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Chapter 4
Two and a half months had passed since their last visit and here they were again. As soon as they'd dropped off their stuff at the hotel, the five guys called Dee and Kat and asked if they could come over to the apartment. The girls had agreed and then frantically spent the next half hour cleaning the apartment as best as they could. Each was lost in their own minds as they straightened up the room from a late night study group the night before…
Dee was ecstatic. Over these past few weeks, she and JC had grown increasingly close. True, it was only through phone calls and a letter here and there from him, but it was enough. She had finally given in to her resolve and took the chance to try this relationship out. It wasn't officially announced though. The two kept this relationship to themselves, deciding to see how well they got along outside of the phone world in reality before proclaiming their interest with each other to their friends. Even now, Dee found herself unable to get the small smile that played on her face off. She couldn't wait.
Kathryn, meanwhile, was growing more and more anxious as each second ticked by on the clock. The past few weeks had been filled with numerous gifts from the secret admirer, ever since she accepted that first one. It hadn't been anything big, just a cute little Cherished Teddy figurine of a bear dressed in a nurse's outfit. The characteristic frown on the brown bear's face had immediately won her heart and she was equally touched by the thoughtfulness of the stranger who'd given it to her. It hadn't helped her in figuring out who the admirer was because everyone knew that she aspired to be a nurse, but the thought won her heart nevertheless. After that, there were boxes of chocolates, a few roses, and other trinkets here and there that were all associated with her interests to add to her growing curiosity. Each gift came with a simple note, reading "I love you." And each had been signed Secret Admirer. So far, she'd been able to keep this part of her life secret from Dee, but she wasn't sure how much longer she could take it. This last gift had been different and it had taken all her wits to figure out a way for Dee not to find it. It had been a huge teddy bear holding a heart. The heart had a pocket and inside held a note. When she read it though, it wasn't the normal short, two-sentence card but a note warning her of their upcoming visit, telling her how they'd be staying for the week, and that sometime during that week, she'd finally find out who this mystery guy was. Kat wasn't sure she wanted to find out.
All too soon, there was a knock on the door and as Kat took one last look around the room to make sure nothing was out of place, Dee went to open the door. A chorus of hello's burst out and Kat turned around to see the five guys all filing in. Each came to give Kat a hug before Dee turned on them. "So what brings you here?"
"Yeah. If I remember correctly, your flight came in just an hour ago. I'd think you'd want to rest," Kat added.
"Rest? That's what sleeping is for," Justin smiled.
"Yeah. Besides, we wanted to visit the two most beautiful women here first before giving in to a fantasy world."
At this, Dee laughed. "Flirt!"
JC only shrugged. "It's the truth!"
Kat blushed slightly.
Dee, seeing Kat's reaction, decided to move the topic on. "So how are you guys?"
Lance called out first. "Tired!" He plopped himself down on the couch.
"Uh uh, no way Lance. We just got here!" Justin yelled. He immediately placed himself next to Lance, poking him to be annoying.
Both Chris and JC replied that they were glad to be there and have a break.
Joey looked thoughtful for a moment before looking up at the guys. "I'm hungry."
Kat mockingly slapped herself on the forehead. "Oh, Joey, forgive my manners. I forgot to call the caterers for you."
"Very funny." He stuck out his tongue at her as she got up, making her way to the kitchen.
As she rummaged through the cupboards trying to figure out what to serve, she felt another presence join her. Glancing over her shoulder, she found JC peering into the cupboards as well. "JC! What are you doing here? You should be out there relaxing with the others."
"Nah, it's all right. I'm stuck with those guys too much and I needed a break."
"Oh, really?" Kat smiled as she turned back to rummaging around.
"Of course. Besides, I enjoy being with you."
Kat froze, her mind working fast as she mumbled back an answer. "Thanks, JC," she said, giving him a forced smile.
Finally, she spotted something suitable enough for all of them. She got out the popcorn and put a pack in the microwave. Meanwhile, JC had found the soda and went out to start distributing the cans.
Thankful to be alone while she waited for the popcorn to pop, she stood at the counter and closed her eyes. Okay… How am I supposed to take that one? That was a direct quote from his first note. Did he mean it? Was it intentional? Or am I just imagining things? Anyone could have said it though, and I don't even know JC that well though! I mean we're friends… But we haven't talked outside of anything. Oh my gosh, this is so confusing. I'm always laughing and smiling around him because that usually means I'm around the entire group and they're always goofing off. Then again, there were those couple of times when JC and I got to talk alone… The others had gotten too crazy for us and we were both exasperated. So we went off to let them wear themselves out. We talked about the normal stuff, my college life, his music career… Was there anything special about that night? Kat couldn't remember and was forced back into the present when the timer finally rang and the smell of popcorn delicately traced the air.
Kat busied herself around the kitchen, opening the pouch of popcorn and letting the warm air escape before pouring the popcorn into a handy bowl. Then she went back out into the living room to join the others. There, JC gave her a quick smile before turning back to the others as everyone took turns throwing popcorn at Lance, who tried swapping them away as he tried to nap. Kat gave a weak smile as she took a seat next to JC, the only seat left in the room. This is going to be a long night…