Fiction :: A-List(ed)

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Days Later

A-List Magazine

Manhattan, New York

"There's my beautiful baby sister..."

Spinning around in my chair since I was busy daydreaming gazing out of the large glass windows in A-List, I smile when I see Sean standing at my desk with his tape recorder and notebook in hand.

"Hey Sean." I smile for him and he returns the gesture with a slight nod.

"So, I believe I have that interview with your hot little boyfriend in about five minutes." He voices and I quickly come out of my daze realizing that he's right.

"Oh yes, your interview with Justin is today huh?" I mention while quickly checking over Justin's schedule. I almost forgot.

"Damn straight. I'm excited to do this article on their anniversary party."

"I know, me too, I'm excited for you." I smile before hearing my office line ringing. Gazing through the windows of Justin's office I realize that he's the one calling me when he grins and motions for me to pick up.

Rolling my eyes playfully, I grab the line and quickly say ‘hello.'

"What's up Justin?"

"I see my appointment is here." He chuckles and I look up at Sean who's eyeing Justin with interest through the large window.

"Nothing gets by you huh?" I quip causing Justin's laughs to increase.

"Don't be a smartass else I'll punish you for it later." He speaks softly, his voice dropping an octave and I swallow hard, shifting in my seat, feeling a slight tingle of excitement rise in my stomach then travel down between my legs. Ugh, you see what this man does to me? And all he has to do is talk sexy. Damn.

"Looking forward to it." I smile, noting the slight shock on his face as he stares at me from behind his desk before he laughs lightly.

"Ok, ok, we're at work, back to business; send Sean in. I'll talk to you later."

"Will do boss." I jibe and Justin huffs over the line.

"Cute Tai. You're lucky I love you so much..."

"Pssh, whatever...you know I love you too...bye!" I quickly hang up before he can say anything else.

Rooting my eyes away from him and how adorably sexy he looks in his work attire I glance up at Sean who's trying to hold back his laughter.

I eye him oddly and he elicits a large grin but doesn't say anything.

"Is this my cue to go in?" Sean animatedly questions.

My brother I tell you...at least he knows when to not tease me. But I'm sure he's saving it for later when we're home.

"Go ahead. I have some computer work to finish up. I'll see you when you're done."

"Ok, I'm off to get me a fashion story." He beams happily before disappearing into Justin's office.

I look on through the window at Justin with an appraising eye, noting how he stretches across to give Sean a manly hug which only says that they're on a personal friendship level even if this is a business meeting. That makes me smile before I divert my attention so I can continue typing up some documents for Justin.

We came back from LA a few days ago and so far, nothing seems out of the ordinary. But, it has been unusually quiet around here since the day of our flight from LA to New York was the same day Robert's little episode hit the tabloid stands. There were even a few pictures of Sean and Justin when they were trying to get Robert off the stage in that club.

I thought all hell was going to break loose at A-List when we returned because of that, but, so far, nothing seems out of the ordinary. I will admit though that today is the first day Randall came into work since we left for LA.

I've been nervous since I stepped foot into work this morning because of it. I was waiting for him to say something...anything to us due to Robert's actions. But, he said nothing. I only caught a glimpse of him when he walked over to Sharron's desk to gather his messages from the days he was absent. But other than that...nothing.

It's irking the hell out of me. I mean, why would Randall not fire me? Why hasn't he set things straight with his sons? How long are they going to keep up these shenanigans?

I can't take much more of it. I'm slowly losing my mind and I'm so scared for Justin and what all of this might mean for his future. I don't want him to end up with nothing.

I want those A-List men by some miracle to come to some sort of understanding. Is that asking for too much?

Shaking out of my thoughts, I decide to continue typing away.

If Randall isn't going to do or say anything, then neither am I. But, that doesn't lessen my worry that he's up to no good.

Finally getting those documents typed up for Justin, I rest back in my seat with a heavy sigh, lifting my head when Justin and Sean exit Justin's office talking and laughing with each other...

"I trust you Sean. Make us look good ok? Especially with everything that's happened." Justin has a large grin on his face as Sean curves his brows in interest.

"No promises Timberlake." Sean snickers. "I'm just playing." He adds in and I giggle, grasping their attention.

"What's so funny Taiana?" Justin questions and my laughs instantly die out before I stick my tongue out at the both of them.

"You're so childish sis." Sean rotates his eyes with a jovial laugh and I scoff at him but our little happy moment is quickly interrupted and crushed when Maura and Sharron come sprinting up the hall towards us.

"Justin! Justin!" Sharron calls out and we all turn in their general direction.

I frown in perplexity and Justin's eyes widen in shock when Sharron and Maura finally make their way over to us, the both of them breathless.

Taking a moment to catch her breath, Sharron looks between Sean and me before her expression turns to utter horror.

"Justin..." She begins, swallowing hard but Maura cuts her off.

"It's Robert!" Maura blurts out. "He...he's...we heard yelling, and stuff breaking and..." But that's as far as she gets before Justin interrupts.

"Where is he? Where's Rob?" Justin demands and I'm out of my seat in a flash, standing at Justin's side.

"What's going on?" I ask cautiously and Sharron's hands begin flailing.

"Your dad, he, Robert went into your dad's office to talk to him and then we heard yelling and screaming and...I don't know what's happening but..."

And just like that Justin takes off down the hall in a mad dash leaving us all momentarily stunned.

I'm the first to recover and I immediately grip Sean's hand to haul him away with me.

Sharron and Maura follow close behind silently.

I can feel my heart thudding harshly in my chest the closer we get because I can see a mass of A-List employees on our floor looking on in the direction of Randall's large office doors.

Oh god...oh god what the hell is happening?

Taking in a deep breath to calm my nerves, I hear a loud growl or groan of some sort coming from Randall's office just as Justin slips inside.

Biting my lips, I jump when Justin's head pops out from behind the door seconds later and he calls out to me. "Tai..." He begins with a pleading look in his eyes and I turn to look at Sean, Sharron and Maura before I excuse myself and follow Justin into his dad's office.

Saying a silent prayer when we step foot inside and Justin closes the door quietly behind us, I'm instantly miffed when I see Chris in there as well trying to pull Robert away from his father and the chokehold he has him in.

"Rob...calm down son!" Chris shouts and I frown in perplexity when my eyes land on Nella who's off in the corner of the room just sitting there quietly with her head down.

Justin has a look of confusion on his face as he tries to make sense of the scene going on in front of him.

"You fuckin' son of a bitch! I fuckin' hate you Dad! Do you hear me!? I hate you!" Robert screams, all up in his father's face.

Seriously, what the hell is going on!?

"What...what..." Justin's voice is weak and unsure as he stands there frozen in place not able to fathom that his brother has their dad in a tight chokehold.

Gasping when I see the look of terror in Randall's blues, I open my mouth to speak, to say anything to stop this madness, but Chris beats me to the punch when he notices us by the door.

"Justin! Oh thank god, help me man!" Chris calls out, snapping Justin out of his daze.

Justin quickly rushes over to them behind Randall's desk, his eyes flitting over to Nella for a split second before his hands are on Robert, forcefully pulling him away from their dad.

"No Justin! Let me kill him. I'll fuckin' kill him for what he's done to us. He deserves to die!" Robert screams, struggling against Chris's and Justin's hold.

"Oh my god." I whisper, taking a step to the side as I look on in fright.

What's come over Robert? This isn't him at all. What the hell did Randall do?

"Rob stop this craziness what the fuck is wrong with you?! This is our dad!" Justin yells harshly, him and Chris struggling with Robert as they slowly but surely get Robert to loosen his grip on Randall.

"No! He's not our father, he's a monster Justin! Just let me..."

"Rob! Stop it! You'll go to jail for murder. What the hell is wrong with you? You're not thinking straight. Trying to suffocate dad to death will only make things worse!" Justin snaps, his voice harsh and foreboding.

"Come on Robert! Chill out man please! Damn you're strong." Chris speaks up as he and Justin are finally able to detach Robert from Randall who hunches forward gasping for air.

An adrenaline rush is a bitch and then some.

"Let me go!" Robert cries out, his legs kicking up when Justin and Chris haul him away to the other side of the room.

"Not until you calm down!" Justin spits.

I can't do anything right now as shock overpowers me. All I can do is just look on, trying to make sense of what's really going on.

"I've got him Chris thanks." Justin states and Chris hesitantly lets go of his hold on Robert before taking a step to the side.

Turning to look at me, Chris gives me a weak smile and I offer a slight wave in return, not wanting to even look at Randall right now. We're so fired after this. There is just no way we'll keep our jobs. Hell if Randall doesn't fire me, I'm quitting. I can't work here anymore...

Justin is standing in front of Robert, blocking his path to their father, searching his brother's eyes for some type of understanding and explanation. "Rob..." Justin begins, his hands on Robert's shoulders as he continues to study his baby brother, his orbs filled with hurt and uncertainty. "What's going on?" Justin whispers in a horse tone, still a little dazed by what he just witnessed.

I can hear Randall breathing hard as he reclaims his seat but I refuse to look at him right now.

I'm too far gone with the interaction going on between Justin and Robert to care about Randall right now.

"That's it J. I'm done. I give up...it's over." Robert sighs, finally calming down, gazing Justin dead in the eyes as he speaks, his voice heavy and strained from all the screaming he was maybe doing before we got in here.

"You're not making any sense Rob. Help me to understand what the hell is going on please." Justin begs and Robert instantly brushes Justin's hands away from him so he can take a step back.

"It's dad Justin. It's all him!" Robert wails. "He's trying to destroy us...maybe already has. Do you want to know what he did now Justin? He's gotten his lawyers to slap us with a lawsuit Justin. He's suing us for our supposed ‘publicity stunts' which threaten the life of A-List. And, on top of that, everything that we own that's signed in his name, he's taking it back." Robert explains and Justin's head jerks back in disbelief.

"Wait what?" Justin questions, whipping around to face his father who has his head down, still rubbing his neck as he looks over some papers practically ignoring everyone in the damn room.

Oh my gosh, how evil can one person be!?

"You heard me J. The only reason why you didn't know yet is because the lawyers came to me first and I told them I'd handle it and tell you myself. Dad's taking back our cars and our apartments since they were signed in his name....just everything! Everything we own that's under his name as well, he's taking it all away. I wouldn't be surprised if he froze our A-List accounts. We'll be homeless by the time today is over and you know what else!? He had the heart to say it's my fault. My fault...because of my little stupid slip up at that club in LA which was a mistake! Can you believe it!? Him blaming me, saying my shit was the last straw? That he won't allow us to run A-List into the ground. And you call him our father!? He was merely a sperm donor!" Scoffing, Robert looks away from Justin who's seemingly speechless.

Turning away from his brother, Justin looks at Randall, his stare hardening when he meets eyes with his father.

"Dad? Is, is this true? You're really cutting us off?" Justin questions with slight panic.

"Oh don't give me that look boy. It's not like you didn't know this day was coming. What do you think I was doing all the time I was out? Settling all the preparations with my lawyers...because it's time you all really learned a lesson on taking things for granted." Randall finally speaks up, his voice grainy and deep but lacking that powerful luster to its tone. He must still be trying to catch his breath. Robert had a death grip on him when we walked in. "And Robert, you can add assault and attempted murder to that list when I get through with you." Randall adds in but his words pass right through Robert.

"Fuck you old man! I'm so over you!" Robert shakes his head in disdain, turning around to storm out but Justin stops him, begging him to stay a little longer.

The messed up thing in all of this is that Justin was actually planning on talking to their dad today when he learned that Randall finally came into work. So much for that plan huh? They're talking now but...I'm not sure what's really going to come of it considering the situation.

I don't want to admit to this but, I think Justin and Robert have reached the point where their relationship with their father is unfixable.

"Dad, you can't be serious with this. You can't...you can't do that to us. We're your sons." Justin explains, still calm for the most part.

Justin may have all of his attention on his dad but my attention is half on them and half on Nella.

I'm not oblivious to her presence. She's keeping to herself, not even looking up and I'm trying to make sense of why she's even here in the first place.

Chris is quiet also, keeping his focus on Robert incase he makes any sudden moves. But Nella is my main concern. Why is she here? What's going on with her and Randall?

It doesn't help that she's been avoiding Justin these past few days since we returned to New York. All he's been trying to do is help her, to get her to talk to him and tell him what's wrong but she's been ignoring him, avoiding him at all costs and now she's here!?

Ugh! Now I'm starting to dislike her because her presence only means more trouble.

"As of today Justin...you and Robert are no longer my sons. I want nothing to do with either of you." Randall hisses angrily and my sight drifts to Justin who looks like he just got punched in the gut.

"Dad, come on, we're trying to make things right." Justin states. "Rob made a mistake when we were out in LA and he overreacted now but please don't hold it against us. I've been trying to save A-List's clients, ensuring them that we're settling our misunderstandings with each other. I don't want the company to fail dad. I mean Robert and I had a rough life growing up with you because you were so strict. But you're not even giving us a chance Dad. How can you expect to see the changes we've made for you if you don't give us a damn chance!?" Justin belts, his anger increasing with each passing moment.

Walking up to his dad's desk, Justin leans forward, studying Randall's firm glare. "It doesn't have to end this way dad. We can come to some sort of agreement or compromise. You know how Rob and I feel about the way you've raised us. You know how we feel about you and we know how you feel about us. But, what we haven't done is actually sit and discuss why we're like this with each other...why you're this way dad. Why are you so cold and unfeeling? What aren't you telling us? What's going on? I don't hate you dad...I never could. You're still my father no matter how much of a monster you are and I still love you as twisted as it may seem. So what's it going to be huh? Are you going to push away your only heirs because you can't be man enough and actually face whatever shit you're going through? Are you going to keep hiding everything from us when you should talk to us since we're the only family you have left? You ran our moms away. Are you looking to do the same with your sons too? Aren't you tired of being a coward and hiding behind this fake power hungry animal front you have going!?" Justin barks, stunning us all.

Oh my gosh, go Justin! I'm silently rooting for him as his words render Randall dumfounded.

"You listen to me Justin..." Randall begins but Justin cuts him off, straightening his posture and walking away.

"No dad! You listen to me for a change! This ends here and now! I've had it. If you think for a second I'm going to sit back and let you take away everything Rob and I have worked so hard for then you have another thing coming. I'm ready to fight you on this. Because even if this is not what I want, I've accepted it and believe it or not I've earned it. I've worked hard and busted my ass for this company. We can do this the hard or easy way dad! Go ahead, take our shit away...it's all material stuff anyway. But you can't strip us of our pride and dignity. You want to fight, we'll fight....we'll go to court if we have to but please dad...come on...I'm telling you I care...I'm telling you I want to help. Help me...help us understand where this is coming from and why you're acting this way..."

Walking back towards his dad, Justin pauses when Randall opens his mouth to speak, a sigh falling from his lips, but they're interrupted by Nella.

Goddamn it! She has the worse timing. Justin was actually making progress ugh! I could punch her!

"I'm sorry Justin but, Randall asked me to say that the baby was yours even if I knew it wasn't!" Nella suddenly blurts out, jumping to her feet, grasping everyone's attention in the room.

Oh hell...

Blinking rapidly, Justin casts his vision in her direction, the look on his face alone saying that he forgot she was even in the room.

"Nella why are you even here?" Justin questions, ignoring what she said. "I've been trying to talk to you for days but you've been avoiding me and now..."

"Justin I'm sorry. I was in here with Randall trying to talk to him before Robert and Chris barged in. Look I don't know what shit is going on with you all and your dad but I came here to tell Randall that I couldn't keep doing this to you, to us, to this baby! I can't. It's not fair." Nella explains and I heave a sigh, biting the corner of my mouth when Robert laughs bitterly.

"He...your dad he offered me money, he offered to rig the paternity test if necessary to trap you in this because...because he wanted to teach you a lesson but I told him it wasn't fair because I knew the baby wasn't yours. But he...he was willing to pay me you know, but then, I couldn't do it, couldn't go through with it, that's why I allowed you to have that paternity test without your dad's knowledge so you'd see for yourself that the baby wasn't yours. I'm sorry for lying to you and hurting you...I just, I couldn't do it anymore." She rambles.

You'd think Randall wasn't in the room for all of this. He hasn't said anything yet.

"Doesn't make a difference now." Robert chides and Chris shakes his head, passing his hands through his long locks.

"What a disaster." Chris mutters softly and I couldn't agree more.

Justin is simply standing there, glaring at Nella, his chest rising and falling harshly. He looks torn...torn between her, Robert and his father. He doesn't know what to do, what to think, how to act or respond. His blues are wide and traveling over all of our faces. Then he lands on me, his gaze holding mine and it doesn't take me long to realize that his eyes are quickly welling up with tears. He looks frustrated and so, so lost.

Taking a chance, I move to walk over to Justin to try and calm him down before he flips out but my advances are cut short when Randall finally speaks up, finally takes charge like I was expecting him to do the moment Robert released his hold on him.

"All of you are worthless." Randall begins and Justin's head whips in father's direction. "You're right Justin. This does end now. Yes, what Nella said is true also, but tell him Nella, tell him whose baby this really is...you found out. Why don't you share that with them all? Let's see how the tables turn."

"What's he talking about Nell?" Justin questions and Nella pouts, taking in a deep breath before she spills her guts.

"At first, I thought the baby was Robert's, which would maybe explain why your dad was so hard on you all recently because he had this all figured out and planned out."

A flash of horror spreads across Justin's face as he heaves slightly, focusing on Robert who's glaring at Nella in shock.

"Me!?" Robert screams out. "That makes no sense!" He yells but Nella quickly interrupts.

"It's not yours Rob." She corrects but that does nothing to ease the tension in the room.

"Why would you even think that Nella? You...you cheated on me with my brother?" Justin is totally gone now, a spaced look on his face as he tilts his head to the side, glaring at Robert with narrowed eyes.

"Yow, man, J don't even...I didn't sleep with her, never have!" Robert quickly defends but Nella shakes her head in protest.

"You have Robert, you just don't remember it." She points out and...what?

"What!?" Both Justin and Robert say in unison.

"No, I think I'd remember." Robert spits and Justin nods in agreement.

"What the fuck are you trying to pull Nella!?" Justin groans angrily, passing his hands over his face and hair in frustration. "Oh god, you better talk now I swear, I'm so close to snapping it's not funny." Justin warns.

"Then let me speak!" She wails. "Look, what I'm going to say will only prove to you all what a bitch I am, but I'm telling you now, I'm doing this because I'm sorry and I need to clear my conscience. I can't do this anymore and I'm not going to. Listen to me and understand I made a terrible mistake because the price was right. I'm not proud of it, but I'm turning over a new leaf and even if you all won't be able to forgive me at least you'll know the truth."

"Now, Justin, your dad came to me some time back when you and I were dating. He wasn't pleased with you or Robert but wouldn't tell me why. He said something about you all not living up to his expectations so he wanted to teach you all a harsh lesson in disobeying him. He offered me a deal and in return he wanted my silence. The plan was, I was supposed to cheat on you with Rob and get pregnant with his kid to fuck up you alls relationship which would in turn make you all I don't know, turn mortal enemies or something and actually compete for your rightful positions in this company going all out which would in turn please your dad because you'd be proving yourselves to him. According to him, you all were slacking off and were too complacent."

"Anyway, Justin, I agreed at first, setting the plan into motion at a party you held a while back. I'm a horrible person I know and I can't take it back now. But you need to know how much I regret my actions and how sorry I am. Everyone was there that night and it was the perfect opportunity to for me because well, Robert would have never gone along willingly so...while everyone was enjoying themselves at your party and having a good time, I took it as my opportunity. All of you all were wasted, and so was I, but I was sober enough to drug Rob's drink which is why he doesn't remember a thing. You were already passed out so it worked well for me. There was just one little problem in my plans though. Rob and I we...we yeah, we sort of, you know slept together....but you see, I was so fucked up that night, I sort of didn't realize that Rob wasn't the only one who had a drink from his glass. So, the next morning, when I woke up, since I woke up first, I thought I was lying next to Robert right? And I needed to get away from him in fear of you waking up and catching me, even if you usually slept till afternoon whenever you threw wild parties the night before. I still needed to be safe. But it turns out, I wasn't lying next to Robert...I was uh lying next to someone else. I tried to make sense of how I ended up there because when I got out into the living room, all of your friends were still knocked out on the floor and couches since they crashed over."

"I uh, went to the kitchen and Robert was there, nursing his hangover and I nearly freaked, wondering if he remembered anything from the night before because I was already feeling guilty and dirty for what I did but he smiled at me and I knew he didn't remember a thing. He even said that he felt like a piece of his memory was missing. I never told him why, but I did ask him if he remembered the last drink he had and he said yeah, he drank about half before he..." Trailing, Nella takes a deep breath, looking down at the floor and my mouth is gaping open at how outlandish and twisted this story is. But she needs to spit it out!

"He drank half before he um gave Chris the rest since his head was spinning and he figured it was his cut off point. I was drunk too so I have no idea what really happened from the time I was with Robert to the time I woke up the next morning next to Chris. It's kind of hazy but...yeah so that's what happened. Chris got drugged too by accident. And, I uh, when I found out I was pregnant, I knew it had to be either Rob's or Chris's but I didn't know how I was going to find out but I uh, did manage to get a sample of both their DNA's. And yeah, Rob wasn't the dad so that meant Chris was... and look I know how crazy this all sounds, but when I went to your dad and told him what happened he was pissed and insisted that I said the baby was yours instead Justin because he didn't want to take the risk. I'm so sorry." She concludes before a few tears trickle down her cheeks. "I have the test results, but we can take them again if you all want. I'm just so sorry."

Holy shit!

I did not see any of that coming.

That's like...so, so ridiculous and crazy but it makes so much sense. Things make so much more sense, but oh my freaking gosh! This is absurd.

And that's as far as she gets before all eyes land on Chris who's so shocked his mouth is literally wide open as he fights to breath.

"You're lying Nella! You're lying! I don't...I don't remember that! I remember the party and waking up in the guest bedroom the next day! But, but no one was there with me, I don't...I don't remember a thing!" Chris rants, his hands over his face as he shuts his eyes. "Oh my god...oh god." He pants, panic taking over. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry I didn't mean to. This is insane!"

"It's not your fault Chris." Robert interrupts. "Bitchella over there just forgot to mention that she drugged us!? Un-fuckin'-believable. My life's a goddamn circus. Are you happy Nella!? Huh? Are you happy now!? Look at what you've done!" Robert hisses, walking over to Nella with a maniacal glimmer in his eyes but Justin stands in his way, blocking his path.

"Don't Rob." Justin warns, his eyes cutting to Chris before he turns around to meet Nella's sad gaze. "I can't believe you Nell. Was it really worth it? To cause this mess because my dad was offering you money? Really? I trusted you." Justin says sadly, not even angry or upset now. I think he's successfully managed to block out the shock and pain and numb himself to it all. "And dad...you're really a piece of work." Justin states, finally facing his father again who's resting back in his chair, eyeing all of us quietly.

"Well, now that the cat's out of the bag, I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. Oh and start packing up your desks you're all fired." Randall states, standing from his chair casually.

"What!?" Robert snaps. "You can't fire us! This was all your doing dad. You've been trying forever to fuck up Justin and me! You can't fire us dad!" Robert yells brazenly. "I won't accept that!"

"Yes you will Robert!" Randall yells back with rage written all over his face. "I've sat here and let you all maul over everything, now it's time to leave! This nonsense is over. You will leave now! You all are not equipped to run this business. I've tried to shape you all, to harden you all and make you see what it took to run this empire because you have no idea and you never will unless you're the C.E.O. I've sheltered you all for far too long. It's partly my fault, for not making you see the truth, for not making you all see how cut-throat this business is and how your competitors are waiting to chew and spit you out. Accept that and move on with your lives outside of A-List. It's over!" Randall snaps but then something happens...

As if watching everything unfold in slow motion before my eyes, I feel my heart skip a beat when Randall's voice dies out and he gasps slightly, leaning forward and sucking in air while gripping his left arm and then his chest. Wheezing, his eyes widen before he falls back in his seat, a painful expression floating over his face.

"Dad?" Justin questions, finally speaking again. Frowning in confusion, Justin's blues widen slightly when Randall opens his mouth to speak but nothing comes out. "What's wrong with you?" Justin asks. "Look dad if you're trying to..." But Justin drifts when he notices that his dad is gasping for air. "Dad!? Dad!" Justin screams out, rushing to his father's side. Immediately, he drops to his knees in front of his father, gripping his hand tightly. "Shit, Rob call 911, I think dad's having a heart attack!" Justin belts.

"Oh my god..." I mutter with a shake of my head. Can this day get any worse?

I'm chewing on my nails now, looking at all of the stunned faces in the room paralyzed with fear as Justin tries to talk to their dad to keep him conscious.

"Dad, dad look at me, hold on...shit...fuck! Rob!" Justin shouts again, snapping his head in the direction of his brother who's looking on with intrigue and slight satisfaction. "Robert! What the fuck!? Call the ambulance dad's dying!" Justin begs, his voice cracking as the tears he was holding back finally break through the surface and begin streaming down his cheeks like a waterfall. "This can't be happening. What a fuckin' nightmare." Justin sobs and I instantly feel my heart break for him. "Rob please! Snap out of it!" Justin begs and without missing a beat, I pull my cell out of my skirt pocket.

"I'll do it!" I voice causing Robert to glare at me.

He looks spaced. I wouldn't be surprised if he actually wanted their dad to die right here in his office. It would definitely solve a shitload of their problems. I mean, Robert's stare is so hard and unrelenting that I have to look away because it's unnerving.

"No, I'll do it." Robert sighs before walking over to me and taking the phone from my grasp, hitting 911 before pressing the call button.

Moving away from us, he waits for an answer so he can explain our situation.

Justin mouth's a ‘thank you' to me as his tears continue flowing freely and I nod meekly, not able to move as I watch him quietly trying to talk to Randall who seems to be slipping in and out of consciousness now.

Well damn, what a twisted day this turned out to be. I can't say I feel remorse though, which is terrible of me, but, Randall hasn't exactly given me a reason to care for him.

I do care for Justin though and seeing how this is tearing him apart, I can't help but silently hope that his dad will pull through this, even if it's a small thread of hope...

*****

At the Hospital

Hours Later

An eerie silence looms over the waiting room as we all sit, impatiently waiting for any word on Randall and his condition from the sudden heart attack he had earlier today.

Today has been a whirlwind of lies and truths revealed as well as a tornado of mixed emotions.

I'm drained emotionally and mentally. I can't imagine how Justin and Robert must feel.

Today in one word was disastrous.

From Robert nearly choking Randall to death, to Nella's little confession, to Justin crying which broke my heart, to the ambulance showing up at A-List minutes after Rob's 911 call, to A-List employees gossiping, to the media getting wind of this fiasco with them presently situated outside of the hospital trying to get in, to Justin, Randall, Chris, Nella, Sean, Maura, Gem and I sitting in the waiting room, silently, not saying a word as nervousness, doubt and fear engulf us.

Yeah, it was most definitely a totally disastrous day.

And Justin bouncing in his seat isn't helping.

"God what's taking them so long!? Can't they just tell us if he's dead or alive!?" Justin hisses angrily.

"J, calm down." I voice, placing my palm on his lap.

He narrows his eyes at me before jumping to his feet. "This is just perfect! This is perfect. Our fukin' father is fighting for his life and the media is already saying shit! And I don't even know what to make of anything or this day basically!" Justin belts, pacing.

He's losing his mind.

Sighing, Robert rolls his eyes, resting back in his seat with his arms folded across his chest. "Death is too easy for dad. He needs to live and experience some of the hurt he inflicted on the people around him." Robert says coldly.

I notice how Sean shakes his head sadly, not saying a word.

Gem is sitting in the corner with Chris and Nella as they talk amongst themselves, no doubt about Nella's baby confession. Gem doesn't look angry though, just confused as ever.

Maura is tentatively rubbing Robert's shoulders, trying to lessen his tense form and Justin is still pacing...but he's barely said a word to me. He was practically in hysterics, crying in my arms when they wheeled his dad in hours ago, not caring that the media was flashing all these photos of us and asking all these questions. But the moment his sobs died out, he retreated into his own world, barely saying anything until now.

The only reason he's even talking now is because he's impatient and antsy.

"I mean come on! How long does it take to know if someone dies from a heart attack!? It's a quick fuckin' death!" Justin wails.

"Excuse me sir?"

Justin immediately whips around to face a short, plump, light-skinned woman with a nurse uniform on.

"I'm going to have to ask you to quiet down." She speaks softly and Justin growls but says nothing before reclaiming his seat.

Smiling softly for him, she excuses herself and disappears soon afterwards.

And I'm just sitting there, gazing at my black knee-length skirt while playing with my fingers mindlessly as I try to push today's events to the back of my mind. I don't know what any of this means for A-List or for any of us. We're at a standstill right now, not knowing what the outcome of our immediate futures will be.

"Tai..." Justin whispers beside me and I turn to look at him with questioning eyes. "I'm sorry I..."

"It's ok." I say weakly and he caves, pulling me towards him until I'm sitting sideways on his lap and he's hugging me tightly, his head falling to the crook of my neck as he breaths deeply, his arms firmly around my waist, keeping me in place.

My body tenses under his hold as I gaze around the room at everyone.

I know we're together now but Justin's never shown such a display of affection towards me in public.

I shouldn't care but still, he caught me off guard.

All that is forgotten though when I take in his warmth and listen to his deep breathing as he plants a soft kiss on my neck. "I'm so sorry Tai." He whispers, not caring who hears or sees. "I love you so much. Promise me you won't leave me. You're all I have. We'll get through this...whatever this is that's happening now." Justin says honestly and I swallow, ignoring Nella's stare and Robert and Maura's curious glares.

"I...I promise." I say softly and Justin gives me a light squeeze and a nod.

It's not long before we're interrupted when the doctor walks into the room, holding a clipboard in his hand.

He's fairly tall with auburn hair and tired eyes that scan his clipboard from behind his spectacles. "Robert and Justin Timberlake?" He questions, and Justin's head instantly snaps up, but he doesn't budge.

His hold on me tightens but he remains seated, gazing up expectantly.

Robert stands, walking over to the doctor.

"What's the status?" Robert questions and the doctor lets out a plaintive sigh.

"Let me start off by saying I'm Doctor Richard Hill and I'm actually your dad's personally doctor. I've been seeing him for some time now." When Doctor Hill sees the confusion on Robert and Justin's faces he quickly attempts to explain his self. "I know how this may sound to you, but your dad gave strict orders that no one was to know of this. And, we do have a policy on patient confidentiality so...listen, I know that you may not have known, but your dad has been sick for some time now."

"Sick!?" Robert questions in disbelief.

"Yes, he's been having heart trouble for some time and he's been seeing me. Plain and simple, he has a bad heart. His heart was failing with age and with the amount of stress he's been putting himself under with his company. I've told him on countless occasions to relax, to not stress out himself since his heart can't take it and he has hypertension, but he never listens. He's a stubborn man. I did tell him that eventually he would need surgery but he's been putting it off and the last time he visited me, he told me that he stopped taking his meds because they made him too tired and drowsy and there was work that needed to be done. I thought about calling you boys since I knew you all were his sons. I've been worried about him for some time. I know that his business means everything to him, but I told him his heart couldn't take the strain. I even suggested that he relieved himself of his duties as C.E.O to his company and pass the torch over to one of you. He told me he was going to do it. In fact, he was supposed to be out of office since a month ago. When I asked him why he was still going into work, he said something about his sons not being ready for such responsibilities. I'm truly sorry." Doctor Hill explains. "I tried everything. I knew this would eventually happen. Your father is very headstrong but doesn't always make the best decisions. He's ignored his health and now what I feared has come to pass."

Rubbing the bridge of his nose, Doctor Hill scans his clipboard before looking up at us, his eyes flitting over our faces.

Everyone is quiet, waiting for him to continue but he doesn't say anything else.

"Dad's so stupid." Robert says as he shakes his head. "You're telling me; this is why he's been the way he's been? Because he was sick and dying and was trying to make up his mind on which of us should run the damn company!? Really? That's it!? He killed his self over us!? Over this!?"

"No Rob, that's not it." Justin speaks up and I turn to look at him, his azures glossy as he gazes directly at the doctor. "It makes perfect sense now though. Dad, he was scared...he knew exactly what was happening, but he was too scared to talk to any of us about it. We need to call our moms and let them know what's going on."

"Ok, I've just about had it and I'm just about ready to scream." Robert deadpans. "Doc, is our dad going to make it or not!? I know he's obviously not the brightest one when it comes to discussing matters of the heart, no pun intended, but, I don't want the bastard to die now." Robert states and I can't help but feel terrible at his almost aloof demeanor.

"Well, he's in surgery right now. We needed to do an immediate bypass but we can't tell yet. It's a delicate procedure and anything could happen. I will say it's going to be a few more hours before he comes out of surgery and then I'll update you. We'll do our best. But for now all we can do is...wait. I'm sorry again." The doctor admits with a somber expression on his face and Robert nods in understanding.

"Thank you." Justin voices before the doctor smiles lightly then excuses himself to return to the ER.

When he's gone, everyone looks at each other, none of us quite knowing what to say or make of our situations.

"I don't know about any of you..." Robert begins before reclaiming his seat next to Maura. I can tell that he's sad and worried, but he easily masks it, not wanting to show any weakness. He doesn't have to though. I think Justin's done enough crying for the both of them. "When all of this is over, I'm taking an extended vacation away from this company, this state and this life." Robert divulges and I feel Justin release a soft hum against me as he rests his chin on my shoulder, still holding onto me.

I turn to look at him, lifting my hand to caress the side of his face, not caring what anyone thinks or says.

I'm happy that Sean is here with us though. Just having him here gives me the strength I need to withstand this with Justin.

Sighing, Justin locks eyes with me and a depressed smile floats across his face as he chews on his bottom lip before he finally decides to speak.

"Still think that running away bit is a bad idea?" Justin questions seriously and I wince slightly, my eyes falling to his soft, pink, pouty lips before my browns meet his blues again.

"No." I voice honestly and he nods, agreeing with me.

Robert's right.

If we survive this and get through everything in one piece, we most definitely need a vacation because A-Listed or not, everyone deserves to getaway at some point in order to release some stress and gather their sanity.

That was Randall's undoing.

He never stopped and took a breather and just got away from it all.

Now look at where it got him...maybe on his death bed.

I won't let that happen to Justin. For as long as I'm around, I'll never let him get like that. I don't care what it takes.

I love that man and if it means disappearing to some remote island for a lengthy period of time to get away from everything for a while, then so be it because as long as we're together, that's all that matters.

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