Decisions

Disclaimer: This story contains homosexual themes. If you are under the age of 18 or if reading this story is illegal to read where you are residing, please read no further. While the people in this story are real, the events are purely fictional. This is not meant to imply anything about the sexuality of the people portrayed in this story.

If you have any feedback, either positive or negative, you may contact me at Dannibailey@hotmail.com

"Decisions"

by DB

Chapter 8

You woke to the smell of fresh coffee and opened your eyes to see Justin wrapped only in a towel reading a magazine on the edge of the bed. He bent down and kissed your cheek.

"Hey sleepy-head." "I ordered us some breakfast," he whispered.

"Breakfast?" you asked. "What time is it?"

"It's kinda late, 3:30, but you know how I love pancakes." "They just sounded good"

Once again, the little boy had surfaced. Only a kid would order pancakes at 3:30 in the afternoon.

"And think what we can do with the syrup?" he teased.

You laughed at the suggestion. "You're crazy!"

He put down his coffee and stared into your eyes. "Nope, just in love."

Suddenly, you were reminded of the phone call earlier. "Oh, I almost forgot. Everyone is getting together for dinner tonight." "We're meeting in Chris' room at 7:00 and I bet twenty bucks that we'd be on time." "Think you could help me out there?"

"No problem, trust me." "I haven't had a chance to fill you in on my little talk with Johnny." "Basically, he said that now that I'm older he doesn't want to cut me slack when it comes to being late." " Like for some reason, now that I'm older, am gonna magically turn into a morning person."

"You're never gonna be a morning person," you concurred, "but Johnny has every right to expect you to be on time."

Your remark had obviously surprised him. "Wait a minute." " Whose side are you on?"

"It's not a matter of sides, Justin," you remarked. "It's just that Johnny's right." "You can't have it both ways." "You can't expect to be treated like an adult one minute and get extra privileges because you're a kid the next." "It just doesn't work that way."

He tried to look disappointed. "Damn, you found me out." "I was hoping I could get away with it for a little longer anyway." "Not with me you can't, but obviously Danni is still falling for it," you replied. "All I ever hear about is how cute you are and how I better be taking good care of you." "You'd think she was your best friend not mine."

Justin laughed. "Yeah, Danni has always been really good to me." " No matter what I wanted she made sure I got it."

"She spoiled your ass." "That's what it comes down to." He couldn't disagree. He knew you were right.

You thoroughly enjoyed the rest of the afternoon. You had showered, enjoyed a leisurely meal with Justin and quietly lounged in your room. You tried to hurry him along as it got closer to 7:00, but to no avail.

"You know you're gonna end up costing me twenty bucks," you reminded him as he put the finishing touches on his hair.

"Yeah, but I'm worth it, right?" he teased.

You walked up behind him, and gently kissed him on the neck. "Hmmm, let me think about that for a minute." He turned around and kissed you. "There, does that help make up your mind?" You kissed him back and Justin had his answer.

It was 7:10 when you and Justin made it down the corridor to Chris' room. You were hoping Chris had forgotten about the bet, but the note on his hotel room door told you otherwise.

You're late You owe me $20.00!

You shot Justin a look and he got the message clearly.

"Sorry, the hair just wasn't cooperating," he said apologetically.

Danni answered your knock and you and Justin entered Chris' room. The guys were sprawled everywhere, talking loudly and playing video games.

Justin grabbed a Dr. Pepper out of the fridge then announced loudly. "Hey guys, Gary has some news." "Tell them Gary."

"Well, uh, Johnny has offered my a position with the tour, and I haven't exactly told him yes, but I think its something that I'd really like to do."

The guys' reaction could not have been better and everyone showed their total support. It helped make your decision easier. As soon as you could talk to Johnny, you would accept his offer.

Danni took you to one side and kissed you sweetly on the cheek. "I'm so happy for you sweetie!"

"Thanks, Danni" you replied cheerfully. "I'm really excited about it, but I have to admit I was kinda worried about Chris' reaction." "I mean, he has been great, but I didn't know how he would feel about me being around permanently." "We've never really talked about it."

A broad smile came over Danni's face. "Johnny didn't tell you, did he?"

You were confused. "Tell me what?"

Danni laughed. "Gary, it was Chris' idea!" "He's been talking to Johnny about it for the past two weeks." "Chris isn't very good about showing how he feels, but trust me, he really cares about you and he thinks your great for Justin."

You were shocked. "I can't believe it." "He really did that?"

"Yep, he sure did, but I doubt he would ever admit it." she said proudly.

Your conversation was interrupted by and enthusiastic Justin. "Hey, guys Joey wants to go clubbin' after dinner." "How about it?"

"Nope, not me and Chris," Danni responded. "He's been promising to take me to the movies for a month." "He's not getting out of it tonight."

Justin turned back and yelled to Chris. "Sorry man, I tried!"

"So Gary, you up for it?" You could tell by the look in his eyes that he was really ready to have a night out.

You hated to disappoint him, but you wanted to get started on the task at hand. "Listen, I need to talk to Johnny and try to get an idea of exactly how much needs to be done." "Why don't you go with Joey and I'll get some work done here."

"You sure you don't mind?" he asked. "I'd really like to go out for a while." "It seems like forever since I've went dancing."

"Not at all, I'm kinda in my own world tonight" you let him know. "I think this whole thig is just staring to hit me." "Go have some fun."

"Ok," he replied, "but I'm taking the rental car." "That way if Joey wants to stay late then I can come on back."

"Sounds good." Then you asked with concern "So, are you gonna be drinking?" You hated to ask, but his safety was worth the awkwardness. "I really think you should leave the car here if you are." "Lonnie can bring you home"

"No, I'm just gonna do some dancing." "I promise." He then leaned over and whispered in your ear, "Thanks for caring."

After dinner you said goodbye to Justin and headed upstairs to Johnny's room. You had a million questions and were hoping that he would be able to fill you in on what actually needed to be done and what he expected.

You spent two hours with Johnny and although he tried be helpful, it was clear that his knowledge in this area was extremely limited. He was able to give you the manuals that related to the numerous software programs, but that was about it. You knew the capacity of the computers and after briefly reviewing the manuals, you knew that they would need to up-graded immediately. Without a second thought, Johnny reached into his pocket and removed a credit card.

"Get whatever you need." Johnny assured you. "Just make sure to keep the receipts and a list of what you got, and what's it for." "I'm sorry I can't be more helpful, but like I said, this has been a nightmare for me." "Now you know why!"

You were feeling overwhelmed. "Listen Johnny, I'm gonna take these manuals back to my room and see if I can make some sense out of them." "I'll see you tomorrow. I'll probably have more questions then."

Johnny chuckled. "Well, I can't guarantee I'll have answers, but I'll do my best."

You headed back to your room and buried yourself in your work, not paying attention to the time until you heard the keycard in the hotel door. You glanced at the clock. 1:30am. You had no idea it was that late.

You knew as soon as you looked at him that Justin had been drinking. His eyes were glazed and his walk showed signs of a stagger.

You were livid. "How did you get home?"

He was working hard to speak clearly. "I drove." "I told you I was taking the rental car."

"You also told me you weren't gonna be drinking!" You were having a hard time controlling your temper. "Lonnie let you drive in your condition?"

Justin was becoming irritated. "Lonnie didn't know I left the club, and what do you mean by `my condition?'

"Your condition is drunk!" you yelled. "What the fuck were you thinking?"

"I was thinking I wanted to come home," he said defensively. "I'm home and I'm fine, what's the problem Gary?"

"What's the problem?" you felt sure Justin would not comprehend any of what you had to say, but you had no intention of letting this drop.

"Well, lets see." "For starters, your 19." "The legal drinking age is 21, so you broke the law." "Second, you're not old enough to be driving a rental car." You could hear you voice getting louder. "Third, you were driving drunk." "Not only illegal, but just fucking stupid."

"Gary"…he tired to interrupt.

"Shut up Justin, and let me finish!" He was smart enough, even drunk, to know not to interrupt again.

"Most importantly," you continued, "you promised you wouldn't be drinking, and you fucking lied to me!"

Justin's anger was obvious now. "I didn't lie to you!" "I hadn't planned on drinking, it just kinda happened!"

"Quit making excuses!" "I don't care if you planned on it or not." "The point is you drank and you promised me you wouldn't!"

You had backed him into a corner that he couldn't talk his way out of. "I'm not gonna stay here and listen to your shit!" "I don't need a lecture!" "I'm outta here."

He turned and headed toward the door, but you stopped him before he reached it. You grabbed his keys and tossed them across the room. You didn't want him to leave, but at this point you had no intentions of backing down.

"Justin, if you want to leave you go right ahead, but wherever you planning on going, you're walking."

Without saying a word he turned and left, slamming the door on his way out.

You could not remember ever being as angry as you were at that moment. He could be so mature sometimes and then out of the blue pull a stupid stunt like tonight. How could he get in a car as drunk as he was? And why? Was he so used to people taking care of things for him, that he couldn't even see the consequences of his own actions?

You were deep in your thoughts and had no idea how many times the phone had rung before you finally heard it.

"Gary, it's Chris" he sounded very serious. "We've got a problem down here and I think it belongs to you." "He's really drunk and I'm not up for playing baby sitter tonight."

You were somewhat relieved that Justin was in good hands, but you were not really looking forward to another confrontation.

"So, I guess that means you want me to come get him?" you asked. Damn, you wished he could just stay with Chris for the night.

"Either you or Johnny." Chris replied. "I don't care which. "All I know is I'm not watching him get sick all night, and trust me, he's gonna."

Great, this should make for a fun night you thought.

"Ok Chris, but I'm not sure he'll come back with me." "He was pretty pissed when he left."

"Then he can sleep in the hall." "He's not staying here." "This is between the two of you."

You knew he was right. "I know it is Chris. "I'm on my way."

The door to Chris' room was ajar and you entered without knocking. Justin was sitting on the sofa, his elbows on his knees and his hands trying desperately to hold his head up. There was a glass of water and a couple of aspirin sitting on the table in front of him.

"I tried to get him to take the aspirin," Danni said softly, "but I'm not having much luck." "Gary, what happened?" "I've never seen him like this before."

"I'm not sure, and I doubt that we'll find out tonight." You looked around the room and noticed Chris was not there. "Where's Chris?" you asked.

"He and Justin got into it." "I don't know why Chris even bothered." "Justin is in no condition to talk." "He got mad and left, and it was probably for the best." "He was really hot!"

"I bet." "I'm sorry he bothered you guys," you said apologetically. "Let me get him out of here, and I'll talk to you guys later." "I have a feeling its gonna be a long night."

You walked over to Justin who had not moved since you had entered the room. You sat down next to him and gently put your arm around his shoulder. You were still angry, but knew now was not the time.

"How about I take you home?" "You're not looking too good."

He looked up at you and you could tell he was relieved. "I'm not feeling very good." "I just want to go to sleep." Then he added remorsefully, "I know you're mad, but can we talk about this in the morning?"

You were glad to see that he had calmed down. "Sure, now lets get you to bed."

You turned to Danni, "Thanks sweetie, and tell Chris thanks too."

You helped Justin up off of the sofa and back to your room. Once there, you laid him on your bed and started undressing him. His breathing was labored and his skin was clammy. His condition was starting to make you nervous. You reached into your wallet and found the phone number Mark had given to you. It was 2:30. You hated to call him, but Justin just didn't look right.

After letting the phone ring five times, you were ready to hang up when a sleepy voice could be hear on the other end.

"Hello?" It was Ashton, Mark's daughter.

"Ashton, I'm so sorry to wake you." "This is Gary, I met you after the *NSYNC concert." "I need to talk to your dad." "Is here there?"

"Umm, hold on." "He's here, he just never hears the phone." "Nothing's wrong with Lance is there?"

"No honey, Lance is fine," her 17 year old crush on Lance was obvious, "but I do need to talk to your dad." "Can you get him for me please?"

After what seem liked several minutes, Mark made his way to the phone.

"Hey Gary, Ashton said something's wrong." "What's up?"

"Justin's really drunk." You were hoping he could put your mind at ease. "I just want to be sure he's Ok." "He's really pale and his breathing is funny."

Mark's voice was concerned but at the same time comforting.

"Sure, I understand." "How much has he had to drink?" Mark asked.

"I'm not really sure." "He and Joey went out." "I stayed at the hotel."

"No problem," he reassured you," just check on a couple of things for me." "Do you have a watch on?"

"Yes" you replied not really knowing the reason for the question.

"Good" "Now put your hand on his chest and count how many times he breathes in ten seconds."

You put your hand on Justin's chest while keeping an eye on the second hand of your watch.

"How many?" Mark asked.

"Six times" you replied. "Is that Ok?"

"That's fine." "Now take his pulse." Your lack of response let Mark know you were out of your element. "Gary, run your fingers along his jaw. Halfway between his ear and his chin, move down to his neck. Use your first two fingers to press on his neck and you should be able to pick up his pulse."

You followed Mark's instructions and easily picked up his heartbeat, and after ten second of counting you relayed information to him.

"Ok, I counted eight," you informed him.

"Hmm, that's a little lower than it should be." "You're gonna have to get that alcohol out of him."

"What!" You couldn't believe what he is suggesting. "Mark, I'm in over my head." "I can't do this."

He picked up the panic in your voice. "Gary, relax." "You'll be fine." "Just do what I tell you and I'll stay on the phone."

Your anger was gone and now your only concern was for Justin's well-being.

"What do you want me to do?" you asked with trepidation.

"Hold a bar of soap under some warm water and let it run into a glass," he instructed you. "Then get him to drink the soapy water." " Make sure you're in the bathroom." "It won't take long to work."

Mark had been right. Although, Justin was not what you would call cooperative, you managed to get him to drink the water and within seconds, he was violently ill. It hurt you to see Justin so sick, but totally trusted Mark's decision. When he was finished you carried him to bed, covered him up and kissed him gently on the forehead as you picked up the phone.

"Ok, Mark I got him in bed," you advised him.

"Good!" you could hear the relief in his voice. "I take it the soapy water worked?"

"Yes, it worked." You were still concerned. "Is he gonna be ok now?"

"He'll be fine, " he assured you "just let him sleep and when he wakes up tell him I'm gonna kick his ass for pulling a stunt like that."

You had to smile. " I think your gonna have to take a number for that one. There's a pretty long line."

"I can imagine." "Get some sleep and call me if you need anything."

You were so glad he was going to be joining the tour. He really cared about the guys.

"Thanks again, Mark, I really appreciate your help."

You said your good-byes, undressed and crawled into bed next to Justin and gave him one last kiss. As you drifted off to sleep, Johnny's words ran over and over through your mind. High Maintenance. High Maintenance. High Maintenance. Johnny had no idea how true his words were. And you had no idea how to handle the conversation you planned on having with Justin when he woke.

Will Be Continued...

Hey guys/gals Danni and I have been talking about an idea that we've had but we want your opinion. So we are taking a poll. :)

Later on in the story there are a couple of things that may help to have a picture to help visualize them. Would you guys/gals like to see a web site created for the story?

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