Alexis and Michelle were up EARLY Sunday morning.  The initial plan had been that Alexis, Michelle and Kenny would fly to New York First Class on a commercial flight that got in Sunday afternoon.  That was until Justin offered to let the girls and Kenny, fly with him, JC and Lance on his private jet.  Chris and Joey would be flying in separately. 

“Ugh! This is TOO early!” Alexis groaned as she stumbled into the kitchen.

She was dressed in a pair of track pants, a V-neck t-shirt and a pair of tennis shoes with her hair pulled back into a loose pony tail.

Michelle giggled then handed her sister a cup of coffee.

“You think this is early just wait until tomorrow.  You have a radio interview, a fitting with April AND rehearsal for the performance and that is just before lunch.”

Alexis groaned, rubbed the sleep from her eyes then took a LONG sip of her coffee.

“Why did I agree to this again?”

Michelle smirked.  “Umm…because you LOVE music, you love performing, and secretly, even if you won’t admit it, you are OVER THE MOON excited for this week!”

Alexis cracked the tiniest of smiles and nodded before taking another sip of coffee.

“Ok, you got me there.  What time did Justin say the car was coming to pick us up?”

Michelle blushed at the mention of Justin.  She was pretty smitten with him, even if she wasn’t ready to admit it yet. 

“7:30 a.m. so it should be here any minute now.”

Alexis just shook her head and tried not to laugh.  The smile on Michelle’s face was evident and the slight pink hue of her cheeks was saying a lot more than words could.  Michelle was falling hard, or she was completely gone already.  Alexis was betting the latter.

The car arrived at 7:30 a.m. on the dot.  About a half hour later they were pulling up to the Tar-mak at LAX.  Justin’s PRIVATE jet was waiting for them, as was Kenny.  He was standing at the foot of the stairs leading up to the plane.

“You’re awake?!” Kenny teased.

Alexis made a face before handing her bag off to a flight attendant. 

“I’m up…and on my way to caffeinated! I’m far from awake.”

Michelle laughed and gave Kenny a knowing look.  “This!  This is what you have to look forward to for three whole months on tour.”

“I’m not worried.” Kenny said seriously.

Michelle smirked.  “You should be.”

Alexis, Michelle and Kenny all boarded the plane to find JC, Justin, Lance and their security already on board. 

“Wow.” Alexis giggled as she took in her surroundings.

“It’s a lot…I know.” Justin said, cracking a smile.

“It’s impressive.  Not at all what I pictured when Michelle explained it but…umm…yeah…impressive just the same.” Alexis answered.

Justin blushed.  He could only imagine what Michelle had told her.

“Thanks.  Make yourself comfortable.  It’s a five -hour flight.” He managed to reply.

Alexis nodded then took her seat next to JC.

“Do you always travel like this?” Alexis asked, still in disbelief.

JC cracked a smile.  “Not always.  Sometimes I fly commercial but this is more fun.”

Alexis giggled a bit more.  “I can see that.”

“Did you want something to drink…Justin has a fully stocked bar.”

Alexis laughed out loud at this.  “Of course, he does.  No…thank you, I’m ok for now.”

JC nodded then smiled.  He could only imagine what she must be thinking right now.  There were probably at least a dozen things running through her head right then.

“Are you excited?” He asked casually.

Alexis blushed.  “Excited, nervous, nauseous and about a million other things I can’t fully describe or comprehend right now.”

JC nodded knowingly.  “I remember that feeling.  It does get easier, but yeah, that first time is always intense.”

“I’ve never really performed in front of such a large crowd before, and it’s televised.” Alexis blurted out.

JC smiled then reached over to take her hand.  With his free hand he lifted her chin and turned it slightly so he could look directly at her.

“Don’t sweat it Pretty Lady! You’ll be great!  I have no doubt about that.”

Alexis couldn’t help but blush as he looked at her.  There was that smile again, the one that did her in nearly every time.

“Thanks.”

“Where are you and Michelle staying in New York?” JC asked.

He’d decided it was time to change the subject.  He didn’t want to make Alexis any more nervous or uncomfortable then she already was.

“The Four Seasons.  What about you?”

JC grinned devilishly.  “Same.”

Alexis made a face.  “How did you manage that?  Coincidence or did you have the inside scoop?”

JC laughed.  “Purely coincidence, I promise, but I am not complaining and I don’t think Justin will either.”

“Michelle and I are sharing a room.” Alexis explained, shaking her head.

JC nodded.  “Makes sense.”

“What about you?”

JC just smiled.  “Am I sharing a room? No.  Back in the day Justin and I frequently shared a room, but now that we are both…umm…grown …and well, Justin has a place here in New York.”

“What about Lance?”

“What about him?” JC replied.

“Are you sharing a room with him?”

JC chuckled. “No. No. Like I said…we are all grown now…”

Alexis giggled a bit.  “I see.  Well, maybe I’ll have to get your room number.”

JC grinned and nodded.  “I think that could be arranged.”

Alexis was quiet for a moment.  She was deep in thought.  Never in her wildest imagination did she ever think she would be here.   Truthfully, she’d always believed that if she ever saw him again it would be in passing, at some event.  They would wave or smile politely, or maybe they wouldn’t, and then go their separate ways.  Now, here she was, on a private jet, sitting next to him, as his girlfriend, headed to the VMA’s where he was presenting and she was nominated AND performing.

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours?” He asked.

Alexis smiled.  “I was just thinking about how surreal this is…all of it, being nominated, performing, being on this jet…with you…”

JC took her hand again and squeezed it gently.  “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

For a five-hour flight it seemed to pass quickly.  Soon, the airplane was making the final descent into NYC.  As soon as they were off the plane two chauffeured cars were waiting.  One would take Justin to his apartment, while the other was waiting to take Alexis, Michelle, JC and Lance to the hotel. 

Justin looked to Michelle with a cute smile.

“I know you probably have a really busy day tomorrow but…”

Michelle blushed.  “Justin…are you inviting me to your apartment?”

Justin grinned.  “I’m tryin’…”

“What about my bags?” Michelle replied as she tried to hide her excitement.

“I got you.” Alexis giggled.

Michelle looked to her sister and bit her lip nervously.  She’d been to Justin’s place in LA but going to his place in New York felt like a big step.

“Go on!  I can handle myself for one night.” Alexis teased.

“Josh…I leave her in your care.” Michelle smirked.

“You can count on me!” JC replied grinning as he saluted her.

Alexis just laughed a little and shook her head.

Behind her Lance snorted a little then smiled.  “You four are nauseatingly adorable…I feel like the fifth wheel!”

Alexis softened a bit.  She knew that Lance hadn’t been having an easy time of it as of late. 

“NEVER!  And ANYONE who has a problem with you will have to answer to me!” Alexis replied giving him a wink.

“And me!” Michelle agreed.

“Thanks.” Lance said blushing.

Justin and JC both grinned.  Seeing Alexis and Michelle embrace Lance in that way made their hearts smile just a bit.

The ride to the hotel was short.  In fact, it went by so quick that before Alexis realized what was happening, she was standing in her room with JC.

“How can I help?” JC asked sincerely.

“Help?”

JC smiled again and nodded.  “I’ve been in your shoes.  I can only imagine how you’re feeling right about now.  What can I do? What do you need?”

Alexis felt her heart melt a little.  He was being incredibly sweet. 

“Right now, I think I am ok.  Ask me again tomorrow…”She started.

He smiled and pulled her into him.  “How about some dinner?”

Alexis shook her head and bit her lip. As much as she hated admitting it, she was a bundle of nerves and her stomach was a bit queasy just thinking about the next few days.

“I am not really up to going out, and, well, if I am being honest, I’m not really hungry.”

JC pulled back a bit then looked down at her.  He knew EXACTLY how she felt. 

“We don’t need to go out…we can order in, and although you are probably feeling pretty queasy right about now you should eat, even if it’s just something small.”

Alexis looked up at him in disbelief.  He really did understand what she was going through.

“How do you do that?” Alexis asked as she bit her bottom lip.

JC cracked a smile.  “Do what?”

“Get in my head like that?”

JC chuckled and popped a kiss on her head. 

“Like I said, I’ve been here before and well…I know you Lexi.”

Alexis nodded then allowed herself to relax into his embrace.  It felt good.  She felt a wave of calm wash over her. 

JC wrapped his arms around her again and pulled her into him, letting her head rest on his chest.  For several moments they just stood there, her wrapped in his arms and him enjoying every moment of it.

“Tell you what, why don’t you go get comfortable in the bedroom.  Kick off your shoes, cozy up under the covers, whatever you need to do to relax and I will take care of ordering us food.” JC said, the smile evident in his voice.

Alexis sighed then mumbled into JC’s shirt.  “I’m really not hungry, and even if I was, I am not sure I could keep it down.”

JC nodded.  “Yup, that’s totally normal.  I remember our first awards show, I thought I was going to hurl several times, and I am pretty sure Lance did, at least once.  But, you should eat, even if it is just something light for the next few days.  Trust me on this, you’ll be glad you did.”

Alexis nodded ok but didn’t respond verbally.  Instead, she gave him a quick hug and a peck on the cheek before pulling away and heading for the bedroom.

About a half hour later Room Service arrived.

“You stay right there, I’ve got this.” JC said before jumping up from the bed.

Alexis smiled a bit, shook her head then sat up a bit more in the bed.  Moments later JC returned with the Room Service cart.  There were two, fold out trays on the shelves of the cart.  One by one he set them up on the bed then placed the cloches on top before sitting down next to her.

Alexis looked at him and made a face.

“What did you get me?”

JC grinned.  “Just trust me.”

Cautiously, Alexis lifted the cloche from her tray and then couldn’t help but bite her lip and shake her head at what she saw on the tray.  Back in the day, when they had been just friends this was what she’d eaten for breakfast any time she had a choir or dance competition.  The fact that he knew that and remembered made her heart melt a thousand times over.

On the plate in front of her was a bowl of yogurt with a smaller container of granola next to it, two pieces of toast with peanut butter and honey and a cup of peppermint hot tea with honey. 

“How did you…I can’t believe you…” Alexis stuttered.

“I’m gifted.” JC teased.

Alexis snorted a bit.  “Is that what you’re calling it?”

JC feigned hurt.  “You doubt me?”

Alexis laughed.  “Never.”

The rest of the day was spent just relaxing and enjoying each other’s company.  Alexis woke up the next morning feeling nervous still, but not nearly as much, thanks to JC.

At 8:00 a.m. Alexis, Kenny and Michelle were walking into the studio at one of the local radio stations.  Michelle had spent the night with Justin at his NYC apartment, but was all smiles and bearing coffee when she walked into meet her sister.

“Your night must have gone well.” Alexis teased as Michelle offered her a cup.

Michelle blushed.  “It’s possible.”

Alexis smirked. “Yeah, whatever.  I know that look.”

Michelle took the opportunity to tease right back.  “Do you?”

Alexis just shook her head.  “Are you really asking me that?”

Michelle busted out laughing.  “No. Not really.”

“Didn’t think so.” Alexis smirked.

The radio interview went well.  The DJ asked Alexis about the album, being nominated and collaborating with *NSYNC.  Alexis couldn’t help but smile and laugh as she answered.  Recording with *NSYNC had definitely been an experience she wouldn’t easily forget.

After the radio interview it was off to a fitting for the VMA’s. 

Shortly before noon Alexis and Michelle entered April’s New York studio.

“Wow!” Alexis breathed out as they entered the space.

There was fabric everywhere.  Swatches in every style and color and in one corner of the room, two mannequins each with a different but equally gorgeous outfit on them. 

April grinned.  “You like them?”

Alexis bit her lip and nodded.  “They are AMAZING!  Are they both…”

April nodded.  “Yeah.  The sparkly one that comes off one shoulder is your performance outfit and the purple gown with the shag skirt is your dress for the red carpet and the ceremony.”

“They are GORGEOUS!”

April beamed.  “Well, of course, you’re going to the VMA’s, wearing MY designs.  If you look good then I look good.”

Alexis giggled.  “True.”

Minutes later Alexis was standing in front of a mirror dressed in the performance outfit.  It was a silver, sparkly mini dress with one sleeve that came off the shoulder on the other side.  It fit like a glove and hugged all of her curves in all the right places. 

“What shoes am I supposed to wear with this?” Alexis asked as she continued to eye herself in the mirror.

April grinned.  “Hmm.  Well…if it were me, I’d wear heels…totally blinged out heels…or high heel boots, but I know you’re going to be dancing so wear whatever is easiest for you to move in.”

Alexis nodded.  “Do you have any ideas on where I could get some killer boots to go with this?”

April smiled.  “I’ll take care of it.  Size 7, right?”

Alexis bit her lip and nodded again.  “Yes.”

“And for the dress?” April replied.

“Heels please…Josh is my date and well…” Alexis replied blushing.

This time it was April who bit her lip and grinned.  “I got you!”

“Is it weird for you?” Alexis blurted out.

April gave her sister a look.  “Is what weird?”

Alexis blushed.  “Umm…all of this…designing clothes for your sisters for the VMA’s, having your twin sister date your ex, watching your twin and your little sister walk the Red Carpet with 2/5 of one the biggest boybands of all time.”

April laughed.  “That last one is a little weird, but the rest…nah…those worked out for the best.  Josh is with the Moretti he was meant to be with.”

Alexis blushed again.  “Thanks.  It means a lot that you would say that.”

April nodded. “I mean it.  Josh deserves to be happy, so do you, and I can tell you two make each other happy.”

“How can you tell?”

April laughed.  “It’s all over your face.”

“Is it?”

April smirked.  “I’m afraid so, but you wear it well.”

“Thank you.”

“You wear that outfit well too…DAMN Lexi…you’re gonna make him squirm for sure.” April teased.

Alexis smirked.  “Good!”

At this April and Michelle couldn’t help but laugh.  Yes, Josh had definitely met his match.  There was no girl in the world more perfect for him than Lexi.  April realized that now.

After the fitting it was over to Radio City Music Hall for rehearsal.  Because Alexis had a special “surprise” guest as part of her performance the rehearsal was closed to everyone who wasn’t deemed “necessary.”

Once rehearsal was over it was back to the hotel for some much needed rest.  The next few days seemed to pass by in a blur.  Now the big night had arrived.

Alexis found herself standing in her hotel bedroom, in front of a full-length mirror just staring at her reflection.  She didn’t recognize herself.  She was a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl and here she was in a gown fit for a princess. 

“Josh is going to cream himself.” Michelle teased as she entered the room.

Alexis cracked a smile.  “I doubt that.”

Michelle grinned more.  “Wanna bet?”

Alexis laughed. “Not really, no.”

“Because you know I’d win.”

Alexis smirked a bit.  “You are awfully confident this evening.”

“You’re not?!”

Alexis made a face.  “No! I’m a mess!  I feel silly in this dress, I’m nervous about performing and …”

Michelle’s eyes softened.  “Ok, stop! It’s completely natural to be nervous.  I would be concerned if you weren’t, but here is what I know as FACT…first, you look AMAZING! Seriously, April outdid herself with that dress! Second, your performance is going to be INCREDIBLE.  You are going to set that stage on FIRE tonight! And, as for your nomination…yeah…you have some stiff competition but even if you don’t win this is just the beginning.  Your talent is undeniable and the whole world is going to know that after tonight.”

“You’re my sister, you have to say that.” Alexis replied, her eyes brimming.

Michelle crossed the room and put a hand on her sister’s shoulder.  “Yes, I’m your sister, but, NO, I don’t have to say that. I say that because it’s the truth and if you don’t believe me …”

It was then that there was a knock at the door.

“That’s probably Kenny.” Alexis replied as she tried to blink back tears.

Michelle nodded and went for the door.

It was Justin.

“WOW!” Justin breathed out when Michelle opened the door.

“Thanks.” Michelle replied blushing.

Just then Alexis stepped into view.  Justin caught her gaze and immediately his eyes softened.  He knew exactly what was going on inside her head. It was written all over her face.

Instinctively, he bit his lip and smiled at her.

“Hey.” Justin said as he looked to her.

“Hi.” Alexis replied.

He smiled a bit more and then nodded.  “Breathe! In and out! You’re gonna KILL IT tonight! Just like you did at your release party and in front of Clive!  AND…you look AMAZING so don’t sweat it! You make that dress…not the other way around!”

Michelle beamed at him then looked to her sister.  “I told you! And he’s NOT family so…”

“Not yet.” Justin teased.

Michelle’s jaw dropped causing Alexis to giggle.

“What?! JC is like a brother to me, and well…” Justin protested.

This time it was Alexis who made a face.

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Alexis smirked.

“I really don’t think I am.” Justin replied.

Alexis could only smile and shake her head.  “And on that note…”

There was another knock at the door.  This time it was Kenny…and JC.  JC took one look at Alexis standing just beyond the door, his heart stopped and his jaw fell to the floor.  She looked STUNNING! 

“Well…FUCK!” JC muttered to himself.

He was in love with her, that much was certain, and seeing her now, dressed in that dress, the look of complete panic in her eyes was his undoing. 

He gave Justin a pointed look.  Justin just smiled and nodded. 

“C’mon Michelle…let’s go wait downstairs.” Justin said, offering his arm.

Michelle gave her sister a wink then took Justin’s arm and quickly exited.  She’d caught the look JC had given Justin and therefore knew exactly what the two men were up to, and she wasn’t going to argue about it in the least.

With Justin and Michelle now gone that just left Kenny, but like Michelle, Kenny knew exactly what was happening.

“I’ll wait outside.” Kenny said, giving JC a look.

JC nodded and smiled then turned his attention back to Alexis.

In the next instant he was standing in front of her.  His hand went to her chin, lifting her gaze to meet his.

“Hey, Pretty lady!” He whispered.

“Hey.” She whispered back.

He cracked a smile and stepped a bit closer so that their faces were nearly touching.

“I know what you’re thinking! Don’t sweat it! You’ve got this!”

Alexis opened her mouth to speak but JC quieted her quickly.

“You’re a FORCE Alexis Moretti…I’ve known that since the day I met you.”

Alexis tried a second time to speak, but was immediately silenced again.  JC put a finger to her lips and smiled.

“You’re nervous, I get that.  It’s completely natural and totally acceptable.  I still get nervous, but I know that nervous or not, you’re are going to KILL IT on stage tonight and DAMN do you look GORGEOUS in that dress!”

Alexis blushed but stayed quiet.

JC took that as his cue.  He snaked his arms around her waist and pulled her into him, letting his head rest against her forehead and his lips hover over hers.

“I’m not saying all this just because I am in love with you.  I am saying this as someone who has been in the business for 15 years.”

He paused briefly then continued.

“Yes Lexi, I know we’ve both said it but I want you to know, I mean it, I’m in love with you.  You’re the one.  You’re the one I want to spend my life with.”

Alexis’s eyes went wide and her heart started to pound in her chest. 

“Josh…are you proposing to me? Right now?”

He cracked a smile.

“No.  Not YET.”

“Yet?!” Alexis managed to reply.

JC grinned.  “That’s correct.”

Alexis bit her lip.  “And just what I am supposed to do with that admission?”

JC grinned more.  “Go show the world the woman I’m head over feet in love with.”

Alexis couldn’t help but laugh.  “Well ok then.”

Moments later they were headed down to the car that was already outside the hotel waiting.  Lance and his mom had gone ahead in another car.  Justin and Michelle had done the same.  The group was only presenting, not performing so they’d agreed to that it wasn’t necessary to walk the red carpet together.

As soon as Alexis and JC stepped out onto the Red Carpet the cameras started flashing from every direction.  Yes, there had been Paparrazi at the *NSYNC album release party and she’d been on the Jumbo-tron with JC at the baseball game for his birthday but neither compared to this moment.   

However, much to Alexis’s surprise JC took the questions like a champ.

“JC, how long have you and Danielle been dating?”

“We’ve been dating for a couple of months but we’ve known each other a long time.” JC answered.

“How did you meet?”

JC smiled.  “We met at Disney World, back during my MMC days.”

“Danielle, is it true that Justin Timberlake is dating your sister?”

Alexis laughed a little.  “You’d have to ask them that.  I don’t like to comment on either of my sisters’ personal lives.”

“Are you nervous about performing tonight?”

Alexis blushed.  “Honestly, I am a bit nervous but as it was pointed out to me by two gentlemen I happen to admire, who have experience with this, being nervous is normal and healthy so I am trying to just embrace it and enjoy the evening.”

“Who are you most excited to see?”

Alexis grinned and bit her lip.  “I’m really looking forward to Mr. Timberlake’s performance as well as Shakira and Christina Aguilera.  All of the performances, really.”

It was then that event security appeared to usher them along.  As far as Red Carpets go it wasn’t bad at all, but Alexis was still thankful it was over.

“See, you ROCKED that!” JC said, whispering in her ear.

Alexis could only blush and nod.

It wasn’t very long after that they were escorted to their seats. The men of *NSYNC were seated together but everyone else had already made it to their seats.  Alexis and JC were the last to arrive. 

“What took you so long?” Michelle whispered in her sister’s ear.

Alexis blushed and giggled a bit.  She hadn’t forgotten about her conversation with JC in the hotel less than an hour earlier.

“I’ll tell you later.” Alexis replied quietly.

Michelle looked over at her sister briefly.  Alexis had a weird expression on her face.  One that Michelle was not accustomed to, it intrigued her.

“What happened? Did you two…” Michelle asked making a face.

Alexis giggled.  “No. No. Nothing like that…he said something…”

“What did he say?” Michelle insisted.

Alexis’s eyes were wide now.  “I told you…I will tell you later…there are too many ears here.”

The house lights dimmed and the show started.   Jack Black went through his opening monologue and for the most part the show proceeded without incident. 

Justin’s performance was mid-way through the show.  The whole stage went dark and then the beat to “My love” started and TV screens arching over the stage began to illuminate as Justin rose up out of a platform in the center of the crowd.   As soon as he appeared on the stage Michelle grabbed her sister’s hand and began to squeeze.  Given their surroundings Alexis knew that Michelle was trying desperately not to “fan girl” in front of everyone.

Alexis could only giggle and shake her head as her eyes darted back and forth between Justin and her sister.  He was an AMAZING performer, no doubt about it, but seeing him this close definitely made Alexis take a bit more notice.

Then he started to sing and it was all Alexis could do to keep from laughing as Michelle dug her fingers into her hand.  It was obvious, at least to Alexis, that Justin was singing to Michelle, especially since he kept pointing out into the crowd towards where they were sitting.

The whole auditorium erupted in applause as he finished but it was what the person sitting behind them said as the lights came back up that caught Alexis and Michelle’s attention.

“That man is a SNACK!” A young female voice behind them said.

Joey and JC, who both heard as well just chuckled and shook their heads.  However, before anyone had a chance to react Michelle had whipped around in her seat and was addressing the young woman.

“No Ma’am! I’m a GROWN woman…I don’t have time for a snack. THAT man is a Full course meal complete with appetizers and a dessert that keeps on giving but also leaves you wanting more. Trust me!” *

Alexis snorted quietly, then began to laugh, meanwhile JC and Joey were trying very hard not to totally crack up. 

“I’m TOTALLY tellin’ J you said that.” JC whispered once Michelle had settled back down in her seat.

“Go right ahead.” Michelle smirked.

Soon it was time for Alexis to head backstage and prepare for her own performance.  Taking a breath, she started to stand.  Michelle grabbed her arm and pulled her back down momentarily. 

“You are going to KILL IT!” Michelle whispered.

Alexis blushed and nodded then winked at her sister. 

Backstage Alexis ran into Justin.  He was just coming out of a dressing room after changing out of his performance suit.

“GIRL! Go ROCK this!”

Alexis giggled and nodded.  “I’m gonna try.  By the way…that was IMPRESSIVE…I might have to have you teach me some of those moves when we are on tour.”

Justin grinned.  “Only if you teach me some of yours.”

Alexis laughed. “Done.”

Before she realized what was happening, Alexis was standing in the dressing room in front of the full-length mirror, staring at her reflection again.

The dress sparkled in the light.  In fact, if Alexis hadn’t known any better, she would have bet that it was made from just glitter. It was silver, with one strap, that came off one shoulder.  The hem of her dress stopped just below her butt, revealing the white bloomers she wore beneath.  On her legs, a pair of knee-high white boots.  Her hair was pulled back in a sleek pony tail that stretched halfway down her back. 

Alexis could only smile and shake her head. 

“Nicely done April!”

“We’re ready when you are.” A stage hand interrupted.

Alexis nodded then followed the stage hand through the backstage area towards the back of the auditorium.

From the other side of the auditorium doors Alexis heard the beat of the song begin and that was when she made her entrance.  Microphone in hand Alexis burst through the doors and started making her way down the aisle towards the stage as the beat played. Her hips swayed with the beat as she walked as the crowd started to cheer.

She stopped in the aisle, right next to where Christina Aguilera was standing and grinned at her and winked as she sang the first line of the song.

“She got a body like an hour glass, but I can give it to you all the time.”

Christina grinned back and grooved with her, giving her a wink as well.

Then Alexis proceeded up the aisle and found *NSYNC.  She wrapped her arm around Lance first.   He blushed but played along chuckling and shaking his head the whole time.

“She got a booty like a Cadillac, but I can send you into overdrive.”

Then she moved down the row to JC. She wrapped one arm around his neck and got close.

“You’ve been waiting for that…step on up…swing your bat.”

JC swallowed hard then bit his lip and tried not to blush.

“See anyone could be bad to you, you need a good girl to blow your mind.”

JC chuckled and shook his head.  THIS was the Alexis he remembered.  Fearless and full of spunk, and she was HOTT as hell! 

Alexis took the stage and proceeded through the song until Missy Elliot joined her on stage for the Rap and the crowd went wild! Everyone in the auditorium was on their feet and cheering.  Alexis’s smile was a mile wide as she grooved next to Missy and they finished the song together.

Her performance was everything she hoped it would be and more.  When she finally returned her to seat, she was still smiling.

“That was EPIC!” Justin gushed leaning over Michelle to whisper to her.

Alexis beamed. “Thank you.”

Alexis was up for two awards that evening, Best New Artist in a Video and Best Female video.  As luck would have it, the first award presented that she was nominated for was the Best Female Video.  50 Cent and LL Cool J were the presenters.  Alexis was nominated against Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Nelly Furtado, Madonna and Shakira.  In other words, she was not surprised that she didn’t win in that category, nor was she upset.   Just to be nominated against such amazing artists was worth it in her opinion.

A little bit later in the show *NSYNC walked out on the stage.  They were presenting the award for Best New Artist in a Video.

Alexis was dumbfounded.  She knew they were presenting but had no idea this was the award they would be presenting.  This was the award she was most hopeful for, and as Joey started to speak Michelle reached across the seat and grabbed her sister’s hand again.

“And the nominees for Best New Artist in a Video are….” Joey started.

“Rhianna…SOS.” Justin said.

“James Blunt…for “You’re Beautiful.” Lance added.

“Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana for “Run it” Chris chimed in.

“Panic at the Disco for I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” Joey continued.

“And Danielle M. for Jar of Hearts” JC replied as he tried not to smile too much.

And with each name a small clip of the video started to play.

“And the winner is….” Justin chuckled as JC tore open the envelope.

All five men looked down at the paper, then up at the camera and the audience as huge grins spread across their faces.

“Danielle M. for Jar of Hearts’ they all chorused.

For a moment, Alexis sat there frozen in her seat meanwhile Michelle was jumping up and down and squealing in her seat.

“That’s you! GO! Lexi GO!”

In a haze Alexis stood from her chair and started towards the stage.  A stage hand helped her up the steps and she crossed the stage towards the podium.  She hugged each of the guys but paused briefly as JC hugged you.

“I told you!” He whispered as Lance handed her the Moon Man statue.

Alexis stepped up to the microphone, her eyes wide and tear filled and a smile tugging at her lips.

“OH MY GOSH! I was sure Rhianna or James Blunt were going to win.  WOW! Just WOW! There are so many people to thank…my family, my management, everyone at the label, everyone who worked on the album…but THIS…this one is for my little sister, Michelle!  She’s been my BIGGEST fan since day one! I couldn’t have done ANY of this without you, ‘Chelle! I love you!”

In her seat, Michelle’s eyes were brimming with tears.  She couldn’t have been prouder of her sister.

The rest of the show went by in a blur.  It was a great night and one Alexis wouldn’t soon forget.