"It’s crazy out there!" Taylor exclaimed, making a face at what he was stuck wearing. "And I hate this....this....THIS!!" Taylor picked at his clothing.
"Hey, look at it this way-At least you didn’t have to wear that really, completely gross outfit, and you picked the best out of them all." Reagan laughed.
"Give me jeans and a T-shirt any time!"
"Oh shut up Taylor."
Zac laughed. "Taylor has to wear girl clothing!"
"Zac..." Taylor’s voice said, ‘You better shut up before I beat the crap out of you’.
Zac gulped and backed away, still smiling.
"Well, you know, he does have a point there." Isaac said.
"You know, you are no help?" Taylor rolled his eyes.
"Taylor has to wear girl stuff?" Mackenzie asked, tugging on Christene’s shirt.
"No, Macky, he doesn’t. He’s a boy. Boys don’t wear girl stuff." Christene shot Taylor a look that said, you better stay quiet.
"Oh. I see." Mackenzie clambered onto the chair next to Taylor and grinned up at his older brother.
"Guys, they’re ready." Jason, their bodyguard stuck his head into the dressing room.
"Taylor, you have something on your cheek, honey." Diana dabbed a Kleenex with water and carefully wiped at Taylor’s cheek.
"Mo-om!" Taylor whined.
"Tay-lor!" Diana imitated Taylor.
Taylor grinned.
"Ok, now, run along, dear." Diana gave Taylor a little push as he stood up to go back on-stage.

"You did great guys. Thanks for coming on my show. I hope you’ll come again. The fans just adored you!"
Taylor sunk back in his chair, tired and happy and listened as Oprah sung her praises of the boys. Christene had given him a lot of her attention today. He was happy with that. WHOAAAAA! Back up! His heart skipped a beat as he thought about Christene. I...Christene...No way! I like Christene. It’s that easy....Oh man. This is one hell of a...
I saw you just the other day
And I could not help but look your way
You see you’ve just got this special look
That has got me completely hooked

I see your face in the clouds in the sky
I see your face before my eyes
I see your face everywhere and now I don’t know what to do
Taylor snapped back to reality as Zac spoke up. "We’ll be glad to come back on this show any time, Oprah!"
Taylor stood up, shook Oprah’ s hand, and was led down a small hall, out the door, and into the care of adoring fans.

"Sure took long enough for you guys to get back in here." Christene stifled a giggle.
"I wouldn’t say that if I were you. We have adoring, loving fans out there that just simply adore us because of moi. That’s right. ME. Zachary Walker Hanson. Without me, Hanson wouldn’t be so loved. Everyone loves me! Who wouldn’t love me? I’m ZAC! I rock!" Zac said.
Taylor cuffed Zac on his head. "Shut up little bro and move over."
Zac scooted to the other end of the seat, picked up Mackenzie, and plopped him on his lap. "Hi Macky! Good ol’ Mac, my buddy, friend, pal, and brother. The only one in the family that name rhymes with ‘Zac’. Ha-ha! Yes, I believe that’s true!"
"Believe me, Christene, that’s Zac’s natural high." Diana gave her eyes a good roll before making sure Zoë was strapped into her car seat.
Christene smiled as she glanced at Avery asleep in her seat, leaning against a very tired Jessica who looked as if she was about to fall asleep.
"Hey, Reagan, look at Avie and Jessie." Christene nudged Reagan.
"How cute!" Reagan cooed.
"It’s too quiet back here," Taylor spoke up. "I need to hear some music."
Reagan reached over Avery and Jessica and carefully flipped through the stations. ‘I’m shamed and lying cold and naked on the floor...zzz...back street’s back all right...zzz...heart will go on and on, love can touch us one time...’
"Hey, stay there! I love Celine!" Christene squealed.
Reagan carefully re-climbed over Avery and Jessica and back into her seat next to Christene.
"Speaking of Celine and Titanic...." Taylor gave Christene a knowing glance. "Has anyone seen Titanic?"
"Um...I have." Isaac murmured.
"I did with um...Anthony, but we broke up after that." Reagan said, brushing away the memory of her ex-boyfriend.
"I saw it with Stephanie. Only then, it was Stephanie and her boyfriend," Zac made a face. "They were making out so long, I’m surprised they didn’t die from suffocation."
Zac’s comment made Christene laugh. "Zac?"
"Oh yeah I forgot to tell you about the best part of the whole movie! Leo..." Zac was cut off by Christene.
"ZAC?!"
"What?"
"You don’t have to tell me that Leo dies at the end-I already know." Christene shook her head and laughed softly.
"Watch Zac, he’s now miserable and depressed because he didn’t get to ruin the end of somebody’s movie." Walker joked.
"DAAD!"

"Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Taylor, happy birthday to you."
Taylor smiled, gave his eyes a good-natured roll and was about to blow out the fifteen candles when Diana told him to wait and stop.
She stepped back and snapped a few pictures of Taylor.
"Mom, really, you don’t have to. I’m fifteen." Taylor wanted to blow out the candles and get it over with.
"Ok, blow away." Diana said.
"That didn’t sound so great." Reagan whispered to Christene, who gave her an exasperated look.
"Wait-Tay, make a wish." Avery ordered.
"Ok...." Taylor smiled, didn’t object and wished. I wish.....I....I wish Christene will go out with me. As in, a REAL date not just a welcome present.
He took a deep breath and blew out all the candles.

**A Week Later**
"Hey, Hanson!" a boy’s voice called from across the room.
Three blond heads turned to the direction of the voice. "What?" Taylor called.
"Great party!"
"Thanks!" Taylor exclaimed, and turned back to the girl he was talking to.
"This is a great way to make new friends." Christene said to Reagan.
"Yeah. Now go find someone to......" Reagan didn’t finish her sentence before Jared leaned over and kissed her.
Christene snorted, rolled her eyes and walked away. "Hey, I’m Christene. I’m new here....and you are...."

"Zac, carry these treats back into the play....party room." Diana said and handed her son a plate of cookies and brownies, piled high.
"WHOA!"
Diana was certain she saw dollar...food signs light up in her son’s eyes.
Zac gingerly took the plate and headed back to where the party was taking place.

"Hey, it’s my turn to deejay." Zac said to Isaac.
"Thank God. Ok you take over, I’m happy to go. I’ve gotta go and dance with ah, say, three of the hottest girls in town."
Zac snapped his fingers in front of Isaac’s face. "Hey, big bro, come back to reality. You wanna dance? Well, GO! I don’t got no one to dance with anyways."
Isaac didn’t say another word but rushed off to find the girls.
"Well, I guess it’s just you and me." Zac said to the stereo system.
"Hey, you wanna dance?" Christene asked Taylor.
"Um...Sure." Taylor put his Coke down and followed Christene onto the make-shift dance floor as a slow song came on.

Look at the sky
Tell me what do you see
Just your eyes
And describe it to me

Taylor pulled her to him, locking his hands behind the small of her back. He rested his chin on top of her head.
The air was cool on Christene’s warm skin, Taylor was near, his arms were holding her and he smelled of warmth and some cologne...probably CK be. She nestled against him, and rested her cheek against his chest, and threw her arms around his neck.

The heavens are sparkling
With starlight tonight
That’s what I see through your eyes

"LeAnn Rimes." Taylor whispered, smiling.

I see the heavens
Each time that you smile
I hear your heartbeat
Just go on for miles
And suddenly I know
My life is worth while
That’s what I see through your eyes

"Yeah." Christene smiled back, and shifted, so they were dancing cheek-to-cheek.

Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one
It’s out of our hands
We can’t stop what we had begun
Our love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes

Christene closed her eyes, warm and content in Taylor’s arms.

Look at myself
And instead I see eyes
Whoever I am
Now it feels like divine

Taylor caught Isaac’s eye. He was dancing with some girl with blonde hair. He wasn’t sure who she was, but Isaac looked pleased.
"Looks like you got your choice of the evening." Taylor murmured.
"Wouldn’t say that little brother."
"Taylor-I.." Christene whispered.
"What?"
"I’ve been thinking about that movie we’re supposed to see together. Make it a real date?" Christene asked.
Taylor’s heart beat skipped two beats. "S-Sure."
"Ok."

Here in the night
I see the sun
Here in the dark
Our two hearts are one

"Taylor, you ever kissed anyone before?" Christene asked.
Taylor flushed. "Why are you asking me this?"
"Just wondering.." Christene murmured.
"Well, um...no....not really...no, it didn’t count..." Taylor flushed pink.
Christene looked up at Taylor, her eyes locked with his, and it sent a shiver down her back.
Christene’s pulse fluttered as Taylor’s hands came up and cupped her chin. She caught her breath as his lips came down on hers, very soft and very sweet.

It’s out of our hands
We can’t stop what we have begun
Our love just took me by surprise
Looking through your eyes...

Taylor pulled away to catch his breath, his lips still lingering near Christene’s. Then, he came back to earth, and pulled away, breathing deeply.
Christene felt her cheeks burn up, and she guessed she was the color of a tomato. Tomatoes are fruit.
She said nothing to Taylor as she edged over to the refreshment stand, poured herself a glass of water, put her lips to her glass and drank all the water a little too quickly. She started coughing, and Taylor cautiously walked over to her. "You ok?"
"Yeah, water went down the wrong tube." Christene coughed a few more times before stopping.
"I-I don’t know what came over me. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry, Christene...I’m sorry about..." Taylor was cut off by Christene.
"It’s ok," Christene was quiet for a moment. Then, smiling, she leaned forward, and whispered, "To tell you the truth, I didn’t mind at all."
Taylor blushed a deep red. "Um....excuse me for a moment." He rushed into the bathroom and splashed some water on his face.

Chapter 5

Christene went to bed that night with tears streaming down her face. Oh, mom, I miss you so much! I want you back here so bad! It’s not fair!
Reagan tried to fall asleep but she couldn’t. She thought she heard someone crying and sniffling, but she thought it was her imagination.
After half an hour of this, she got out of bed to investigate.
She stopped outside Christene’s door and listened, then carefully she opened the door of her room, and found what she knew she’d find.
"Oh, CHRIST-ENE!" Reagan walked over to her bed, sat down, and wrapped her arms around her.
She handed Christene a tissue.
"T-thanks." Christene whispered and blew her nose.
"You thinking bout your parents again?" Reagan asked.
"Yeah."
"Aww. Don’t do that too much. You end up a crying mess."
Christene’s response was a blow of a nose. "I mean, why out of all people..."
"Hey, think of it this way, the only person you’ll have to call long distance now is Rachel. And, one thing for sure, now that you’re here, my ‘rents will give me back the Internet. And phone restriction’s already off."
"I don’t care! I mean, my dad paid for that 2000 dollar phone bill didn’t he? And now he has to die just like that. And my mom? That’s the worst part...My mom is dead too. I’m an orphan. It’s not fair. My dad was like, obsessed with God and Church and look at where it brought him!!"
"Hey, you can’t blame God for that accident!"
"Yes I can, and I just did."
"It was an accident. Who said life was fair?"
"No one did. But, the fact that I’m alive and they’re not makes me so pissed off." Christene wiped hastily at her eyes when Janet came in to investigate.
"What’s going-Oh, Christene..." Janet sat down on the other side of Christene. "Reagan, you go back to bed. I have everything under control here."
"I don’t wanna."
"Reagan."
"Oh, fine, I’ll go." Reagan made a face and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her.
"It’s not fair." Christene whispered, crying.
"Oh, come here." Janet offered refuge in a hug, and Christene reached out and let Janet wrap her arms around her.
"Sometimes I get so angry, I want to punch someone out," Christene confessed. "But who? Who’s responsible for this? I always thought God loved us and wouldn’t let anything bad happen to us. Why did He let this happen to my parents out of all people?"
Janet stared off into the air. "I don’t know, honey. Rain falls on the just and unjust, alike. God is God, we are His creation, and we have no right to question His authority."
Christene bristled because she hated arbitrary authority, hated being pushed around by someone bigger and more powerful than she. Hated her parents for being dead and leaving her all alone. But that wasn’t a good cause. It was a selfish, needy one. Christene hated herself for that. "That’s not fair," she muttered.
"God isn’t fair. And I don’t mean that in a bad way. Fairness implies that we have rights. Do we have the rights to tell Him how to run the universe?"
Christene furrowed her brow. "Maybe not."
"Then, why would we have the right to tell Him how to order our lives?"
"But what did my parents ever do to deserve this?"
"Nothing. I suppose that’s where the great mystery lies. People don’t get what they deserve—good or bad. Life isn’t always so logical."
"The rain falling on the just and unjust?" Christene asked.
"Yes, but regardless, we still have one very real thing going for us. We have hope, and I think that’s what separates us from the rest of creation. We get to hold on to hope...hope for things not seen."
"I..I guess." Christene said.
"Good that you understand. You’re a very smart and pretty girl, you know? You like Taylor, don’t you?" Janet asked.
Christene was taken back from Janet’s question. "Why-why do you ask?" She flushed.
"I can tell."
"Thanks for talking to me. I think that if I don’t go to sleep now, I’m gonna fall over." Christene tried to stay awake. She was feeling very sleepy and tired, and...grateful. Grateful that she was alive. Grateful that she was taken into such a loving and caring family. Grateful that God was watching over her. And most importantly, she was grateful that she had someone to share her little secret with, and it was her foster mom, to top all things.

"Um...is Christene here?" Taylor asked, looking down at his feet. He felt his face burning up and he knew that he was probably the color of the inside of a watermelon-RED.
Harry grinned as he thought back to his adolescent years. "Yeah, go into the kitchen. She’ll be right down."
Taylor wandered into the kitchen to find Reagan eating cereal.
"Hey."
Reagan looked up from a bowl of Cheerios. "Hey."
"How’d you like the party last night?" Taylor asked.
"Oh it was one hell of a kick-ass party! Saturday night, you know, kids go out, have fun, do stuff...." Reagan grinned.
"Oh. Reagan..." Taylor was cut off by Reagan.
"Ok, I’ll shut up. She’s coming down soon."
Taylor flushed. "Y’know, come to think of it, you’re right, she is nice. Real nice."
"What’d I tell ya? She’s the right shoe and you’re the left shoe. You’re a pair."
"Now--" Taylor was interrupted by Reagan again.
"Now, now, Taylor, Reagan knows best."
"Thank you for so rudely interrupting me once more." Taylor rolled his eyes.
"Oh, I’m sorry, did I hurt your tiny ego?" Reagan’s remark hardly stung. Taylor knew it was only a joke, but Christene walked into the kitchen just in time to hear it.
"Reagan, sometimes I swear, you are the meanest person on the face of this earth!" Christene said. "She’s just joking. RIGHT?" Christene glared at Reagan.
"Chris, chill, I was only joking. Taylor knows that, right? Yeah, he’s a teddy bear, all right." Reagan grinned.
"Reagan-" Christene, like Taylor was interrupted by Reagan.
"Ok, fine, I’ll just ah, go now. See ya." Reagan picked up her bowl, put it in the sink, and was about to head upstairs, but Taylor caught her arm.
"Not so fast."
"Ok, so, what do you want now? You want an apology? Is that it?" Reagan got on her knees and bowed three times. "I’m so sorry, oh great one, I shall never do the same again."
"Reagan, get up." Taylor pulled Reagan to her feet.
"Man, you’re touchy today!" Reagan brushed herself off.
"We have a Bible study thing at my house, we’re hardly home. I know you’re Christian, Reagan. It never hurts to come to one of our fellowships sometime." Taylor suggested weakly, knowing her answer.
"No way, no how, not ever, not even! Get real, Tay. Would I come?" Reagan rolled her eyes, showing off, or trying to in front of Christene.
"No, but I would." Christene said, taking a step forward, a look of indignation on her face as she glanced at Reagan.
"You would?" Taylor did a double-take, surprised at first, then relieved.
"Yeah. I guess I can’t blame everything on God all the time. I mean, gosh, He did create us. We are His creation and by all means, have no right to question His authority, which I did do...." Christene admitted.
Taylor was impressed. This girl...This perfect girl, was pretty, no make that beautiful, witty, smart, sensitive, sensible, funny, religious, understanding, mysterious, etc. He could make a list of words to describe her and it would go on for pages.
"Well, wait a sec, I have a prob. I’ll be back down in a sec. Gotta get changed." Christene laughed and dashed upstairs.
"Ok, Reagan, and you were saying?" Taylor asked.
"Shut up, Tay. You wouldn’t know. I’m still not coming." Reagan said.
"Fine, have it your way."
"All right, all right, I’ll come, but I have a date with Jared at twelve, so I’m just gonna go and.....go." Reagan said, and dashed up the stairs along with Christene.
"And, I’ll just, ah, wait here." Taylor said to Reagan’s dog, Mimi.

"So, how do I look?" Christene asked, turning around for Reagan.
"Great."
Christene had twisted her hair up in a wispy, yet neat bun with a few strands of hair framing her delicate face.
She had chosen a blue camouflage top with the words, "BOOT CAMP" written on it, and a black skirt that was four inches above her knees with four blue embroidered butterflies near the lower left corner of the skirt.
She put on a pair of platform sandals and a ring from her ex-boyfriend that she kept, because it brought back good memories.
Christene applied a light, natural lipstick to her beautifully shaped lips and put on a thin layer of blush to brighten her usually pale complexion.
"More than great, perfect. Who are you dressing up for?" Reagan laughed when she saw the innocent look on Christene’s face become a frown.
"No one, I usually dress like this." Christene rolled her eyes.
**AN: I’m not gonna take time to describe Reagan’s clothing.**
"Ok...Well then, I’ll just get my bag, and we’ll go."
"Did you see what Taylor was wearing? Loved the pants. See, I told you they make him wear that dorky stuff. He usually wears pants that are so big on him they’re almost falling off!" Christene laughed.
"Got him the shirt for his birthday last year. He likes it ‘coz it’s durable and soft." Reagan shrugged.
"Remember that necklace I sent Ike, and that note of advice I gave Zac, and that bracelet I mailed Tay? Well, they all got it!" Christene laughed. "Ike was wearing the necklace on Oprah, Zac projects more now, and Tay, I’ve seen that bracelet on him the first day I saw him. He wore it on Oprah too."
"Cool." Reagan shrugged off the fact that Taylor wore something that he hated on Oprah, but still wore Christene’s gift. ‘Token of Appreciation.’

"Whoop, look at the time, it was great reading about baptism or whatever, but, I gotta go! It’s ten!" Reagan jumped up, but Christene pulled her back down.
"SIT. Your date is at eleven thirty. You don’t have to go ‘til eleven fifteen. Tay told me it takes five minutes to get to the mall," Christene said. "And back."
"Thank you, Christene." Walker shot Christene a look of appreciation as he continued with the lesson.
"Suck up." Reagan muttered.
Zac heard and tried to hold in a laugh, but it didn’t work.
Isaac raised his eyebrows questionably.
"I have nothing to do with...this." Reagan pointed at Zac.
Taylor and Christene burst out laughing.

Chapter 6
"That was really nice of you to make her sit down before." Taylor thanked Christene.
"OH, it was nothing." Christene’s eyes met with Taylor’s, and she blushed, feeling a little flustered.
"Come on, Titanic is starting at twelve. Let’s go." Taylor got up, and helped Christene up.
He slid on a pair of sunglasses, pulled his hair into a low ponytail, and put on a hat.
Then, he guided Christene out the door and was on the road to town.
"Thanks for bringing me here. I really appreciate all this. You’ve really helped me cope with the loss of my parents." Christene said.
"Hey, it’s no problem. I’ve lost a loved one in the past too...I know how it feels."
"I mean, it’s so hard not to think about my parents and all, and everyone’s so nice, especially you."
"Well, you’re someone who deserves nice."
"Thanks," Christene looked back to the screen where Leonardo DiCaprio was ‘busy’ with Kate Winslet. "Is it true that you and your bros treasure action films?"
"Well, sure, they’re awesome, but lemme tell you a little secret. Just between you and me. The truth is, I prefer romantic comedies over action at times." Taylor smiled.
"Really? Why can’t all guys be like you?" Christene laughed softly.
They watched the movie for a while.
Taylor reached over slowly and took Christene’s hand.
She looked over to him, smiled, and laced her fingers with his.
"I’ve only known you for a few weeks, but it seems as if I’ve known you forever." Taylor said.
"You’d be surprised about how much you don’t know." Christene whispered.
"I say that a lot." Taylor smiled.
"I noticed." Taylor pulled his hand away from Christene’s, and touched her face with it.
He ran his thumb over her cheekbone. "I guess we’re both pretty mysterious people."
Christene touched Taylor’s hand with her own. "I guess we are."
Taylor leaned in and gently kissed Christene.
He brought his other hand up and cupped her face with it, just as Leonardo DiCaprio yelled, "Trust me Rose!"
Christene reached her hands up and clasped them at the back of Taylor’s neck, giving into the kiss, but as suddenly as the kiss had started, it ended too quickly, too soon.
Taylor broke away, breathing heavily. "I’m sorry, I-I can’t."
Christene smiled faintly and patted Taylor’s hand. "I understand. This’ll take time. I know you don’t move fast."
"If ya move too fast, y’all will break up too soon." Taylor said in a mock southern accent.
"Thanks for just informing me that you're gonna study philosophy when you grow up." Christene laughed, and Taylor grinned in the semi-darkness of the theater.
Christene turned to the movie just in time to see Leonardo fall into the deep darkness of the ocean.
"Liked the movie so far?"
"I dunno, I’ll have to see it again. Talked too much."
They laughed, but was instantly ‘shushed’.
"If we’re gonna go out, I guess I better get to know you better before we go on tour." Taylor said.
"Can I come with you?"
"I dunno, I’ll have to check with that. Probably. Remember-my mom teaches you and Reagan, so you’d probably get to tag along."
"Then, get to know me better." Christene smiled.
"Ok, we better shut up until the movie ends, or we’ll get our butts booted out." Taylor laughed softy.
"Ok, then." Christene laughed.

"This has been a hell of an afternoon. I’m sure not gonna forget this one! So, our first month anniversary will be uhm...April 22nd." Christene said, licking the hot fudge off her spoon.
Taylor laughed. "You amaze me, you know that?"
"Oh, stop it." Christene blushed.
"What?!" Taylor tried to make his face look innocent, but it was hard to with sunglasses on.
"Taylor? What are you doing here?" a girl asked, recognizing Taylor.
"Christina. Um....hi. This is Christene." Taylor didn’t sound too happy to see Christina.
Christina didn’t look pleased as she looked Christene up and down. "Hi. So, you’re the girl Taylor’s been talking about."
"He has?" Christene felt flustered.
Taylor flushed and said, "Christina, that’s enough."
"Yes he does. He goes on and on about how pretty you are, how perfect and dear you are..."
Taylor nearly tackled Christina, but pulled her away instead.

"What the hell do you think you’re doing? You trying to break us up like you did with Ashley, or you just trying to ruin our date, or maybe both?" Taylor asked, giving Christina a slight shake.
"Eew, let go of me," Christina pulled out of Taylor’s grasp. "I don’t like her."
"Right. You don’t like any of my girlfriends. It’s nothing new. You don’t even know her!"

Christene watched as Taylor made hand gestures at Christina, and wondered what they were saying.

"What, and you do? You’ve known ‘Little Miss Pretty-My-Parents-Are-Dead-So-You-Should-Feel-Bad-For-Me’ for three weeks, and I suppose you know her like the back of your hand already," Christina made a face. "Besides, she’s gross."
And so is your face. "No she’s not. Shut up already. Why don’t-Forget it, I’m not wasting my time with you anymore," Taylor turned, took Christene’s arm and helped her up. "Come on Chris, let’s go."

Christene didn’t object or ask any questions as she followed Taylor out of the ice cream shop.
"I’m sorry about that."
"It’s ok," Christene smiled. "I just realized that you apologize a lot."
Taylor smiled. "Yeah...Well, she makes me so mad!"
Christene gently touched Taylor’s arm. "Just ignore her."
"You have no idea how hard that is."
"Just try."

"Look at the stars, tell me what do you see, just close your eyes and describe it to me. The heavens are sparkling with starlight tonight. That’s what I see through your eyes. I see the heavens each time that you smile. I hear you heartbeat just go on for miles. And suddenly I know my life is worth while. That’s what I see through your eyes." Christene sang.
"I never knew Christene could sing." Isaac whispered to Taylor, urgently.
"She can."
"I know!"
"I didn’t know she could sing either!" Zac whispered.
"Who’s idea was it to let her sing at our going-away party?"
"Probably Reagan."
"Here in the night, I see the sun, here in the dark our two hearts are one, it’s out of our hands, we can’t stop what we had begun, our love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes."
"Look at myself, and instead I see eyes, whoever I am, now it feels like divine, and I see a girl that’s learning to trust. That’s what I see through your eyes." Christene looked at Taylor as she sang that stanza, smiling.
"Here in the night, I see the sun, here in the dark, our two hearts are one, it’s out of our hands, we can’t stop what we had begun, our love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes."
"She’s awesome!" Zac breathed, enchanted by Christene’s beauty and rapture, captured by the power of her voice.
"She has some lungs." Isaac added.
"If you like her so much why don’t we just ask her to be in Hanson?" Taylor joked.
"Why don’t we?" Isaac asked Taylor. "We all like her, we know her, she’s great..."
"What? I was only kidding!" Taylor was shocked. "Are you for real?"
"I dunno, we should really think about it shouldn’t we?" Isaac asked.
"Well, I say we let her join. If we lose any fans, well, their loss. But this will attract the male population towards Hanson and they usually diss us out ‘coz we’re guys, the girls love me...us, and they’re not loved, so Christene-" Zac was cut off by Isaac.
"But we’ll lose a bunch of female fans. They’ll think we’re going out with Christene or something."
"You’re not. I am." Taylor poked Isaac.
"Oh...right....You never told me." Isaac frowned.
"Yeah I did, you were talking about how great Meagan was so I told you that I was going out with Christene."
"...here in the dark our two hearts are one, it’s out of our hands, we can’t stop what we had begun. Our love just took me by surprise, looking through your eyes." Christene sang, her voice ringing out strongly and clearly.
She could tell that Isaac, Taylor, and Zac were impressed.
She received a whole lot of applause and cheering, and a few whistles and clucks from the guys.
"Thanks."

"That was beautiful, Christene." Diana complimented.
"Thanks!"
"You’re marvelous." Janet smiled.
"You make me sick." Reagan made a face.
"REAGAN!" Janet exclaimed, startled.
"Mom, I’m just kidding."

"So we gonna take it or leave it? Maybe we should give it a shot. Get her to sing back up at first, and then pull her up towards the front of the stage." Zac suggested.
"Zac, Christene can play keyboards better than me. I think she can take the other one." Taylor said.
"I don’t know. She can practice with us, but I don’t think we should let her out on stage just like that, if you know what I mean. She might not be prepared for everything on stage and all-" Isaac was cut off by Zac.
"That’s why she and a few other people should help sing back up!" Zac exclaimed.
"I really doubt that’s what Christene would like to do." Taylor said.
"Well, it’s a start." Zac pointed out.
"Ok, fine. She can start practicing with us only if she agrees to start off with back-up...a good buncha concerts into the tour. Nothing on TV....yet." Isaac compromised.
"Ok, I’ll go ask her." Taylor stood up and headed towards Christene.

"Ok, if you can, try to do something a key higher than Zac’s part. His voice is changing really bad, and we really need help, especially on some of our cover songs on ‘3 Car Garage’ such as ‘Thinking of You’ and ‘River’. Sure, we’re gonna lower down the songs a good few keys, but, still....You know, those really high parts that only girls can hit, well, we’ll have problems there." Isaac explained to Christene, who patiently listened.
"I just wonder how we’re gonna break this to the fans." Taylor said, messing with his keyboard.
"I’ll tell ‘em." Zac offered.
"Oh please. Anyone but you." Taylor rolled his eyes.
"Gasp. I’m offended!" Zac said in a tone of mock shock.
"Gasp. I meant to offend you." Taylor smiled.
"Are you mocking me?" Zac asked, still in the mock tone.
"Yes I am. Oh dear. Where did my manners go? Here manner, manner, manner..." Taylor stooped and acted as if he was looking for something.
Christene burst out laughing. "Taylor, what are you doing?"
Taylor stood up straight, a foolish grin on his face. "Acting like an idiot."
"No, really?" Christene giggled.
Christene looked over to see Isaac explaining to Ashley and Jenna about being temporary back ups. "I think they’ll agree within a split second."
"I think so too." Taylor smiled.

**A Few Days Later**
"Christene, this is John, Mark, Brad, and Jarrod. They’ll be opening for us on our tour." Isaac introduced Christene to the four men.
"Hi." Jarrod smiled.
"Hi." Christene shook his hand.
"Our band’s name is called Admiral Twin." Brad said.
"Cool." Christene smiled.
"Tay, is this the Christene you’ve been goin’ on and on about?" Mark asked with a teasing tone to his voice.
"Mark......" Taylor blushed.
"Oh he was talking about me?"
"Yeah, said you and two other people were supposed to sing backup for them or something...."

"And we’re off to Los Angeles!" Zac said excitedly, climbing into the van that was headed towards the Tulsa International Airport.
"Bye Janet, Harry, I’ll remind Reagan to call you." Christene gave her foster parents quick hugs before running down the stairs to catch up with Reagan.
She climbed over Taylor and into the seat next to him. "Hey, boy."
"Hey."
Christene gave Taylor a soft peck on the cheek. "You deserved that."
"Thanks."
"Don’t mind me, I’m on a sugar high."
"I can tell." Taylor smiled.
"Ha-ha, very funny." Although Christene didn’t act happy, she was smiling.
"And away we go!" Avery climbed in, Walker closed the door, hopped into the passenger side, and the Hanson van took off for the airport.

"Ok, ok, ok, we need major corrections!" Christene bounded in front of Isaac, Taylor, and Zac, her hands on her hips, frowning.
"What?" Isaac frowned. "That sounded good to me."
"Yeah, besides the fact that the fact that you don’t pronounce t, d, c, or any other ending consonant to top it." Christene said.
"What? Since when did we have to be perfect?" Zac frowned.
"We don’t, but we should at least have some clarity of tone. You need to enunciate. Ok, Taylor, you have a good ear, Zac, sing the first two lines to ‘Mmmbop’." Christene said to Zac.
"Um...ok....you have so many relationships in this life, only one or two will last." Zac sang, then stopped.
Taylor frowned, and wagged his finger. "You know, she’s right. Zac, you’re singing ‘last’ like ‘lass’, and that sounds really weird. No wonder people say that no one can understand a word we’re singing but they don’t care."
"Ok, Ike, you pronounce everything, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Tay and Zac, well, you two have really gotta work on the pronunciation of these words. New fans will have an easier time understanding you when we’re performing live...It’s called ‘clarity of tone’, and for those of you who don’t know, it means clearness and sharpness. And when you pronounce your consonants, it’s called enunciation. You need to enunciate. I’ll be using that word a lot." Christene said.
Taylor laughed nervously. "Gee, you really know a lot about this, don’t you?"
"Yeah, I guess. Back in...well, before I had to....last year, in my school we had this thing called....oh, forget it. I just know these things, and I guess you can tell, I’m a perfectionist." Christene said.
"God help us, we have a perfectionist on our hands!" Isaac joked.
Taylor and Zac laughed.
Christene went around to the keyboard, standing next to Taylor. "Ash, Jen, let me hear a ‘ooh’ for WTL **AN: Where’s the Love** ."

"When you have-" Taylor was stopped instantly.
"Tay, hun, you’re starting off way too loud! ‘When’ is pushed! It’s not supposed to be. I’ve looked at the music. It’s supposed to start off really soft. Pianissimo. You’re going about Metro-P, and it’s a slow ballad, not a upbeat song that’s bright and sharp. We’re aiming for soft. Quiet. Romantic," Christene said. "Remember, this is not a competition or a solo job. We’re a band, and a band is people that work together and harmonize to form one voice. We shouldn’t hear anyone’s voice that’s louder than the rest when we’re harmonizing together, such as the ‘na na’ part. Or the oohs."
"Thanks." Zac said. He had used to just sing and not really cared about dynamics until Christene came along. He didn’t mind the fact that she was a perfectionist....too much.
Isaac was amazed about how Christene knew so much about and loved music as much as they did.
Maybe he’d really consider getting rid of the other two backup people-they didn’t need it.
What they did need was someone that could really hit the high soprano notes and was able to play an instrument. Someone like Christene.

"Ok, take it from the top. IWCTY **AN: I Will Come to You** on three. Ready guys?" Taylor’s eyes scanned the room quickly.
Walker chose just the time to enter and sit down to watch.
"One, two, and three!" Taylor ran his fingers over the keys and glanced down at the keyboard as he softly pushed the keys down, making sure to keep his arm relaxed. And as the band launched into the song, Taylor noticed that the blending of the voices had a richer, stronger tone quality. He glanced over to Isaac. Apparently, his brother had noticed it too.
"Oh whoa, I will come to you, when you have no light to guide you, and no one to walk beside you, I will come to you, oh, I will come to you. When the night is dark and stormy, you won’t have to reach out for me, I will come to you, oh, I will come to you....I will come to you, oh, I will come to you, whoa, oh whoa-oh, I will come to you, oh, I will come to...you." Taylor held out the last note and let it fade.
"See what good perfecting can do?" Christene asked, smiling sheepishly.

"We have KCA **AN: Kids’ Choice Awards** coming up soon." Taylor said, putting his arm around Christene, pulling her towards him.
"You think anyone’s gonna vote?" Zac asked.
"Yeah, just about all your fans." Christene snorted.
"You’re up for two awards." Diana cut in, smiling proudly, but inside she was worrying. Taylor and Christene have gotten extremely close.
"Yeah, I know." Isaac grinned.
"Maybe this time we’ll win something." Taylor said.
"Oh, come on, be optimistic about this! You can win this!" Christene exclaimed.
"Chris, you’re too optimistic." Reagan rolled her eyes.