Title: All For Love (continued)
PAGE 4
Chapter 16
"They've got the discovery channel don't they?" ~Eminem*****After The Show, Backstage @ Meet & Greets*****
I smiled at the small girl in front of me, "What's your name?"
"Lydia," the little girl told me, a smile on her face.
"Lydia, that's a pretty name. Did you like the concert?"
Her small head bobbed up and down, "So did my brother."
"What was your favorite part?" I asked.
"The entire thing," Lydia told me.
"What was your brother's favorite part?"
"You and Bwitney."
"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, here you go Sweetie." I handed her the autographed CD single that was...mine!
"Can I, like, have an autograph?" asked a deep male voice from behind me.
I turned around and saw Trevor and Mike. "Guys!"
We hugged then pulled away just as a boy came up to me. "Excuse me...Cory, may I please have an autograph?"
I smiled, "Sure, what's your name?"
"Jason," he told me.
"Here you go Jason, did you like the show?" I asked as I signed a pinup of me and Britney that had been taken a few weeks ago at one of our joint photo shoots.
"I did, I especially liked it when you and Britney showed up BSB and *NSYNC ."
I laughed at the memory. "I'm glad you liked it. So you think there's room for me and Britney?"
"Oh yeah! I can tell you guys aren't fighting with each other, you act totally cool onstage together."
"Just remember, there's always room for artists. As long as they have serious talent. Thank you for coming."
"Thank you for putting on a good show. I didn't even mind sitting through BSB and *NSYNC."
"I'm glad to here you say that. Have a safe trip home, come see us again okay?"
Jason nodded, smiled then walked off, meeting what looked like his mother at the door leading into the hall where all the dressing rooms were.
"Girl is on FIRE!" Mike exclaimed.
I laughed, "Yeah right! It was just one show!"
"One show that got really good reviews!" Bryan agreed with Mike.
"Where are the others?" I asked, wanting to see Jacob and get his reaction.
"They're waiting for you outside." Bryan answered.
I nodded, "Well, lemme go get clearance to leave from Jonah, then we can head out."
Both men nodded then waited as I went to search for my manager.
"Hey Cory!" I heard Justin yell as he ran to catch up with me.
I turned back around, "Yes?"
"You were great tonight."
"Thank you Justin, so were you."
"I wanted to apologize for the way things started out between us. If I had known you had a boyfriend, I wouldn't have gotten Brit to ask you that one question at the hotel that night."
"How did you know I had a boyfriend?"
"I met him outside, Jacob right?"
I smiled, "That's my baby."
"Isn't he gonna be in that new group being put together by Lou Pearlman?"
I nodded, "They just found out last night who the five were."
"Hopefully, they're being careful. I don't want them to go through the same thing we did with him."
"They're looking out for each other and themselves. They all got together and looked over their contracts then signed them when they thought they were acceptable. They also saw the interviews that you and Lou did during the lawsuit."
"I just hope they're careful. Aren't you and Britney going to Europe after this?"
I nodded, "Yeah, what are you guys gonna be doing?:"
"Filming our movie."
"Wowwie, I hope everything goes good for you guys. I'll see you tomorrow at the airport?"
"Oh, yeah that's right. We're gonna be hosting TRL together right?"
I nodded, "Aren't you guys gonna release your new single?"
"Yeah, and aren't you gonna be releasing your CD?"
I nodded, "I better get going, Jacob's waiting for me."
"Yeah, you don't wanna keep him waiting."
"I'll see you tomorrow." I started off, then stopped and turned back to him , "You know that we can be friends right?"
Justin nodded, "We just can never be more."
"That's right, I love Jacob and I've been with him for a long time."
"Whaddya say we get to know each other tomorrow on the plane? I think they're having you sit by me."
"Okay," I agreed, "see you then."
Chapter 17
"You're like a dream come true." ~Brian McKnight*****Outside the Arena*****
I sighed heavily as I literally dragged myself outside to where the other guys waited.
"Took you long enough!" Ashley joked once he noticed me.
I shot him a look as if to say 'Don't-go-there-if-you-wanna-live!'
He quickly shut up.
"Are you okay?" Jacob asked as he came up beside me.
"Just tired, very tired!" I muttered, not knowing what was wrong with me. Usually after a show, I'm pumped so far up that it takes me a while to calm down.
"We better get you home." Marc declared.
I nodded then started to walk to the van when suddenly my knees gave way and the world around me went black.
Jacob
I watched in silent horror as my girlfriend crumpled to the ground.
"Cory!" I yelled as I picked her up then carried her to the van.
Everyone got in as fast as they could, Marc and Jay in the front, me and Cory in the back.
"Do you want us to take her to the hospital or back to the house?" Marc asked from the front.
I didn't say anything, I just stared down at Cory whose head was lying in my lap.
"J, do you want Marc to drive to the hospital or to the house?" Ashley asked from beside me.
"Hospital." I answered with a heavy heart.
Marc delivered a quick nod then steered the vehicle toward the place Jay had taken me to just days ago.
*****@ The Hospital*****
I paced nervously as doctors checked Cory over.
"J, why don't you sit down?" Marc asked.
I just shook my head no and kept pacing until finally a doctor approached us.
"Are you the people that brought Cory Morgan in?" Dr. Michaels, the female doctor, asked.
I nodded, "We are."
"And who may I ask is closest to Miss. Morgan?"
"I am, I'm her boyfriend."
"If you'll come with me, I need to speak to you privately."
I nodded again then followed her into her office, my heart hammering in my chest the entire way.
"Have a seat," Dr. Michaels pointed at the chair nearest me.
I sat down silently then waited for her to tell me what was wrong with my girlfriend.
"The reason for Cory's...blackout should I say, is because of stress. Was there anything she might be stressed out about? Any big news she's received in the past few days?"
I thought for a minute then nodded. "She was nervous about tonight's concert."
"Concert?"
"Cory's a singer."
"Cory...Cory, I've heard of her. My daughter's dropped Britney for her." Dr. Michaels smiled.
"I bet she'd love to hear that. She also recently found out that I made the cut into a new band."
"Let me guess, you're Jacob Underwood from 'Making The Band'?"
I nodded, "Yes I am."
"My daughter LOVES that show. I sit down with her and watch it sometimes. I wondered where I've seen you two kids from. She was on the show once right?"
I nodded, "she's gonna be on again, when they show who got picked."
"Oh, well...back to Cory. She's regained consciousness but I would like to leave her here for the night."
"Please doctor, it's our last night together. She leaves for New York tomorrow! You said it was just stress."
The woman sighed, "I do know what it's like to have a long-distance relationship. All right, tell you what? I know this is mean and cruel...but my life is at stake here. If my daughter can have your and Cory's autograph, I'll release her tonight."
"Deal, on my part."
"Why don't we go ask Cory?" Dr. Michaels suggested as she stood up.
I nodded then followed suit.
Chapter 18
"It's easier said than done to love." ~O-TownCory
I smiled softly as I watched my boyfriend and doctor enter the room. "Hey."
"Hi, how are you feeling?" Jacob asked, instantly worried.
I smiled, "Now you know how I felt when you were put into the hospital!"
"Did I ever tell you sorry for scaring you like that?" he smiled softly.
I smiled softly, "No, but I know that you are."
"As long as you know." Jacob smiled as he bent and gently kissed me.
My vision blurred and the world around me spinned, I don't know if it was because of his kiss or something else.
I let out an involuntary groan as I sank back against my mattress.
"Cory," Jacob whispered as he gently stroked my hair, "are you sure you're okay?"
I nodded, "I just wanna get outta here."
"The doc'll let you out as long as you give her daughter an autograph, her life depends on it."
"Then can I go home?"
"Depends on where you call home." Jacob smirked.
"Will Lou let me stay at the house now?"
Jacob looked behind him at Lou who had just gotten there moments ago, "You're still very much welcome at the house Cory."
I smiled then looked over at the doctor, "where do I sign?"
*****About An Hour Later*****
None of the guys said anything as Jacob followed Marc and Jay into the house, me in his arms.
"Are you sure I'm not hurting you?" I asked softly as he walked into a dimly lit bedroom.
"You're fine, just as long as you don't wiggle around too much." he smiled at me.
"Smartass." I muttered, smiling slightly.
"Lay her down here," Marc instructed as he pulled back the covers to a once-neatly-made bed.
Jacob did so, being as careful with me as he could.
I didn't say anything as one-by-one, the guys retreated out of the room until Jacob and I remained.
"Will you stay with me?" I asked as I lay perfectly still in a pair of Jacob's boxers and his tee shirt that he had offered to lend me. I love wearing his clothes, they...they make me feel special for some reason.
"I'm not going anywhere." He stated softly as he pulled the covers up to my shoulders.
"What about when you hafta change into your pajamas?" I joked.
"How about I go do that right now?" he played along.
I nodded then watched him disappear from the room, only to have Marc come in a few seconds later. "How are you feeling?"
"Like I've done four full concerts. I don't understand why I'm this tired."
"Probably because of all the pressure you've put on yourself." he guessed.
"I HATE it when you do that!" I grumbled, a small smile trying to invade my face.
"Just rest, Jonah changed your flight schedule."
"What?" I sat up.
"Cory, lay back down! Jonah just arranged for you to take a later flight, that's all."
"But I don't need another flight, the one that leaves tomorrow, the one I'm supposed to be on, that's the one I need to be on! Marc, I can't afford any screw-ups right now."
"Take it over with Jonah! I'm just the messenger!"
"I have a question for you Marc."
"Which would be???"
"Can Jacob come with me to New York while I film TRL?" I asked sweetly.
"He's...the group's just-"
"Please Marc, it'll only be for two, three days, TOPS!!! Please?" I begged, wanting desperately for Jacob to be able to accompany me on this flight.
"Maybe if you took the later one, that way the five could have one day to rehearse as a quintet."
"Okay! Anything! I want him to come with me."
"Sure, do you wanna ask him or should I?" Marc asked, a knowing smile playing his lips.
Chapter 19
"I don't wanna make it tough." ~*NSYNC*****The Next Day @ The Airport*****
Jacob sighed nervously as we waited for our plane to start boarding. I couldn't believe that our management teams had let us do this on such short notice. I also couldn't believe that the airline was able and willing to change a passenger's seat around so that Jacob could sit next to me.
"It's about time to board, are you sure you're up to this?" Jacob asked me softly.
I looked over at him, the rest of the guys had said goodbye's at the house. "Up to what? Having you with me or doing TRL?"
"Doing TRL in your condition."
"Condition? I don't have a condition." I told him, even though I was still shaken up by last night's events.
"But you don't know for sure." he started to argue.
"Tell you what? The first chance I get, I'll go back to California and get checked out. Okay?"
He nodded then stood up as the over-head speaker started calling for passengers.
"That would be us." I stood up and gathered my backpack, the rest of my stuff in baggage claim. Jacob didn't say anything as he slung an arm around my shoulders and walked me to the plane, his backpack securely on his shoulders.
*****On the Plane*****
I sighed mentally as sleep fought for control over my body. I was tired, dead tired.
"Are you okay?" Jacob asked softly, pulled one of my headphone speakers off my ear.
I looked at him as I shut off my Pink CD. "I'm just tired."
He nodded then waited for me to take off my headphones and put my CD player away.
Once I had done that, Jacob put his arm around my shoulders again and drew me close to him. "Go to sleep, I'll wake you up right before we land."
I smiled softly at him as I closed my eyes and rested my head on his shoulder. Not two seconds later, sleep won.
*****@ The Airport*****
I sighed as I followed Jacob off the aircraft.
"Cory! Jacob!" I heard Jonah yell at us.
"How are you feeling?" he asked me as we hugged.
"I'm doing a little better, just tired." I told him, attempting at a small smile.
"Heya Brit," I smiled at her, noticing that she was wearing a disguise.
"Hey Cor, hi Jacob."
He smiled at her then looked down at me. "Why doesn't Cory go with Brit, while Jonah and I get the bags? I know you're probably tired."
I nodded then walked with Britney toward the car, as Jacob and Jonah headed off to baggage claim.
"So, how are you holding up?" She asked as we waited in the limo.
"I'm doing better than I was yesterday."
"How's Jacob handling it?"
"He's urging me to go get checked out."
"When are you gonna do that?"
"Next time we have a day or two off." I said.
"You know he's just worrying over you cause he loves you so much, right?"
I nodded then smiled, "I know, and that makes me wanna find out what's wrong with me even more! But..."
"But what Cor?"
Brit, what'm I gonna do if I really am sick?" I asked, my eyes swimming with unshed tears.
Chapter 20
"You tell me you're in love with me." ~Britney Spears*****The Next Day, @ TRL*****
I took a deep breath and held it as Jacob held my hand.
"Cor, calm down, you'll be fine." he assured me.
I smiled at him weakly as I watched Carson Daly on the TV monitor. "Are you gonna be back here or in the audience?"
"They have a seat for me in the audience, somewhere I won't get spotted so I can watch my wonderful girlfriend at work."
"Quit lying," I scolded him just as Carson announced me.
I smiled at him one last time then headed out on stage where the producer gave me a microphone.
"Hey Cory, glad to have you here, have a seat." Carson pointed at a stool/chair looking thing to sit in.
"Thanks for having me." I smiled as I sat down, my eyes followed Jacob as a bodyguard escorted him to his seat in the back.
"So, I hear the reason why you're here is because you're releasing your debut CD. Is that right?" I nodded, "It is."
"Can you tell us a little about it."
"Well, it's selftitled, it has a lot of songs that I think represent me best, songs that I want the public to think of when my name comes up."
"That's an unusual name for a girl, Cory."
"Well, look at British pop-star, Billie. She's got a boy's name and she's doing just fine over in the UK."
"Yeah, but she also broke up with her boyfriend."
"Yeah, well, she was kinda foolish to let Ritchie of Five go."
"Oh, does someone have a celebrity crush on Ritchie Neville?"
"Nope! I only have one celebrity crush."
"And who would that be?" Carson asked me.
I gently touched one of Jacob's seashell necklace that he had let me wear, wondering if he wanted me to make us public. Then it occurred to me that anyone that watched Making The Band would know that we were together.
"His name is Jacob Underwood of a new guy group."
"Basically new boyband?"
"I don't like to call them that. He's from the new group O-Town."
"He's your boyfriend, right?"
I smiled and nodded, "Yes, for about a year now. We practically grew up together."
"So you knew him before all the auditioning for O-Town?"
"Yes, I was there with him when he auditioned."
"I'm happy for you. So, I guess there's no hope for you and Justin Timberlake?"
"No chance, I'm happy with Jacob. Justin and I are just friends."
"At least you're something. What about you and Britney Spears? All the joint photo shoots, are you two really friends?"
"No, we chick-fight all the time! Those shoots, they're just publicity. No, seriously, Britney and I are great friends. There are no ill feelings between us."
"There's nothing between you two like there is with BSB and *NSYNC?"
"Absolutely not. The thing that Britney and I realized early on is, there's enough room for both of us in this business. I have nothing but respect for BSB, but the thing that the group doesn't realize yet is that, there are some fans out there that like both them AND *NSYNC." "You don't hang out with BSB do you?"
"No, I'm either hanging with Britney, maybe with one of the guys of *NSYNC, or I'm on the phone or online with Jacob."
"Last Friday, ABC aired the episode that determined who the five were. Was that emotional?" I nodded, "It was, but they aired all that really happened. Maybe they'll have the after reactions."
"What after reactions?"
"Watch the show! I'm not gonna blow it then have, like, seven guys, plus their management, mad at me!"
Carson laughed, "We need to take a break, but when we get back, we'll announce the number ten video then talk to *NSYNC and Cory. Stay tuned."
Once we had been cleared, Carson let some of the people in the audience ask me questions.
One girl stood up and asked me the reason why I was going out with Jacob when I could have Justin.
Right before I could answer her, the guys of *NSYNC came out and everyone prepared to come back from break.
"And we're back. I'm sitting here with the hottest group in music, and the next Princess of Pop. As you know, there's a big headlining show blowing through the US right now, showcasing the hottest acts to be signed to JIVE Records, plus the next big seller. Cory, how does it feel to be on your first tour with *NSYNC, BSB, and Britney? Is it nerve-wrecking?"
"Not at all, everyone is very nice to me. Sometimes they're too nice, asking me if I need anything, like, every fifteen minutes."
"We don't treat Cory any different than we treat Britney. We think of both girls as friends of ours." JC spoke.
"Especially Justin, who has a crush on her, right."
Justin's face turned red as he shot back, "That was before I found out about her and Jacob."
"You mean you've met Jacob?"
"We met him at the Orlando show that we did." Chris said.
"Yeah," I agreed with them, wondering when they had a chance to meet my boyfriend.
"I also heard that Cory, you was hospitalized the night before last."
Again, I nodded, "I was."
"Are you okay now?"
"Yeah, I just hafta go, next time I get a chance, have a full day of testing done on me."
"What for? Why all the test?"
I didn't say anything. I really didn't want to tell the whole world what the doctor from two days ago told me while Jacob was signing me out. "Just to rule out some things, it’s no biggie."
"Well, I hope you get better."
I smiled, "Thanks."
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