Behind His Smile---JC Chasez Fanfiction

Seven

I said this on my wall, but just in case, I'll say it again. This story is going to be on the theme of sexual abuse. I don't know why I chose to write this, except for that I am intrigued for some reason by the mystery that surrounds that topic.  I do not like for it to happen to anyone, please understand. It just caught my attention when I learned of how Lou Pearlman used to treat the boys.  If it brings back bad memories perhaps, I'm sorry.  I don't mean for that at all.  I just want to use my imagination for something, like writing. Please be patient with me. If you are uncomfortable with what I write, please let me know, and I will be understanding and try to take care of the problem.  I love you all. =)

It was finally 8 o'clock in the morning.  JC grabbed a damp blue towel and strung it around his neck, dabbing his sweaty temples with an end.

"Man, I live for these 2 1/2 hour long dance rehearsals," Joey remarked sarcastically, coming to JC's side. He was breathing a little heavy, and JC almost jeered that it was because of the two double-sized glazed donuts he'd eaten at halftime. Instead, he became serious and nudged Joey.

"Pearlman's coming this way,"

It was becoming a common thing all of sudden for the boys to warn one another when their manager was coming within hearing distance of them. No one really knew why. It was like Lou was an enemy and they were all looking out for each other's good.  Who had started it? Mm, JC or someone I think.

Joey made an "oh, great," face at JC then turned to greet their manager.  "Hey, it's a fine morning, say, isn't it, Lou?"

Lou looked at Joey like he smelled like a rotten potato, then snapped his fingers and pointed toward the door.  "You two should be in the showers, getting all cleaned up for breakfast. We're meeting with Tiffany in an hour."

"Who's Tiffany?" Joey asked, gathering his things and trailing behind Lou to the waiting vehicle outside.  He looked back at JC and made another annoyed face.  Lou grunted some reply, then disappeared to his own car.

JC tossed the towel into the growing pile, then followed after Joey.

"So this dude sent me a text message saying he could pay for our band to come and sing at Disney Land tomorrow." Justin was saying as JC entered the vehicle. He gave Justin a look.

"Do we know 'this dude'?"

"No," Justin replied. "It was some fan trying to get us to do something."

"All for his fifteen seconds of fame," Chris added. Then he turned in his seat. "So who's this girl that's going to interview us? Is she young, is she single, is she cute?"

"Shut up, goof!" Justin teased. "She's probably old with false teeth and a red wig."

"Well, whatever she looks like, she won't want to interview you guys smelling the way you do," their escort piped up.

~an hour later

JC stared at his reflection in the mirror.  His hair stylist sprayed a few more drops of hairspray on him, then smiled.

"All finished, JC! Looking good."

JC smiled weakly and then stood. "Thanks, Ashley." He was very aware that he and his hair stylist were not alone in the room.

"We are going to be late," Lou Pearlman stated in a very firm tone. He rolled his eyes at Ashley, then over to JC. "I swear you and Chris are always the last ones in the vehicle, when we're in a hurry for something important."

JC let his manager's griping fade into the back of his mind as he put on his jacket and walked out of the studio surrounded by body guards.  He could hear screams of girls coming from somewhere.

"JCCCCC!!!!" A shrill voice said. "I am your biggest fannnnn! Please give me your autograph!"

"Come on, come on, come on," His body guard said quickly into his ear, grabbing JC's arm and hurrying him along. JC resisted.

"Wait, man. She wants an autograph, and I'm going to give it to her!" JC fought against the body guard's strong grip.

"Don't fight with me, man. You'll regret it." the body guard said roughly. He moved JC along.

Any other day, JC may have been able to coax his way to the fan girls, but not today. Not when his body was weak from exhaustion. He gave up and climbed into the waiting vehicle.  A sore sight met him there.

"If I see you resisting body guard control anymore, it's not gonna be a happy day for you." Lou's eyes were dark as he glared hard at JC, gripping his arm tightly.  JC drew in a deep breath, feeling as if he were about to get attacked by a wild dog.

"Man, chill out!" Joey called from his seat in the back.  The others glared at Lou. A few moments of silence passed. Justin was getting up from his seat. He set his hand on JC's arm.

"Let him go," he said sternly but quietly. Lou dropped his grip and cleared his throat.

"Get going," he snapped to the driver.

JC swallowed back his fright and leaned his head against the seat, his gaze going to the window.

A hundred cameras were flashing as people pressed against the vehicle.  The driver blared the horn, becoming aggravated.

Lou seemed in a ruffle.   He made a stern face at the boys.  "Those pics are coming out in the news, you know that.  Whatever it may look like has happened, we are denying all rumors these scumbags make up." He flicked his gaze to JC who was ignoring him. "We'll say JC wasn't feeling well, and felt faint, and I was helping him, okay?" Lou looked at each boy in turn.  "Are we clear?"

Justin sighed inwardly as he sat back in his seat. "Crystal," he said hoarsely.