Just A Dream
By Melody
~ Coffee and a date
“What the! Oh oompf-” Malina said as she fell to the ground spilling her coffee
everywhere.
“Oh I am so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Here let me help you.” A
strange voice said to her. Malina looked up and into the eyes of a young man. He
held out his hand to her and she accepted.
“It’s ok. I’ll just have coffee when I get home. I’m sure my roommate will have
some.” Malina said to the man.
“No let me buy you another cup. It’s my fault.  By the way, I’m Lance Bass.”
“I’m Malina Hawk and you really don’t have to.”
“I’d feel much better if you let me, Malina.” Lance looked at Malina earnestly
and Malina gave in.
“Ok I guess it would be alright.”  The two people walked back into the coffee
shop and sat down in some chairs as they waited for their coffee.
Lance chuckled and Malina was curious.
“What’s so funny?” she asked.  He smiled and said, “Nothing really. I’m just
kinda surprised you haven’t figured out who I am yet.”  Malina was confused.
“Should I know who you are?”
“Well not necessarily but most people do.” Lance said.
“Um ok. Are you famous or something?”
“You could say that.”  Malina studied Lance for a few seconds and then she
realized.
“You’re in *NSYNC!”
“And the grand prize goes to Malina Hawk!” Lance joked.  “What took you so
long?”
“Well no offense, but I don’t really listen to you guys.  I only know because my
little sister, Becca, loves *NSYNC.  You should see her room.”
“Malina, that’s a really pretty name.” Malina blushed slightly and whispered,
“Thanks.” Lance Bass was a really nice person.  He was easy to talk to and not
at all stuck up.
“You’re welcome.  Say, I have to go now but would you mind if I asked you out
sometime?  I don’t mean to put you on the spot or anything but you just seem
like a really great person and someone that I would like to get to know better.”
“Wow. Umm sure. Here’s my cell number.” Lance gave Malina his and then they went
their separate ways.
~ Dress up (2 months later)
“Where are you going all dressed up?” Dana, Malina’s roommate asked.
“Lance is taking me to this new restaurant downtown.  It’s supposed to be fancy
I think. Well what do you think?” Malina asked as she stepped away from the
mirror.
“You look amazing. Where did you find that great dress?”
“At some thrift store. I mean I don’t usually buy stuff from there but I thought
what the heck? And I looked and there was this awesome outfit. Do you think
Lance will like it?”
“He’ll love it.” Dana commented. “How serious are you guys?”
“I’m not sure. I like Lance a lot and I think that it could definitely turn
serious.”
“I still can’t believe that you are dating a guy from the hottest music group
out there.  Do you think he can get me a date with JC?” Malina laughed.
“I’m not sure about a date.  But I’ll see what I can do.” Ding dong.  “That’ll
be him!” Malina squealed.  She opened the door and said, “Come in.”
“Here, this is for you.” Lance said as he handed her a corsage.
“Thank you. It’s gorgeous.”
“And that’s exactly what you are tonight.”  Lance gave her a kiss and said, “We
better get going if we want to keep our reservation.”
“Ok.  Bye Dana. Have fun and don’t stay up too late. And always remember, don’t
drink and drive.” Malina teased.
“Yes Mommy. Have a good time you two.” Dana answered.
~ Phone talk
“Hello?” Malina asked.
“Hey Malina.” Lance said.
“Hi Lance. What’s up?”
“Are you busy tonight?”
“Why? Planning on seeing someone?” Malina coyly asked.
“Only you.”
“Well in that case, I think I can save some time for you.”
“Good. Because I can’t wait to see you.”
“I’m glad you’re back from touring.  It’s lonely when you’re not here.”  With
Lance being gone all the time, it was hard to keep a strong relationship going. 
But these two people were more than willing.
“I miss you too.  Listen, all you need for tonight is to wear some warmer
clothes.”
“Hmm…is that a hint to what we’re doing?”
“That’s all I’m going to tell you for now, yes.”
“Ok.  That’s fair enough. See you tonight.”
“Bye.” Lance said.
“Bye.” Malina replied and hung up.
~Starry Skies
“Lance when can I take off this blindfold?” Malina asked from the back of
Lance’s car.
“When we get there. I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“Why am I back here?  I want to sit up front.”
“Because I might be too tempted to kiss you and then we’ll never get there.”
“So?  I have no problem with being kissed?” Lance smiled.
“Don’t worry.  We’re almost there.” He said.
“Good. I don’t like it when I can’t see you.”
“Malina calm down. We’re here.  But don’t take off the blindfold yet.”
“Fine.”  Lance opened the door and helped Malina out of the car.  They walked
until Lance said, “Ok.  You can take off the blindfold now.”
Malina gasped at the sight in front of her.  It was breathtaking.  They were
standing on a porch at a beachhouse and the porch looked out toward the ocean. 
It was a cool night and you could feel the ocean breeze and the smell of the
ocean air.
“Lance, this is beautiful.”  Malina looked around and saw a table that had
picnic foods set out and surrounding them were candles glowing in the starry
skies.
“I’m glad you like it.  Now would you care to dance?”  Lance walked over to the
outdoor stereo that was by the door and turned on the CD player.
“Why yes I would thank you.” Lance took Malina’s hand and they danced to the
music that filled the air.
It’s in the silences
The words you never say
I see it in your eyes
Always starts the same way
It seems like everyone we know is breaking up
Does anybody ever stay in love anymore
I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you ‘til death do us part
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I’ll never love again
With everything I am
I see you look at me
When you think I’m not aware
You’re searching for clues
Of just how deep my feelings are
How do you prove the sky is blue
The ocean’s wide
All I know is what I feel
When I look into your eyes
 I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you ‘til death do us part
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I’ll never love again
With everything I am
There are no guarantees
That’s what you always say to me
And late at night I feel the tremble in your touch
What I’m trying to say to you
I never said to anyone
I promise you
From the bottom of my heart
I will love you ‘til death do us part
I promise you
As a lover and a friend
I will love you like I’ll never love again
With everything I am
with everything I am
song credit: Backstreet Boys, I promise you (With everything I am)
~ Love (A year later)
“Hey Justin, would you pass me the rolls.” Lance said.
“Sure.  So where is Malina?” Justin asked.
“She had to study for a test but she’ll be by later.”  All the guys of *NSYNC
were staying at Lance’s house while they were on vacation and they were eating
dinner.  Justin’s girlfriend Kristen was there, and Joey’s girlfriend Brenda,
and JC’s girlfriend Lyzbeth.  Chris didn’t have a girlfriend so Lance didn’t
feel completely alone without Malina there.  Kristen was Justin’s girlfriend but
the rest of the group knew that she was a major flirt, even around Justin. 
Justin was blind to it and it hurt Lance to see that he was being betrayed right
in front of his face.
The phone rang and Lance answered it. “Hello?”
“Hello to you to.” The voice said.
“Hi Malina.  How’s studying?”
“That’s just it.  It isn’t so Dana and I are going to go to the library and I
don’t think I’m going to make it over to your place tonight.”  Lance sighed. 
It’s not like they spent a lot of time together but the time they did was
precious.  But Lance understood.  How could he not?  He was gone touring all the
time and he knew how it felt.  “Lance?” He heard Malina say.
“Oh umm that’s alright.  I know how much you want to pass the test.  I- I  love
you.” Lance said slowly.  The silence was deadly.  “Malina honey?”
“I uh I – gotta go Dana’s waiting.”  Malina hung up and Lance was left standing
there.
~ Heartbroken
“So who was on the phone Lance?” Chris asked.
“Malina.  She can’t come tonight.”
“That’s too bad.” Kristen said seductively as she smiled at him.  Lance coughed
and nervously said, “Well I’m done eating so I’m gonna go upstairs.” Lance left
the room and Kristen turned to Justin.
“I’m going to use the restroom ok?”
“Sure Krist.  But hurry back.” Justin said.
“Don’t worry Just, I won’t be gone long.”  Kristen knocked on Lance’s bedroom
door and when she heard no reply she opened it.  She saw Lance sitting on the
bed with his back to her and she walked over to him.  “What’s the matter?” she
asked softly.  Kristen started to massage Lance’s shoulders and he didn’t say
anything.  Malina not responding to Lance hurt.  They had been together now for
over a year and it was the first time he had ever told her he loved her and she
didn’t say it back.  She didn’t say those three words that mean so much to a
person.  ‘I can’t believe it.  I thought we felt the same about each other. 
What happened Malina?  What?’ Lance thought to himself.
“Kristen go away.  Shouldn’t you be with your boyfriend?” Lance asked bitterly.
“It’s alright baby.  Justin won’t care if we do anything.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Oh come on Lance.  I’ve seen the way you look at me when Malina’s not around. 
You know what you want.  I’m here to give it to you.”
“What in the hell are you talking about?”  Kristen was getting irritated.
“Dammit Lance.  I want you.  I don’t care about Justin.  Sure he’s got the looks
but you can give me what I really want.”  Without looking at her Lance asked,
“And what is that?”
“You.”  Kristen turned towards Lance and looked him in the eyes.  “I want you.”
She whispered as she leaned forward toward Lance.  She kissed him softly and
slowly taking in every second of it.  Lance didn’t know what was happening but
he did know he didn’t really care at the moment.  So he didn’t stop her.
~ Studying goes down the drain
“Ugh this is so frustrating I don’t get any of this!” Malina shouted in the
library.
“Uh Malina?  See that Shh! Please be quiet sign?  I think we’re supposed to
follow that.” Dana said to her.
“I don’t care.  Why does Professor Brockwell have to give us such a hard test?”
“That’s why they call it college dear.”
“Thanks Dana.  You’re really helping out here.” Malina didn’t mean to be such a
pain but her psych test was the next day and she had to get some major studying
if she wanted to be able to pass the class.  Malina wanted to go over to Lance’s
but she couldn’t.
“Oh you know you’re just missing Lance.”
“I know it.  You know what he said to me earlier?”
“What?”
“He told me he loved me.  I still can’t believe it.”
“Well you two have been together for a long time now.  He never said it before?”
“No and I didn’t think he was going to and then boom!  I was saying goodbye on
the phone and then he said, “I love you.”
“You know what?  I think you’ve done enough studying.  Go ahead and see him.  He
did just say he loved you.” Dana said.
“You’re right.  There’ll be other tests.  So what if I fail?”  Dana gave  Malina
a stern look.  “Well alright.  It does matter if I fail but who cares tonight?”
“Go!” Dana said and Malina packed up her things to go to Lance only about to
crash the party.
When you feel all alone
And the world has turned its back on you
Give me a moment please to tame your wild wild heart
I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you
It's hard to find relief and people can be so cold
When darkness is upon your door and you feel like you can't take anymore
Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
you're not alone
When you feel all alone
And a loyal friend is hard to find
You're caught in a one way street with the monsters in your head
When hopes and dreams are far away and
You feel like you can't face the day
Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone
Because there has always been heartache and pain
and when it's over you'll breathe again
You'll breathe again
When you feel all alone
And the world has turned it's back on you
Give me a moment please
To tame your wild wild heart
Let me be the one you call
If you jump I'll break your fall
Lift you up and fly away with you into the night
If you need to fall apart
I can mend a broken heart
If you need to crash then crash and burn
You're not alone
Song credit: Savage Garden, Crash and Burn
~ Crash the party
“No Kristen stop.  We shouldn’t be doing this.” Lance said.
“Lance I kissed you and you didn’t stop me.  What is the matter?” Kristen asked.
“I love Malina and I don’t want to do anything to betray her.”
“Yeah you love her so much.” Kristen said sarcastically and she kissed Lance and
he knew that it was wrong but when he thought about it, maybe Malina didn’t love
him.  Afterall, she was the one who hadn’t answered him when he said he loved
her.  He kissed Kristen back with force and she was excited to see Lance
responding.  Lance heard a small gasp and he pulled away from Kristen to jerk
around and see Malina standing at the door with tears in her eyes.  She looked
at Lance and then at Kristen before turning and running away.
“Malina wait!” he called out as he rushed to catch her.
“Let her go Lance.  She’s seen us.  It doesn’t matter anymore.” She purred. 
Lance glared at Kristen.  He was seething mad.
“You shut you mouth and get out.  Justin doesn’t need someone like you and I
sure as hell don’t.  Thanks to you I’ve screwed up everything with Malina and I
don’t know if she’ll forgive me.  Get out of my house now.”
Kristen smiled.
“Ok.  But let me tell you this, when Malina doesn’t forgive you, don’t be
surprised.  She’s just a stupid little bitch who doesn’t know what she wants.”
Lance grabbed Kristen’s arm as she walked by and said bitterly, “Don’t you EVER
call her that.  Get out now!” he yelled.
~ Beer and a breakup
“Justin I gotta go.  I’ll talk to you later.” Kristen said as she walked by the
living room where everyone was watching Mission Impossible 2.  Justin stood up
to walk her out like a gentleman would.  He asked, “What’s the matter?  What
happened upstairs?  I saw Malina run out of here crying.  KRISTEN?”
“Justin I can’t be with you anymore.  I’m sorry.” Kristen had seen the look in
Lance’s eyes when he saw Malina.  It was one of true regret and pain.  Kristen
realized what she had done and how she was hurting Justin too.
“What?  Kristen, come on what’s going on?”
“Something did happen upstairs and I’m sure Lance will tell you about it and I
just want to let you go now while it hurts less.”
“No don’t go Kristen.  Whatever it is we’ll work it out.”  Kristen looked back
at Justin as she stepped out the door.
“I’m sorry Justin.” She said sadly.
Lance came downstairs and he walked to the kitchen.  He found Justin sitting at
the counter drinking a beer.  “Hey I could definitely use one of those right
now, but why do you?” He sat down next to Justin and Justin answered, “Kristen
broke up with me.”
“Good.” Lance muttered under his breath.
“Huh?”
“Nothing.  She broke up with you?”
“Yeah.  She said you would probably tell me why.  Lance, what happened upstairs? 
I wanna know.”  Lance took a deep breath before telling Justin.
“When Malina called she said that she couldn’t come.  I told her I loved her and
she didn’t say anything.  You remember I went upstairs?”
“Yeah and Kristen went upstairs after you left.  What’d she say?”
“It’s not really what she said but more what she did.”
“Then what did she do?”
“She kissed me.”
“She did what?” Justin asked angrily.
“She kissed me and I didn’t stop her.  I’m sorry Justin I just didn’t know what
to do.  I was hurt and upset that Malina didn’t say she loved me back and when
Kristen kissed me it was like I don’t know it was like she was taking the pain
away.  So don’t be too angry at me because she did kiss me first.”  Lance knew
it was a bad excuse but it was the best explanation he could offer.
“Lance I’m not mad at you, really.  I was thinking of breaking it off with
Kristen for awhile but I just didn’t think the time was right.”
“Well thanks man.  I’m sorry I have to go talk to Malina.”
“Good luck.  I hope she listens.” Justin said.
“So do I.  So do I.”
~ Alone
Malina drove away from Lance’s place as soon as she could.  She was filled with
pain and anger and she didn’t know where she should go or who she should turn
to.  Whenever she felt hurt or upset, Lance was the one she would turn to.  He
was there for her, he helped her get through it all.  But now, he was the one
who had hurt her and she had no one to go to. Malina flashed back to seeing
Lance on the bed kissing Kristen and she started crying again.
When somebody loves you
It's no good unless he loves you all the way
Happy to be near you
When you need someone to cheer you - all the way
Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
That's how deep it goes - if it's real
When somebody needs you
It's no good unless he needs you - all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in-between years - come what may
Who knows where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you
All the way
All the way
Taller than the tallest tree is
That's how it's got to feel
Deeper than the deep blue sea is
That's how deep it goes - if it's real
When somebody needs you
It's no good unless she needs you - all the way
Through the good or lean years
And for all the in-between years - come what may
Who knows where the road will lead us
Only a fool would say
But if you'll let me love you
It's for sure I'm gonna love you
All the way
All the way
I’m gonna love you all the way
Song credit: Celine Dion, All the way
It hurt to think that Lance would betray her trust and her feelings for him that
way but he had.  He had pushed away everything they had built together and
destroyed it by acting stupidly and kissing Kristen.  No more.  ‘I worked hard
to keep our relationship strong and you didn’t give a damn.  You didn’t give a
single damn.’  Malina wiped away the tears and went home.  She didn’t want to
get the third degree from Dana but she had nowhere else to go.
“Hey there!  How did everything go…” Dana trailed off as she noticed Malina’s
tear streaked face.  “Oh my god what happened?”  Malina started sobbing again as
she sat down on her bed.
“He- he- kiss- kissed her.” Malina struggled to say.
“Lance kissed someone else?  How dare he that jackass.  Who did he kiss?”
“That’s not really the most important thing right now.”
“Oh you’re right I’m sorry.  I’m being insensitive.”
“I- I think I just want to be alone right now so if you don’t -”
“No problem.” Dana finished for her.  “I’ll just stay in the living room and
watch repeats of Celebrity Deathmatch.  That show kicks butt!” She walked over
to Malina and gave her a gentle hug before leaving the room.
~ Talking solves nothing
The doorbell rang and Dana answered it.  She opened the door to find a
distraught looking Lance standing there. Dana started to close the door but
Lance stopped her. “Please.  I don’t know what she told you but please.  Just
let me talk to her.” Dana nodded and said, “She’s in her room.”
Lance walked quietly in Malina’s room to find her sleeping.  He looked at her
face to see that she had fallen asleep crying. Malina stirred and Lance said, “I
am so sorry.  I know that will never be enough but you can’t imagine how I feel
right now too.  Knowing that I hurt you makes me feel worse than I ever have in
my whole life.” Malina’s eyes slowly fluttered open and she started to realize
her surroundings.  She rolled over and saw Lance standing on the side of her
bed.  She looked at him angrily before getting out of bed and walking out of the
room.
“Malina please!  Listen to me!  I’m sorry and I can’t believe that I even hurt
you in any way.  Malina!” he ran after her and stopped her when he grabbed her
arm outside.
“Let go of me.” She said through clenched teeth.
“No.”
“I don’t want to listen to anything you have to say.  Let go of me now.”
“I’m not letting you go until you give me a chance to explain.”  Malina jerked
her arm away from Lance’s arm and stepped back.
“Lance you just don’t get it do you?” she yelled.  “I don’t want to speak to
you, listen to you, look at you, touch you, I want nothing to do with you.”
“It was just one kiss we can work through this and get past it.” Malina looked
at Lance like he was crazy.
“Just one kiss?  Just one kiss?  Lance our relationship WAS built on the
foundation of TRUST.  That foundation has crumbled now because of YOU.  I can’t
nor do I want to trust you anymore.  I hate you and I never want to see you
again.  Get away from my house now before I call the police and we wouldn’t want
that to happen because it would ruin your goodygoody image that you have for
your fans.” She said yelled again.
“Malina, I-” as Lance tried to step towards her.
“Get away!!!” she screamed.  Lance held his hands up in defeat and stepped back
towards his car.
“Fine.  But I want you to know one thing.”
“What?” Malina asked bitterly.
“I still love you.”  And then he left.  She sat down on the porch and fell
apart.  Malina knew Lance regretted what he did but she couldn’t get past the
fact that he had hurt her.  Something he had once promised he would never do. 
And he had broken that promise.  Nothing could ever change that.
~ It was just a dream
She was my once in a lifetime
Happy ending come true
Ohhhhh I, guess I should have told her
I thought she knew
She said I took her for granted
That's the last thing I would do
Oh I'll never understand it
I thought she knew
I thought she knew my world revolved around her
My love light burned for her alone
But she couldn't see the flame
Only myself to blame
I should have known
I should have known
A heart full of words left unspoken
Now that we're through
I'd sell my soul to have this silence broken
Oh I thought she knew (I thought she knew)
I thought she knew my world revolved around her
My love light burned for her alone
But she couldn't see the flame
Only myself to blame
I should have known
I should have known
She was my once in a lifetime
Happy ending come true
Woahhh I guess I should have told her
But I thought she knew (I thought she knew)
I thought she knew (I thought she knew)
I thought she knew (I thought she knew)
Ohhhhh I thought that she knew
Song credit: *NSYNC, I thought she knew
“I still love you Malina.  Nothing will ever change that.” Lance said.
“Malina please!  Listen to me!  I’m sorry and I can’t believe that I even hurt
you in any way.  Malina!” he ran after her and stopped her when he grabbed her
arm outside.
“Let go of me.” She said through clenched teeth.
“No.”
“I don’t want to listen to anything you have to say.  Let go of me now.”
“I’m not letting you go until you give me a chance to explain.”  Malina jerked
her arm away from Lance’s arm and stepped back.
“Lance you just don’t get it do you?” she yelled.  “I don’t want to speak to
you, listen to you, look at you, touch you, I want nothing to do with you.”
“It was just one kiss we can work through this and get past it.” Malina looked
at Lance like he was crazy.
“Just one kiss?  Just one kiss?  Lance our relationship WAS built on the
foundation of TRUST.  That foundation has crumbled now because of YOU.  I can’t
nor do I want to trust you anymore.  I hate you and I never want to see you
again.  Get away from my house now before I call the police and we wouldn’t want
that to happen because it would ruin your goodygoody image that you have for you
fans.” She said yelled again.
“Malina, I-” as Lance tried to step towards her.
“Get away!!!” she screamed.
“No no! Go away!” Malina called out in her sleep.
“Malina, shh!  It’s ok.  Malina.”
“I hate you and I never want to see you again.  Get away!”
“Malina, wake up.  Shh it’s not true.  It was just a dream.”  Malina opened her
eyes and Dana was sitting on the edge of her bed stroking her head softly. 
“It’s alright.  It was all just a dream.” She said.
“What do you mean?  None of that was true?   But what about my nightmare?”
“That’s just what it was.  A nightmare.” Dana said.
“I can’t believe it.  What I felt was so real.” Malina said in shock.  “Do you
mind if I make a call?”
“No.  I’ll just go get some coffee and donuts.”
“Ok.  Thanks.”  Malina turned on her cell and dialed.  When the phone didn’t
pick up she left a message.
“Hi Lance?  Yeah it’s me.  Listen I know this may seem out of the blue but
there’s something I have to tell you.  I love you.  A few things happened to
make me realize how much you mean to me and that I never want to let you go.”
Malina started crying and said, “Well I don’t want to waste your time by having
you listen to me cry so I’ll let you go now.  I hope you have a good day. Bye
Lance and remember, I’ll always love you.  Forever.”
Malina had had a horrible dream but thankfully it was that, just a dream and not
a reality.