Author's Response: It's hard either way, and I'd say that's the best answer. I'd be devastated if I faced losing either of my sisters (or anyone else in my family).
Author's Response:
That's the most gratifying part of writing, when it gets the readers thinking. I try my best to weave in spiritual elements without getting too preachy.
That's why I had Sheri say it and let Joey's (and my readers') imagination take it from here.
SO true! :(
I remember a quote that Jim Carrey said on his Twitter: (I love Jim Carrey) but here's what he said: "Being in pain is not the hardest thing in life, the hardest thing, is trying to hide it..."
I have that typed on my living room wall, along with other frames, quotes, pictures, and words to live by from my fave movies/tv shows and stuff.. :) Even lines that JC says..lolz..
I'm glad that Joey is there with Shari, Ann, and Tami..this is so difficult for all of them though, and Joey is trying his best to make Shari's last moments memorable..
Author's Response:
That's Sheri, hon. It's purposely spelled with an "e."
It's even more moving that Joey's trying to help someone else feel better when his own life's no bed of roses. As aforementioned, the only real way to make yourself feel better is to focus on someone else.
I know! Robin Williams, my fave movie was when he was in Jumanji, and I quote, "No more banana leaves..." HA! Sad though that he did that to himself... :(
Now, on a lighter note: Thank you Shari's mom: Ann’s eyes fairly sparkled as she informed him, “You and your band have always been outstanding role models to her over the years. When her father took off, when some of her dearest friends turned cold, when she struggled with her cancer…” She faltered for just a moment, then went on as softly as ever, “More than once, I didn’t think she was going to make it. But you, with your music, with your charm, your generosity, your sheer vivacity…you gave her something to hold onto, a reason to go on living. She always kept her eyes peeled for you on TV, and she would play your music so often that, once or twice, I would have sworn I heard her singing ‘Bye Bye Bye’ in her sleep.”
That was VERY touching.. :)
And glad that Lance was there to listen to the whole thing, and also glad Lance spoke to JC about all this, before misjudging Shari..
Awesome update! *reads next chapter*
Author's Response:
I still can't believe he's gone, and it goes to my heart that he ever had cause to feel that way. Depression is a nasty thing, to say the least.
I imagine that's how they've been to many of their fans. I remember reading a few real-life accounts that were very touching. Goes to show that you never know who's watching you or how far your influence will spread.
Even though you didn't read about Lance's talk with JC, what Lance said hit JC hard. JC was literally frozen in the doorway as Lance walked away.
Aww..thank you Lance for being so understanding..thats why him and Joey are best friends, according to Lance's book..lolz :)
*reads next chapter*
Author's Response: Since Joey is apparently the "closest" to Lance (he did appoint Lance as his daughter's godfather), it seemed perfectly natural. And Lance has always been the sweet, sensitive type, at least from what I can gather.
Oh wow! These lines here:
With an unpleasant frown, JC lowered his paper and said, “Don’t tell me you went to see her again.”
Joey replied coldly, “What do you care if I did?”
JC’s ice-blue eyes turned icier. Now he folded his paper in half and threw it on the floor. “Oh, I care, all right, buddy. A great deal more than you’d be inclined to think.”
That really packed a punch!
Hopefully this blew out of water, and this should all go away soon, its difficult seeing Joey upset, and I find it amazing that JC automatically judges Shari, he must find it really hard to trust her, though it happens, some people walk over you, then after you help them, they disappear..and you never see them again..I know how that feels.
This is really good! I'll be reading more..
Author's Response:
That's great! Means I'm heading in the right direction as a writer.
Again, I'd say the worst is over. You may want to keep an eye out for when Joey talks to JC and the others again. (And he will, I promise.)
JC's assessment of Sheri is not TOO far off the mark (because there are some people who really will do that and you end up questioning everyone's sincerity), but that was still quite harsh. He is jumping to conclusions a little too soon. However, there is more to his hostility toward her than this, but that's for another chapter.
OMG! "The Essential *NSYNC" CD..it was SOLD out at Walmart.. I still don't have it yet, but I do have those songs on my mp3 player that I blast on my mini Ihome speaker while I'm driving..and a bunch of other 80s, 90s, and early 00s songs I have in there... :) Ok, enough of my rambling..lolz
Now, on to the story, this line here: And JC’s become so much more snappish than I’ve ever seen him; just standing next to him is like standing in a closet full of dynamite with a lit match.” I can just imagine the short fuse JC may get.
And I'm glad that Joey wants to spend more time with Shari before her life is over, I find that so sweet.. :) sad..but sweet.
I finally have the time to read these chapters, so I'll be reading more!
Author's Response:
I have it and I can tell you it's awesome; the sound quality is terrific. A new *NSYNC album would have been better, but I can't complain about this.
The "lit match in a closet full of dynamite" is another one of my little quirks. One wrong move (and it's so easy to make one) and KA-BOOM.
Take all the time you need, babe.
Author's Response: I almost got choked up, too, and that's saying a lot. I've yet to cry at any book or movie (though a select few brought me perilously close to the edge), but I swear, I'm going to make myself cry one of these days.
I'm not surprised Tami was quiet. I can't imagine how I'd react if my sister said we were going to the zoo with two members of NSYNC!
Loved this read. Me and some friends fed some giraffe at the zoo recently, and it was awesome!
Author's Response: I can barely remember the last time I've been to a zoo, but I distinctly recall seeing a few giraffes up close. And I always envied those giant stuffed animals in the gift shops; it was too bad they were so expensive.
Author's Response: It felt necessary to have at least one of the guys more sympathetic to Joey's situation, and Lance just felt right.
Can't wait for an update.
Author's Response: Must have been quite a visual workout! Seriously, though, thanks very much. Your compliment means a lot to me. You'll be glad to know I've gotten a good head start on the next chapter. I'm feeling more and more confident about finishing this thing, of having it be complete AND coherent.
I would be devastated, I don't even want to think it.. :(
And since your mentioned Jesse McCartney, I saw him perform last year as an opening act on the BSB concert.. :D I didn't meet them or anything, I only just saw them on stage...and sat all the way in the back with my sister..just thought I added this here..lolz
Now, I'm glad that Joey told the guys what was wrong with him, and I'll be reading the next chapter soon...
Author's Response:
I'd be devastated, too. I've never been too crazy about Jesse McCartney, but I do like his song "Invincible." It's pretty powerful. And I like the BSB well enough, too; I've got a pretty good mix of BSB and *NSYNC songs in my collection.
You're in luck; I've got a couple of other chapters, too. ;)
Wow, it's finally come to blows. In a way I'm glad. It's all out in the open now and they can all reflect and move forward. I hope Joe is able to complete Sheri's list.
Author's Response:
Almost physical blows at that. JC and Joey both had to literally hold themselves back from each other. And Joey's strength isn't what it used to be since he started taking chemo, so it would have hardly been a fair fight anyway.
It sucks that the Essential *Nsync is sold out. I bet it'd be #1 if it hadn't. Would've been awesome to do that for the guys. I'm thrilled with it myself. There are loads of versions of songs I haven't heard before being from the UK.
Aw, Joey's such a sweetheart. What a lovely offer, and I know it'd be hard for him, but it'd be great if he could do that for Sheri. She's so brave, and I'm sure she'll teach Joey to be strong, too.
Author's Response:
Actually, it's a good sign that the album's selling this well. But yeah, it's no fun for those who have yet to get their paws on a copy. I didn't know you're from the UK; that's awesome!
There's nothing Joey can do about Sheri's dying, but at least he can make her final days more enjoyable and not leave her as her dad and some of her friends had done.
Author's Response:
What JC's saying is true (for the most part), but he could have picked his words more carefully. Just because you know something is true doesn't mean you like it or like to have it rubbed in.
At a funeral, for instance, it doesn't help to tell the mourners, "Don't worry, you'll see them again, life goes on." I find it's much better (and more considerate) to tell them, "I'm sorry this happened, take all the time you need, let me know if you need anything."
