Dinner that night was at a German Restaurant. The dining room consisted of five tables that sat forty each. The staff, dressed in folk costume, served a family style meal of German dishes. The seating arrangement made conversation with your neighbor a must. After the food was served, the staff took to the stage performing folk dances and songs. During the intermission, the performers cleared the tables of dishes and served dessert. While the diners had their dessert and coffee, the staff returned to the stage and did excerpts from Sound of Music, which received a standing ovation from the audience.

It was almost nine when they returned to the motel.  After unloading the day's purchases, they went into their cabin. Marc put his packages on his bunk and then went into the bathroom. As Marc came out, he found most of the guys at the big table showing what they had found on their day of shopping. Noticing Lance glancing at the bag on Marc’s bunk, Marc decided to let Lance stew a while longer.

"What did you guys buy today?" asked Marc.

"I found a great pair of b-ball shoes," said Justin.

"I found a comic book shop and they had one I didn't have," said Joey.

"I got a new CD," said Chris.

Josh just sat there, not really willing to share.

"Josh did you get anything today?" asked Marc.

"Yea, I kind of bought Sara something."

"Oh, how sweet. What did you get her?"

"A beanie bear," he said holding up a red bear.

"She'll love it. I thought the Josh bear was retired."

"It is. I went to four stores before I found it.  Lance did you buy anything?" asked Josh.

"No. I didn't see anything today," he said, a little distracted.

"Lance what's with you? You seem edgy," asked Justin.

Lance looked over to Marc with an 'I've been good, please don't make me wait any longer' look. Marc just laughed and finally said, "Ok, Lance, bring the bag over here."

Lance leapt up and grabbed the bag off Marc's bunk. Handing it to Marc, he sat down to questioning looks from his band mates. "Marc bought me something today and he said I couldn't have it until we got back here." Everybody just giggled at Lance's enthusiasm. 

Wanting to prolong Lance's torture a little longer, Marc said, "I think this can wait until the morning."

"Marc, pleaseeeeeeee, I've been good all day."

"All right. You must be a riot at Christmas."

"He is," said Justin. "I caught him going through the closets in my room looking for his present."

Laughing, Marc opened the bag and reached in pulling out the Tad shirt and held  it up so everybody could see the back. On the back were six polar bears lounging in what looked like a hole in the ice. Across the top Marc had written 'Big Bear Lake' and under the picture 'Polar Bear Club.' As every body started to laugh, he turned it around to show Chilly Willie on the left side with the name Tad. Tossing the shirt to Lance, he reached in and passed out the shirts to all his friends.

"Ha ha, cool Marc," said Justin.

"I like it," said Chris.

"I thought you might, Chris, being the oldest you seemed to have had a problem remembering our new names. <He He> This should help. That is, until your eyesight goes," giggled Marc.

"Hey! I'm not that old."

"Compared to me, you're ancient."

"Just remember, little smart ass boys can be sent to bed without their cookies and milk."

"Yes Daddy."

"What else did you buy?" asked Lance, eyeing the not empty bag.

Reaching in to the bag Marc pulled out five pairs of sunglasses just like the ones he wore. Handing a pair to each he was met with questioning looks. "Today I noticed Josh looking mighty fine in his designer shades."

"I always look fine," smirked Josh.

"That's the problem, if you're trying not to be noticed, why call attention to yourself by looking so good." 

"You're right, we never thought of it like that," said Justin.

"Yeah, I can see your point," said Joey, deep in thought. "What else have you noticed?"

"Ok, let me see... I know. Everybody show me your charge cards."

The guys got out their wallets and produced their charge card. Marc looked down at the table and roared with laughter. "I take it these were issued by your management company?"

"Yeah. Why?" they replied.

"Well for one thing it has the picture of the group N SYNC on it. Then they put your name on it. Even a ditsy cashier can put the picture on the card, the name, and the person standing in front of them together. It's a no brainier and your cover is blown. Wouldn't it be smarter to have a plain corporate card with a false identity? They should be able to provide you with ID to match." 

"You're right. We never looked at it like that," said Josh. "What else?"

"Well, Chris does a good job of not being noticed. With his hair out of those braids and when he puts on his glasses, he looks like anyone else. Josh, you just need to stop trying to be so stylish. Look good when you want to get the attention of the ladies. But when you don't want to be recognized, dress down."

 Josh nodded his head, understanding where Marc was coming from.

"Justin, being the youngest, you've always been the center of attention in the group. And now that you're older you seem to crave the attention. When you do TV interviews, you always do something to draw attention to yourself. I've seen you wear strange hats. When everyone was dressed muted colors, you were in white or yellow. Or I have seen you wear a sports jersey when everyone else wore regular shirts."

Justin sat there with his head down listening to Marc's comments. 

"Justin, I don't want to be mean. Or hurt your feelings. All I'm trying to say is just be yourself. You're a great guy and friend. I've gotten to know you this week and the Justin I know is not the Justin in the interviews.  As far as not being noticed. I don't know of any way to un-cute you. Maybe if you grow a mustache or beard. But you'll have to go through puberty first," Marc said with a grin. Justin looked up at Marc and started to laugh.

"Lance, what can I say about you?"

"Be nice. I'm the other cute one."

"Oh yeah, cute and sexy. I forgot," Marc said smiling at him. "In the interviews you're also the shy one. I don't know if it's because you're shy or just can't get a word in. This week I found you're very smart, easy to talk to, express yourself well, and at times you are a leader. As far as not drawing attention, let your hair lay down. Cover those green eyes of yours with glasses and don't talk. Your voice gives you away every time. I know; you can buy your underwear three sizes too small. Maybe you can raise your voice an octave or two." Everyone was laughing at the last statement, including Lance, thank God, Marc thought.” 

"Joey. Joey. Believe it or not, the only problem is your head."

"Yeah, there's nothing in it," piped Chris.

"No. There's definitely something in there. I was amazed myself. I figured any one who would color their head or hair that color must have some really big emotional problems. But after getting to know him, I've come to the conclusion that he is just color blind. Put a hat on him and he blends in anywhere.  And as a group do you know what your biggest problem is?"

"No, what?" they asked seriously.

"You take advice from a three year old."

"Marc, you seem to know us better than we know ourselves. I'd rather take your advice than listen to the crap our management feeds us. You have nothing to gain by being frank with us. And you stick you neck out knowing if we take it the wrong way you could lose our friendship," said Josh.

"But that can never happen, Marc. You're more than our friend. You're part of our family now. We may not like what you say, but we respect your view point," said Chris.

"We also understand that you would never say something out of malice, but out of love. That's what family members do," said Justin.

"And being part of this family means that we can't stay mad at you. We may beat the crap out of you, but we won't stay mad," said Joey with a grin.

Seeing Marc's reaction to the comments, Lance got up, went around to Marc and pulled him up out of his seat. Lifting Marc's chin up to look him in the eye, he said, "And as our brother we share a lot of these." Stepping in and wrapping his arms around Marc in a firm hug, Lance whispered, "Welcome to the family."

Justin shouted, "GROUP HUG!"

Marc found himself in the mist of his five loving brothers and he let out a soft sob because he was so happy.

The guys remained in the hug not wanting to break until Marc regained his composure. They held onto him and gave him the strength of their love. 

Marc laid his head on Lance’s shoulder, drinking in his smell and warmth. Gradually, Marc's breathing slowed as he calmed down. Lance giggled and whispered, "Marc, are you falling asleep?"

Marc nuzzled Lance's neck saying, "Yep. Feels so good. This I could get use to."

"I think we need to get you to bed." 

"Won't work. The bed is not big enough for all of us."

That comment broke the hug as everyone got the giggles, which left Marc with his arms wrapped around Lance. "Come on Marc, bed time." 

Sticking his lower lip out, in a pout,  he released Lance. "Party Pooper," said Marc softly, as he slowly walked to his bunk. 

"It seems baby brother gets cranky when we keep him up past his bed time," giggled Joey.

Marc undressed as he walked to his bunk, sat down, stuck his tongue out at Joey and then lay down and went to sleep.

Marc awoke, refreshed, and in a great mood. Grabbing his running shorts and shoes out of his bag, he went to change. Taking his ID, he placed it in a wristband wallet and jotted a quick note as to where he was going. Marc went outside to begin his warm up.

The sun was up when everybody started to wake. The usual procession to and from the bathroom was well under way when Josh spotted Marc's note. "Marc's out running again. Said he should be back by eight."

"What do you want to do about breakfast?" asked Joey.

"I could go for some more of those cinnamon rolls," said Lance.

"Does anyone know where he got them?" asked Josh.

"Yeah, I spotted the bakery yesterday, it's just a couple blocks from here," said Chris. "I'll go pick some up as soon as I get dressed."

Just after eight Marc came running back to the motel. Giving Amy a quick wave and smile as he passed the office, he slowed to a walk. Approaching their cabin Marc found Josh sitting on the front stoop. "Morning, Josh, everybody up?"

"Yeah, Justin's in the shower now. How was your run?"

"It was great, and the sunrise was spectacular. You should join me some morning."

Entering the cabin as Justin came out of the shower room as Marc walked over to his bag to get a change of clothes. Noticing that all conversation had stopped, Marc turned to find everyone looking at him. "What? Have I grown a second head?"

"Marc. You went running around town dressed like that?" asked Lance.

"Yeah, why?"

"You almost have nothing on. I'm surprised you didn't get arrested."

Smiling at Lance's comment, Marc replied, "Yeah, I did get quite a few stares this morning. Amy fell off her stool as I went by the office a little while ago."

Smiling, Marc went in to take his shower. 

As Marc walked out fully dressed, Lance asked him, "What time do we have to check out?"

"We have to be out of here by ten. What are we doing for breakfast?"

"Chris picked up more of those cinnamon rolls. They're in the box," said Lance.

Picking up all his things, Marc packed his bag. After grabbing the CD he bought yesterday, he went to the table for a cinnamon roll.

"What do you have there Marc?" asked Justin.

"A CD I picked up yesterday."

"You already own that one."

"It's not for me, it's for Amy. I thought you guys could sign it and we could drop it off when we check out."

Smiling, Lance said, "Ah, your conscience has caught up with you after telling her all those lies."

"Yeah, I do feel bad about the story I told her. Come on, sign it and let's get moving. We have a circus to get to."

After loading the van, they drove to the office and parked. "Well, how do you want to do this?" asked Marc.

"Why don't you go in and give Amy the CD. Ask her to come out to meet us. That way we won't cause a scene in the lobby," said Josh.

Marc entered the office and was relived to find it empty. "Good morning, Amy."

"Morning, Mr. Newman. I have your final bill right here. Just sign by the X please."

Marc signed the paper and handed it back to Amy with the CD on top.

"What's this?"

"A gift. You do like N SYNC don't you?"

"Yeah, but I already have this one."

"I doubt you have one like this. Turn it over."

Turning the album over her eyes went wide. "Is this a joke?"

Laughing, Marc answered, "No, this is not a joke. Would you like to meet them?"

"You mean they're here?"

"Yeah, they're out in the van. But I need a promise from you. No screaming; don't freak out on them. They are nice people who just happen to be famous."

"Ok, I agree."

"And you can't tell anyone about them being here until we've been gone one hour."

"Sure no problem."

Marc led Amy outside to the van where she found the guys of N SYNC waiting for them.

Marc just stood back and watched his friends do their celebrity thing. He was amazed at how easily the whole thing went. In no time, the van was loaded with its passengers and they were off to Circus World.

They arrived at the Circus World grounds in Baraboo, Wisconsin after a short drive from the Dells. The group took their time going thru the exhibits. They enjoyed seeing all the old circus wagons that had been restored and watching the workers working on a wagon under restoration. 

"Have you seen where Marc went?" asked Joey.

"He was here a minute ago," said Chris.

"He keeps doing that, going off to set things up again. He has put a lot into these past few days," said Lance.

"I wish we could do something for him for a change," said Justin.

"If management lets him come along maybe we can all set up a day just for Marc," said Josh.

"That's a cool idea," said Justin.

"Here he comes," warned Joey.

"Are you guys ready to go to work?" asked Marc.

"We're not here to work. We're here to have fun," said Joey.

"I think you'll have fun with this. Come on," said Marc leading the way

Approaching a lady dressed in a very colorful outfit, Marc said, "Madam Shasha, these are your volunteers."

"Fine. Marc tells me some of you are interested in being clowns, now who would that be?" 

Three hands went up - Justin, Chris, and Joey. 

"Great, Mike here will take you over to clown alley.  And who is our equestrian?"

"That will be me," said Josh with a big smile.

"Brian here will get you set up.  You’re going to become a trick rider." 

"I've never done any trick riding," said Josh, a little concerned.

"It will be safe. You'll be in a safety harness at all times." 

"Cool."

"And now, my green eyed cutie what would you like to be?"

Blushing, Lance said in his low voice, "I don't know."

"Ah, with that voice I have just the right job for you. How would you like to be Ring Master?"

Lance got a big grin on his face and asked, "Do I get to wear the red suit and top hat?"

"You sure do."

"Marc, are you going to be in the show too?" asked Lance.

"Yeah, I'll be in the show."

"What will you be doing?" 

Looking up Marc said, "High wire."

The next three hours found the three clowns working on routines, learning about makeup and picking out their costumes. Josh was working on his running mount but kept overshooting his mount. Unfortunately, Marc saw him from the high wire and shouted down, "HEY, PETER PAN. AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO LAND ON THE HORSE?"

The show started at 3 and everyone was ready. Lance took his place at the microphone and welcomed everyone of all ages to the greatest show on earth. The clowns' jobs were to fill the time between the acts and spend time with the kids in the audience.

When it came time for Josh to perform it went well. He made his first three mounts without any trouble. But on his fourth mount his safety team decided to have some fun. They pulled him up short and Josh found himself grabbing on to the horse's tail and being pulled around the ring behind the horse while still in mid air. After a good laugh by all Josh made his final mount.

The last to perform was Marc. He entered as part of the high wire group. Taking the balance pole Marc stepped on to the wire and slowly crossed to the other platform. After the others did a five man pyramid Marc started to make his final crossing.

Chris leaned over to Joey. "Joe, isn't Marc suppose to have a safety harness?"

"I noticed that too. Do you think he has done this before?"

Marc slowly stepped to the center of the wire then stopped and gradually lifted his right foot off the wire, doing a one-leg stand. After the applause died down, Marc resumed his walk across the wire. About five feet from the opposite platform he stopped then walked backwards across the wire to the platform where he started.

The show ended with the Grand Parade, with Lance riding atop an elephant at the front of the parade. Needless to say, everyone had a great time.

It was almost six by the time everyone got cleaned up and they returned to the van.

"Marc, this has got to be the best day we have ever had. Thank you so much," said a bubbling Justin as he gave Marc a hug.

"Yeah, today was awesome and so was your high wire act," said Josh.

"Thanks, I'm glad you all had a good time. What do you want to eat?"

"Mickey D's!!!" everyone said.

"I should of known. Let's go," said Marc.

Using the drive thru Marc was able to get the order without anyone spotting the guys. He drove to a secluded part of the lot and parked to eat. Marc got out and dumped the trash but instead of coming back to the driver's seat, he went to the rear passenger door and opened it. "Josh, do you think you could find your way home from here?"

"Yeah, this road is a straight shot home. Why?"

"I'm tired and it will be safer if someone else drives."

Josh took the front seat with Justin as Marc climbed in back with Joey.

The ride home was quiet with everyone just listening to tapes and talking quietly. Marc dozed off and kept falling over on Joey but would wake up each time. Joey turned sideways and pulled Marc back to him letting Marc rest his head on Joey's chest and wrapped his arms around Marc to keep him from falling over. In no time, Marc's breathing slowed and he fell into a deep sleep. 

Hearing light snoring behind him, Chris turned and smiled at the sight of Joey holding Marc and the two of them sleeping. He nudged Lance to look behind. Lance smiled at his two sleeping friends and whispered, "Now that is quite a sight."

Pulling up to the cabin, Lance woke the sleeping pair and everyone dragged themselves inside.   Marc spotted a note on the kitchen table. After picking it up and reading it, he let out a little groan. 

"What's up Marc?" asked Josh.

“It seems we spend your last day here at the lake. Dad and Sara are coming over for a cookout."

"That's ok with us, why the groan?"

"I forgot I got twelve cub scouts coming for a cookout and swimming. Sara's note was to remind me."

"How old are they?" asked Justin.

"They're all twelve, I think."

"Cool, they should be fun," said Justin.

"Yeah, that will give you someone to play with," said Chris.

Everybody was tired so the parade to and from the bathroom began. Marc was the last one to get changed. Going to his room, he found a very red headed Joey curled up in his bed.

"Hi, Joe. I wasn't expecting to see you tonight."

"Justin fell asleep in my spot talking to Josh. So I'm taking his spot."

"Cool," said Marc as he got into bed and turned off the light. Turning on his side, he looked at Joe. 

"Marc, why are you looking at me?"

"I just wanted to see if your head glowed in the dark."

Hitting Marc in the arm, Joe replied "Very funny."

"Good night, Joe."

"Night, Marc.

TBC

Authors Note:  For more information about the sites visited on the Road Trip, just click on the name link in the story.