*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)
“So what do you want to do about tomorrow?” Joey asked when they got home after filling up her new prescriptions. Tiny had gone to meet with the rest of the security team to get up to speed on any appearances that were being booked for the guys while Chris was recuperating.
“Well, I think I should call them and tell them what’s happening with my prognosis and see if maybe we could do this over the phone. Or they could come down here?” Tara suggested.
“I like both those ideas. But first, how about a hug?” Joey asked as he opened his arms for her. They were standing in the foyer of the house. Tara walked into his waiting arms. “See that wasn’t so bad, now was it?” Joey asked referring to the doctor’s visit.
“It was a doctor’s office. I hated every minute of it.” Tara said.
“Alrighty then.” Joey replied.
“C’mon, I need to call the detective about tomorrow.” Tara said taking hold of Joey’s hand as she broke the embrace. She led him towards the den. Chris and Danielle were slowly coming down the stairs with the pugs running around behind them.
“Where do you think you’re going Christopher?” Tara asked.
“Home… don’t want to impose on you both or Aida any longer.” Chris said.
“We agreed that you would stay here for a few days buddy. Just humor us, alright?” Joey asked.
“Yeah, Chris. Please… I’ve been grounded so I need someone to keep me company.” Tara added.
“Are you sure I won’t be imposing?” Chris asked.
“Danielle, tell him this is the best place to be.” Joey said, looking at Danielle.
“Chris, you heard them. You’re staying put. Let’s get you back to bed.” Danielle said to Chris.
“Tara, I’ll be right back.” Joey said and went to help his friend back to bed. Tara went into the den to place the call. Joey returned while Tara was waiting on hold to speak with the detective.
“I’m on hold.” She explained. Joey went out to the living room and picked up the cordless and went back into the den. Tara had turned on the computer and dialed into her company’s mainframe to check email and touch base with Trish. After a few more minutes, the lead investigator came onto the phone.
“Ms. Marshall, this is Detective Schroder. I’m sorry to keep you waiting.” The detective said.
“It’s okay. It’s my understanding that you wanted me to be there tomorrow? I’m calling to discuss that with you.”
“Actually, the DA just wants to fill you in on the case.” The detective said.
“Can it be done over the phone?” Tara asked.
“I don’t see why not. How are you and Mr. Fatone?” the detective asked.
“As well as can be expected. It’s our understanding that Kim has been handed over to the state for observation?”
“Yes… she is in the Norristown State Hospital for consultation. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“Not at this time. Please have the DA give me a call at their convenience.” Tara expressed.
“Certainly.” The detective replied.
“Well, that wasn’t how the email sounded.” Tara said as she opened the email after hanging up the phone. Joey read the email.
“You’re right. Well, I’ll leave you to your email.”
“Don’t go, Joey… I won’t be long.” Tara explained. She didn’t have anything new from Trish regarding the company so she sent Trish an email to call her at 3pm to discuss things. She knew that she and Joey had more talking to do and it was better to do it now instead of later. “Okay, done. I asked Trish to call me around three to talk about things.” Tara explained. Joey came up behind her as she was turning off the laptop and put his hands on her shoulders.
“You’re so tense. Relax.” Joey said as he started to knead her shoulders.
“Joe, that feels great, but please stop.” Tara asked him. Joey did as she asked and backed away from the chair so she could get up.
“What’s the matter?” he asked instinctively.
“I’m thinking a little more clearly than I have the past few days and want to discuss yesterday with you and I know you do too.” Tara said.
“Among other things.” Joey admitted. Joey sat down on the couch.
“Can you explain why the doctor said he has seen a little improvement since last week? I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen any.” Tara told Joey.
“I see differences between then and yesterday. For instance, you weren’t as foggy as before when you’d come out of the state you were in. However, I’ve seen changes in your personality. They’re not bad, but they’re not you.”
“Okay, and yesterday when I wanted to fly out to see you. I honestly missed you.” Tara said.
“But you never do anything spontaneous unless I initiate it.” Joey said.
“True.”
“Look, what’s done is done, let’s not dwell on it. I’m home for a while. One thing I want you to think about is moving down here permanently. And that will affect your company. I don’t want you in Pennsylvania as long as Kim is there though. Understand?” Joey asked. Tara looked down at the floor. Move down here permanently already?
“Yeah, I understand. We’re going to need to go back up to Pennsylvania soon though Joe. I need to talk to the employees in person and I need to talk to Trish face to face. I don’t want the company to fold, but I’m not sure what I want to do yet either.” Tara admitted.
“Fair enough.” Joey said. He knew she was right.
Tara sighed. So much to think about and resolve before she could even begin to think about planning the wedding. Joey had remained silent as he watched Tara thinking. He knew she was thinking about work and the wedding and the past week and a half.
“Don’t worry over everything Tara. The stress isn’t good for you.” Joey said. Tara got up and moved over to the bay window. She grabbed a stuffed Tigger as she sat down in the seat within the window.
“I’m trying not to.” She said as she looked out towards Chris’s house. Danielle was out in the yard with the pugs.
Joey got up and went over to the bay window. Tara moved so that Joey could slide in behind her. They sat in the bay window like that for a little while without saying a word. Joey worried over Tara as she tried to imagine life without her company. She wasn’t ready to give it up completely, she knew that in her heart. She also knew that she didn’t want to be without Joey. She closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. She was getting a headache.
“Tara?” Joey asked. He knew she was worrying too much.
“I’ve been thinking too much. Let’s do something fun.” Tara said.
“Um, like what?” Joey asked.
“I wanna sing… where’s the karaoke machine?” Tara asked.
“Really, you wanna sing?”
“You know how much I love to sing. I may not be good at it, but I love it.” Tara smiled.
“What do you want to sing?” Joey asked.
“Um, will you sing with me?” Tara suggested.
“Depends on what you want to sing?” Joey said. Tara turned to look at Joey with a gleam in her eye and grinning from ear to ear. “Uh Oh…” Joey chuckled.
“The Edge Of Forever?” Tara suggested.
“Whew… I thought it was gonna be some song I didn’t know.” Joey said.
“C’mon, I’ll get the booklet, but I think you know this song as well as I do.” Tara said. She put in the CD and turned down the vocals.
Tara: No one
can decide
When
lightning will strike
And
everything falls into place
Joey:
But lately it seems
When
you’re in my dreams
I find
that I don’t want to wake
Tara:
I wanna slowly
Unlock
the mystery
Joey:
I wanna make love
I
wanna make history
Both:
With you
I see
a lifetime with you
And if
one thing is true
Tara:
It’s that god knew someday I’d be standing
Both:
On the edge of forever with you
Tara:
Oh Yeah
Joey:
I’m ready to fall
To
give you my all
Cause
you’re everything I’ll ever want
Both:
It’s amazing to me
Tara:
How far we can see
Both:
Our horizon goes on and on
Joey:
I wanna slowly
Unlock
the mystery
Both:
I wanna make love
Tara:
Yeah, I wanna make history
Both:
With you
I see
a lifetime with you
And if
one thing is true
Joey:
It’s that god knew someday I’d be standing
Both:
On the edge of forever with you
Both:
And when I’m shivering
Your
body will be my blanket
And
when I’m drifting, baby
You’ll
be my anchor
Both:
With you
I see
a lifetime with you
And if
one thing is true
Tara:
It’s that god knew someday I’d be standing
Both:
On the edge of forever with you
Tara:
Oohhhhhhhhh
Joey:
OOH oooooooooohhhhhhhhh
Both:
Wanna spend forever with you
Only
forever will do
The Edge Of
Forever
Written by
Richard Marx and Chely Wright
© 2000
Chi-Boy music (ASCAP) Songs of Polygram, Inc./
Songs of
Universal, Inc./My Mulligan Music (BMI)
Tara and Joey sang with such feeling and emotion, they had forgotten that the door to the den was left open. JC had come in through the kitchen and could hear them as he stood in the hall. He was in awe at how well Joey and Tara sang together. Tara never sang in front of anyone else but Joey. JC had heard them a few other times before, but he was truly impressed with Tara’s level of feeling and emotion in the words that she sang. JC clapped his hands and entered the den when they were finished singing.
“Tara, you were great!” JC exclaimed. Tara blushed as she said thank you.
“And what was I? Chopped liver?” Joey asked jokingly.
“I mean it you two… I’ve heard Tara sing before and this time she took it all to a new level. Tara, you were amazing.”
“JC, don’t get any ideas… I’m not a singer. I’m a fashion designer. Joey and I were just singing for fun. I love to sing, just don’t put any pressure on me to do it. And when else have you heard me sing?” Tara warned him.
“Several times when you’ve got the earphones on and you’re working. Remember, I live here too.” JC said. Tara turned even redder.
“Oh yeah.” She said. She buried her head in Joey’s chest. Totally embarrassed.
“T… it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You have a beautiful voice.” JC said.
“Thanks JC.” Tara turned her head to face him.
“Okay, I’ve put my foot in my mouth long enough… I just came home to shower and change… I’m going down to the studio for a while if anyone needs me.” JC said.
“Everything alright?” Tara asked.
“Yeah, just have some ideas I want to work on.” JC said and left them alone again.
“Well, now that we’ve serenaded the household, now what?” Joey asked Tara.
“Some normalcy until Chris is fully recovered and you have to go back out on tour?” Tara suggested.
“Sounds good to me.” Joey replied.
They spent the next few hours in the den. Tara read a book while Joey looked over the finances of the house. They ate lunch with Chris and Danielle up in Chris’s room and disappeared back into the den afterwards.
Trish had called Tara at three pm precisely and they spent two hours discussing what was happening at the office. Tara had let Trish know about what the detective said and that she was waiting for a call from the DA. Tara had also offered to fly Trish and her family down for the weekend. Trish had declined as Travis was getting ready to go out to sea for a few weeks again but asked for a raincheck.
Jonathan had come over for dinner and to check on Chris. Jonathan was going to book the guys to do some radio interviews and remotes for the next few weeks and wanted everyone’s approval on it. Chris was not really into it and Charlie had called several times to talk to him about the accident. Chris didn’t want anything to do with Charlie. Lance did not show up for dinner. Little did everyone know that he had called Betsy and asked her out on a date; without hesitation, she said yes.
The next few days flew by as Tara and Betsy became more familiar with each other and Joey and the guys had gone into the studio to do some work. Chris had managed to get around with the help of the guys so that he could get into the studio and work too. He didn’t like being couped up and had agreed to stay with them for a few more days when Danielle had to leave to go back to work.
The weekend was uneventful. Tara and Joey stayed in and went for walks and Joey let Tara talk about how much her company meant to her and how torn she was at whether to close it, sell it, or move it down to Orlando. Joey kept on her about her taking her medication and writing down in her journal. Between Wednesday and that Sunday night, Tara had only had two noticeable occurrences that she and Joey could tell. She was a little clearer and more focused too by the end of the weekend. Joey didn’t want to say that he was happy that she seemed better, not until after the test results.
Joey was still sleeping when Tara woke up on Monday morning. Her appointment wasn’t until 11am and it was only 7:30. She took her journal and her day planner downstairs with her after she checked on Chris. He, too, was still sleeping. Tara took the pugs downstairs with her so she could let them out. Randy was fixing himself some breakfast when she entered the kitchen.
“Good morning Randy. Don’t forget, I have a 9am with my doctor. Other than that, nothing else is scheduled for the day. Aida was planning on going grocery shopping later though so she may need your help.” Tara said. She let the dogs out to the back yard.
“Good morning Tara… you’re looking rested. Everything’s set for this morning, Tara. Tiny is going with you and Joe and I’ll be going with Aida to do some errands. Good luck today.” Randy said.
“Thanks.” Tara said. She microwaved a cup of water for hot tea and prepared some toast and a glass of orange juice so she could take her meds.
“Joey still sleeping?”
“Yeah, I’ll wake him up at 9. Chris is still sleeping too. Oh shoot, nearly forgot the puppies…” Tara proclaimed as she opened the door to let them back in. They went to their water and food dishes before running back up to Chris’s room.
“I’m going to go walk the perimiter… I’ll be back.” Randy said and left Tara to herself at the breakfast nook. Tara checked her day planner. She had called Betsy on Sunday afternoon to let her know she wouldn’t need Betsy until after 1pm due to the doctor’s appointment on Monday. Joey then said he was taking her out to lunch so to hold off on any work related issues. The DA from Pennsylvania was calling at 9am with an update on Kim’s case. 3pm conference call with Trish. Other than that, Monday was basically free. Tara wrote in her journal about how she was feeling that morning before taking her meds. It had become routine for her since Wednesday and she had begun to like it more and more. She ate the toast and then took her meds. Afterwards, she started a pot of coffee before heading up to check on the guys. Chris was up and heading for the bathroom and Joey was rubbing his eyes while laying in bed still.
“Hey sleepyhead.” Tara said when she entered the room.
“This is a first. You’ve slept later than me every day since we got back. Nervous about today?” Joey asked.
“A little.” Tara admitted. Joey pulled her down on top of him to kiss her good morning.
“Mmmm, vanilla maple tea with vanilla flavored creamer.” Joey commented.
“Tastes good, doesn’t it?” Tara giggled.
“Yeah… so what time do we have to be at the doctor’s office?” he asked.
“11… it’s only 8 now.” Tara said between kisses.
“So we could just stay here and cuddle for a little while?” Joey asked.
“We could, but well, Chris is up and JC is probably still sound asleep in his room. Aida’s bound to be here any second and I made coffee.” Tara explained. Joey grunted at the mention of coffee.
“Mmmmmm, coffee… next to you and ice cream, my only vice. I need to take a shower. I’ll be right down, unless you care to join me.” Joey suggested with a mischievious grin.
“Tempting, but I should help Chris.” Tara said and helped Joey out of bed as she climbed out of bed. Marxycat came over from his chair to bid them good morning. Tara almost stepped on him. “Marxy…… always wanting attention but won’t let us pick you up.” Tara said as she tousled Marxy’s hair.
“Tara?” Joey and Tara heard Chris call out from his bedroom.
“I’ve been beckoned. Hurry down.” Tara gave Joey one long, passionate kiss before going over to see Chris.
“Everything alright Chris?” she asked as soon as she entered his bedroom.
“Yeah… I just dropped my medicine bottle behind the dresser and can’t seem to get to it. Could you help?” Chris asked. Tara found it under the dresser.
“Here… let me check that bandage for you.” Tara said as she looked at the dressing on his face from the stitches he received over the hairline fracture. “Looking better every day.” Tara commented.
“Yeah, the pain’s almost gone too.” Chris admitted.
“When do you go back to the doctor’s?” Tara asked. She quickly went into the bathroom and grabbed clean bandages and a washcloth.
“Tomorrow. I think the swelling is finally down in my knee so hopefully I won’t have to have anything done to help me recover.” Chris replied. He seemed in a better mood.
“That’s good.”
“What time is your appointment today?” Chris asked.
“Eleven and I’m nervous.” She replied.
“Why? These meds seem to be working.” Chris told her.
“You’re right, they do seem to be working, but I just hate doctors. Always have.” She explained.
“Listen… after I see the doctor tomorrow, I was thinking of moving back into my house. Lance is there and I can fend for myself.” Chris said.
“But Aida, Joey, and I are here. We promised Dani we would take care of you until we’re all sure you’re much better. Just humor us for a little while longer, okay?” Tara asked.
“I’ll think about it.” Lance came into the bedroom.
“Um, Chris. Charlie came to see you. I left him downstairs.” Lance said.
“I don’t want to see him. Please tell him to go away.” Chris replied.
“It’s been a week Chris. C’mon……… just for a few minutes?” Lance suggested.
“No.” Chris replied more sternly. Lance looked at Tara.
“Alright, I’m sorry.” Lance said and went to leave.
“Lance. Wait…” Chris said. Lance stopped, “This is between me and him and it goes deeper than all of you know. Please tell him to leave and then stay away from him.” Chris begged.
“Chris you’re gonna have to tell all of us what’s going on so that we can understand why you’re so angry with him. I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Lance explained.
“What was that all about?” Tara asked as she finished covering up the stitches on Chris’s cheek. Chris began to cry. “Chris, what is it?” Tara asked as she pulled him into an embrace. “what happened between you and Charlie in that car that night?” Tara asked. Joey had come to the doorway.
“Chris?” Joey asked.
“Honey, give us a few minutes?” Tara asked. She was so close to getting the truth out of Chris. She didn’t want anyone else to interrupt them. Joey nodded and left immediately.
“It’s alright, Chris. Tell me.” Tara said. Chris looked at Tara.
“Charlie tried to kill himself that night. I thought if I got in the car with him, he wouldn’t go through with it, but he tried to kill us both instead.” Chris admitted.
“What?” Tara said in disbelief.
“He didn’t try to avoid hitting something, Tara. I tried to get him to stop the car and when he wouldn’t, I grabbed the steering wheel and we fought.” Chris cried even harder.
“Oh my god Chris.” Tara said and stroked Chris’s hair as she let him cry. After Chris had calmed down Tara suggested that they go downstairs for breakfast. Lance had seen them coming down the stairs when he came back into the house and immediately went to take over for Tara with helping Chris down the stairs. Joey and Aida were chopping up veggies for omelets when Tara, Lance, and Chris entered the kitchen.
“Chris, it’s good to see you up and moving around again.” Aida said as he sat down at the breakfast nook. “Coffee?” she asked. He nodded and replied with a barely audible “Thank you”. Tara put her hands on his and got him to look at her. She gave him a smile as if to say everything would be alright. The pugs came bouncing into the kitchen. They made him smile.
“Look who finally figured out that you weren’t up in bed anymore.” Lance stated as he handed Tara some muffins.
“C’mon Joey, I don’t want to be late for the appointment.” Tara said at ten-thirty. She and Tiny had gone to get the car. The DA had called at 9am sharp to bring Tara and Joey up to speed on the progress of the case, afterwards, Joey had gone upstairs to see Chris. Joey and Chris were talking back up in Chris’s room.
“Okay Chris, I know something’s bugging you and I may not know what it is, but I know you’ll tell me and the guys in due time. I just want to know if you’re all right.” Joey said from the doorway, “I’ll be right down.” Joey shouted down to no one in particular.
“I’m okay Joey. The talk with Tara earlier helped. Go take care of your girl, man.” Chris replied.
“Okay, get some rest.” Joey suggested. Chris nodded. Joey picked up the pugs and put them on the bed. He also handed Chris the phone. “Call Dani.” Joey smiled. Knowing that that would make Chris feel better.
“Well Tara, the prelim results say that the current medications seem to be working for you. We’ll know more by the end of the day, but everything looks promising. I don’t want to give a thumbs up or anything, but let’s give this another week on these medications. You’ll come in for more testing next Monday. Keep the journal going and call me if you need to.” Tara’s doctor said to her and Joey.
“So it’s just not our imaginations then, this medication is working?” Joey asked. Tara couldn’t believe it… for three months they had been searching for the right medication. Joey squeezed Tara’s hand and she gave him a smile.
“That’s right, but understand, stress is the key here. The stress levels were down this week, tremendously. Keep working on keeping the stress level down and things will work themselves out. Tara, Joe… this is great news, but we still have a long way to go. I’ll call you later today with complete results of the tests. Any questions?” the doctor asked.
“No. Not at the moment.” Tara couldn’t think of any. Joey also agreed that he didn’t have any. They thanked the doctor and went to tell Tiny the good news.
“Let’s go home and tell everyone the good news.” Joey replied as they left the doctor’s office. They ran into Britney in the waiting room.
"Brit?” Tara asked.
“Oh, hi you two. I’m here for a check up on my knees.” She explained. Joey gave Britney a polite hello before heading out to get the car. Tiny stayed behind.
“Haven’t seen you since the guys came home last week. Everything alright?” Tara asked.
“Everything’s fine. I’ve been busy in the studio and spending time with Justin. He said that Chris is getting better though. I’ve been meaning to stop by.” She explained.
“Britney, the doctor can see you now.” the receptionist announced.
“I should go.”
“Call me if you’re in town for a few more days so we can get together?” Tara suggested.
“Sure.” Britney said. They hugged quickly and Britney went in to see the doctor. Tara and Tiny went out to meet up with Joey at the car.
After telling everyone the results of the morning, Tara went to the den to do some work while Joey, Lance, and JC took Chris to the studio. Betsy would be there in the afternoon to help with sending things to Trish and run errands for Tara.
Tara’s routine for the next month had begun. She knew she wasn’t ready to return to Pennsylvania just yet but she would eventually have to. The guys had gone back to touring and Tara and Danielle managed to not miss Joey and Chris too much while they were gone. Tara and Joey were planning on going to Pennsylvania together on Black Friday to talk with Trish and the DA. Kim had been transferred to a mental hospital in New York for treatment but only after Tara and Joey had agreed that would be for the best. She would be closer to her family and her son and farther away from them. Thanksgiving day though was being spent at Chris’s house where everyone’s families were gathering. The guys had each flown in grandparents, brothers, sisters, and their family and because Chris had a very open formal room, dining room living room, they managed to squeeze everyone in. Even Britney managed to make the red-eye in from a concert the night before in Maine to be there. Tara and Joey had opened their house to napping band members, children, and Britney and the guys themselves as they had all performed the night before. The guys had been in Tennessee so they got in a few hours before Britney did but they were all still exhausted. Tara made the pies and potato salad at her house before Aida made her go take a nap as well. Tara was truly happy for once in her life. Her house was filled with lots of family and friends and Thanksgiving would only get better as the day wore on. She did feel tired so she didn’t argue with Aida, but she did make sure she took her medication before joining Joey for a nap. Dinner wasn’t until four pm and it was only noon. She smiled as the football game was on lightly in their room. JC was sleeping on the lounge chair with pen and paper in hand. Tara smiled to herself as she took the pen and paper out of his hand and covered him with an afghan. He and Joey must have been working on some lyrics, she had thought to herself. Marxycat was curled up on her side of the bed.
“Sorry Marxy… I need a nap.” Tara said and moved Marxy to the bottom of the bed. She gave Joey a kiss on the cheek before getting under the covers and cuddling up next to him. He instinctly wrapped his arms around her.
Aida had taken a break and went around to all the rooms with sleeping bodies in them and took pictures. The house had never been that full before. She felt like she was watching over a flock of sheep as she went from room to room taking pictures.
“You are so bad, Aida.” Lance’s sister, Stacy, had said.
“Yeah, but everyone will thank me for doing this in a few days. You’ll see.” Aida giggled.
“So which room is Lance in?” Stacy asked.
“The den with Betsy, Justin, and Britney.” Aida said. “They all look so cute together.” Aida was really enjoying playing mother, grandmother, and nana to everyone.
Joey woke up at a little before two. He could smell the turkey cooking. When he woke, he saw JC still sleeping on the lounge chair and Tara curled up on her side of the bed. He barely got to say hello to her this morning before she sent him up to bed without her. He had missed hugging her and holding her the past few weeks but they had rung up one helluva phone bill. He hadn’t even done that with Kim. Tara and he had worked on wedding plans via email and over the phone over the past week. They were getting married back up at the park in Pennsylvania on her birthday in eight and a half months. Tara had designed her own dress and the bridesmaids dresses. Trish would be her matron of honor and Danielle would be her maid of honor. Joey still hadn’t decided on a best man yet… his brother, Steve, had respectfully declined because he felt that although he and Joey were close, Joey should bestow that honor on one of the guys from NSYNC. Tara and Joey had talked about it and he had narrowed it down to either JC or Lance, but he was still having a very hard time at choosing just one best man. Tara had told him that ultimately, he didn’t have just one best man in the guys, but four and he should just ask them all.
“What are you smiling about over there?” JC said from the lounge chair.
“How good it is to be home. Sorry I didn’t wake you to move you to your own room, I figured you needed the sleep as much as I did.” Joey whispered back.
“It’s okay. I slept good just knowing we were home. It sure smells good around here though, doesn’t it?” JC said as he got up to stretch. Tara began to stir. Joey put his fingers to his lips and pointed to the other side of the bed. He then motioned to JC that they should tickle her. Tara began to stretch as she woke up. Both men went in for the attack.
“Don’t even think of it, you two.” She stopped them dead in their tracks. All three of them laughed.
“Did we wake you?” JC asked.
“Not really. What time is it?” she asked.
“Two… “ Joey replied.
“Well, I’m going to go take a shower and go visit with family. I’ll see you two in a little bit?” JC said.
“Yup, and JC?” Tara said as Joey helped her sit up. JC turned around.
“Yeah.”
“Welcome home.” Tara said to him. He smiled and closed the door behind him as he left.
“What about me?” Joey asked as soon as the door closed. They locked in a passionate kiss.
“How was that for a welcome home?” Tara asked when they parted.
“Boooiiinnnggg!!!” he replied which made her laugh.
“So how was last night’s show?” Tara asked.
“It was great. But I think the highlight of the night was the meet and greet beforehand. We met this young man who played football in college and had an accident that left him in a coma for several months. His girlfriend kept playing our music for him night and day and he finally came out of the coma and is now walking and is expected to make a full recovery.” Joey was so psyched by that.
“Oh wow.”
“We saw pictures of him in a neck brace and all the therapy he did. It was so humbling to see how much of an impact we had on him.” Joey said.
“I love hearing about things like that.” Tara squealed with delight.
“And we met some fans of your website too. They want to know when you’ll put up some pictures of you and me together.” Joey laughed.
“As if there aren’t tons of us online already.” Tara laughed.
“They were so sweet. Oh and these teenagers traveled all the way from Seattle to see us. They brought Chris some roses. They were the girls who had seen the accident. No one knew they were going to be there. You should have seen Danielle. She immediately took them out of the line and kept them by her side all night long. And Chris, Chris smiled a true smile. The first in a few weeks.” Joey drifted off.
“Hey… hey… is he still not himself?” Tara asked.
“Remember that day I found you fixing his bandage and he was crying?” Joey asked.
“Yeah.”
“What did he tell you?”
“About what?” Tara asked.
“The accident. Why or how it happened?” Joey wanted to know.
“He still won’t talk about it?”
“Not even to Danielle. No one even breathes Charlie’s name and we don’t mention the accident.” Joey explained.
“It’s not my place to tell. Chris will tell you in his own way, in his own time. Kinda like how you and I were when we wanted to wait to tell the guys about my chemical imbalance. Speaking of which… Tuesday’s test results improved over last time. My levels are starting to balance out.” Tara told Joey. He had hoped and prayed for this moment but still didn’t want to believe it.
“Really?” he asked.
“Yup. The results are over on the dresser. Take a look for yourself.” Tara said proudly. Joey quickly went over to read the results.
“This is the best news Tara. Why didn’t you tell me last night when we talked?” he asked.
“I didn’t get them until after six and then later in the evening when you called we were both so busy discussing today and who was here already and who all was going to be arriving today that it was put on hold.” She explained. She got out of bed and went over to him.
“We have a lot to be thankful for today, ya know.” Joey said as they both heard his stomach growl. It made them laugh.
“Yes we do. Why don’t you go take a shower and I’ll go find you something to snack on?” Tara suggested. As she walked away, Joey pulled her back to him and whispered in her ear, “I’d rather snack on you.” He made her blush.
“Joseph Anthony Fatone, JR. We have a house full of guests surrounding us and you are being devilish.” She declared. “As much as I love your idea, hold that thought.” Tara laughed and gave him a kiss. He pinched her butt. “You are sooooooooo bad, Joey.”
“Yeah, but you love me anyway.” He said before leading her into the bathroom.
“Joe… not right now… later, after everyone’s down for the count.” Tara said as she stopped him. He gave her his best pouty face. “Don’t do this to me, Joey.” She said. He kept the look on his face. “I’ll be back up with a snack for ya.” Tara declared and quickly left the bathroom.
Tara went to the kitchen and whipped up a sandwich for Joey as Aida and Joey’s father worked on peeling potatoes.
“Can I help with anything?” she asked them.
“Oh no dear, we have everything under control. Go relax with Joey.” Mr. Fatone said.
“Thanks Dad, but why aren’t you next door watching football with the men?” Tara asked.
“Sometimes I like to cook and I know how Aida can be with you young folk telling you to go be with the family, especially since the boys got in with no sleep this morning, so I came over to help. By the way, you make a mean pumpkin pie, Tara.” Mr. Fatone told his future daughter-in-law.
“Thanks, dad.” Tara gave him a kiss on the cheek before going to see who else was up. Lance and Betsy were talking with Stacy in the den. Britney was still sleeping and Justin was watching TV, but he looked a little flushed. “Juju… are you feeling alright?” Tara asked.
“Yeah, I’m just a little warm…” he admitted.
“Take some ibuprofen?” she asked.
“Yeah… got some from Aida a little bit ago. Thanks, Tara.”
“Hey, you know how much I care.” Tara said. “How’s Brit?”
“She’s okay… just exhausted. Letting her sleep as much as possible.” He said.
“Okay… why don’t you go ahead and try to get some more? Dinner isn’t for another hour at least.” Tara suggested.
“I’ll try.” He replied.
“I’ll get Lance and the girls out of here so that it’s a little quieter.” She whispered as she gave him a hug. She took Lance and Betsy by the hand and Lance’s sister followed them out to the hall.
“Lance… how long has Justin been run down?” Tara asked once she closed the door.
“Just a day or so… not long. He had a sore throat yesterday.”
“Ok. Oh, Betsy… remember… no work tomorrow or this weekend. And thank you for all your help this week.” Tara said.
“Thanks.” Betsy smiled.
“But, I was wondering if you wanted to come up to Pennsylvania with us? I do have some business to take care of.” Tara said. Lance gave Tara a sad look.
“Um, how soon do you need to know by?”
“The sooner, the better. It’s okay if you don’t though. Joey’s got to leave on Saturday morning to meet up with the guys in Vancouver and I was going to come home on Monday evening.” Tara explained. Stacy pulled Lance into the foyer to talk to to him while Tara and Betsy talked.
“I really should stay here and study for my exam on Tuesday. Didn’t really have anything planned except spending tomorrow with Lance.” Betsy explained.
“Studies come first, don’t worry. We’ll have plenty of other opportunities for you to meet Trish and Beth and everyone up in Pennsylvania.” Tara suggested.
“Thanks Tara.”
“No problem. I’m going to go back in and check on Justin.”
“You are such a mother hen.” Betsy observed.
“I know, but I can’t help it… these guys are like brothers to me… it kills me when they have a bad day, let alone when they’re not feeling well.”
Joey had come downstairs after his shower and wrapped his arms around Tara from behind.
“Food?” he asked.
“Kitchen counter.” She giggled, knowing full well he meant something else. “I’ll be out in a sec, just want to check on Justin.” Tara replied. Betsy went off to find Lance and Stacy as Joey headed to the kitchen and Tara headed back into the den.
At four o’clock on the dot, the dinner bell rang and everyone had gathered at Chris’s house for dinner. All in all, they managed to fit over 75 adults and children into the first floor of the house for dinner. Chris had asked his family to let him say the prayer on behalf of everyone on this special occasion. He had asked Joey, JC, Lance, and Justin to come over beside him for a few minutes while he spoke. When he was done, they sang Amen for everyone. Thanksgiving dinner was spent enjoying food, stories, and laughter. Everyone seemed to be having a good time.
The women all pitched in to clean up and pack up the leftovers and some of the men even helped with the dishes. Afterwards, the guys sang a few holiday songs for everyone and even got Tara and some of the other younger adults to join in. Tara’s voice blended beautifully with JC’s and he promptly got to thinking. The last song they sang was THIS I PROMISE YOU by request from Tara and Danielle.
Around 9pm Tara and Joey and Joey’s family wandered back over to the house. Tara and Joey were leaving bright and early the next morning for Pennsylvania and wanted to spend an hour with his family before they had to get ready to go the next day.
Once family time was over, Joey had a few things to do in the den. Tara made sure they were packed for the trip and that Joey was packed once more for the last few days of the tour. She was planning on joining him and the guys for the last three shows of the tour. The last date being Dec. 2nd. JC had stopped by to say goodnight before Tara finally went to bed. She knew Joey would be up shortly. She fell asleep with a smile on her face, feeling better than ever.
