*This I Promise You* - A fan fiction story by Tammy "Tammtamm" Frederick © Sept. 2000, thetamm@yahoo.com (inspired by the song THIS I PROMISE YOU written by Richard Marx and sung by NSYNC - from their album NO STRINGS ATTACHED, released in 2000)
Author's note: Hey everyone, while working on Part 14, I realized that there were some little minor changes and booboos that I needed to make and/or fix so I had to come back and do that. I don't have an "editor" but hey, if someone wants to volunteer, give me a hollar.
After the Billboards that Wednesday, Justin had decided to go off on his own for a few days. He had told the gang that Britney had again broken their relationship off and that he had had enough. He had promised to keep in touch via Tara until he returned and he promised to be home in time for Christmas and the wedding. JC and Shawn flew home to Georgia, while Tara, Joey, Chris, Danielle, and Lance flew home to Florida. Tara had left a message for Angie at the hotel to call her when she could since they didn’t get to say good-bye.
There was still no news on Kim’s whereabouts so every possible precaution the gang could take, they did. They hired additional bodyguards for Tara, Betsy, and Aida as well as Joey. Chris also beefed up security around his house and for Danielle.
Danielle and Tara immediately began the plans for the double wedding, getting input from Chris and Joey whenever possible. Luckily their wedding gowns were similar to one another’s that the wedding would look very contemporary and elegant. They would tent up the back yards of both homes for the reception as well as the gazebo next to the lake where everyone would exchange their wedding vows. Food would be simple and easy: chicken, ribs, roasted new rosemary potatoes, corn, pasta, rice, broccoli, salad, and various soft drinks. No alcohol would be served at the wedding as the couples preferred it that way. Bridesmaids would be Tara’s best friend – Trish, Danielle’s friend Tina (Shape Of My Heart), and Shawn. Groomsmen/best men would be Justin, Lance, and JC.
While Joey had some quiet time one day, he was thinking about what he wanted to say to Tara as they stood up in front of everyone to say their vows. They had decided to write their own vows to say after they repeated the traditional vows. There was so much that Joey was feeling about how he loved Tara and how much she meant to him since they met. He wasn’t sure if he could write things down to say to her before their friends and family. Maybe he should just wing it so it wouldn’t sound so rehearsed. He chuckled to himself. He went from thinking how lucky he was to have met and fallen in love with Tara to remembering conversations he had had with Andrew about her. She was everything Andrew had described to him and then some. Andy had always said to him that when Joey and Tara finally met, Joey would understand how Tara could capture his best friend’s heart. Andy was right. He always was.
“Joey… hey Joey!” Chris said from the doorway to the den. Joey was sitting at his desk, placed in front of the computer staring at a blank screen as he thought about Andy and Tara.
“Chris… hey man! What’s up?”
“Where were you? I’ve been trying to get your attention for a few minutes now. Tara said you were in here working on something.” Chris said. He closed the door behind him.
“What’s she doing?”
“She and Betsy are talking with Trish I think about some fabric.” Chris said as he sat down across from Joey. Joey turned off the monitor and looked at his friend.
“I was thinking about what I’m going to say when Tara and I exchange our vows. Tara said that you and Dani were thinking of doing the same thing.”
“Yeah, thinking about it… nervous about it.” Chris admitted.
“Me too. I was just trying to decide if I wanted to have everything written down and then memorize it or if I wanted to just shoot from the heart.” Joey said. He brushed a hand through his hair.
“Why is it that when it comes to those two we’ll do anything and everything we possibly can to make them happy or make us sound like bumbling idiots?” Chris asked.
“What we won’t do for love.” Joey said. Both men laughed.
“Ya know what… enough about this wedding business. How about we see what Lance is up to?” Chris suggested.
“Lance went to Nashville this morning to listen to some tracks that Meredith recorded. He should be back tomorrow. And Tara said that JC called this morning. He’s going to stay in Atlanta for a few more days. He’s been doing some writing while Shawn’s at work and said he’s got some great lyrics for us to hear.”
“Cool. Any word from Justin?” Chris was happy that JC was writing. It’s what JC loved to do the most.
“Well, he calls nightly to talk to Tara. She said he’s doing better. They talked for over an hour last night.” Joey said. The phone conversations between the two seemed to be more and more longer with each phone call from Justin. Joey took that as a sign that Justin would be home soon.
“Britney called Danielle last night. She wants to know why Justin won’t return her phone calls. She wants to apologize to him.” Chris said. He didn’t sound too impressed.
“What did Danielle tell her?” Joey asked. He wasn’t too thrilled with Britney either.
“To let Justin be. Justin needs some time and that she should just stop calling Justin. Britney then asked if anyone had heard from Justin. Dani told her that Justin is keeping in touch with someone and that he is alright.” Chris explained.
“Justin promised Tara he’d be home in time for Christmas and the weddings. He’s sounding better and doing better.” Joey said.
There was a knock at the door.
“Lance is snowed in in Nashville.” Tara announced as she opened the door.
“What? He was trying to come home tonight?” Chris asked.
“Yeah, they got done earlier than expected. Lance thought he’d be home in time for dinner.” She explained. Tara giggled as Betsy came in behind her.
“Looks like you’ve got a free night Betsy… wanna hang out with all of us? You know Aida made more than enough food for me and Tara.” Joey suggested.
“I think I’m going to go home and just go to bed. Sleep sounds good right now.” Betsy laughed.
“Randy and Jake will take you back to your dorm.” Tara said.
“Ok… are we done then?” Betsy asked. Tara looked at her watch.
“Yeah, we’re done. We’ll see you on Friday, ok?” Tara said.
“Friday at nine. Unless Lance and I end up here tomorrow night.” Betsy said.
Chris’s cell phone rang. He excused himself from the conversation to answer it.
“C’mon, we’ll walk you out.” Joey told Betsy as they all left the den to give Chris some privacy. They ran into Danielle on their way out the front door.
“Dani? What’s wrong?” Tara asked.
“Our dresses are missing.” Dani told her. Tara and Joey gasped.
“What do you mean, missing?” Tara replied.
“Both wedding gowns and the bridesmaids gowns are gone. I wanted to work on my veil and went I went up to the guestroom, the trunk holding the gowns was gone.” Danielle sat down on the bench in the foyer. Tara started to laugh. Danielle, Joey, and Betsy all looked at her.
“Tara, this isn’t funny.” Danielle replied. Totally serious.
“Silly, Chris and Joey brought the trunk over yesterday so that Betsy and I could work on the dresses, remember? You said that you thought your skirt was a little too long so I was going to shorten it by an inch?” Tara reminded Danielle. Danielle put her head in her hands as she shook her head.
“Duh Dani!” she said out loud.
“It’s okay, these things will happen. Tara, you didn’t tell us what was in that trunk.” Joey said.
“Of course not, couldn’t have you two peeking at the gowns before the big day now.” Tara said.
“So you’re saying that the gowns are all right? That you have them?” Danielle asked.
“Sure, wanna see? Betsy and I finished your dress just a little while ago.” Tara said. Danielle nodded and followed Tara up the stairs.
“Gee, you’d think those two were getting married or something.” Betsy said.
“Thus the insanity begins. Sure you want to be a part of it?” Joey asked her as he opened the door for her. He motioned for Randy to walk with Betsy as Jake held the car door open for her.
“C’mon Joe, we’re going to be late.” Chris said as he came out of the den.
“Late for what?" Joey wondered. He was planning on a quiet evening at home.
"That was your brother. Your celly isn't working again. Anyway, he's on his way over… remember, we're suppose to go pick up bridal gifts and do some Christmas shopping and grab a bite with him? Steve will be here in a few minutes." Chris reminded Joey.
"I totally forgot. Let me just tell Tara that we're leaving." Joey said.
"Might as well come with you. Dani's gonna want to know what we're doing." Chris said, stopping long enough to look in the mirror. He had decided to let his hair grow out some. Wasn't sure if he was going to go back to the braids and dreds or just let it grow out until the next tour. He just wanted some freedom for a while. Dani didn't mind.
"Tara!" Joey said as he and Chris took the stairs two at a time.
"Crud… those two!" Tara chuckled as Dani darted into the bathroom and Tara ran to close the trunk. "Joseph Anthony Fatone, Junior, what is it?" she asked as the guys came into the room.
"We're going to run out with Steve for a little while. Have errands to do and such." Joey explained.
"Okay, we'll be here working on Danielle's veil. Should we hold dinner or eat without you?" Tara asked. Joey looked at Chris.
"I think you should go ahead and eat without us. I don't know how long we'll be." Chris answered truthfully. Dani came out of the bathroom.
"Dani, the guys are going out, it's just you and me around here tonight and for dinner. Is that okay with you?" Tara asked.
"That's fine with me. Just be careful out there. You'll get mobbed if you go out like that." Dani said as she gave Chris a kiss.
"Dark glasses and hats it is… ready Joe?" Chris asked when he broke away from Danielle. Joey and Tara were kissing.
"Uh, yeah… and call me after Justin calls. Make sure he knows we miss him and want him home." Joey said as Chris pulled him away from Tara.
After giving security instructions for the girls and the grounds while they were gone; Joey, Chris, and Tiny piled into Steve's Dodge Dakota and headed for the mall. Joey had given the Dakota to Steve for his birthday, forcing Steve to retire his old, beat up Ford 250.
“Protective, don’t you think?” Dani asked when the guys had left.
“Have to be with Kim out there. Okay, now that we’re alone, let’s go finish working on your dress and veil, Ok?” Tara suggested. Dani went back and got changed.
“What do you think about this for Tara?” Joey asked as he and Chris were showing each other possible gift ideas for their brides-to-be. Joey had found a beautiful crystal music box that he could have engraved. It was rectangular in shape with musical notes along the sides intertwined with hearts and roses. They had already looked at watches, frames, various paintings (in which Joey found a beautiful Kim Anderson print for Tara for Christmas), various pieces of jewelry in which Chris had found a beautiful bracelet for Danielle, and other crystal ware. Joey had a sudden thought. “I wonder if we could get This I Promise You programmed into this? Yeah, that would be perfect.” Joey stated.
“Well, you know me… I think she’ll like it, but…” Chris started to say something about Joey’s known womanizer history. Joey sensed it right away.
“Chris, this is it for me, Chris. I swear, she's the one. Me and Tara. She is so amazing. I can’t imagine life without her.” Joey said.
“How do you know?” Chris asked.
“You’re not having second thoughts about you and Danielle, are you?” Joey asked.
“No, she’s my heart and soul. But I mean, you thought Kim was the one too. Remember?” Chris asked.
“Yes, I remember and I was foolish and stupid. There is a trust and understanding between Tara and I that I never thought I could ever have with anyone.” Joey explained.
“Yeah, that’s it.” Chris agreed. Steve came over to where they were standing.
“C’mon you two… we’ve got your tux fitting in half an hour.” Steve told them as he looked at his watch.
“Okay, let me just talk to the salesman.” Joey told his brother. He went over to the counter and explained to the salesman what he wanted engraved on the music box and to ask about having TIPY put on the box as the song. The salesman explained that they would need the sheet music but that he was certain they could have it done before Christmas. Joey was pleased as he left the store with the guys. They went and got fitted again for their tuxes. Joey had lost a few pounds and this got Steve and Chris to tease him.
“What is she doing to you? Whipped already?” Steve teased.
“It’s all the junk food Tara and Aida no longer let you eat.” Chris added.
“Or is it sympathy weight loss? Losing weight so that you both can fit into her dress?” Tiny asked, which got the other three to turn around in shock. Tiny joked with the guys but never so provocative as he had just now.
“There’s nothing wrong with losing a few pounds. Besides, you know how Jonathan and everyone is always after me about my weight.” Joey said meekly.
“We’re just having fun…” Chris laughed.
“Tell ya what, no more jokes at my weight loss and I won’t ask you what you’re doing with your hair these days?” Joey playfully punched Chris in the forearm. Chris covered his arm and said “OW” while nodding in agreement with Joey.
After they were done with their tux appointment, the men went and did some more Christmas shopping and ate out at a restaurant. Joey called home.
“Hey Tara. It’s me.”
“Hey honey, what are you up to?” Tara asked as she read some email from Trish.
“Checking on you.” Joey said as he ducked into the hallway in front of the men's room so he could hear her.
“I’m just getting some business done before I go on up to bed.” Tara said and turned herself away from the monitor
“Dani go home?” Joey asked.
“Yeah… about a half hour ago. So did you get everything done that you wanted to? What are you guys doing anyway?” Tara questioned.
“Oh we’re almost done with dinner. I was thinkin’ of something though concerning the reception. We’re having two cakes right?” Joey asked.
“Yes we are so that Superman and Lois Lane can be atop their own decorated cake.” Tara laughed. That was the only thing Joey truly wanted for their wedding and reception.
“Okay, just checking. I’ll be home soon. Have you heard from Justin tonight?” Joey asked.
“Not yet. Don’t worry about him. He’s fine.” Tara insisted.
“Can’t help it.”
“I know… me neither.” Tara sighed, “If he doesn’t call by tomorrow afternoon then I’ll call him, okay?”
“Okay. Well, you sound tired. I’ll let you go, don’t wait up.” Joey said.
“I’ll try not to.” Tara said before hanging up the phone. She went to bed a short time later. The guys returned a little while later.
“Good morning sunshine… do you know what day it is?” Joey asked Tara the next morning. He was watching her sleep.
“Why are you so cheery this morning?” Tara asked as she slowly sat up in bed.
“Exactly fifteen days before we become mister and missus Joey Fatone, Jr.” Joey grinned.
“You’re really getting into this aren’t you?” Tara asked him. She was shocked. She was always told that most men don’t get too involved in planning the wedding and reception. She sat up and pushed the blankets away from her. Marxycat meowed from the foot of the bed. “Oh, I’m sorry kitty.” She said as she unburied him.
“I am because of you. I can’t wait to say our vows and be pronounced man and wife. I have one slight problem though.” Joey admitted.
“Problem… what problem?” Tara asked.
“Every time I go to write what I truly feel, I end up writing lyrics to various songs. It’s driving me insane. Every time I start writing… I think of songs like Moments by WestLife and Now And Forever by Richard Marx. Do you know what you do to me?” Joey explained.
“Just speak from you’re heart up there when we’re saying our vows Joey. Even if you recite lyrics from songs, I know it’s coming from your heart.” Tara replied as she placed a hand over Joey’s heart.
“What about you? Have you written yours?” Joey asked.
“Yeah… sorta kinda.” she smiled.
“Seriously?” he asked.
“Yup… all written and ready to go.” Tara announced proudly. “Speaking of which… what time is it?” Tara asked and whipped her way around to see the time on the alarm clock. It was only seven am. Joey tackled her on the bed with a mischievous chuckle. “What are you doing?” Tara asked Joey.
“Just getting some quiet time with you before the day goes insane.” Joey said as he leaned in for a kiss.
“Do we have to be responsible adults today?” Tara asked him. Joey ran a finger softly up and down her arm.
“Define responsible.” Joey replied. Tara laughed.
“I don’t wanna.” Tara answered. The phone rang.
“Who would be calling this early?” Joey asked. “Justin.” They both answered. Tara reached for the phone.
“Can’t sleep Justin?” Tara answered the phone.
“Did I wake you?” Justin asked.
“Nah, your pal did that a few minutes ago by staring at me.” Tara laughed. “Everything all right?” Tara asked. Joey got off the bed and motioned that he was going downstairs to make coffee and tea. Tara nodded as Joey left the bedroom. “So what’s up besides the both of us?” Tara asked.
Joey went downstairs and started the coffee pot and the teapot. He then went into the den and turned on the computer. He wanted to see how the website was doing and wanted to check out any auctions on Superman memorabilia. Before he knew it, the aroma of coffee was throughout the house and the tea kettle was boiling. Joey went and prepared both his coffee and Tara’s tea when he heard a crash come from upstairs. He met Randy in the hall as they both bolted for the bedroom. They could hear a struggle going on as they tried to get into the room. Joey went to shout for Tara but Randy stopped him.
“I’m going to go in through the door to the other room. Don’t do anything until you hear me.” Randy told him. Although Joey nodded in agreement, he wasn’t about to wait for Randy.
“Tara!” Joey broke into the room. Kim and Tara were struggling on the floor next to the dresser. Kim was on top of Tara. She quickly got off Tara and picked her up to shield herself from Joey. She held Tara with a knife.
“Kim, what are you doing? You’re mom has been so worried about you.” Joey thought quickly. He could see that Tara was in pain and the color was drained from her face.
“I couldn’t tell them I was coming… I had to get back here.” Kim stated. “This woman has been impersonating me Joe. Can’t you see that? She’s not me.” Kim told him. Tara could feel the blade of the knife loosen away from her neck.
“I know baby. Can you ever forgive me? I’ve been searching for you for so long. She’s buying the house from me. I was finding you so that we could move to the Keys and start anew.” Joey lied.
“Why this house? You love this house, don’t you?” Kim asked.
“But it’s not you and me, baby.” Joey said. Tara made her move. She mustered up all her strength that she could and elbowed Kim in the gut before stumbling backwards into the dresser. Randy broke through the other door from the other room. Kim fell to the floor after having the wind knocked out of her and the knife out of her reach. Joey kicked the knife even further away from her as Randy pinned her to the floor. Joey went over to Tara. It was then they heard the sirens and Joey focused on Tara.
“Tara?” he asked as Chris and a security guard came running into the bedroom.
“Joe? Tara? Everything alright?” Chris asked.
“My head hurts Joe, especially this side of my face.” Tara said as she went to touch the right side.
“Don’t… it’s probably bruised. Just rest.” Joey instructed. “Randy?”
“She’s out cold.” He said as he cuffed Kim. Chris came over to Tara and Joey.
“Justin called me. He had heard a struggle.” Chris explained. He was in a tank top and boxers.
“Thanks Chris.” Joey said.
“Chuck, could you help Randy take this woman down to the police?” Chris asked. His security guard went to help Randy.
“What happened to the guards and the dogs?” Chris asked Joey.
“I don’t know.” Joey said as a police officer and the paramedics came into the room. “Tara, what happened?” Joey asked, his attention focused on her. The paramedics asked him to get out of the way as they helped Tara lie flat on the floor.
“I was talking on the phone with Justin when she crashed in through the balcony. She threw me up against the wall. I hit her and pushed her away but she kicked me and tackled me and then that’s when you came in.”
“Where does it hurt?” A paramedic asked her.
“Just the side of my face.” Tara told them. By this time, her right side of her face was a little swollen and bruising was beginning to be visible.
“Joe, Chris, let’s talk outside.” The police officer asked as Danielle came into the room.
“Dani, don’t leave her…” Joey said as he looked back at Tara, “I’ll be right outside.” He told her. She nodded.
“We found the guard and the dogs. All were in the shed, shot dead.” The officer said once they were outside the bedroom.
“What did they do with Kim?” Joey asked. He was furious. She had ruined more lives.
“Outside in a squad car.” The officer replied. Joey bolted for the front door. He found Kim seated in the back of a squad car, crying. “How could you do this Kim? What about your son? He’s never going to see you outside of a jailhouse now. I don’t understand you anymore. I don't want you in my life anymore!” Joey shouted at her from outside the car. Kim responded by crying harder. Tiny and Randy blocked him from getting any closer to the car and pushed him back into the house.
“You have to calm down Joey.” Chris told his friend when Joey was back inside the house.
“Something is definitely wrong in that head of hers.” Joey sighed heavily, then noticed that Tara was walking down the stairs with the paramedic and a bag to the right side of her face. “What’s going on?” Joey asked.
“I may have a broken cheek bone. We’re going for x-rays.” Tara explained.
“You need your medication.” Joey explained to her. Randy came out from the kitchen.
“Right here.” Randy held up a baggie with her medication bottles in it.
“Joey, go with… We’ll be right behind you.” Tiny said.
“Well, nothing looks broken, but you may have a concussion.” The ER doctor explained three hours later. “How’s your head?”
“It hurts worse than a migraine.” Tara admitted.
“Well, we’d like to keep you for a few hours for observation.” the doctor told her.
“You’d better call Dr. Ken then and let him know. And is Dr. Coddington in today?” Tara asked.
“I’ll get in touch with both of them. So it’s okay to admit you?” the doctor stated.
“I don’t have a choice in the matter. You’d better or my fiancée with throw a fit.” Tara said.
“Speaking of which, where is he?” a nurse asked.
“Getting some fresh air with his brother. Can you do something for this pain and can I get some ice to help lessen the swelling?” Tara asked.
“You bet.” The doctor gave her a smile before giving some instruction to the nurse.
“So, what’s going on?” Joey asked as he came into the curtained room.
“Nothing broken, but a concussion maybe. I asked that they call Dr. Ken to let him know I’m here. I also asked that they call Dr. Coddington.” Tara explained. A nurse came back with an ice pack.
“I’ll do that, you just rest.” Joey told Tara as he took her hand away from the ice pack. He would hold it up to her face. “I’m sorry about this. We should have had better security.” Joey stated.
“Kim’s sick, Joey. She was bound and determined to get to us any way she had to. Do not blame yourself.” Tara stated.
“I can’t help it. I still care what happens to her.”
“I know you do. You have to remember the Kim before all this happened.” Tara was defending the woman that just tried to kill her. Joey was amazed.
“You should be hating her guts about now, you know?” Joey smiled for Tara.
“Can’t hate her guts. Before she changed she was a great person and you cared about her.” Tara told him.
“You are too good to me.” Joey said.
“Only giving back what you give to me everyday, unconditional love and support.” Tara told him. A nurse came into the room and fed some medicine through an IV.
“It’ll help you rest. Mr. Fatone, will you be staying with her?” The nurse asked. Joey nodded.
“Okay then, I’ll be back every so often to check on her and how her cheek is doing. Oh, Dr. Ken will be down as soon as he can and Dr. Coddington is out of town today, but checking messages.” the nurse explained.
“Thank you nurse.” Tara replied. Joey’s cell phone rang.
“Hello?” Joey answered his phone.
“Joe, how’s Tara? What happened?” Justin asked immediately.
“Calm down, Juju… she’s fine. Thanks to you and Chris.” Joey said. Tara reached for the phone. “She wants to talk to you.” Joey explained before handing the phone to Tara.
“Justin?” she asked.
“Are you alright? I was worried.” Justin asked. He was freaking out.
“Some bruises and a concussion, but I’m alright. Thank you.” Tara said.
“You sound tired.” Justin noted.
“They gave me something to sleep. Where are you?” Tara asked.
“At the airport in Reno. I’m coming home.” Justin said.
“Okay. See you in a little while. Have a good flight. Here’s Joey.” Tara said.
“Comin’ home buddy?” Joey asked.
“Yea. Flight leaves in about half an hour from Reno. Direct flight to Orlando.” Justin explained, “My mom’s picking me up.”
“Thanks again for your quick thinking and calling Chris.” Joey said. He really did owe Justin.
“What happened?” Justin asked. Joey watched Tara as she had fallen asleep.
“Kim happened. Her mental stability is gone. Completely gone.” Joey commented.
“I’m sorry man.” Justin said.
“She’s finally back in police custody so that’s a good thing. How are you though?” Joey asked, changing the subject.
“Hurtin… really hurtin… but doing alot better thanks to Tara.” Justin admitted.
“Come home and let Aida and your mom pamper you. I’d let Tara do it, but she’s too busy planning the wedding and such.” Joey softly chuckled.
“You know she will anyway…” Justin laughed with him.
“Yeah, I know. That’s just her nature. I’m proud of her though… you should have seen the way she elbowed Kim. It didn’t matter that she was terrified, as soon as she had the chance she used all the strength she could and sent Kim flying. She took those self defense classes really serious. Hey, your mom just showed up.” Joey was explaining to Justin.
“I’ll let you go. I’ll see you in a few hours.” Justin said and hung up.
“Mrs. T… how are you?” Joey greeted Justin's mom.
“I’m good. Jonathan called me to tell me what happened after I got a phone call from Justin that he was on his way home. How are you and Tara and where are your parents?” Mrs. Timberlake asked.
“I haven’t told them anything yet. Tara’s resting. She’s got some facial bruising and a mild concussion. She’ll be here for a few hours for observation. Thanks for coming down.” Joey said as they hugged.
“Hey, your parents are out of town, you need some support so I wanted to be here. What are you holding on Tara’s cheek?” Mrs. Timberlake said, offering a parental shoulder.
“An ice pack to help with the swelling. We thought she may have broken her cheek bone, but we were lucky.” Joey replied.
“Can I get you anything?” Mrs. Timberlake was in mom mode.
“Nah, I’m okay thanks.” Joey replied.
“Good, good… Call me if you need anything?” she stated sternly.
“We will, thanks Mrs. T.” Joey said and watched her leave.
“Okay doc, how long do you think that the bruising will be visible on my face?” Tara asked a few hours later. Dr. Ken had gone in before his shift to see Tara. “Will it be gone in time for Christmas?” Tara asked. Joey had gone to the cafeteria with Chris for something to eat at her insistence.
“Honestly, the bruising is going to look worse before it gets better and you know how long it takes for bruises to go away.” He explained.
“Define worse.” Tara asked.
“Hard to say… a few weeks.” Dr. Ken said
“Awe man…” Tara said solemnly.
“What’s wrong?” Dr. Ken asked.
“Joey and I are getting married on the 31st. I don’t wanna look like some freak.” Tara was disappointed.
“Vitamin E and go to a tanning salon… that should help.” Dani said as she came into the room, “Oh, and Missy can help with the make-up. Don’t worry, Shawn and Trish and Betsy and I have been brainstorming over the phone for the past hour.” Dani smiled.
“Sounds like your friends know how to help. I’m going to go have Joey paged. I want him to hear these instructions that you’re to follow for the next day or so because I know you and how you’ll want to do too much.”
“You don’t have to… here he comes.” Tara said as she looked around the doctor to see Joey and Chris walking through the traffic of the emergency room.
Once instructions were given, Tara was given privacy to change into some clothes that Danielle had brought for her and she was cleared to go home. It was early evening.
“Want to go home?” Joey asked her.
“Honestly?” Tara asked him. Joey nodded.
“I want to go Christmas shopping.” Tara admitted.
“We can do that on the internet at home… you really don’t want to go out in public just yet.” Dani said.
“Do I look that bad?” Tara asked everyone.
“It’s pretty bad, hon.” Joey said as they piled into the Durango. Tara rummaged through her purse for her compact. She didn’t recognize herself when she saw herself in the mirror.
“Oh my god.” She stated. She tried not to cry.
“Tara, the swelling will go down in a few days and all that will be left is the bruises. You’ll see.” Dani tried to sound encouraging.
“Easy for you to say… I haven’t had bruising this bad since high school,” Tara slipped, then covered herself, “when I went for a rebound and was shoved to the wall.” She knew Joey would call her on it later, but there were some things she didn’t want everyone to know about.
“Well, that may be true, but I’m trying to be positive here.” Dani said.
“You be positive, I’ll be angry. Okay?” Tara suggested.
“No anger, Tara. We’re still getting married even if for some reason we do it without our family and friends there.” Joey turned to look at her from the front seat.
“Yeah, besides… if Joey can marry you looking like this, then he must be a pretty good guy, dontcha think?” Chris said while driving, trying to make Tara laugh.
“You three are amazing. Thanks gang.” Tara said. She was still angry and ready to cry, but she wasn’t going to let it ruin the next few weeks, Christmas, the double wedding, or her future with Joey.
Aida was waiting for them with the vitamin E as soon as they got out of the Durango.
“Looks like someone made a phone call.” Tara said to Danielle. Danielle nodded.
“Gotta help the bruising go away as much as we can. The lighter it is come the big day, the easier it will be to cover up.” Danielle replied.
“Justin’s plane just landed. He should be here soon and Lance and Betsy are already here.” Aida explained, “we cleaned up the glass and boarded the balcony windows the best we could. Jonathan’s sending someone out tomorrow to fix the doors.”
“Thanks Aida.” Tara said as she gave her a hug.
“Does that hurt?” Aida asked.
“A little.” Tara admitted.
“Yeah, we should get some ice on it. C’mon, in we go.” Joey encouraged Tara.
Lance and Betsy were in the kitchen drinking sodas when everyone came into the house.
“Wow Tara… looks like you were in a war.” Lance said as he gave her a hug, “You okay?” he sounded concerned. Tara broke their embrace.
“I’m fine Lance. Thanks for caring. How was your flight?” Tara asked.
“Delayed.” Lance laughed.
“Betsy wasn’t too happy about that.” Tara said as she and Betsy hugged.
“No I wasn’t, but I survived.” They all laughed.
“Oh, we got you something.” Betsy said as Lance handed her a bag.
“I’m afraid to ask.” Joey looked at Lance and shrugged.
“Well, we thought it would prepare you for anything and everything.” Lance stated. Tara took out the tissue paper and laughed at what was inside. She pulled out a pair of boxing gloves and tried them on.
“Cute Lance… cute.” Chris said. He couldn’t help but laugh either.
“Joe, can you tie these for me?” Tara asked as she held out her hands for him. Joey went along with it and laced them up for her.
“Bets… Lance… thanks… I’ll be sure to keep them on the nightstand for future fights.” Tara said. Everyone made light of the situation. Tara danced around the men and punched them playfully in the upper arms for a few minutes. “Ya know, if it wasn’t for the self defense that Tiny and Randy taught me, I don’t think I would have calmed myself down and elbowed her like I did.” Tara admitted when she stopped. Joey and Lance each unlaced a glove.
“Instinct, I’m just glad you did remember.” Joey said.
“C’mon, let’s put some ice on your face.” Danielle said.
“I think I’m going to take a shower first, okay?” Tara suggested.
“Sure, we’re just gonna scrounge around here for some dinner.” Joey said and looked at Aida.
“Yeah, I was thinking steak and veggies?” Aida suggested.
Danielle handed Tara a glass of water and a Vitamin E capsule, "for the road'" she explained.
“Sounds good.” Tara said and excused herself from the kitchen.
“She’s taking this okay, isn’t she?” Lance asked when he was sure she was out of ear shot.
“Better than I am.” Joey admitted.
“So what exactly happened?” Betsy asked. She and Danielle helped Aida with cutting up the vegetables and getting the plates and stuff down from the cabinets. The guys sat at the breakfast bar.
“I was on the computer when I heard a crash. Randy and I bolted upstairs to see Tara and Kim struggling on the floor. Kim was way out there…” Joey said with a heavy sigh. “I am so thankful that she’s finally caught though. But that kid of hers. He’s never going to see her a free woman again. That poor kid.” Joey said.
“There’s a good side to her… we’ve seen it, but something snapped.” Danielle said in agreement with Joey.
“All right, confession time.” Lance stated matter-of-factly. Everyone looked at him. “I don’t think she could ever handle the pressure of being your girl, Joey. Yeah, I saw the good side of her, but I remember all the times you would be upset because she would leave you dozens of messages at every hotel we were at, on your cell phone, on our cell phones. When you weren’t with her, she was so jealous and obsessive. That in itself should have clued us all in that something was wrong. But you were happy. And none of us wanted to burst your bubble.” Danielle and Chris nodded in agreement with him.
“Yeah, that was then, but this is now. And I don’t want her in our lives anymore.” Joey told them, “And I don’t want to discuss this anymore. I think I’m going to go blow some stuff up.” Joey said and got up from the table. Danielle looked at Lance and Chris and motioned for them to follow him.
“Wait up, Joey. We’ll come play with you.” Chris suggested.
The guys were playing on the Nintendo 64©™ for nearly an hour when Danielle came into the den and interrupted them.
“Joey, she’s been up there an awfully long time. Maybe someone should go check on her?” Danielle suggested.
“Yeah, you’re right.” Joey said, “I’ll be right back.” Joey put the controller down and went up to their room.
“Tara? Honey?” Joey asked as he opened the door. He could hear the shower still going in the bathroom. He checked the door and noticed it was ajar. He knocked on the door before going in. “Tara?” he asked again. She poked her head out from the shower.
“Yeah?” she said.
“You alright? You’ve been up here for an hour? Trying to become a raisinette on me?” Joey smiled.
“Sorry… The shower just feels so good.” She admitted.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” Joey asked.
“I’m getting married in less than three weeks and my face looks like a punching bag. No I’m not alright.” Tara snapped.
“C’mon out of there so we can talk.” Joey said and handed her a towel. She turned off the shower and came out. He helped her dry off. The bruise had gone down past her jaw and onto her neck and even her right shoulder was bruised. “Wow… that must have been some impact.” Joey was stunned as he gently traced the outline of the bruise.
“Yeah… it was.” Tara admitted, “I’m lucky I didn’t break anything.” Tara said. Joey helped her put on a sports bra and a dress shirt and shorts.
“Okay, you do not look like a punching bag to me. When I look at you I don’t see these terrible bruises. I see the love of my life. It doesn’t matter to me what you look like. I’m still going to marry you on New Year’s Eve. No matter what.” Joey said sternly.
“I look like a freak, Joey.” Tara told him.
“You’re my freak and I love you no matter what you look like. That’s all that matters.” Joey reiterated, “Now, let’s go down and forget about what happened this morning. Let’s go relax and have some fun.” Joey extended his hand to her. He could only tell her the truth about how he saw the situation and the wedding and he did that. He wasn’t going to lie to her. She deserved nothing but honesty from him. Tara instinctively took his hand and he led her downstairs.
“Hey, look who just got back.” Lance said from the bottom of the stairs. Justin came into view. He looked rested despite the lack of sleep he told Tara he didn’t get the night before. Joey and Tara both smiled. Baby brother was home.
“Welcome home, Juju. You’ve been missed.” Tara said when they hugged.
“I’ve missed everyone too. Does that hurt?” he winced.
“A little, but I’m okay.” Tara told him.
“Good, because you were the one I missed the most. All these other posers can get lost.” He laughed. Tara and Lance noticed the gleam in his eyes that he didn’t have at the end of the Billboards a few weeks ago.
“There it is… There’s that gleam.” Lance said.
“You’re little vacation did you some good then?” Joey said as he pulled Justin into a hug.
“Yeah. I met someone who reminds me so much of Tara. She’s a good, sweet, nice, caring person who I hope I can continue a friendship with for a long time.” Justin admitted.
“Dinner… Juju!” Danielle said as she came out from the kitchen.
“Dani!” Justin said. He walked into Chris who was waiting inside the doorway to the den and tackled Justin as he passed him. Dani had to jump back so that they wouldn’t knock her over.
“Hey squirt!” Chris said. Justin was laughing so hard.
“Hey old man!” Everyone laughed.
“I may be old but I stunned your ass.” Chris said as he helped Justin up from the hallway floor.
“As I was saying earlier… dinner is ready.” Dani announced calmly.
After dinner, they played dominoes and laughed about everything and anything. Lance talked about Tennessee and Justin about Big Bear. JC and Shawn had called later in the evening to see how things were going. JC would be home a few days later and Shawn would be in town the Saturday before Christmas.
After everyone left their house, Joey and Tara were in the den talking.
“Tara… I need to ask you something about the conversation in the car earlier. It’s been bugging me and I should have brought it up when we were in the bathroom after your shower, but I thought it could wait.”
“You’re wondering about what happened in high school. What did Andy tell you?” she asked.
“Well, I know you didn’t get the bruising from basketball. You hardly got any playing time and when you did, the girls were intimidated by your size. They didn’t mess with you.” Joey admitted.
“My step-father beat me up after one of his drinking binges. It was pretty bad. I ran away and refused to go home. My aunt and uncle asked me to come live with them once they found me. I was staying at a friend’s house.”
"How bad was the beating?”
“Cracked rib. Bruises on my back, sprained wrist and ankle. More bruises on my neck and arms and a scratched cornea.”
“What happened to your step-father?”
“He denied it and my mom believed him over me. That’s what hurt the most. She chose a man over her own child.”
“Did you bring any charges against him?”
“The DA felt that since I was removed from the home and living with my Aunt and Uncle that I shouldn’t be put through a trial so no, we didn’t. It didn’t matter anyway, the damage had already been done. Both physically and emotionally.” Tara explained she went over to the window seat and looked out the window.
"I’m sorry if I brought back painful memories.”
“I should have told you sooner. I just always assumed that you already knew because of Andy.” Tara said.
“Is that why you didn’t invite your mom down here for Christmas and the wedding?” Joey asked.
“I can’t stand that man Joey. And I will not have him in my house or around my family if I can’t help it. And Mom doesn’t go anywhere without him.” Tara said. She couldn’t cry any more over it. She had done that too often when she was alone or in the shower so he wouldn’t hear her.
“But your father is coming, right?” Joey asked.
“The whole clan is suppose to come. Even Matthew.” Tara smiled.
“That kid was such a good sport that night.” Joey smiled at the thought of how he met Tara’s dad.
“So were you.” Tara remembered too.
“How about we go cuddle upstairs? It’s late and we have a meeting with the wedding planner tomorrow to iron out some details, don’t we?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, let’s go cuddle.” Tara agreed.
They went to bed that night letting everything that happened with Kim remain out of their heads, letting Tara’s past alone, and just wondering what their wedding day would bring.
