The Concert

By Neko

It was the middle of the summer. N'Sync had been on tour most of the time. They enjoyed touring but it was very tiring to them. The end of the tour was almost here however. The guys were up lying around their hotel room. “I’m going to go take a nap.” JC said heading for his room. “Sounds like a good idea.” Justin said. “We have a few days off, so what’s every one plans?” Lance asked. “To rest.” Joey said resting on the couch. “I got things to do with Fuman.” Chris said looking up from him computer. “What about you?” Joey asked. “I’m not sure. I might just mess around.” Lance said.

“That sounds like a good plan. I think I might go home to my house, since we are in Florida.” Justin said. “I don’t care what you do just be in Tampa in five days for the last show. You don’t show up and I’ll kill you.” Chris said. Happy that the last concert of the tour was in five days. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Lance said. Just then Lance’s cell phone rang. He picked it up and talked for a minute. When he hung up he looked over at Joey and Chris.

“I’m going to go I want to spend some time away from you guys. I mean we’ve been together for mouths on end.” Lance said gathering his things. “Yeah we all should spend some time apart.” Joey said. “Great I’m going to go see my mom.” Justin said jumping up.

A day later Lance was in Mississippi with family. He was out later that night clubbing with old friends. It got kind of late and after a few drinks Lance was on his way home. It wasn’t far to where he was staying so he walked. He pulled his hat down and dawned some shades. He figured no one out this late would be looking for him. There was a group of girls a head of him a little ways; they were trying to get in their car. But they had clearly locked the keys in it. “Do you need help?” Lance asked being the kind man he was. “No thanks we already called for help.” One girl said.

It was hard to see who he was on the dark street. There was a street light but it did help much in the way of seeing. Anything other than that he was there. “Okay, bye then.” Lance said and then started to walk off. They watched him as he left. He hadn’t gotten far when they saw a man come out of no where and hit him over the head with something. They saw Lance fall and with out thinking ran to his rescue. The Man started to take off. One of the girls got her cell phone out and called for help while the others went to help Lance.

When they reached him he was knocked out and bleeding badly. He had clearly been hit hard on the head with something. As soon as the girl got off the phone she ran over to join her friends. “Is he dead?” She asked. “I don’t think so.” Another girl said looking for a pulse. It wasn’t long before they heard the police coming. They quickly checked Lance and then loaded him into an ambulance. “Do one of you ladies want to ride with your friend?” The cop asked. “Oh, we don’t really know him, but I’ll go with him any way.” One of them said. “Great what’s your name?’ The cop asked. “My name is Julie.” She said as she climbed in the ambulance. She turned to her three friends. “We guys wait here and then take my car to the hospital.” She told them. “Okay.” One of the said stepping back out of the way. With that they shut the door and the ambulance pulled away.

The three girls that were left turned and looked at each other. They heard a noise then the all three took off for the car. While they had been dealing with the cops the people had already came to unlock their car. So they wasted on time in getting in and locking the doors.

At the Hospital Lance was taken in and looked at, but since his wallet had been taken they really didn’t know who he was for sure. Julie was told to stay out while they looked him over but when they were done they let her go in and see him. When she went in she finally got to see him in the light. He looked very familiar to her, but with his ID missing there was no way to tell for sure. The cops asked her how she had met him and she kindly told them what had happened with her car and everything. They seemed very understanding. It wasn’t long till her friends showed up. They too went in to see him. “Julie what’s going to happen?” One of her friends asked. “Well their going to try to figure out who he is.” Julie said. “That shouldn’t be hard, just ask him when he wakes up.” The other friends said. “It’s not that easy Kim, he got hit pretty hard there is a chance that he might have amnesia.” Julie said. “That’s not cool.” Kathleen said running her hand through her shoulder length wavy brown hair.

Sara looked over and saw his eyes start to move under his closed lids. “I think he’s coming to.” Sara said. They all looked at him. He opened his eyes a little bit and moaned. “Are you okay?” Kathleen asked. Lance opened his eyes a little more and focused in on her. “Where I am?” Lance asked. “Your in the hospital, you got attacked.” Kim said slowly so he could under stand. “Oh, what’s a hospital?” Lance asked. “That’s not a good sign.” Julie said. “It’s where hurt people go.” Sara said. Lance nodded and then turned away and started to close his eyes. “Hey, wait. What’s your name?” Kim asked. Lance looked over at her. “Do I know you?’ He asked. “No, not really me meet out on the street, remember we were locked out of our car.” Kathleen said. “I don’t remember.” Lance said.

“What is your name?” Kim repeated. ‘I.....I....I don’t remember. Do you know my name?” Lance asked. “No we don’t.” Julie said. They sat there and looked at each other for a minute not sure what to do. “Don’t worry the cops will figure out who you are.” Sara said. “Oh....okay.” Lance said not too sure. The room fell quite again. Then they heard a funny noise. “What is that?” Lance asked. “It’s your cell phone.” Kim said pointing to the phone on the table. “My what?” Lance asked. “I’ll answer it.” Kathleen said picking it up. “Maybe they know who he is.” She added hitting send.

“Hello?” She asked. “Hello?” Justin asked confused. “Who is this?” Kathleen asked. “Who’s this?” Justin asked. “I asked you first.” Kathleen said. “I must have the wrong number.” Justin said and was about to hang up. “No wait, who were you calling?” She asked. “My friend.” Justin said getting more confused by the minute. “What does your friend look like?” She asked. “Is this a joke?” Justin asked. “No, please don’t hang up. Your friend is he a blond with green eyes?” Kathleen asked. “Yeah, why?” Justin asked.

“There is this guy that got hit on the head and he doesn’t remember much of anything right now. So what’s his name?” Kathleen asked. “If it were my friend you would know.” Justin said starting to worry but afraid to give too much away. “Why is that?” Kathleen asked. The phone was quite while Justin thought. He wasn’t sure what to say but if Lance was in trouble he wanted to help. “Hello?” Kathleen said. “Because this is Justin Timberlake from N'Sync. I was looking for my friend Lance Bass.” Justin said. Kathleen nearly dropped the phone; she quickly turned and looked at Lance. She could see it now. “Oh my god.” Kathleen screamed.

“What?” Julie asked. “Justin Timberlake is on the phone he wants to talk to Lance.” Kathleen said pointing at the phone and then at Lance. Justin pulled the phone away from his ear as the screams echoed in it. “Hello?’ Justin asked. “Oh, Hi.” Kathleen asked trying to keep the phone away from Julie. “What happened to Lance?” Justin asked. “He got robbed and the robber hit him on the head and knocked him out. We found him. We didn‘t know who he was for sure because the robber took his ID.” Kathleen said. “Oh, does he remember anything?” Justin asked. “Hold on I’ll ask him.” Kathleen said and then turned to Lance. “Do you remember anything?” She asked. Lance thought for a minute. “I remember the name Diane and something about Tampa.” Lance said.

Kathleen re-laid the info to Justin. “Diane is his mom’s name he went to see her, that’s why he’s in Mississippi. Tampa is where our last concert is. We are suppose to be they’re in four days.” Justin said. “Oh, I see do you want to try to talk to him?” Kathleen asked. “Yeah sure why not put him on.” Justin said. Kathleen handed the phone to Lance. Lance looked at it as if it were some strange thing to him. “You put it against your ear and talk into it.” Sara said showed him how it worked.

Lance placed it next to his ear. “Lance?” Justin asked. “Who’s Lance?” Lance asked. Justin recognized his voice right away. “You are.” Justin said. “I am?” Lance asked. “Yeah, look buddy do you remember anything else?” Justin asked. “I remember little pieces of things.” Lance said. “Great!” Justin said not really meaning it. “Who are you?” Lance asked. “I’m Justin your friend.” Justin said. “Oh, okay.” Lance said. “Put one of those girls back on.” Justin said finally getting frustrated. “Okay.” Lance said and then held the phone out. “He wants to talk to one of you again.” Lance said. Julie quickly took the phone. “Hello?” She said. “Hi, look Lance needs to get his butt back to Tampa.” Justin said.

Julie suddenly had a brainstorm. She had always wanted to meet Justin and now she really wanted to help Lance. “We can drive him to Tampa.” She said. “Would you?” Justin asked. “Yeah it would be great, I’ve always wanted to see Tampa and Lance really needs help right now.” Julie said. “I was going to call his mom and have her or his sister Stacy take him, but if you really want to that would be great.” Justin said. “Yeah we would love to.” Julie said. The others looked at her funny, not sure what she was signing them up for. “Great, you could fill him in on the way there. I’m sure at least one of you is an N'Sync fan.” Justin said. “Yeah we all are I think.” Julie said. “Cool; tell you what if you bring Lance maybe I can see about getting you guys tickets to the show, if we have one.” Justin said. “You don’t have to do that.” Julie said trying not to sound too greedy after all Lance was hurt. “No, it would me so much to the rest of us you would have to let us re-pay you.” Justin said. “Fine.” Julie said.

Justin knew she wouldn’t really turn N'Sync tickets down. “I’ll give you direction and then I’ll call Lance’s mom and tell her he’s okay.” Justin said. “Okay.” Julie said getting a piece of paper so she could write it down. Justin told her the directions and she wrote them down. He also told her that Lance always had each N'Sync guys number on speed dial, so if they had a problem they could get a hold of them. He also told them to keep Lance’s phone on as much as they could just in case they needed to call them.

The next day Lance was checked out of the hospital. Just before they left Lance’s mom called and told them she would meet them in Tampa in a few days to check up on her son. The doctors told the girls that there was a good change that if they jogged his memory a bit he might start to remember things on his own. They agreed and then Kim barrowed her mother’s van and they took off for Tampa. Sara made sure and grabbed her collection of magazine that had N'Sync in them so they could teach Lance about himself. Thing were going great.

Lance was sitting in one of the bucket seats in the back and Kathleen was reading him articles out of the magazines. Kim was driving and Julie sitting beside her in the passengers seat. Sara was behind Lance and Kathleen; she was lying down on the bed they had back there. Kathleen finished reading a paragraph and then looked over at Lance. Lance was sound asleep, he had his chair laid back and everything. “He’s been a sleep for like 15 minutes.” Sara said flipping through one of the magazines. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Kathleen asked. Sara shrugged.

Kathleen poked him. “Lance wake up we have work to do.” Kathleen wined. He playfully batted his green eyes at her. “Sorry.” He said with a yawn. She felt her heart melt. ‘It’s okay, just don’t do that again.” Kathleen said. “Now repeat after me.” Kathleen said. “Okay.” Lance said. “My name is James Lance Bass.” Kathleen said. “My name is James Lance Bass. I thought my name was Lance?" Lance asked. "It’s is, Lance is what everyone calls you, but your whole name is James Lance Bass.” Kathleen said. “Okay.” Lance said.

“Your in a music group called N'Sync. Your band mates are JC, Joey, Chris, and Justin.” Sara said. “Justin that guy I talked to on the phone?” Lance asked. “Yeah.” Sara said. “Cool, what else?” Lance asked. They continued to tell him bits and pieces of his life. Around 1 they pulled into a fast food place to get a quick bite to eat. And then got back out on to the road.

Around 4 Lance’s phone rang. “Hello?” Chris asked. “Hi.” Julie said. “Just calling to check on Lance, Justin told us what happened.” Chris said. “Oh, cool. Lance is um...” Julie said fading at the end as she looked back at him. Lance was playfully coloring pictures in a coloring book Sara had given him. “He’s what?” Chris asked. “We’re still working.” Julie said. “Does he know any of our songs?” Chris asked. “I don’t think so we were playing Bye, Bye, Bye and Lance commented on how much he didn’t like the Backstreet boys.” Julie said. “That’s not good.” Chris said. “ The doctors told us that if we could just jog his memory then he might remember things on his own.” Julie said. “Put him on please, I want to talk to him.” Chris said. “Okay.” Julie said and then handed it to Lance.

“Hello?’ Lance asked. “Hi, Lance. It’s Chris.” Chris said. “Who?” Lance asked. “Chris Kirkpatrick.” Chris said. Lance looked over at Kathleen who held up a picture of N'Sync and pointed to Chris. “Oh, that one guy, that’s in that group I’m in.” Lance said. “Yeah, what you said.” Chris said confused. “Are you my friend too?” Lance asked. “Yeah, how are you feeling?” Chris asked. “My head hurts.” Lance wined. “I think that’s normal.” Chris said. “Oh, okay.” Lance said. “Put one of the girls on.” Chris said finally giving up. Lance held the phone out and waited for one of them the grab it. Kathleen grabbed it quickly. “Hi?” She said. She grinned happily when she heard Chris’ voice come over the line. “Keep working with him.” Chris said. “We will.” Kathleen said nearly choking on her words. Sara giggled and Kathleen glared at her.

“When will you be here?’ Chris asked. “Either later tonight or in the morning.” Kathleen said. “Okay, I have to go. See you then.” Chris said. “Bye.” Kathleen said and then hung up. “He sounds funny.” Lance said. All the girls started laughing. “What?” Lance asked. “Don’t worry, we have work to do.” Sara said.

They figured it would be best if they showed Lance a picture of the guys so he could put faces with names. “It’s me.” Lance said right away pointing to himself in the picture. “Every good.” Sara said. “This is Justin.” Sara said pointing to Justin. “That’s the guy I talked on the phone the other day right?” Lance asked. “Yeah and this is Chris the guy you talked to today.” Kathleen said. “He looks funny.” Lance said. Everyone laughed except Kathleen. “He’s cute okay.” Kathleen said looking at the picture. Lance cocked an eyebrow at her. “Any way moving on.” Kathleen said. They quickly pointed out the others.

“Some one else can drive for awhile.” Kim said pulling off to the side. “You two trade us spots and we’ll work with him for awhile.” Julie said. They quickly changed seats. Julie got in back and lay down. “Now what are we going to work on?” Lance asked looking at Kim. “What do you want to work on?” Kim asked. ‘I won’t to know more about this concert thing.” Lance said. “The Concert?” Kim asked. “Yeah. What is it and stuff?” Lance asked. “It where you and the rest of the group go up and stage and you sing and dance in front of all these people.” Kim said. “Sounds like fun, when do I get to do that?” Lance asked. “Hopefully in a few days.” Julie said.

They worked with him some more on his family. A few hours pasted. “Are we there yet?” Julie asked. “Almost.” Sara said. Lance phone rang again. “Hello?” Kim said. “How far are you from the venue?” JC asked. “A....a couple minutes.” Kim said losing herself in his sweet voice. “I think she hyperventilating.” Lance said. Kim motioned to him to shut up. “Great I will meet you and the back door when you get here.” JC said. “Is that safe?” Kim asked. “I’ll wear a hat and some shades; no one will see me.” JC said. “Oh, okay. See you in a few minutes then.” Kim said. “Okay, bye.” JC said and then the phone went dead.

“JC is going to meet us at the back door of the venue.” Kim said. “Wow now he’s a hottie.” Sara said. “Yeah buddy.” Kim said. “No Justin is that hottest.” Julie said. “No Chris is.” Kathleen said. “What’s in mean to be hot?” Lance asked. “We’ll tell you later.” Sara said. They pulled in back of the venue and got out. The put and hat on Lance. “Why do I have to wear this?” Lance asked. “You just do.” Kathleen said. “Oh.” Lance said as the lead him to the door. A young man stepped out. He smiled at them and lifted his hat a little. “Get him inside quickly.” JC said. They did and as soon as they were in JC was right behind them. He shut and locked the door.

He pulled off his hat and shades. Lance looked at him in awe. “That doesn’t look like the man in the picture.” Lance said. “It is Lance, trust us.” Kim said. “Did you make any progress?” JC asked. “A little.” Julie said. “Come on I’ll show you where the others are.” JC said. They followed him down that hall into their dressing room. Joey, Chris and Justin were all play video games. ‘It’s Lance! How ya feel’n?’ Justin asked. “Okay I guess.” Lance said. “Do you remember anything yet?” Chris asked. “No, what does it mean to be hot?” Lance asked. The girl shook their heads. “Why do you want to know?” Joey asked. “They kept calling you hot.” Lance said pointing to the girls. They each blushed and hid their faces. “It means to be cute or good-looking.” Justin said with a huge grin on his face.

“Oh, I get it now.” Lance said. “So nothing you tried worked?” Chris asked. “Nope he still doesn’t remember.” Kim said. “I know Lance loved to tour and see the different venues so let’s go show him around, maybe that will jog his mind.” JC said. “Yeah you guys would like a tour, wouldn’t you?” Chris asked. “Sure.” Kathleen said. “Great come on I’ll lead the way.” Chris said. JC grabbed his shoulder. “Last time you went walking around you got lost.” JC said. “Hey that was a big venue.” Chris said. “Let me lead.” JC said pushing in front of him. “Fine, I’ll just walk back here with her.” Chris said pointing to Kathleen. “Whatever, lets go.” JC said. “What’s your name?” Chris asked. “Kathleen.” She said nearly fainting because of how close he was. “Cool.” Chris said.

Lance walked up front with JC. The rest followed closely. “Are you sure you know where you’re going?” Sara asked. “Yeah, I think so.” JC said. “I this reminding you of anything?” Joey asked. “Um, kind of.” Lance said. “Great then let’s keep going.” Justin said. “The concert is tomorrow, Lance you have to remember.” JC said. “I’m trying.” Lance said. “It’s okay sweetie, just relax and look around you until something starts to click.” Kim said. Lance nodded and they kept walking. “This is the cool part; not many fans get to see the venue from this angle.” JC said as the stepped out onto the stage. Everything was already set up for tomorrow.

The girls looked out over the rows of seats. “Wow.” Kathleen said. “It looks ever cooler when all those seats are full.” Justin said. Lance looked around himself in awe. This all seemed very familiar to him. He closed his eyes and he could some how picture the seat full. He could faintly hear the sounds of the screaming fans. He heard one of the others speak but he was to wrapped up in the moment he couldn’t make out their words. And then the spoke again a little louder. “Lance?” Sara asked. Lance opened his eyes and looked at her. He green eyes twinkled in the dim light of the venue. “Are you okay?” Joey asked worried by the look on his face.

“Your all I ever wanted..............All I ever needed. Tell me what to do now...........” Lance sang. “When I want you back!” Justin said. “Thank god your back Lance.” Chris said hugging him. “Chris?” Lance asked. “What?’ Chris asked. “Get off me.” Lance said. “Oh, sorry.” Chris said. “Do you remember anything else?” JC asked. “Yeah, I remember a lot of things now, there just something about being on stage again that brought it all back.” Lance said. Lance looked over at the four young girls that were waiting off to the side. He walked over to them. “Thank you so much. You were all a big help.” Lance said giving each of them a hug. “We were just glad to help.” Julie said as Lance wrapped his arms around her.

“I guess I owe you this much.” Justin said holding out four front row seat tickets. Kim took the tickets from him. Julie smiled and then ran up to him and gave him a hug. “Thank you so much.” She said. “No, thank you.” Justin said as her returned the hug. Julie smiled she really wasn’t that happy to get the tickets she just wanted to hug him. Justin was everything Julie had thought he would be, warm and cuddly. He smelled good too. Finally after what Justin thought was going to be the longest hug in history she let go. She stepped back and smiled which made him smile too.

“You guys are lucky this is going to be the best concert ever.” Lance said. “Yeah and the last one too.” Chris said. “For the year yes, forever no.” JC said. “That’s what I meant.” Chris said. “Any way you guys are coming right?” Joey asked. “Like we would miss it.” Julie said. “That’s what I thought.” Joey added. They all smiled. “You better go, we need to run through things before the show.” JC said. “And no you can’t watch.” Justin said. “We will see you tomorrow night.” JC said. “If you ever need any thing look me up.” Lance said. “Don’t worry we will.” Kim said. Lance smiled and waved at the four of them as the left. “Great girls.” Lance said as soon as they were gone.

“So you’re all better now right?” Chris asked. “I think so.” Lance said. “I hope so; we have to do this show.” JC said. “We have to do the concert it’s going to be something special.” Lance said. “What ever you say.” Joey said as the started to walk away. Lance ran after them.

The next day.

“I can’t wait to go.” Sara said running her brush through her hair. “Yeah we are like right in the front.” Kim said eyeing the tickets. “You guys?” Kathleen asked. “What?” Kim asked. “Yesterday we were standing next to them, and you happy to be sitting a few feet away from them?” Kathleen asked. “Yeah, but this time their performing.” Sara said. Kathleen rolled her eyes and then walked away. “Should we eat first?” Julie asked. “I can’t eat. I’m too happy.” Kim said. “Me too.” Sara said. “Fine, then I'm going down to the vending machine to get a candy bar.” Kathleen said and walked out of the hotel room.

She got down there and put her money in. She looked over and saw a girl about 13 or 14 wearing an N'Sync shirt. “You are going to the concert?” Kathleen asked knowing it was a stupid question. “Yeah, I can’t wait to see Justin; he’s so cute.” The girl said. “Yeah, I guess I will see you there then.” Kathleen said. “Really where are you sitting?” She asked. “Pretty close.” Kathleen said not wanting to brag. “Cool, I have to go see you later.” The girl said and then ran off.

Kathleen smiled and then headed back up to the room. “Are you ready yet?” She asked as she entered the room. “I am.” Kim said running to join her at the door. “Give me a minute.” Julie said checking her hair one last time. “Okay let’s go.” Sara said walking past them and down the hall. The got in the car and headed for the venue. There were tons of people there. They nearly lost each other in the mob. They finally got to their seats and sat down before any one could take them.

The opening acts came out. They were pretty good but the people wanted to see N'Sync. Meanwhile back stage. “Are you ready yet?” Lance snapped. “Why are you in such a hurry?” JC asked. “Those girls did something great for me; I want to make tonight great for them.” Lance said. “Lance their N'Sync fans, just being here is great to them.” Justin said eating a candy bar. “Justin has a point, I mean the have already meet us, what else is their in a teeny boppers life?” Joey asked. “They like us and they will always like us, its just part of their lives now. I love touring because it’s the one chance the fans get to see us live in person. They know we’re real and those four girls know that better than any one.” Lance said. “Are you sure your head is still okay?” Chris asked. “My head is fine, being on stage is my life and that is why I remembered everything when I was on stage.” Lance said then left to get ready to go on. “There is defiantly still something wrong with his head.” Chris said. “Yeah.” JC said.

The show started as it had all year. When they got ready to do god must have spent a little more time on you. They stopped the music. “The other day Lance had a problem. But thanks to a few fans he’s all-better now.” JC said looking down at the girls. “We would like to take this time to repay them, with a song.” Justin added. “Would you four please come up here?” Lance said pointing to them. Before they could even think they found their leg bringing them to them. The crowd screamed wildly as they took the stage. “Have a seat.” Chris said offering Kathleen his seat. She sat down and so did the others.

“This song is special and you are special people, all our fans are.” Joey said. The girls felt their cheek turn red. “Yeah....Oh yes. Ohhh..yeah..” Justin sang resting his hand on Julie’s shoulder. She looked up at him in awe. His blue eyes twinkled in the stage lights. Sara looked out over the crowd it was a sight. All those people were just as big a fan as she was but yet she was the one sitting on stage with them. “Can this be true? Tell me, can this be real? How can I put into words what I feel? My life was complete I thought I was whole Why do I feel like I'm losing control? I never thought that love could feel like this and you've changed my world with just one kiss. How can it be that right here with me there's an angel?
It's a miracle...” Justin sang, his sweet voice ringing in their ears.

“Your love is like a river Peaceful and deep Your soul is like a secret That I could never keep When I look into your eyes I know that it's true God must of spent... A little more time on you...” they sang softly. “A little more time, yes he did baby” JC added. The song it’s self was beautiful. The whole place was a buzz but the girls never heard it. Their attention was on the guys and their sweet song. Before they knew it Justin sang his last part. Kim quickly hugged JC. “This was the best concert ever.” She said softly in his ear, not sure he could hear her. “It’s not over yet.” JC replied. Kim looked at him confused. Some one came and led them away and back to their seats.

The rest of the show was great, full of energy and fun. It was ‘The Concert’ of a lifetime and something the girls would never forget. Later after returning home they each got a box in the mail. There was no return address on the box. Inside there was a concert shirt, signed picture of N'Sync, Photos of them on stage with N'Sync, and a letter which read:

Dear loved Fans,

We know you enjoyed the concert, as much as we did, so here is something to help you remember it forever. You are good people. Thanks for all your help and support. We hope you will stay with us for a long time. See you again on the next tour.

Sincerely Yours,

JC, Lance, Chris, Justin, and Joey!

The End