I went along with his game. And my wedding? That was the hardest thing I've ever went through."

"Why did you marry him then Bobbie?"

"I thought maybe he'd change. But the moment I became his wife I was pushed even farther away. The minute we walked into this house he was `the Jc" again. He's not the Josh I fell in love with. What I'm sorry about is waiting so long to end it."

"I was asking myself the same question" Jc said standing at the door. "Juls can you leave us alone, please?"

"Hey sweetie, we've missed you." Juls whispered to his ear as she kissed his cheek. He looked at her and gave her a weak smile.

"Where were you, Josh?" Bobbie asked looking at him.

"That doesn't matter Bobbie. I'm home now. I want to talk, I need to talk."

"What do you want me to say Josh? That I'm sorry? I can't say things I don't mean."

"I just want to know why Bobbie?"

"Josh, you've been pushing me to the side for far too long."

"How can you say that? I've been nothing but loving towards you. I wouldn't have married you if I had any doubts about my love for you. How could you say I've pushed you away?"

"I'm doing the pushing now. I want a divorce."

"For what? Are you going to go marry him? Leave him after he falls for you?"

"Leave John out of this Jc. I want a divorce and nothing is going to change my decision."

"Your decision?" Jc looked at her and reached behind him where he had a yellow manila envelope. "It's done Ms. Thomas." he said throwing the envelope on the table. "There's a van outside for you."

"What?!!"

"You heard me, Bobbie. The divorce is final."

"You can't do that."

"Yes I can and I did. You'd be surprised what money does to a lawyer."

"So what now?"

"I don't know Bobbie. Let's start by getting you the hell out of my house."

"You can't do this to me, Jc."

"I can't do this to you? What are you, mental? Yes I can do this. It's my house and I want you out by tonight. Like I said there's a van waiting outside for you. Take whatever you want. There's a check in the mail for you and you can take the car. That's all you'll get from me. Goodbye sweetie!" Jc said with a smirk. He was determined to make her life a living hell even if it was for a couple of minutes. He knew Bobbie always had somewhere to go. She was a woman with a career and she didn't need his money. Jc gave her a sinister smile before heading for the studio. "I expect you out when I come back up. Have a good life, Bobbie." he said as he walked closer to the door.

"I don't need your damn money. Damn you Jc!!" Bobbie yelled as she swung a glass cookie jar at the door that was closing behind Jc.

"That was yours anyway." Jc said from behind the door as he calmly walked down to the studio.
 

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Later that night

"I'll get it!" Juliana said when she heard the door bell ring. Justin was in the kitchen making popcorn for their movie night. She opened the door to find a skimpy looking blond standing there. She immediately thought a fan had passed the gate and made a mental note to yell at Justin again for not closing the damn gate when he came in earlier. "Can I help you?"

"Who are you?" the blond asked with an attitude.

"Excuse me? You're the one at MY door" Juliana said with as much attitude, if not more than the blond.

"This is Justin's house. Who are you?"

"This is OUR house and once again you are the one who ran the doorbell. So who are you?"

"I'm here to see Justin if you must know. Aren't you the sleazy model who cheated on him?"

"Alright, I think you've said too much. Justin doesn't sign autographs at home." Juliana said when her blood started rising. Juls went to close the door but opened it again when the girl spoke.

"I was Justin's girl when you cheated on him."

"Excuse me? What did you say?"

"Who is it J?" Justin asked coming to the door. He stood behind Juliana and his eyes bulged out of their sockets. He closed his eyes tight when he realized that he was in deep trouble with Juliana. "What do you want, Tiff?"

"Hi Justin." she said flirtatiously. Juliana turned to look at Justin.

"Oh so you do know this bimbo?"

"Juls?" he said when he recognized the tone in her voice.

"So Tiff. That is your name right? How close were you to Justin here?"

"Very." Tiff said batting her eyelashes.

"Oh really? Is that true, Justin?"

"Juls, it's not what you think, I swear." Justin said in his defense.

"Yeah okay, Justin. We'll talk about this later. As for you?" she pointed to the girl's face. "How close do you want to be to my fist?"

"What?!" Tiff asked backing away a little.

"Look let me make this clearer to you. I know the bleach can damage the brain cells after a while. Get the hell off my property. Come around here again and I'll have you for dinner. Get me?" Juliana said in a very serious tone.

"But Justin I just.."

"Look Tiff I think you should go. I told you not to come around here anymore." Justin said from behind Juls.

"Fine, but remember I'm always available." Tiff said winking at him.

"Ohh you little bitch!" Juliana said as she reached for the blonds face with her nails. Only she never made it that far. Justin grabbed her by the waist and held her back.

"Just GO Tiff!!" Justin yelled out.

"Whatever. I'll be seeing you."

"Yeah over my dead body." Juliana yelled out furiously.

"Hey if that's what it takes."

"Justin if you don't let go of me I swear you'll regret it."

"Yeah I don't think so. I'll take my chances." Justin said trying to hold her down. "Calm down Juls. She's just a stupid girl." he said as he closed the door behind them. He felt it safe to put her down so he did only to feel a hard fist go into his stomach. "Jesus, Juls what's that for?"

"That's for holding me back."

"Well I didn't have a choice."

"Oh whatever. So who the hell was that exactly? And how does she know about me? Did you sleep with her when I was gone?"

"Whoa!! Whoa!! Too many questions at a time J."

"Tell me!!"

"Tell me tell me baby, how come you don't want to love me" Justin sang.

"This isn't funny Justin. Tell me!!!" she yelled out.

"Her name is Tiff. I've known her for a while and she's a total flake." Justin said trying to remember her questions in order. "She knows about you because I told her. And no I didn't sleep with her."

"You didn't?"

"No." Justin said rubbing his stomach. "Well not exactly. Are you jealous?" he asked with a grin. He found it incredibly sexy that she was jealous.

"Not exactly? What the hell is that? Not exactly Timberlake?!!!!!"

"Well I didn't actually have intercourse with her, but I can't say there weren't any sexual activities."

"What did you do pig?"

"Hey that hurts!! I never did ANYTHING. Her mouth did." he said with a smile.

"Oh you think this is funny? You're disgusting."

"Come on Juls. I was stressing back then."

"Oh that's classic." she said sarcastically.

"You know what I meant."

"Yeah and you know what S.A.T means too."

"S.A.T? what the hell is that? Scholastic Aptitude Test?"

"I suggest you stop your joking, Timberlake."

"Well tell me what that means."

"Figure it out!!" she yelled out as she walked up the stairs.

"You're weird!!" Justin yelled up the stairs.

"And you're sick" she yelled back. Justin smiled and went back to the kitchen for the popcorn before he sat on the sofa and watched the movie. He knew Juliana wasn't really mad. He had grown to know her very well, so he didn't worry about it.

     An hour later he turned the lights off and set the alarm to the gates and doors before heading to their room. When he tried turning the knob he got no function. "Juls?" he said knocking.

"What do you want?"

"Well, I want to go to bed."

"S.A.T Justin."

"Juls stop playing."

"I'm not playing. S.A.T."

"What does that mean?"

"Good night Justin."

"Sunday Afternoon Tea?"

"Go away Justin."

"Well tell me what that means?"

"You're being annoying."

"S.A.T? Sleeping Alone Tonight?"

"Ohh come on Juls. You know I can't sleep without you."

"Well then that's your problem."

"J. open the door."

"Nope sorry."

"Juliana I'm serious."

"I'm serious too, Freak."

"Come on J. She was nothing." Justin said starting to whine.

"GOODNIGHT JUSTIN!!!!" she said forcefully.

"FINE!!" Justin walked down the stairs and found Jenn on her way down to the kitchen. "Hey!"

"Is everything alright?" Jenn asked curiously.

"Yeah. I'll be just fine if I could sleep in my bed!!!" he yelled up the stairs.

"What did you do?"

"See!! Now why does it have to be me?"

"Well you're the one locked out of your bedroom. Besides I'm sorry but you look guilty of something. Goodnight Justin."

"Yeah goodnight traitor!" Jenn chuckled as she made her way downstairs. Justin went into one of the spare bedroom and went to bed. He tossed and turned for almost two hours. He heard the door to the room open behind him and seconds later felt someone climb in his bed with him.

"Juls?" he asked when he smelled her shampoo.

"Shut up J." Juls said when she sensed he was going to be a smart ass.

"What took you soo long?" Justin asked with a smile that could be seen through the darkness.

"Leave me alone J." she said snuggling up to his chest as they both relaxed in each others arms.

"I love you baby." he said kissing her nose and closing his eyes. It took a whole two minutes before they were both able to fall asleep.