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Two To Tango
 It Happened at Disney
Fanfiction.net achives

Two To Tango
by Claire, Traci, and Lynn

<Background Info>

Claire and Nick dated for over 5 years in high school and college. After she got pregnant, Claire ran away and became a dance teacher.

<Two Years Later>

"one and two and three...." Claire called out as she demonstrated a new dance to her class of 6 year olds.
"Okay, great job, see you all next week" she said
She headed over to her friend Traci's house to pick up her two year old daughter Kayla.
"Thanks so much for watching her today Traci" She said as she put on Kayla's coat.
"Oh no problem, anytime" Replied Traci "You know Drew's coming home this weekend"
"oh you must be so excited about seeing him" Claire replied
"Oh yeah, I haven't seen him in over 6 weeks" Said Traci
"really, I didn't realize it had been that long" Said Claire
"Yeah, but when you're married it seams like much longer." said Traci "why don't you come with me to the airport, I'm sure he'd love to see Kayla"
"Are all 4 of the guys coming?" She asked
"Yes, I think they have several days off" Replied Traci
"I just don't know if I can face Nick yet" Claire said with tears in her eyes
"You've got to tell him about Kayla sometime" Said Traci
"I will I'll tell him when I'm ready" Claire said
"What if when you're ready it's too late, what if Kayla wants to know who her father is" Said Traci
"Alright, I'll tell him this weekend" Claire said
"good, I promise you won't be sorry" Said Traci
The next morning Claire went with Traci to get Drew.
They waited at the gate, when the guys' plane landed they got off, along with Jeff's wife Lynn, who had been touring with them. Drew ran over to Traci and kissed her. When Nick saw Claire he stopped dead as their eyes met. He snapped out of his daze when he heard Kayla giggling at Drew.
Nick walked over to them, hugged Traci, and said "Hello Claire"
"Hi Nick," She responded
Just then Kayla walked over to Nick as if she wanted him to pick her up.
"Hello there, did you get lost from your mommy?" He asked as if Kayla would answer
"Um, no Nick, she's mine" Said Claire
"Oh did, you get married" Questioned Nick
"No" She replied
"Then who's the father?" He asked
Everyone else stopped dead in their tracks, and nervously stared.
"you are Nick" Claire said nervously
Everyone started to walk towards the exit, stunned Nick and Claire followed.

Chapter 2
All the way to Drew and Traci's house, no one said a thing.
When they got there Claire said" Okay I better be going I have class in 15 minutes.
"Could I come with you, or I could watch Kayla" Nick asked
"Yes, thatnk you that would be very helpful" She replied
They left, in the car Nick and Claire began talking.
"So am I really Kayla's father?" HE asked
"Yes, you are" She replied
"Then why'd you leave?"
"I left because, I was sacred, scared of what would happen when you had to choose between 98º and Kayla, I knew you couldn't give up your music, so I decided not to bother you with the difficulties."
"and did everyone else know?"
"Yes, all of them promised not to tell"
"why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't want you or Kayla to have to go through that"
They pulled up in front of the dance studio.
"I have class that lasts an hour so now's your chance to be with Kayla"
"Is it okay if I stay, and watch?"
"NO, but if you stay Kayla will want to dance too"
"That's okay"
Nick sat in a chair off to the side as Claire stretched on the bars, and Kayla imitated. As he watched his daughter all the memories came back if how much he loved Claire and how much badly his heart was broken when she left. His flashback ended when he heard a bunch of giggling three year olds come in for dance.
After awhile of dancing Nick heard Kayla screaming, she had slipped and fallen immediately he ran over to her.
Just before Claire got there her co-teacher, Kelly held her back, "Look" She said pointing to how Nick was kissing all of Kayla's little fingers.
Claire went back to teaching, while Nick took care of Kayla.
After class Claire walked over to where Nick was sitting and she noticed that Kayla was asleep on his lap.
"hey great job": He said
"Same to you, you did a great job with Kayla" Said Claire
"Thank you, it was really my pleasure" Said Nick
"Would you like to come back to my place, there's some things I think you should see?"
"Yeah sure" He replied
He stood up still holding Kayla and went out to the car.
On the way home, "my Everything" came on the radio.
"You've really made a name for yourself"
"Yeah, I guess I have"
"It's gonna be weird for Kayla having her father be famous"
"So does that mean you're gonna let me be a part of her life?"
"Yes, Nick I think it's for the best"
"Thank you for giving me such a beautiful daughter"
"you did as much as I did"
They reached Claire's house, put Kayla upstairs and sat down on the couch.
Claire pulled out Kayla's scrapbook and opened it.
"Here it is from the sonogram to her 2nd birthday, it's all here"
"Wow, she's so beautiful, she looks just like you"
"Thank you"
"You're Welcome"
They looked in each other's eyes as the passion pulled them in for a kiss.
"umm, whoa sorry about that," Said Nick
"No really, it's okay"
Nick reached for her hand and held it tight as the finished looking through the scrapbook.
He came across a picture of the two of them on a beach with Claire sitting in Nick's arms.
The picture was labeled "Mommy and Daddy"
"Do you remember that?" Claire asked
"Not really, when was it?"
"March 25, 1998, Spring Break, Jamaica, the Night Kayla......"
"was conceived" Nick interrupted
Just then they heard Kayla crying and they went upstairs to get her.
Nick picked her up.
"Hey Baby girl" he said
"That's what you used to call me" said Claire
Nick brushed the hair out of her face.
"Yeah, it was" said Nick
Then Nick's cell phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hello Nicholas"
"Oh Jessica"
"Where are you?"
"At a friend's house"
"Oh who?"
"No one you know"
"Nicholas Tell me"
"It's just a friend Nothing else"
They talked for awhile and hung up.
"Nothing but a friend, guess again Mr. Lachey" Claire yelled
"What was I supposed to say?"
"I don't know Nick but when you were on the road with you little virgin queen, I was here raising your daughter"

"I'm sorry I had no idea until a few hours ago"
"Now excuse me MY daughter has to eat dinner"
"YOUR daughter? so what am I just the anonymous sperm donor?"

While they were fighting the others were back at Drew and Traci's house

Chapter 3
Meanwhile, everybody else are hanging out at Drew and Traci's place and
talking about Nick handling being a father and being a singer in one of the
most well-known groups in the day in age today.

Drew: You know, I hope that my brother can handle being a father AND a singer.
Traci: I know, but at least Claire told Nick that Kayla was his daughter and
now he can be there for her.
Me: Yea...I hope so. Claire keeps telling me that she wishes that she didn't
run away from Nick when she found out that she was pregnant. But, I hope they
can get their relationship back because they were really cute together.

Suddenly, the gang heard a car coming in the driveway and it was Claire. She
had Kayla in her arms and was mad.

Jeff: Claire, what's wrong?
Claire: Guys, Nick and I got into a fight.
Justin: Ok, can you tell us how you got into the fight?
Claire: Well, we were talking about me not telling Nick about Kayla and then,
I told Nick that I had to feed Kayla, but I said it in a bratty way. And, he
got mad and that he was the sperm donor and got mad at me and got into the
fight.

After Claire said that, she started crying.

Traci: Claire, all of us will talk to Nick about this situation and will fix
this up for you.
Claire: Guys, I just want to have him back in my life. I want him in Kayla's
life as well, so she doesn't have to ask about her father when she is older.
Traci: So, just let the 6 of us have this situation in our hands.
Me: And we will make it so that you can be with the man you love.
Claire: Thanks you guys. Well, let me put Kayla up for a nap.
All: OK.

So, Claire took Kayla up to one of the guest bedrooms and put Kayla in for a
nap.

THEN...

Chapter 4
Traci-Man you guys I really hope they will be ok
Drew-don't worry my bro will make it all better

Laura-Hey guys since it your first day back why don't we go out to dinner and catch up (wink wink...
Jeff-That sounds like fun what do you say guys
All-yeah coolio...(lol)

Traci-Dude can I call Claire and Nick to see if they want to join us?
Jeff-yeah lets see how there doin'?
Traci-ok I'll be right back

The phone ringing
Claire-Hello (she said crying)
Traci-Claire it's me Traci...are you ok?
Claire-yeah I'm fine just me and Nick had another fight today...
Traci-Really about what
Claire-Well I guess his Girlfriend called on his cell when we were talk at my house andI kinda got mad and made that bratty tone again
Traci-Man you really did it this time...well hold on ok?
Claire-ok

Traci-Gurls I think we all need to have a gurl talk...with Claire tonight instead of goin' out...
Laura-Why???
Traci-I'll tell you laterz...ok...Drew can I talk to you for a sec?
Drew-yeah sure honey (awhhh)
Traci-can you take the guys and Nick out tonight? please with a cherry on top...we really need to talk to Claire about this...
Drew-Sure why not but I have to promise me we get to have our day soon ok
Traci-Ok :)
and they kissed

Back on the phone with Claire
Traci-Helo...sorry about that
Claire-its ok
Traci- ok here's the plan me and they gurls are gonna come over for a gurls night and a talk ok
Claire-ok wat about Nick
Traci-I'm getting to that...Drew's gonna take all the guys out for a guys night out ok
Claire-ok
Traci-soo well be over asap ok
Claire-ok...Thanks Traci your the best
Traci-Yeah


Traci-Ok guys its all set...
The all left for Claire's house in Traci's F350

Chapter 5
When the girls arrived at Claire's, she came to the door looking like she'd been crying for days.
"Hey, it'll be okay" Said Traci
They hugged, and went to sit in the living room to talk.
"So what's wrong?" Asked Lynn
"Nick and I just don't get along anymore" She replied
"What exactly do you fight about" asked Traci
"He makes me so mad, he won't just tell Jessica about Kayla even though he talks to her every second" She Replied
"Sounds kinda familiar" Said Laura
Traci gave her a look.
"Okay sorry" She said
They kept talking

Meanwhile with the guys.
"So what was wrong with Claire?" Asked Drew
"We just had a fight" Nick replied
"About what?" Asked Jeff
"Oh, just everything" Nick answered
"I guess it's going to be kinda hard to raise Kayla if you too are always fighting" Said Drew

Chapter 6
Meanwhile with the guys.
"So what was wrong with Claire?" Asked Drew
"We just had a fight" Nick replied
"About what?" Asked Jeff
"Oh, just everything" Nick answered
"I guess it's going to be kinda hard to raise Kayla if you too are always fighting" Said Drew
"If I can't live with her that's not going to come between me and Kayla, I mean I love her she's my daughter, kinda like our parents they were divorced" Said Nick
"Yeah, I guess so" Said Drew
"But Do you still Love Claire?" Asked Jeff

Back with The girls
"So, what are you going to do about custody of Kayla" Asked Traci
"I haven't thought about it that much but if Nick wants he can have her sometimes when he's home and stuff" Claire answered
"Are you gonna try to get back together with him?" Asked Lynn

Chapter 7
"Well, I mean I don't know" said Claire hesitantly
"That's what you need to figure out" Said Lynn
"Yeah, really, if you're not going to get back together with him" Said Traci
"He seams happy with Jessica" Said Claire
"Yeah, but not as happy as he was with you" Said Lynn
"That's because he wasn't having sex with her" Said Claire
They All laughed
With the Guys.
"Well, I don't really know, I love Jessica" Said Nick
"Yeah, But do you, love Claire?" Said Drew
"Yes" Said Nick

When the guys were done dinner they came back to Claire's house to get the girls. They rang the doorbell and Traci let them in.
"Hey babe" Said Drew
"Hey Guys" said Traci
"So how are things here?" asked Drew
"Well we're working on it" Said Traci "How about you"
"well We determined a very important thing" Said Drew
"That's good" Said Traci
Then Claire came to the door.
"Hey Nick we need to talk" She said
"Okay," He replied
They went up to Claire's room to talk..........

Chapter 8
They went up stairs to Claires room...

Nick-ClaireI need to get this out
Claire-Wat Nick waz wrong
Nick-Ok first of all i'm soo sorry about all the fights that I've started...
Claire-Oh...well its not all your fault
Nick-I know but half of them are...but anywaz I need to tell you this...I still love you and I will always...no matter who I am with or where I am I will always love you...and second I want to get back together...I WANT to be there for Kayla...
Claire-U really mean it...
Nick-of course I do...but there's just one problem
Claire-oh yeah Jessica :(
Nick: Just because Jessica is my girlfriend doesn't mean I can't love Kayla.
Claire: Yeah Nick but it means you can't love me.
Nick: No matter what I will never stop loving you.
Claire: How could you love me after all the pain I caused you when I left.
Nick: I was pleanty upset when you left, in fact I cried for days I thought you were dead, I never saw until now but I wondered why no one else cared you were gone.
Claire: I didn't want to leave you Nick I was stupid I shouldn't have run away from my past.
Nick: I probably would have done the same thing, we were young, we didn't know better
Claire: Nick, I do still love you.
Nick: I love you too,
Claire: So what, should we do now?
NIck: Well, lets invite Jessica over here and we'll talk the whole thing out like adults.
Claire: Okay that's a good idea!

Chapter 9
They call up Jessica, and it just so happens she was coming to visit Nick and when her cell phone rang she was over at Nick's mother's house so she came over.
Nick answered the door and Jess came in.
Nick: Jessica, this is Claire, Claire this is Jessica,
Claire: Hi Nice to meet you
Jess: Nice to meet you too,
So they sat down on the sofa to talk.
Jess: SO what did you want to talk to me about.
Nick: Well, Jessica, this is my daughter Kayla,
Jess: YOUR DAUGHTER?
Nick: Yes,and Claire is her mother.
Jess: NICK WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME?
Nick: I didn't know untill yesterday.
Jess: I DON"T CARE I'M OUT OF HERE AND YOU ARE SO DUMPED
Jessica stormed out
Nick: That went better then I thought.
Claire: Yeah, I guess so.
Nick: Now, that, that's done with want to go out to dinner with me tonight.
Claire: Yes, thanks I'd like that.  Wait...wat about Kayla
Nick-I'll call Drew and Trai to see if they want to watch her...
Claire-ok that sounds like a good idea...but let me call Traci ok
Nick-ok...

Claire calling Traci
Traci-Hello
Claire-Hey Traci it's Claire
Traci-oh no did you two have another fight again???
Calire-No we are practically back together now I'm soo happy :)
Traci-Really that's soo great...I'm happy for you two
Claire-Thanks...but anywaz the reason I called is to ask if you and Drew could watch Kayla...so me and Nick could have some alone time and go out
Traci-Um yeah...we were planning to go out but there's always tomorrow i'm just glad that you and Nick are happy again...
Claire-Thanks we'll drop her off around 6:30
Traci- ok
Claire-oh thanks sooo much
Traci-Welcome bye


~Back at Drew and Traci's house~
Traci-Drew honey
Drew-yeah Trace wats up?
Traci-Um I think we have to cancel our plans tonight!
Drew-Why??? I was soo looking forward to it and we only have like 4 more days here
Traci-Well Nick and Claire are back together and they are goin' out for a little alone time and I told them that we would watch Kayla for them
Drew-REALLY...Thats great...man I knew he could do it
Traci-yeah so is that ok?
Drew-yeah that's fine...we'll just hang her and do whatever right play blocks and play Barbies...oh wait, no, that's your thing...lol
Traci-Yeah that's good...thanks sooo much
Drew-For what
Traci-For being the guy you are I love you sooo much Drew you have no idea
Drew-I bet I do?
They kissed...

Chapter 10
Meanwhile Nick was Playing with Kayla while Claire got dressed for their date.
she came downstairs wearing a short red dress and black heels. When Nick saw her he fell in love all over again.
Nick: Hey
Claire: Hi, I hope I'm not too over dressed,
Nick: Oh, no, you look beautiful.
Claire: Thanks
Nick: Well, are you ready to go,
Claire: Hey Kayla, want to go play with uncle Drew?
Kayla: YEA!!!!!!!!!
Claire: Alright, let daddy put you in the car.
They went out to Nick's car and Kayla sat in the back.
On the radio The Hardest Thing started playing and Kayla started humming along.
Nick: Wow, she knows this song?
Claire: Yep, I never wanted her not to know who you were and so I bought her every single that you did and every picture I could find of you so she'd never be unsure of who she was.
Nick: I can tell already that she has a beautiful voice.
Claire: She got that from you.
Nick: I know,
They got to Drew's house and dropped Kayla off to spend the night with Traci and Drew, but when they got there the other guys were there........

Nick: What are all of you guys doing here?
Drew: I live here
Nick: Duh, but Jeff and Justin?
Jeff: We wanted to spend time with Kayla,
NIck: Okay, well thanks for whatching her it's a big help to us.
Claire: Yeah, thanks it is
Drew: No problem anytime.
Nick and Claire left for the resturant.
They sat down and ordered,
Nick: CLaire, I want to just come right out and say this, I still love you very much and I really would like to get back together if you'd take me back it'd mean so much to have you in my arms again.
Claire: Yes, Nick, I still do love you too and everyday I see Kayla growing more like you and I want you to be a part of her life and mine.

They kept talking.

Chapter 11
Back At Drew's.......

Traci-Hey Kayla...
Kalya-Hey aunty Traci (how cute)
Traci-Wat do u want to do now
Kayla-I want to play Barbies with uncle Drew
Drew-WHAT?!?! nuh uh there's no way am I gonna play Barbies
Traci-oh come on she wants to play with her uncle
Kayla-YEA!!!
Drew-oh ok...fine
So Drew and Kayla Played Barbies
Traci got a couple of pictures of them for Claire's photo album and her's...(she's a professional Photographer)
Lynn-Well I guess well order a couple of pizza's right?
All-yeah sounds ok with us
Lynn-ok what does everyone want
Kayla-Cheeeese please!!!! (lol)
Traci-Cheese is fine
Lynn-ok...
She made the phone call and ordered 2 large cheese pizza's
Lynn-ok they said they'll be ready in about 20 mins...who wants to come and get them with me???
Jeff-oh me!!!me!!! (lol)
Lynn-ok gosh Jeff?!?!?
Jeff smiled...blushing lol

Traci-Well sence Justin and I are the only ones not doing anything...why don't we go get the sodas??? in the fridge...
Justin-yeah sure why not...
Drew-hey get me a beer
Traci-um...no Drew not while Kayla's here...we don't want Claire and you brother to come home and find beer cans and bottles all over the floor now do we???
Drew-NO...I guess not...
Traci-ok good

About 15 mins later Jeff and Lynn came in with the pizza's...
everyone ate and had a good time...then Kayla started to get tried so Traci put her down in one of the guest bedrooms and laid her on the bed...but she put pillows around her to make sure she didn't roll of the bed...

Everyone else feel asleep watchin' some old movie...

Chapter12
Meanwhile with Claire and Nick...

Nick and Claire finished Dinner and went over to Drew's to get Kayla,
They knocked on the door and Drew let them in.
Claire: Was she good?
Drew: Yep, but she's asleep, so if you want she can just stay here tonight.
Claire: Okay, sure, so I'll see you in the morning.
Drew: See ya,
Nick and Claire left and went back to Claire's house and hung out for awhile,
Nick: Well I better be going,
CLaire: No, stay here, Kayla's not here and I might get lonely.
She took his hand and started to walk up the stair to her bedroom.

Chapter 13
Traci woke up first and went to check on Kayla and found Drew with Kayla in his arms asleep…she smiled and though what a great dad he would be. She grabbed her camera and took a couple of pictures then she left.
She went down stairs to the kitchen to start breakfast. She made pancakes (her specialty because she put chocolate chips in them…yum)
Jeff and Justin came into the kitchen looking half asleep
Jeff-Wow! What smells soo good?
Traci-It’s my special pancakes…want some?
Justin-Man I do!
Jeff-Me too!!!
Traci-Ok grab a plate…there’s also coffee here too…I got to go make Kayla’s milk be right back
She went to Kayla’s dipper bag and pulled out her formula
Just then Drew came down stairs with Kayla on his back…
Drew-Hey babe, watcha doin?
Traci-Hey, just getting Kayla’s formula out of her dipper bag
Drew-Damn…what smells soo good? hey I know that smell its you special pancakes
Traci-yup
As she said that Drew was already running to the kitchen with Kayla giggling behind him…(lol)
Traci walked back into the kitchen
Traci-hey Jeff where’s Lynn?
Jeff-Oh she had to leave early she had to go to work
Traci-Oh well when your done here, take a couple of pancakes to her ok
Jeff-ok

Chapter 14
Meanwhile with Claire and Nick

Claire: Hey sweetie
Nick: so what ya making?
Claire: Pancakes
Nick: Oh, sounds good
Claire: And here you go,
She handed him a plate of pancakes.
Nick: Thanks
Claire sat down next to himand they ate breakfast.
After breakfast they went over to Drew's house to get Kayla.
Traci answered the door.
Traci: Hey guys come on in
Claire: Hey, so where's Kay?
Traci: She's finishing up breakfast with the guys.
Claire: Okay
They go into the kitchen.
Traci: WOuld you guys like something to eat?
Nick: Oh no thanks, we already ate,
Kayla: MOMMY
Claire: Hey sweetie, did you have a good time?
Kayla: WE PLAYED BARBIES
Claire: Who played barbies?
Kayla: Uncle Dew
Everyone laughed.
Nick: SO where you barbie or KEn?
Drew: No actually I was Ice skating barbie
Nick: Oh wow
They all laughed.
Claire: Thanks so much for whatching her last night guys, it was a huge help
Drew: Oh no problem it was fun.
Claire: SO are you ready to go Kay?
Kayla: No i want to stay with Dew
Claire: No we've got to go to dance class now,
Kayla; Unkel Dew come to dancing?
Everyone laughed.
Claire: No but if you're good maybe Daddy will take you somewhere,
Kayla: Okay
They all left.

So, Claire and Nick put Kayla in the car and took her to dance class. While
in the car, Claire and Nick were wondering if Kayla had fun at Uncle Drew and
Aunt Traci's house.

Claire: So, sweetie, did you have fun playing Barbies with Uncle Drew?
Kayla: Of course, Mommy! Unkel Drew was the best Ice Skating Barbie that I
have ever see!
Claire and Nick start laughing.
Nick: Well, baby, if you are good in class, Daddy will take you anywhere you
want to go, ok?
Kayla: YEA!!

So, the two of them got to the dance studio and Nick took Kayla out of the
car seat and carried her into the studio. When they got to the studio that
Kayla's ballet class was, Kayla wanted Nick to be there when she is dancing.

Kayla: Daddy, can you come in and watch me dance?
Nick: I don't think they allow parents in the class to watch.
Kayla: Well, would you watch me through the glass?
Nick: Of course, baby.
Kayla: OK Daddy.
Nick: I think your class is starting.
Kayla: I'll see you after class is over.
Nick: OK, break a leg, sweetie pie.
Kayla: OK.
Nick kisses Kayla on the cheek and hugs her.
Nick: Bye.

So, Nick watched his daughter walk in the studio and the class started a few
minutes later.

After the class was over, Kayla ran to Nick and Claire with excitement.

Kayla: Daddy, Mommy, did you see me dance?
Claire: Of course we did, Kay.
Nick: You danced like an angel.
Claire: Like you always do.
Nick: Now, Kayla, where do you want to go for your treat?
Kayla: Back to Uncle Drew and Aunt Traci's house.
Claire: Kayla, you were just there.
Kayla: Well, I wan to go back!

Chapter 15
Then Nick looked up at Claire like "what do I do now"
Claire: Hey, Kay, why don't we go to the mall and pick out some new clothes and we could get an ice cream.
Kayla: Okay, but later can we go see unkle Dew?
Claire: Sure, and you can call him up and ask him if he'll play Barbies with you.
Kayla: Okay
They got in Nick's car and drove to the mall.
When they got there the three of them got out of the car.
Claire: can you help me get her stroller out?
Nick: Do we need it, I could just carry her if you want.
Claire: Are you sure?
Nick: Yeah, that's fine,
They went inside.
Nick: SO Kayla, where do you want to go?
Kayla: I wanna buy a Barbie for unkle Dew.
Nick and Claire laughed.
Nick: Okay, but why don't we buy some for you instead.
Kayla: YEAH!!!!
They went into the toy store and Kayla picked out about 50 Barbies that she wanted.
Claire: Okay, sweetie which one do you want?
Kayla: This one, and this one, and this one,
Claire: How about we get one today and the others another day.
Nick: It's okay, I'll buy them all for her
Claire: Nick, are you sure, she might get a little carried away.
Nick: Yeah, that's okay
He helped Kayla hold some of the dolls,
Nick: so which ones do you want?
Kayla handed him 5 Barbies and put the rest back on the shelf.
Nick: Okay
They got in line.
They paid for the toys and left.
Claire: Kay, what do you say to daddy for buying you all the barbies,
Kayla: tank you daddy
Nick: You're welcome sweetie,
Claire: Now where are we gonna go?
Kayla: I no know,
Nick: How about the clothes store and I'll buy here some summer dresses.
Claire: That's really nice of you Nick but you don't have to do this.
Nick: Oh really, it's my pleasure.
Claire smiled.
They went into the "Baby Gap" and looked at some clothes for Kayla,
Nick: SO which one do you want?
Kayla: This one,
Nick: Okay,
They paid for the clothes and left,
They kept walking around the mall, eventually Kayla feel asleep.
Nick: SO where would YOU like to go?
Claire: Anywhere
Nick: Let's just walk around,
Claire: Okay
They were walking and they cam across a store,
Nick: Hey, look let's go in here,
Claire: Um, Nick, I don't think that's really my style,
Nick: Come on it'll be fun, be spontaneous,
Claire: Alright
They go in the store, and Kayla woke up.
Nick: Look at this,
Claire: whoa, what's the point of even wearing anything if you're gonna wear that.
Nick: True
They both laughed
Nick: Now how about this one, that would look beautiful on you.
Claire: I don't know,
Nick: Kayla, wouldn't mommy look pretty in this dress?
Kay: YEAH!!!
Nick: Two against one, go ahead try it on.
Claire: Alright fine.
She goes into the dressing room and trys the dress on.

When she comes out.........

Chapter 16
When she came out Nick nearly fainted from her beauty.
Nick: For something not being your style you sure look fine in it.
Claire: Awwww, thanks
Nick: Well, If you'd like that dress, I'd be more then happy to buy it for you.
Claire: Oh no, where would I wear it?
Nick: Hey, your my girlfriend again, you're gonna have to join me on the red carpet.
Claire: Oh, but I wouldn't want to impose on you.
Nick: Oh no, I'd love to buy it for you.
Claire: Okay, I'm gonna go get changed then.
She went back in, changed, and they paid for the dress, and left.
After a little bit more shopping, they left the mall.
They went back to Drew and Traci's as they promised Kayla, When they got there, there was an unfamiliar car in the driveway.
Claire: Wonder who that is.
Nick: Let's go find out.
They knock on the door, Drew lets them in.
Nick: Who's car is that in the driveway?
Drew: Come into the living room and you'll see.
They follow Drew, in the living room, sits Justin's girlfriend Jess.
Claire: Hey Jess what are you doing here?
The two friends Hug,
Jess: I'm moving back to Cinci,
Claire: Oh that's great,

They all sit down to talk.......

Claire: God I am so excited you moved back
Jess: Yea, me too. I wanted to be closer to Justin. California was just to far away
Justin: Its awesome that shes going to be here with me now
Claire: Yea
Nick: Its nice to see you again Jess
Jess: You too
Nick: So what did you do out in LA?
Jess: I am a choreographer and I was working with some major music artist, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson were the main ones and I helped some with a new group called Dream.
Nick: Wow thats awesome
Jess: Yea, now I only have one problem
Nick: Whats that?
Jess: Finding work here in Cincinnati, I mean I'm a dance major so I don't know what I can do to get a job here.
Nick: Well, we're not supposed to tell anyone but we are looking for some dancers and choreographer.
Jess: Oh my God, you think you guys could hook me up?
Drew: We'll try,
Jess: Oh that'd be so great
Justin: Then you could be near me all the time.
Jess: That would be so nice
Traci: Would you all like to stay for dinner,
Everyone: Sure
Traci: Okay, can you join me in the kitchen ladies,
They followed her.
Traci: Okay, Claire, spill what ahppened last night with Nick?
Claire: Well, dinner went great, he asked me to be his girfirend agian, and he said he really did still love me and stuff.
Traci: AND, there must have been more if he slept over.
Claire: How did you know he slept over?
Traci: He did come here with you to get Kayla,
Lynn: You can't deny it he slept over, so what happened?
Claire: Well, what do you think happened?
Jess: Could, someone tell me what the heck is going on?
Traci: We'll explain later, now what happened?
Claire: we talked for a long time and then we um, um well we um you know, "slept" together.
Lynn; Oh Caire not again,
Claire: What, I'm not allowed to sleep with my boyfriend
Traci; He's only been your boyfriend for a few days
Claire: Yeah, but I dated him for 5 years, before
Lynn: Guys, she's right what she does is her business,
Traci: Right.

They cooked dinner......

Chapter 17
They are now eating dinner...spaghetti and meat balls and bread and wine...
Traci-Hey guys u know what we should do
Everyone-What?!?!
Traci-Well since me and Drew haven't had our day yet
(as she said that Drew mad a sad face :( ...)
I was thinking we could go to like Disneyland or a water park or something...u know all 8 of us... maybe Kayla but that's your decision Claire and Nick...
But yeah...what does everyone think???
Justin-Well...i think that's a good idea what about u guys
Everyone else-Yeah...sounds fun...
Nick-But what about Kayla???
Drew-Well why don't we ask mom???
Nick-well that does sounds like a good idea...
Traci-Great its all settled...I'm so happy
Drew-Me too...now WE get to have our day :)
Traci-Yup...

they finished eating dinner and Traci and Drew went to do the dishes...
Drew-I'm sooo happy that u came up with that idea
Traci-Yeah i know...i'm good
Drew-Yeah but i am goin' to miss u sooo much when we go on tour again
Traci-When are u goin'?
Drew-probably in about a week
Traci-oh :(
Drew-so i was wonderin...i was gonna wait but i was wounderin if u want to come on tour with us??
Traci-Really u mean it???
Drew-Yeah of course
Traci-YES, of course...
Drew-Great!!!!!
Traci-Is everyone else gonna go???
Drew-Well we all planned on it but i don't know when they are all gonna tell them
Traci-Cool...this is gonna be soo much fun :)
Drew-yeah it is...

Chapter 18
After the dinner Nick went back to Claire's house to help put Kayla to bed. Then Nick went home and Claire went to bed.
The next morning after a lot of thought Claire and Nick had to make the decision about Disney World.
Claire: now we have to decide, weather Kayla is old enough,
Nick: I think she is, she'll deal with it,
Claire: Yeah, but, I don't want to ruin everyone else's fun, if I bring her she might get whinny and need naps and stuff, and what about the rides?
Nick: That's true, let's just see what happens.
Claire: Alright,
Just then the door bell rang
Claire ran over to it, and opened it,
Man: I have a telegram for you,
Claire: Okay, thanks
She closed the door and went over to the sofa to open it.
Nick: What's that?
Claire: I'm not sure,
She opened it, and read it, and then she stood up and started screaming in excitement.
Nick: What is it
Claire: It's from the American Dance Association, and I was chosen for the part in their current show, I can't believe this I tried out like a year ago,
Nick: Oh, that's great congratulations.
Claire: Thanks,
Nick: When is it?
Claire: Um, October 17
Nick: Cool
Claire: Speaking of which I better get to work, watch Kayla will you?
Nick: Yeah, sure
Claire left.

Chapter 19
With Jeff and Lynn...
They went out for a nice breakfast that morining
Jeff-So howz work
Lynn-great...so when are u guys goin back on tour
Jeff-oh in about a week
Lynn-Really???
Jeff-Yeah...and i was meaning to ask u...Do u want to come back on tour with us??? u know since u all ready were and i thought it would be cool if we could do it again
Lynn-are u serious...u want me to come back with u and the guys say it's ok???
Jeff-yeah...we all planned on haveing u all come...but don't tell everyone yet cause the guys want to tell them themselves...
Lynn-oh cool
Jeff-yeah
They kissed passionately...
Then he door bell rang and as much as she wanted to say answered it...it was a delivery guy...
Hey gave her a telegram...
she said thanks and went to the sofa to read it
she looked at it and her eyes got big and she blurted out "YEAH"
Jeff-What's wrong???what happened???
Lynn-I tryed out like a year ago for this its for the American Dance Association me and Claire tried out together and i made it...omg i wonder if Claire mad it...i'll call her later
Jeff-that's great when is it
Lynn-October 17
Jeff-great
they picked up the check and left for home

Chapter 20
Meanwhile, Claire was really excited that she made the American Dance Association thing that her and Lynn tried out. She was wondering if Lynn also made it, so she decided to call Lynn. Nick saw that Claire was going toward the phone and was wondering who she was going to call.

Nick: Claire, who are you calling?
Claire: Lynn. I wanna know if she made it.
Nick: Oh ok.

So, Claire picked up her cordless phone and speed dialed Lynn's number.

**Conversation**
Me: Hello?
Claire: Hi Lynn...what's up?
Me: Nothing much. Did you get in?
Claire: Yea. You?
Me: Yea.
Both: Oh my God! We made it together!!
Claire: This is SO awesome.
Me: I know. I'll be over in a few minutes.
Claire: All right and we can celebrate.
Me: Yea. See you in a few.
Claire: Ok. Bye.
Me: Bye.
**End of Conversation**

Nick: So, I see that Lynn also made it.
Claire: Yea. Her and Jeff are going to over in a few minutes.
Nick: That's cool.

Nick and Claire went over to Jeff and Lynn's and decided what to do,
Jeff: why don't we treat you ladies to dinner,
Nick: Good Idea
Jeff: Be ready in about and hour
Lynn: Okay
The girls ran up to Lynn's room, and got dressed up.
Lynn: Oh, this one would look great on you,
Claire: cool, now let me pick one for you
Lynn: isn't it great being that same size?
Claire: yeah, great, and here's one for you,
Lynn: no, I haven't worn that one in years
Claire: Just try it on, you'll look great
Lynn: oh fine
Lynn goes into her walk in closet and a few minutes later comes back,
Claire: You look great
Lynn: I don't know, it's kinda short
Claire: It's perfect,
After awhile they were ready and they left for dinner with the guys.............

Chapter 21
When we left, the guys were in awe of how beautiful me and Claire looked in the dresses.

Nick: Girls, you look absolutely beautiful tonight.
Claire: Why thank you, Nick.
Jeff: Lynn, honey you look beautiful in that dress.
Me: Thanks Jeff. You know, it was one of my old dresses that I had when I was young.
Jeff: Baby, to me you are STILL young.
Me: Thanks hon.

We kiss lightly on the lips.

Nick: Well, now let's go to dinner and celebrate Claire and Lynn being accepted into that association thing for dance.
Claire: Yea!


So, while at dinner...


At dinner they were all talking about differant things, then Jeff and Nick were whispering,and Lynn and CLaire were very confused, Finnally Nick got down on one knee and said "Claire, I've loved you since the day I met you, and I never want to be away from you again, those years you were gone were the worst years of my life, will you marry me?"
"Yes" said Claire
He stood up and kissed her as they both began crying. They finshed eating and they each went to their own houses.

Claire went to her house, and Nick went to his, It had only been about 30 minutes before Nick decided to call her.
Claire: Hello
Nick: Hey
Claire: Oh HEy Nick
Nick: I miss you.
CLaire: I miss you too,
Nick: I can't wait untill we're married
Claire: YEah, me niether.
Nick: We better start making plans before I have to go on tour.
CLaire: Why don't we go see Drew, and your parents, and tell them, and then we'll see how far we can get, with the plans, I'm sure the girls could help us.
Nick: That'll be good,
Claire: Yeah, oh, I think I hear Kayla, I got to go get her but I'll see youi tomorrow.
Nick: Yeah,okay
CLaire: Love you,
Nick: Love you too,
Claire: Bye
Nick: Bye
CLaire hung up and went to get Kayla.

The NExt morning.......

The next day when Nick and Claire went over to Traci's and Drew's house...
Traci answered the door
Traci-Hey guys...Whats up?
Claire-Oh nuthing much i need to talk to u
Traci-What about???
Claire-something important...(she gave her the look);)
Traci-oh i see
So Claire followed Traci into the kitchen
Traci-Omg whats wrong
Claires face started turning pink
Claire-NICK proposed!!!!!
Traci-OMG are u serious...
Claire-Yeah
Traci-OMG OMG OMG i can't belive it i'm sooo happy for u two
Claire-i know me to......
Traci-OMG did he tell the guys yet???
Claire-I don't know?!?!
Traci-OMG this calls for a shoping trip!!!
Claire-Yeah we haven't had one of those in a while
Traci-Yeah...i'll ask Drew if he could watch Kayla
Claire-No, Nick isn't doin anything i'll just have him do it
Traci-Oh ok
They went upstairs to get ready
When they came down they grabbed their 98Degrees Jackets(lol) and headed for the door
Drew-Wait a mintue!!!
He walked over to Traci
Traci-What????
Drew-Nothing i just wanted a kiss???
Traci-Oh ok :) (lol)
They kissed and then we headed out the door
Traci-Man he just scard the cr*p out of me i thought i did something wrong ro soemthing...
Claire-Yeah lol Nick does that to me all the time
Traci-That's probley were he got it from
Claire-yeah...shall we go
Traci-I think so do u want to take my car???
Claire-Sure...
Traci-ok cool get in...
They zoomed off to the mall with 98 degrees music blasting from the windows...lol...
They shopped for a long time for styleish clothes. Then they came across a birdal store,
CLaire: Let's go in here
Traci: oooh, yeah, I forgot, we're gonna have to plan a wedding.
Claire: Trac, how could you forget?
Traci: It's just such new news I for got,
CLaire: Okay, lets just look at some dresses
Traci; good idea
They go into the store and Claire tries on a few dresses.
AFter that they get some lunch and go back to Traci's.
When they got there Nick and Drew were chasing Kayla around the house.
Traci; What the heck is going on?
Drew: She has my keys and we're already 2 hours late for our meeting.
CLaire: Did you just tell her to give them back?
Drew: no really, ONLY ABOUT 400 TIMES
CLaire: Alright,
Just then they saw Kayla run by with Nick following after her.
Claire: I'll get her,
She followed after Nick.
Claire: Kayla Ann, GET BACK HER RIGHT NOW
Kayla: MOMMY
SHe ran over to CLaire,
Claire: GIve Uncle Drew his keys and say you're sorry right now.
Kayla: I sorry, here go,
Drew: Thank you
CLaire: And you don't do that anymore, cause now Daddy and uncle Drew are very late.
The guys dashed out the door and Claire and Traci, looked in the phone book for a wedding planner.
So Traci and Claire were talkin about what kind of wedding she wants...Also they were tryin to find a wedding planner
Claire-Hey what about Ashleys weddings...
Traci-Hey that sounds farmiler...let me see it!!!
Traci looked at it then realized it as her friend from collage...
Traci-OMG i know her...she was my best friend in Collage...she finally did what she always wanted to...
Claire-Really???do u think she'll give us a great deal...
Traci-Yeah sure she will i'll give her a call later ok
Claire-ok...
Traci-But what kind of wedding do u want???
Claire-Well i always wanted a big wedding, u know family friends, but we have no time, the guys are goin back on tour in like 2 weeks
Traci-2 weeks???i thought they were goin back in 1
Claire-No Nick said he asked his manager to extend it...
Traci-Oh...well why don't we ask Nick what kind of wedding he wants and u know have everyone but an input on the wedding...
Claire-yeah your right...
Traci-ok...so i'll call Ashley later and ask her about the wedding and then i will schedule an appointment with her for us ok???
Claire-Great...Traci u are the best friend i always wanted i just wish i met u in high school when i really needed u!!
Traci-Oh thanks
Claire-and i haven't discussed this with Nick but i'm sure he's gonna ask Drew to he his Best man, and i was just wounderin if u wanted to be our Maid of honor???
Traci-U mean it???OMG
Claire-Yeah i have always been there for me and Kayla
Trai-Yes, i would be honored to be your maid of honor...
Claire-Great...
So they finsihed makin plans for the wedding...meanwhile with the guys and there meeting...
At the guys' meeting they were talking about there new cheoreogrpher.
Justin: Jess seamed very interested in the position, why don't we have her audition first.
Nick:That works
Drew: YEah, sure, I went to school with her I know she can dance.
Meanwhile back with The girls.
CLaire was on the phone with the wedding planner.
Ashley: Hello, Ashely's Weddings
Claire: Hi, I'm looking to make an oppiontment,
Ashley: Well, let's see when is your wedding?
Claire: We haven't set an exact day yet, but it has to be within two weeks because my fiance, has to be back on tour and we want to get married by then.
Ashley: Okay, I think I can help you, are you avalible anytime today,
Claire: Well, if it's possile me and my friend could come by and get all the info and then I could bring my fiance back and get everything decided.
Ashley: Great, that works,
Claire: So we'll be there in about an hour.
Ashley; okay, bye
Claire: Bye
They hung up and Claire and Traci left for the office.
When Claire and Traci got to the building where her appointment with Ashley was, Claire was kind of nervous. She didn't know what kind of wedding she wanted and plus, she needed it in 2 weeks. Once they checked in, Claire and Traci went right in because Ashley didn't have anybody for the moment.

Ashley: Well, hello ladies.
Traci: Ashley?
Ashley: Traci?
Both of them: Oh my God!!
Ashley: What are you doing here?
Traci: I'm here with my friend that needs the wedding planned, Claire.
Ashley: Oh yea. That's right. So, Claire, what kind of wedding do you and your fiance want?
Claire: Well, I have always wanted to have somewhat of a big wedding in a beautiful church with flowers all around. I didn't really have a chance to talk to him about it since he is getting ready to go on tour again and all.
Ashley: Do you want to contact him right now and ask him to come down here?
Claire: Yea.

So, she got her cell phone out of her purse and speed dialed Nick's cell phone.

**Conversation**
Nick: Nick Lachey.
Claire: Nick, sweetie.
Nick: Hey Claire. What's up?
Claire: Nothing. I'm at a wedding planner right now and we started discussing our wedding and I need you here to help me plan this wedding.
Nick: All right. The meeting is almost over in about 5 minutes, so I'll be over to where ever you are as soon as possible.
Claire: I'm at the Webber building complex in suite 621.
Nick: I'll be there in a flash of lighting after the meeting is over.
Claire: All right, baby. I love you.
Nick: I love you too. Bye.
Claire: Bye.
**End of Conversation**

She went back into the room where Traci and Ashley were talking.

Claire: Sorry about that. He'll be here after the meeting is over, which will be here in like 5 minutes.
Ashley: Well, while we wait for your fiance, Claire, how did you meet my good friend, Traci?
Claire: Well, we met in high school and we became really close over the years and has been there for me and my daughter Kayla.
Ashley: You had a daughter?
Claire: Yea. She is so beautiful. Her father is my fiance.
Ashley: How sweet.

~2 hours later~

Nick still hasn't come to the building. Claire is starting to worry about Nick because he hasn't called or anything.

Claire: You know, I think I'm going to go to headquaters of Universal and see where Nick could be.
Traci, can you come with me in case something happens?
Traci: Sure, Claire. No problem.
Claire: Ashley, I'm so sorry for all of this. I'll call for another appointment when I figure out what happened to Nick.
Ashley: It's no problem. Traci, it was good to see you.
Traci: Same here.

Claire and Traci walked out of the building and went to Universal building.
They headed over to the building and asked at the front desk where the meeting was.
Claire: Hi, I'm looking for Nick Lachey,
Lady: Aren't we all, he's in a meeting but he's going back on tour and you can see him then.
Claire: But I'm his fiance,
Lady: Alright, let me see some ID,
Traci and Claire both pulled out their driver's licenses.
Lady: Alright, ladies sorry about the misunderstanding, they're in room 11198.
Claire: Thank you,
They both dashed to the room and knocked.
Scott came to the door.
Scott: HEy ladies can I help you?
Claire: YEah, WHERE THE HECK IS NICK?
Scott: Relax, he's right there.
Claire: HE was supposed to be at the wedding planner 2 hours ago.
Scott: THe meeting ran over.
Claire: COuld I speak with him,
Scott: Sure
He went back in and Nick came back out.
Nick: HEy Baby, I'm really sorry
Claire: It's okay, I was worried sick about you I'm just glad you're okay,
Nick: We're just about done why don't we go back and see if she can still meet with us.
CLaire: Alright, but PROMISE you'll call if you're late.
Nick: I promise,
The girls went back to the wedding planner and Nick went back into the meeting.
Ashley: Oh HEy, is everything okay?
Claire: Yeah, the meeting ran late.
AShley: Okay, well if you'd like I can meet with the two of you sometime today,
Claire: Oh that would be wonderful, accually he's on his way over here if now is good.
Ashley: Sure,
Claire: Do you want to stay and help Trac?
Traci: No, I better run, I have to work.
Claire: Okay, thanks for your help.
Traci: No problem, see ya later,
She left as Nick walked in,
Nick: HEy Babe sorry I'm late
Claire: It's okay, Nick, this IS Ashley, the wedding planner, Ashley, Nick,
Nick: Nice to meet you.
Ashley: Likewise, so shall we get started?
Claire: YEah
They followed Ashley back to her office.
Ashley: Okay, basicly I have some books we can look through and if you see what you like let me know.
Claire; okay.

After their appointment they decided to go out to eat.

After they went out they each went to their own homes.

*******TWO WEEK'S LATER**********
The day of the wedding.
Claire was standing in the back of the church with JEss, Lynn, and Traci, and Nick was standing in the front with his groomsmen.
The music started and the girls went down, then Claire walked down the isle with her dad. The ceremony began.
Pastor: DO you Nicholas take Claire to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold from this day forward?
Nick: I Do
Pastor: Then do you Claire take Nicholas to be your lawfully wedded husdband to have and to hold from this day forwars as long as you both shall live?
Claire: I do.
Pastor: then can we have the rings please?
Drew, the best man, handed him the rings.
Pastor: Take this ring and repeat after me.
Nick took the ring
Pastor: With this ring I thee wed.
Nick: With this ring I thee wed.
HE put the ring on Claire's finger and she did the same.
The wedding ended and they went to take pictures.

After the pictures they went home to rest for awhile and then around 7:00 they went to the hall for the reception. At the reception they ate dinner and danced for the first dance they played "The Way You Do" For the bride and groom to dance too, then later The guys sang I Do. After a night of danceing everyone went home, and Claire and Nick, got Kayla settled in with Drew and Traci, and they left for their hunnymoon. They flew to the biggest five star resort in Hawaii and stay in a hunnymoon sweet. They went to bed as soon as they got there, and they next morning they went sight seeing and sat out on the beach.

While Nick and Claire are on the beach, they were talking about how wonderful their lives were going to be.

Nick: You know, baby, you looked so beautiful in your wedding dress. You looked like an angel in it.
Claire: How sweet of you to say that. Thanks honey. (gives a kiss on the lips) You didn't look bad yourself in your tuxedo. You looked like a true gentleman.
Nick: I try to.
Claire: No...you look handsome in "anything" you wear.
Nick: You look beautiful in anything you wear no matter what it is.
Claire: How sweet of my newlywed husband to say that. You know, I'm so happy that I am going to be with you for the rest of my life. I thought I lost you at one point when you were going out with Jessica.
Nick: Well, I lost you the first time when you dumped me. If you ask any of the guys about around the time we broke up, they will tell you that I cried all the time, except during performance time. Also, everytime I sang, I always thought of you. You were always on my mind and I really couldn't get over you, even when I was going out with Jessica.
Claire: You know, Nick, the reason why I broke the relationship so soon like I did was because I thought I would lose you if I told you, so I ran away. Now, I'm here with the man that I love and will always love until the last moment I live.
Nick: I love you too. I will NEVER let you go.

They kiss passionately for 5 minutes.

Claire: Why don't we go into the crystal blue water and play around?
Nick: I'd like that.

So, the two newlyweds got up from their towels and went into the water and played around for a while.

Meanwhile Drew and Traci were trying to keep up with Kayla, and finnally she got really upset and started sreaming,
Kayla: I WANT MOMMY NOW!!!!
Drew: Kayla sweetie, she's in Hawaii, and that's really far from here, and but she'll be back in 2 days.
Kayla: Why Mommy in Hawaii?
Traci: She's on her hunnymoon with your daddy,
Kayla: What a hunnymoon?
Drew: Well Kayla, Mommy just got married and she went on a vacation with Daddy,
Kayla: What she do there?
Drew laughed,
Drew: Ummm, sweetie, why don't you ask your mommy when she gets back,
Kayla: Why?
Traci: Cause Uncle Drew doesn't know, so you have to ask your mommy.
Kayla: I WANT MY MOMMY!!!!!!
Traci: Hey sweetie, why don't we call mommy later, and then you can talk to her.
Kayla: CALL MOMMY NOW!!!!!!
Drew: But she's not there right now.
Kayla: CALL MOMMY NOW!!!!!
Traci: maybe she could just leave a message,
Drew: Alright, Kayla, we can call up mommy and leave her a message and tell her to call you when she gets home.
Kayla liked the idea, and she smiled,
They dialed the hotel's number.
Drew: Mr, and Mrs, Nick Lachey please,
Operator: One moment please.
SHe forwarded them to Nick and Claire's room.
Drew: Okay Kayla, here's the phone,
She took the phone.
Kayla: Hi Mommy, and my new Daddy, I really miss you and I hope you're having a very good time on your hunnymoon, I'm having lots of fun with Uncle Drew and Aunt Traci, I love you mommmy, Bye bye
SHe hung and and Drew and Traci were still laughing about how she acted so grown up but sounded so young.
Traci: Great Job pumpkin, now why don't we go get some ice cream.
Kayla: Okay
They left and got some ice cream.
Later in the afternoon Nick and Claire came back from the beach and heard Kayla's message.
Claire was almost in tears by the end of it.
Nick: Let's call her
Claire: yeah, she'll like that,
They dialed Drew and Traci's number and Traci answered.
Traci: Hello
CLaire: Hey Trac,
Traci: Oh Hey Claire, how are the newlyweds?
Claire: We're good,
Traci: SO I suppose you got your daughter's message,
Claire: Yeah, Is she around?
Traci: Yeah, I 'll get her,
Traci put down the phone,
Traci: Kayla come here,
Kayla: What?
Traci: Mommy's on the phone
Kayla: YEA!
She took the phone.
Kayla; Hi Mommy
Claire: Hey sweetie
Kayla: how, is your hunnymoon
Claire: awwww, It's good
Kayla: I went out for ice cream today
Claire: Wow, that's cool
Kayla: I miss you mommy
Claire: I miss you two pumpkin
Kayla: when are you coming home?
Claire: In a few days,
Kayla: I want you to come home now,
CLaire: I can't
Kayla: why?
Claire: BEcause mommy and daddy need to be together for a little while before they come home.
Kayla: But I miss you, I need you to tuck me in at night,
CLaire: (in tears) sweetie, Aunt Traci can do that.
Nick put his arm around her.
Kayla: But It's not the same,
CLaire: (still crying) I'm sorry baby, I can't do anything about it,
Nick took the phone from her.
Nick: Hey Kayla,
Kayla: Hi Daddy
Nick: WHat's up, are you being good for Aunt Traci,
Kayla: Yes, are you being good?
Nick: I think so
Kayla: Good
Nick: So what have you been up to?
Kayla; Playing with Uncle Drew
Nick: Fun
Kayla: I got to go nighty Night,
Nick: Alright good night sweetie.
Kayla: Night night Daddy
They hung up and Nick tried to comfort his new wife.

 

It Happened at Disney
By Shanna

Main Characters
Justin Jeffre: 27
Jeff Timmons: 27
Nick Lachey: 27
Drew Lachey: 24
Elise James: 25, Emily’s younger sister.
Leigh Williams: 25, Elise’s best friend.
Emily James: 27, Elise’s older sister
Lucy O’Neill: 26, Justin’s girlfriend
Melissa Munro: 24, Drew’s girlfriend
Setting

Early February, 2001

Plot

Elise has just had a birthday and her older sister Emily surprises her with 3 tickets to Disney Land, Elise invites her friend Leigh to join them.  The members of 98 Degrees are also there for a few days relaxing, sparks fly and it’s not the nightly firework show!

Chapter 1: Disney!

I still can’t believe you actually convinced Scott to allow us to go to Disney Land for a whole week” Drew shook his head amused at Jeff, they were waiting for their security to finish their business with the park’s security.  “It wasn’t easy, but I finally wore him down, the catch was the concert we had to do” Jeff grinned, “this is going to be so fun, I don’t remember the last time I was at Disney Land” Drew’s girlfriend, Melissa, laughed.  “We’re done, the park’s secure but don’t allow your escorts out of your site” Luke warned as he came back flanked by security guards.  “Yes Dad” Nick teased, “you have 3 hours, you’re due back at the hotel at 6, no later or I’ll come out, drag you back and personally kick your butts” Luke said as he stared at each of them in turn.  “We understand Luke” Drew said, “don’t be late” Luke called back as he headed back to the hotel.  “He’s so fussy sometimes” Nick rolled his eyes, “that’s his job” Jeff laughed.  “OK, what are we hitting first?” Drew laughed as he rubbed his hands together excitedly, “you are such a kid” Nick grabbed him in a headlock.  “Let go!” Drew laughed, Nick granted him mercy and let him go, “and you are such a pain!” Drew rubbed his neck.  “Ready to hit the rides?” Justin teased his girlfriend Lucy.

Chapter 2: Finally There

Elise stretched as her friend Leigh pulled the car into the parking lot of the hotel, “I am so glad that this trip is over, I hate long trips” she yawned.  “As if I enjoy them any more” Leigh rolled her eyes, she found a parking space and pulled into it.  “Let’s hit the park” she laughed as she jumped out of the car, “please tell me I’m adopted and she’s not my sister” Emily groaned as she watched Elise as she tapped her foot impatiently on the pavement.  “Sorry but I can’t lie, she’s your sister” Leigh laughed, they checked into the hotel and headed into the elevator.  “We’re on the 6th floor,” Emily said as she checked their key and punched the right button, they found their 2 rooms quickly and left their bags there.  Elise and Leigh were sharing a room and Emily had her own room connected to it.  “I’m going to get changed before we go exploring” Elise called as she rummaged through her bag and headed into the bathroom.  She came out a few minutes later and they headed down to the main floor, “I’m really hungry, do you want to grab something?” Emily asked as the elevator doors opened.  “Sure, but only something small, you don’t want your stomach full when you go on a roller coaster” Emily warned her.  They grabbed a quick snack and got a map from the front desk before heading out, “do you want to just go exploring now?” Leigh asked as she looked the map over.  Elise giggled as she had to pull Leigh out of the way of a small group of tourists, “watch your step” she teased.  “Think we’ll meet some hot guys while we’re here?” Elise asked as she scanned the crowd, “of course, out of all this crowd there’s got to be at least 3” Leigh joined Elise in her scanning.  “We’re here to have fun, not to look for hot guys” Emily grabbed both of the boy-crazy girls and pulled them through the crowd.

Chapter 3: Spotting Some Hot Guys

“I am so hungry, screaming through all those rides really makes you work up an appetite” Leigh rubbed her stomach, “I think I’m completely deaf, remind me next time to never sit beside you again” Elise teased.  “I’m hungry too, let’s go get some food then take the rest of the day off from rides and just do some exploring” Emily said.  “I’m game” Elise joined her sister as they swerved through the crowds of people.  They found a nice restaurant nearby and ordered dinner, they were just starting to eat when the bell on the door jangled and some more customers came in.  Leigh looked towards the sound and her fork stopped halfway to her open mouth, she recovered enough to nudge Elise who was digging enthusiastically into her food.  Leigh motioned inconspicuously with her head and Elise look in the direction, she gasped and couldn’t take her eyes off the 4 hot guys sitting at a table across the room. Emily glanced up and noticed their wide eyes, following the direction their eyes were in she noticed the guys and kicked both of them under the table.  “Manners!” she hissed at them, “they are so hot” Elise whispered, “yeah, but don’t gawk at them” Emily chided, “think they’re single?” Leigh winked. Emily rolled her eyes and glanced again at the table, “I’m not sure but I’m guessing that the one sitting on the end is taken, he’s got his arm around the girl sitting next to him” she replied.  “I think that one is taken also” Leigh pointed quickly with her fork as she picked up some more food.  “That still leaves 2 for us” Elise wiggled her eyebrows at her sister, her look was awarded with another kick under the table and a dark look from her sister.  “You are so impossible” Emily said but she couldn’t keep a ghost of a smile off her face.  “They’re leaving” Leigh whispered, all 3 of them watched out of the corner of their eyes as the guys passed by.   “That one has one nice butt” Elise laughed quietly, “ouch! Quit kicking me” she hissed at her sister.

Chapter 4: The Rescuer

“Get ready, the fireworks will be on soon and we want good seats” Emily called as she poked her head through the door.  “Coming” Elise called back, a few minutes later they met in Emily room and headed down, “it’s so different when it’s dark” Leigh whispered as they found a spot on the grass and spread a blanket on it.  “Yeah, it’s really neat” Elise agreed, there was a mixture of voices as people moved around finding spots to sit, “I see the guys from the restaurant” Elise whispered, “you are so pathetic, leave the poor guys alone” Emily shook her head.  Elise was about to retort when the first firework went off, they sat spellbound as the night sky lit up with different colours.  Too soon the show was over and they mingled in with the crowd going back to the hotels, “that was so beautiful” Leigh sighed.  She tripped over a root, but was steadied by a hand grabbing her arm “thanks Elise” she said as she dusted off her jacket.  “I’m not Elise but I’ll accept the thanks just the same” a male voice said behind her, she whirled and saw one of the guys from the restaurant walking beside her.  Her jaw dropped but she quickly shut it and kept walking, “see ya” he said as he was waved at.  He moved off and she finally found her voice “thanks again” she called, he turned and waved then joined the group he was with before.  “Where were you?” Elise exclaimed as she grabbed Leigh’s elbow, “being rescued by the hottest guy in the world” was the dreamy reply.  Elise stared at her then it hit her, “no way, one of the guys from the restaurant?” she gasped, “yeah, I tripped and he kept me from falling” she laughed.  “Oh boy, come on, Emily is waiting for us” Leigh followed Elise to their hotel where Emily was standing at the entrance.  “There you are!  I was worried sick” Emily said, “time for bed now and no arguments” she said as she pushed them into the elevator.

Chapter 5: “Wake Up”

“Wake up” Leigh called in a singsong voice as she pulled the covers off of Elise, “go ‘way” Elise mumbled, she refused to open her eyes as she fumbled around trying to find the blanket.  She found it and pulled it up tight before attempting to go back to sleep.  “Oh come on” Leigh teased her friend, when she didn’t get a response she jumped on the bed and started tickling her friend.  “That’s it!” Elise yelled as she chased Leigh around the room with her pillow, Leigh was cornered in the doorway as Elise came up.  Suddenly Leigh fell backwards as the door was opened at the same moment that Elise threw the pillow, the pillow scored a direct hit on Emily’s chest as she came through the door.  “Sorry Emily” Elise laughed, “I’m sure you are” Emily grinned as she chased her sister around with the pillow which had hit her.  “Truce” Elise giggled as she was trapped in a corner, the pillow was lowered.   “Fine, now let’s go get some breakfast,” Emily said as she threw the pillow back onto the bed and went back in her room to change into clothes.  They went downstairs to the café in the hotel and ordered bagels, they ate quickly and headed out to go on some rides. Chapter 6: The Peaceful Park The members of 98 Degrees and their companions along with the tons of security guards walked around the park early that morning.  “Remind me again why we’re up so early” Jeff blinked as the sun hit his eyes, “because we want to go on some” Nick replied.  “But this is just too early” Jeff protested, “exactly, that way there won’t be many people up already” Drew pointed out.  It was very quiet and peaceful, and the line-ups were few and it was very peaceful, “this is so different then yesterday’s madness” Drew commented as they walked.  “It is nice and quiet” Lucy agreed, she smiled as Justin put his arm around her waist and pulled her close.  “Anyone feel like going on a ride or do you just want to walk?” Justin asked, “walk!” everyone chorused.  But soon the park was getting crowded as more and more people showed up, “you still want to be out here?” one of the security guards asked nervously.  “It’s You!” someone yelled, they turned around to find that they were recognized by a group of girls and were forced to hide, “everyone ready for some rides now?” Melissa asked when they finally came out.

Chapter 7: Meeting Jeff

They were just getting off a ride when Nick spotted a huge roller coaster, everyone agreed to try that one but when Jeff got a closer look his courage wavered.  “That is one tall roller coaster” he gulped, “come on, it’s not that bad” they encouraged him, “no way, I’m staying down here” he replied firmly.  Luke assigned 2 of the guards to stay with him and the rest waited on the platform until they got back off, Jeff went over to the rail and leaned on it so that he could watch the other’s.  Elise turned to look when someone else came beside her and leaned on the railing, she quickly stifled a reaction as she recognized where she had seen him.  She couldn’t control a chuckle though when she watched him look up and she could have sworn his face turned green.  “Scared of heights?” she asked, the guy looked surprised but nodded as he watched the car go up the steep incline.  “Never liked them,” he admitted, “my sister and my friend went on it but I chickened out when I saw the drop” Elise laughed, “I don’t blame you, it’s a really steep one” he laughed with her.  “You’re watching friends also?” she asked, “yeah” he replied as he had to turn away when the car went into the drop.  “I’m Elise” she stuck out her hand, the security guards went to move but Jeff shook his head slightly and they backed off, “Jeff” he replied as he shook her hand.  “Are you staying in the park?” he asked, “yeah, it was a birthday present from my sister,” “I wish my siblings had thought of something like that” he shook his head.  “Do you have many siblings?” Elise asked curiously, “just 2, Mike and Kristina, what about you?” “Just one, I have an older sister Emily” she replied.  “The ride’s over” Jeff said surprised as he glanced over at the ride, “there’s my sister and friend” Elise said as she spotted them in the crowd.  “Which hotel are you staying at?” he asked quickly, she told him the name “that’s neat, we’re staying there also, maybe we’ll see each other again” he grinned.  “Nice talking to you” she called back as she made her way through the crowd.

Chapter 8: Some Problems

“Alright how did you do it” an excited Leigh pounced on Elise as soon as she joined them, “I didn’t do anything, he was leaning on the rail so I asked him a question” she replied.  “Spill, I want to know everything” Leigh grinned, “his name is Jeff, he’s scared of heights, has 2 siblings, and he’s staying at the same hotel we are, that means that you’ll probably get to see that guy again” Elise teased.  “That’s great” Leigh jumped up and down, “calm down already” Emily rolled her eyes and Leigh stopped, “do you want to do more rides or go back to the hotel?” Emily asked as they moved with the crowd.  “I’m up for back to the hotel, I’ve had enough of roller coasters for the day” Leigh laughed, they went back to the hotel and got into the elevator.  The phone was ringing when they got back to their room and Emily grabbed it,

“Hello?”

“Miss James?” a male voice asked

“Speaking”

“Due to some booking errors we are moving you to another room” came the reply

“Can’t you fix it?” she asked confused

“No ma’am, reservations were made for those 2 rooms specifically, I don’t know why but you were also booked in those rooms.  The lady was absolutely set on getting those room, she says she’s been here before and wanted those rooms specifically, please pack your things, a bell boy will be there shortly to show you to your room.  Have a nice day”

Emily stared at the phone as she hung up, “who was that?” Elise asked, Emily quickly explained the phone conversation as she headed into her room.  “Get packed” she called, soon a knock came on the door and the bellboy was standing there.  “Hello, I’ll take those” he smiled as he took the bags on the floor and headed into the elevator, “which floor are we on now?” Emily asked.  “9th floor, the entire floor’s been reserved but with the booking problems we’re forced to put you on that floor” the bellboy replied as he pushed the button.  “How can someone book an entire floor of a hotel?” Leigh asked, “a music group is staying at this hotel and wish to not be disturbed” “what music group?” Elise asked, “I’m under orders not to give out any more information” the bellboy said apologetically.  The doors opened to reveal 2 hefty security guards on either side of the door, the bellboy ignored them and led them to a room a few doors down. “This is one of the rooms, the one of the right is the other, unfortunately they aren’t connected but it’s all we had” he said as he opened the two doors and then handed them the keys.  Emily tipped him and he left, “this is nicer then the ones we had” Elise stood wide-eyed as she looked around.

Chapter 9: A Matter of Security

A heavy knock sounded and the 2 security guards who had been standing by the elevator were outside, “I’m sorry but we’re being forced to check your luggage for any possible weapons” one of them said in a deep gruff voice.  Elise opened her mouth to refuse but Emily put her hand on her shoulder to make sure she wouldn’t move and smiled pleasantly at the 2 men, “go ahead” she replied.  One of them quickly rummaged through their bags, the other one looked really apologetic and apologized “I’m really sorry, but with the people on this floor it’s a security matter.”  The search was quickly over and the men left, as soon as the door closed Elise exploded “who do they think they are looking through our luggage like that!”  “If we had refused we would have been in big trouble” Emily countered as she fixed up her bag, “it’s a security procedure because of the group,” Leigh said.  They unpacked and ordered supper in, “I love Chinese” Leigh said as they accepted the cart from the bellboy.  “Want to see what’s on pay-per-view” Emily asked grinning wickedly.

Chapter 10: New People

They were having a meeting with Scott about the concert when Scott’s cell phone rang; he excused himself and answered it in the next room.  They could hear him raising his voice at the person on the other end, he came back storming back in a few minutes later and sat back down in the chair.  “Something wrong?” Drew asked cautiously, “the hotel had some problems with their booking and now there’s going to be 2 rooms on this floor used by some people” Scott glared at the floor.  “It’s a major breach in security, what happens if these people decide to throw a party, we can’t say they can’t!” Scott ranted on and on about the security measures they would now have to take.  “Obviously they know about our position and we can just ask them not to do those things, I’m sure we can come to an agreement” Justin said calmly after Scott ran out of breath.  “Besides we’ll only be here a few more days anyways” Jeff pointed out, “it’s not just that, we don’t even know anything about these people” Scott sighed.  “Why don’t we go talk to them now?” Jeff said standing up, everyone stared at him in shock, “talk to them?” Melissa repeated.  “Of course, why not?” Jeff said impatiently, “is that a good idea?” Lucy asked doubtfully, “we can take 2 security guards, that should be enough” Drew said thoughtfully.  “OK, let’s do it” Nick shrugged as he stood up also, Luke looked really uncomfortable as he motioned over Jake and accompanied them out the door.  “I hope you know what you’re doing” Justin whispered to Jeff as Drew knocked on the door.

Chapter 11: Meeting the New People

The movie was just starting when a knock sounded, “what is it with people knocking on doors here” Emily grinned as she stood up and opened the door.  She recognized the people from the restaurant along with 2 big security-type men behind them, “yes?”  One of them stepped forward and cleared his throat, “sorry for disturbing you, may we come in?” he asked.  “Sure” she stepped away from the door and waved them in, Leigh and Elise looked at them curiously as they filed in.  Recognition dawned on them and they stood up, “hi Jeff” Elise smiled as he stepped into the room, Jeff looked surprised to see her but smiled and said hi back.  They stood there for a few minutes standing awkwardly then Emily broke the silence “would you like something to drink?” “No thanks, we’re just here to introduce ourselves and talk for a few minutes” one of them replied.  “This is Drew, his girlfriend Melissa, Justin and his girlfriend Lucy, Jeff, and I’m Nick” he pointed each person out as he said their name, “Luke is the head of security for us, and Jake is one of our regular bodyguards” he introduced the two men hanging back.  “I’m Emily, this is my sister Elise and her friend Leigh” Emily said, they sat down on the couches and beds and relaxed.  “So might I ask why you have bodyguards?” Leigh asked curiously, the guys shifted awkwardly and Leigh regretted asking the question.  “Well, we’re in the music business” Jeff finally answered, “can’t you tell us what you do?” “No we can’t” Drew replied.  “That’s ok, we understand” Elise said breaking the uncomfortable air around them, “the reason we came here to just get some things taken care of” Nick said.  “First, we’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t tell anyone anything that has to do with us, and we’d to keep this floor completely bare of people” Nick continued.  “Are those reasonable?” Drew asked, “of course, we’ll do those” they promised, “great, thank you for being understanding” Jeff grinned, relieved that they were being so cooperative.  “Are those all of your demands or are those the only ones?” Leigh teased, “nope, that’s it” Nick laughed.  “We better be getting back to our rooms” Justin said, they stood up, “so now I know your name” Leigh smiled as they filed towards the door.  “Yep, try to watch out where you’re going next time” Nick teased as he left, “we’ll see you soon, thank you again” Jeff waved as they headed down the hall.  “That was so weird” Elise sighed as she closed the door, “totally, first we meet the hottest guys, then find out we’re on the same floor and they come to talk with us” Leigh laughed.  “Alright that was weird, but now it’s time to sleep” Emily said as she closed the door and went to her room.  “Sweet dreams” Elise said as she climbed into bed, “you’d better believe they’ll be” Leigh giggled.  “This doesn’t have to do anything with a certain someone does it?” Elise raised her eyebrow, “just pray that Jeff is in yours” Leigh fluffed her pillows before lying down on them.  They both sighed, each thinking about the day’s events as they fell asleep smiling.

Chapter 12: A Sick Friend

“Ready to go?” Elise asked as she came out of the bathroom after her shower, she dried her hair as she chose her outfit for the day.  “You up?” she asked surprised when she saw that Leigh was still in bed, she walked over to the head and looked closer at her friend.  “I think I have a cold, I can’t breath” Leigh groaned, “you look pale” Elise noticed as she put the back of her hand on Leigh’s forehead.  “You’re hot, I’ll go get Emily” Elise jumped up and went into her sisters room, Emily came quickly and talked to Leigh for a second.  “She’s probably just has a bad cold, I’m calling room service to ask for some soup” Emily said as she came back.  “Why don’t you go out?” Elise said as she accepted the tray of soup delivered, “I don’t know” she said doubtfully.  “Get out and have some fun, we’ll just relax and I’ll make sure she gets plenty of fluids” Elise pushed her sister out of the room and closed the door.  A knock sounded on the door and she answered it, “I told you get out,” Elise said impatiently as she opened the door, but it wasn’t Emily standing there.  “Oh, hi Jeff, sorry I thought you were my sister” she said sheepishly, “that’s ok, I was wondering if your group would like to come out with us" Jeff grinned.  “We’d love to, but Leigh’s sick, she has a cold” Elise said feeling really disappointed, “oh, I hope she feels better soon” Jeff replied, she closed the door gently and hit her pillow as hard as she could.  “Who was that?” Leigh cracked open one eye, Elise felt sorry that she had woken her, “it was Jeff, they were inviting us to come with them out” Elise said.  “That’s too bad, I’d love to see Nick again, and I know how much you’d love to see lover boy again” Leigh grinned.  Elise tossed her pillow gently at her friend, “watch it” she laughed, Leigh wrapped a blanket around her and they sat in the living room and watched TV for a while, then another knock came on the door.  “Who’s that?” Leigh asked, “we’ll see in a minute” Elise replied as she went to answer the door.

Chapter 13: The Surprise

Elise opened the door to find all the group from yesterday standing on the other side, “we heard Leigh was sick and decided to come cheer her up if that’s ok” Nick grinned.  “Umm, sure I guess, wait here one minute please” Elise opened the door wider and let them in before going to ask Leigh.  “Leigh! They’re here, do you feel up to it?” she said a little frantically, “I can’t let Nick see me like this” Leigh gasped as she looked down at her pajama’s.”  “That’s not the point, do you feel up to coming out” Elise repeated, “sure I guess” Leigh sighed, “you look fine, they already know you have a cold so don’t worry” Elise whispered as she went back.  “Come on in” she laughed, “thanks, we brought some movies and popcorn” Lucy grinned.  “Sounds like tons of fun” Elise laughed, they watched tons of movies and cracked jokes, and whenever someone cracked a bad joke everyone threw popcorn at them.  “What going on?” Emily came into the living room, they looked around and noticed that pillows were strewn around the room and popcorn littered the floor.  “Oops, we’ll clean it up, promise” Elise laughed, “yeah right” Emily laughed as she tossed a piece of popcorn at her sister.  “We should let you get some rest” Jeff looked at his watch, they helped make the living room spotless again and then left.  “Thanks, that was tons of fun” Elise called as she let them out.

~~**~~**~~

“Earth to Emily” Elise waved a hand in front of her sister’s eyes, she snapped out of it and took the plate offered her.  Elise grinned at Leigh behind her sisters back, “so what did you do today?” Leigh asked, “just walked around” Emily replied.  “Did you see anyone you knew?” Leigh asked, Emily looked at her strangely “no, why?” “No reason, just curious” Leigh said hastily.  “I knew it, she met someone” Elise whispered to Leigh, “how can you tell?” Leigh glanced at Emily who was staring at the wall again.  “Of course I know, I’m her sister” Elise rolled her eyes, “will she tell us?” “I doubt it, but I can try to get it out of her” Elise replied.  “So Emily, see any cute guys?” Elise asked trying to look nonchalant as she pushed the food on her plate around. “A few, why are you bugging me with so many questions?” Emily peered closely at both of them, “I’m your sister, I have a right to know” Elise grinned.  “So I met one nice guy, so what?” Emily laughed, “that’s great!” Elise said enthusiastically, “I’m glad you think so” Emily shook her head as she went back into her room.

Chapter 14: Emily’s Friend

“Umm, do you two mind being on your own today?” Emily asked the next morning, a touch of nervousness in her voice, “of course not, if Leigh’s up to it then we’ll go out” Elise turned to Leigh.  “I’ll be fine, but no intense rides” Leigh grimaced, “that’s settled, but be back in time for supper and keep out of trouble” Emily warned.  Someone knocked on the door and Emily went to answer it, “why is it that that darn door is constantly being knocked on” Elise groaned.  They heard Emily’s voice and a male voice answer, “that sounded like a guy, I have to check this out” Elise jumped up quickly to check.  A guy Elise hadn’t seen before was standing talking to Emily, “hi” he noticed her, “oh Elise, this is Tyler” Emily said quickly.  “Nice to meet you” Elise shook his hand, she sent a sideward glance at her sister, Emily was blushing.  “We’re leaving, be back in time for supper” Emily closed the door, “he was cute,” Leigh said from the doorway.  “As cute as Nick?” Elise teased, “not even close, so are we going out or what?” Leigh grinned.  They grabbed the key to their room plus some money and the bracelet allowing them to go on the rides, then headed out.

Chapter 15: “No More Rides For Me”

“We’ve done almost all the rides already” Jeff sighed as they walked around the park feeling a little bit bored.  “We have 3 days left, we better use them fully, we probably won’t get a chance like this for a long time” Drew sighed.  “Hey, do those two look familiar?” Justin nodded towards some people walking ahead them, “yeah, aren’t those 2 of the girls who are staying on our floor?” Lucy asked.  Nick and Jeff’s heads shot up, “where?” they asked.  “There” Drew pointed, “bye” Nick called as he and Jeff jogged towards the figures, “those two are so funny sometimes” Melissa laughed as they watched them.

**~~**~~**

“Hey, you’re feeling better I assume?” Nick asked as they came up behind the girls, “hi, and yes I am feeling better, but to be safe I’m staying off the roller coasters” Leigh grinned.  “Where’s your sister?” Jeff looked around for her, “she’s off with a guy she met” Elise laughed, “would you like to walk with us?” Jeff asked.  “Sure” Leigh shrugged, “are you enjoying your stay?” “Immensely, it’s been fun” Leigh answered.  They walked around talking, a cell phone rang and Nick excused himself and answered it, the episode was repeated many times with both of the guys, but the girls just joked about it.  “No way! They have a merry-go-round” Elise heard the music, “sure, it’s just over the hill if I remember correctly” Jeff pointed with his finger.  “Let’s go” Elise dragged Jeff along as she took off, “if you can’t beat them, join them” Leigh laughed as she grabbed Nick’s hand and they followed them.  “I haven’t been on one of these for years” Jeff shook his head amused as he and Elise sat down on the horses, “you should do it more often, it’s fun” Elise grinned.  They waved at Nick and Leigh who were seated a little farther back as the ride started.  Leigh was enjoying the ride when she started to feel sick from the motion, “you OK?” Nick asked feeling concerned.  “This was not a good idea” Leigh moaned, “come here” he quickly pulled her to one of the benches and sat down with her.  Leigh paled as she tried to stop her head from spinning around.  “Don’t look around” he warned, he put his arm around her and pulled her to his chest, blocking her view of the outside “better?” “Yeah, but it’ll be tons better when it stops” she laughed as well as her stomach would allow her.  “Just don’t do anything on my jacket, it’s one of my favorites” Nick teased, “we’re slowing down” he noted with relief as the people’s faces became clearer.  Leigh managed to stagger off the ride with Nick’s help and sat down on one of the benches, “oh no, what happened?” Elise gasped as she looked at her friend.  “She’s fine, she just got a little motion sickness” Nick assured her, “I’m fine, but no more rides for me today” Leigh smiled weakly at her friend.

Chapter 15: The Poster

“Are you sure you’re ok?” Nick asked as Leigh stood up, “I’ll be fine” Leigh assured him.  Nick didn’t look convinced and put his arm around her waist as they walked, Leigh didn’t protest at all.  “Oh look, there’s a concert on tonight” Elise exclaimed as she spotted a bright poster advertising it, she went to take a closer look.  “98 Degrees” she read out loud, “hey, aren’t those the guys who sing Because of You?” Leigh asked, “I think they do” Nick replied, a touch of amusement in his voice. “That’s my favorite song, they have such nice voices” Elise commented as they walked away from the poster.  Jeff opened his mouth to respond, but Nick sent him a look, “so you like the group?” Nick asked, “I’ve heard quite a few songs and seen some pictures, but that’s all, I don’t really listen to music much” Leigh replied, “it’s the same with me” Elise added.   “Would you like to go to the concert tonight?” Jeff asked. “I’d love to” Leigh replied excited, “great, we can get front row center” Nick said nonchalantly.  “How?” Leigh asked, “we have our secrets?” Nick grinned, “you know them from high school?” Leigh tried to get him to confess, “close” he teased.  Ten minutes later Leigh growled “I give up, how?” “Can’t tell” Nick responded, Leigh rolled her eyes and punched him.  “Ouch, what was that for?” Nick rubbed his now sore arm, “that’s for being so annoying” “so I’m annoying now” Nick grinned.  “Don’t make me hit you again” Leigh warned, “I’d confess Nick, she’s got a mean left hook” Elise laughed, but Nick refused.  “I’m hungry, how about we get some dinner?” Jeff asked, “dinner?” Elise stared wide-eyed at him, “yes dinner, what’s wrong with that?” he asked confused.  “She is gonna kill me” Elise moaned looking at her watch, she didn’t even hear his question, “who is?” Nick asked.  “My sister, we were supposed to be back almost a hour ago” Elise sighed.  “Oh boy, emergency” Jeff laughed, he reached under his jacket and offered his cell phone to Elise, “just call her and explain.”  She nodded her thanks as she waited for it to ring, Emily answered quickly and Elise quickly explained what had happened.  “She’s fine, now how about that dinner?” Elise handed the phone back to Jeff, “ladies first” he bowed.

Chapter 16: The Quick Change

They enjoyed a nice dinner and after eating headed out again to walk, the guys dropped them off at their door in the hotel promising to pick them up in an hour for the concert.  “Emily?” Elise called, “have fun?” Emily appeared in the doorway, “yeah, can I borrow your blue sweater?” Elise asked.  “For the concert?” Emily raised her eyebrow, “yes, please?” she begged.  “It’s in my suitcase, but you better not get it dirty” Emily warned, “I won’t” Elise hugged her sister quickly and turned to sprint off to get changed.  “Oh, hi Tyler” she said surprised, “hi, off to the races?” he laughed, “nope, to get changed” she rolled her eyes as she brushed past him.  The girls hurried and had just finished the finishing touches on their outfits when a knock on the door sounded.  Emily answered it, “hey guys, they’ll be out in 2 seconds” she invited them in and introduced them to Tyler.  “Ready to go?” Nick asked as he spotted Leigh and Elise coming into the room, “yep, see you later” Leigh smiled.  Elise hugged her sister and whispered in her ear, “now be good, and stay out of trouble” Emily laughed as she pushed her sister out the door.  “Sorry we were late” Nick apologized as they stepped into the elevator, “that’s ok, what were you doing?” Leigh asked.  The guys had been doing the sound check for the concert but couldn’t tell the girls that, “oh, just talking” Nick replied.  “And guys always tease girls for doing that!” Leigh teased as they stepped out of the elevator.

Chapter 17: “We’ll Be Back”

Jeff couldn’t stop his leg from jiggling nervously as they sat in their front row seats and watched the warm-up bands do their songs.  Elise noticed and leaned over “are you alright?” she whispered, “yeah, I’m ok” he smiled.  She turned her attention back to the stage; the last warm-up band was about halfway through their songs when Nick and Jeff stood up.  “We’ll be back” Nick whispered as they stole away, Leigh and Elise looked at each other, but Leigh shrugged and they turned their attention back onto the stage.

**~~**~~**

“Where were you!” Drew asked, a little annoyed that they were so late, as Nick and Jeff hurried into their dressing room, “we’re here now” Nick replied as he and Jeff quickly got changed into their costumes.  They went out and got their make-up put on and were handed their head mikes and their costumes were straightened and last minute touch-ups were done.  The last band had finished 10 minutes ago and the crowd was already chanting their names, “ready?” Nick asked, “let’s do it” Drew laughed.  The smoke and effects began their magic; they waited for the signal then ran out as the music started playing.

Chapter 18: The Huge Surprise

“Where are those guys, the band finished a while ago and 98 degrees will be on soon” Elise kept up scanning the crowd for the guys.  “I don’t see them” she sighed as she sat back down in her seat dejected, “you don’t think they just left us here, do you?” Leigh asked worried.  “They wouldn’t do that” Elise glared at Leigh, “you’re right, I doubt they’d do that” Leigh amended.   “They’re too late now, the concert’s starting” Elise replied as she noticed the lights dim and special lights come on, lighting the stage in a gentle glow.  Fire spurted out around the stage and music started playing, when the smoke cleared and they could see the guys they almost fell out of their chairs in shock.  They could clearly recognize Jeff and Nick dancing almost right in front of them, their jaws dropped and hit the floor and their eyes went wider then thought imaginable.  Nick noticed their reaction and grinned widely, he winked at them as he sang.  “I am so gonna kill Nick when he gets off that stage” Leigh whispered fiercely at Elise, “I’ll join you” Elise muttered back.  “Why the heck did they not tell us?” Elise whispered, “I don’t know” Leigh replied as she watched the guys on stage.  “I recognize this song, it’s called Dizzy” Elise said as she listened carefully to the music, they began to relax and even sang along for most of the songs.  Drew went to the front of the stage and called out, “for this next song, we’re calling out Lucy and Melissa from backstage, and Nick and Jeff have a special request for a Miss Leigh Williams and Elise James to come up here” he laughed.  Nick and Jeff held out their hands to Leigh and Elise, they were so shocked they didn’t react for a few seconds. “Come on” Jeff whispered, his head mike was hanging on his neck so that the crowd couldn’t hear what he was saying, mentally Elise shook herself and she recovered enough to take the hand that Jeff offered.  She nudged Leigh and Leigh grabbed Nick’s hand and they were lifted easily onto the stage and led them to center stage where 4 chairs had been placed.  Lucy and Melissa were already sitting in 2 of them and smiled reassuringly at the 2 nervous girls.   Nick and Jeff replaced their mikes back on their heads and nodded at someone backstage, the beginning to Still began to play and the guys knelt in front of the chairs as Nick started to sing along with the music.  The girls lost themselves in the guy’s eyes as the guys sang the song straight from the heart, the song ended and the spell was broken as the crowd cheered loudly.  “We’ll be back” Justin called to the crowd as they headed backstage.

Chapter 19: Nick’s Revenge

They were laughing so hard as they went backstage they barely made it, “did you see the crowd’s faces” Drew grinned, “yeah, I saw tons of jaws hitting the floor” Nick laughed.  “We did drop a huge bombshell on them” Justin added.  “That was really sweet” Elise gave Jeff a hug, “I meant every word” Jeff whispered in her ear as he hugged her back, Elise pulled back shocked.  “Truly?” she stared, “truly” Jeff said seriously.  Elise’s mouth opened but no sound came out as his words sunk in, “it’s ok, you don’t have to say anything” Jeff replied as hugged her again.  “We have to go back on stage” the guys left and the girls stayed backstage for the rest of the performance.  They talked with Melissa and Lucy as they watched the guy’s performance, “so you honestly didn’t recognize them?” Lucy laughed as the story was told, “honestly” Elise admitted.  “We got the shock of our lives when we saw them on-stage” Leigh laughed, “I’m sure you did” they all laughed.  “What are you laughing at now?” Drew asked as they came back for the last break before the end.  “These two honestly didn’t recognize Nick and Jeff as members of 98*” Melissa told him, barely able to keep a straight face.  “That’s got to be the first” Drew shook his head amused, “thanks a lot, is anyone else going to make fun of us because we don’t keep up with all the bands” Leigh snapped, feeling her temper come on.  “I hope not” she jumped as Nick whispered from behind her chair, “don’t do that!” she turned around in her seat so that she could see him, her temper evaporating faster then snow on a hot sidewalk.  “Sorry, I was just helping you” he teased, “enjoying the show?” he asked, “yeah, you guys are really good” she replied.   “Thanks” he said, pleased by her comment, “I can see that big macho ego getting bigger inside of that head of yours,” she shook her head at him.  “I have a big ego?” he asked, faking shock, “do I have to answer that question truthfully?” she grinned, “you’re in for it!” She was forced to flee from him as he stood up and went to chase her.  “I hate to break this up, but we’re supposed to be doing 2 more songs” Drew said loudly, “you’re lucky, next time you won’t be” Nick called over his shoulder as they went back on stage.  They finished the concert and came back, “so where were we?” Nick asked sweetly as he came back, “you wouldn’t” she pleaded.  “Oh yes I would” he grinned as he easily scooped her up and threw her over his back, she kicked and pleaded with him as he walked away from the group.  “Nicolas Scott Lachey, let me down!” she demanded, he didn’t answer as he pushed open the door that led outside, she realized his intentions only moments before she was dropped into the surf at the beach.  “Now that’s what I call sweet revenge” Nick laughed as she came up, “great Nick, so now what am I supposed to wear, I’m soaking wet” she glared at him as she tried to wiped the water from her eyes.  She started to scramble up when he leaned down and offered his hand, she saw her opportunity and took it.  She took his hand and when he shifted his weight slightly to pull her up, she yanked backwards and he tumbled into the water also.  “Now that’s what I call sweeter revenge” she grinned as she quoted him, “oh well, I needed a shower anyways” he shrugged.   “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to swim in your clothes” Lucy grinned as she clicked her tongue at their wet state, “come on, I’ll get you some dry clothes” Melissa led her to the change room and tossed her some clothes.  “So how did Nick get wet?” she asked, “you don’t think I could let him get away without a speck of water on him while I was soaking wet, did you?” Leigh grinned as she came out from behind the curtain.

Chapter 20: “Well Now You Know”

“Why didn’t you tell us who you were before?” Leigh asked as they walked back to their hotel later that night, “I’m surprised you didn’t figure it out sooner” Nick teased.  “But it explains the whole floor being reserved, the phone calls, and the funny looks people were always giving you” Elise replied, “you knew we were part of a group, that was obvious” Jeff said.  “We knew that, we just didn’t know what group you were” Leigh shrugged, “well now you know” Drew laughed.  “Yep, now we know” Elise agreed,  “are you free tomorrow?” Nick asked quietly as they stood at their door, the rest of the group, minus Jeff had gone back to their rooms down the hall.  “Later in the day we will be” Leigh replied, “see you tomorrow, good night” Jeff smiled, the girls smiled back, then closed the door.

**~~**~~**

“So how was the concert?” Emily asked as they came back into the room, “you’re not going to believe the day we just had” Elise laughed as the strange events of the day ran through her mind.  They sat on the couch and told her about their day, “that was quite a day” Emily stared at them as they took turns telling the story.  “Yeah it was, definitely the weirdest of my life” Elise laughed, “anyways, I’m going to bed, I am really tired” Leigh yawned.  “I second that motion” Elise followed her friend.

Chapter 21: Ideas

Leigh and Elise spent the morning with Emily, catching up on the past 2 days.  “So you really like Tyler?” Elise asked, “yeah I do” Emily grinned.  “That’s great, you’ve been really upset since you dumped William” Elise frowned when she said Emily’s ex boyfriend’s name.  “I thought we were going to mention that name ever again” Emily glared at her sister, “sorry, I forgot” Elise apologized.  “On to brighter subject” Leigh said quickly, “fine, so when are you meeting Nick and Jeff?” Emily asked, “I’m not entirely sure, I just told them later in the day” Leigh replied.  “Well, Tyler will be here at 4” Emily glanced at her watch.  “Why don’t we all go out to dinner together?” Elise asked, “that would be fun” Leigh said excited.  “We’d have to ask the guys, but I don’t see any problem with it” Emily laughed, they called the guys and the idea was quickly accepted by everyone.

Chapter 22: Dinner

“This was a nice idea” Nick smiled when the waiter left, “it was, everyone’s been going off in different directions and now we get to sit and talk” Lucy agreed.  “I finally get to really meet you, plus intimidate you” Elise teased Tyler who was sitting on one side of her.  “I’m really scared of you, twerp” Tyler joked,  “you better be, I can get Jeff to knock you one over that inflated head of yours if you need more evidence” Elise threatened.  “I’m intimidated enough” Tyler laughed, “good, and keep that in mind when you get near my sister” Elise punched him.  “Why are you using my name in there?” Jeff teased, “because you come in handy sometimes” she grinned.  “I’m so honored” Jeff rolled his eyes, “well ‘oh honored one’ your food is here” Leigh pointed to behind his back.  “That’s good, growing boys need their nourishment” Jeff quipped, “we know you’re growing, but in which way?” Elise poked him.  “Don’t make me pop you one over your head” he teased.  After supper they went and played pool at a nearby place, the girls were still gloating over beating the boys when they left.  “You should have Drew’s face when I knocked that ball in the corner pocket” Melissa laughed, “we beat them badly” Leigh gloated.  “All right, we were having an bad night” Justin grumbled.  “Make that one bad night that isn’t over yet, we’re going to the arcade” Lucy pushed him into the soft bed of earth the gardeners had tilled, a very dusty Justin chased his girlfriend and tickled her until she promised not to do it again.  They spent some time at the arcade, but left early.  They dropped Tyler off at his hotel before heading back to theirs.  Both groups were really tired as they made their way back to their hotel and up to their rooms, “good night” Leigh yawned as they went into their rooms.

Chapter 23: Flight Times

“Hi, what are you doing here so early?” Leigh yawned as she answered the door, “we’re here to ask if you’d like to spend the day with us, starting with breakfast” Nick laughed.  “Sure, give us a few minutes” she replied, “we’ll be back in about 20 minutes” Jeff teased, “we only need 10” Leigh smiled.

**~~**~~**

“So when exactly are you leaving?” Elise asked as they sat down at a quiet restaurant. “Tomorrow” Jeff said sadly, “we’re leaving tomorrow also, what time is your flight?” “At 9:45 in the morning, when is yours?”  “At 9:30, I hate early flights” Leigh sighed, “that’s cool, we have to get there really early...” Nick started.  “Luke’s policy of course” Jeff cut in, “as I was about to say,” Nick rolled his eyes “you can hang out with us while you wait for your flight” he finished.  “We’d love to, we have to run it by Emily first though” Elise replied, “you can call her now and ask” Jeff handed her his cell phone.  She called Emily, “we’re all set, we’ll be ready anytime after 7” she smiled.  “Great, we’ll pick you up at about 7:40” Jeff waved over the waitress and asked for the bill, they paid and then left.  “So we have a whole day ahead of us, what would you like to do?” Nick asked.  “Other than get more sleep?” Elise laughed, “yes other than that” Jeff teased, “just walking would be nice right now” Elise replied.  “Your wish is my command” Nick bowed as he held open the door for them, “quit that” Leigh punched him as she passed.  “I do something nice and I get punched for it!” He complained, “only sometimes” she grinned.  “I’ll keep that in mind from now on” he shook his head.  Nick held out his hand and she took it, she looked over and saw that Elise and Jeff were already holding hands.  She shook her head slightly feeling amused, “what?” Nick asked, she was surprised he had caught on to her gesture, “nothing” she replied innocently.

Chapter 24: Last Day

“So you don’t mind that we are who we are?” Jeff asked, “who you are?” Elise repeated confused, “that we’re in a group that’s well known” he explained.  “I don’t mind, it’s not like your job really affects your personality, just because you are famous doesn’t mean your attitude changes” Leigh replied.  “Yeah, your attitude doesn’t HAVE to change, it’s up to you” Elise added onto what her friend had said.  “That’s true, as long as you don’t let it go to your head, your attitude shouldn’t change” Nick agreed.

**~~**~~**

They spent the last day enjoying the company of each other.  They had full day of rides, games, swimming, and dinner.  They enjoyed the fireworks one last time when it was dark; the guys dropped them off at their door after the show ended.  “See you early tomorrow” Elise closed the door, Emily came back an hour later and they packed most of their things before going to bed.

Chapter 25: Waiting

As promised the guys knocked on the door at exactly 7:40 then next morning.  “Good morning!” Jeff said cheerfully when Elise opened the door, “ugh, morning people!” she groaned as she closed the door.  “Don’t do that” Leigh laughed as she opened the door, “you’ll have to excuse Elise, she’s definitely not a morning person” she grinned as she let them in.  “We’re ready, we just have to bring the bags down” she explained, the guys helped them carry the bags down to the waiting limo.  “Where’s Emily?” Jeff asked, “saying good-bye to Ty