July, 2045

„Hey, my love. Sorry for showing up that late today. I was brutally busy preparing Lizzy’s party. Honestly I am freaking out a little, knowing she’ll get drunk tonight. Well, it’s not like she didn’t do it before but… now she’s officially allowed drinking…“ 

Eve’s eyes were suddenly filling with tears. Her little girl was turning 21. When did all of that happen? How could time pass by so fast? Still, this wasn’t the reason why she suddenly started crying. She cried because Josh couldn’t be with them tonight. 

„Where have you been, mom?“ Lisa asked, when Eve returned home half hour later. 

She looked into her daughter’s pretty face. Every little feature was a carbon copy of her father, as well as her dark curly hair. Sometimes she got lost in Lisa’s deep blue eyes, feeling like it were Josh’s. In those precious moments she allowed herself imagining he was still with them. 

„Mom?“

Eve returned back to reality and cracked a smile. 

„I went to the beach,“ she explained. 

Lisa smiled back and came few steps closer. She stopped standing in front of her mother and gave her a tight hug. Eve hugged her back. Even Lisa’s smell reminded her of Josh. It was unreal. 

„Are you okay?“ Lisa asked carefully, after releasing her. 

Eve nodded and kissed her forehead gently. 

„I just miss him.“

„We all do. I wished he was here tonight so bad…“ 

„He is here,“ Eve interrupted her daughter. 

Lisa smiled again. 

„I know.“ 

„So, were is Phin? He said he would help us with the last preparations,“ Eve said next to change the subject. 

Lisa rolled her eyes and made herself on her way into the kitchen. Eve followed her with little distance. 

„You know Phin. He was here for five minutes but then Eric called.“ 

„I see“, Eve replied. „And where’s your brother?“ 

„Still in the studio.“ 

„Really? Did he even show up in between for food?“ 

„Nope. But I brought him a sandwich.“ 

„He’s obsessed with the album. This must stop.“ 

Lisa chuckled. 

„Come on, mom. You know you can’t keep him up from writing when he’s in his tunnel. He’s like dad.“

„No, he’s worse than dad.“ 

Eve left the kitchen and went into the basement. She found her son being engrossed singing some lyrics at the guitar. She stopped standing next to him and crossed her arms. 

„Hi mom, what’s up?“ Jake asked surprised. 

„You need a break,“ Eve answered strictly. 

„I can’t. I need to finish that song first. There’s a deadline to keep.“ 

„I said, you need a break. Now put that damn guitar aside and have lunch with us.“ 

„Did you cook?“ 

„Not, yet.“ 

„Then why you ask me to do a break?“

„Do what I say,“ Eve ordered, giving him a serious look. 

„But Phin and Eric…“

„Last warning.“

Jake sighed and put his guitar aside. Eve calmed down and came a step closer. Then she stroke his wild blond hair and kissed the top of his head. 

„You look like me. But you’re 100% like your dad.“ 

„And Liz is the way around. That’s completely weird,“ Jake replied. 

„Ya, it’s really weird,“ Eve smirked. „Now move your butt. I want you to help me making lunch.“ 

„Why me?“ Jake complained. „You know I hate cooking.“ 

„I want you being able preparing a meal for your future wife.“

„That’s nonsense. Dad never cooked for you but still you married him.“

„Jake Chasez! Stop arguing with your mother!“ 

Again Jake sighed. Then he stood up and put his arm around his mother’s shoulder. 

„Fine. You win. As you always do.“ 

How did you manage that?“ Lisa asked cheeky, as she saw Eve entering the kitchen with Jake.

„I’m still the boss in that house,“ Eve replied and smacked Jake’s butt. 

„She wants me to cook,“ Jake complained. 

„Good lord mom. That’s cruel. For everyone,“ Lisa replied. 

„You better find your lazy boyfriend and make him help you with the decoration outside, as promised,“ Eve talked back.

„Leave Phin alone. He needs to clarify things concerning the album release,“ Jake said. 

Eve shook her head and deeply sight. 

„Don’t worry mom. I called V for help. She’ll be here any minute,“ Lisa explained and gave her brother a smugly grin. 

Jake immediately flushed. Eve and Lisa noticed and smiled all over their faces. 

„Don’t give me that look!“ Jake complained. 

„You really need to ask her out. It’s way overdue,“ Eve said next. 

„I know but… I don’t have time… I need to focus and that album…“ Jake stammered. 

Eve and Lisa exchanged glances. Then the doorbell rang. 

„Uh, your crush just arrived,“ Lisa teased, giving her brother a wink. 

Jake cleared his throat. 

„I need to finish that song,“ he said hectically and hurried back downstairs into the studio.

Lisa started laughing. 

„What a coward!“ Eve said outraged.

„I’m not sure if this is about V or about cooking lunch,“ Lisa joked. 

Then she went to the front door to let her best friend in. 

„So?“ Violet said, while helping Lisa hanging up a chain of lights at the patio. 

She was having dirty blond long hair and wearing nerdy glasses. Comparing to her best friend, Violet was not catching everybody’s attention when she entered a room. Still she was pretty, having an adorable bright smile and beautiful hazel eyes. 

„So what?“ Lisa asked. 

„Is your brother around, or…?“ 

Lisa rolled her eyes. 

„You two are ridiculous.“ 

„Why would you say that?“ Violet complained. 

„Because you friend-zoned each other unnecessarily years ago. It never made sense to me, as you’re very obviously insanely in love.“ 

Violet deeply sighed. 

„Not everybody is like you, Liz.“

„What that supposed to mean?“ 

„You’re completely fearless, always trusting your heart and not thinking about any consequences. I’m not even close being that confident about my feelings. And so is your brother.“ 

Lisa put the chain aside and gave Violet a deep look. 

„I’m not sure if this was a compliment but… you certainly remember that I needed to learn the hard way dealing with consequences, right?“ 

Violet smiled calmly. 

„Still, you got your happy end.“ 

Lisa got lost in thoughts for a short moment. 

„I wouldn’t say that,“ she finally replied. 

Violet frowned. 

„Why? Aren’t you happy with Phin anymore?“ 

„Of course I am… but…“ 

„He’s not… him.“ Violet finished her best friend’s sentence. 

Lisa gave her a sad look and nodded. Violet took her hand and pulled her into her arms. 

„I’m sorry, Liz. I didn’t want opening wounds.“ 

„I’m good, don’t worry.“ 

„Hey ladies,“ they suddenly heard a male voice saying. 

The girls released each other, seeing Phin entering the patio. 

„Hey babe, here you are,“ Lisa said happily and hurried into his direction. 

Phin grabbed her face with both hands and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. 

„I’m sorry I let you down with the whole work. It’s just…“ 

„I know. Don’t worry,“ Lisa interrupted him and kissed him again. „I’m happy you’re here now.“

Eve was preparing lunch in the kitchen. She saw her daughter kissing her boyfriend through the window and got lost in thoughts. Phin, with his curly blond hair and his ocean blue eyes looked exactly like his father. Both also shared the same character, being incredibly charming and sweet, knowing exactly how to make people like them. It was no big surprise that Phin also became passionate about music in a very young age, like Justin did. 

Jake showed up in the kitchen short time later and brought Eve back to reality. 

„I’m hungry,“ he said naughty and kissed his mother’s cheek. 

„Set the table, at least,“ she replied, still being angry with him, that he didn’t help her preparing lunch. 

„Oh, Phin is back. I need to talk to him first,“ Jake replied, seeing his best friend at the patio with the girls. 

„No food for you!“ Eve shouted, before Jake left the kitchen.

„I’m your first born. You won’t let me die of starvation,“ he talked back, giving her another naughty smile. 

„Hey, JC,“ Violet said, seeing Jake coming closer. 

He smiled all over his face and stopped standing in front of her, with his hands in his pockets. She was holding a ballon in her hand, smiling back at him. 

„Hey, V… how are you?“ he asked shyly.

Lisa and Phin were watching the scene from distance, being busy putting torches into the grass. 

„When will he finally ask her out?“ Phin said. 

„Dunno. You tell me. He’s your best friend. And your bandmate,“ Lisa replied.

 

„You’re right. I’ll try to make him step out of his comfort zone tonight.“ 

After talking to Violet for a moment, Jake joint Phin and Lisa. 

„What did Eric say?“ he asked Phin. 

„Everything’s fine. We made sure there will be no delay with the album release,“ Phin answered. 

„Good. I’ll be finished with the fine tuning tonight.“

„It’s a masterpiece, bro. I can’t wait to bring that baby out,“ Phin said with a big smile in his face. 

Jake smiled back and nodded. 

„Me, too.“

After having lunch together, Jake disappeared in the studio. Violet returned home to make herself ready for her best friend’s birthday party, after finishing the decoration work. Eve relaxed at the sofa, before making herself ready, as well. Phin was still at the patio with Lisa and sneaked up from behind. He put his arms gently around her waist and pulled her close to his body.

„What about some quality time before your guests show up?“ he whispered in her ear. 

Lisa smiled all over her face.

„I need to have a shower urgently.“ 

„Guess what… me, too…“ 

He placed gently kisses at her neck, giving her goosebumps.

„Timberlake… stop turning me on…“ she complained half seriously. 

„But I want you so bad…“ 

Lisa pulled Phin into her bedroom on the first floor and shut the door. Then she started kissing him wildly and made him sit at the age of her bed. She undressed her floaty yellow summer dress and sat down at his lap. Then she grabbed the end of his shirt and got rid of it in a second. Phin was already on fire, breathing heavy. 

„I thought there will be shower sex,“ he said with a dirty smile. 

„You know I like it when you’re sweaty,“ she replied and pressed her lips on his. 

Phin opened her pink bra, before turning around and making her lie under his body. She helped him out of his jeans quickly. Finally he dressed off his briefs and pulled down her panties. 

„Please baby… I need you now,“ she begged.

Phin gave her another dirty smile before he entered her gently. 

„Oh yeees…“ 

He took her hands above her head and interlocked their fingers, while thrusting her deep, but slow. 

„You feel so good… I can’t get enough of you…“ he whispered, before kissing her lips again.

Lisa moved her hips to his rhythm and felt her peak building up quickly. Then she broke their kiss.

„Oh Phiiiiin… yeeees… I’m so close…“ 

„Me, too baby… just let go…“ 

Phin stayed on top of her and placed gentle kisses on Lisa’s face. She loved his affection, enjoying her caresses.

„Lizzy…“ he finally whispered. 

She looked into his deep blue eyes and smiled.

„Yes?“ 

„I wanna marry you.“

She smiled harder and stroke his wild blond hair. 

„Did you just propose?“ 

He smiled back and kissed her lips softly. 

„See that as a pre-announcement.“

She giggled. 

„Pre-announcement?“ 

„Look… I could go to Harry Winston and buy you the most expensive ring they have but… the ring I want give to you should come from me, not from my father’s bank account.“ 

„What are you trying to say?“ 

„I wanna buy you a breathtaking ring from money I made myself. This is important to me.“ 

Lisa pulled his head closer to kiss him again. 

„Phineas Timberlake. This is the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard.“ 

Hours later Eve was standing at the patio with a glass of Champagne in her hand and watching the scene. It was short after midnight. The house and the patio was full of young people. Everybody just finished congratulating her daughter to her 21 birthday. Phin and Jake even performed one of their songs from the unreleased album to surprise her. It was Phin’s favorite track, as he wrote it himself about her. Lisa was touched into tears after their beautiful ballad. She fell around Phin’s neck and kissed him like no one was watching. 

Eve was incredibly relieved, when her daughter opened up to Phin three years ago. Definitely she didn’t make things easy for Phin. He had a crush on her since he was kid, but Lisa couldn’t care less at this point. But Phin never gave up, until his persistence finally paid off. She was the only girl he ever wanted. Since the day he won her heart, he treated her like the most precious thing in the world. She was his everything and everybody knew. Eve couldn’t imagine a better partner for her daughter than Phin. 

Suddenly the doorbell rang. As Lisa was busy chatting with some friends, Eve went inside to open up. She didn’t check the front camera, being sure it must be further party guests, just being late. After opening the gate, she opened the front door and saw a man parking his motor bike in front of the house. He was wearing destroyed jeans and worn out sneakers, a simple white shirt and a leather jacket. As he was wearing a helmet, she couldn’t see his face, yet. Eve came outside, curiously watching the man leaving his bike. 

In the next moment he put off his helmet. Eve’s heart immediately dropped. She was in deep shock. Her glass of Champagne slipped through her fingers and shattered at the ground. 

„Hi, M.“ 

Eve’s heart was beating hard against her chest. She needed a moment to sort her mind. 

„What the hell, Silas…?“ 

 

Silas came few steps closer. He pierced Eve with his dark eyes, knowing she needed some time to process. With his right hand he run through his wild brown hair. His three-day-beard let him look older than he truly was. 

„Don’t you dare coming closer,“ Eve suddenly warned him. „You are not welcome here and you know it.“ 

Silas stopped walking and took a deep breath. He knew exactly what was expecting him, when he decided showing up without prior notice. 

„I wanna talk to her,“ he said calmly. 

„NO!“ Eve hissed. „It’s not gonna happen!“

Silas gave her a cynical smile. 

„You know, you can’t stop me anymore, M.“  

Eve’s eyes were filling with rage. 

„I give you 30 seconds to leave my property.“ 

She turned around in the next moment, went back inside the house and slammed the door. 

„Who’s was it?“ Eve suddenly heard Lisa saying and frightened again. 

She turned into her daughter’s direction, still being in shock. Lisa was giving her an irritated look.

„Mom, what happened?“ 

Eve tried very hard to pull herself together. 

„Nothing.“

„But someone was at the door, right? I heard the bell ringing.“ 

Eve couldn’t hide her desperation anymore. She didn’t want to lie to her daughter.

„Lizzy, please. Just let it be,“ she said as calm as possible. 

But of course Lisa didn’t let go. 

„Who was it, mom?“ she asked again. 

„Honey…“

„Just tell me.“ 

„Eve closed her eyes for a second.“

„He’s back…“ she almost whispered. 

Lisa immediately turned pale. Her heart started beating out of control. 

„What did you do, mom?“ she stammered, trying hard to process. 

„I asked him to leave.“ 

Lisa stared into her mother’s face. Then she suddenly panicked. Hectically she opened the front door and rushed out of the house. 

„Lizzy!!! What the hell are you doing?!“ Eve shouted, running after her. 

Lisa saw Silas on his bike, driving towards the gate. 

„WAIT!!!“ She screamed, as loud as she could. „WAIT!!!“ 

Silas suddenly stopped his bike. He saw Lisa running towards him from distance. 

„LISA! FOR GOD’S SAKE! STOP!“ Eve screamed. 

But her daughter didn’t listen. She reached Silas’ bike and stopped standing next to him. Silas noticed Eve coming closer. He put of his helmet. Lisa’s and his eyes met for a second. Both felt like the world just stopped spinning.

„Here, put this on,“ he finally said and gave her his helmet. 

Lisa did what he said and sat down at his bike behind him. He waited until she put her arms tight around his waist. Then he left the property with spinning tires. 

Eve couldn’t trust her own eyes. Did this really just happen? She was completely overwhelmed with the sudden situation, not knowing what to do next. 

Lisa was holding Silas’ chest tightly, as he was driving towards the coast on high speed. As his jacket wasn’t closed, she could feel his muscles under the thin fabric of his shirt. Her heart was still beating wildly. She tried to process the unexpected situation and sort her mind.

After fifteen minutes they reached an empty parking lot at the beach. It was almost completely dark. Lisa knew this place very well. It used to be their secret escape. 

Silas parked his bike and switched of the engine. Lisa turned incredibly nervous. She put the helmet off and dismount from his bike. Silas did the same, feeling deeply thrilled about the whole situation, as well. He stopped standing in front of her, getting lost in her eyes.

„Tinkerbell…“ 

Suddenly Lisa rushed towards him, looped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips on his. Immediately he embraced her body, pushing her close to his chest. His tongue slid into her mouth, playing with hers. He groaned silently, being terribly hungry for her irresistible taste. Lisa was glad that he was holding her tight. Her knees got too week to hold herself on her feet. She breathed heavy, desperately longing for more. 

„Si… please…“ 

Silas didn’t expect she would make things that easy for him. He couldn’t be more thrilled by her uninhibited desire for him, pressing his hardness against her core. In the next moment he grabbed her thighs and lifted her up. She looped her legs around his waist, as he was walking few steps towards a low wall right behind her. He made her sit on it, still kissing her passionately. Lisa didn’t waist any time. She grabbed the belt of his jeans and opened it in a second. Then she did the same with his zipper. She couldn’t resist pushing one hand inside his briefs. Silas moaned into her mouth by her touch. She felt his precum on her fingers. Impatiently his hands moved under her dress, grabbing the waistband of her panties. He stepped away for a second to get rid of it. Then he pushed himself between her legs again and pulled her hips closer to his. Suddenly he broke their kiss, looking into her eyes.

„Liz…“

„I’m on birth control…“ she interrupted him. 

He hesitated just for one second, before entering her deep and hard. Immediately he got lost in pure ecstasy. Lisa moaned loudly, while he was thrusting her the way she needed it. 

„Fuck, Lizzy… you’re so tight…“ he panted, not being sure how long he could keep himself from coming. 

„I’m ready for you…“ she moaned. Please make it harder…“

Silas did what she asked for and came hard inside of her.

„Oh fuck… Lizzzzz…!“ 

„Yeeeees… oh yeeeees Si…!“ 

Silas was still inside of her. Both were heavily panting for air, slowly returning back to reality. He placed another kiss on her lips. This time careful and soft. Suddenly she started sobbing. He slid out of her and grabbed her face with both hands. 

„Please don’t, Tink. Please don’t do this to me…“ he whispered. 

Making her cry was the last thing he wanted to happen. It was breaking his heart seeing her this way. He wiped away her tears with his thumbs. His own eyes started swimming. Then he pulled her body close to his and embraced her as tight as he could. She did the same, allowing herself crying with all her heart. 

Eve returned into the house. She needed a much stronger drink right now to calm down. She took a bottle of Vodka out of the minibar and went into the kitchen. 

„Hey M, did you see Lizzy?“ she heard a male voice from behind. 

She turned around, seeing Phin coming closer. 

„You said no hard stuff tonight,“ he teased, pointing at the bottle. 

Eve turned away and put two shot glasses out of the cupboard. Then she filled them up and gave one to Phin. He raised his eyebrows and smiled.

„Is there a reason for this?“ He wanted to know. 

„Yes,“ Eve answered and raised her glass.

Then she drunk it in one go. Phin did the same. 

„Will you explain to me?“ he asked next. 

Eve put her glass at the kitchen counter and stepped in front of him. Then she raised one hand cupped his face.

„You’re a good boy. I love you like my own son, you know that, right?“

Phin couldn’t be more confused about her unusual behavior. 

„Eve, are you okay?“ 

She gave him a pity look, not being sure how to reply. Then she nodded and left the situation. 

After some time, Lisa pulled herself together somehow. She released Silas slowly, noticing, that he cried, as well. She looked deep into his eyes, expecting an explanation. He looked back and gave her a loving smile. Then he stroke some hair behind her ear. 

„You changed your hair.“ 

She scoffed. 

„There was no reason for being blond, since you left.“ 

He pulled her head closer and kissed her lips again. 

„I love you with every hair color and you know it.“ 

„But you prefer blond.“

„It’s not true.“

„Yes, it is.“ 

„Liar.“

He cracked a smile.

„Tink, stop arguing.“ 

Again she looked at him.

„I want answers,“ she finally claimed. 

Silas was sorting his mind. He imagined this conversation with her over and over again, but things came pretty different as he expected. 

„Nothing makes sense without you. I tried to forget you. I tried to replace you. But it’s hopeless. All I’m longing for is you.“ 

Lisa processed what he just said. She was deeply touched, but this wasn’t enough.

„Five years, Silas. You’ve been gone for five years without any trace. And suddenly you’re back and say all this things to me. Do you think this is fair what you doing?“

„You know I had no choice. Your mom wished me to hell. She threatened me. She said she’ll report me to the cops.“

„All she wanted was you keeping your hands off me. No one expected you to leave the continent and break up contact to everyone. Do you have any idea how many hearts you broke when you left?“ 

Silas closed his eyes for a short moment and took a deep breath.

„I knew I couldn’t resist you for a single second, if I stayed. And I knew you could’t either. This was the only way to make things right. I had no other options, Liz. I just wanted to do the right thing.“ 

„Right thing? Right thing?! You destroyed me, Silas! I was unable dealing with my life for two years! Being without you was hell for me! It almost killed me!“

Silas grabbed her face with both hands.

„There was no chance for us, Liz. I wished so much there was a way, but there wasn’t.“ 

„Of course there was a way! You could have taken me with you!“ 

Silas smiled cynically.

„You would have run away with me, leaving your whole life behind?“ 

„I would have done everything for you, without hesitating. And you know it.“ 

„Ya… you’re right… I knew you would. But we both know this couldn’t end up well, Tink.“

„Why not?“ 

„You can’t be serious asking me that! You’ve been sixteen, Liz! I committed a crime being with you! Your parents would have done anything to bring you back home! And me behind bars!“

„Dad wasn’t this way! He would have convinced mom to leave us alone!“

„Lizzy, for god’s sake! She had every right being outraged when she found about us. I’m almost a decade older than you! All she wanted was protecting her minor daughter!“ 

„This is ridiculous, Si! She had no right blaming us! She was married to a man being almost a decade older than her, as well!“ 

Silas gave her an irritated look.

„What do you mean with she was married? Are you saying they got divorced or something?“ 

Lisa’s eyes filled with tears. She shook her head, trying hard not bursting out crying again. Silas turned uneasy, deeply worrying about what must have happened.

„Tink… what happened to your dad?“ 

 

January, 2045

Eve was lying naked in Josh’s arm, stroking his chest gently. His heart was beating fast. Hers did as well. He pulled her a little closer to his body and kissed the top of her head.

„This was so good,“ he said, with a dirty smile. 

„It’s always good,“ she replied, also grinning. 

„Yes, but we do this strawberry thing only on our anniversary in that hotel, so this are special circumstances.“ 

She raised her head a little to see his face, still smiling. 

„They have strawberries in L.A. as well.“

„Sounds compelling, but no. I’m afraid it will lose it’s thrill when we do those things more often.“ 

„And what about raspberries?“ 

„I can’t believe that it took you 22 years of marriage to suggest trying raspberries.“ 

She giggled.

„Better late than never.“ 

Josh turned around and made her lie under his body. She looped her legs around him, feeling him getting hard.

„Mr. Chasez, you’re sure can do this again?“ 

„Of course. Due to special circumstances…“

Next afternoon Eve and Josh returned back home. 

„The kids aren’t back, yet?“ he asked, entering the hall.

„They’ve spent New Year’s Eve in Vegas. I bet they’re fighting a brutal hangover,“ Eve replied. 

„I didn’t know what the word hangover means, when I was in their age.“ 

Eve came close and placed a gentle kiss on his lips. 

„Relax a little, daddy. I’ll make a quick dinner for you.“ 

„Sounds like a good plan. I feel like getting a headache,“ he replied. 

„You want me to bring you your meds?“ 

„Na, I’m fine. Guess a little nap will fix things.“

After having dinner, Josh helped Eve tidying up the kitchen. When they almost finished, he grabbed her waist from behind and kissed her neck gently. He was still giving her goosebumps, every time he was doing this. 

„It’s nice having the house just for ourselves for a change. The silence is priceless,“ he said.

Eve turned into his direction and put her arms around his neck. 

„Enjoy it, as long as you can. I bet they’ll be back home any minute.“ 

„Correct me if I am wrong, but I have the feeling Phin moved in here. I see him more often than our own kids.“

Eve laughed. 

„Definitely he did. I’m doing his laundry.“ 

„The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.“ 

„That's true. Recently I caught the boys smoking pot in your studio.“ 

„Looks like I need to have a serious conversation with both of them.“

„You weren’t any better in their age.“ 

„That’s not an excuse.“ 

Eve smiled and stroke his full grey hair gently. 

„Leave the kids alone. They’re grown up, remember?“ 

„But this is still my studio.“ 

Eve smiled brighter and kissed his lips. 

„It’s terribly cute when you unnecessarily work up into things. I love you.“ 

He kissed her back. 

„I love you, too, mama. Insanely.“ 

His hands moved under her blouse. He kissed her again more passionately. 

„I thought you’re having a headache,“ she talked into his mouth.

„I do, but it’s scientifically proven that sex helps.“ 

„We’re definitely too old for kitchen sex.“

„Says who?“ 

The front door got open in the next moment. 

„Happy new year and happy anniversary!!!“ they heard a familiar voice yelling from the hall. 

Josh stoppend kissing Eve and rolled his eyes. 

„Awesome. The tree is here.“ 

Justin entered the kitchen in the next second. 

„Jesus C… looks like I just kept you from harm.“ 

Josh gave his best friend an annoyed look, still holding his wife close. 

„What that supposed to mean?“ 

„You’re too old for kitchen sex.“ 

Eve giggled.

„That’s what I told him, but he didn’t listen.“ 

Justin came closer to hug both of them. 

„So… you already had dinner, hm?“ He asked disappointed. 

„There are some leftovers in the fridge,“ Eve said. 

Justin’s mood immediately lightened up. He opened the fridge and put the food outside. 

„You and your brat should pay us boarding wages,“ Josh complained. 

Justin just grinned sassy and put a fork out of the drawer. Then he sat down at the kitchen island and started eating. Josh grabbed a bottle of water out of the fridge and returned to the sofa. 

„You don’t wanna join me?“ Justin complained. 

„Headache.“ 

He watched his best friend walking away, before giving his attention to Eve. She sat down next to him at the kitchen island. 

„Is he okay?“ he asked a little concerned. 

„I think he is.“ 

„Is he taking his meds?“ 

„Just if the pain doesn’t ease down by itself. You know him.“ 

„Ya, stubborn idiot.“ 

Both smiled. 

„How was Santa Barbara?“ Justin changed the subject.

„Beautiful, as always. And how was your night with at Lance and Michael’s?“ 

„It was good, great party. I enjoyed it.“ 

„I’m happy to hear that.“

In the next moment they heard something dropping on the floor in the living room. Both exchanged irritated glances. 

„Honey, you’re good?“ Eve shouted to catch Josh’s attention.

There was no response. 

„Honey?“ 

Eve looked at Justin again. Then she stood up from her stool and went into the living room to make sure Josh was okay. Justin continued eating, waiting for her to come back. 

Suddenly there was a hysterical scream.

„JUSTIN!!! JUSTIN!!!!“ 

July 2045

Silas was sitting next to Lisa at the wall, processing what he just learned about her father. He was shocked and felt incredibly guilty. As he went abroad, he didn’t keep in touch with anyone from his family or friends. The only thing he was doing was sending postcards to his mother to her birthdays and Christmas. But he never mentioned where he was currently living or how to reach him. Knowing he wouldn’t meet Josh ever again, was hard to handle. 

„What is aneurysm?“ he finally asked. 

„It’s a bulge in a blood vessel cause by a weakness in the blood vessel wall.“ 

„And that caused a stroke, you said?“ he made sure, he understood her right. 

Lisa nodded. 

„The aneurysm suddenly leaked and caused a bleeding in his brain.“ 

„So it happened just like that without any warning?“ 

„No. Dad knew about his disease. Two years earlier out of the blue he couldn’t see clearly anymore and got a terrible headache. Mom was worried and brought him immediately into the clinic. They made a CT of his brain and found out, that he was having a light stroke, caused by a small aneurysm. Luckily this incident didn’t cause any serious damage to his brain. But at the same time they found another aneurysm, being concerningly big.“ Lisa explained. 

„I don’t understand,“ Silas replied. „If they knew, why they didn’t to something to get rid of it? Aren’t there any ways to do surgery or something?“

„Unfortunately not in his case. A surgery would have caused too much damage. The doctors made countless tests, but in the end they didn’t recommend doing surgery. The risks were too high falling into coma.“

„Are you saying they just let him leave with this ticking time bomb in his head?“ 

„He got meds to lower his blood pressure. This was all they could do for him to reduce the risk of leaking or rupture.“ 

Silas shook his head in disbelief. 

„It must be horrible living with the fact, you might die any second by a stroke.“

„Of course it was a shock for all of us. Mom was completely devastated. But once they processed the bad news, they started making plans how to enjoy their time together at its full extend. Dad stopped working and mom sold her firms shares to Mateo. They waited until I turned 18 and started my fashion design studies in New York. Then they begun traveling. At that time Jake was still busy with his music studies in Berklee. It was the perfect moment for touring the word and making unforgettable memories together.“

There was silence between them for a moment. Silas needed time to process. 

„Si… you’ve been gone so long. A lot of things changed.“ Lisa finally said.

He looked at her.

„Are you saying, you have someone?“ 

She bit her lips, feeling guilty. She just have sex with her boyfriend’s brother, without hesitating for a single second. It was a mystery for her, why Silas was still having this impact on her. She couldn’t resist him. It felt like no time has passed. 

„Yes,“ she almost whispered. 

„Do you love him?“ 

„I do.“

Silas scoffed. 

„We’ve just had sex, Liz. And you’re saying you love that guy?“ 

Lisa suddenly turned upset, not knowing exactly why. She jumped from the wall and stepped in front of him. 

„Don’t you dare judging me!“ she hissed. „It’s you who showed up without prior warning, knowing exactly what would happen!“ 

Silas didn’t want to fight. He grabbed her right hand and pulled her between his legs. Then he cupped her face again and kissed her forehead softly. Lisa immediately calmed down. Being close to him just felt amazing.

„Honestly, I didn’t expect this would happen. I thought you hate me for what I did to you. You can’t imagine how relieved I am that you don’t,“ he said.

She looked into his eyes.

„I could never hate you. You are the love of my life, Si.“ 

She grabbed his right hand, which was still cupping her face. Then she released herself carefully and looked at his inner wrist with his small tinkerbell tattoo on it. 

„I was afraid you removed it,“ she said.

„Why should I have removed it?“ 

„To forget me.“

He lifted her chin to make her look into his eyes again.

„I can’t forget you. No matter what I do. That’s why I came back.“ 

Lisa pressed his lips on his in the next second. They kissed each other for a moment. Then she broke their kiss. 

„I need to go back to my party.“

Silas kissed her lips once again. 

„Happy birthday, Tinkerbell.“ 

Justin was sitting at his sofa, with a bottle of beer in his hand. He was pretty tired, but as the series he was watching was kind of addictive, he decided starting another episode. In the same moment he heard the front door opening up. Being curious about the unexpected visitor in the middle of the night, he left the sofa and went into the hall. 

As he saw his son’s face, he couldn’t trust his own eyes. Silas stared back at him, holding a travel bag pack in his hand.

„Hey dad,“ he said emotionless, waiting for any kind of response. 

Justin didn’t react. He came few steps closer, still processing this completely unexpected situation. 

„I need a stay for the night,“ Silas added. 

Justin was still staring. 

„And you came here, first?“ 

„Mom isn’t home. I couldn’t find the spare key. She must have changed the hide-out.“ 

Justin came another step closer, taking a critical look at his son.  

„You have lipstick marks all over your face.“

Silas felt caught. Hastily he wiped his lips with the back of his hand. He didn’t dare looking into his father’s eyes again. 

„Is my room still free?“ he asked to change the subject. 

Justin nodded.

„Don’t worry, I’ll be gone in the morning,“ Silas informed him. 

Then he turned away and went upstairs. 

„This is still your home,“ Justin replied. 

Silas gave him another quick look, being surprised about his reaction.

„Okay.“

Justin watched his son disappearing at the first floor. Then he took a deep breath, being concerned about the whole situation. He was sure those lipstick marks meant trouble. He went back into the living room to switch off the telly. Then he returned into the hall, put on his sneakers, grabbed his keys and left the house. 

 

„How could you do this???“ Eve blamed her daughter, as she entered the house. 

She was mad a Lisa, but relieved at the same time, that she returned to her party. 

„I don’t wanna fight, mom,“ Lisa replied, trying hard staying calm. 

Eve came closer, grabbed her daughters arm and pulled her outside in front of the house, to talk to her privately. 

„What did you do with him?“ she asked impatiently.

Lisa crossed her arms, turning upset.

„I’m not a teenager anymore! I don’t owe you any explanation!“

Eve was shocked. 

„Is this how we talk to each other now?“ 

„You simply have no right acting this way!“

„Lisa! For god’s sake! You just jumped on his motorbike and disappeared, while your boyfriend is inside that house, having no clue what you just did. Do you think this is how a grown up person should behave?!“

Lisa heard enough. Her conscience was already killing her. Her mom’s speech just made things worse. She gave her another angry look, before returning back into the house.

Justin let himself at the property and parked his car next to Eve’s in front of the double garage. Then he entered the house. It was still full of young people. He went into the kitchen first, looking for Eve. But she wasn’t around. 

„Hey uncle T, what are you doing here? Lisa’s family brunch starts at noon. You’re little too early, I’m afraid,“ Alexander teased. 

„I’m sorry for spoiling the party. But I need to see Eve,“ Justin replied.  

„Ummm, I saw her going upstairs some time ago. Didn’t see her since,“  Alexander said. 

„Okay, thank you AJ. I’ll see you at noon.“

Justin went upstairs. He stopped standing in front of Eve’s bedroom and knocked at the door. 

„Come in,“ he heard her saying. 

He entered the room and saw her sitting at her bed with a glass of Champagne in her hand. She felt tipsy, as it was her fourth glass after meeting Silas. 

„Oh. Another Timberlake I wasn’t supposed to see tonight,“ she said cynically. 

Justin came closer and sat down at the edge of her bed right next to her. Then he deeply sighed. 

„I was afraid Silas was here, before he showed up at home,“ he said. 

„Really? He came to you?“ Eve replied surprised. 

Justin nodded. 

„Jess wasn’t home.“ 

„He must be broke.“ 

„Ya, I thought the same. Tell me what happened, M.“ 

Eve took a big sip and placed her empty glass at her bedside table.

„The bell rang. I opened up, believing it must be further friend’s from Lizzy. When I saw him standing in front of my face, I couldn’t trust my own eyes. He asked me to let him talk to her. I said no but… Lizzy noticed someone was at the door…“ 

Justin grabbed his face, processing the news. 

„Fuck…“ 

„It was a nightmare, Justin. She jumped on his bike and disappeared with him for almost an hour.“ 

Justin stared at her in deep shock.

„This explains the lipstick marks on his face.“ 

Eve’s stomach dropped. 

„Jesus… when I think about what else they probably did… it’s making me sick…“ 

Justin looked at her for a moment. 

„We can’t do anything about it. She’s grown up now. And very obviously still crazy for him.“ 

Eve sighed. 

„I’m aware of that. This helplessness makes me insane. But what really upsets me is the fact, that she’ll break Phin’s heart. Maybe she already did. I don’t know. I left the party when she returned from her sudden getaway.“

„Didn’t you confront her?“ 

„I did. But she didn’t tell me anything. We just ended up fighting.“

Justin felt kind of guilty. He knew it wasn’t his fault what happened, but he still felt responsible for Silas’s actions. Eve was truly desperate about the whole situation and fighting her tears. 

„Hey, don’t cry because of this,“ Justin said calmly. 

Then he took her hand and pulled her to his body. She fell around his neck and hugged him close. 

„It’s not our business anymore, M. Your girl will do whatever she wants. And we need to let her,“ he whispered, while hugging her back. 

Eve nodded, slowly releasing him from her embrace. Then she looked into his eyes, still being close. 

„You know what?“ she asked. 

„What?“ 

„I’m done waiting.“ 

In the next second she fell around his neck once again and kissed him deep. Justin’s body was immediately flooded with endorphins. He kissed her back, hardly believing this was really happening right now. 

Quickly Eve’s kisses got more demanding.

„Moneypenny. You’re drunk,“ he talked into her mouth.

She broke their kiss, looking at him. 

„Are you serious?“ 

He gave her a naughty smile. 

„Hell, no.“ 

He pressed his lips on hers again and made her lie on her back. Then he pushed his body between her thighs. Impatiently Eve grabbed the end of his polo shirt and dressed it off in a second. He opened the button of her blouse next. Then he stared at her neckline hungrily, before continuing undressing her jeans. 

„You’re still fire, M,“ he said. 

She smiled with deep breath. 

„And so are you.“ 

Then she grabbed his belt and opened it up quickly. Justin dressed off his jeans, before lying down on top of her. She felt his hardness pressing against her core. 

„I know you enjoy foreplays… but we really need to skip it this time,“ she panted. 

Again he smiled dirty. 

„Where does this impatience always come from, hm?“ he teased. 

„Justin, please…“

His right hand moved to her back to open her bra. He undressed it quickly, before doing the same to her panties. 

„I was wondering, if you still have it…“ he said, staring at her piercing. 

„You really talk to much,“ she complained half seriously. 

Justin smirked, before getting rid of his briefs. Then he returned on top of her. Eve’s excitement couldn’t get any bigger. 

While looking deep into her eyes, he pushed himself inside of her carefully. Immediately Eve rolled her eyes and moaned with pure pleasure. 

„You feel exactly the same. I missed to feel you so much…“ he groaned. 

He continued thrusting her gentle and slow. Eve felt a sudden peak building up quickly. She couldn’t hold it back. 

„Oh god… Justiiiiin… I love youuuuu…!“ 

Justin made a break to give her time returning back to reality. As she recovered, she looked at him with pure satisfaction. Justin smiled. 

„I can’t remember you saying that ever during sex. It must have been pretty good,“ he teased. 

„Yes it was. And long time overdue.“

Playfully he kissed the tip of her nose. Then he turned serious. 

„It wasn’t overdue. You needed enough time to grief. And so did I.“ 

Eve nodded. Then she pulled his face closer to kiss him again. Justin continued thrusting her. 

„Will you come for me again, mama?“ he talked into her mouth. 

„Be sure I will,“ she panted…

April, 2045

„She seems okay,“ Lance said, sipping his beer.

He was sitting at Eve’s patio with Justin, Eric, Mateo and Sarah, enjoying the mild night. It was Eve’s birthday. She refused having a party, a she was still processing Josh’s sudden passing. But her friends showed up anyway.

„She’s not,“ Justin replied. 

„It has been just four months,“ Sarah said. „But I really think she’s doing great so far.“ 

„And how are you?“ Mateo wanted to know, looking at Justin. 

He forced a smile. 

„Honestly, I’m relieved I’m not going through this on my own. She helps me to make peace with the situation.“ 

„For me it feels like time traveling, when C was in coma. But this time I know for sure he won’t come back. And it sucks,“ Lance said. 

„Ya. It’s like a creepy deja vu,“ Eric added. 

„I am very grateful you take care for Eve so well, T. As you did back in those days,“ Mateo said next. 

There was silence for a moment. Everybody was thinking the same, but not daring speaking it out loud. 

„I still love her,“ Justin suddenly confessed. 

All eyes were on him. But nobody was surprised hearing him say that. 

„She will be yours. It just needs a little more time,“ Mateo finally responded. 

„Did you talk to her about it?“ Eric asked curiously. 

„That’s not necessary, honey. She knows,“ Mateo replied. 

„Of course she knows. We all do. But I still believe he needs to say it at some point,“ Eric responded. 

„She told me,“ Justin said next. 

Except Mateo and Sarah, everybody was truly surprised to hear that. 

„What exactly she told you?“ Eric wanted to know. 

„Two weeks ago we’ve been hanging out in front of the telly. Then she suddenly came closer and cuddled up into my arm. We sat their like this for a while without talking. When the movie finally ended, she said, that she still loves me.“ 

„And what happened then?“ Lance asked impatiently. 

„He kissed her forehead and told her, that he never stopped loving her,“ Sarah answered, already knowing the whole story from Eve. 

„She also said, that she wasn’t ready for more, yet,“ Justin added. „We both agreed to give ourselves more time to start all over again.“

„This is really nice,“ Lance said. 

„It really is.“ Mateo replied. 

„So? You’re okay, if we become a couple?“ Justin asked carefully. 

„No one here is truly surprised, man,“ Lance answered, giving him a naughty smile.

„It completely makes sense,“ Eric added. 

In the next moment Eve and Michael entered the patio, with some snacks and beverages. 

„We heard everything, jerks,“ Michael informed them. 

Justin glanced at Eve, feeling caught. She smiled at him and sat down next to him at a free chair.

„You see? All of them expected that,“ she teased. 

„Ya, you’ve been right,“ he replied, smiling back at her. 

July, 2045

In the next morning after Lisa’s birthday party, Eve woke up in Justin’s arm and smiled all over her face. Everything felt absolutely right. Gently she begun caressing his well-shaped naked chest. 

„Good morning, girlfriend,“ he murmured. 

Eve giggled. 

„This sounds so weird.“

„But that’s how things are now,“ he replied, before kissing the top of her head. 

She raised herself a little to see his face. 

„So, what now? I believe the kitchen is full of hungry kids.“

„What are you trying to say?“ 

„That you should go downstairs and explain to the offspring what’s going on, while making some coffee.“

„Me? This is your home, M. You’re responsible doing that.“ 

„That’s ridiculous. You are here everyday. And now you also stay over night. This is your home, as well.“

Justin gave her a concerned look. 

„Honestly… I’m a little scared about Jake’s and Lisa’s reaction.“

Eve gave him a calm smile and caressed his cheek. 

„Honey, Jake adores you. You’ve been always like a second dad to him. And Lizzy has no right messing with us in any kind, after what happened tonight.“

„What about Phin? You think he might be upset because of Jess?“ 

Eve frowned. 

You and Jess agreed parting ways five years ago. Why you think this could be a problem?“ 

„You’re right. He doesn’t know the whole story. Fortunately no one of them does.“

„So? You go and bring coffee?“ 

Justin shook his head. 

„Lets do this together.“

Eve rolled her eyes and sighed. 

„Fine.“

Both stood up in the next moment. Eve disappeared in the closet to put on fresh underwear and returned with some fresh clothes for Justin. 

„It feels weird,“ he said, as she gave him one of Josh’s t-shirts and sweat shorts. 

„Why? You wore his stuff thousand times before. No matter how hard he complained about it.“ 

Justin chuckled. 

„His complains were the best part.“ 

Eve was still smiling. 

„I know you loved annoying him.“ 

„Well, that’s what younger brothers do, right?“ 

Eve came closer and embraced his waist.

„I’ll make room for your stuff tonight.“

He kissed her forehead.

„Sounds like I’m moving in. Again.“

 

Eve and Justin entered the kitchen, acting like it was the most normal thing to do. Lisa was sitting at the kitchen island next to Phin. Both were wearing PJ’s and eating cereals. 

„Good morning,“ Justin said first and started the coffee maker. 

„Morning,“ Lisa replied, waiting for some kind of explanation. 

Eve also said good morning, while taking two mugs out of the cupboard. Phin was busy sorting his mind. 

„Um… dad?“ he finally asked. 

Justin turned in his direction. 

„Yes?“ 

„Did you… I mean… are you… um… could you explain why you are here that early?“ he stammered. 

„They had sex tonight,“ Lisa said boldly. 

Eve and Justin tried acting unimpressed. Phin looked at his girlfriend, not being sure, if to believe it or not. Then he turned into his dad’s direction.

„Is this true?“

„Yup,“ Justin replied cooly. 

In the same moment Jake entered the kitchen.

„No way,“ he said, seeing Justin putting his arm around Eve’s shoulders and kissing her head. 

„You owe me 100 bucks, bro!“ Lisa laughed dirty. 

Eve and Justin exchanged irritated glances. 

„Why he owes you 100 bucks?“ Justin asked.

„We bet, how long you two would manage keeping your hands off each other. I said till next year and just lost,“ Jake explained. 

„Excuse me?!“ Eve replied, acting outraged. 

„Oh come on, mom. Uncle T is here every day, drooling over you. Did you really believe we didn’t see what was going on?“  

„Drooling?! I wasn’t drooling!“ Justin contradicted. 

„You both were drooling,“ Jake talked back. 

„Am I the only one who didn’t see that coming?“ Phin asked.

„You can’t be serious, dude,“ Jake replied. 

„Why you didn’t tell me, that you were hot for my best friend’s mom?“ Phin complained, looking at Justin. 

„Is this really a problem?“ Justin asked. 

„No. But I feel like an idiot, being the only one not knowing what was going on!“

„Nothing was going on. Things just happened. And now you know.“ 

Jake smirked.

„If you knew about our theory about them, would you have bet for next year or earlier?“ he asked his best friend. 

„Earlier. Your mom is too hot. There’s no way he would have kept his hands off her that long.“ 

Eve smiled smugly. 

„For the record, it was her who couldn’t keep her hands off me,“ Justin contradicted. 

„Too much information!!!“ all kids replied at once. 

Justin was in the perfect mood to annoy them a little more. He turned into Eve’s direction, cupped her face and kissed her lips. 

„Jesus, guys! I’m eating!“ Lisa complained. 

„Gross!“ Phin added, making a disgusted face. 

„I’ll need therapy if you don’t stop,“ Jake joked. 

Justin broke their kiss and turned into Jake’s direction. Then he turned serious. 

„So? We’re good?“ he asked carefully. 

Jake smiled and came closer. 

„Of course we are. I’m happy for you.“

Then he hugged Justin tightly and did the same to his mom afterwards. 

„Excuse me? You ask JC for his blessing, but not me?“ Phin complained. 

„It’s not your mom, he’s banging,“ Jake teased. 

„Well, not anymore,“ Phin talked back.

„This is kind of disturbing,“ Lisa realized. „If they make a baby…“ 

„You better stop talking,“ Phin interrupted her. 

„We are not making a baby,“ Eve said amused. 

„We’re not? But they have new methods. We wouldn’t be the first doing a baby in our age,“ Justin joked.

Eve gave him a serious look.

„Are you just losing your mind, old man?“

He grabbed her waist and and nibbled at her ear to make her giggle.

„I’m everything, but not old.“

„I really meant it. If you don’t stop, I’ll need serious help,“ Jake complained again.

„Well, you didn’t ask for my blessing, but still I wanna say, I’m happy for you, as well,“ Lisa said next. 

Then she stood up to hug Eve and Justin. 

Phin also stood up. 

„No babies,“ he warned his dad, before giving him a hug. 

„Can’t promise you that,“ Justin teased. 

Phin just rolled his eyes. Then he hugged Eve. 

„You want me to call you mom now?“ he joked. 

„I’m doing your laundry. It would be appropriate.“

In the meantime Jake made two cups of coffee. Eve noticed and gave him an irritated look. Jake immediately flushed. 

„Excuse me, do you have something to say, as well?“ Eve asked eagerly. 

„Nope,“ Jake replied, taking both cups and hurrying out of the kitchen.

All eyes were on him. 

„Did he a and V… finally…?“ Justin asked in disbelief.

„Ya. Finally,“ Lisa and Phin said at the same time, smiling all over their faces. 

„Awesome. Just another *NSYNC kid moved in here,“ Eve complained half seriously. 

Before Lisa’s family brunch started, Justin returned home to change his clothes. When he entered the house, he noticed Silas in the living room in front of the telly with a cup of coffee in his hand. Silas looked at his father coming closer. Justin sat down opposite of him at an armchair and just stared at him. He didn’t know what to say. But he knew, they needed to talk urgently. 

„Where have you been?“ Silas asked, sipping his coffee.

Justin scoffed. 

Lets start with the question, where the fuck you have been in the last five years.“ 

„Europe,“ Silas answered. 

„Can you be more specific?“ 

„I travelled. Never been at one place longer than few months.“ 

There was a short break. Both just looked at each other, before Justin finally continued talking. 

„Your mother and I almost died worrying about you. We’ve hired private detectives to find you. Are you aware of what a giant mess you left behind, when you just disappeared?“ 

Silas immediately turned upset. He bent his upper body towards the coffee table and put his mug on it. 

„I’m sorry for what I did to mom. But I’m not buying your shit, that you’ve been worried about me. I bet you couldn’t be more relieved not dealing with me anymore.“ 

Justin eyes filled with rage. 

„How you dare saying that?!“ 

„You treated me like a criminal!“ 

„Because what you did was criminal!“ 

Silas couldn’t believe that he found himself back in the same situation like five years ago. It felt like no time has passed. He tried very hard not losing his temper. He leaned back into the sofa, looking away. 

„You and Eve ruined everything.“

„You gave us no choice,“ Justin talked back. 

Silas cracked a cynical smile.

„You act like I raped her. But this is not how things happened and you know it.“ 

„She was 16, Si! She didn’t know what she was doing, for god’s sake!“ 

„She exactly knew what she was doing.“

Justin stood up, being brutally close losing control over the situation. 

„You pregnant her! You’ve been stupid enough to pregnant a minor! Instead of blaming me or Eve, you should be grateful, that we saved both of you from ruining your lives!“ 

Silas suddenly stood up. Then he left the room and went upstairs. 

August, 2030

Lisa was sitting at the sofa, being engrossed watching a movie. Jake sat next to her, being terribly annoyed. 

„I hate that movie,“ he complained. „It’s so boring.“

Lisa gave her brother a warning look. 

„Tinkerbell isn’t boring! She’s amazing!“ 

„No, she isn’t!“

„Yes, she is!“

„No, she isn’t!“

„Hey kids, stop arguing,“ Josh said, entering the living room. 

He was wearing a dark blue suit with a white button down shirt. Lisa glanced at him and smiled.

„You look pretty, daddy.“ 

He came closer and put her onto his arm. She was wearing fairy wings, like Tinkerbell in the movie. 

„Don’t argue with your brother, okay?“ He said playfully and kissed her forehead. 

„But he started!“ 

„I didn’t!“ Jake talked back. 

Josh sat Lisa back down at the sofa and bent towards Jake’s head.

„It makes no sense fighting with girls about who’s right or not. Trust me,“ he whispered in his ear. 

„But I hate the movie.“

„Stop being a baby. It was my turn to decide. Now deal with it,“ Lisa replied boldly. 

Josh chuckled. Then he kissed Jake’s forehead, as well. 

In the next moment Eve entered the room. She was wearing her favorite little black dress, which Josh loved so much. His eyes begun shining, as he saw her coming closer. 

„Uh… look at mommy… isn’t she looking adorable?“ he said to their kids. 

Both looked at their mom. 

„She’s the prettiest mommy in the world,“ Lisa said. 

„I totally agree,“ Josh replied. 

Jake was still upset. He jumped from the sofa and run into Eve’s arms. She lifted him up and kissed his cheek.

„What’s wrong, sweetheart?“ 

„I hate the movie,“ he complained again.

„But it was Lizzy’s turn to chose. You can chose a movie tomorrow,“ she explained. 

Then she brought him back to the sofa. In the next second they heard the front door opening up.

„Your babysitter just arrived,“ Josh said to the kids. 

Lisa’s eyes begun shining, as Silas entered the living room. She jumped from the sofa and rushed in his direction.

„SILAS!“ 

Silas lifted her up, as she reached him, smiling happily at her. 

„Hey pumpkin, since when you’re having wings, hm?“ he asked her. 

„I am a fairy. My name is Tinkerbell,“ she explained. 

„Uh, that’s a very pretty name for a fairy.“ 

„Yes it is.“

Silas gave his attention to Eve and Josh.

„Look at you. Mommy and daddy dressed up for date night, hm?“ he teased. 

„Stop that sassy tone, young man,“ Josh warned him half seriously. 

„You know the rules. No sweets. And bedtime is at 8 o’clock for both of them. Don’t let them negotiate,“ Eve said. 

„Yes, Ma’am,“ Silas replied. 

Jake gave Silas a grumpy look.

„I don’t need a babysitter! I’m not a baby anymore!“ 

„But we could play with some legos, while your sister is watching the movie, hm?“ Silas replied. 

Jake’s eyes immediately begun shining. 

„No! I want you to watch the movie with me!“ Lisa complained. 

„Okay, that’s the right moment to leave the situation,“ Josh said to Eve. 

„Yes, they’re your problem now,“ Eve said to Silas with a smugly grin in her face. 

„It’s not my first rodeo,“ Silas replied self assured. „Enjoy your date night.“ 

 

After reading a bedtime story for both kids, Silas brought Jake into bed first and wished him a good night. Then he took care for Lisa. She crawled into her bed, still wearing her wings. 

„You’re sure you wanna sleep with your wings, Tinkerbell?“ Silas asked.

„A fairy can’t put off her wings, Silas,“ she informed him.

He smiled at her and covered her under the blanket. 

„You’r right, silly me.“ 

„Silas…?“ She asked shyly, before he switched off the small light at her bedside table.

„Yes?“ 

„Can I marry you when I’m grow up?“ 

Silas begun laughing. He sat down at the edge of her bed, being terribly amused by her seriousness. 

„Why you wanna marry an old guy like me?“ 

„Because you’re funny. And cute,“ Lisa explained. 

„I feel very flattered you think I am funny. And cute. But I’ll be really old when you’re grown up.“

„My daddy is really old, as well. But he’s still funny and very handsome.“ 

Silas laughed again. 

„I must admit, you made a good point.“

„Then it’s settled,“ she replied, giving him a sassy smile. 

He smiled back and kissed her forehead.

„Good night, Tinkerbell.“ 

Lisa couldn’t fall asleep, when Silas left her bedroom. She completely worked up in her fantasy marrying him one day and daydreamed about their wedding. 

Some time later the doorbell rang. Lisa sat down in bed, wondering who it was. Then she switched on her light and sneaked out of her bedroom on her tiptoes. She stopped standing in the middle of the stairs, watching Silas opening up.

„Hey, thank you for coming by,“ he said to a pretty blond girl in his age.

She smiled naughty and stopped standing in front of him. Then she put her arms around his neck and kissed him deep. 

Lisa couldn’t trust her eyes. Her little heart broke into pieces. After watching them for a short moment, she hurried downstairs. Silas noticed her steps and stopped kissing his girlfriend. 

„Tinkerbell, why aren’t you in bed?“ he asked her. 

Lisa stopped standing in front them. Her small head was completely red from anger. 

„How dared you!!! You agreed marrying me!!!“ she yelled at him. 

Silas didn’t know how to react. His girlfriend begun laughing hard.

„What’s so funny, missy?!“ Lisa asked furiously. 

The girl pulled herself together, giving Lisa a degrading look.

„How old are you, five?“

„I’m already six!“ Lisa talked back. 

„Well, you know… Silas is more into blond girls, I’m afraid,“ she said arrogantly. 

„Hey! Why are you doing this?“ Silas blamed his girlfriend, while Lisa’s eyes were filling with tears. 

„Because she’s a nasty little brat,“ she answered. 

„And you are ugly from inside!!!“ Lisa yelled. 

As she couldn’t fight her tears any longer, she turned away and rushed upstairs.

„What the hell is wrong with you? She’s a kid!“ Silas complained. 

His girlfriend scoffed.

„I can’t believe what is happening here!“

Then she turned around and left the house. Silas watched her slamming the front door. Then he hurried upstairs. He found Lisa lying in bed, being completely covered under her blanket. Carefully he sat down a the edge. 

„Can we talk about what just happened?“ he asked calmly. 

Lisa didn’t react. 

„Please, Tinkerbell. I really feel bad about all of this.“ 

Lisa pulled down her blanket and sat down in front of him.

„How could you invite another girl to our house?“ She blamed him. 

Her attitude was brutally cute. He needed all his strength staying serious. 

„Your parents allowed me having a visitor tonight,“ he explained. 

„And why you didn’t mention, that you have a girlfriend, when I asked you to marry me?“ 

„Well, I need to admit, after what just happened I need to rethink, if I still want her to be my girlfriend. She was very rude to you and honestly, I don’t like such behavior.“ 

„Does it mean you’ll still marry me?“ 

Silas sighed.

„I never said that, Lizzy. Look, you might like me today, but I promise you, when you get older, you’ll certainly prefer having a boyfriend in your age.“

„No, Silas. I made my choice and I’m not gonna change my mind,“ she replied seriously. 

He smiled at her and caressed her wild curly hair. 

„Let’s wait and see.“ 

 

Eve and Josh returned home few hours later. 

„We’re back. Stop making out!“ Josh shouted to warn Silas. 

They expected him being with his girlfriend. As there was no response, both went into the living room and found him sleeping peacefully at the sofa. 

„Si? We’re back,“ Eve said, while touching his shoulder carefully. 

But Silas didn’t react. 

She smiled calmly and took a blanket to cover him up. Josh switched off the telly at the same time.

„Can’t wait for the best part of the night,“ he said smugly, on their way into their bedroom. 

She gave him a dirty smile. As they reached the door, she took his hand and pulled him inside. Then she closed the door and pushed him playfully against it.

„Someone can’t wait, hm?“ Josh teased his wife.

„Stop talking, Chasez,“ she replied, while opening his belt and the zipper of his trousers. Her hand slid into his briefs, grabbing his harden dick. 

Josh groaned with satisfaction. 

„Behave… this is just a little treat…“ she whispered temptingly. 

Then she went down on her knees, pulled down his trousers and shorts a little bit and licked him in his full length. Josh groaned louder, grabbing one hand into her hair. He loved watching her doing that to him. 

„Baby… please give me little more…“

She reached his tip and took him into her mouth.

„Fuck yeeeees…“ he panted. 

She satisfied him slow, not wanting him to cum, yet.

„God Eve… I can’t wait… I want you now…“ 

She stopped and gave him another dirty smile. He took her hand to make her stand up. Then he opened the zipper of her dress and got rid of it in a second. She undressed his upper body first and continued with his trousers and briefs. He opened her bra next and tossed it impatiently to the floor. Then he grabbed her breasts with both hands and made her moan.

„Every inch of your body is pure pleasure,“ he groaned. 

She smiled and pulled him to their bed. He laid down at his back and watched her undressing her panties slowly. Then she crawled on top of him.

„I need to feel you, baby… please don’t torture me…“ he begged, as she begun rubbing herself playfully against his hard dick. 

She enjoyed bringing his to his limits. 

„Eve… I need you…“

Slowly she let him slid inside of her. 

„Oh Josh…“ she moaned, getting lost in the moment… 

Eve was lying on top of Josh, slowly retuning back to reality. She heard his heart still beating fast. He stroke her back softly with his fingertips, enjoying their intimacy. 

„Doing life with you is perfection. I feel so blessed having you and our little ones. Every day, when I open my eyes seeing your beautiful faces lying next to me, I feel like the happiest man on earth,“ Josh said quietly. 

Eve raised her head and smiled at him.

„I could never express with words what you and our kids mean to me. I’m grateful for every single second I have with you.“ 

Josh smiled back and pulled her face closer to place a gentle kiss on her lips. 

„I don’t wanna ruin our cheesy moment, but we need to get dressed,“ he said next. 

Eve rolled her eyes. 

„Can’t wait for puberty, when they stop crawling into our bed every night.“

„Who says they’ll ever stop?“ Josh joked. 

Hours later Eve and Josh were in deep sleep. He was spooning her tightly. Then the bedroom door opened up slowly. Sleepy Lisa went to Josh’s bedside. Then she lifted the blanket, laid down next to him and tapped his shoulder. Josh released Eve’s body and turned on his back, without waking up. Lisa crawled at his belly, closed her eyes and immediately returned back to sleep.

Half our later the door opened up again. Jake came inside, crawled into their bed on Eve’s bedside and cuddled up to her chest. She put her arm around his small body and embraced him tightly. 

„Daddy… Daddy, wake up. I have very important news,“ Lisa whispered, still lying on Josh’s belly. 

Josh didn’t react. 

„Daddy, I know you’re faking it.“ 

Josh begun smiling. He opened one eye for a short moment and then pretended to be still asleep. Lisa giggled. 

„Lazy daddy,“ she teased. 

Eve and Jake woke at the same time. She turned onto her back, having her son in her arm. 

„Tell us the burning news, Lizzy“ she said to her daughter. 

Lisa cleared her throat. 

„I decided to marry Silas, when I’m grown up.“ 

Immediately Josh opened his eyes and gave Lisa a concerned look. Eve smiled all over her face, waiting for Josh’s next reaction. 

„But he’s too old for you, Lizzy,“ Jake replied. 

„Your brother is right. Why must it be Silas?“ Josh asked. 

„Don’t you think Phin would be a better candidate?“ Eve suggested. 

„Must it necessarily be a Timberlake?“ Josh added.

„Yes, daddy. But not Phin,“ Lisa answered. 

„Why not?“ Eve wanted to know.

„Because he’s my best friend! I don’t wanna share my best friend with Lizzy!“ Jake intervened. 

„Don’t worry, Jakey. I’m not interested in your bestie. He’s not my type.“

„Not your type?! No boy should be your type in your age!“ Josh talked back. 

„Sorry, daddy. But that’s how things are. I just wanted you to be prepared,“ Lisa said seriously. 

„Prepared for what?!“ Josh asked concerned. 

„That there will be a wedding. A very expensive wedding. The guest list is very long, I’m afraid,“ 

„What?! You already made a guest list?!“ Josh continued asking. 

Eve tried very hard not bursting out laughing. 

„Does the groom already know about your plans?“ she asked her daughter. 

„Of course he does,“ Lisa answered. 

„Does it mean he agreed marrying you?“ Eve continued asking.

„Not exactly. I’m still working on it,“ Lisa informed her. 

Eve and Josh exchanged glances. She was biting her lips, suppressing a smile. He gave his attention back to their daughter. 

„I can tell you one thing, pumpkin. If you really marry a Timberlake one day, I’ll make sure his folks pay for the wedding.“

July, 2045

Justin took a shower, put on some dark blue chinos and a white polo shirt. Then he packed fresh clothes for few days into his weekender. As he left his bedroom, he hesitated, if he should talk to Silas again or not. Finally he decided at least to inform him, that he wouldn’t be around for the rest of the day. He went to Silas’s bedroom and knocked at the door, before going in. Silas was lying at his bed, being busy with his cell, not giving any attention to his father.

„I’m leaving for Lizzy’s family brunch,“ Justin said. 

Silas glanced at him.

„With your weekender?“

„I’m staying the night.“ 

Now Justin was having his son’s full attention. 

„Oh wow…“ Silas said cynically. „You’re banging Eve. Again. I bet you couldn’t wait when JC…“

„Don’t you dare finishing that sentence,“ Justin warned him. 

Silas scoffed. 

„Okay, nevermind. Let’s pretend you’re the good person in this room.“ 

Justin didn’t respond and left the situation. 

 

May, 2038

„Lizzy?“

There was no reaction.

„Lizzy? Do you hear me?“

Still no response. 

„Tinkerbell, focus!“ 

Lisa suddenly returned back to reality, staring into Silas face. She flushed a little and bit her lips. She was sitting next to him at the dining table. He agreed being her private tutor in physics, helping her passing the next exams.

„Stop daydreaming and listen to me,“ he said annoyed. 

„This wasn’t my fault,“ she defended herself.

He frowned.

„Not your fault?“

„You look too good. It distracts me,“ she replied boldly. 

„Lizzy, you really need to stop talking to me like this. We clarified that more than just once.“ 

„But I don’t care.“ 

He rolled his eyes, before giving her a serious look.

„I won’t help you anymore, if you don’t pull yourself together.“ 

Lisa tried staying serious. The truth was she didn’t have any trouble with physics. Reaching out for his help was just a false pretense to spend time with him.

„Silas…“ she said with sad voice. 

„What?“ 

„I don’t like, that you’ll leave for London after summer.“

„It’s not like I have a choice. I need to do this to finish my acting studies.“

„But why two whole years? Just the imagination not seeing you for such a long time is killing me.“ 

Silas deeply sighed. Then he turned into her direction and grabbed her face with both hands. 

„Tink… your obsession with me must stop. It’s not healthy what you’re doing.“ 

Her eyes suddenly filled with tears.

„But I love you. I can’t change how I feel, Silas,“ she sobbed. 

Silas was deeply frustrated about her behavior. Of course he didn’t want to hurt her feelings. But it looked like he was having no other choice to bring her back to her senses. 

„Lizzy, listen to me. You’re a kid. And I’m a grown up. That’s why I will never love you back.“

Lisa grabbed his hands and pushed them away. Then she stood up, giving him a furious look. 

„Screw you, Silas!“ she shouted, before bursting out crying. 

His bad conscience was suddenly killing him. 

„Lizzy, I’m sorry…“

She rushed out of the dining area. In the same moment, Josh showed up and witnessed the scene. 

„What happened?“ he asked Silas. „Does she have trouble to understand the teaching subject?“ 

Silas sighed again.

„She’s not focusing.“

„Why not?“ 

„Because she’s busy drooling over me.“ 

Josh cracked a smile.

„Puberty sucks.“ 

„We both know this started long time before puberty. It makes me feel completely uncomfortable, uncle C. I believe, she should look for another tutor.“ 

Josh came closer. He patted Silas’s shoulder and nodded. 

„I guess you’re right. Anyway, thank you for trying, Si.“ 

The same night, Eve and Josh made themself ready for sleep. She was removing her make up, while he just finished brushing his teeth. 

„There was a situation with Lizzy this afternoon,“ Josh mentioned. 

„Which situation?“ Eve asked surprised. 

„She was hitting on Silas during tutoring.“ 

Eve chuckled. 

„Poor Silas. Maybe we should look for another tutor.“ 

„Ya, he said the same. I was thinking, if we should have a serious conversation with her about Silas.“

Eve turned into Josh’s direction and embraced his waist. 

„When I was in her age, I was hopelessly in love with a handsome boy from my posters. And I completely ignored the fact, that he was almost a decade older than me.“

Josh gave her a loving smile. 

„What are you trying to say, hm?“ 

„It’s a phase.“

„But a very long one, don’t you think? She told us she gonna marry him when she was six. Now she’s fourteen and still obsessed with him.“

„I agree that her crush is a little intense, but trust me, very soon she’ll be interested in boys in her age and forget about Silas.“

„Is that what happened to you? You replaced me through another guy in your age?“ 

„Yes, I did.“ 

„Ya… you just forgot about me like I never meant anything to you,“ he blamed her half seriously. 

Eve laughed. 

„I can’t deny that fact.“ 

Several weeks later Lisa was lying in her bed under her blanket. It was afternoon, but she refused leaving bed today, feeling terribly pity for herself. It was the day Silas was leaving for London. 

There was a knock at her door. She didn’t respond. There was another knock. 

„Go away!“ she shouted. 

„Lizzy. Someone is at the front door for you,“ Eve said calmly through the closed door. 

Lisa’s heart immediately accelerated. She pulled her blanket aside and jumped out of bed. Then she opened the door, staring into her mother’s face. 

„Who?“ she asked nervously. 

Eve gave her a loving smile.

„He came to say goodbye.“ 

„Oh my god! I look like hell. Oh my god!“ Lisa panicked. 

„You don’t look like hell. Go, he’s not having much time.“

Lisa took a deep breath. Then she passed her mother and hurried downstairs. Her heart begun turning somersaults, as she saw Silas standing in the hall waiting for her. He smiled calmly, as she was coming closer.

„Silas!“ she said and fell around his neck. 

He embraced her body tightly. They held each other for a short moment. Then he released her slowly. He noticed her eyes were swimming. 

„I didn’t want to leave for London without saying goodbye.“ 

She nodded, trying hard not to cry. 

„Take care, Tinkerbell.“

He gave her a peck on her cheek, before he left. As soon as the front door closed, Lisa bursted out crying. 

Eve was watching the scene from distance and came closer to comfort her. She pulled her daughter into her arms and gave her time to calm down. 

„I’ll never love someone like I love him, mom,“ she sobbed.

Eve released her and cupped her face with one hand. 

„Trust me Lizzy, one day you will.“

 

July, 2045

„Oh wow, baby…“ Phin stammered, staring at his girlfriend.

„Don’t you like it?“ Lisa asked. 

„Ummm… I do… you look very pretty… but this was not what I expected, when you said you need to see the hairdresser before the family brunch.“ 

„I didn’t really plan that. It happened spontaneously,“ she explained. 

Phin was still giving her an irritated look.

„You’ll get used to it,“ she added and placed a quick peck on his cheek. 

„I can’t believe she changed her hair into blond again. I can’t believe it,“ Eve said, while getting dressed for the brunch. 

Justin arrived at her place half hour earlier and was unpacking his weekender. 

„You need to relax, love. I don’t want you working up into the whole situation,“ he replied. 

Eve deeply sighed. 

„I’m so sorry for Phin. It’s breaking my heart, Justin. She acts like nothing happened. How can she be so coldhearted? I’m brutally disappointed…“ 

Justin stopped standing in front of her and pulled her close to his body.

„We don’t know what exactly happened between her and Silas.“

„Come on, honey. You said there were lipstick marks all over his face.“

„Still, we don’t know.“ 

Lisa’s family brunch took place at their patio. Besides family and close friends, all former members from *NSYNC with their partners and kids joined the party. A caterer and and a service team provided all guests with food and drinks. Lisa’s new hair color was a surprise. But the latest news about Jake being together with Violet was making bigger waves. Less surprising was the fact to everyone, that Eve and Justin finally became a couple, as well. All of their guests were convinced it was just a matter of time.“ 

„I’m happy for you two. I really do,“ Chris said to Justin, sitting next to him. „Both of you deserve to be happy.“ 

Justin chuckled. 

„You became a real softy, old man,“ he teased his friend. 

„I know. I hardly recognize myself,“ Chris replied. 

Eve was busy talking to Lucy. Joey and her were still living in Orlando. She was incredibly happy seeing her best friend and catching up. Lisa was chatting to Violet, while Phin and Jake were talking about their album release. No one at the big table noticed, as an uninvited guest suddenly entered the scene. Silas stopped a waiter with a tray of Champagne. He grabbed a glass and took a big gulp. He watched the scene, wondering who would notice him first. But everybody was so engrossed in conversation, that they didn’t pay any attention. 

„Good afternoon, everyone,“ he finally said.

The table immediately turned quiet. Everybody stared at him in deep shock. All of them knew about the tragic story, why Silas disappeared five years ago. Lisa’s heart just stopped beating. She felt hot and cold at the same time, not being sure if she was just dreaming. 

„I hope you don’t mind me joining this little family reunion,“ Silas added. 

Eve and Justin were processing hard. The last thing they expected was Silas being that bold showing up without invitation. Silas came few steps closer. Nash suddenly jumped up from the table and hurried in his direction. Then he hugged him closely. 

„.Good lord, Si. You’re still alive. I’m so happy to see you,“ he said relieved. 

Silas hugged him back tightly. Nash and him became very close, when Nash moved to L.A. to work for Sony records after his studies. The rest of the group was still processing. Lisa turned very nervous, not knowing what to do next. When Nash released Silas, his eyes met hers. He saw the panic in her eyes, being sure this must be because of Eve and Justin. But this was not what Lisa was truly worrying about in that moment. 

„Hey birthday girl,“ Silas said, still focusing her. Of course he noticed her new hair color and smirked. „You look beautiful.“ 

Justin stood up from the table.

„What are you doing here, Si?“ he asked, trying very hard not losing his temper.

„I’m still a part of this family, if you like it or not,“ Silas talked back. 

Eve was afraid the situation might run out of control. She stood up and grabbed Justin’s hand.

„He’s right. Take a seat,“ she said to Silas, not letting him having power over her emotions once again. 

Lisa’s tension was reaching its peak. She still didn’t know how to behave. Suddenly Phin stood up and went into Silas’s direction. He stopped standing in front of his brother, still being in pure disbelief, that he was really here. 

„Hey,“ Silas said calmly. 

He missed his brother a lot. He knew that he disappointed him badly with his sudden disappearance.

„Fuck, Si. I missed you so much,“ Phin finally said and fell around Silas’s neck. Silas hugged him back tightly. 

„I missed you, too, bro. You have no idea how much.“

Finally the rest of the group processed the situation. One after another stood up to welcome Silas back. Lisa was watching the scene, feeling like passing out any moment. 

„Baby? Are you alright?“ Phin asked Lisa, as he returned to his seat. 

She was completely pale, not being able to reply. 

„I know this is a lot. Do you need a glass of water?“ Phin asked concerned. 

„So? What did I miss? Tell me everything,“ Silas said, sitting down at the table after greeting everybody.  

„Jake and Violet just became a couple,“ Nash informed his best friend. 

„Your dad and Eve did, as well,“ Joey added. 

„And Lisa is dating Phin since three years,“ Eve said next. 

Silas’s heart dropped to the floor. He looked at Lisa, being completely shocked. 

Lisa couldn’t believe that her mother exposed her like that. She felt like throwing up any second. Hastily she raised herself and rushed into the house. Silas watched her disappear. Then he looked at his brother, being unable processing the news. Phin wasn’t sure what was going on in Silas’s mind. Of course he knew about everything what happened between his brother and Lisa five years ago. But now he was the one who was together with her. It was him, who helped her out of her emotional crisis when Silas left. He didn’t feel guilty about having her. But he was deeply concerned how Lisa was feeling about Silas. 

„Liz? Are you okay?“ Lisa heard Violet’s voice saying through the closed door. 

She locked herself in the bathroom, sitting at the toilet lit and staring into space. 

„Lizzy, talk to me please.“ 

Few seconds later, Lisa opened the door and let her friend inside. 

„Jesus… you look awful. Did you throw up?“ 

Lisa just nodded and sad down at the lid again. 

„Tell me what’s going on,“ Violet said carefully, kneeling down in front of her. 

Lisa stared into her best friend’s eyes. 

„Yesterday…“ she said with thin voice.

Violet patiently waited for her to move on. 

„Yesterday he was here…“ Lisa added. 

„Silas was at your party?“ Violet asked surprised. 

„V… I… I did something unforgivable…“

Violet was deeply concerned now. 

„What do you mean, Lizzy?“ 

„I… I cheated on Phin…“ 

Violet's jaw dropped to the floor.

„Are you saying… you… you slept with your boyfriend’s brother?“ 

Lisa nodded. 

„Good lord, Lizzy… good lord… you just slept with Silas like nothing ever happened?“ 

Lisa nodded again. 

„This is a disaster… good lord…“ 

Violet was completely overwhelmed.

„What now… what will you do now?“ 

„I don’t know.“

Both girls looked deep into each others eyes. 

„You still love him. I know you do.“

Again Lisa nodded. 

„Suddenly Violet grabbed her best friend’s hands.“

„But you can’t do this to Phin. You can’t do this right now. Their album release. He will be devastated. He will mess everything up, if he loses you. All the work he and Jake put into this… you just can’t do that to both of them…“ 

„V… I cheated on him. It’s already too late…“ 

Violet shook her head. 

„Who knows about it?“ 

„Just you.“ 

„Then it’s not too late. You just need to keep quiet and make sure Silas does, as well.“ 

Lisa opened her eyes wide.

„Do you listen to yourself? I can’t hide what happened. I can’t hide what I feel for Silas. I never could.“ 

„But you must,“ Violet said strictly. „This isn’t just about you. You’ll ruin Phin’s and your brother’s career, if you don’t keep quiet.“ 

 

July, 2040

Lisa’s long blond hair was sleek. She just finished straightened it. She looked into the mirror over the sink. Her make-up was very expressive. She took her devil-red lipstick to finish her look. 

„You’re sure you wanna wear your mother’s little black dress?“ she heard Violet shouting from her bedroom. 

„It’s Gucci. And classic. She looks awesome in it. And so will I,“ Lisa shouted back. 

Both girls were making themselves ready for Phin’s twenties birthday party. Justin allowed his son celebrating in their house and planned staying the night at Josh’s and Eve’s place. Jessica wouldn’t return home for the night as well, being busy with her latest film project at the east coast. 

„You were right. This dress looks brutally hot on you. Maybe too hot, Violet said,“ seeing Lisa in her outfit. 

She felt kind of intimidated by her best friend’s beauty. Lisa changed a lot within the last two years. Her light hair suited her very well, making her deep blue eyes shine even brighter. Her body shape was petite like her mothers, but she had full breasts and a little more ass. 

Lisa smiled self satisfied and put her black high heels on.

„You’re very beautiful, as well, V,“ she complimented her friend, who was wearing a less exciting navy shift dress and silver high-heeled sandals. 

„It’s unfair you have bigger boobs, but being two years younger,“ Violet complained. 

Lisa smiled.

„Trust me, your boobs have the perfect size. My brother is not into big boobs.“ 

Violet frowned. 

„How do you know about your brother’s preferences?“

Lisa smirked. 

„One day I used his iPad. But he forgot deleting his browsing history…“ 

„Okay, okay…I regret that I asked,“ Violet interrupted her. 

„I really hope you and Jake will put the sticks out of your asses and make some progress tonight,“ Lisa said next. 

„But you said he’s dating someone,“ Violet replied. 

„Yes. But you’re hotter that her. And I know he likes you.“

„How you know? Did he google me, as well?“ Violet joked. 

Lisa smiled at her friend. 

„I simply know.“

„What about you?“ Violet changed the subject. 

„Me?“ 

„Yes. We both know Phin won’t miss the chance hovering above you tonight. How long will you keep him on distance?“ 

„As long as it takes,“ Lisa replied annoyed. 

„But he’s so handsome. He’s a carbon copy of his dad, when he was in his age. How can you not like him, Lizzy?“ 

Lisa stared at her friend. She realized it was the right moment to inform her about what she found out few days ago, when she accidentally listened to a conversation between Justin and Josh. 

„Silas is coming back from London tonight. He’ll show up at Phin’s party to surprise his him.“

Violet’s eyes and mouth got wide open. She needed a moment to process. 

„How do you know that?“ 

„I heard uncle T talking to my dad about it.“ 

„So, that’s why you look like a sex goddess, hm? You wanna impress Silas.“

Lisa smiled smugly. 

„Guilty.“ 

Violet didn’t know what to say. Of course she knew about her best friend’s crush for Silas since she was little. But she believed Lisa should let go and not waisting her time craving for a guy, who would never be interested in her, due to her young age. 

„Lizzy…“

„I know what you think, V. You told me more than just once. But I want him. And I’ll get him.“ 

Violet was shocked hearing her say that. 

„He’s nine years older than you. How can you still ignore that fact?“ 

„Because I don’t see the problem, V. My mom is eight years younger than my dad. And no one cares.“

„That’s not the same story, Liz. Your parents came together being much older than you are.“ 

Lisa gave her friend a serious look. 

„I’m waiting for him for ten years. And I will wait another ten, if necessary.“ 

„Are you sure it was a good idea leaving the kids on their own tonight?“ Eve asked Justin.

They just relaxed with Josh at the sofa to watch Netflix, with wine and snacks in their hands. 

„Jess told me to leave them alone. So she’s the one to blame,“ Justin replied. 

„Your first born will be there. Hopefully he will keep them up from smoking your pot,“ Josh teased. 

„Silas is back?“ Eve asked surprised. 

„Ya. He’s coming home tonight and wants to surprise Phin,“ Justin explained. 

Eve got lost in thoughts.

„Is there a problem, babe?“ Josh wanted to know.

„No. I’m just wondering how Lizzy will react,“ Eve answered. 

„Since he left for London, she didn’t talk about him anymore. Maybe she’s finally over him,“ Josh said. 

„I have more spicy news,“ Justin announced. 

„Spill,“ Eve said curiously. 

„Jess believes Phin is in love with Lisa.“ 

Eve and Josh exchanged surprised glances. 

„But he’s too old, as well,“ Josh complained. 

„Don’t blame me, I have nothing to do with that,“ Justin talked back. 

„Come on, babe. It’s not that bad,“ Eve said to Josh.

„As long as they just hold hands until she’s full aged…“ Josh replied.

„Ya, sounds very realistic to me,“ Eve teased her husband. 

„Okay, we better change the subject,“ Justin suggested. 

 

The Timberlake’s house was completely crowded. A DJ was playing some current club music. In the giant kitchen a caterer prepared an opulent buffet for all guests. Lisa and Violet arrived one hour ago. They’ve been standing at the bar and sipping Champagne.

„Be careful, Liz. When your parents find out that you’ve drunk, they’ll never let you join a party again,“ Violet warned her. 

„It’s not like you’re allowed drinking,“ Lisa talked back. 

„I’m not. But I know my limits, comparing to your prior experiences with alcohol.“

Lisa rolled her eyes and took a sip. 

„Stop being a grinch.“

In the next moment Phin joined the girls at the bar. He gave Violet a short smile, before giving his full attention to Lisa.

„Are you enjoying yourself?“ he asked, smiling adoringly at her. 

Her sexy outfit was giving him a tough time. He needed all his strength not staring at her boobs. 

„Yes, we do. Thank you,“ Lisa replied. 

„Um… did you already tasted the food? They have Sushi. You still love Sushi, right?“ Phin continued asking. 

„I noticed. I’ll try later, Phin.“

Phin was a little stressed, not knowing how to engage Lisa in further conversation. Before he figured out what to say next, he felt a hand grabbing his right shoulder from behind. He turned around and saw his brother smiling all over his face. 

„Si! Oh my god! You’re back!“ Phin cheered happily. 

„Happy birthday, bro!“ Silas cheered back.

Both hugged each other tightly. In the same moment Silas noticed Lisa. She pierced him with her big blue eyes, acting completely unimpressed.

Silas felt like everything happened in slow motion. With her expressive make-up and her confident appearance she looked beyond her years. He was barely able to process the unexpected situation. 

Violet was watching the scene. Lisa’s plan seems to work out pretty well. She was having Silas’ full attention, without even saying a word. The boys released each other. Silas was still staring at Lisa. 

„Hey Si, you’re already back from London?“ Lisa said cooly, not losing her pokerface. 

Silas realized he was still staring. He cleared his throat, before answering her question.

„I am. It’s nice to see you, Lizzy.“  

Lisa cracked smile. Then she came closer and gave him a hug. Smelling her delicate perfume made his heart skipping a beat. She released him quickly and gave him another emotionless smile. 

„We’ll have something to eat now. See you later boys,“ she said and grabbed Violet’s hand. Then she pulled her friend to the buffet, without looking back. 

„What the hell was that???“ Violet asked in pure disbelief, as they reached the kitchen. 

„What exactly do you mean?“ Lisa asked back. 

„You… you just acted like Silas a nobody to you,“ Violet stammered. 

Lisa gave her an arrogant smile.

„Well, I learned one very important thing in the last two years. Boys always want most what they can’t have.“ 

„Bro…?“ Silas said, still processing Lisa’s appearance. 

„Yes?“ Phin asked, being irritated about his brother’s behavior. 

„What the hell happened to Lizzy?“ 

„You mean her hair? She changed it a while ago.“ 

„It’s not just her hair. She looks and acts like a completely different person.“ 

„You’ve been gone for two years, Si. She just grew up in the meanwhile.“ 

„Ya… obviously… she did,“ Silas replied, still sorting his mind. 

After having some food, Lisa organized more Champagne for herself and Violet. 

„Okay, that’s the last one,“ Violet said, taking a sip. 

„Maybe for you,“ Lisa replied naughty. 

Then she pulled her friend to the dance floor. 

„Come on, V. Let’s give the boys a tough time.“ 

Lisa begun dancing temptingly with her best friend. 

„I’m too sober for this,“ V complained. 

Lisa raised her glass and emptied it in one go. Violet rolled her eyes, before doing the same. They put the glasses aside and continued dancing together. 

„My dad wrote a song about this for a reason, you know,“ Lisa said cheeky, moving her hips to Violet’s rhythm. 

Violet felt the alcohol in her veins. She started relaxing and enjoying her sexy dance with her friend. 

Silas was upstairs in his room to change his clothes. He was wearing black destroyed jeans and a slim black t-shirt. As he returned to the party, he noticed Lisa dancing with Violet. Their sexy moves caught his attention and he couldn’t stop staring. 

Suddenly Phin appeared. 

„Hey Si, have a drink with me,“ he said to his older brother. „We have some Bourbon.“ 

Silas nodded and followed Phin to the bar. 

„How you managed having a bar?“ Silas asked, while the bartender was preparing their drinks.

„Mom and dad aren’t that naive, Si. They allowed beer and Champagne. But the good stuff I organized by myself.“ 

„Just don’t lose control about the situation, bro,“ Silas warned him. 

They clinked glasses and took a sip. Silas eyes spotted Lisa again, who was still dancing with Violet. Then two guys showed up at the dance floor, obviously being attracted by the girls’s dance moves. 

„What’s your name, beautiful?“ one guy asked Lisa, giving her a sexy smile. 

He was big and well trained, having wavy blond hair and piercing green eyes. Lisa assumed he was in his early twenties. 

„Lisa,“ she replied, smiling back at him. 

„I’m Ryan,“ the guy introduced himself. „And that’s my friend Steven.“ 

„Hi Ryan and Steven. That’s my friend Violet,“ Lisa replied. 

„I was wondering, if you like to join us in the studio,“ Ryan said next.

Lisa and Violet exchanged irritated glances. 

„Justin’s studio?“ Violet asked. 

The boys nodded. 

„I know where Phin’s dad hides his little treasure,“ Steven boasted. 

„Are we talking about his pot?“ Lisa asked. 

Both boys nodded again.

„How do you know where he hides it?“ Violet wanted to know.

„Phin told me once,“ Steven answered. 

The girls looked at each other. 

„I don’t think this is a good idea, Liz,“ Violet said. 

Lisa was also hesitating. But then she noticed Silas from distance, staring at her. 

„I’m in,“ she suddenly said, giving both boys a sexy smile. 

„Lizzy…“

„Come on V, don’t be a killjoy,“ Lisa persuaded her friend. 

The guys smiled smugly and gestured them to go ahead. Violet hesitated for a short moment, before she gave in. 

„Tell me about London,“ Phin said and brought his brother back to reality. 

„Hm?“ Silas replied.

„London? How was it?“

„Ummm good, but honestly I didn’t have much time to enjoy the city…“ 

 

„Oh wow, that place is really cool,“ Steven said, as they entered Justin’s studio in the basement.

All of them sneaked downstairs, as no one was watching. The girls made themselves comfortable at Justin’s big leather sofa. Ryan sat down next to Lisa, waiting for Steven to find the pot. Steven opened one drawer and found a small plastic bag under some documents. 

„This was pretty easy,“ he said self satisfied, holding the bag in his hand. 

Then he sat down at a stool and begun making a joint. Lisa was curiously watching him. She never smoked pot before, being excited about the experience. Violet was feeling the same way. 

When Steven was finished he lighted the joint up and took a deep puff. 

„Oh fuck… this stuff is pretty strong…“ he said, before handing the joint over to Ryan. 

Ryan inhaled deeply. Lisa noticed his pupils dilating. Suddenly she wasn’t sure, if this was a good idea. Ryan gave her another sexy smile and handed the joint over. She hesitated to take it. 

„Don’t say you’ll chicken out of it,“ he teased. 

Lisa grabbed the joint in the next moment and took a small puff. Immediately she started coughing. The boys chuckled. 

„Don’t worry, the first puff is the worst,“ Steven said. 

Lisa gave the joint to Violet. 

„No. I’m passing,“ Violet said, regretting that she agreed to go with them in first place. „I think we should go, Liz.“ 

„I’m not going anywhere, V,“ Lisa contradicted and took another puff. 

This time she managed not coughing. Steven took the joint out of her hand, smoked and gave it to Ryan. 

„Liz. I mean it. I want to go,“ Violet said, before Lisa took another puff. 

Lisa noticed the drugs taking control. She felt a pleasant dizziness, while her whole body was completely relaxing.“ 

„Then go,“ she said to her friend.

„Are you serious?“ Violet replied, giving her an outraged look. 

„Yes, I am serious.“

Violet stood up from the sofa and rushed upstairs. 

„Your friend has a stick in her ass,“ Steven said with a shady smile in his face. 

Lisa didn’t reply, leaning deep into the sofa. Ryan put his arm around her shoulders. She was stoned and didn’t stop him. 

Violet was brutally tensed, as she returned to the party. It seemed like even more guests arrived in the meanwhile. The house was so crowded, that she couldn’t find Phin to tell him what was going on in the basement.

„V?“ she suddenly heard a male voice saying. She turned around and saw Silas standing next to her. „Are you okay?“

„I am. But Lizzy is not,“ she said nervously. 

„What do you mean, she’s not?“ he asked concerned. 

„She’s smoking pot with two guys in the basement.“  

Silas turned uneasy. 

„You mean my dad’s pot?“ 

„Yes. I agreed to join them, but then I changed my mind. I asked Liz to leave with me, but she refused and continued smoking.“ 

„Fuck,“ Silas said.

In the next second he rushed to the basement. Violet followed him with little distance. 

Lisa was taking another deep puff. 

„This stuff is sooooo goooood…“ she babbled, having a big satisfied grin in her face. 

The guys exchanged dirty glances. 

„I guess she’s having enough,“ Steven said, taking the joint out of her hand. 

Ryan turned in her direction. He was still having his arm around her shoulders. He put his other hand carefully on her thigh and moved his fingers slowly under her tight dress. 

„What about having a little more fun with us, hm?“

In the same moment Silas entered the studio. He saw Ryan’s hand at Lisa’s thigh and turned furious. He rushed to the sofa, grabbed Ryan by his collar and made him stand in front of him.

„You fucking asshole!!! Get the fuck out of my house!!!“

Ryan was too high to defend himself. 

„Cool down, bro. What’s your problem?“ he asked with a smugly grin. 

„You just touched a sixteen years old and ask me what’s my fucking problem?!“ Silas hissed, pushing him away from his body. 

„No way man… that chick isn’t sixteen,“ Ryan talked back. 

„Yes, she is,“ Violet said. 

„Get the fuck out of here, before I call the cops!“ Silas yelled. 

Steven stood up and grabbed Ryan’s arm. 

„Come on, dude. I don’t need another report.“ 

Both guys disappeared in the next moment. Lisa was watching the scene, not being sure, if she was dreaming or not. Silas knelt down in front her, being terribly worried. 

„Lizzy, hey, are you alright?“ he asked concerned. 

„Why do you care, hm?“ She murmured. 

„Jesus, she’s completely high. What do we do now?“ Violet panicked. 

„I’ll bring her home.“ 

„What? No, you can’t bring her home in this condition. If her parents see her like that, she’ll be grounded forever,“ Violet contradicted. 

„It’s after midnight. I bet they already went to bed.“

„But she was supposed to return home with Jake. He will look for her at some point.“ 

„Then go find Jake and tell him Lizzy didn’t feel well and that I offered to bring her home.“

„Okay.“ 

Violet returned upstairs to look for Jake. Silas grabbed Lizzy’s hands and made her stand up.

„Can you walk?“ he asked, supporting her with his arm around her waist. 

„If I say no, will you carry me home?“ she giggled. 

„Lizzy, come on. Pull yourself together.“

He went with her out of the studio and stopped standing at the front door. 

„Look, I’ve had a drink, so we need to walk. Do you think you can manage that?“ he asked her. 

Lisa giggled again. Then she bent down and got rid of her high heels.

„Yap. I can walk. But you carry my shoes, at least,“ she replied. 

He took her heels and opened the door. 

 

The air smells sooooo goooood. It’s unbelievable how goooood the air smells,“ Lisa said.

Silas smirked. He remembered his first experience with pot and understood pretty well what she was talking about. 

„Did you already notice the sky full of stars?“ he asked her. 

Lisa stopped walking and looked up.

„Oh.My.Goodness. This is sooooo beautifuuuuul! Did you ever see something beautiful like this, Si?“

Silas looked at her and got lost in the moment. He needed to admit her beauty was incomparable to anything else he ever saw in his life. He wondered why he didn’t notice earlier how beautiful she was. Lisa suddenly stumbled. Silas reacted in time and grabbed her waist.

„Uuuuups,“ she giggled. 

He smiled back, still holding her. 

„I suggest you focus on looking straight ahead.“ 

Suddenly she moved her head closer to his body and inhaled deeply. 

„Gosh, Silas… you smell sooooo goooood, as well. What is this…? It’s so so goooood…“

Silas rolled his eyes.

„Come on, Liz. Let’s keep walking or we will never arrive at your place.“

Few minutes later they finally reached the Chasez’s house. Lisa had trouble keeping herself awake. 

„I’m sooooo tired, Si.“ 

„Come on girl, we’re almost there.“ 

„But my knees are so week.“

Again he grabbed her waist to support her. He entered the code to open the gate and went with her to the front door.

„I need the key, Lizzy.“ 

Lisa smiled dirty.

„It’s in my bra.“

Silas frowned. 

„Your bra?“ 

She nodded, still grinning. 

„Could you please give it to me?“

Lisa bit her lower lip and pushed one hand into her bra. 

„Here you go,“ she giggled. 

Silas took the key and opened up. He was relieved that nobody seemed to be awake that late. He noticed in the next moment, that Lisa was slowly passing out. 

„Come on Lizzy, you almost made it.“ 

But it was too late. She couldn’t hold herself on her feed any longer and fell into his arms. Silas reacted in time and lifted her up. Then he carried her into her bedroom. Luckily the door to her room was open. He went inside and put her down on her bed carefully. 

„Si…“ he heard her whispering.

„Yes?“ 

„I can’t sleep in that dress… mom will kill me… it’s her favorite…“ 

„Lizzy… I can’t help you dressing it off… just keep in on. I’m sure it will be fine.“

„Please just open the zipper.“ 

Silas hesitated, but finally decided to help. She rolled on her side to let him open the dress carefully. This intimate moment made him nervous. 

„You need anything else? Something to drink?“ 

„Ya, I’m thirsty.“

„Okay, I’ll bring you some water from the kitchen and be right back. 

When Silas left her room, Lisa put the dress off and crawled under the blanket, just wearing her underwear. Silas returned one minute later. He put the bottle at her bedside table. She was almost asleep. 

„Good night, Tinkerbell.“ 

Lisa’s eyes were already closed, but she smiled hearing him say that. 

„I like when you call me this.“ she whispered. 

„Really?“ 

„Yes. It makes me feel special.“

Silas smirked. 

„Believe me, you are very special, Lizzy.“ 

„I love you Silas. I want nobody else but you. And I’ll wait for you, as long as it takes.“ 

Lisa told him that she loved him countless times before. But this time it felt completely different for him. It was the first time he took her love declaration seriously. Her genuine words burned into his heart. While she slowly drifted away, he continued staring at her. He tried hard to understand what was happening to him. He never experienced something like this before. His unexpected emotions where completely overwhelming. He was deeply concerned, that she was able doing this to him. 

„Fuck,“ he talked to himself. 

He grabbed his face and took a deep breath. Then he decided to leave. 

 

July, 2045

„Our place, tomorrow, 7 AM.“ [Future husband]

„Okay.“ [Tinkerbell]

Lisa was terribly nervous, as she parked her car at the beach parking lot next to Silas’s  motorbike. It was the next day after her birthday. Phin was believing she left early to do her morning workout and continued sleeping. 

Silas wasn’t around. Lisa exited her car, put off her sandals and went to the beach. She found him

sitting in the sand and staring at the sunrise. She sat down next to him, without saying a word. 

He didn’t look at her, being busy figuring out how to start the conversation. 

„Are you mad at me?“ she finally dared asking. 

Silas took a deep breath. Then he begun talking. 

„When I decided coming back, I made a plan. The plan was getting you back. I was ready to do everything what was necessary to make you mine. Of course I expected you having someone else. I’m not an idiot. But I didn’t put into consideration, that it might be my brother.“ 

Lisa didn’t know what to say, just staring at the breaking waves. 

„Why him, Lizzy? Why it must have been him…?“ Silas asked, his voice full of desperation. 

Lisa needed a moment to reply. 

„He was good to me, Silas. I was mess when you left. Phin was nothing but kind and understanding. His patience and his unconditional love helped me out of my crisis. He gave me everything I needed when I went through hell. And…“

She suddenly stopped talking. Silas turned his head slowly in her direction. 

And what?“ 

„His smell reminds me of yours.“ 

„You really love him,“ he said with breaking voice. 

Lisa nodded. 

Silas turned away, being unable to deal with his desperation. 

„But I love you more.“ 

Again he looked at her. Then he raised one hand and run with his fingers through her blond hair.

„Did you chang the color because of me?“ 

She nodded again. 

„Why?“ 

„Because you fell for me when I looked this way. I wanted to be the old me for you.“ 

He frowned.

„What’s your plan, Lizzy? What is going on in your mind?“ 

She lowered her head.

„I’ll leave Phin to be with you. And I’m sure he already knows.“

„Why would you say that?“ 

„He simply knows, Si. He knows what I feel for you.“ 

Silas grabbed her chin and made her look in his eyes again.

„I can’t do this to my brother, Lizzy. He’s my flesh and blood. I can’t hurt him this way.“ 

Immediately her eyes begun swimming. 

„You slept with me…“ she stammered, while tears were running down her cheeks. 

„I didn’t know you were with him. You didn’t tell me and let me do a terrible mistake.“ 

Lisa pushed his hand away, turning deeply upset. Then she stood up and run away. Silas immediately followed her.

„Lizzy!!!“ 

He run after her and grabbed her arm to make her stop. She was crying badly. It was breaking his heart to see her this way. He pulled her into her arms and embraced her tightly. 

„I’m sorry, Tinkerbell. I’m so sorry…“ 

January, 2024

Eve was sitting at a sun lounger in Justin’s front yard with a glass of still water in her hand. She felt little dizzy and left his birthday party to catch some fresh air. 

„Hey, are you okay?“ she suddenly heard him saying. 

He left the house and sat down next to her at the lounger. She smiled and him.

„I’m good. Don’t worry.“ 

Justin bent to her small baby belly. 

„Lizzy, come on. It’s my birthday. Let your mommy have some fun tonight. Can you do that for me?“ 

Eve giggled. 

„You’re nuts.“ 

Both looked at each other for a moment, thinking the same. Their feelings for each other were still unchanged. He needed all his strength keeping himself from kissing her devil red lips. Eve was in the same trouble. His tempting scent made her feel even more dizzy. Justin suddenly scoffed and lowered his head. 

„What is it?“ she asked curiously.

„You still drive me crazy, M…“ 

She grabbed his right hand and squeezed it gently. 

„We need more time.“ 

He looked at her again and shook his head. Both started smiling, knowing exactly it was a lie. 

„How are things with Jess? I can see, that she’s trying very hard to make things right,“ Eve said next. 

Justin sighed. 

„I’m still not sure, if this is what I want,“ he confessed. 

„But you love her.“

„Not like I love you, Eve.“ 

Eve didn’t know what to say. She loved him as well, but it wouldn’t help him at all to hear that. 

„Jess deserves another chance,“ she said instead. 

„That’s what you think?“ He asked skeptically. 

„You really wanna hear the truth?“ 

Justin nodded. 

„From all women in this world, she’s the only one I can imagine having you, without dying of jealousy.“ 

He raised his eyebrows, being surprised about what she just said. 

„So, looks like I have no other choice, hm?“ He said half seriously. 

Eve chuckled. 

„For the record. I will still be very jealous.“ 

He smirked. 

„I need to admit, I kind of like that.“

„I bet you do.“ 

The air-condition in Silas’ bedroom was broken. His window was wide open to get some fresh air. He was really tired, but he couldn’t fall asleep, knowing the house was full of party guests. Suddenly he heard his father entering the backyard, talking to someone. Curiously he left his bed and went to the open window. He watched Justin sitting down at the lounger next to Eve and listened to their conversation… 

 

July, 2040

It was the morning after Phin’s birthday party. 

Silas hectically opened his eyes. His heart was beating fast. He needed a moment to realize what just happened to him. Then he lifted his blanket and noticed that he came, while he was dreaming about having sex with Lisa. 

„Jesus…“ he talked to himself, remembering every detail of his intense dream. 

The sound of an incoming text massage brought him back to reality. 

„Thank you for yesterday, Si…" [Tinkerbell]

„There’s no need to thank me. Are you good?“ [Future husband]

„I am. But the pot made me dream weird things.“ [Tinkerbell]

Silas scoffed.

„Same here, but without doing pot.“ [Future husband]

„What did you dream about?“ [Tinkerbell]

Silas’s heart skipped a beat. He should have known she might ask further questions and regretted that he mentioned it. But somehow the situation was giving him a thrill.

„You.“ [Future husband]

„You idiot!“ Silas blamed himself, immediately after sending the text. 

Impatiently he was waiting for Lisa to reply. But she got offline without answering. 

Lisa was smiling smugly, receiving Silas’s last text message. 

„Well done, Liz. You’re in his head,“ she talked to herself in her mind. 

In the next second her phone started ringing. 

„Hey, V,“ Lisa answered her best friend’s call. 

„You’ve been such a stupid bitch,“ Violet blamed her harshly. 

Lisa slowly remembered all details from the prior night and felt ashamed. 

„V… I know I crossed the line. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.“

„Fine. But I hope you have a brutal hangover, at least.“ 

„Um, actually no. I’m good.“ 

Violet changed the subject.

„I told Phin about Ryan and Steven. He was outraged what they did and was really concerned about you. I believe he deserves a chance, Lizzy. He truly adores you…“ 

Lisa deeply sighed and interrupted her.

„I don’t want him. When will you finally understand?“ 

There was a short pause. 

„Well,“ Violet continued talking. „Silas impressed me as well, to be honest. He was so protective. For a short moment I even believed there was… something…“ 

Lisa smiled all over her face. 

„I agree to that fact…“ 

July, 2045

After talking to Lisa at the beach, Silas felt worse than before. The situation about her being with his brother couldn’t be more frustrating. He knew, that he broke her heart for another time, as he said, that he couldn’t take her away from Phin. But the imagination hurting his brother was unbearable. Silas truly regretted that he came back home, just to be confronted with new problems and even more heartache. He needed someone to talk urgently and decided to show up at Nash’s place without prior notice. 

„Hey bro, come in. I was supposed to come to your dad’s place this afternoon to see you,“ Nash said, when Silas arrived. 

They gave each other a quick hug. Then they went into Nash’s living room. Silas let himself fall at the sofa. Nash already noticed, that his friend wasn’t in a good mood. 

„You want some coffee or…“

„Do you have beer?“ Silas interrupted him.

„I do have plenty of beer, but I don’t think we should start before noon.“ 

Silas gave him a stern look.

„Okay, fine. Beer it is.“ 

Nash sat down next to his friend and gave him a bottle. Silas took a big gulp.

„I have thousand questions, Si… I mean, I didn’t hear from you since five years… but I guess you came to talk about Lizzy,“ Nash said carefully. 

Silas nodded. 

„You… you still want her, right?“ 

Silas nodded again. 

Nash took a deep breath, before taking a sip of his own beer. 

„Your brother’s career is on the line, bro… if you take her away from him, he’ll screw things up.“ 

Once again Silas just nodded. 

„It’s impossible.“ Nash added. 

„But she wants me,“ Silas almost whispered. 

„Did she say that?“ 

„Very clearly.“ 

„And what did you reply?“ 

Silas closed his eyes, which begun swimming. 

„I dismissed her. I said I can’t do this to Phin and I meant it… but…“ 

„But what?“ 

„I came back for her, man. I came back because I don’t want a life without her. I tried, Nash. I tried five damn years. I lived on the other side of the planet and still, there was not one single day I didn’t think about her. No matter what I did, no matter how hard I tried to get her out of my head, it was impossible. This inner fight made me almost lose my mind. I started to believe the only way to find peace was coming back home and make her mine again. But instead of getting her back, I just found myself trapped in another nightmare.“

Tears were dropping on Silas’s cheeks. Nash felt terribly pity for his friend. He wished he could help him out of his misery. But there was no way. They sat next to each other without talking for a while. 

„Hey um… how is the situation with your dad? You moved back to his house so… does it mean you two are good?“ Nash wanted to know next. 

„We are everything, but not good. I just didn’t know where to stay, as my mom is out of town and didn’t left a spare key.“ 

„Then why you didn’t come to me?“ 

„I wasn’t sure, if you’re seeing someone… and honestly… your sofa sucks…“  

„Still a posh boy, hm?“ Nash teased. 

„Trust me, I’m not,“ Silas replied. 

„What did you do for living, man?“ Nash asked next. 

„I did every job I could get, to be honest. Luckily I made some friends during my time in London. They’ve been a big help at the beginning.“

„So, you didn’t do any acting stuff? I mean, with your name it should have been easy…“

Silas shook his head.

„I didn’t want to be found.“

Nash looked at his friend for a moment. 

„Do you need money? Please let me help you…“

„Don’t worry about me,“ Silas interrupted him. „When I learned one thing in Europe, it is how to deal with life without anyone’s support.“ 

Suddenly the doorbell rang. Silas and Nash exchanged surprised glances. 

„Do you expect someone?“ Silas asked.

Nash stood up to open the front door.

„Not really.“ 

Half minute later Nash returned into the living room. 

„It’s for you,“ he said, being followed by Eve. „I’ll make a little walk and let you talk.“ 

Silas stared at Eve in disbelief. She was the last person he expected to see right now. When Nash left the situation, she came closer and sat down next to him at the sofa. He could tell, that she was brutally tensed. 

„How did you know were I am?“ he asked.

Eve cleared her throat. 

„There was a fifty-fifty chance, you being home or here.“ 

„And what do you want?“ 

„I found my daughter crying badly in her car in front of our house. She didn’t tell me what happened, but I bet it must have something to do with you.“ 

Silas couldn’t believe this was happening right now. He put his beer at the coffee table and looked at her.

„Well, I got good news for you,“ he said cynically. „Liz and I met this morning and I told her, there’s no future for us.“

Despite of his tone, Eve noticed his desperation. Things didn’t make sense to her at this point.

„Why you did that, Si?“ she wanted to know. 

He scoffed. 

„I know what you think about me, Eve. You believe I am a ruthless asshole, taking whatever I want, not thinking about any consequences. But you are fucking wrong. I didn’t come back just to ruin my brother’s life. This is not what I want. This is not who I am.“ 

Eve was sorting her mind. She needed to admit, that she truly didn’t expect him being that selfless and putting his brother’s interests over his own. Out of the blue she felt pity for him. She realized that she never thought about his point of view or even his feelings when it came to Lisa. Her anger eased down. She leaned into the sofa and took a deep breath.

„When you suddenly showed up and my front door, I felt threatened by you,“ she said quietly. 

Silas was still looking at her, obviously being confused.

„You being threatened by me? Why?“ 

She looked into his sad eyes again. 

„I was suddenly terrified about what would happen… if you told Lizzy the truth about… the baby…“

Silas stared back at her, processing what she just said. 

„I’m not a monster, M.“ 

Eve’s eyes filled with tears, which she couldn’t control.

„But I am.“

 

Lisa felt caught, when her mother found her crying in her car in front of the house. Eve was the last person she wanted to talk about what just happened at the beach. She exited her car and rushed into the house. Fortunately Phin was still asleep. She changed into her PJs again and laid down in bed next to him. Phin turned into her direction and embraced her body from behind. His gesture of affection made her burst out crying again. Her guilty conscience was giving her the rest.

Phin woke up slowly, noticing that she wasn’t okay. 

„Baby, what’s wrong?“ he said calmly and turned her onto her back to see her face. 

She didn’t dare looking into his eyes. He watched her for a short moment, before taking a deep breath. 

„Okay. It’s time to talk, Lizzy.“ 

„Phin…“

He interrupted her.

„I know it’s a lot for you that Silas came back. I understand you’re overwhelmed by the whole situation. But I need to know what this means to us. Are you crying because he opened wounds or are you crying because you can’t be with him?“ 

Lisa’s heart pounded wildly against her chest. She was scared what would happen, if she told him the whole truth. Slowly she raised her upper body. He did the same sitting in front of her. 

„I met him this morning,“ she said with shaky voice. 

„Okay. And why?“ 

„We needed to talk.“

Phin nodded. 

„It makes sense after all you’ve been through. But obviously you aren’t happy how your conversation ended.“

Lisa lowered her head, her eyes being filled with guilt and desperation. She just couldn’t lie to him. He didn’t deserve being betrayed like this.

„Phin…“

„You still love him,“ he interrupted her again. 

She didn’t dare looking at him, being terribly tensed. But he grabbed her chin and made her look into his eyes.

„Do you want him back, Lizzy? Is this what’s going on here?“ 

Lisa felt like exploding any second, if she didn’t tell him the whole story. 

„Silas showed up at my party. When I saw him, If felt like dreaming. He brought me to our beach. Before there was a chance to talk, I just kissed him. And then… I wanted more…“

Phin immediately turned pale. He released her face, just staring at her, like seeing a ghost. Lisa continued explaining. 

„He didn’t know I was with you. But now, as he knows, he regrets badly what happened that night. Believe me, the last thing he wanted is you getting hurt.“ 

Phin was still staring, hardly being able to process what he just learned.

„You slept with my brother… just like that… like nothing ever mattered what happened between you and me…?“ he stammered. 

„It’s killing me what I did to you. I’m shocked about myself, that I was capable acting this way.“ 

Phin jumped out of bed, turning deeply upset. 

„You’re obsessed with him! Are you aware of how sick this is?! You need some serious help, Liz!“ he yelled at her. „I was an idiot believing I could be able helping you out of your misery. I was such a stupid idiot…“ 

Then he went into the closet and started dressing himself. Lisa stood up as well, grabbed his hand and made him turn into her direction. 

„Please don’t go like this,“ she said, crying badly. „You’re right with everything you said. I am a mess. But you’re the only one who can handle me. You showed me I can have a good life without Silas in it. You made me love you, although I believed it was impossible for me to love anyone else but him. You were my cure, Phin. When I lose you now, I’m gonna lose my mind for good. Please don’t give up on me. I’m begging you, please don’t…“ 

He stared at her for a short moment, with the coldest eyes she’ve ever seen. 

„You fucked my brother. We’re done.“

 

Silas was still staring at Eve. Did she just admit, that she made a terrible mistake back in those days? 

She wiped away her tears, feeling a little embarrassed about her emotional outburst. 

„I’m not blaming you,“ Silas finally said. „I don’t wanna justify anything but… today I know you and dad meant well… for both of us…“ 

Eve was deeply surprised to hear him say that.

„I didn’t expect you seeing things this way. I mean, it’s true. We just meant well, but we’ve had no right…“

„It’s too late for regrets, M,“ he interrupted her. 

In the next moment the doorbell rang. 

„Nash probably forgot his keys,“ Eve said.

She stood up and went into the hall. As she opened the front door, she was deeply irritated to see Phin standing in front of her.

„What are you doing here?“

Phin didn’t answer. He pushed the door open and rushed into the living room. Silas immediately noticed what was going on. He stood up from the sofa, seeing his brother coming closer. 

„Phin…“

In the next second Phin raised his fist and punched his brother’s face. Silas stumbled. His nose immediately begun bleeding. 

„WHAT THE HELL, PHIN?!“ Eve yelled, entering the living room.

She grabbed his arm to stop him punching his brother again.

„I wished you never came back!!!“ He shouted, looking at Silas with deep disgust. 

„Phin, for god’s sake! What happened?!“ Eve continued asking him. 

Silas wiped the blood out of his face. 

„I didn’t know,“ he said to his brother. „I swear, I didn’t know she was with you.“ 

Eve suddenly understood what must have happened. She released Phin’s arm, getting lost in thoughts.

„Good lord…“

„I’m not taking her away from you, Phin. I already told her there is no way,“ Silas continued explaining. 

Phin scoffed.

„You fucked my girlfriend! Do you really expect me to move on like nothing happened?!“ he blamed his brother. 

„She still loves you. And she needs you,“ Silas replied. 

„BULLSHIT!!!“ Phin shouted. „I’m just her second choice! If you didn’t dismiss her, she wouldn’t have hesitated for a single second to get rid of me!“ 

Silas didn’t know how to reply. Phin wasn’t naive, exactly knowing what was going on in Lisa’s mind.

„Phin,“ Eve tried again to get his attention. „What happened at home?“

He looked at her, seeing she was deeply concerned about the whole situation. 

„I broke up with her.“ 

Eve’s eyes immediately filled with tears again. She imagined Lisa’s desperation and panicked. Without saying another word, she rushed out of Nash’s apartment. 

„Fuck…“ Silas scoffed. 

He blamed himself that he believed Lisa would keep quiet about cheating on Phin. Her behavior was far away from being perfect. But she was always honest and taking responsibility for her mistakes.

„This is all my fault. If I didn’t show up at her party… good lord Phin… she didn’t know what she was doing… she was completely flustered…“ Silas tried to put the blame on himself. 

„Stop that shit, Si,“ Phin replied. „She knew exactly was she was doing. She betrayed both of us.“

Silas grabbed his face, taking a deep breath. Then he looked at his brother again. 

„But still we love her.“ 

Phin’s eyes filled with tears. He let himself fall at the sofa, trying to sort his mind. Silas sat down next to him, giving him some time to process. 

„I’m sorry for punching you,“ Phin finally said. 

Silas cracked a smile. 

„I deserved that.“ 

„Ya… you did…“ 

Silas turned serious again.

„Bro… please look at me…“ 

Phin turned his head in Silas’s direction. 

„I know you broke up with her, just because you’ve been in deep anger. It’s not too late to make things right.“ 

„Si, for god’s sake. It’s you who she wants. And she’ll never change her mind, no matter what I do. I’ll never be good enough.“ 

„But I can’t be with her. I could never hurt you this way. I just can’t.“ 

„You don’t need to feel obligated caring about my feelings. You had her first.“

„But then I disappeared and left a giant mess behind.“ 

Phin nodded, drifting back in time. 

„It took two damn years, until she opened up to me. I drowned her with my love until she finally gave in.“ 

Silas sighed. He decided it was time giving his brother the whole truth. 

„Look. I knew about your feelings for her. When I came back from London, I could see you were ready to put everything on one card and make her yours. But I wanted her as well and took the chance before you did.“

Phin gave him a surprised look. 

„How did you know that I wanted her? I never talked anyone about it, accept Jake.“

„The way you looked at her exposed everything, bro. You had a crush on her, before you even knew what love is.“ 

„It’s true. But all she ever wanted was you.“

 

July, 2040

After talking on the phone to Violet about Phin’s birthday party and the fact, that she finally made some progress with Silas, Lisa left her bed and took a long shower. She allowed her mind drifting away for a moment, remembering the touch of Silas’s fingers on her naked skin, when he opened the zipper of her dress. She imagined him placing gentle kisses on her neck and her shoulders, while her right hand was moving south. As she reached her core, she moaned quietly, looking forward to a quick release. Of course it wasn’t the first time she imagined intimate moments with Silas while masturbating. 

„Lizzy! Breakfast is ready!“ Josh said, standing in front of her closed bathroom door. 

„Oh yeeeees!!!“ 

Josh frowned, not being sure, if she was talking to him or being busy with someone else.

„So? Is she coming?“ Eve asked, when he returned back in the kitchen. 

Josh raised his eyebrows, suppressing a smile. 

„Ummm… I guess…“

„Didn’t you ask?“

„Ummm… I believe she needs another minute.“

Eve couldn’t be more confused about his behavior.

„Is she okay?“

Josh tried hard staying serious. 

„Absolutely.“ 

Lisa appeared downstairs fifteen minutes later and sat down at the dining table next to Jake, who was busy with his phone. Josh was sitting opposite of her and smiling smugly. 

„Ummm, Liz, did you bring someone home tonight?“

Lisa gave him an irritated look. What did her father know? Maybe he saw Silas bringing her into her bedroom. Eve gave Josh an irritated look, as well. 

„What is going on?“ she asked curiously. 

„Nothing. I just asked a simple question,“ Josh replied, still grinning. 

„Silas brought her home because she didn’t feel well,“ Jake suddenly said, his eyes still on the phone. 

Josh choked on his coffee and Lisa immediately flushed. Eve’s confusion reached its peak.

„What does that mean… Silas brought you home because you didn’t feel well?“ 

Josh recovered from choking. Lisa rolled her eyes. 

„I just felt a little dizzy,“ she tried to play the situation down.

„Dizzy from what?“ Eve wanted to know. 

„But he left, right? He brought you home and then… he left the house?“ Josh assured himself. 

„Yes, dad, you can relax,“ Jake answered. „He returned to the party right after.“

Eve and Josh sighed relieved. Lisa was staring at them, still being irritated about the whole situation. 

„Wait. Does it mean, it would have been okay, if I brought a guy home, but not Silas?“ 

Jake put his phone aside, curiously following their conversation now. Eve and Josh exchanged glances. Then her dad cleared his throat. 

„We don’t mind, if you bring someone home… someone in your age.“

Lisa was processing. 

„You’re serious?“ 

„Well, yes. You’re 16. We wouldn’t be surprised, if you feel like…“ 

Josh suddenly stopped. He didn’t expect it would be so awkward talking to her daughter about that topic.

Lisa raised her eyebrows, waiting for him to continue. 

„Feel like what, dad?“ Jake teased, enjoying his father’s discomfort. 

Josh looked at his wife again, his eyes begging for help. Eve shook her head, being amused by his helplessness. 

„What your father tries to explain is, that we are aware of, you might be interested in having sex sooner or later. And it’s not a big deal for us, as long as you stay safe.“ 

„Is this really happening?“ Lisa asked in disbelief.

„They put me through this one year ago, sis. I’m just having a creepy deja vu,“ Jake teased. 

„Okay, let me bring a condom and a banana,“ Josh said next, to stress the situation a little more. 

Jake and Lisa immediately jumped up from their seats and hurried out of the dining room. 

Eve and Josh chuckled. 

„I deeply enjoy embarrassing them,“ Eve confessed. 

„Ya, it’s priceless,“ Josh replied. 

The same day Violet came over to hang out with Lisa. They’ve been sitting on her bed and painting their nails. Lisa’s phone received a text massage. 

„AJ and your bro are coming over to hang out at the pool. You and V wanna join us?“ [Phin]

Lisa’s eyes begun to shine, after reading Phin’s text. Going to the Timerlake’s house meant she would certainly meet Silas, as well. 

„What is it?“ Violet asked curiously. 

„Pool party,“ Lisa grinned dirty. 

Lisa sneaked into her parent’s bedroom to look for a bikini in her mother’s drawer. As she found what she was looking for, she returned into her room.

„You can’t be serious, Lizzy,“ Violet said, as her friend showed her the little red bikini. 

She just put on one of Lisa’s bikinis, which were definitely less sexy. 

„Why not?“

„Because it doesn’t fit. Your mom’s boobs are smaller than yours.

Lisa smiled smugly. 

„I know.“ 

 

Half hour later Jake and the girls arrived at the Timberlake’s house. Phin was smiling adoringly at Lisa, when they entered the backyard. Alexander was already in the pool, lying on a mattress with an alcohol free cocktail in his hand. 

„Make yourself comfortable, guys,“ Phin said and went into the kitchen to bring further drinks. 

Lisa was wearing an airy summer dress, golden sandals and big sunglasses. Her wild, long hair was put together into a sleek bun. Phin stared at her through the big window, while preparing the cocktails. Suddenly he felt a hand on his shoulder and frightened. 

„Jesus, Si,“ he complained, giving his brother an annoyed look. „I thought you hang out with Nash today.“ 

„We meet later. He went out yesterday night and is still recovering,“ Silas replied. 

Phin continued making the cocktails and gazing outside, as Lisa begun undressing herself. Silas was curious what was distracting his brother and caught a glimpse of Lisa, as well. 

Lisa just undressed her sandals and continued with her dress. Her bikini top was exposing more than it should. Silas and Phin couldn’t trust their own eyes. Her sexy body was giving both of them a deep thrill. They continued staring at her without winking, until she suddenly noticed their glances. 

„This was perfect timing,“ Lisa was talking to herself in her mind. 

She was deeply excited about Silas’s attention, but she acted cool and turned slowly away to enter the pool. Phin spilled some juice in the meanwhile and didn’t notice. Silas returned back to reality first, as Lisa disappeared in the pool.

„Dude, watch out!“ he said to his brother. 

Phin frighted again, as he realized the mess he just caused. Hastily he grabbed a rag to tidy up. Silas realized, that his brother was still craving for Lisa. He knew Phin was having a crush on her for a very long time now. But something about the way he looked at her made him believe, that his affection became much stronger in the meanwhile. Suddenly a deep wave of jealously rushed through Silas’s body, as he imagined Phin being with her. He was concerned about his unexpected state of mind, not being sure how to handle it. 

Some time passed by. Silas was in his room for a while, still being busy sorting his mind. Finally he decided to go downstairs to see what was going on in the backyard. Pretending to prepare a sandwich, Silas stood at the kitchen island and looked outside. Lisa was lying at a lounger, enjoying the heat of the sun. As she could feel his gazes, she suddenly raised herself and looked inside the house. She noticed Silas in the kitchen.

„I need to pee,“ she said to Violet, who was lying at a lounger next to her. 

Violet was almost asleep. 

„K…“ she said lazily. 

Silas saw Lisa walking into the house, just wearing her bikini. His heart suddenly accelerated. 

„Hey Si,“ she said playfully, putting her sunglasses off and giving him a sexy smile. 

„Hey Tinkerbell,“ he replied, trying hard to cover up his excitement. 

She passed him by slowly. 

„Um, Liz…“ he said next, to make her stop. 

„Yes?“ she replied, coming few steps towards him. 

„Ummm… my text this morning. It was kind of creepy. I’m sorry for that.“ 

Lisa suddenly realized, that she didn’t reply to him, as Violet’s call distracted her. She came another step closer and stopped at the kitchen island opposite of him. 

„What exactly you dreamed about?“ she asked curiously.

Silas was truly nervous now. He couldn’t believe, that she was doing this to him. 

„Ummm… I forgot any details…“ he stammered. 

Lisa noticed his discomfort and enjoyed every second of it. She gave him another sexy smile, before she continued walking to the bathroom. 

As all kids were at their place anyway, Jessica and Justin decided to make a barbecue the same night and asked Eve, Josh, Lance and Michael to join them. When Eve and Josh arrived, Lisa was in the pool, laying lazily on the mattress with Violet. Eve came closer, crossed her arms and stopped standing in front of the pool. 

„Is this my bikini?“ she asked her daughter. 

Lisa rolled her eyes, ignoring her mother. Josh joined Eve and smiled. 

„See it as a compliment when your teenage daughter steals your clothes,“ he said to his wife. 

„I just don’t see the point. She goes shopping every week.“ 

Josh gave her an stern look.

„Ya, I noticed on the last credit card statement.“ 

When dinner was ready, Lisa made sure sitting opposite of Silas at their big outdoor table. Phin was sitting on her right side and Violet on her left. Silas and Phin were both relieved that she put her dress on for dinner, as her bikini was giving them a really tough time. 

„Hey ummm… I was wondering, maybe we could go on a trip together for few days?“ Phin asked at some point, looking at Jake and then at Alexander, Violet and Lisa. 

Lisa and Violet exchanged glances. 

„Ya, let’s do this. I’m super bored already and the summer just begun,“ Alexander replied. 

„What are you having on your mind?“ Jake wanted to know. 

„Dunno… maybe Palm Springs? What do you think, Liz?“ Phin replied, looking at her. 

She looked back at him, not being sure how to reply. Under usual circumstances she would’ve been amazed about the idea. But as Silas was back home, she didn’t feel like leaving town for several days with her friends. 

„Ummm, Lizzy…?“ Silas suddenly intervened. 

She gave him a surprised look, waiting for him to move on.

„Actually I wanted to ask for a favor…“ 

Lisa’s heart skipped a beat.

„What kind of favor?“ she asked curiously. 

„I have a casting for a Netflix series in one week. It’s a makeover from Dirty Dancing. Unfortunately I didn’t have any time to prepare myself, as I just returned from London.“

„Okay. And what does it have to do with me?“ Lisa asked confused. 

Silas bent into her direction and cleared his throat.“

„They want everybody to prepare a standard dance for the casting. But I don’t know anyone, who could be my dancing partner on short therm… accept you.“ 

Lisa’s heart begun racing. Was this really just happening? She needed all her strength to cover up her excitement. 

„Well, if someone can dance, it is Lizzy,“ Violet said, also feeling excited for her friend. 

Phin couldn’t believe, that his brother just sabotaged his plans. Impatiently he was waiting for Lisa’s response. 

Besides of fashion, Lisa was very passionate about dancing. She joined dancing classes since she was a little kid and even took part in dance competitions once in a while. No one at the table was truly surprised, that Silas decided asking her for help, as it completely made sense. 

„Hm,“ Lisa replied. „Palm Springs sounds better than spending hours in a studio for a whole week.“

Silas knew she was just playing games. 

„Well, but you owe me,“ he said boldly. 

Lisa raised her eyebrows. 

„Owe you for what?“

„Physics,“ he said, giving her a cheeky smile. „You passed your exams because of me.“ 

Lisa was suppressing a smile. She decided to let him believe, that it was true. 

„Okay, fine,“ she finally agreed.

„Good. We start tomorrow. I wanna do the final dance from Dirty Dancing.“

Lisa was shocked. 

„There’s no way we’ll manage that within just one week, Silas.“ 

„Why not? I thought you are that good?“ he provoked her. 

„I’m not the problem,“ she talked back. „You are the one I am worrying about.“

He gave her a deep look. 

„I want the final dance, Tinkerbell.“

July, 2045

Eve left Nash’s apartment and jumped into her car. She had a very bad feeling about Lisa and speeded home, not caring about traffic rules. As she finally arrived, she rushed into the house, checking the kitchen first. Justin was sitting at the kitchen island, reading the current newspaper on his iPad. He was still wearing his PJ’s and gave Eve an irritated look.

„What is going, baby?“

„Where’s Lisa?“ she asked excited. 

Justin stood up from his stool and went towards her. 

„She just left.“ 

„Where did she go?“ 

He stopped standing in front of her, touching her upper arms carefully. 

„Honey, what happened to you?“ he asked concerned. 

„Phin… he… he just broke up with her,“ Eve explained. 

Justin needed a second to process. 

„Oh no…“

„Justin? Do you know where she went?“ 

„Yes. She said she’s going to Violet’s and stays the night.“

Eve deeply sighed. 

She felt relieved knowing, that her daughter went to her best friend to find some comfort. 

„This is a tragic situation, M. But as I said before, they’re grown ups. It’s not our business anymore,“ Justin continued talking. 

Eve just nodded. 

„Where have you been, honey?“ he wanted to know next. 

„I went to Nash’s place to talk to Silas about Lizzy, as I found her crying in her car this morning.  He explained to me, that he told her, that he can’t be with her, as he don’t wanna hurt his brother’s feelings. But in the meanwhile Lizzy confessed to Phin that she slept with Silas and he broke up with her.“

Justin raised his eyebrows. 

„Does it mean no one of them wants to be with her now?“ 

„Ya… she messed things up badly.“ 

Justin pulled Eve into his arms. She embraced him tightly and took a deep breath. His familiar scent calmed her down. 

„Moneypenny… I’m sorry to say that but… your girl is…“ 

„Like me…“ she finished his sentence. 

Justin chuckled. 

„I wanted to say, she’s a drama queen… but yes…“ 

Eve raised her head to see his face. 

„I slowly start regretting what we did to Silas five years ago… I mean, look at the mess… I feel like we’re responsible for all of that.“ 

Justin stroke some hair out of her face gently. 

„We did the right thing, M.“ 

She gave him a deep look.

„Did we?“ 

July, 2040

When everybody left the house and their boys disappeared in their rooms, Jessica and Justin begun cleaning up the front yard. 

„I enjoyed the spontaneous night with our friends,“ Jessica said to Justin, while collecting all empty glasses from the table.  

„Me, too. We should have barbecues more often,“ he replied. „I really missed this.“

Jessica put the dishes aside. Then she came closer and embraced his body from behind. 

„I miss something else,“ she almost whispered. 

She couldn’t remember when she had sex with Justin the last time. They’ve been back together for almost sixteen years. It was no surprise to her that having sexy times became less over the years. But at some point they completely stopped being intimate. The situation concerned her. She remembered the time when their marriage started falling apart, as their kids were still little. The last things she wanted was doing the same mistakes twice. 

Justin turned in her direction and caressed her cheek softly. Jessica was still a very attractive woman. He regretted, that he didn’t give her much attention lately. 

„You’re right. Let’s do the rest tomorrow,“ he suggested… 

At the same time Lisa had trouble to fall asleep. She was still processing the latest events. It felt completely surreal spending a whole week with Silas. At some point she switched on her MacBook and watched the final dance from Dirty Dancing over and over again. Just the imagination doing that dance with Silas was giving her a deep thrill. 

 

It was next morning. Eve and Josh were tidying up after having breakfast, as they heard somebody entering the house. Silas appeared in the kitchen seconds later, wearing a black tight shirt, black sweat shorts, white sneakers and a helmet under his arm.

Josh gave him a stern look. 

„Really? You're picking her up with your motorbike?“ 

Silas shrugged his shoulders.

„I don’t have a car, uncle C.“ 

„Lame excuse,“ Josh complained. „I hope you have a second helmet, at least.“

„Nope. I hoped she can have yours.“ 

„Poor Timberlakes don’t own further helmets. Or cars,“ Josh said cynically. 

Eve watched the scene, being amused. 

„Why is your husband so grumpy?“ Silas asked her. 

„Hangover,“ Eve replied, giving Josh a naughty smile. 

„Really? I can’t remember you drinking that much yesterday night, old man,“ Silas teased. 

„Old what?“ Josh talked back, giving him a warning look. 

Lisa entered the kitchen in the same moment. She was wearing a white crop top, a navy wrap skirt and silver dancing shoes. Her hair was put together into a sleek ponytail. 

Silas’s heart turned somersaults. He stared at her a little too long, without saying a word. 

„Is something wrong?“ she asked irritated. 

„Um… no… you just look so… professional.“ 

„Because I am.“ 

„You need a helmet, pumpkin,“ Josh interrupted them. 

He followed both outside and brought his helmet out of the garage. Lisa took it and gave him a quick peck on his cheek. Then she put it on and sat down behind Silas at his bike, embracing his upper body tightly. Silas started the engine and left the property with spinning wheels, to tease Josh a little more. 

Twenty minutes later both arrived at a dancing studio downtown. The place belonged to one of Justin’s friends. As nobody was around during summer time, Silas was allowed using the studio for practicing. 

Lisa begun making a warm up, while Silas was busy with his laptop. 

„Ummm… I suggest we watch the end scene first to study the steps,“ he said. 

„That’s not necessary. I know the steps,“ Lisa said confidently. 

Silas raised his eyebrows. 

„Are you saying you’re able to teach me the whole dance?“ 

„That’s what I’m here for, right?“ 

Silas didn’t expect she was prepared that well. 

„So, you want me to play some music?“ he asked next. „I made a Mambo mix.“ 

She chuckled. 

„Ya, show me your Mambo mix.“ 

Lisa finished her warm up and stopped standing in front of him. The smell of his perfume made her feel dizzy. She needed all her strength to pull herself together. 

„How are your dancing skills, Silas?“ she asked, looking deep into his eyes. 

„I’m better you might believe,“ he boasted. „Dancing was part of my studies.“ 

„Okay, cocky you. Then show me.“ 

Silas gave her a sheepish smile. Then he stepped back a little and begun moving his hips to the rhythm. Instead on focusing on his dancing, Lisa was busy watching his well trained body. Her mind drifted away into a dirty daydream.“

„So? What do you say?“ he asked, when the first song finished. 

Lisa returned back to reality. 

„Well… at least you have a sense of tact.“ 

Her sass was giving him an additional thrill. He needed to be very careful to not lose control over the situation. Slowly he came closer and brought both of them into dancing position. 

„Teach me the Mambo, Tinkerbell.“ 

 Few hours later:

„Let’s make a break, I’m completely sweaty,“ Silas panted. 

He didn’t expect dancing could be that exhausting. Then he laid down at the floor, catching his breath. 

„You have five minutes,“ Lisa said strictly, taking a deep gulp of water. 

He raised his head a little and gave her a desperate look. 

„But I’m dying… someone should fix that damn air-condition, before we continue…“ 

Lisa rolled her eyes. 

„You know what? No break for you. Stand up.“ 

„What? You can’t be serious!“

She gave him a stern look. 

„Silas Randall Timberlake. Move your lazy ass. NOW!“ 

Silas returned home short after 9 PM and found his father in the living room with a beer in his hand, watching telly. He let himself fall next to him at the sofa, taking a deep breath. 

„Lizzy brought you to your limits, hm?“ Justin teased. 

„I don’t think I’ll survive this week,“ Silas replied. 

Justin chuckled. 

If you think you feel shitty now, I better don’t tell you how you’ll feel next morning. 

Silas sighed. 

„I didn’t expect she could be such a badass. She put me through hell, dad.“ 

Justin took a sip of his beer, getting lost in thoughts. 

„Ya, that’s what chicks do…“ 

Silas frowned.

„Where’s mom?“ 

„Ummm… she went out.“ 

„On Monday?“ 

„Yap…“

 

At the same time Jessica arrived at a small bar downtown. The place wasn’t crowded, but she needed a moment to find Eve sitting at one quiet table, waiting for her. 

„Hey,“ Jessica said and gave Eve a warm hug, before sitting down opposite of her. 

„Hey, dear,“ Eve said softly. „Are you okay?“ 

Jessica never asked for a date on short therm on Monday night before. Eve was sure something must be going on. The waitress arrived at the same moment. Both ordered alcohol free drinks. As the waitress disappeared, Jessica took a deep breath. Eve saw the desperation in her eyes. She grabbed Jessica’s left hand and squeezed it gently. 

„What happened, Jess?“ 

Jessica’s eyes filled with tears. 

„You happened,“ she sobbed. 

Eve frowned, not understanding what her friend was trying to say. Jessica took another deep breath. 

„This is so embarrassing…“ she almost whispered. 

The waitress brought their drinks. Both waited till she was gone. 

„Please explain to me,“ Eve said. 

„Justin and I didn’t have sex for ages…“ Jessica replied. 

„Oh honey, it happens. We’re aren’t twenty anymore,“ Eve replied to cheer her up somehow. 

Jessica scoffed. 

„Are you saying you have no sex with C?“ 

Eve didn’t answer. Josh still wanted her like no time had ever passed. But she didn’t want to brag about it in front of her desperate friend. 

„Of course you have sex. He’s still crazy for you.“ Jessica continued talking. 

Eve didn’t know how to react. 

„Well…“ Jessica said next. „I confronted him with that topic after our barbecue and he was open minded to change something about the situation…“

„This is good, isn’t it?“ Eve replied. 

„Ya. It was pretty good, to be honest. Until the moment he moaned your name…“ 

Eve’s jaw dropped to the floor. 

„He.Did.What…?“

„He moaned your name. Loud and clear.“ 

Eve was in deep shock. She was completely overwhelmed, processing hard. 

„Jess… I… I don’t know what to say…“ she stammered. 

Jessica wiped away her tears. 

„After so many years, you’re still on his brain. It makes me feel so worthless and stupid.“ 

„But I know he loves you. He never stopped, even when you got divorced,“ Eve desperately tried to handle the situation somehow. 

„Come on, Eve. Stop shitting both of us. I was just his second choice, when you decided to go back to C. But you know what? I made peace with that fact, because I wanted him back badly. I truly believed someday he’s gonna get you out of his mind. But time passed by and I needed to realize at some point, that he never looked at me as he looks at you. However, I made peace with that situation, as well. I believed this was the price I was paying for giving up on our marriage in first place. But as I was getting older I started asking myself, if this was enough. I begun to wonder, if being someones second choice was really enough…“ 

Eve’s eyes filled with tears, as well. She felt deeply sorry for what Jess went trough. She didn’t have the tiniest idea how much her friend was struggling over the years. Jessica looked at her for a moment. 

„I can’t ignore any longer who he really wants, Eve. I can’t bear that anymore.“ 

Again Eve didn’t know what to say. Jessica suddenly grabbed her hands, giving her a serious look.

„You did nothing wrong. I know you kept your hands off him, since he came back to me. I am not blaming you for anything, Eve. Do you understand?“ 

Eve nodded. She was very relieved Jessica didn’t hate her for what has happened. 

„What will you do now, Jess?“ she wanted to know. 

„After the incident in bed, we’ve had a very serious conversation about our future. Of course he felt terribly sorry and tried anything to make me feel better, but it was too much. Finally, after talking for hours, he accepted my decision to leave. As soon as I sort my life and find a new place to stay, we gonna talk to the boys…“ 

Josh was already asleep, lying at his belly, when Eve returned home. She sneaked on her tiptoes into their bathroom. After making herself ready for sleep, she crawled carefully into bed. Josh noticed her anyway. He turned into her direction and embraced her body tightly from behind. 

„I missed you“ he whispered, moving his hand under her shirt slowly. 

As he reached her naked breast, he groaned quietly and pushed his pelvis against her ass. She felt him getting hard.

„Josh… it’s really late…“ she said, knowing exactly he wouldn’t let go. 

He released her breast and turned her on her back gently. Then he gave her a dirty smile. 

„It’s never too late.“

He begun kissing her neck playfully, while opening the buttons of her shirt. Eve thought about how lucky she was, that Josh couldn’t keep his hands off her after so many years of marriage. She never needed to put much effort to set him on fire. Then she realized, that she took his desire for granted. Josh noticed she wasn’t focused.

„Baby, are you alright?“ he whispered with heavy voice. 

She looked into his eyes and caressed his face softly. 

„I love the way you love me, Josh.“ 

He frowned. They were telling each other sweet things every day. But what she just said felt different. 

„Honey, tell me what’s going on.“ 

„Did you talk to Justin today?“ 

„No.“ 

„You should catch up with him urgently.“

„Okay. But why?“ 

Eve hesitated for a short moment, if to tell him the whole truth or not. 

„He said my name during sex with Jess.“ 

Josh couldn’t believe what he was listening to. He turned on his back and grabbed his face. 

„He’s such an idiot…“ 

Eve turned on her side, looking at him. 

„That’s not the reaction I expected, to be honest.“ 

Josh looked back at her. 

„After everything the three of us went through, I’m not surprised, that he’s still having dirty fantasies about you. But I didn’t expect he would lose control at some point.“

„I am a little shocked, that his dirty mind is not bothering you,“ Eve replied.

„Baby, I’m not blind. I can see, that you’re still giving him a thrill. But I don’t see a problem with his fantasies, as long as he keeps his hands off you.“ 

„Oh wow, I really don’t know what to say.“ 

„Come on, cupcake. Don’t play the fool. You know exactly what you’re doing to him.“

„No, I don’t!“ 

Josh chuckled. Then he turned around and laid down on top of her. 

„Liar.“

„Josh… I’m serious.“

„Okay, fine, whatever… can we focus on our sexy time now?“ 

„Our friends are having a very serious crisis and you wanna have sex like nothing happened?“ 

„I promise I’ll talk to him tomorrow. But now I wanna satisfy my beautiful wife…“

 

July, 2045

After all unexpected events in the morning, Eve didn’t feel like meeting Sarah and Mateo for lunch. But she also didn’t want to cancel their weekly date on short term. 

„I you look tensed, what happened?“ Mateo immediately asked, when Eve arrived.

She gave him a quick hug and did the same to Sarah, before sitting down at their table. 

„Spill,“ Sarah pushed her. 

Eve sighed, before she begun explaining. 

„Silas is back.“

Sarah and Mateo exchanged glances. 

„Yes. We’ve been there yesterday and witnessed the scene during brunch,“ Sarah said. 

Eve continued talking. 

„Lisa slept with him and told Phin. As a result Phin broke up with her.“ 

„Oh shiiiiiit…“ Mateo squeaked. 

Sarah was also shocked. 

„Does it mean, Liz is with Silas again?!“ Mateo asked next.

Eve shook her head. 

„No. He doesn’t want to hurt his brother’s feelings.“

„Then why the hell he slept with his girl at first place?“ Sarah said. 

„It happened before Silas knew she was with Phin.“

Sarah and Mateo gave Eve an outraged look.

„Dirty bitch!“ both said at once. 

Eve sighed again. She didn’t like, that her friends talked about her daughter like that, but she didn’t contradict. 

„I know non of this is my business anymore. But the whole situation deeply upsets me. I feel like it’s my fault all of this is happening. I believe this are the consequences of my actions five years ago.“

„Eve, don’t do this to yourself. A lot of deep shit happened back in those days. You did what you needed to do as a mother. There was no other way,“ Sarah tried to comfort her. 

„Sarah is right. You did nothing wrong, honey,“ Mateo added. 

Eve got lost in thoughts. Her eyes filled with tears. 

„You don’t know the whole story…“

July, 2040

Silas was waiting outside for Lisa. His helmet was lying at the seat of his bike. His wild dark hair looked messy, but it suited him pretty well. He felt incredibly exhausted after their first dancing session the prior day. Every single muscle of his body was aching. He covered his tired eyes behind sunglasses. 

When Lisa left the house and saw him leaning against his bike, her heart immediately started pounding wildly against her chest. She was turned on and could do nothing about it. Still she managed acting cool and stopped standing in front of him. Seeing her caused the same reactions to Silas’s body. But he also kept his pokerface. 

„I’m barely alive,“ he complained. 

„Are you starting whining again, Silas?“ she teased. 

„Why are you so mean to me, hm?“

„I’m not mean. All I do is teaching you discipline,“ she talked back.

Silas couldn’t suppress a smile. Her confidence and her sass made her even more thrilling. He put on his helmet and sat at his bike. She did the same and embraced his body tightly. Being so close to him was definitely the best part of the day. 

They practiced their dance the whole day. Despite of the fact, that Lisa felt deeply attracted to him, she managed staying focused during their training. She was used to work hard for competitions and took her task as his teacher very seriously. Her diligence impressed Silas, as well as her endurance. He tried very hard not complaining, although she was really giving him a hard time. 

„Tink… this was it. I can’t anymore,“ he said in the early evening.

In his opinion they made enough progress. He was completely exhausted, craving for something to eat and sleep. 

„Sorry, Si. I forget about your age sometimes,“ she teased. 

He raised his eyebrows.

„My age?“ 

„Yap. I see the struggle. You’re heading towards your thirties…“ 

„Thirties?! I just turned 25!“ 

„Yes, that’s what I meant,“ she continued teasing. 

He came few steps towards her, with his arms crossed. 

„Are you really saying, you think I’m old?“ 

Lisa tried hard not to smile.

„I’m not saying anything. It’s your concerning physical condition which exposes you.“ 

„Concerning physical condition?!“ 

Lisa bit her lips, nodding. Suddenly Silas grabbed the end of his shirt and dressed it off. Lisa’s eyes went open wide, seeing his perfectly ripped upper body. His skin was a little sweaty, which gave her an additional deep thrill. She felt the excitement in her panties. Silas knew exactly what he was doing to her and smiled smugly. 

„I have terrible hot flashes. Must be my advanced age.“ 

Lisa was speechless, still staring. He gave her another naughty smile. Then he turned around and went to the bathroom.

The same night Lisa was lying at her bed, processing the events of the day. Then her phone started ringing and brought her back to reality. 

„I can’t talk V…“ she said, answering her best friend’s call.

„But I hear you talking,“ V replied. 

„Silas put his shirt off in front of my face today… I almost passed out…“ 

Violet sighed annoyed. 

„Okay… let’s talk about Silas. Again.“ 

„He looks so good… he’s unreal…“ 

„And he’s still nine years older than you.“

Lisa rolled her eyes.

„Why must you ruin my moment, hm?“ she complained. 

„As your best friend it’s my job to keep you from harm.“

„Harm? I was far away from any harm today.“ 

„But you’re working up into the whole situation and that’s not healthy.“ 

Lisa turned upset.

„I believed you’re on my side!“

„I am, Lizzy. Trust me, I really wish your dream being with him would come true, but… I don’t believe there is a chance. I wished I was wrong about that, but…“

„I’m tired,“ Lisa interrupted her friend. „Good night, V.“ 

 

It was the last training day before Silas’s casting. Lisa felt awful. The imagination that their time together was coming to an end was cruel to her. But she continued acting professional in his presence. 

„Today is just about the lift,“ she said to Silas, as they entered the studio. 

He smiled at her. 

„In the movie they practiced the lift in a lake,“ he remembered. 

„It made sense in the movie because Baby never did something like this before. In our case you’re the problem. Being in water won’t help at all,“ she said cheeky. 

Silas got used to her teasing in the meanwhile. 

„Fine, smartass. Let’s get started.“ 

After a little warm up, Lisa stood in front of him and gave him an eager look.

„What?“ he asked confused. 

„Lift me up,“ she said.

„Without a run-up?“ 

„Yes. You need to get used to my weight.“ 

„Tinky… your weight is not a problem,“ he said arrogantly. 

„Then show me.“

„Fine,“ Silas said and grabbed her under the arms.

„Not like this, silly. You have to grab my hips.“ 

Silas did what she said. He lifted her up a little bit and realized quickly, it wasn’t that easy to hold her like this. 

„Okay, I see your point. It’s tiring,“ he confessed. 

„I can hold my balance, but you need to make sure you can hold my weight above your head for few seconds. Otherwise you’ll break my neck,“ she explained. 

Silas gave her a concerned look. 

„My life is in your hands, Silas,“ she teased a little more. 

„Could you please stop saying that? It makes me nervous,“ he complained. 

„Nervous is good. It means you’ll focus not screwing things up.“ 

They practiced the lift over and over again, until Silas was finally able to hold her body above his head. She kept her balance perfectly and made it quite easy for him not losing control. Slowly he put her down, smiling happily all over his face. 

„We did it, Tinkerbell!“ 

She smiled back, being incredibly proud of him. 

„You did it. Great job, Silas,“ she complimented him. 

„Finally you said something nice. It really feels good,“ he admitted.

„I’m sorry for being harsh the whole week. But we’ve been really short of time and I needed you to give your best,“ she justified herself. 

He was still smiling at her.

„I know, Lizzy. Thank you. You’ve been an amazing teacher. I really mean it.“ 

She flushed a little, hearing him say that. He noticed and thought it was terribly cute. 

„Okay, lets do the whole dance,“ she said next. 

Silas nodded and went to his laptop to start the music. Lisa’s heart immediately dropped, as she heard „The time of my life“ playing. She didn’t expect him to chose the same song like in the movie. Goosebumps were running down her spine over and over again, when he slowly was coming closer. Her knees turned into jelly. She needed all her strength to focus. 

Silas chose that beautiful love song on purpose, being sure it would give her a thrill. He stopped standing behind of her and brought them into dancing position. Lisa was breathing heavily. He noticed her chest moving up and down quickly. 

„Don’t screw this up…“ Lisa was talking to herself in her mind, as the intro begun.

Now I’ve had the time of my life

No, In ever felt like this before

Yes I swear, it’s the truth

And I owe it all to you

Then Silas begun dancing with her. Somehow she managed to pull herself together. 

I’ve been waiting for so long

Now I’ve finally found someone to stand by me

We saw the writing on the wall

As we felt this magical fantasy

Now with passion in our eyes

There’s no way we could disguise it secretly

So we take each other’s hand

Cause we seem to understand the urgency

Just remember

You’re the one thing

I can’t get enough of

So I’ll tell you something

This could be love…

[…]

They danced perfectly together and also managed doing the lift. Lisa couldn’t be more relieved when the song finished. 

„This was it, Si. We are ready,“ she said, still being terribly excited. 

„You’re sure? Maybe we do it again, just to make sure…“

„No,“ she interrupted him. „It was perfect. Trust me, we are ready.“ 

On their way back home, Lisa’s tension didn’t ease down. She was deeply upset, that her time with Silas in the studio was over. Moreover she was still processing their final dry run. The very old song was stuck in her head. She would never forget what she experienced with him.

Finally they arrived at Lisa’s place. Silas parked his bike in front of the house and put off his helmet. She left his bike, doing the same. Both looked at each other sheepishly. 

„Again, thank you for everything, Lizzy. I would have never managed learning all of this without you,“ he said genuinely. 

She smiled at him.

„Now we’re even.“ 

Silas smiled back.

„I don’t think so,“ he replied. 

She raised her eyebrows.

„I owe you now,“ he added. 

„No, you don’t,“ she said calmly. „Good night, Silas.“ 

He watched her walking towards the front door. 

„Hey Lizzy,“ he said, before she disappeared inside. 

She turned back into his direction.

„May I ask you out?“ 

Lisa’s heart skipped the beat. Did he really just said that? She stared at him in disbelief, not knowing how to behave. 

„Asking me out?“ she stammered.

„I wanna return your favor. Are you free tomorrow after the casting?“ 

Lisa was completely overwhelmed. This just couldn’t be real. She stared at him and nodded, being sure this was just a dream. Silas gave her a charming smile, enjoying that he just made her speechless. 

„Good. See you tomorrow,“ he said. 

Then he put on his helmet and left the property. 

July, 2045

„Dear god…“ Mateo said, processing what he just learned.

The waitress just brought their dishes, but he lost his appetite. 

Sarah was staring at Eve in disbelief. She didn’t know what to say. Eve was just sitting there, hardly keeping herself from crying. She felt awful, but also kind of relieved, that she finally shared her ugly secret with someone.

„Listen, Eve. I understand you felt the urge talking to us about this. But there is no way you can tell Lisa what you did back in those days. You just can’t,“ Mateo added. 

„But Silas knows. What if he talks to Lizzy…?“

„He promised not to,“ Eve interrupted Sarah. 

„Why should he keep quiet?“ Sarah asked. 

„He wants to protect Lizzy. He knows that she couldn’t handle the truth,“ Mateo replied. 

„Okay, that makes kind of sense. Lucky you,“ Sarah replied, looking at Eve.

„Do you still believe me and Justin did the right thing?“ Eve asked carefully. 

Sarah and Mateo exchanged glances. 

„It’s a lot, to be honest…“ Sarah answered. 

„I still understand,“ Mateo said.

„Did Josh know?“ Sarah wanted know.

Eve shook her head. 

„There was no time talking to him. And when it was over, we decided it was the best for him just not knowing.“ 

July, 2040

„Hey Johnny,“ Nash teased Silas, as he opened the front door to let him in.

Silas rolled his eyes, entering his apartment. He went into the living room and let himself fall at his best friend’s sofa.

„I need food. And a strong drink.“ 

„I understand the food. But not the strong drink,“ Nash replied, sitting down next to him. 

Silas gave Nash a suspicious look. Nash looked back at him for a moment. He knew his friend pretty well. Suddenly he was having an idea what was going on at his mind. 

„Si… I don’t like the way you stare at me…“ 

„Just do both of a favor and bring some Bourbon.“ 

Nash did what his friend was asking for. He filled two glasses, returned to the sofa and gave one to his friend. They clinked and took a sip. 

„So? Will you talk to me what this is about or should I guess…?“ Nash asked carefully. 

„Feel free to give it try…“ Silas said. 

 

Nash felt kind of uncomfortable speaking it out loud. He cleared his throat and put his glass at the coffee table. 

„If you came here to tell me, that you’re hot for Lizzy, I need to beat that crazy idea out of you.“

Silas didn’t reply. He just stared into space and took another sip. 

„SERIOUSLY?!“ Nash squeaked. „Dude… no… you… you can’t… you just can’t…“ 

„I know,“ Silas replied quietly. 

Nash was relieved hearing him say that. He took a deep breath, relaxing a little. 

„I’m not denying the fact, that Lizzy turned into a very attractive young woman. But what you want is wrong…“ 

Silas just nodded.

„You’re having yourself under control, right?“

„Yes.“ 

There was silence between them for a short moment. Then Nash continued talking. 

„If she was just two years older, believe me, I wouldn’t keep you up… but now…“

„It’s a crime…“ Silas finished his sentence.

 

At the same time Josh visited Justin at home. No one else was around. They sat together in front of the telly, drinking beer. 

„So…?“ Josh started talking at some point.

Justin looked at him.

„So what?“ 

„Few days has passed, since you screamed my wife’s name in bed…“

Justin rolled his eyes. 

„I didn’t scream.“ 

„However… did you talk to Jess again?“

„Why should I?“

„Dunno… maybe she calmed down in the meanwhile and changed her mind about moving out?“

„She didn’t.“

„Don’t you think you could try a little harder to make her stay?“ 

Justin deeply sighed, feeling annoyed. 

„What sense does that make?“ 

„Saving your marriage.“ 

Justin frowned. 

„We aren’t married, remember?“ 

„I don’t care how you call your relationship. But I believe, that you shouldn’t give up on what you have that easily.“

Justin gave his friend a serious look.

„The love is gone. I still respect her and deeply appreciate as a person, but I don’t have romantic feelings for her, C. I wished so much it was different. I wished so much I could give her what she needs, because I know she deserves it. But I can’t.“ 

Josh was processing what his friend just said. They already talked about that topic few days earlier, but Justin didn’t mention that clearly, that he wasn’t in love with Jess anymore. 

„Since when do you feel this way?“ Josh wanted to know. 

„When we came back together, I wanted us being good so bad, that I truly believed what I felt for her was enough. And it worked for a while. I truly was happy with her. But today I realize that I was not honest to myself from the beginning. I forced something what was not meant to be.“ 

Josh suddenly got a bad conscience. 

„Maybe we pushed you too hard taking her back,“ he said carefully. 

„I’m not blaming you. It made sense for so many reasons. Being a family again was a blessing for our boys. I’m not regretting anything. But now they’re grown ups and live their own lives.“ 

„Okay,“ Josh replied. „I’m sorry man. I didn’t realize the situation is… hopeless…“ 

Justin took a sip of his beer. 

„Still it will be hard telling the boys.“

„Did you figure out when you wanna tell them?“ 

„Jess wants to organize her life first, before we confront the kids. There’s no need to hurry. We live in peace, as we’re on the same page about our separation. She even let me sleep in the same bed.“ 

July, 2045

Lisa was sitting at the airport, waiting for boarding. Her eyes were swollen from crying. In her bag pack she was just having some clothes, toiletries and her passport.

„Ladies and Gentleman, flight number LH3663 non stop to Frankfurt is ready for boarding.“

She took a deep breath and put her phone out of her pocket. Then she switched it off and went to the counter. 

July, 2040

„Are you ready?“ Silas asked nervously. 

„Yes,“ Lisa replied, also being excited. 

It was the day of Silas’s casting. His name was just called up, after waiting with Lisa in the waiting area for almost three hours. Both stood up from their chairs. Lisa was wearing a delicate floaty pink dress like Baby from Dirty Dancing. Silas was wearing black jeans and a tight black shirt like Johnny. He grabbed her hand and went with her into the studio, where the casting was taking place. 

„Silas Timberlake,“ the producer read his name from his iPad. 

Two other guys from the production team were sitting next to him. The producer studied his CV briefly. Then he looked at him and smiled. 

„We have high expectations in you, Mr. Timberlake,“ he added. 

Silas cracked a smile and nodded. An assistant took care for the music and started „Time of my life“. Lisa immediately got goosebumps all over her body. But she was focused. Silas stood behind of her, waiting for the entry. Then they begun dancing. 

Both forgot the world around them quickly, just focusing on each other. They danced without doing any mistakes through the whole song. Even the lift looked like they never did anything else in their lives but this. 

Silas was terribly relieved, when the song ended. He smiled at Lisa all over her face and pulled her into a tight hug. Als three men in front of them applauded. Silas and Lisa released each other and turned in their direction. 

„I didn’t get disappointed,“ the producer said. „This was very impressive, Mr. Timberlake.“ 

„Thank you,“ Silas replied, glancing at Lisa. „All credits belong to her, to be honest.“ 

„Did you teach him?“ the producer asked. 

„Yes, Sir,“ Lisa answered. 

The producer looked at both of them for a moment. Then he exchanged glances with his colleagues. 

„What’s your name, young lady?“ he continued asking. 

„Lisa Chasez.“ 

„How old are you?“ He wanted to know next. 

„Sixteen.“ 

„Damn it.“ 

Lisa and Silas looked at each other, not understanding what this was about. The producer sighed frustrated, before explaining his disappointment. 

„You look perfect together. You two are exactly what we’re looking for. It’s a pity you’re that young, Ms. Chasez. I wished I could hire you for the female lead character. But it’s too complicated working with minors. I made bad experiences dealing with overprotective parents, who intervene in our work, you must know.“

Lisa needed a moment to sort her mind. The last thing she expected was a job offer during Silas’s casting. Still she turned frustrated about the fact, that her age was the only problem.

„Mr. Timberlake, I’m still happy to let you know, that all of us are looking forward making that series with you,“ the producer continued talking. 

Silas was processing hard. He didn’t expect to get a positive answer on the spot. 

„Thank you,“ he stammered.

Lisa smiled at him and fell around his neck.

„I’m so proud of you,“ she whispered in his ear. 

„Thank you so much, Lizzy,“ he replied, hugging her back tightly.

 

July, 2045

Lisa was terribly exhausted. She tried to catch some sleep, but it seemed impossible finding some rest in the economy class. Her whole body was aching due to lack of space. She realized during that uncomfortable flight what a spoiled brat she was. 

Hours later she reached her destination, feeling completely overwhelmed. She never travelled alone before. It took a while until she found the train station. At least her mother taught her some German when she was little. It made things a little easier for her. 

Two hours later Lisa arrived in Dortmund. It was early evening by now. She found a taxi quickly and entered one free car.

„Wo geht es hin, junge Frau?“ the driver asked friendly. 

„Hier,“ Lisa answered and gave him a little note with the address. 

„Alles klar,“ the driver said and started the engine. 

Half our later Lisa exited the taxi. She looked at the old house in front of her for a short moment, before she went to the front door. Then she put a key out of her pocket and opened up. She put her shoes off and left her bag pack in the hall. Slowly she entered the living room and switched on the lights. Then she collapsed at the old green sofa.

The last time Lisa was at her grandparent’s house was long time ago. Eve and Josh took their kids just once to Germany when they were little, to show them where Eve grown up.

The house was very precious to the family, as Eve’s grand grand father build it with his own hands. Eve made a promise to Kristin, that she would never sell it to anyone. When Wilhelm and Kristin passed away, she continued taking care for the house from distance. Friends of the family and neighbors helped to keep it in shape. 

Lisa allowed herself closing her eyes for a moment. But she was too exhausted, too keep herself awake and drifted into a deep sleep within seconds. 

It was in the middle of the night in the meanwhile. Lisa was still asleep. Suddenly the front door got open. A young man entered the house, with a big spade in his hands. He saw light in the living room and went inside slowly. 

„Was zur Hölle…?“ he talked to himself, as he saw Lisa sleeping peacefully at the sofa. 

As the man realized, that he wasn’t in any danger, he put the spade aside. Then he came closer and knelt down in front of Lisa’s face. 

„Hey,“ he said to wake her up. 

But Lisa didn’t react. 

„Hey, wach auf!“ he said louder, while shaking her by her shoulder gently. 

Suddenly Lisa raised her eyes wide open. She deeply frightened seeing the stranger and started screaming.

„AHHHHHHHHHH!!!“

 The man raised himself and stepped away from her. 

„Bitte beruhige dich!“ he tried to calm her down.

„WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU???“ she yelled at him. 

He was surprised, that she was talking English. 

„My name is Tom. Tom Miller.“ 

Lisa stared at the man in pure disbelief.

„ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?! TOM MILLER WAS MY MOM’S HUSBAND! HE DIED IN A CAR CRASH!“

„I know,“ Tom replied. „He was my uncle. I’m his brother’s son. My dad gave me his name in his honor."

Lisa relaxed slowly, sorting her mind.

„So, you are Eve Miller's daughter,“ Tom said next. „I’m sorry that I frightened you.“

What are you doing here?“ she wanted to know.  

„I believed you’re a burglar. The neighbors noticed light in the house and got concerned.“

Both looked at each other for a moment. Lisa was processing the fact, that she just met a younger version of Tom Miller.

„My mom never told me that Tom had a brother,“ she said next. 

„My dad lived abroad for many years. He wasn’t in touch with the family for a very long time. The situation was complicated. It may be the reason why your mom never mentioned him.“ 

"And why the neighbors called you to check on our house?“ Lisa asked next. 

„My grandmother Andrea, who’s your mom’s mother in law, has a key to your house. She’s cleaning here once in a while. But she's too old to deal with burglars. That's why she’ve sent me.“ 

Lisa got lost in thoughts for another moment. 

„I believe I remember your grandma. I met her once when I was little. Mom told me she was taking care for the house.“ 

Tom cracked a smile.

„See? Now everything makes sense.“ 

Lisa had further questions.

„I wonder why your grandma didn’t mention having grandson when we met.“

„My parents separated when I was a baby. I lived on the other side of the country with my mom and wasn’t in touch with my dad or his family. But as my mom died, I contacted my grandma.“

„I’m sorry to hear about your mom,“ Lisa said genuinely. 

She remembered the unbearable pain when she learned about her father’s death. 

„It’s okay. Don’t worry.“

„And your dad? Are you in touch?“ 

Tom shook his head.

„He died as well some time ago during a mission…“ 

Lisa was processing. 

„Does it mean, he was a soldier?“ 

„Yes.“

„Jesus… your grandma lost both of her sons… this must be cruel.“

Tom nodded. 

„But she was very happy when I decided moving to Dortmund and having me around. It helped her to make peace with the whole situation.“ 

„I see…“ 

Tom smiled at her.

„Hey, ummm… what’s your name?“ 

„I’m Lisa. Lisa Chasez.“ 

 

July, 2040

After the casting Lisa and Silas went to the changing room to dress into casual clothes. She was wearing skinny jeans, a tight white shirt and nude ballet flats. He dressed into destroyed jeans, a simple black t-shirt and white sneakers. Both met in front of the dressing rooms when they were ready. 

„So? Are you hungry, Tinkerbell?“ he asked, with a charming smile in his face. 

Lisa smiled back and nodded. She was terribly nervous spending the rest of the evening with him. 

„Burgers and fries?“ 

„Yes, sounds good.“ 

They left the studio on his bike and arrived at a diner ten minutes later. The place was crowded, but luckily the waitress still found a free table in a quiet corner for them. Both sat down opposite of each other. Silas could tell that she was brutally tensed.

„Is everything good?“ he asked carefully.

She looked at him for a short moment, before she nodded. 

„Really?“

„Yes, Silas. Don’t worry. It’s just…“ 

She stopped talking, not being brave enough to finish the sentence. 

„Just what?“ he asked. 

„Ummm… I’ve never been on a date before…“ she said sheepishly.

Silas was kind of shocked to hear that. 

„No way… how on earth can it be? I expected boys standing in line to date you.“ 

„They don’t,“ Lisa replied quietly. 

„Then they must be scared to ask you out.“

She frowned. 

„Why would you say that?“ 

„Because you’re a ten, Lizzy.“

She couldn’t be more confused at this point.

„What are you trying to say?“ 

„I’m trying to say, you’re too pretty. Guys feel intimated by girls who are too pretty.“ 

Lisa looked at him for a moment. The fact that he believed she was too pretty was giving her goosebumps over and over again. 

„So… you’re saying I should put less effort in my look, if I want to go out with someone?“ 

Silas chuckled. 

„No, I’m afraid it’s hopeless.“

She raised her eyebrows. 

„Hopeless?“ 

„You could wear a bin bag and still be a ten, Lizzy.“ 

Lisa’s heart turned somersaults. If she didn’t know better, she would believe he was flirting with her. Silas knew he was crossing the line. But it felt too good to stop.

„Lucky you I can handle the situation,“ he teased. 

In the next second the waitress appeared to take their order. Lisa was relieved having a moment to sort her mind. 

„I have a question,“ Silas continued talking, as the waitress disappeared. 

„Okay. Spill.“ 

„If the producer didn’t see any issues with your age, would you have taken his job offer?“ 

„I’m not an actress, Silas. I don’t think it’s enough just being good in dancing to make that job.“ 

„But those things happen on a daily base. There a lot of people getting roles in films although they never did acting before. The producer has enough experience to recognize your potential. I really regret he decided not giving you the chance, just because you’re young.“

Lisa stared at him in disbelief.

„Really?“

„Yes, Lizzy. I believe it would have been awesome doing the series with you.“ 

Silas made her speechless. The imagination shooting romantic scenes with him gave her another deep shiver. At the same time she turned deeply frustrated about the fact, that the producer didn’t give her the job.

After eating their dishes, Silas asked for the check. 

„The night is still young, Tinkerbell,“ he said cheeky. 

Lisa checked her wristwatch. It was 8 PM. Eve and Josh didn’t make strict rules about when she had to be home, as long as she informed them what she was doing. 

„Okay. What are you having on your mind?“ She asked him, being deeply thrilled, that their date wasn’t over, yet. 

„The movies?“ 

Lisa smiled all over her face and agreed. 

„I don’t know, if the world needs another remake of Top Gun. Does it make any sense without Tom Cruise in it?“ Silas said, after buying the tickets. 

„Stop complaining, Si. This movie is the perfect compromise. It has a lot of action in it, but also romantic parts,“ Lisa replied. 

„How did you know, that I’m a sucker for the romantic parts?“ he joked. 

Lisa chuckled.

„You applied for the remake of Dirty Dancing. It says a lot about you,“ she teased. 

He smiled back at her.

„Well, it’s not like I have lot of choices at this point. I’m still a rookie.“ 

„You are a Timberlake,“ she replied. 

He frowned. 

„Are you saying, I should use my dad’s influence to get better jobs?“ 

„No, Silas. I’m saying, that you are born to shine.“ 

He gave her a calm smile. 

„Are you flirting with me, Tinkerbell?“ 

She scoffed. 

„I gave up flirting with you. It’s hopeless,“ she replied boldly. 

„There is a difference between flirting and hitting hard on someone,“ he teased. 

„Hm, whatever. I lost interest doing both,“ she lied. 

„What a shame,“ Silas replied, giving her a wink.

They reached the cinema hall in the same moment. He opened the door to let her in. Lisa’s heart skipped a beat. What the hell was going on with him?

 

Lisa couldn’t focus on the movie, as she was processing Silas’s unexpected behavior. She was incredibly tensed again. 

Silas moved his head close to hers after a while. 

„Don’t you like the popcorn?“ he whispered in her ear, pointing at the big cup at his lap. 

Immediately he gave her another deep shiver. She smiled at him, grabbed some popcorn out of the cup and ate it. Silas knew exactly what he was doing to her and enjoyed every second of it. Again he moved his head close to hers.

„Are you thirsty?“ 

Lisa felt her panties getting wet. She was terribly close just falling around his neck and kissing him dizzy. She looked at him and shook her head slowly. His face was still dangerously close to hers. Somehow she managed bringing her dirty mind under control again. 

„Stop distracting me, Silas,“ she said sternly. 

He gave her smugly smile, before giving his attention back to the screen. 

„I don’t feel like going home already,“ Silas said, when the movie was over. 

Lisa looked at him, hardly believing, that he was interested spending even more time with her. 

„There’s is a fantastic ice cream shop around the corner,“ he added.

„Sounds good,“ Lisa replied, smiling at him. 

They made a short walk to the ice scream shop and ordered two cups with various flavors. Then they sat down at a free bench on the other street side. 

„Yours looks better than mine,“ Lisa said, gazing into his cup. 

„I’m not sharing,“ Silas replied, giving her a naughty smile. 

Lisa pouted. 

„Okay, just one bite,“ he agreed.

He put some ice cream at his spoon and fed her. 

„Mmmm, it’s so good,“ she said with full mouth. „I want more.“

„Forget it.“ 

Lisa pouted again. Silas sighed and rolled his eyes. 

„Fine, here,“ he said, giving her his cup. 

She smiled and gave him her cup in return. 

„Why the hell you chose yogurt? It’s disgusting,“ he complained after tasting her ice cream. 

Lisa giggled.

„Come on, let’s share at least,“ he negotiated. 

„What? No! You gave me yours, so it’s mine now,“ she continued giggling. 

He grabbed her hand with the spoon, before she reached her mouth and ate the bite. 

„You are impossible, Silas,“ she complained half seriously. 

„But you like it,“ he said cockily. 

There it was again. He was definitely flirting.

„Do I?“ she replied.

„We both know you do.“ 

When they finished fighting about the ice cream, Silas finally brought her home. Lisa’s tension reached its peak when he parked his bike in front of the house. Slowly she dismounted and put off her helmet. He switched off the engine and did the same. Lisa gave him a surprised look.

„What are you doing?“ she asked irritated. 

„It’s courtesy to escort the girl to the front door after having a date,“ he explained. 

Lisa’s heart begun running wild. She was hardly able to process, that this was really happening right now. 

She smiled shyly and walked with him to the front door. Then both stopped. She turned in his direction, trying hard to ignore her heart beating out of control.

„Thank you for everything, Silas. I couldn’t imagine a better first date than this. It was perfect,“ she said genuinely.

Then she came another step closer and hugged him tightly. He responded her embrace and took a deep breath of her delicate scent. Then they released each other. 

Silas raised his right hand and cupped her face gently. Lisa’s knees begun shaking. She felt like passing out any second. 

„It wasn’t perfect,“ he whispered. 

In the next second he closed the gab between their faces and kissed her lips softly. Lisa didn’t expect all of this. She was hardly able keeping herself on her legs. The touch of his lips on hers felt like heaven. It was better than in her wildest daydreams. Silas didn’t intend to overwhelm her too much. He suppressed his urge pressing his tongue into her mouth to taste her. Instead he slowly broke their kiss and gave her a loving smile. 

„Now it was perfect,“ he said.

Lisa wasn’t able to find her way back to reality, yet. She just stared at him, processing hard. Silas released her face and stepped back. 

„Good night, Tinkerbell.“ 

She watched him returning to his bike. He gave her another smile, before he put on his helmet. Then he started the engine and left the property. 

 

July, 2045

Silas woke up at Nash’s sofa. His head was brutally aching. After turning thirty, his hangovers became more challenging. He sat down carefully, seeing his brother sleeping on the other side of the sofa. There was an empty bottle of Bourbon on the coffee table, surrounded by countless empty bottles of beer. 

„Fuck,“ he talked to himself. 

Phin woke up slowly. He looked at his brother, sorting his mind. 

„Are we still at Nash’s?“ he asked with raspy voice. 

„Yes…“ 

„You look like hell.“ 

„I also feel like hell.“

Phin sat down, seeing the empty bottles. He was also having a hangover, but it wasn’t as bad as his brother’s.

„Si?“

„Hm?“

„Do you think it’s a smart move, if non of us has Lizzy?“ Phin asked carefully. 

Silas looked at him. 

„I never said that. If you wanna give her another chance to be with you, feel free.“ 

„This is not what I was trying to say,“ Phin replied. „I didn’t change my mind since yesterday night. I don’t wanna be her second choice. It’s not working for me.“ 

Silas was still staring at his brother. 

„Are you really believing, you could make peace with the situation when I’m with her?“ 

Phin nodded. 

Silas scoffed. 

„I don’t believe you.“

„What other choice do I have? She wants you. Not me. You’re the only one who can make her happy.“ 

„But I can’t bear seeing you suffering! Don’t you get that?!“

„What difference does it make? I suffer, no matter if you have her or not. It’s irrelevant,“ Phin replied. 

„But I don’t wanna be the reason!“ 

„Of course you’re the reason, Si. You’ve had sex with her. I know you’ve had no idea she was with me but… you’ve had sex with her…“ 

Silas grabbed his face with both hands and deeply sighed. 

„This is so fucking frustrating!“ 

„I know. All we can do now is making the best of the situation.“

Silas looked at Phin again. 

„You really want me to do that?“

Phin nodded again.

„No matter what she did to me… or us… I still want her to be happy.“

July, 2040

Lisa was lying motionless at her bed, still being dressed. She stared at the ceiling, unable to handle what just happened to her. She could still smell Silas’s tempting scent. She could still feel his warm breath on her skin. She still felt his tender touch at her cheek. Suddenly she started crying, losing control over her overwhelming emotions. It was too much. She just experienced something so big, that she couldn’t process all at once. She cried with all of her heart for a while, until she was so exhausted, that she fell into a deep sleep. 

Silas experienced another emotional rollercoaster. He laid on his bed in his clothes, being sorely shocked about what he just did. How could he let all of this happen? He was frightened about the fact, that Lisa was having such power over him. His affection for her made him play with very dangerous fire and forget about any consequences. Desperate tears started running down his temples, which he couldn’t control, either. 

It was next morning. Lisa abruptly woke up by the sound of her cell. Her eyes felt weak from crying. Slowly she moved herself to grab her bag from the floor. She put out her cell to read the incoming message. 

„Lizzy. I must apologize for what happened yesterday night. I made a giant mistake. I deeply regret that I’ve sent wrong signals. I had no right playing with your feelings. You have no idea how hard I am blaming myself for treating you this way. Of course I enjoyed our night together. But I was not having any romantic intentions. I asked you out, because I appreciate you deeply as my friend and I am forever grateful that you invested so much time to help me. Please forgive me, Silas.“ [Future husband]

Lisa’s heart broke into pieces. But she wasn’t surprised receiving such a message from Silas in the next morning. Somehow she expected him chicken out of the situation. What happened between them was simply too good to be true. After reading his text over and over again, she threw the cell at her bed. She felt completely empty from inside, not having the strength to deal with the massive disappointment right now. 

After dressing into some comfortable clothes and refreshing herself quickly, Lisa went downstairs and found Jake and Phin sitting together at the kitchen counter. 

„Hey Lizzy,“ Phin said, with a loving smile in his face. 

„Hey boys,“ she replied effortlessly. 

„How was the casting?“ Jake wanted to know. 

„Good,“ she said, while being busy searching for food in the fridge.

„Are you okay?“ Phin asked carefully, noticing she was acting weird. 

Lisa closed the fridge, having a yogurt in her hand. Then she came closer and stopped standing in front of Phin.

„You still wanna go to Palm Springs?“ 

Phin’s eyes immediately begun shining. 

„Sure.“

„What about today?“ 

He couldn’t be more surprised about her suggestion and looked at Jake, who just shrugged his shoulders.

„Sounds good. You think V and AJ can manage it?“ 

„Course.“ 

Phin smiled even harder. 

„Then it’s settled.“

 

July, 2045

Eve woke up slowly in bed. Justin was lying next to her at his belly, still being asleep. She looked at his peaceful face for a moment, remembering the prior day. When she came back from her lunch with Sarah and Mateo, she confessed, that she talked to them about their secret. Justin didn’t understand why she suddenly felt the urge sharing the whole story and got upset about it. 

Eve regretted their fight about that topic and wanted to make things right. She moved to his direction and caressed his hair softly to wake him up. Justin opened his eyes slowly.

„Hey…“ she said calmly. „Are you still mad at me?“

He turned on his side, giving her a stern look.

„I’m sorry that I upset you,“ she added. 

Justin couldn’t be angry with her for too long. He just loved her too much for being resentful. He raised his hand and cupped her face. Then he moved closer and kissed her forehead softly. 

„We’re good, don’t worry,“ he answered.  

She pressed her body against his and embraced him tightly. He hugged her back, deeply inhaling her scent. Then she raised her head and looked at him.

„I love you. I can’t express with words how grateful I am to have you.“ 

He smirked.

„You really have a bad conscience, hm?“ 

„Yes. But I mean what I’ve said.“

Justin turned their bodies, lying on top of her now. He was still grinning. 

„If you can’t express your gratitude with words, maybe you just show me, hm?“ 

She smiled back.

„Are we talking about classic make-up sex or other favors?“

„Uh… I didn’t expect there were several options…“ 

„There are. You just need to ask nicely…“ 

Justin gave her another dirty smile and pressed his hard cock against her core.

„I want you tongue on me… please…“ 

One our later Eve and Justin went downstairs to have some breakfast. Short time later Jake and Violet entered the kitchen as well, having the same plan. 

Eve gave both of them an irritated look.

„What’s wrong?“ Jake wanted to know. 

„Did you stay the night here, V?“ Eve asked, looking at her. 

„I did,“ Violet answered, being a little confused about the question. 

„Lizzy said she would spend the night at your place,“ Justin explained, also wondering about the situation.

 Violet frowned. 

„I didn’t talk to Lizzy yesterday. I tried calling her in the afternoon but her phone was switched off.“ 

Eve immediately got concerned. She grabbed her cell from the kitchen counter and called Lisa.

„Why is she panicking?“ Jake asked Justin. 

„Phin broke up with Lizzy yesterday morning,“ Justin answered. 

„WHAT?!“ Violet and Jake squeaked at once. 

„Damn it! Her phone is still switched off,“ Eve noticed, worrying deeply about her daughter. 

„Why Phin did that?!“ Jake continued asking. 

The others exchanged glances. 

„Spill!“ Jake pushed them. 

Eve took a deep breath. 

„She slept with Silas.“ 

Jake’s jaw dropped to the floor. He looked at Violet and realized, that she already knew. 

„How could she do that to him?!“ Jake said outraged. 

„There’s no time for blaming. We need to find her!“ Eve replied. 

„She must be with Silas. This is the only logical explanation,“ Jake answered. 

„I don’t think so. He told her, that he can’t be with her, as he doesn’t want to hurt Phin,“ Eve said.

Jake scoffed.

„That’s ridiculous! Then why he didn’t keep his hand off her in first place?!“

„Lizzy didn’t tell Silas, that she was with Phin as it happened,“ Justin said. 

Jake shook his head. 

„I can’t believe all of this.“

„Guys, please focus,“ Eve said next. „I have a terrible feeling. We need find out where she is.“ 

 

July, 2040

Jake parked his Range Rover in front of the Timberlake’s house to pick up Phin. Lisa sat at the passenger seat next to him. She was wearing hot pants, a pink sweatshirt and big designer sunglasses. Violet was sitting at the backseat next to AJ. Jake honked three times, being to lazy going inside the house for Phin. 

„What going on?“ Silas asked, crossing Phin’s way in the hall.

„Palm Springs,“ Phin answered, while putting his sneakers on. 

„Oh… didn’t know you’ve been still planning to go.“ 

„Me, neither. Lizzy made the suggestion this morning.“ 

„Ummm… okay… have fun…“ 

Phin smiled at Silas and grabbed his bag pack. 

„Thanks bro.“ 

When Phin left the house, Silas put his phone out of his pocket. Lisa didn’t reply to his text massage. He understood why she was ignoring him. Still he wished she would have told him that they’re good. But things obviously weren’t that easy. At the same time he wondered why she suggested going to Palm Springs with her friends on short term. He saw deep excitement about the trip in Phin’s eyes. Mostly because of spending few days with Lisa, Silas was sure.

„I believed we’re staying in a hotel?“ Violet said, as they reached their destination.

Jake just parked his car in the driveway of a midcentury modern design house.  

„I believed renting a house would be more fun,“ Phin replied, smiling happily. „It’s having a pool and a jacuzzi in the backyard.“ 

„It’s beautiful,“ Lisa said, being amazed by the architecture. 

Phin smiled even brighter. 

„I’m happy you like it.“ 

Jake watched the scene and rolled his eyes. He knew his best friend would take the opportunity to make some progress with Lisa during the next days. 

The house was even more impressive from inside. The group made a room tour together, praising Phin for his excellent choice. The girls decided sharing the biggest bedroom with an own bathroom. There were three further bedrooms for the boys, being a little smaller. 

After unpacking their bags and refreshing themselves, the friends decided going downtown to have lunch and do some shopping. 

Lisa tried hard not thinking about the latest events with Silas. Still Violet noticed, that her friend wasn’t in a good mood. As they were undisturbed for a moment during shopping, she decided talking to her.

„Are you still mad at me, Lizzy?“

„Why should I be mad at you?“ Lisa replied.

„Because I said you should get Silas out of your head on the phone.“

„I’m not mad at you for trying to bring me back to my senses, V.“

Violet was truly surprised hearing her say that.

„What does that mean?“ 

„It means, you’ve been right. As you always are,“ Lisa admitted. 

Violet couldn’t believe what she was listening to. 

„Are you saying… you’re… you’re giving up on him…?“ 

Lisa nodded. 

„Did something happen I should know about during last week?“ Violet continued asking. 

Lisa forced a smile. She was sure she would start to cry, if she told her best friend about Silas’s kiss and what happened afterwards. 

„Absolutely nothing happened you should know about, V.“ 

The group decided spending the evening at the house, having a barbecue and some drinks. They went to Walmart to buy everything they needed. The boys filled the caddy with beer, Champagne, Tequila and Bourbon.

„May I see an ID, please?“ The cashier asked at the checkout. 

„Of course,“ Phin answered, handing over a 100 dollar bill. 

„Looks good,“ the cashier replied and continued scanning their shopping. 

While the girls relaxed in the jacuzzi, Jake and Alexander took care for the barbecue. Phin was busy preparing drinks. 

„Here you are, ladies,“ he said, entering the hot tube with three glasses of Champagne. 

The girls took their glasses, while Phin made himself comfortable next to Lisa. All of them clinked and took a sip. 

„Are you serious? I thought we’re having some Bourbon,“ Alexander complained, looking at Phin. 

„Leave the girls alone, AJ,“ Jake teased. 

Phin took another sip, showing his best friend the finger. 

After having dinner together and further drinks, everybody was little tipsy. Alexander turned the music on and suggested all of them going into the jacuzzi. Phin made sure everybody was having drinks, before he joined his friends. 

„Let’s play truth or dare,“ Alexander said. 

„You can’t be serious,“ Jake replied. 

Everybody else was also not in the mood, but Alexander insisted.

„Jakey, come on… truth or dare?“ 

„Really?“ 

„Yes, really, come on.“

„Fine. Truth.“ 

„Okay, ummm… what’s your biggest turn off?“ 

„Uhhhh, that’s a good one,“ Phin said, smiling dirty. 

Violet was deeply excited about his answer. Jake was glad, that he was already little drunk. 

„Ummm… big… boobs.“ 

„No fucking way, bro! What’s your problem with big boobs?“ Alexander asked in disbelief.

„Excuse me?! You are gay! Don’t you dare blaming me!“ Jake talked back.

„But you’re straight! Or maybe you aren’t and just don’t know, yet?“

Phin started laughing, listening to their silly argument. Lisa moved her head closer to Violet’s.

„I told you,“ she whispered in her ear. 

Violet was still surprised about Jake’s answer, trying hard not to show it. 

„Okay, my turn,“ Jake said next, looking at Violet. 

Her heart skipped ab beat. She didn’t expect him choosing her next. 

„Truth or dare?“ 

„Truth,“ Violet said shyly. 

Jake smiled at her. 

„What’s your biggest turn on?“

Violet flushed, while the rest of the group started chuckling. 

„Blue eyes,“ she finally answered. 

Jake flushed as well, still smiling at her. 

„You can’t be serious, sis… blue eyes?“ Alexander teased. 

Violet ignored her brother. 

„Phin, truth or dare?“ she asked next. 

„Truth,“ Phin replied, being curious about her question. 

Violet smiled naughty. 

„Who’s the hottest in that hot tube?“ 

„Uhhhhh…“ Jake and Alexander said at once. 

Phin took a deep gulp of his Bourbon, before he answered. 

„Lizzy.“