"Halle, sweetie," Karen asked, her voice came through the closed hotel room door. "Are you ready?"

Halle paced nervously by the door. Going out to dinner was beginning to sound like a bad idea. What if she made a fool out of herself? Sure, it wouldn't be the first time in front of JC, but it was different with Karen and Roy around. What if she said something that they didn't approve of?

"Halle?" Karen knocked on the door again.

"Coming," Halle, in nervousness, leapt to the door. She fumbled with the lock, finally opening the door.

Karen gasped when she saw Halle. "You look absolutely stunning, Halle," Karen cried.

"Thanks," she answered weakly, making herself smile. Quickly, she added, "You look beautiful tonight, too."

"Your compliment is much appreciated, dear," Karen smile warmly, noting Halle's tenseness. "Is that what you bought yesterday?"

"Yes. Mhm," Halle still said nervously. "Actually, JC insisted on paying for it, but - "

"Halle," Karen cut her off, laughing. "Why are you nervous? There's no need to be."

"I - I guess I'm just afraid of making a fool out of myself," Halle voiced her fears. "I haven't been to something like this. . .ever. I don't want to give you the wrong impression."

There. Halle had said it. If Karen Chasez looked down on her now for wanting to make a good impression, then she knew something was wrong. She wanted desperately to be on the good side of JC's parents, having fallen out of favor with her own.

Karen embraced Halle, a reaction she wasn't expecting. "Halle, we know how special you are," Karen began. "You don't have to prove anything to us." She smiled smugly. "Are you sure that it's us you're trying to impress, or someone close to us?"

Halle blushed, her cheeks feeling as if they matched the rose color of her dress. Karen was partially right; Halle did want to impress JC, but she also wanted to look good for his parents.

JC's mother laughed. "He will be speechless," she predicted. "Let me get the boys and we'll leave for the hall."

Halle nodded, and went to get her purse after Karen left. She heard the door re-open, and the voices of the three Chasezs filled the room.

"Halle?" JC called. "You ready to go?"

"In a second," she answered. "I'm just looking for my purse." Quickly she grabbed it off the bed and glanced at herself in the mirror one last time. Sighing, she headed out to the other room where everyone was. It was too late to change anything or back out.

His father let out a low whistle. "Halle, you look absolutely marvelous," Roy said. She might as well have kept her cheeks permanently pink, she was blushing so much.

"Thank you," she said politely. Flattery was not her thing, and she didn't know exactly how to reply to it, especially when it came to her appearance. She looked to JC for his reaction. JC's mouth hung open, and Halle took that as a good sign.

"Well?" Karen prompted him. "Are you just going to stand there gaping like an idiot?"

JC closed his mouth, remembering where he was. Why hadn't the dress looked that great in the window, or even when she tried it on? He didn't know what to say to her. What could he say? Every and any compliment he could give would be an understatement. He stepped towards her hesitantly.

He hates it, Halle thought bitterly. They're just being polite. I knew this was a bad idea.

But when JC walked over to her and bowed before her, surprise ran through her head. Even more so when JC took her hand and kissed it, delicately pressing his lips against the soft skin of her hand. Chills ran down her spine, and she felt as if ants were crawling all over her skin. A light-headed feeling washed her brain.

"You look like an angel," he said simply, gazing into her eyes.

For once she hadn't blushed. Halle was too busy staring back into his blue ones. "Thank you," she said when she was able to find her voice.

"Well then," Karen interrupted the moment. "We better go, kids, or else we'll be late."

They pulled themselves out of the moment, forcing themselves away from each other. Roy held the door open, and they all headed to the lobby to where a white, stretch limousine awaited them. Halle held her breath in anticipation as the chauffeur held the door open for her. Gingerly she lifted her skirt, climbing gently into the limousine. She carefully sat on one of the shorter seats and gazed about her. A wet bar was in one corner, a television in another. All this was new to her, and she took everything in.

The ride over was full of light conversation, JC sitting beside her the whole way. Halle had become afraid that she wouldn't know what to say and that there would be long, awkward silences, but she was beginning to become more and more comfortable around his family.

The even was held in a large hall, beautifully decorated. A wooden dance floor centered the room, situated in front of a low, small stage on which a DJ's booth had been set up. Tables were scattered about the rest of the room, red table cloths covering each table. A crystal chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, and smaller versions were scattered throughout the rest of the room.

Each table was set with places for four. Each setting contained real silver utensils, more than Halle had seen in her life. Sure, she had been to some pretty fancy restaurants for business purposes, but it wasn't as fancy as this place was. Each setting held a hand-painted plate, and that was just for the tea cup.

"It's beautiful," she murmured, looking around the room in awe. Even the centerpiece was made up of orchids and other exotic, expensive flowers.

"This is one of the nicer spots," JC said, taking Halle's elbow and escorting them to their table.

"I feel like a princess," she whispered.

JC leaned over, his breath tickling her ear. "You look like one."

The ants that crawled over her skin before returned. Halle's heart fluttered. Maybe because it was that he had gotten too close and invaded her personal space, or maybe it was because. . .of everything.

JC pulled out her chair and helped her get situated. After they were settled, the opened conversation. "How are you enjoying your stay?" Karen asked Halle.

"It's been amazing," Halle said, awestruck. "Everyone's been so great to me. I feel. . .so special. The guys have really helped me out and made me feel welcome."

"And your little angel?"

For a moment, a look of confusion clouded her face.

"Josh?" Karen prodded.

"Oh, he loves it," Halle said quickly, realizing that Karen meant her son. "Josh grew really attached to JC in New York, so seeing him has been a real treat."

"He is so precious," Karen smiled. "Where is he tonight?"

"Well I begged Justin to baby-sit," Halle grimaced. "I'm afraid that when I get home, Josh will be rapping to Wu-Tang and running around with his pants around his ankles. I mean, Justin's a great guy, but. . ."

JC laughed. "I'd be more afraid of Josh learning those pelvic thrusts."

"Oh, have some faith you two," Karen gently reprimanded the two. "You know very well that Justin is very responsible when it comes to kids."

"I think Joey and Chris are back, because I heard Chris' voice in the background," JC speculated.

"Now I'm really scared. They better still be in New York," Halle groaned. Just then, their menus arrived, and the party opened them up, eager to place their orders. Everyone was hungry and decisions were made promptly.

As the waitress took the menus away, a voice was heard from behind Halle, "Mr. Chasez, I'm so glad you could come." A blonde leaned forward and gave JC a hug.

She had never heard anyone address JC as "Mr. Chasez," save herself, and the fact that this woman was calling him that rather amused her.

"Hello, Marilyn," JC replied, smiling at the young blond. Jealousy swept through Halle as she bitterly thought about how he must smile at every girl like that. "And I told you to call me JC."

"OK, OK," the girl answered. "I'm still glad you came." Did she actually bat her eyes at him? Halle couldn't believe the flagrant flirting that was taking place before her.

"Oh, Marilyn. I'd like to introduce you to my mother Karen, my father Roy, and my friend Halle," JC made the formal introductions. "Everyone, this is Marilyn Edwards, a new artist on Epic records. Her manager wants me to help produce some tracks and do some vocals on the side."

"Nice to meet you," Marilyn smiled warmly at Karen and Roy, not even looking in Halle's direction.

"This promotional dinner is for record producers, writers, artists, managers, and executives to meet together and basically make connections," JC explained. "Johnny brought me as an artist last year, but he also wants me to start writing and producing more."

"So what do you do?" Marilyn looked pointedly at Halle, practically glaring knives into her.

"Halle, actually," JC started, his voice showing his protectiveness of her. But Halle didn't even notice; she was so enraged that this - this girl had the audacity to cop an attitude when she had never said nor done anything against her. This Marilyn chick may have been as old or almost as old as Halle, but she wasn't a woman yet. She knew that Marilyn would never be able to do half the things she had already accomplished.

"I'm a publicity manager and advertiser for Starbuck's Coffee," Halle said formally, trying to show any hostility or sign of stooping to Marilyn's level. She knew that Marilyn would be just another ignorant person to ignore, and she wasn't going to waste any sleep over it.

"Like handling out flyers and stuff?" Marilyn scoffed.

"Actually, the sponsorship of 'N Sync by Starbucks for their most recent tour had been completely my idea," Halle said proudly. She was never one to brag about her accomplishments, never one to toot her own horn. It was just that Marilyn was getting on her nerves, for no particular reason.

"Marilyn," a balding, skinny, white man walked over to her. "I would like to introduce you to a few song writers." Then he realized that JC was sitting at the table. "Mr. Chasez, thank you so much for agreeing to do some vocals and for producing some tracks for Marilyn."

"It's my pleasure," JC said politely, shaking hands with him.

"If you'll excuse Marilyn and myself, we need to meet with a few songwriters to see if they can help with her album," the manager said. In a couple seconds, they were off.

Halle was still dazed by what had just happened. She was even more amazed at how she was still sitting in her seat rather than beating Marilyn. The girl had completely insulted Halle, making her feelings apparent to everyone else.

"You're helping her out?" Karen asked JC, eyeing him skeptically.

"Actually, it's mostly to benefit my career and enrich my knowledge of the industry," JC answered his mother. "I can see where you're going, though. she's not a very nice person. I'm sorry about how she treated you, Halle."

"It isn't your fault," she replied, thinking for a moment that he wouldn't say anything about it. "I - I just feel very - down right now. She insulted everything about me."

"Don't let her get to you," Roy patted Halle's hand that rested on the table. "People can see through fakeness, and when they see through her, her career won't last much longer. You, on the other hand, my dear, will be successful as long as you live."

"Oh?" Halle asked, looking curiously at Mr. Chasez. "How do you know?"

"I can just tell," he smiled, his eyes glittering with encouragement and mirth.

For an instant, Halle was utterly happy, blissful. She wished she had a father like JC's. He made her so comfortable, and he was actually supporting her. Why couldn't her parents do that, just once?

"Marilyn is just jealous of you," JC explained to Halle.

"How's that?" Karen asked before Halle could.

"She likes me," JC said simply. "Since you're here with me tonight, she's jealous."

"Well she has nothing to be jealous of," Halle inserted, confused.

JC opened his mouth to retort, thinking of a million things he could say. Instead, he clamped it shut, afraid that he would get carried away. Everyone would be jealous of Halle. A beautiful, intelligent, self-made woman, she was everything anyone wanted to be. She didn't need much of anyone or anything to get to where she was. She had paid many prices, but they turned out well in the end.

"How old is she anyway?" Halle inquired, breaking JC out of his thoughts.

"Nineteen," JC replied.

"Acts more like twelve," Karen muttered. "I'm sorry, Josh, but I don't like her. Especially the way she disregarded Halle."

"Yes," Roy agreed. "I must applaud you, Ms. Lin, for remaining cool in that situation. If I had been you, words would have been exchanged and not very pleasant words for that matter."

Halle wanted to cry. Not because of Marilyn, but because Mr. and Mrs. Chasez were being so nice to her. They cared about her, like real parents. Halle missed that, she missed the family environment. Sure, Asian families hardly ever voiced their love, but their loyalty and dedication to the family were something fierce.

Their food arrived, beginning with the soup. It was a rich, cream of broccoli soup. Normally she would've eaten it all, but this time she only picked at it. For once, she was afraid of making a mess. She didn't want to ruin the brilliant dress that JC had bought for her; it held a lot of sentimental value for her. Secondly, she just didn't want to fill herself up before the main course.

"That looks delicious!" a familiar, yet sickeningly sweet, voice called from behind Halle once again. She rolled her eyes, and Mrs. Chasez tried not to laugh.

"Didn't you order any?" JC asked.

"No, just the wine I'm having right now," Marilyn held her glass up. "I'm trying to watch my weight. I guess other people don't care if they look like pigs or not." Marilyn stared pointedly at Halle.

"What brings you back to our table, Marilyn?" JC inquired, trying to mask his annoyance.

"Just had an idea for a song," Marilyn's face lit up. "I was wondering if 'N Sync could sing back up, the whole group."

"You'll have to get Wayne to talk to Johnny," JC hesitated. "That's really not my call."

Halle let out a low whistle. "Justin? The boy wonder? Sing back-up? Would he go for it?" she asked. "That boy loves being in the spotlight twenty-four seven!"

JC laughed while Marilyn glared at Halle's comment. Meanwhile, Karen Chasez realized how much of a non-fan Halle really was. "Actually, we sang with Gloria Estefan, and he had no big part in the song we did with Blaque. The song with Celine we sing back-up, too."

"Well then, I'm sure Justin won't mind helping me out then, would h - oh, I'm so sorry!"

It was as if it were in slow motion. Marilyn's glass tipped her in hand, the red liquid cascading down onto the sleeve of Halle's jacket.

She gasped and jumped out of her seat. "Oh no!" she cried "My jacket!" It had come with the dress, and Halle wasn't planning on taking it off at all. What was worse, she had been humiliated in front of JC and his parents.

"I - I better go see if I can get this out," Halle excused herself. Fighting the urge to cry, she hurried off to the ladies' room.

Once inside she turned on the cold water and shrugged off her jacket. As she tried in vain to remove the spot, tears began to stream down her face. She had been insulted and humiliated in the same night by the same person. How much worse could the night possibly get?

"Halle?" she heard the door click open. Karen Chasez stepped into the bathroom and stood next to Halle by the sink. As soon as she heard the door open, Halle frantically tried to brush away her tears of embarrassment. Her efforts were futile, though, her smudged make-up being the tell-tale evidence.

"Don't cry, sweetie," Karen gave her a smile, putting her arm around her. "It's just a dress, and I'm sure we can salvage it. At least it's not on the skirt."

"I appreciate your optimism," Halle began, "but I'm crying more so as to because I'm very embarrassed right now."

"There's no one to impress, Halle," Karen exclaimed. "Just a bunch of old stiffs." They had gone through this conversation before, and she thought that Halle was reassured.

"No, Mrs. Chasez," Halle corrected. "I embarrassed myself in front of you."

Just the fact that Halle was still worked up over impressing her and her husband flattered her. Pity and sympathy swept through Karen, and she reached out to Halle and embraced her. Never had she met anyone so polite, determined, respectful, and intelligent as Halle, and Karen knew that she was one in a million. When her son began talking non-stop about this woman, she was more than wary. Karen hadn't known if Halle's intentions were pure, but upon meeting her she knew that Halle cared little about JC's standing in the world or that he was part of 'N Sync. Halle, in Karen's eyes, was perfect for her son.

Halle was shocked at this gesture. But the single movement brought both tears to her eyes and twinge to her heart. This is what she wanted, a complete family, someone to love her and Josh like their own. She knew that not too many people would take both her and Josh.

"Halle, I have three kids," Karen smiled warmly at the girl. "Nothing you can say or do will really surprise me."

Halle laughed, trying to push the tears out of her heart. "Mrs. Chasez," she started quietly, opening her heart, "You don't know what your kindness has meant to me. My own parents - " Halle swallowed hard, but forced herself to go on, "When they found out that I was pregnant with Josh, they disowned me. I was able to make it this far without them, but sometimes - I really want Josh to know what it's like. You're the closest to that he's ever seen."

"Karen. Call me Karen," Mrs. Chasez corrected. "And you and your son are always more than welcome in my home and my heart. I have to be honest; I wasn't sure about you when JC first said something to me. Now I know better, and I'm glad that I do."

Halle smiled at the kind words, but then frowned. "I don't feel right calling you that. I'm sorry."

"Hmm. Well call me 'Mom' or something, but don't call me 'Mrs. Chasez.' You are too close to call me or my husband that."

"Mom," Halle repeated, letting the word roll freely off her tongue. How long had it been since she called anyone that? Too long even.

"Well," Karen sighed, taking the jacket from Halle. "There's not much more we can do about this. We'll take it to the dry cleaners' in the morning and see what they can do about it. In the meantime," Karen gazed at Halle through the mirror. "You look even more wonderful without it, so show it off."

Halle had to smile. She knew where JC got his upbeat personality now. She had been accepted, flaws and all. But would this reception be the same in five years, after they never saw her? She brushed the thought off, promising to deal with it later.

"Let's return to dinner, shall we?" Karen suggested. "I'm beginning to crave some of that salad that was coming out."

-*-*-*-

A Few Minutes Earlier-

"Excuse me," Karen went after Halle.

"Marilyn, I think you should leave before anything else happens," JC said firmly to the girl.

"It was an accident," Marilyn protested unconvincingly. "Do you think I meant to do it?"

"You don't want to hear my answer, now please leave," JC answered coldly.

"Does this mean you won't sing on my album?" Marilyn pouted.

"I'll speak to your manager later, now please go."

"Fine," Marilyn glared at him before sauntering off to her table.

"She's not the type of person I'd want to help out," Roy commented to his son, hinting to him.

"I know," JC sighed. "I never thought when I volunteered to help out that Marilyn would be like that. But after she treated Halle like that - " He shook his head.

Roy knew what was going on. You'd have to be blind not to. He had been young and in love before, and he knew that neither Halle nor JC were willing to admit to anyone, including themselves, just how strong their feelings were for each other.

"Halle's upset," Roy nodded.

"I would be, too. I - " JC hesitated.

"I don't know exactly what's going on between you two, but all I know is that you should hold on to her with both hands," Roy advised. "She's special. You know how your mother is about the girls you date, but Halle. . .Karen truly loves her."

"I know she's special," JC said quietly. It was an understatement. But if only she would step out of herself for a moment, away from her overly-independent self and see that she could have someone else in her life.

"Just remember that you don't find genuine people like that every day," Roy said. All JC could do was agree in silence.

-*-*-*-

When Halle and Karen returned to the table, JC was talking with a middle-aged man.

"A producer," Roy explained to the two ladies. "He's some big shot from Arista Records."

"He's so driven," Halle giggled.

"Oh, do we know it," Karen rolled her eyes. "Sometimes I want to physically make him stop because he's just wearing himself out, but its what he wants to do. Besides, he's always had good judgment."

"Ah, here's that salad I've been dying for," Mrs. Chasez exclaimed when the waitress returned to the table.

They began into the salad course of the meal. They were quiet during the eating, being courteous to JC while he spoke with the producer. As they finished the meal, though, they began talking quietly.

"I'm surprised that girl hasn't come back again," Karen commented.

"Well, JC told her to leave and implied that he may not help with her record," Roy chuckled. "She looked pretty bad."

"I didn't even do anything to her," Halle sighed.

"Jealousy makes you do some crazy things," Karen shook her head. Halle agreed, remembering the angry words she had exchanged with JC in New York after she had seen him at the restaurant with some other girl.

"Sorry for the interruption, but there has been a mistake in the kitchen so it will be another half hour before the main course is served," a man announced over the microphone. A chorus of displeased sighs rose from the crowd. "We apologize for any inconvenience. In the meantime, enjoy the music and feel free to dance."

"Well, there goes the neighborhood," Roy chuckled.

"What do you say, Dad?" Karen addressed her husband, a twinkle in her eye. "May I have this dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Mr. Chasez stood up and helped his wife out of her seat. They drifted onto the floor like a young couple, and Halle sighed.

If she had known the party was going to be that dull, she would've stayed at the hotel. Briefly JC glanced over at her. She didn't look too happy, bored was more like it actually. This wasn't her place, and she wasn't enjoying it much.

"Excuse me," JC said to David Foster. "Can we finish this discussion some other time? I'm - neglecting a guest of mine." The man nodded.

"I understand," he replied, glancing over at Halle. She was staring off into space, not paying any attention to the two men. "She looks like a winner."

"She is," JC continued to stare at her. Mr. Foster got up and left the two to themselves. JC also rose, and he walked behind Halle's seat.

"May I have this dance?" he requested politely. It was only then when she snapped out of her trance. Surprised, she turned her face to his, confusion written all across it. "Dance? You know? With feet?"

"I'm not going to embarrass myself, JC," Halle rolled her eyes. "I haven't danced in a long time."

"How hard can it be?" he grinned. "All you do is move your body." He held his hand out to her, and after hesitating, she took it.

"Well if I trip, just remember that you're gonna look like a fool, too," Halle teased.

"It's a slow song," JC noted. "Can't go wrong there. I'll catch you if you fall." He hadn't meant his words to have a double meaning, but once he said them, he realized that they meant more than just the literal. Yes, he would be there to catch her if she fell.

Halle nearly froze. A slow song? Meaning she'd have to stand right up again him? Allow him to invade her personal space? Have to hold on to him? Be that close?

Then, as JC took her in his arms, she began to relax. It felt natural, as if she belonged there. Her arms dangled loosely around his neck, her face turned up to his. But Halle kept her eyes shut, not daring to look at him. She feared that she would get lost in his eyes, again, and say something she might regret. No risks. She couldn't afford to take any, the outcome being more than she asked for, or worse, more than she could pay.

"What's wrong?" JC asked, noticing the wary expression on Halle's face.

"Oh, nothing," she fibbed, briefly glancing up at JC. "I'm not a big fan of this song."

"Really? I think it's pretty good," JC replied. "The lyrics are sweet."

"I dunno," Halle frowned. "They're sweet, but I just don't like it too much."

JC laughed, like a bell softly jingling in her ear. She shivered when she heard it, thousands of tiny shocks prickling her every emotion. Never had her senses responded this way, and never before was she so aware of someone else's presence.

When she opened her eyes for an instant, she was surprised to see how close she was to JC. When they first began dancing, they were a good distance apart. Now, though, "apart" was thrown out of the dictionary. What was even more startling to Halle was how close his face was to hers. She fought the urge to kiss him, an urge that consumed her body and mind. She looked away in a vain attempt to stop herself, but her efforts were futile.

JC reached up and placed a hand on her cheek, his thumb gently brushing her temple. He didn't know what he was doing to her, and Halle closed her eyes again. The agony of his touch was too much for her to take.

"Josh - " she protested weakly before he silenced her by placing a finger on her lips.

"Shh," he whispered, face drawing nearer. "Why fight it? You know you're going to lose." He smiled coyly at her. She knew he was right, and she knew she couldn't stop it. Halle was falling helplessly beyond her own will.

As JC began to close the gap between them, Halle was suddenly pushed and jerked about. "JC," an all-too familiar voice called out. "Wayne needs to speak to you, now."

"Marilyn!" JC yelped, more out of surprise than anger. "Can't this wait? I was in the middle of - "

"No, it can't," Marilyn insisted snippily, shooting Halle a look of hatred. She shoved JC off in the direction of her manager.

Left on the middle of the dance floor, there was nothing Halle could do but gape in disbelief. Again she fled in the direction of the bathroom. She needed a moment to regain her thoughts, to sort things out. Maybe Marilyn's appearance was a blessing in disguise; she didn't know how she would have reacted if JC had kissed her. This fairly-normal night was now turning into a very complicated issue with a mess of emotions and thoughts.

Halle splashed cold water on her face, as if it would break her out of the daze she seemed to be living in for the past few days. Her make-up had already come off with her tears, so she could indulge in this little luxury. She took several deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves.

After a few moments, she decided to head back. JC was once again talking to an executive, so she decided to take a stroll around the room. The hall's beauty continued to hold Halle in awe. Slowly she walked around the skirts of the dining room. In the far corner she spotted a set of French doors, its gold-plated handles glistened in the light. Its frame was made of the regal, reddish color of Mahogany. It beckoned her, as if it were calling her name.

She was getting hot, despite the lack of her jacket. The place was really crowded; never had she known that all those people were wealthy enough to pay that kind of money for a single meal. Well, it was a business meal, and the wealthy corporations they represented would eventually pay for their endeavors.

Going into what appeared to be a garden sounded like a breath of fresh air. Mr. and Mrs. Chasez, like many other couples, were on the dance floor, and JC still spoke with the producer. It seemed like everyone else was talking, too, making business deals and establishing new connections. It was a crazy process, and Halle was more than glad to not be a part of it.

Her hands touched the cold, metal knobs. For a moment, she hesitated, then with a burst of energy, the door opened with a strong push. She had been right; it was a garden, neatly laid out and lightly lit by the moon. A high, stone wall enclosed the green, but still left plenty of room to wander about. It was empty, everyone else enjoying the appetizers and music.

"It's so beautiful," Halle breathed, gazing around the garden. A narrow, stone path cut across a green lawn, the gray, light gray, and white stones alternating their course. Winter flowers and flowers that could not possibly survive in New York's winter grew in neatly manicured patches by the path, their soft pink and white petals illuminated by the soft glow of the full moon. A stone bench sat off to the side, isolated from view. A small fountain, made out of gray marble and granite, quietly gurgled nearby.

Still in a daze, she drifted over to the bench. I feel like Cinderella, Halle thought, gracefully sitting down. Here I am at this wonderful place wearing this beautiful dress with my Prince Charming. She laughed bitterly to herself, thinking that her Prince Charming didn't know how she felt. Dipping her hand into the basin of the fountain, she allowed the water to seep through her fingers.

They had been wonderful to her, JC and his parents, and she didn't know how she could possibly repay them. Halle knew that they did not want anything in return, but her instinct was to give something back. So far the night had been magical, aesthetic in every way, and she felt in the back of her mind, that she had to do something in return. JC had paid for her dress, and he and his parents paying for the dinner. Beyond that, JC had gotten Justin to baby-sit Josh. Why was he so perfect to her?

-*-*-*-

He couldn't concentrate on a word that Wayne was saying to him, no matter how hard he tried. When Halle reemerged from wherever she disappeared off to, his thoughts were focused entirely on her. He knew that she was beautiful inside, and that made her even more desirable on the outside. He sneaked glances at her as he spoke with Mr. Foster, noticing as she walked about the room.

Finally their conversation ended, but when JC looked up he had found that she was gone. Gazing around the room he spotted his parents on the dance floor, gazing at each other like two love-struck teenagers. Jealousy seeped into JC as the idea of Halle dancing with someone else entered him. But she wasn't there, he noted.

He stood up, as if it would help him see Halle more quickly. She was nowhere in the room, and he began to worry. Scanning the hall one last time he noticed a set of doors in the far corner. Immediately he hurried over.

JC peered through the glass, letting out a sigh of relief when he saw her seated on the stone bench. She looked angelic, even her skin appeared to glow. She looked so peaceful by herself that he wondered whether or not to join her. Would she want him there?

Be bold. Once again, Justin's words haunted him. It had gotten him into trouble before, but some good came out of it. Well, he would have to risk it, again. Quietly he pushed open the doors and walked into the garden. She wasn't looking up, and he wondered if Halle was ignoring him.

Halle stared into the pool of the fountain, staring at her reflection. Her hair all fixed up, she couldn't believe that it was her staring back at herself. She couldn't help but notice, though, that she was alone, that she was isolated. Suddenly another figure materialized in the fountain, JC's reflection gently rippling in the water. A sign, a symbol. Whatever it was, she didn't think much of it. She thought she was hallucinating, so she thought nothing of it. Wouldn't it be nice if he actually were there? she thought. It was only when he cleared his throat did she realize that she was not seeing things. Startled, she looked up.

"You scared me," she gasped. "Didn't you parents ever tell you not to sneak up on people like that?"

"Sorry," he apologized to her sheepishly. "You just looked so peaceful that I didn't think I should bother you."

Halle just smiled softly at him and turned back to the fountain. The air was cool, in the upper 70s. It would've been warm for Halle, but she had quickly adapted to the Orlando weather. A gentle, cool wind circulated through the garden, and she let out a shiver.

"Wish I had my jacket," Halle muttered to no one in particular, not knowing she had voiced her thoughts.

"Are you cold?" JC asked.

She hadn't realized that she had spoken aloud, and now she had to correct herself. "You fail to remember that I'm from New York," Halle glanced up at him. "It's a lot colder there than down here."

"So why are you shivering?" JC smiled wryly, shrugging off his jacket and handing it to her.

"I'll be alright once we go inside," she held her hand up in protest. "I couldn't possibly take - "

"Please?"

The one word, almost inaudible, melted a part of her, the part that was furiously trying to keep the cold wall of defense from crumbling. His voice changed her, enchanting her in a way that nothing else could. But maybe it was also his blue eyes playing tricks on her, almost magically glowing in the light. They pleaded with her, staring into her soul. Those eyes could make her do anything.

"Ok," Halle agreed softly, standing to physically break herself out of the trance. He helped her put it on, the final look almost comical. The sleeves of the jacket going well beyond her hands, the length to her knees. She hugged herself tightly though, feeling the warmth. Mentally she was trying to pull JC closer to her, without physically letting on about her feelings.

JC watched as Halle drifted around the garden. Her arms were stretched to her side, and JC was afraid that she would float away. If she really was an angel like he believed, she should have floated away. She looked as giddy as a girl on Christmas morning, her eyes wide and glittering. Halle's smile was radiant, and she glowed almost artificially.

"Isn't life amazing?" Halle said breathlessly. She had never felt more alive. Except for the minor run-ins with Marilyn, the day had been perfect. This vacation was doing wonders for her; he was bringing something out in her that she never knew existed.

"I feel like Cinderella," she gasped.

"Whoa," JC laughed, walking over to her and grabbing her shoulders. "Calm down. You'll float away in a second."

"Look at the sky, the stars," she babbled, turning away from JC again. "Doesn't it look like you can just take one and stick it in your pocket?" She knew she wasn't acting like herself, but the night was so perfect. She couldn't be happier; she felt so young and alive. "Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?"

"No," he replied softly from behind her. "You are."

Her heart skipped a beat, but she didn't reply. Halle wasn't used to flattery, and replying was something she wasn't too skilled at.

Her back was still turned to him, and JC couldn't resist. He walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his chin on the top of her head, their bodies fitting together perfectly. Natural, he noted. It felt natural.

Halle's body stiffened at JC's touch. It had been so long since she knew a touch like that, especially one so intimate. He was invading her space, and she was still deciding on whether or not she wanted him there. She finally relaxed, allowing herself to get caught up in the moment.

"What are you afraid of?" he whispered into her ear, sending chills down her spine.

"I'm afraid it's going to end," she replied honestly, her voice only a whisper, after pondering his question for a moment. "I'm afraid my carriage is going to turn into a pumpkin and this will all end."

"Sounds reasonable," JC nodded, breathing in the scent of her hair. Flowers, Herbal Essence, he guessed.

"And you?" she reciprocated the question.

"Same," JC explained. "I'm afraid I'm going to wake up, and all this will be a dream. I'm afraid that you won't be there." He wasn't being bold in his statement. Rather, he was being honest as well.

That was the moment that Halle knew they weren't "just friends." She liked him as more than a friend, but she didn't know that JC returned the feeling. Now, in that instant, his arms around her and shielding her from the world, their friendship had taken on a new level. But Halle, surprisingly enough, wasn't scared about this new development. Hesitant, of course, but not scared.

JC, though, was paranoid. Her silence wasn't a good sign, and unlike Halle, JC never realized that they were more than friends. He had always wanted that, but he didn't know if she did.. He didn't know how she felt, and he was risking everything he had to be standing there, holding her.

He swallowed hard. "Halle - "

"Shhh," she hushed. "Don't spoil the moment."

They were sharing a moment. They had experienced several before, but it was more personal. Now they both felt it. Sharing. Together.

"Can we finish our dance?" he asked, barely getting his words out. His voice was thick with emotion, and it was so hard to speak without blurting everything out.

His arms still around her, she turned and looked up at him. Her heart fluttered, her stomach doing somersaults. She knew what he meant, and she was scared. All other times they had kissed hadn't been planned, mostly on whim and out of emotion. But this - this was planned. Maybe originally, it might have been innocent, caught up in the moment. Now, he wanted to kiss her. She dared to do it. Still looking up at him she nodded ever so slightly. His heart soared and quickened it's pace.

The music inside the hall drifted through the glass doors and into the garden. Delicately, he turned her around and took her in his arms. This time, though, the gap that had initially existed was nothing. Halle closed her eyes again and leaned her head on his chest as the music of All-4-One came into the garden.

"What do you want, Halle?" JC asked her. She could feel his words reverberate though his chest, and it felt so comforting. "Out of life, I mean. You're twenty-two, and you have everything. What more do you want?"

She looked up at him, shocked by his questioned. Did she appear to have it all to him? Sure, she was established, but there were still many things she wanted to do, wanted to have. If only JC knew.

She wanted to be in love. She had never been in love, never known the feeling of what it was like for someone to care for her the way she should've been cared for him. Anything that remotely resembled a relationship was nothing. Anything that remotely resembled any feelings, were nothing. Nothing compared to what she felt for JC, she admitted only to herself. She also wanted a full family, security.

"I want everything, JC. Is that wrong of me to ask?" she answered. "Is that too selfish of me?"

"You have everything, silly," JC laughed, leaning his forehead on hers.

"I've never been in love."

Such a small yet true statement could not have left a more profound effect on JC. His heart went out to her. Not because he pitied her for not having experienced love, but because she spoke with such anguish that it tore at his heart. To have never been in love, to have never had anyone to care for her.

She closed her eyes, giving him a moment to study her face. Her expression was sad, forlorn, hurt, and even a little pained. He knew that she was harboring a lifetime of bad feelings, and that her pain was almost too much for one person to carry. Whoever caused this in her, to make her grow cold towards love, needed to be severely shot. She had lost faith in love, and he wanted to restore it. JC wanted to be the one to take away the pain.

At that moment JC knew that he was falling and falling hard. His forehead still rested against Halle's, he leaned forward and kissed her with such passion it scared even himself. He told her everything in that kiss, bared his soul for her to see. He told her that he cared for her, that he wanted to love her, that his heart was all hers. For a moment, though, he was scared, anticipating her response.

She seemed to know it was coming. Call it intuition or sixth sense, but she could see that he was going to kiss her. She waited, expecting it to be as innocent as their kiss in the airport. She didn't expect it to be so emotional, so passionate. It was new to her, and yet so wonderful. Halle kissed him back with a fervor she had never known, their passion not lost to sweetness.

Halle didn't want it to end, but as all good things did, so did the kiss. She didn't know how to act, so she did the next best thing; she didn't. She held onto him, burying her face in his chest.

JC should've felt triumphant, victorious even, but kissing her made him feel worse. It was everything he wanted it to be, everything he had hoped it would be, and maybe more. The kiss had given him a glimmer of hope. But despite all of that, it saddened him to know that Halle didn't feel the same. Never had she done anything, other than the kiss, that would have lead him to believe different, never. This kiss was probably just a response to him, no meaning attached.

"Hey, we better go in," JC gently nudged her, looking towards the doors. "The food is probably ready, and my parents are probably wondering where we are."

Halle could only nod in agreement. They had to leave the garden, or else something else might have happened, something worse, like she revealing her feelings to him. It wasn't the time, and it wasn't the right place. Not then anyway.

-*-*-*-

"JC!" This time, the voice calling out was a different one, not a girlish voice, but one that belonged to a man. A middle-aged black man strolled over to the table, and JC stood up and shook hands with him. "Glad you could make it."

"Hey, Johnny," JC greeted. Almost immidiately Halle recognized the name. It was Johnny Wright, manager of 'N Sync.

"Hello again, Mr. and Mrs. Chasez," Johnny nodded towards JC's parents before reaching out and shaking hands with them. He came across Halle and shot JC a confused look.

"Johnny, this is a friend of mine from New York," JC introduced calmly. "Halle Lin was the mastermind behind the whole Starbucks sponsorship of our most recent tour. She's one of their main publicists."

"Ah, Ms. Lin," Johnny nodded enthusiastically, shaking her hand vigorously. "So good to meet you, rather than hearing a voice over the phone. I must commend you on the outstanding job you did in coordinating the whole project. Everything went smoothly, and I must admit that I have never had an easier time with sponsors."

"The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Wright," Halle returned. She talked once or twice with Johnny Wright over the past several months to work out details of the tour, but she had never met with him face-to-face. It was ironic; if someone were to compliment her on her looks, her cheeks would quickly flush. But when someone complimented her work, she proudly thanked them.

"I hope these guys weren't too much of a hassel to work with," Johnny continued. "I know they can be a handful to myself sometimes."

Halle exchanged a look with JC and began laughing. "Well," she started, honestly, "There have been a few amusing times, but never really any big problems. They really were more of a benefit to us than we a benefit to them. They basically do their own promotions. So, no, no problem at all."

"That's good to hear," Johnny smiled. "I have to get back to my own table, but keep up the great work Ms. Lin, and maybe sometime in the near future 'N Sync will call you up with a job offer."

Johnny politely said good-bye to Mr. and Mrs. Chasez, then left the group to themselves. Halle couldn't believe what Johnny had just told her. A job with 'N Sync? She mentally shook herself; she had a great job at Starbucks. But still, she kept the idea tucked in the back of her head. Until later.

-*-*-*-

It didn't take a genius to figure out that something had happened, but neither Karen nor Roy addressed the change in Halle and JC. Instead, they acted oblivious. Something had to have happened, because the two couldn't look at each other other and ate in silence, chewing mechanically. Their minds were certainly on something, and Karen and Roy wondered what. It would continue on thier minds even after JC had walked them and Halle to their hotel rooms.

There was no kiss at her door, just a friendly hug. Neither knew what to do, nor where to go. They were lost unto themselves, stealing only shy glances at one another. It had been arranged so that Josh would spend the night at Justin's, and Halle would pick him up the next morning.

"I had fun tonight," she said honestly, leaning against the frame of the door. "Thank you for inviting me."

"It was my pleasure," he answered, just as sincere.

"Give Josh a kiss for me," Halle asked JC before walking into her hotel room.

"I will," he nodded. He watched as she slowly closed the door behind her, then walked back down to the limousine.

Inside the vehicle, he contemplated the events of the night. Re-evaluating what had occurred, JC realized that the night wasn't a disaster after all. If anything, he had succeeded in getting a response out of Halle. Slowly, but surely, he was wearing her down.

He slammed the door shut to the house when he walked in. Justin, who had been asleep on the couch, jumped up as soon as he heard the door. "Is that necessary?" he demanded crossly.

"Sorry," JC muttered, grinning at his disoriented friend. "Why are you sleeping on the couch?"

"I let Josh sleep in my bed."

"He's not that big. You could've slept with him."

"Details, details," Justin muttered, lying back down on the couch. "Hey, you sound like you've had a good night."

"I did," JC smiled, hanging his jacket in the hall closet.

"Make a lot of contacts?"

"I did," he repeated coyly. Justin could guess all he wanted, but JC didn't believe in kissing and telling.

"Something else happened, didn't it?" Justin skeptically looked at his friend.

JC shrugged. "Depends on what you mean by 'something.'"

"With Halle?"

JC didn't know how to reply, so he just said, "Halle and I had fun tonight. We'll leave it at that." With that, JC headed up the stairs, to check on Josh before bed. He hurried up the stairs to Justin's room and pushed open the door softly.

The room was dim, the light having been switched off. There lay Josh, sprawled out onto Justin's bed, his small head peeking out from behind the comforter. Silently, JC walked over till he was standing at the very foot of the bed. He reached out and softly stroked his hair that felt so much like Halle's. He closed his eyes in rememberance. He leaned down and kissed Josh's small, smooth cheek.

As he was getting up though, Josh's eyes opened. It took JC only a split second to realize they were open. His eyes just steared at JC and for a minute, JC just stood there, looking at him. Slowly, he lowered himself down to Josh. "You're not a dream, are you Blue?"

JC chuckled and leaned over to switch on the lamp. "No, I'm here."

His eyes looked past him. "Where's Mommy?"

He sighed. "Mommy's at the hotel. Don't you remeber? You're spending the night here."

He didn't nod or give any response, but he seemed to contemplate JC's words.

"Aren't you tired?" asked JC.

Josh nodded his little head.

"Well then sleep, little man." He leaned down to give Josh a kiss on the forehead. "I'll be here in the morning." He switched the lamp off once more and was about to turn and walk away.

"Blue?" he heard a small voice of the dark.

He turned at Josh's voice. "Yes?"

"I can't sleep," he said.

He turned back and kneeeled by the bed. "What can I do for you? Would you like some warm milk?"

Josh shook his head.

"Then what?" asked JC.

"Well, Mommy sings to me. Can you sing to me?"

JC was touched by the little boy's request. He nodded to the little boy, smiling at him in the dark.

Josh saw this and moved over in the bed. JC took it that he was supposed to sit down. He moved the blankets out of the way as he settled himself beside Josh. The little boy then laid his head on JC's stomach, closing his eyes in the process. JC wasn't sure if he could sing anymore. He had to find his voice first. Slowly, he took his arm and put them around Josh's small shoulders. "What... what would you like me to sing?" JC asked Josh as he yawned and buried his head a little more on JC's stomach, looking for comfort.

"Sing anything Blue," he said, his voice barely more than a whisper. JC thought a minute and then began. He was singing All-4-One, the only song he could remember tonight. He was tired too. As Josh's breathing got deeper, JC tightened his arm around him and pulled up the blanket around him. JC didn't want to move and wake up Josh up. Finally, JC's eyes closed too, as he still sang All-4-One. He just might dream about Cinderella.

-*-*-*-