When You Were Mine: Joe and Katherine's Love Story (A Joey McIntyre Fanfiction)

19

Joe can't believe she's gone.

He had begged her to let him come with her, to help her get set up at her new place. But she wouldn't let him.

"That will only make this harder Joseph.  Maybe you can come visit in a few months. After I get settled in."

He's crushed that she doesn't want him there, but he gets it. Starting out in her new place with him there would make it harder when he had to leave. He's not honestly sure he'd be able to leave if he went with her.

Joe can't get out of their bed, he stays there all day. Laying there, surrounded by her scent brings him a little comfort. Not much, but enough to get him through the day. And the night.

The next morning Joe meets up with Donnie, Danny and Jordan at a new recording studio.

"So this is it guys, our new digs. It's state of the art. I've got a few songs started that I'd like you guys to help me on. We need new music. Music we love. Music we believe in." Donnie's so excited about this new beginning, it's hard for Joe to not feel a little excited too.

"I've been working on a couple of new songs too guys. I'd really appreciate your help with them as well." Joe says sadly.

Joe plays part of the song he had been working on and all the guys are quiet. "Joe that's not your normal upbeat kind of song. Everything okay with you and Katie girl?" Jordan asks as a joke, until he sees the look on Joe's face. "Oh shit, Joe I was kidding. Is everything not okay?"

"She's gone. It's over." Joe holds back his tears. He's so heartbroken, he misses her so much already. He just wants her to come back.

"Wait bro, did you say she's gone? What do you mean? Where'd she go? What happened?" Jon asks, his voice full of concern.

"She left, went to San Diego. She's doing a Graduate program at UC, getting her Masters degree. She got a job and everything. She waited so long for me to get home. Then when she asked me to go with her so she could further her dream I said no. Because my job was here, my family was here. I didn't even once think about how selfish that was of me. Now she's gone. And it's fucking killing me guys."

"I'm really sorry Joe."

Joe looks up at Jordan. "Are you really?"

"Yes Joe, I'm really sorry. I know how much you love her. And no matter what I'd never want to see you hurting."

Joe gives Jordan a crooked half smile. "Thanks man. That means a lot."

"If you're not okay, we don't have to do this today. I mean if you need more time."  Donnie puts his hand on Joe's shoulder.

"I'm okay Cheese. I'd rather not be alone. We didn't end things per se, I'm going to go see her in a couple of weeks.  We left things kind of open. We still love each other. She just needs to do this for herself, and I don't blame her. Hopefully it'll all work out for us eventually, one day. I'm never giving up on that."

"If you feel that strongly you shouldn't give up."

The next few weeks were torture for Joe. He talked to Katherine only twice and both times she was telling him she was too busy with work and school to see him. So they put off their visit again. "Kate are you trying to tell me you don't want to see me again? Please don't let me think there's still hope if there's not."

"Joseph McIntyre don't you dare think for one second I'd lie to you. I do want to see you. I miss you so much. But right now isn't a good time. I feel like I'm already behind here. Most of the other graduate students did their undergrad studies here and already know all the professors. I feel like I'm playing catch up, having to prove myself at every turn. I'm having to prove I know just as much, sometimes more, than the other students. I just don't know how to fit anymore into my day. If you were here I'd lose myself in you. We have a couple of days at Thanksgiving if you want to come for a visit then."

Without any thought at all Joe says yes. "Yes. Kate I'd love to come spend Thanksgiving with you. I better get back in the studio, Donnie wants this song finished today."

"Yeah I need to start my long walk across campus to get to my class. What's the new song called?"

There's a long silence. Then Joe finally says, "I Can't Believe It's Over."

Another long pause. "Hmm? I wonder what that ones about. I love you my handsome Joseph."

"We wrote it about Maurice." He laughs, "Oh who am I kidding? It's about you. I started writing it the day you left. The guys helped me finish it. I think you'll like it. I love you my beautiful Kate."

Joe's so nervous when Thanksgiving is finally here. Conversations with Katherine were few and far between lately. They were both so busy it was hard to find time to just stop and talk. Joe thought about her constantly though. Every song he contributed to on the new album was about her. So without even double checking with her he flew out to San Diego two days before Thanksgiving.

Joe went to the address of her apartment, but was surprised because it wasn't an apartment. It was a condo on the beach, the backyard was the beach. Katherine wasn't home so Joe just sat down on her back porch and waited.

Katherine gets home late, the sun is setting and it's almost dark. Katherine can't help but notice the car sitting out front. She sees her gate that leads to the back of her house is open. A little scared Katherine rushes to get inside her house, quickly locking the door behind her. She runs to get her phone, ready to call 911, when she looks out her back window. There's a man, sleeping on one of her loungers. She's scared he's some homeless drifter at first, then she sees the big beautiful bouquet of Sunflowers. "Joseph" she whispers to herself.

Katherine drops her phone and runs to her backdoor.

She's calling his name as soon as the door is open. "Joseph!"

He wakes up and when their eyes meet its like no time has passed. She's on top of him, covering his mouth with hers. It's a kiss for the history books.