(Wednesday, December 1, 1999)

"Are you still with me, Michelle?"

Head snapping up at the sound of her name being spoken, she jumped visibly, her green eyes wide. She had not allowed herself to drift away from the conversation out of rudeness, but rather out of boredom. She'd never been one for sitting still during a boring meeting, though she was sure he'd realized that by now.

"I'm sorry," was the sheepish response as she averted her eyes from his paternal gaze.

"I'm aware that this isn't the most interesting stuff, but I really need you to try and pay attention. It's important."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Wright," she repeated, tucking a strand of her blonde locks behind her ear.

"No need to apologize, honey. Just try to give me a few more minutes of your time."

Nodding, she crossed one leg over the other casually and leaned forward, hoping to appear interested. In reality, this was the only position she could think of to keep from falling asleep!

"So basically, as I was saying…"

As he continued to drone on, Michelle couldn't help but allow her eyes to float to the various plaques behind his head, adorning the walls of the comfortable office. She really was trying to pay attention! It just wasn't easy!

Glancing up from his papers, Johnny realized he'd lost the girl's attention once more. Try as he might, he couldn't help the gentle smile that formed on his lips. "Alright kiddo," he said with a light chuckle. "You win this time."

Snapping to attention, Michelle blinked several times as she glanced over at him, trying to read his expression. He didn't SOUND angry! So that was a good sign! "I really am sorry. I'm not trying to be rude or disrespectful, I just…" She trailed off, unsure of what to say. Even if he WASN'T angry, she was sure he'd get there quickly if she told him just how boring she deemed their meeting to be!

"You're bored," he finished for her, a knowing smile on her face. He chuckled once more at the `deer-in-headlights' expression on her face. "I've been doing this for years. That's a LOT of boring meetings. You're not the first with a short attention span, and you won't be the last."

"Does this mean you're finished with me?" She asked, an almost hopeful quality to her voice.

"For right now," he affirmed with a nod. "I think it'd probably be best to give you a couple of days to look over everything. I will, however, want to meet with both you and your parents after you've gotten a lawyer to go over all the fine print."

"That's all there's left to do then?" She asked, almost disbelieving.

"Well, yes and no. It's the last bit left before we can get the ball rolling, but then, we've really got to get to work."

She couldn't help the smile that formed on her lips at the revelation. Everything she'd worked for, everything she'd been waiting for was just a simple signature away. It took everything she had to keep from demanding a pen and signing her life away right then and there!

"Should I call you after I've had my lawyer look over the papers, or should I just come back?" She questioned curiously.

"Give my secretary a call. She'll set up another meeting for us."

With a nod, she pushed herself to her feet, grabbing the belongings she'd come with. "I really can't thank you enough for all you've done, Mr. Wright."

"We're just now getting started, sweetheart. I haven't done much of anything."

Laughing incredulously, she shook her head. "Are you kidding me? You've given me the opportunity of a lifetime!"

"You did that for yourself," he reminded her. "I just gave you a boost in the right direction." Closing the manila folder on his desk, he handed it to Michelle before offering her a smile. "Take your time with these, honey. There's always room to negotiate if you aren't happy with the clauses stated in the contract."

Accepting the folder from the older man's hands, Michelle clutched the file to her chest as if she was afraid it would disappear unless she held on for dear life. Her future was now in her hands, both figuratively and literally. She just hoped she had the strength and courage to take the reins and head down the path that would no doubt change her life forever.

Feeling as if all had been said on the matter, Michelle made her way to the door with the intention of showing herself out. However, Johnny had other plans in mind as he followed, pulling the door open for her. "After you," he said with a bright smile, before following her from the room. As the pair made their way down the hallway leading back to the waiting area of the building, Johnny felt the need to offer one last bit of advice.

"If there's anything you need help understanding about the contract, please know that my phone line is always open."

"You've already done so much for me. I wouldn't feel right bothering you."

"It's not a bother, honey," he assured her. "I'm here to help you, and to advise you. That's why I'm called a manager," he reminded her with a light chuckle. "Please do not hesitate to get in contact if you need anything."

Feeling as though he was genuine with the offer, she nodded in response. "If I need anything, I will give you a call."

"That's all that I ask," he said. "Now, I want you to get on out of here, go home, and celebrate. You deserve it."

Unable to stop her smile, she nodded once more. "Thank you one again, Mr. Wright."

"You're welcome, kiddo. Remember, the phone lines are always open."

Though she felt it would be repetitive and annoying to thank him once more, her southern manners took over and she found herself thanking him again, not just for all he'd done, but also for all he'd promised to do.

Finally saying goodbye to her manager, Michelle headed towards the front door, pausing for a moment to speak to the secretary behind the desk. The older lady had always been pleasant whenever Michelle had called to schedule an appointment, or dropped in to visit with Johnny, and Michelle had repaid her in kind by always offering a pleasant hello whenever she saw her. "How's it going today, Miss June?"

"Oh, it's going, honey," June responded with a kind smile. "Are you needing to set up another appointment with Mr. Wright?"

"I'll have to call and let you know for sure, but do you think you could keep Monday afternoon open for me just in case?"

"Absolutely honey," June said with a nod as she flipped the page in her appointment book and scribbled Michelle's name in. "Just give me a call if things change."

"Will do, Miss June. Thanks a lot."

"My pleasure, honey. Drive carefully now."

~*~

We've been waiting all year for this night

And the snow is glistening on the trees outside

And all the stockings are hung by the fireside

Waiting for Santa to arrive

And all the love will show

`Cause everybody knows

It's Christmastime and

All the kids will see the gifts under the tree

It's the best time of year for the family

The melodic voice singing to her through her car's speakers was the only sound Michelle Thomas heard as she made her way through the busy Orlando streets. The air had turned chilly as the sun set in the distance, the orange glow glinting off the hood of her car, nearly blinding her. She felt as if she'd been driving around for hours, though in reality, it had only been twenty minutes.

The meeting with Johnny had gone better than she could have ever dreamed. The ball was in her court now, and all that was keeping her away from the dream she'd worked so hard to obtain was one tiny signature—HER signature.

It's a wonderful feeling

Feel the love in the room from the floor to the ceiling

It's that time of year

Christmastime is here

And with the blessings from above

God sends you his love

And everything's okay

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

A small smile formed on her lips as she listened to the words. Christmas was just weeks away, and she couldn't help but feel that she needed to make this Christmas special. It would be the last year that she would be Michelle Thomas, nobody from Hicksville, USA. It was a good, though slightly unnerving feeling.

Pulling into the driveway of her home, she sat for a moment and allowed the song to play through its entirety. However, as she was going to turn the car off, the radio deejay's raspy voice came over the line. "And that was NSYNC with "Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays". I've got some good news regarding the man choir for all of you lovely young ladies out there! After a nasty legal battle with Papa Lou, it appears that America's favorite boy band is free from Trans Con's death grip!"

"According to a statement made by the group, fans can look for a new album out this spring! In other news…"

Ignoring the rest of the deejay's statement, Michelle couldn't help but give a mental `Hell yeah' over the fact that the boy band had triumphed. She didn't know much about the group, other than her best friend McKenzie was completely over the moon for the curly haired one. However, their music was definitely easy on the ears, and she hated the thought of anyone taking advantage of them.

"That's why you need to take a good, long look at the contract before you sign. So that you don't fall into the same trap," she reminded herself. Reaching for her bag, her fingers brushed against the manila envelope which contained her future. She lifted it from the seat and removed the keys from the ignition before she climbed from the car and headed up the front walkway to her porch.

She slid her key into the lock, though before she even turned it, the sound of it sliding out place could be heard before the door was pulled open. Standing there, in a pair of sweat pants and muscle shirt, complete with a mustard stain, was her brother.

Her nose wrinkled in disgust as he shoved the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth before he spoke. "Howdaneetingo?"

"You disgust me Michael," she said with a shake of her head. "You were taught better than that mess."

Rolling his eyes, he swallowed the bit of sandwich in his mouth before he cleared his throat. "Brat. I said, how'd the meeting go?"

"You'd better watch how you talk me. I'd hate for you to not to get ride in my new Ferrari once I'm all over MTV!"

His lips curved into a lazy smile as he read between the lines of her overly sarcastic statement. "It went well, huh?"

Try as she might, her disgusted act was immediately dropped as her lips slid into a smile almost identical to his. "It went… better than well. Everything is finally falling into place. All that's left is my signature and then I'll be officially signed to Jive Records!"

Unable to contain himself, Michael lifted his sister into his arms and spun her around. This was something she'd been working towards for what seemed like forever now. And now, she was getting exactly what she wanted out of life. He couldn't have been happier for her. "That's great Chelle! I'm so proud of you!"

A delicate blush crept onto her cheeks once he lowered her to her feet. Their relationship was playful, though it was obvious to anyone with eyes that they were closer than most siblings. To know that she had her brother's approval meant the world to her.

Pulling away from his sister, he glanced down at her face and wrinkled his nose when he saw the unshed tears in her eyes. "Are you crying? You're such a freaking baby," he said with a roll of his eyes, though he drew her in for another hug. "What's the matter with you? Your whole life is about to change, and you're standing here, crying!"

"I'm not crying!"

"Liar," he said, his voice full of disgust. "I swear, what am I going to do with you, kid?"

~*~

(Later that evening)

"I'd like to make a toast!"

Sitting in the back booth of the crowded diner, Michelle couldn't help but feel that this was neither the time nor the place! Sure, most of the other patrons were acquaintances of theirs, but surely they didn't care about the goings on in her life! "Mike, really. That's not—"

"Att!" Pointing a finger at her, he narrowed his eyes. "I want to do it, so just sit back and hush! I'm not going to make a big production and embarrass you."

A delicate blush crept onto Michelle's cheeks as she lowered her eyes, attempting to focus on anything other than her brother!

"Where was I? Oh yeah! A toast! In honor of my brilliant, talented little sister—"

"—who's younger by just five minutes," she pointed out, as was custom.

"—who has made me prouder than anyone could ever imagine. Chelle, you deserve everything that's coming to you and---"

"Has anyone ever told you how long-winded you are?"

Scowling at the interruption, Michael tossed a hate glance in his sister's friend's direction. "Ever heard the saying `Children should be SEEN and not heard', Kenz?"

"A time or two, yeah," Mackenzie Randall said with a shrug, dipping her French fry into her massive puddle of ketchup before shoving the mess into her mouth.

"That's real ladylike, Kenz. I'm sure your mother would be proud."

Cocking a challenging eyebrow in his direction, Mackenzie opened her mouth to respond, though was quickly cut short when her friend's hand clapped over her mouth. "Children, am I going to need to separate you?" Michelle asked, casting each of them a bored glance.

"No mother," Mackenzie responded, a smirk on her face.

Though his sister had cut the conversation off, Michael couldn't help but poke his tongue out of his mouth in Mackenzie's direction. Though she rolled her eyes and appeared rather annoyed with his childish antics, Mackenzie couldn't the smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

As she sat in the booth, her brother across from her and her best friend at her side, Michelle couldn't help but think that this is what she would miss the most. Though Michael and Mackenzie acted as if they couldn't stand one another, Michelle knew better. Having Mackenzie around was like having an extra sibling, as far as they were both concerned. Though Michael liked to pretend otherwise, without Mackenzie, he'd be as lost as Michelle would be.

Once their check had come and they'd paid, the trio made their way casually from the diner. Leading the way was Michael, desperate to get out of the chilly night air, leaving Michelle and Mackenzie walking, arms linked. Turning, Michelle cast a glance back at the diner that had been their hangout for as long as she could remember. She knew, that after Monday, things were going to change drastically. All of her memories of her time at the diner would be just that—memories.

Nudging her gently, Mackenzie offered her friend a warm smile. "You okay?"

"Just thinking," she said with a sad smile.

Mackenzie's smile fell when she noticed the look on her friend's face. "What's the matter?"

"Can you imagine how different things are going to be this time next year, Kenz?"

"Sure," she said with a nod. "Things are going to be different, but they'll be great."

Stopping completely, Michelle glanced at her friend, fear clouding her green eyes. "What if it's not great? What if I hate it? What if—"

"--what if you shut up before I sock you?! I've known you for what? Ten years now? You've been singing for as long as I can remember," she said. "Singing is your passion. Singing is your life. I know it's a scary thing, but this is your dream, Chelle. You won't be happy doing anything else."

Feeling almost ungrateful, Michelle dropped her head, clearly ashamed of her conflicted feelings. Everything Mackenzie said was the truth. This was what she had been working for, and to pass it up because she was afraid was moronic. The sound of a horn blowing startled them both, and when Mackenzie realized it was Michael that had tooted at them, she raised her hand in an unfriendly gesture!

"You're right," Michelle conceded with a nod. "I'm being stupid about this whole thing."

"Not stupid. Cautious. And there's nothing wrong with that."

"I don't know what I'd do without you, Kenz. You always put things in perspective for me."

"That's what friends are for, Chelle. You just remember all I do for you once the hotties start rolling in. Particularly those NSYNC hotties."

Rolling her eyes playfully, Michelle shook her head. "Please, Mackenzie. Don't you think you're a little old for those teenybopper crushes?"

"Too old? Please, honey. I've got the advantage," she said, offering her a wicked grin. "Between the twelve year old teenyboppers, and me, who stands a better chance of nabbing Justin Timberlake?"

"Britney Spears."

"Ouch," Mackenzie responded, clapping her hand over her chest as if she was wounded. "That hurts, Chelle. That hurts me deeply."

"I'm sure you'll survive." Though their exchange was playful and silly, Michelle already felt as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. Things were going to change. That was for certain. But there was another thing Michelle had forgotten to account for. No matter what happened, no matter how crazy things got, she'd always have Michael and Mackenzie by her side. And that was good enough for her.