December 20th 1999

Clinton, Mississippi

“Hey, I need your opinion on something,” Lance said as he knocked on the doorframe to his sister’s, Stacey, room. She lowered her book before folding down the corner of the page.

“What is it?” Stacey asked, pulling her legs underneath her to sit Indian style n the bed. She patted the spot in front of her and Lance came into the room, pushing the door shut with his foot before dropping down on her bed, his added weight making the mattress bob up and down briefly. “You look bummed. You’d think you’d be happier after the court case and everything. I’m really proud of you, you know.”

“Thanks, Stace,” Lance replied with a smile.

“So, what’d you need my advice on?” Stacey asked. She then titled her head to the side. “What’d she do this time?”

Lance blinked, taken aback. “How’d you know I was talking about Annaleigh?” he asked. He watched as Stacey’s eyes slowly inched up her forehead as a smile spread across her face. He shifted uncomfortably, glancing down at his hands before looking back up at her.

“The same way you knew that I was talking about Annaleigh,” she replied and Lance couldn’t help but smile a little bit. “So, what’s going on?”

“One of our band members isn’t coming back after we finish this tour,” Lance said, putting his chin in his hand. “The bass player to be exact. I was thinking of asking Annaleigh to audition.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that she’s gotten pretty good on the bass,” Stacey replied, gathering her hair into a ponytail before dropping her hair, allowing it to fan out down her back. “It wouldn’t hurt to ask. I don’t see the problem.”

“We haven’t really been on the best speaking terms since I got home,” Lance replied and Stacey blinked in surprise. “And, I heard from mom that things aren’t going well with her and her dad.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard about that, too,” Stacey replied with a sigh, shaking her head back and forth. “Unfortunately, everybody probably knows about it by now. Small city and everything.”

“Yeah,” Lance replied with a nod of his head. “Mom told me how…complicated things are for them.” He brought his knee up to his chest. “How Anna has got some jobs lately to help pay the bills.”

“You think that her potentially being hired as the bass player will help things?” Stacey asked and Lance slowly nodded his head. Stacey gaped at him for a moment before putting her head in her hands. “James, James, James.”

“What?” Lance asked. “Is it a bad idea?”

“You can’t keep bailing her out of trouble,” Stacey replied as she lifted her head from her hands. She brushed her hair back before dropping her hands into her lap. “She has to learn how to help herself sooner or later.”

Lance’s eyebrows slowly lowered into a look of confusion. “What do you mean?” he asked quietly.

Stacey’s eyebrows twitched. “Back when you first met her, you brought her over here to help clean up her split lip after she hit herself in the face with her soccer ball,” Stacey said as she started to count off on her fingers. “When she first got her period, you and Darren came to me to help get her some toiletries before the school managed to get in contact with her mom, when you went creek stomping and she hurt her ankle you carried her home, when some jealous little girl ruined her pageant outfit during the Little Miss Kettle Corn pageant you were there to help her switch her talent performance to showcasing her soccer skills, when she—“

“I get it,” Lance said, interrupting his sister. And he did.

He just didn’t realize how much he had done for his friend over the years. He hadn’t realized how much he had held her back. Their relationship was something that he leaned on through everything and he knew she did the same. He was always there to give her a word of advice and to show her his support through everything she set her sights on. In turn, she told him everything like it was, and while it did hurt, she could soften the blow with words of encouragement.

But as he thought back to it, he had helped her out way more than she helped him. He had always had success with Showstoppers, Seven Card Stud, and Attache, with one leading straight into another, and she was always tagging along, helping him calm his nerves, and to support them by traveling with them during their performances.

Or it could be that she just wanted to get away from home, he thought to himself.  She could’ve been having trouble this whole time and you never noticed. No wonder she’s not too happy with you. Lance let out a heavy sigh through his nose. “And you think by having me get her a job with *NSYNC would be bailing out.”

“Considering it’d be bringing in more money than any waitressing job could,” Stacey said slowly nodding her head.

“So, I shouldn’t bring it up to her?” Lance asked.

“Do you really think she’d do that well?” Stacey asked, a curious look crossing her face. “From what I’ve gathered, she hasn’t been playing that long. Lance slowly nodded his head. “You know better than anyone else how hard, time consuming, and grueling rehearsals are just for one of your shows.”

“You know as well as I do that she likes a challenge,” Lance said with a small fond smile. “It’s just bringing it up that’s the hardest part.” He then rested his chin on his knee before sticking out his bottom lip. “Will you tell her for me?”

“And why would I know about what’s going on in *NSYNC?” Stacey asked.

“Becaaaaause,” Lance held out the word and gave an exaggerated roll of his eyes, “you’re a fan?”

“Of my brother? Yes,” Stacey replied, reaching out to pinch his cheek. Lance made a face, leaning away from her. He slapped repeatedly at her hand. “My little baby brother is all grown up.”

“Stop it!” Lance said as a laugh bubbled up in his chest. Stacey leaned over him and dug her fingers into his sides and he burst out into loud laughter. “Stop! Mooom!”

“Stacey, stop messing with your brother.”

Stacey let out a gasp of amusement as she sat back on her heels. “I can’t believe you just told mom on me, you little twerp,” she said with a grin, slapping at his knee as he sat up, a n arm wrapped around his stomach as he tried to catch his breath. She then grabbed her pillow and gently bopped him on the side of the head. “Don’t worry about Anna, James. You know her; she always tries to work things out herself before she asks for help.”

“Yeahhhh, I know,” Lance replied with a nod of his head. “I just wish she’d ask for help before it looked like she didn’t have any way out.”

“You can’t always be there to help her out of her problems, James,” Stacey said with a sigh through her nose. “I know you asked for my advice, but, I don’t think I can give you advice one way or another. It’s a touchy subject. Especially because it’s not involving your life but someone else’s.”

“Well…” Lance trailed off as he tried to think hard. “Clinton is all about community and helping each other out.”

“Don’t even go there, James,” Stacey said with a shake of her head. “Look, I do get that you want to help out, and I understand your reasoning behind it.” Lance peered over at her and she trailed off, pressing her lips together.

“But?” he prompted.

“But, I don’t think this is something that she would be willing to have someone help save her from,” Stacey replied, “and it wasn’t really anything mom should’ve told you. You know how she gets with her private life. She doesn’t let anyone in unless she knows she can trust them.”

“But, she can trust me,” Lance protested before dropping onto his back on her bed. “Or at least, she used to be able to.” He then sat up, and peered over at her. “You don’t think there’s anything going on between her and Darren, do you?

“No,” Stacey said with a shake of her head. “Definitely not.” She let out a small laugh. “Why would it be so bad if there was? You know as well as I do that she used to be sweet on him.”

“She’s always wanted to get out of Clinton, Stacey,” Lance explained to his sister, “just as much or even more than I did. Darren, wants to stay here in Clinton.” He shook his head back and forth. “Not that I don’t think they wouldn’t be great together, and I’d be happy for them.” Stacey’s eyebrows shot up. “I would be!”

“Do you like her?” Stacey asked and Lance groaned.

“No, geeze, why does everybody think that?” he asked, putting his hand up to his face. Stacey just gave a small smile. “I don’t, Stace. We’re just friends, that’s all.” He rested his elbow on his knee and put his cheeks on his fist. “Besides, I’m not looking for a relationship…a girlfriend, right now.”

“You may not be looking for a girlfriend, but you can’t really ever help how you feel about someone,” Stacey replied.

Lance slowly nodded his head. “I know,” he replied with a fleeting smile.

“You ok?” Stacey asked, reaching out to gently hit him on the knee.

“Yeah,” Lance replied with a nod of his head, putting a smile to his face. “Yeah, I was just thinking. Thanks for your advice, Stace.”

“Anytime,” Stacey replied with a smile. “Now, get out of my room so I can finish my homework.”

“You have homework during Christmas?” Lance asked, his eyebrows shooting.

“Not all of us are in a famous pop band, you know,” Stacey replied with a small laugh before picking up her book again before nodding her head towards the door. “Some of us are still working our way through college.” Lance put his hands up defensively, before moving to give his sister a kiss on the cheek.

“Love you, sis,” he said before heading towards the door. “Thanks.”

“I love you, too, James,” Stacey replied, opening her book from where she left off. “And you’re welcome.” She called to him once more and Lance turned around to face her. “Close the door on the way out.”

“Sure,” Lance replied as he opened the door.

He slipped outside, giving his sister a smile before closing it behind him. He then leaned back against the door, closed his eyes, and let out a heavy sigh. She had no idea that she had given him advice in more ways than one. Unfortunately, she also made his problems that much more complicated.

He bounded down the stairs just as the doorbell rang. “I got it,” he called, lifting his hands to slap at the section of wall above him. He jumped down past the last two stairs before heading to the front door, grasping the door handle to pull it open.

“Hey, D,’ he greeted Darren before stepping aside, allowing his friend into his house. “Don’t you normally just barge in?”

“You’ve been out of the city for too long, slick,” Darren replied with a teasing smile as he stepped into the house, brushing snow from his hair before removing the scarf from his neck. “Crime rate’s gone up since you left. People are startin’ to lock their doors now.” He wrapped his scarf around his head. Wonderin’ what you were up to. Want to head out to the Fire Station?”

“Let me just tell mom where I’m going,” Lance replied, clapping him on the shoulder. He then turned on his heels and made his way into the kitchen. “Smells good in here.” He reached up a hand and gently flicked the sprig of mistletoe over the doorway. “Are you making your famous egg nogg?”

“Of course I am,” Diane replied, moving to turn down the volume of the radio which was pouring Christmas music into the kitchen.

“Mmmm, I can taste it right now,” Lance said, licking his lips. “So, uh, mom, Darren’s here. Mind if I go hang out for a little while?” Diane peered over at her before making her way to the oven, opening the door to check on some cookies. Lance smiled as the warm, smell of cookies wafted to his nose.

“Sweetheart, if it’s not rehearsals at church, it’s going out to see your friends—“

“And that’s a problem?” Lance asked.

“No, of course not,” Diane replied, closing the oven door to look over at her son. “Sweetie, you’ve been gone for so long, I know it’s important to see your friends.” She stepped over to him and cupped his cheeks with her hands. “You don’t get to see them that often, I understand. I just want you to slow down and relax. Enjoy your time at home.”

“I am, mom, don’t worry,” Lance replied, moving to sit on the counter. “I’m just worried about Anna.”

Diane sighed, nodding her head. “I know you are, sweetie,” she replied, “I’m worried about them, too.” She pulled a bowl of a cream colored mixture towards her, starting to stir it with a whisk. “Ryan insists that everything is ok, but I can’t help but worry. Anna still has a year and a half of high school to get through, and then there’s the idea of college and what she plans on doing in the future.”

“With Caroline out of the picture, and his injury…it’s just a mess over there. I’m sure they’ll come through everything just fine. They will make it through with God’s good grace and with faith. I’m trying not to get involved, but it’s hard to see your friends go through something like this. I can only imagine how hard it is for you and Darren to have to sit through as well. But, I’ve been keeping them in my prayers as of late. If there’s anything I can do, it’s that.”

“Hey, D, come here a minute,” Lance said, closing his eyes for a brief moment before he started to kick his legs back and forth, his heels thumping up against the cabinet doors behind him. There was a shuffling sound and Darren walked into the room.

“Hi, Mrs. Bass,” Darren greeted the woman before giving her a hug.

“Hello, Darren,” Diane replied as she stepped back from the hug. “Are you and your family joining us for Christmas dinner this year?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Darren replied with a nod of his head. He then looked over at Lance. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.” He draped his scarf over his shoulder before sliding his hands into his pants pockets. “I’m worried about them too.”

“Well, I at least hope the two of you haven’t tried to give them any money or anything,” Diane said with a shake of her head.

“I tried to convince her to enter the Miss Snowflake pageant,” Darren commented, scratching the side of his neck.

“Oh, Darren, you know how important pageants were to both Anna and Caroline,” Diane said, planting a hand on her hip, turning to look over at Darren. “It’s no wonder she wouldn’t do it.”

“The prize money was good enough,” Darren replied with a shrug.

“Johnny called, saying that our bass player is leaving at the end of this tour,” Lance spoke up, “and he wants us to keep an eye out for any other musicians to take his place.” He looked over at his mom before bringing his foot up onto the counter. “I was thinkin’ of bringing it up with Anna, see if she wanted to audition. If she gets hired, it could cover any expenses they may have.”

“I talked to Stace about it, and she doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Said that I shouldn’t save Anna from this; that she needs to save herself. But, the thing is…I spent so much time trying to get out of here by any means necessary, I didn’t see that things were getting so hard for her. I think that’s why she doesn’t want to talk to me; because I was able to get out and to do something to make all this money, while she and her family are struggling, when I’ve always been there to help her with everything.”

“James, don’t start feelin’ bad about your success,” Diane said in a warning tone, shaking her head. “We’re all proud of you, and you should be too. You’ve worked so hard for what you’ve accomplished.”

“I know,” Lance replied with a groan before running his hands over his face. “I am, mom. Believe me, after everything with Lou, I couldn’t be more proud than what we’ve accomplished despite all the crap he’s put us through.” Diane gave him a warning look. “Stuff.’ All the ‘stuff’ he’s put us through. Sorry, mom.”

“Mrs. B, with all due respect, there has to be something we can do,” Darren said, dipping his finger into the cream concoction in the bowl in front of her. He quickly retreated his hand when Diane slapped at it and gave her a sheepish grin before sticking his finger into his mouth. “We can’t just sit here and watch her family go under.”

“Boys, I understand that you’re worried, but I must ask the two of you respect Ryan’s wishes and to stay out of it,” Diane replied. She waved her hands at the two of them before ushering them towards the door. “Now, shoo, shoo. There won’t be any eggnog or Christmas cookies to taste this year if you don’t let me finish baking.”

“I’ll be back later, mom,” Lance said, moving to follow Darren out the kitchen door.  “The Snowflake Pageant?”

“It was the only idea I had at the time,” Darren replied with a shrug. “It’s better than nothing. Seriously, Lance, I’ve never seen her this depressed before. She’s good at hiding behind her wall—“

“But, it’ll crack and crumble eventually,” Lance agreed with a nod and Dareen muttered a “yeahh.” Lance headed to the hall closet to get his coat and a scarf. “So, how is she on bass? Good enough to get in with Johnny?”

“Hard to tell, but then again, I’m not a musician,” Darren replied as Lance zipped up his coat. “Johnny would be the best to figure that out one way or another.” Lance “hmm-ed” under his breath as he adjusted the scarf around his neck before reaching for the pile of shoes on the floor. “You have an idea?”

“Being around Justin, Chris, and Joey for this long,” Lance said as he slipped his feet into his shoes, “you start to learn how to think outside the box when you want to get around things.” Darren gave him a confused look. “What if we had Annaleigh audition for Johnny without her knowing about it?”

A small smile came to Darren’s face, “If things work out-“

“It could be the best Christmas gift she could ever get,” Lance agreed with a nod. “Let’s just hope she’s in the Christmas spirit.”

Darren nodded.