The Adventures of Clay Aiken

PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGINNING

Instructions This story is a little different from what I usually do. It is a little experiment in interactivity and you the reader can make the choices for the character to follow. At each slide, there will either be an arrow or a set of choices. Please click on the relevant graphic to continue with the story. If there's no graphic, don't click. Do not click anywhere else on the slide. Do not click unless you see the pointer turn into a little hand like this → That said, I hope you will enjoy the story(s) that I have prepared for you. Let's Begin

Clay woke up one morning as he usually did. He lay in bed, thinking about the day before him. There was nothing particularly exciting in his schedule. A meeting, time in the studio messing around with music, interviews. Yet another day in the life. Stretching, Clay rolled out of bed, narrowly missing his two dogs which had unwisely chosen the floor by his bed as their ideal sleeping spot the night before. He bent down to pet them both and felt their loving licking at his fingers. Right now, he loved his two dogs more than anything in the world. Click

Going through his usual morning routine, Clay got ready for his day, preparing breakfast for himself and his pets, shower, gather his messy work materials into a briefcase. Making sure the house was securely locked, and hoping that he had not forgotten anything, he stepped into his car and backed out of the garage, through the front gate and driving out of the little street towards the main road. There was a fork in the road. To the right was the route to the city and work. To the left was a road Clay had never taken before. Click

Which way should he go? Back

Having decided to change his routine and go left instead of right, Clay drove along the empty little country road. After a while, he came across a small run down looking farmhouse. Strange. He never knew there was a farmhouse in these parts. There was nothing to farm in Raleigh these days. As he drove past however, he noticed someone, a young child waving frantically from the window, looking as though it was imploring passer-bys to stop and offer some assistance. Click

Should he stop and investigate? Back

Clay really doesn't want to get involved if he could help it. Although his heart wondered and hoped that his decision didn't hurt anyone, he needed to protect himself as well. So he continued to drive down that road. There was nothing interesting on the radio so he sang songs to himself. Winding down the car windows, Clay let the cool air blow onto his face. It had been a long time since he had last had the pleasure of 'stolen time' – time he knew should have been spent in the office at work. Click

As he drove, Clay had ample time to reflect about his life. He felt that his life was like this road. Empty, long and winding. However, it was also full of possibilities. As Bilbo said in The Lord of the Rings: “It's a dangerous business, stepping out on the road. Who knows where it may take you.” Laughing that he was quoting novels, Clay too a quick glance at his car's dashboard. His laughter and dreaming immediately subsided. Reality was that the gas was running low. He wondered just how long he had been driving. There would be just enough to get back if he wanted to. Click

What should he do? Back

Having decided to go back, Clay made his way back down the road, a feeling of disappointment that he had to cut short his stolen day off. He passed by his house and returned to the fork in the road. This time, he took the right turn. Click

Clay decided to keep on driving and he would deal with the lack of gas when it was time. He wondered what was wrong with him today. Why was he acting so much out of character. First playing truant from the office then risk getting stranded in the middle of nowhere. It felt strange but deliciously exciting. He drove until he noticed something in the middle of the road. It was a person standing right in the middle of the road. He blew his horn as a warning. Click

The person did not move. As he got nearer, Clay saw that it was a woman. Either very drunk or very reckless, he thought. He prepared to swerve his car to avoid hitting her when she suddenly put out a hand to stop his car. Clay screeched to a halt and stuck his head out of the car, almost yelling at her, “What the heck do you think you're doing?!” The woman didn't reply but made a gesture as though she wanted Clay to come out of the car. Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay got out of the car, wondering what this strange woman would want. “Look, if you're looking for autographs or something, I'm sorry but now's not a good time. Why're you standing in the middle of the road anyway? It's a crazy and dangerous thing to do. Anyone could've come round and knocked you down.” The woman didn't reply him but waited until he had gotten close to her. She suddenly pulled out a plastic cylindrical tube and plunged it into Clay's neck. He felt the sting of a needle before everything went black. Click

Having taken the right turn, Clay continued as his usual routine towards Raleigh city. He detoured at a gas station to fill up his car's tank and enjoyed a quiet moment as the morning's bustle seemed to fade into the background whilst he watched other cars passing on the main road. Paying for his gas, Clay was glad that no one had stopped him to sign autographs yet. There had been a few stares but no one approached him. Such a privilege was far and few. His new life meant that everyone knew who he was and what he was doing at any given time of the day, even when he didn't know himself. Click

Singing softly to himself, Clay made his way to his downtown office and studio almost in the heart of Raleigh's business district. The place was already full of people coming and going on their way to work. He smiled as he thought about how everyone moved like clockwork. He pushed open the doors to his office. As usual, everyone else was already there and a haphazard load of papers were pushed into his hands by his manager and instructions being fired off into his ear regarding his schedule for the day and other business. Click

Clay walked into his office where he dumped the mess of papers onto his desk. He was about to ring for his PA to sort out the papers so that he needn't waste time reading everything himself. But then he remembered that he had no PA at the moment. That was one of the items in his schedule – interview a new PA. His manager walked in and said that there was an appearance coming up in a few days time. Singing with a short interview on a late night talk show. He advised Clay to think seriously about it, given that he was in between albums and he needed to stay in view. Click

Should Clay do the appearance? Back

Clay decided to do the appearance and spent the day preparing for it. It was on a very short notice but Clay wanted to do his best as he usually did. It was not in his nature to present a bad performance, especially not on TV when everyone could be watching. He went on to do the appearance when the time came. There was nothing special about it. The interviewer asked the same routine questions, the singing went off without a hitch, the audience was lively as usual. Clay was very glad when it was over for it meant that he could finally go home and fall asleep in front of his TV. Click

Going backstage, Clay cleaned up and cleared his things from his dressing room. He could never master the art of organization when it came to dressing rooms. Confident that he had left nothing behind, he shouldered his bag of belongings and headed out. The hallway was strangely empty and quiet. Clay was a little unnerved, especially since there was a show going on right at that moment. He made his way towards the exit. He tried to call for Jerome or his manager but he could not get a signal from his cellphone. All of a sudden, he felt something sting him at the throat and he blacked out. Click

Clay didn't feel up to doing an appearance. He had enough exposure with dealing with the gossip rags and he didn't want to endure yet another grilling session, albeit from an official interview. It was his turn to be interviewer today. And as though reading his mind, his manager popped in and announced that a potential candidate for the job of his PA had just arrived. She came in and Clay knew immediately that she was going to be his partner. Her name was Cassie Holden and she looked just right for him. Not only professionally, Clay felt emotion stirring up inside him and he was glad that he would have the chance to get to know Cassie a little better as a person during the long bus rides when she went on tour with him. Click

When Clay regained consciousness, he found himself in a clinical room, strapped to a padded leather chair which was in a reclined position. “Well, I was beginning to worry why you weren't waking up yet.” He heard the kind voice of a woman say. A woman wearing a white lab coat came into view. “I'm Dr Nat. Don't be afraid, I'm not going to hurt you. I'm just going to examine you to make sure you're ok.” “Doctor?” Clay was confused. “But what for? Where am I? Why am I here?” Click

Dr Nat chuckled and explained something about the WMS and how they never killed the clones that they captured. Clay was getting more and more perplexed at her explanation. The strangest part was when she finished examining him and asked if he had a name. He said his name was Clay Aiken and she laughed again. She told him that he's a clone of Clay Aiken, not the original. Clay didn't understand at all but decided to go with the flow, following another woman, Colonel Kav, who came to bring him to the 'clone compound'. Click

Colonel Kav gave him a new name and sent him to a residential building. There were voices heard in the building and when Clay entered the Rec Room, he finally found out who was making them, he had the biggest shock of his life. Standing at the doorway, he saw many men looking, sounding and acting exactly like himself. Click

What will Clay do? Back

Clay entered the room, feeling strangely non-plussed and slightly freaked out. But, the strange thing was that all these men who looked like him, didn't look at him like he was a freak. They looked as though he were one of them. “Hello brother!” one of them came up to him and greeted him warmly. “I'm Owen. It's so nice to meet you! I'm glad you managed to get here safe.” “But...but...” Clay stammered. This was far too much for him to handle and he didn't know what else to say. Owen clicked his tongue in a sympathetic gesture. “Don't worry. You're perfectly safe here and everything's going to be ok.” Click

“No.” Clay protested. “How can this be ok? Who are you? What is this? What's happening?” Owen looked sympathetic again, this time, with an air of a person who knew more than he did and was feeling sorry for him because of that crucial piece of knowledge that he lacked. “This is the WMS. You're a clone.” “A clone?” Clay yelped. “No. That can't be. I'm Clay Aiken. This morning I just woke up at home and everything was ok.” “I'm sorry. You're not Clay Aiken. You're a clone of him. That's why you have the memory of waking up at home. But you weren't really home. It's your mind playing tricks on you.” Click

Can Clay Accept This? Back

Owen continued to talk him through his confusion and doubt. The more Owen spoke, the more Clay realised that he wasn't who he thought he was. He realised that, Owen was right. He was a clone after all. Having accepted this fact, he embraced his new life whole heartedly and so lived happily ever after. Click

Clay stopped and pondered his next course of action. The drive was obviously long enough to have taken up almost all of the gas he had in his tank. However, he was not in a hurry to move for the day was fine and there was a light breeze blowing in through his window. A sudden thought inspired him to take a little nap. Clay leaned his chair back and closed his eyes, falling asleep. Click

Having stopped to investigate, Clay parked his car along the side of the road and got out. The air was strangely fresh, as though in the earliest morning, just after sunrise. He made his way down a path through to the front door and knocked. There was some sounds of children's running steps from behind the door. It opened to reveal a little boy, no more than 10, dressed in a patched set of clothes. The style of the clothes were strange, as though he were play acting that of an Shakespearean English peasant boy. He excitedly took Clay's hand and pulled him into the house. Click

“Thou art so late! We have been expecting thee since cock crow.” the boy happily prattered on to Clay. Clay's jaw fell open as the boy pulled him by the hand into a kitchen that was old enough in style to be part of a museum collection. Seated at a rough wooden table were the boy's parents and some other children were playing around the table. The woman rose and Clay saw that she was wearing a dress of coarse linen, dyed to a dark green with a white apron on. She smiled as she offered Clay a seat at the table. Click

“I'm sorry Ma'am.” Clay began, feeling ill at ease. “I'm afraid you've mistaken who I am. You see, I just happened to be passing and...” he could not go on, for, looking out of the window, he noticed animals. There were livestock outside. Cows and chickens and even a pig. His jaw dropped open further and he made a dash for the front door in shock. Opening it, he found a horse and no sign of his car. As he looked round, he realised that something very strange had just happened to him. Click

What will Clay do? Back

Clay walked out of the doorway and enters the world that had suddenly changed. Looking down at himself, he found that his clothes had transformed too. He was dressed as everyone else. He walked towards the horse, which a few minutes ago had been his car. Putting out his hand, the horse nuzzled against his palm. He stood wide eyed and staring for a while. The woman came out and put a hand on his arm, “Clayton, art thou unwell? Thou art not thyself. Thy face pales and thy flesh trembles.” Click

“H-how did you know my name? What is this place? Clay asked anxiously, looking all around him in utter perplexity. The lady shook her head and turned to her husband, saying gently, “He is delirious, else he hast drunk too much wine in his happiness.” To Clay, she said, “My dear Clayton, dost thou not remember? I'm Mrs Kipling and thou hast courted my daughter these many moons and yester-night hast has asked for her hand. Methinks thou art sick. Thou must come in for a rest. Mayhap thou wouldst feel better anon.” Click

What should Clay do? Back

Having accepted the lady's invitation, Clay followed her back into the house. The house was now more furnished in the style of a well-to-do farming family. He was led to sit in a wooden chair by the table. “Please ma'am.” Clay asked, “If what you say is true then I have forgotten who I am and what tie it is that I have with you..” he trailed off, unsure how to phrase his sentence. “Oh come Clayton, there's no need for thee to stand on ceremony.” the lady told him. At this moment, a young lady entered the room bearing a pitcher of drink and poured him a cup, smiling sweetly at him all the while. Click

Clay said a word of thanks and took a sip of the drink from a rough pottery cup. The young lady stood as though thunderstruck and Clay thought he heard a sob emanating from her. “Miss? What's wrong?” Clay asked, turning to her in concern. She made no reply but hastily exited the room. Meanwhile, the older lady was staring at him in shock. “Blessed Mother! Clayton! Dost thou really mean thou hast forgotten everything? Thou hast not been jesting?” Click

“Ma'am I have been telling you – thee – the truth. I don't know where I am or who you think I am or who you are.” Clay repeated again. She looked as though she might faint. “You are Clayton. Who asked for my daughter's hand yester-night. You are in our home.” Clay was just as perplexed as she was. “What year is it?” “1647.” “Who are you?” “I am Mrs Kipling. That is my daughter Janet, whom thou hast promised to marry.” Click

“Mrs Kipling, this is going to sound strange but just a few hours ago, I didn't belong in this world. I...” Clayton stopped. There was no way to explain himself, not when he didn't know what was happening to him. “Mayhap thou hast met with an accident which addled thy memory.” Mrs Kipling suggested in a concerned tone. “Wouldst thou like to stay and speak with Janet? Mayhap thy memory wouldst be jogged at the interaction with thy beloved.” Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay accepted Mrs Kipling's invitation to remain and speak to Janet, supposedly his fiancée. She was a sweet and lovely girl and, as Clay interacted with her, he felt stirrings of emotion within his heart. The longer he saw with her, the more he began to forget his 21st century existence and recall his 17th century life. He began to forget about the horrible day he was having and to remember happy things, things that had to do with his 17th century existence.. The two married a few weeks after this, the whole incident becoming just a case of amnesia, in which it was proved that Janet was the right match for him, for wasn't it she who helped him recover his memory? And so, Clay lived happily ever after. Click

Clay was utterly taken aback at the revelation. Shaking his head in denial, he stumbled away and mounted his horse. His seat was surprisingly adept and he knew exactly what to do to control and ride the horse. He flicked at the reins, causing the horse to break into a fast gallop, carrying him away from the house. He continued to ride hard, still in too much shock to slow down to consider his surroundings. If he had, he would have noticed that the countryside was becoming less wild and more ordered as the road brought him closer to the edge of a large town in the distance. Click

“Halt!” he heard a shout over the clatter of his horse's hooves. Checking himself, he found that he was face to face with a large burly man carrying a heavy club. “Thou must pay toll friend, to use the Queen's roads.” Clay dismounted. “Tell me first,” he said, “What year is it and where am I?” The man chuckled. “Thou art a simpleton friend, to not know. Sooth, tis the year 1647 and yonder is the Queen's town of London.” Click

Clay turned completely white at this new information. “Oh my Lord. I've gone back in time or something.” Completely terrified by this thought, he remounted his horse and, disregarding the man's indignant cries, spurred his horse on towards the town. The country grew significantly less wild as he approached London town. He recognised some landmarks and features of the town which still existed in the 21st century. Entering the town meant riding through a set of solid wooden gates. He dismounted and led his horse by the reins “Ho there! Thou must pay toll to enter.” A gatekeeper called out to him. Click

What will Clay do? Back

Clay declined, returning to his horse. He mounted and spurred it away. He chose another road that took him in a different direction. Along the way, he saw some smaller cultivated farmlands and homesteads. Eventually, he found himself following a path along the river. As he followed the river, he found himself coming closer and closer to the sea. In the distance, there was a little sea town to which Clay steered himself, knowing not the reason for his decision. He entered the town and tethered his horse to a post which served that purpose of harnessing beasts of burden. Click

He wandered along the harbour for a while watching ships and the sailors going about their work. “Ho! Sirrah!” he heard a voice call him from behind. He turned and saw a sailor talking to him. “What be thou doing eh?” “Nothing friend.” Clay replied. Talking brought back memories of Shakespeare lessons. “Now then, the cap'n needs another hand on this cruise. Thou lookst athirst for adventure. Art thou interested to sail with us?” the sailor asked, adding, “We be sailing to the New World.” Click

Should Clay sail with them? Back

Clay was afraid of water and always was. Besides, he could not see how becoming part of an high sea adventure was going to help him get home, even if they were going to sail to America, the New World. His world was almost a thousand years in the future. So, he declined and went about his way. He went back inland where, to his chagrin, he found that someone had untethered his horse and made off with it. He kicked the post in frustration. But, with nothing more to be done, Clay had no choice but to walk. He followed the path of the river back inland. Gradually, it led him to the edge of a forest where the river diminished into a little stream, disappearing into the fastness of the trees. Clay stood and thought for a while if he should follow the water to where it may lead him. Click

Should Clay enter the forest? Back

Clay agreed and was taken on as part of the crew. A lands man, he remained below deck with tubs of soapy water and scrubbing brushes. A few months of such an existence left Clay yearning for the time when he could be on deck on a clear starry night. It felt like he was flying through a dark void. The crew took him as one of them and called him Robin, for his voice was sweet as a bird's song and many a time, he would be called upon to cheer their quiet nights. One day, the look out gave a panicked yell - “Maelstrom!” A deadly whirlpool had suddenly opened up a swirling vortex of roaring waters threatening to swallow their ship whole. A frenzy of activity erupted on board as all fought for their lives. Clay cut open his palms helping to row the oars and pull the ship to safety. Click

Will they win over the Maelstrom? Back

No matter how hard they worked, the sailors' eyes widened in fear as they lost control of their ship. “Gentlemen,” the Captain addressed them as their dire fate became apparent. “I am proud to have sailed with such brave men and true as you all. We are nearing the end and it would be prudent to speak a prayer for our souls' sake. I pray that we may yet sail together through smooth seas on our journey towards the Judgement.” The sailors crossed themselves and commended their souls to Almighty God. As their ship entered the vortex, sheer walls of fierce grey water rose on either side of them. Clay peeked out from behind his terrified hands. There was a huge ball of light below them. They were going to hit it head on. Clay closed his eyes tight and waited for the impact. Click

Everyone on board strained to pull the oars against the awesome force of the water. The escape seemed endless and it was as though they would not make it. But, as suddenly as the force pulled them in, the ship returned to smooth seas once more. It was as if the Devil decided their souls weren't worth it. The crew cheered wearily as the Captain gave orders to pull the ship back to safe waters. Safely out of the way of the Maelstrom, the ship continued her Westward journey across the great unknown ocean. The Lord smiled on their journey and there were no more incidences – nor cabin fever, plague nor scurvy. A few more months of smooth sailing and the look out yelled, “Land!” Click

Clay ran to the helm and leaned over the wooden barrier to see. True enough, through a slight mist, a dark shape emerged – showing the presence of a large land mass. The Captain climbed up beside Clay. “Look at that lad.” he said, almost reverently. “In all my days as a salty sailor and sea captain, never have I seen such a sight. Aye. Tis a sight to tell to thy children. Heard thou of the quest for the Holy Grail? Aye. That there is my Grail. Finding the New World.” Soon, the ship pulled into a natural harbour along the coast and the crew landed, stepping onto dry land for the first time in months. After a first cursory inspection of the land, the sailors set up camp. Clay was sent to find firewood and water. Click

“Stray not too far lad.” he was instructed. “Thou knowst not what savages live in yonder woods.” Clay acknowledged the warning with a wave of his hand. He didn't intend to go too far into the woods anyway. It wasa dark and forbidding and he had the prickly feeling of someone watching him. It scared him. He knew this was America, his land. He was just in the wrong time. Having collected enough wood to last the night and part of the next day, Clay turned to return to camp, only to find that he couldn't find his way back. The forest seemed to have closed around him. He fought his way through the thick forest, finally finding himself in a clearing with a crude little cottage in the middle. Night was falling and he needed shelter for the night. Click

Clay decided to enter the forest. He had nothing to lose and, if he remembered the stories right, going into the mysterious trees always helped in a quest. The knight in the quest always found something that helped. Well, he was now on a quest – the quest to find his way home. So he plucked up his courage, found a stout branch to serve as an aid, and plunged into the lush green undergrowth. It was cool in the forest and no one was in sight. Presently, he found a path which he gladly followed, feeling tired of forging his way through the tough and unyielding undergrowth. He was sure his pants were shredded to ribbons. By and by, the path reached a fork to which he had to choose either the left or the right path. Click

Clay decided not to enter the forest after all. He was afraid of what he might find and that he might lose his way forever. No, forests were not his forte at all and he would do best to stick to main roads and towns. So he turned and gradually found his way on a familiar path. He was back where he started, at the farmhouse. This time, Mrs Kipling was insistent on his entering and told him again who he was and about his engagement to her daughter. Once more, she invited him to stay and speak with her daughter, hoping that it would spark his memory and help him to remember who he was. Click

Clay was a little unnerved at the thought of having to pay toll. He didn't even know if he had the right currency. Reaching into his pocket, he felt something hard and drew it out. It was a small canvas bag of coins. He paid the gatekeeper and entered London. The town was the same metropolis it would be when Clay knew it. He heard so many various tongues being spoken in so many accents. Clay felt unsure as to what to do. He wandered aimlessly until he felt hunger gnawing his stomach. He then found a pub which wasn't too crowded, tethered his horse outside and entered. Click

The interior was dark and quiet, a welcome relief from the bustle of the town. Clay settled himself in an out of the way corner and ordered a pub lunch. The hostess was fast and soon Clay was tucking into his meat pie, cheese and ale. He had not wanted the liquor but the pub keeper was giving him a queer look when he asked for a different beverage. A woman who looked like a gypsy came to his table as he swallowed his last mouthful. “I see thou art troubled lad.” the old crone said. “Wouldst thou want me to prophesy for thee? Or mayhap thou dost not want to know thy future, but wish an explanation for thy past.” Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay refused the old crone's offer. She looked like a charlatan anyway and he felt that, as a Christian, he should hold no store by prophesies and stories of fate and destiny. Telling her to leave him alone, he finished his lunch in solitary thought. This was indeed a strange day for him and no doubt about it. Finishing his lunch and ignoring the old woman's further invitations for her to prophesy his future or past, Clay went back outside and found, to his horror, that his horse was no where in sight. Someone had untethered it and stole it. Click

Although the gypsy crone looked like a charlatan old witch, Clay decided to accept her proposition. She pulled up a chair before him and made herself comfortable, drawing out a dusty velvet bag from her pocket and shaking its contents out onto her palm. “Stones,” said she, “Carved from a piece of the moon herself. Mighty powerful if you care to cast them.” She handed him the handful of stones and instructed Clay to cast them onto the table. Clay did so and she leaned over them, studying their patterns. At length, she straightened up and asked, “Wouldst thou have me read thy future or thy past?” Click

“Old woman,” Clay said, “If thou art as powerful as thou claimst to be, thou wouldst know which I wish to know most.” “The hearts of men are fickle.” The old crone replied. “Mayhap thou likest not what thou hearst. The past and the future be utter mysteries to the human intellect.” Clay looked impatient and made as if to get up and leave this nonsense. The old crone quickly told him, “Thou art living in thy past life lad. Thou hast stumbled upon a crack in time. Thou must livest in this life thou once had.” “Can I go back to my life?” Clay asked quickly. “Nay, lest thou art lucky enough to stumble upon another fissure in the fabric of time.” Click

Clay nodded his head sadly. He didn't think he would be lucky enough to come upon such a crack in time twice. He wondered who else had stumbled upon such a thing. He had heard of such people in the paranormal stories. Now he was one of those stories. Seeing the old crone still staring at him, he decided that he had heard enough and gave her a few bronze coins from his bag. Leaving the pub, he found to his horror that his horse had gotten stolen and had to endure the laughter of the men around him at his foolishness and trust at leaving such a fine horse unattended. As he stepped out onto the street, an urchin ran by him and snatched at his canvas bag, tied loosely to his person with a piece of string. Click

Without money and without any clue as to his next step, Clay wandered aimlessly around the town. London seemed bigger now that he had to traverse it on foot but there was so much to see. At the same time, the great city was also in shambles. The Black Death had swept over the land and signs of it could be seen at every corner. “Wanted: Collector of bodies. Good Pay.” Clay read from a notice pasted on the wall of a building. “Art thou interested in the job then lad?” a voice asked him. Click

Become a collector of bodies? Back

Clay felt squeamish about collecting dead bodies. Much less bodies of those who had died of the Black Death. He had read about how contagious the disease was and he didn't want to die. He wanted to remain alive long enough to get himself out of here and back home, however unlikely it might be. Walking away, he found himself slowly following the path of the river towards the docks where many great ships were anchored. Click

Clay knew he had to make a living. And collecting dead bodies, despite being a gross sounding job, was an honest day's work. He accepted the job and was given a hand cart and a large metal triangle. “Thou must walk the streets of the town and cry thus, 'Bring out yer dead!'” the man instructed. “They wouldst pay thee ninepence in return for thy service. Thou canst keep fivepence for thyself. Four thou must give to me.” Clay nodded his understanding, not quite sure what he had gotten himself into but hoping that it would be for the best. He began his new job immediately. Click

It was dull work and after a few days on the job, Clay had given up trying to take precautions against the chance of contracting the disease himself. It was an impossibility and the sheer number of bodies he had to collect everyday was staggering. Of course, there was always a few who would give him bodies of annoying relatives who were not quite dead and give him a start when they suddenly got up from his cart, demanding to be let off. Clay enjoyed the nights most. After work, he would go to a pub and sing for his supper, literally. His voice enthralled these simple townsfolk as it had once enchanted the entire nation where he came from. He began to make quite a name for himself as the singing body collector. Click

Eventually, he discovered that, although people knew his name as Clayton, many of them nicknamed him Robin, after the sweet singing bird. Clay made no effort to correct them. After all, this was a new life for him, why should he not have a new name? He did not abandon his old name though, in hopes that he would some day return home. One day, as he was collecting a body, a friend he had made, Lancelot, saw him reading another poster tacked onto another wall. The King was calling for people to join him as knights and to go on a quest. “Art thou thinking of enlisting then, Robin?” Lancelot asked, looking at the poster over Clay's shoulder. Click

Clay laughed. “I thought thou knowst me Lance. I don't like to fight. Sooth, I'll as soon run away as face a fight.” “Aye. Dressing up and dancing, that's thy talent.” Lancelot agreed. “I'll come with yer though, if thou wants to enlist. I don't mind and I'll keep an eye out for yer.” Clay studied the poster longer. “I don't know Lance.” “Oh come come. A quest. See the world, find out things. And all the glamour of being a knight of the High court.” Lancelot tried to persuade. Click

Should Clay become a Knight? Back

Clay finally managed to convince Lancelot that becoming a knight wasn't what he was meant to do. He was satisfied with what he was doing at the moment and had no wish to dabble in things too big for himself. Lancelot seemed disappointed but did not question his friend's choice. Time passed and Clay found his life to be getting too comfortable. He was becoming resigned to his situation and that was a problem. He had to get up and figure a way to help himself get home. One day, as he was collecting bodies, he made his way along the path of the river to where it met the sea. By the docks were dozens of ships ready to set sail. Click

Clay gave in and the two set out that very night to the castle where they would both become knights. There wasn't as much fighting as Lancelot predicted and Clay thanked the Lord for that. The King wanted to emulate the great King Arthur of old and to search for the Holy Grail. “Ah, the Grail.” Lancelot said to Clay as they were riding through the countryside in search. “Robin, they sayst the Grail manifests itself differently to different people. Legend speaks of the Grail not being just a Cup but that which we want the most. The thing that we seek and yearn for the most.” Clay knew full well what he wanted most but he doubted that he could ever find it. He listened to Lancelot as he chattered on, trying to break the monotony of the long and thus far, fruitless journey. Click

At length, the two came to a clearing in the forest. Here, there was a fork in the road and it necessitated a parting of the two friends. “So Robin,” Lancelot began. “Which of these roads wouldst thou take my friend? For here we must part and seek out the Grail alone.” Clay was in a dilemma. It was a choice like this that had gotten him into this mess in the first place. Lancelot was still looking expectantly at him, clearly waiting for him to choose. Neither path looked remarkable nor potentially helpful to him and there was nothing to help him choose. Click

Which way should he go? Back

Clay decided to go left again. After all, going left once had landed him in this kind of trouble, wouldn't kill him to do it again. So he made his way down the left hand path. The path was empty and the only sounds was made by himself and the birds and insects in the trees. “None shall pass!” Clay looked ahead and saw a knight in black armour step onto the path and block his way. “Who challenges the Black Knight?” Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay felt that, now that he was a knight, he ought not be so cowardly and he drew his sword to meet the challenge. The Black Knight responded in kind and their weapons clashed as thunder in the silent forest. They grappled with each other for a few minutes. Clay was amazed at how his strength managed to hold. For that few minutes, it was an epic battle with neither man giving way or losing ground. However, his luck ran out and Clay tripped and fell over something. As he did so, he hit his head heavily against an unknown object and lost consciousness. Click

Clay knew he was a coward and it was no use trying to fight such a fearsome looking knight. This kind of duel was best left to fiercer warriors, not to him. So he turned tail and quickly ran back down the path. This course of action eventually brought him back to the fork in the road where he had been previously. Not wanting to return without having tried all ways, Clay took the other fork of the path. Click

Going left had created all kinds of problems. So Clay decided to go right instead. He set out down the right hand fork of the path and made his way through the leafy, tree lined path. The air was still and quiet and there was no other living being in sight. As darkness began to fall, Clay despaired of finding shelter for the night and was preparing to set up a camp beside the path. As he ventured into the woods to find branches to build a fire, Clay noticed a light twinkling in the distance through the trees. Dropping his firewood, Clay followed the twinkling and found that it was firelight. As he went closer, he found that it was a little cottage hidden deep in the woods. It was so well hidden that he could not see the path or any discernible marking of one leading up to the house. Click

Going up to the house, Clay knocked on the door. He didn't know what to expect but he knew someone was home. After all, it was dark and there was no reason for anyone with a home to be wandering around in the forest. A scruffy looking man with dark skin answered the door. “What d'ye want?” “Good sir, I seek lodging for the night and...” “Is that a Southern accent you have?” the man asked in surprise. “Er...yes?” Clay replied, unsure of what the man was asking him of. “Oh my Lord. You...You...You're from America aren't you?” the man stuttered. Click

“You know about America?” Clay asked, his hopes rising. No one knew about America during this time. It was still the 'New World'. “God be praised! One of mine!” the man grabbed Clay and kissed him soundly on both cheeks. “Come in, come in. I'm Jeffrey, but people of this world call me Brun. I was from Atlanta meself when suddenly I found me here in this world.” “It's nice to meet you Jeffrey, or Brun.” Clay greeted. “I'm Clay, but some call me Robin. I'm from Raleigh, North Carolina. Yup, I'm kinda like yourself, I stumbled into this world all of a sudden and I don't know how to get back.” Click

“Aye, how to get back, that's the trouble.” Jeffrey said. “I've been stuck here for near six years, studyin' the hows and whys of the universe. Everyone thinks I'm crazy, that's why I'm stuck out here by my lonesome.” “So did you find out a way to get back?” Clay asked anxiously. “An old crone told me that I had fallen through a crack in time and the only way was to fall back through another one.” “Aye, and trust to luck along the way.” Jeffrey replied quickly. “Youse lucky you found me tonight. Tomorrow I woulda been gone onto who knows where.” “What do you mean? You've found a way out of here?” Clay asked, very excited and nervous now. Click

“Aye that I have. And you can come with me.” Jeffrey told him. Clay was ecstatic. He had found his Grail – the opportunity to go home. At the appointed time, Jeffrey brought Clay outside and bade him climb a tree with him. “When I tell you to, jump. If my calculations are correct, in exactly two minutes, the fissure will open right below us and we'll fall right through.” “Are you sure this is safe?” Clay asked, nervous at being asked to jump out of a high tree. “Of course it is.” Jeffrey reassured him. “Anyways, if it isn't, we'd both die and it wouldn't matter no more. Clay, promise to get in touch with me if you can, let me know how you made it ok?” Clay promised and Jeffrey told him to jump. Clay closed his eyes and took a flying leap out of the tree. Click

When Clay opened his eyes, he found that he was back in his own room at home. A quick glance at the clock indicated that it was some minutes before the clock would ring. It was all just a dream after all. Was it? Click

Cassie seemed a perfect match for Clay since the beginning. They had similar quick tempers, good humour, were both extremely talkative and equally loyal and stubborn. They even shared the same birthday and looked uncannily alike. That had scared Cassie once, when over enthusiastic fans started chasing her, thinking she was Clay. Clay had laughed so hard that he was rolling on the floor. Cassie worked with Clay for a few months, being the best PA he’d ever had. It was as if she could read his mind and sometimes did things for him that he had only been thinking about but never got round to asking. Clay toyed with the idea of taking her for a well-deserved night out, away from the job and the rest of the group on tour with them. Click

Should Clay ask Cassie out? Back

Clay decided to take the risk and he asked Cassie, rather nervously if she would like to go out for dinner with him one night. She acted surprised but she was delighted and immediately accepted. In a week, they were both seated at a private table in a fancy restaurant, talking and laughing over steak and wine. Clay couldn’t take his eyes of her. Her eyes were as green as his and her hair shone like a friendly fire and framed her face in soft waves. After dinner, they decided to take a walk through the town. The night was still young and there was not much street traffic. Eventually, they came to a fork in the road. The left would bring them back to the bus. They weren’t sure where the right fork led. Click

Which way should they go? Back

They went left and finally found themselves at the little playground close to where the tour bus was parked. Cassie went to sit on the swing and Clay gently pushed, letting her swing back and forth leisurely. “It’s so quiet now. Peaceful.” she said. Clay agreed. “Do you want your turn on the swing now? I could push you.” Clay laughed. “Nope. I’m fine right here.” He observed the back and forth motion of the swing then, as Cassie swung back towards him, he took hold of the metal chain, halting the swing and kissed her. Cassie seemed shocked and was momentarily speechless. “Wow…” she managed after a while. Clay was just as astounded by his own daring. “Wow.” he agreed. Click

Clay was just about to reach for Cassie to kiss her again when he noticed someone standing just off the parking lots, watching them. The person noticed that Clay had noticed his presence and came forward. It was an ordinary looking woman, mid-twenties. “Oh my god!” she exclaimed as she came up. “It’s really you. Clay Aiken! Oh my god! I’m Eva, by the way. I’m, like, such a huge fan.” she continued to gush. “Can I, like, get your autograph? And a picture? Oh my god! The girls are gonna flip! I still can’t believe I’m really meeting you!” Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay felt anger rising in him. He was usually indulgent with his fans but this was crossing the line. He stepped away from Cassie who had also tensed, and confronted Eva. “No you can’t.” he snapped. “Hello? This is so not the time for autographs and pictures.” Eva was still rooted to the spot in surprise. “Why are you still standing there?” Clay asked angrily. “Do you think you have some kind of right over me? Am I no longer ‘allowed’ to be human? Answer me!” He looked so angry that Eva stepped back a few paces. She looked angry and betrayed. “I thought you were different!” she shouted. “I loved you! But you’re just like any other fucked up celebrity. You can just go to hell! You and your bitch. You just ruined my life and I hate you!!” Her voice escalated into a scream and she ran away. Click

Clay took a few deep breaths and relaxed, his anger disappearing and guilt taking its place. Cassie came up to him and took his hand. “I shouldn’t have done that.” Clay said. “I shouldn’t have let my temper get out of control like that. I was so angry, I couldn’t think.” “No, You probably shouldn’t have yelled at that girl.” Cassie agreed. “But it’s not as if you did something wrong. She was rude!” Clay gave Cassie a hug. “I know. But I owe everything I am to my fans. Even crazy ones like Eva. My behaviour was inexcusable. I should have known better.” “So what if some girl called Eva got pissed off?” Cassie asked, obviously still angry. “You can post an apology on your blog and remind your crazy fans that you’re a human being, not a goddamn exhibit!” Clay laughed. “Ah Cass. What will I do without you? You always make me laugh somehow.” Click

Time passed and Clay soon forgot the incident. Things would have been perfect if not for some notes that began appearing, stuck under the door of the tour bus when it was parked and unattended. ‘If you cut us, do we not bleed? If you kill us, do we not die?’ ‘Even a simple stream can destroy a mountain.’ ‘The higher they climb, the harder they fall.’ Most chilling was three words written in heavy red marker across one of Clay’s concert programmes: ‘I AM WATCHING’ Clay laughed it off, joking that he had a stalker. His bodyguard, Jerome, was not as amused and wanted to launch an investigation. Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay found this all so difficult to take in. He began to panic. “No! I’m not a clone. I’m not one of you! I woke up in my bed this morning and I was me. I am Clay Aiken!” He turned and ran away, out of the building and across the huge compound. He felt himself panting for breath but he kept running. He thought that if he could just get out, things would be ok and back to normal again and this would all just be a dream. Finally, Clay reached a high and sturdy brick wall. There was no way he could get over by himself. He was trapped. He sank down on to the grass and trembled in fear. Click

“Are you alright?” a voice asked. Clay looked up. He did not know what to think. It was exactly like looking in a mirror, except the image was wearing different clothes and a different expression. “My name’s Owen. I’m sorry you’re so upset now. It’s a lot to take in. Trust me. I know. I’ve been in your position. You have to believe me when I tell you that this is what you are now. One of us.” Clay stared back in horrified disbelief, his thoughts racing in his mind. Click

What should Clay do? Back

“No!” Clay jumped to his feet. “I refuse to accept this! It’s not true! It can’t be!” He rushed at Owen who instinctively held up his hands to protect himself against this sudden display of violence. “Calm down! I don’t want to fight you, brother.” Owen tried to persuade, firmly disentangling himself from the struggling man fighting him. “I’m not your brother!” Clay rushed at Owen again, intending to wrestle him into submission. However, he did not realise that in their struggle, their positions relative to the wall had changed. As Clay charged Owen a second time, Owen stepped out of the way and Clay hit the wall with a resounding smack. He fell backwards onto the grass, stunned. The sun shone blindingly into his eyes and he closed them. Click

They decided to be adventurous and take the right fork, continuing to explore the town. Eventually, they came to a gaudy looking building that resembled the wedding chapels in Vegas. Clay looked at Cassie and winked. “What?” Cassie asked. Clay wondered if he would regret this some day but he felt reckless. “Want to marry me?” “You’re not serious!” Cassie exclaimed. “Right now?” “Right now. And I am serious. I love you Cass. And you’re the only person I’d ever want to spend the rest of my life with.” Clay looked straight into her eyes. “You’re my best friend and the love of my life. I never knew what I was missing till I met you.” Cassie laughed, not mockingly but in agreement. “I’m game if you are.” she said unexpectedly. Click

Clay was at once happy and shocked. But he didn’t stop to think. He realised that all these months, Cassie was the one for him. That he had finally found the person he was looking for all his life. He took a deep breath, took Cassie’s hand and went into the building. When they came out, they were married. Even though this impulse decision would haunt them for the rest of their lives, it didn’t matter to them. They knew that this was what they wanted. And so they lived happily ever after. Click

Clay decided to ignore the notes, much to Jerome’s annoyance. Cassie too tried to persuade him every time she had the opportunity, to let security check it out. But Clay brushed it off. He didn’t think that anyone would actually be cruel enough to do anything. One night, after a concert, Clay walked out to bus as usual with his entourage behind him. He went down a long line of fans waiting outside. In the midst of all the screaming and shouting, he didn’t notice a single woman getting close to the barricade and pulling out a gun from her purse to aim it at him. However, Cassie noticed it. Click

What will Cassie do? Back

Clay was too much of a coward to ask Cassie out. He was afraid of rejection and that it would change their relationship adversely. So he did nothing and they remained friends and colleagues. Time passed. Cassie had become part of the family that made up Clay Aiken Co. She stayed with Clay in between tours, simply because Clay was based in Raleigh whereas she used to live in LA, which made things inconvenient to be on the other side of the country, relative to the person she was PA to. Towards Clay, She was very sisterly, looking out for and taking care of him when he needed it. Click

This arrangement would have suited Clay in the long run, had he not noticed that Cassie was growing rather fond of his manager, Jason, who seemed to be in the habit of showing up and hanging around for trivial reasons and doing it more and more often. Clay began observing what was happening. He noticed that Jason and Cassie were finding ways of spending time together, talking and laughing when they did their work but stopping abruptly when he came close. Clay felt paranoid. What were they talking about? Why were they so intimate? Did Cassie like him then? Clay still had a crush on Cassie and it bothered him that Cassie seemed to prefer someone else. Click

What should Clay do? Back

Clay decided that there was nothing he could do but accept the fact that Cassie had chosen Jason over him. It had hurt to watch the relationship between the two blossom into something much stronger than he had ever imagined. But time was a great healer and by the time Cassie and Jason married each other, Clay was reconciled enough to attend and even sing at their wedding. He remained friends with the couple for many years afterwards. And so they lived happily ever after. Click

Things came to a head one day when both Cassie and Jason mysteriously took off together and disappeared for the evening. Clay sat and waited for Cassie to come back home. It was very late by the time she arrived and she was surprised to see Clay up and waiting for her. Clay was not surprised at all – she was wearing a pretty cocktail dress and carrying a rose. Cassie usually never dressed up like this. The sight filled Clay with resolve to say what he had to. Click

“Where were you Cass?” Clay began. “I had a date.” Cassie told him. “With Jason?” Cassie immediately became defensive. “Is there a problem with that? This is purely personal. I assure you, our professionalism will not be compromised.” Clay struggled with the words. “Is that all then? I’m just your boss to you?” “What more is there?” Cassie asked. Clay felt hurt by her reply. So she had never noticed him. “Did you ever consider that… I… might… you know, like you too?” Click

Cassie looked incredulous. “You’re joking, right?” Clay shook his head. “I’m not. I do like you Cass. The same way Jason does and, well, I guess I was just too afraid of jeopardising our relationship to tell you. I suppose it’s probably too late to say it now, but I’d like you to reconsider your options. I’d like it if you could… pick me instead of him. You know I love you, right? I just show it differently from him.” Click

Who will Cassie choose? Back

“No!” Cassie screamed and instinctively pushed Clay aside. He fell and hit the ground hard just as the explosive sound of a fired gun was heard dangerously close to them and the eruption of screams. Clay was stunned at what was happening and seemed dazed as security personnel quickly formed a circle around him whilst others tackled Eva to the ground. “Oh my god.” He gasped, clinging to Cassie as tightly as she clung to him. “What’s happening?” “Clay, we gotta get you inside. Now.” Jerome commanded as he yanked Clay to his feet and forcibly steered him back toward the concert venue. “Jerome, tell them all to go home.” Clay said. “Get them safe.” Click

“Are you hurt?” Jerome asked as he brought Clay into the security office of the building. Clay shook his head. “Good. I’ll go outside to check on things. You stay here and keep out of trouble. Watch out for him, Cass.” He dashed off again immediately after delivering that instruction. “You saved my life Cass.” Clay said. “Thank you.” He turned to hug her. She looked pale and shaky from the experience. “Are you ok?” he asked. Cassie hugged him tightly. “I thought I was going to lose you.” she whispered. “I don’t know what I would’ve done.” Clay chuckled. “Silly girl. You’re not getting rid of me that easy.” Click

“You could have died.” Cassie fumed. “You should never have taken those threats lightly.” “I’m sorry.” Clay said. “No, you’re not sorry.” Cassie retorted. “What were you thinking Clay?!” Fortunately, Clay was spared the option of answering by Jerome re-entering the room with Eva. Clay saw her and immediately his temper rose. This was not the first time she had provoked him and this time things had gone too far. Cassie recognised the anger rising in Clay. “Clay, stop it. Don’t yell at her. She’s not worth it. Let the police handle it.” Click

What will Clay do? Back

Clay took Cassie’s advice and adamantly ignored Eva and let the police take her away. He felt that it was not his fault Eva had reacted as strongly as she had and that he was not to blame for it. Cassie saw his struggle and pulled him away to help him control himself and not confront Eva. Time passed slowly and eventually, months passed. Clay had decided to take Cassie out for dinner to thank her for saving his life. He felt very much indebted to her for that. Like the first time they had a date, things went well and they went for a walk around town yet again. As if the fates had decided to trick them, in an eerie sense of déjà vu, Clay and Cassie found themselves yet again at a fork in the road, quite like the last time. Click

“No!” Cassie cried as she jumped in front of Clay, blocking him with her body. The explosive sound of gunshots echoed in the air and Cassie felt detached from her body. Clay screamed as Cassie fell back onto him, her body limp and bleeding from the bullet wounds. Jerome ran forward and tackled Eva to the ground. “Cass? Cassie, sweetie, can you hear me?” Clay pleaded as he cradled Cassie gently onto the ground. He was afraid and it was all chaos around him. He clutched Cassie’s hand tightly and kept talking to her. Fresh blood flowed onto the pavement. Clay remembered his first aid training and took off his outer shirt, pressing it onto Cassie’s chest, trying to stem the bleeding. Click

Things happened very quickly and the wail of sirens filled the air. Cassie was loaded onto a gurney and put into an ambulance. Clay insisted on going with her. The police cordoned the area and made everyone go home, except for a few who stayed behind to give evidence as witnesses. It was a long hard night for Clay as he waited for the doctors to come out of surgery to give him news about Cassie. The hours ticked pass and Clay still waited. Suddenly, he was amazed to see that another troupe of performers had entered the waiting room as well. Click

Who are they? Back

It was a group of very familiar people. Or rather, puppets. A group of the very famous muppets came into the room. Clay’s face brightened as he saw Gonzo and Fozzie Bear, his favourites among other well known faces. He wondered what they were doing here. “Hello Clay.” Gonzo said to him. “Ok, that’s weird.” Clay said to himself. “The puppet is talking to me.” “Of course I am!” Gonzo insisted in an obvious tone. “I’m dreaming. This is a dream. Has to be.” Clay decided, sliding further down on the chair he was sitting on. Click

“Hey Clay, do you know what they call someone who talks in his sleep?” Fozzie asked excitedly. “A professor!” “Boo! That’s the worst joke I’ve ever heard.” Statler heckled as though it was a knee-jerk reaction. Clay made a face, unsure of how to react. This was the strangest thing that had ever happened to him. “Aw, come on guys, let the man alone. Can’t you see he’s confused?” Kermit interrupted. “Um…” Clay stammered. “That’s my Kermie.” Miss Piggy’s falsetto informed him. “And for someone confused, you are one smoking hot guy Clay.” Click

“Um… Thank you. I think.” Clay replied as Miss Piggy began fawning over him. “Um… Miss Piggy, could you not do that? It’s making me uncomfortable.” “Yeah Piggy. Let him alone. That means you.” Kermit told her. Miss Piggy reluctantly went to stand by Fozzie. “Thanks Kermit.” Clay said. “Er… not that I’m not glad to see you guys but… what the heck are you doing here?” “Oh well, you see, Rowlf had an incident with the piano.” Kermit began. “It was all my fault!” Fozzie wailed. “I was trying to light his candelabra so he’d have a nice candle to play to but the piano caught fire.” he ended in a sheepish tone, twisting at his hat. Click

“And I tried to put it out but how was I to know the bucket was full of gasoline??” Gonzo continued in an annoyed tone of voice. “So Rowlf’s in here for burns?” Clay clarified. “No. He’s in here for his bruises.” Kermit clarified. “Bruises?” “We had to beat the fire out.” Kermit confirmed. “Riiight.” “What are you in here for?” Fozzie asked. Clay felt a little sad as he replied. “My best friend. She got shot tonight. She was trying to protect me.” Clay buried his face in his hands. “It was my fault. I could have prevented it. But I didn’t and…” Click

All the muppets snuggled around Clay. “You didn’t mean it, did you Clay?” Little Robin asked. Clay shook his head. “I’m sure your friend’ll get all better. Than you can tell her you’re sorry and that you love her.” “How’d you know I…” Clay began. “Honey, we’re the muppets. That’s what we do.” Miss Piggy informed him. “The question now is, what are you going to do to make things better?” Kermit asked. “You think she’ll be ok?” Clay asked. “Do we look like doctors to you?” Gonzo asked. Clay shook his head. “It’s a feeling ok. My nose picks up things. I’ve got this funny feeling and I think it’ll be ok.” Click

“That’s because you’ve got a cold, dumb brain.” Miss Piggy inserted. “All you feel is a sneeze.” “No I don’t. My nose is all powerfu…ahh…ahhh…ahhhh chooo!!!!” Gonzo sneezed hard, so hard that the whole room seemed to shake and Clay fell off the couch with the impact. “Woah, hey there Clay. You ok?” Jerome asked. Clay looked around. No muppets. “You rolled completely off the couch there. Dreaming?” Clay rubbed his back, feeling stiff. “Yeah. A dream.” Jerome waited for Clay to seat himself again. “The doctors peeked in. Cass is out of surgery. She’s alright and she’ll be completely fine. She’s in recovery now. I would’ve let you sleep but since you’re awake, you can go in and see her.” Click

It was a group of people dressed in black with their faces painted white. They wore white gloves too. Clay had only seen these performers on TV. Mimes. One of them waved at him and Clay’s jaw fell open as he waved uncertainly back. They came and stood in front of him, performing a series of gestures. “Ok, I’m dreaming. I must be.” Clay said to himself. The mime pointed at him and mimed a person sleeping and a hand talking. “And I’m talking in my sleep. Great.” Clay concluded. Another mime came up to him with an exaggeratedly sad face and the unmistakable question: why. “Because my best friend took a bullet in the chest for me and she might be dying and all I can do is sit here!” Clay exclaimed, all his worry manifesting in itself in frustration and anger. Click

The sad faced mime turned into an angry face and stomped around the room, mimicking what Clay felt inside. Clay had to laugh. “I know. I’m stupid. I just don’t know what to do.” The mimes sat cross legged at his feet, all in the unmistakeable pose of the thinking man. “Alright, cut that out.” Clay said. “What are you doing here anyway?” They began another intricate series of actions, enacting someone being shot, falling comically into the arms of someone else. The mime got down on one knee, dramatically miming a proposal. The ‘shot’ mime sat up in excitement and hugged the other as a third danced around them. Click

“Oh no you don’t!” Clay said, when he realised what they meant. “I can’t! I… It’s too soon. Especially after…” The mime waved his hands around in contradiction, pointing to his colleague who was pretending to be a woman in love. The woman dashed in front of the man she loved just as the third mime pretended to shoot a gun at them. “Oh…” Clay realised. “That’s awkward.” He had never been sure that Cassie felt the same as he did. But now, he had absolute proof. “She would have given her life to save me.” Clay said to himself. Click

“Clay? Wake up. You’re talking to yourself.” Jerome shook Clay awake. Clay sat up and realised it was all a dream. “Jerome? I had the strangest dream…” Clay began. “Not now Clay.” Jerome interrupted. “I wanted to tell you, you can go see Cassie now. The doctors came in a few hours ago. She’s in recovery but she can have visitors now. She’s gonna be perfectly fine.” Clay beamed happily and got up to go to Cassie’s side. Click

Cassie did nothing and stood in shock as the woman aimed her weapon at Clay. There was a sharp crack and Clay fell as he was hit. “Get him inside!” Jerome roared over the screaming crowd, hauling Clay’s body back into the building. The woman followed them inside too. Once inside, Jerome shut the doors firmly. “Cass,” he said, “You really shouldn’t be here.” “Clay’s shot!” Cassie exclaimed. “What do you expect me to do? Did anyone call an ambulance? What the hell are you doing here?!” She yelled at the woman. “The police should be called! You should go to jail for murder!” Click

“Calm down Cass.” Jerome chided. “Go sit in a corner and keep quiet. I promise I’ll explain everything.” “You’re in on this?! You’re part of a plan to kill Clay?” Cassie was dumbfounded. “He’s not dead, Cassie.” the woman said. “Just stunned.” “Who the hell are you?” “My name is Laynie. I’m an officer from the WMS. We’re an organisation that monitors…well, Clay’s movements and we try to keep him safe.” she explained. “Sorry this had to be so public. I explained the situation to Jerome. It was necessary for Clay Aiken to seem to have died. That was the only way.” Click

“Wait, I don’t understand. What the hell is going on??” Cassie asked almost hysterically. She felt guilty, looking at Clay’s limp body in between them. “Cassie, trust me, the lesser you know, the better it is for you.” “Jerome? Tell me.” Jerome sighed. “This isn’t Clay Aiken. You’ve never known Clay Aiken. This is just a clone of him. The WMS makes sure the clones are kept safe. It’s a long story. But it seems that after tonight, there isn’t to be a Clay Aiken any more. Like Laynie said, the less you know, the better. Clay Aiken is dead in the eyes of the world. I’m sorry Cass. It has to be this way.” Click

“We’ll take over from here.” Laynie said as a few more women appeared from inside the building with a stretcher. “Wait, where are you taking him?” Cassie asked. “To the WMS. He’ll be safe there.” Cassie began to cry. “Will I ever see him again?” “I’m sorry. I don’t think so.” Cassie bent over Clay and kissed him. “I love you. Bye.” Jerome held her as the strange procession filed out of the room. “Take care of him.” Jerome told Laynie. She nodded and left the room. Click

Clay gently pushed open the ward door. Cassie was lying in the hospital bed, attached to all sorts of wheezing and beeping machines. Her eyes were closed and she looked peaceful. Clay quietly drew a chair next to the bed and took her hand. “Cass?” he called. She squeezed his hand and opened her eyes. “Hey.” she said. “Are you going to scold me Clay? I don’t regret anything. I didn’t want you to get hurt.” “Shh…” Clay put a finger on her lips. “I’ve got something to tell you.” Cassie waited. “I love you. And thank you. For saving me. I never really thought you felt the same way I did. But, oh my god, I love you Cass. I love you.” Click

“Really?” Cassie asked softly, an edge of hopeful disbelief in her voice.” “Really.” Clay got up to sit on the bed, cradling her in his arms as she lay against him. “I love you. I should have told it to you so much more. I shouldn’t have needed this to happen before I realised that you loved me back. I was such a stupid fool. And… you know, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, while you were asleep.” “About what?” “I know this is really really bad timing and all, but, Cass,” Clay hesitated, trying to gauge the situation. “Will you marry me?” Click

What will Cassie say? Back

Cassie turned to look at Clay behind her and winced. There were tears glistening in her eyes. “Oh my god, Cass, are you ok? Are you hurt?” Clay asked in a panic when he realised it. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t… shouldn’t have put this on you right now. You should rest, let yourself heal. Do you want me to call a nurse?” “Clay, calm down.” Cassie told him. “I’m ok. I just had major surgery. Moving isn’t a good idea.” “Sorry. Sorry, sorry.” Clay apologised again, hopping off the bed so they were face to face. “Is this better? You should tell me…” “Now you shush.” Cassie told him. “Back to the subject, but do it properly this time.” Click

“I kind of can’t.” Clay said sheepishly. “The bed’s too high. If I go down on one knee, you’ll just be seeing the top of my head.” “Just shut up and do it already!” Cassie said exasperatedly. Clay giggled and quickly got down on one knee. “Cassie, I love you. Will you marry me?” “Yes Clay.” Cassie replied. “I will.” A few months later, amid all the media hype, Clay and Cassie managed to sneak away and got married in a quiet ceremony. Only their families and close friends were present. It was the best day of both their lives. And so they lived happily ever after. Click

To Clay’s shock, Cassie began to cry. “Oh lord! What’s wrong sweetie? Are you hurt? Should I call a nurse? Tell me what to do!” he asked in panic. “I’m ok.” Cassie assured him. Clay got off the bed and sat on the chair again so they were face to face. “It’s not you. It’s just… I can’t marry you Clay, no matter how much I want to.” “What do you mean?” Clay asked, confused. “A few weeks ago, I discovered that I was adopted.” Cassie began. “My parents told me, after they found out I was working for you.” “And?” “And… turns out… You’re my birth brother. My… twin brother.” Click

“You’re kidding me, right?” Clay asked. Seeing Cassie’s serious expression his hope fell. “Oh my god. You’re not.” Cassie shook her head. “I spoke to your…well, our, mom about it. Faye said it’s true.” “And you didn’t tell me?” “I was trying to find a right time. I guess your proposal just forced it to come out.” “Oh god, how can you do this to me?!” Clay cried out. “Clay…” “I need some time alone. I’m sorry Cass.” Clay said quickly, getting up. “I still love you though. I just… have to… rearrange my perspective on… things.” Click

Clay hurried out of the room, avoiding everyone on the way. He locked himself in a bathroom stall – the only place he was ensured privacy and sat to think things through. So Cassie was his sister. No one had ever told him he had a sibling, let alone a twin. He wasn’t sure if he should feel disappointed or excited. It meant that he had lost his girlfriend and any hope of a future life together with Cassie. But at the same time, he had gained a sister. That had to count for something, right? He sat in there for hours, just thinking. Finally, he came to a conclusion. This was still the same Cassie. Only, she was now his twin sister. A while ago, Clay had wanted to be with her forever and now he had his wish. The bond between twin siblings was stronger than anything. Click

Clay made up his mind and went back to Cassie’s room. It was almost morning and although Clay thought he would be exhausted, he didn’t feel that way at all. He felt elated. “Cass?” Clay whispered, taking Cassie’s hand. “Sorry I’m waking you up again.” “You’re back.” Cassie said. “I didn’t expect that.” “I’m not stupid.” Clay informed her. “I want you in my life. My long lost sister.” He smiled. “I love you.” “Love you too.” Cassie said. “Did you know you’re my older brother? By a few minutes? I’ve always wanted an older brother.” “Always wanted a baby sister.” Clay replied, hugging her tightly. And so they lived happily ever after. Click

Clay could not stand it. He shrugged Cassie’s hand off him and crossed the room to stand in front of Eva. “What the hell did you think you were doing?!” his arms flailed in the air. “Clay, get a hold of yourself.” Jerome unexpectedly interrupted. “It’s not what you think it is. Cass, maybe you should…” Cassie came up to Clay. “It’s not what you think Clay. Let me explain.” “You’re in on it too? Cass?” Clay asked. “I trusted you, both of you, and you’re conspiring with a murderer against me?” He grew indignant. “I wasn’t trying to kill you.” Eva said. “Could’ve fooled me.” Clay snapped. Click

“Clay, just listen.” Jerome explained. “Everything you know is a lie. All this, this life you lead, it’s all a lie. You’re not what you think you are.” He paused but Clay did not say anything. “You’re not Clay Aiken. You’re a clone of him.” “Something went wrong with the system.” Cassie continued. “Eva and I, we’re both part of an organisation called the WMS. We take care of the clones. That’s why I became your PA. Something went wrong and we didn’t know what. So we needed to get as close to you as possible.” “This is ridiculous.” Clay said incredulously. “I won’t sit here and listen to all this nonsense.” “You have to, I’m afraid.” Eva said firmly. “Because as of tonight, Clay Aiken is dead.” Click

“What do you mean?” Cassie asked in surprise. “The order was given to terminate the clones.” Jerome said. “All of them. Which basically means you, since you’re the only one in the field. The order was just given. There wasn’t time to warn you. Sorry Cass.” “Cass, Jerome, I don’t understand.” Clay said sadly. “Who am I then? What’s going on?” “Your life is in danger Clay.” Cassie said. “But not from us. We’re trying to save you. But you can’t ever go back to this life again. That’s the price of living.” “Everything was… a lie?” Clay’s voice cracked. “I loved you. That wasn’t a lie.” Cassie whispered. “It was a mistake.” Eva declared. “You were supposed to keep him safe, not fall in love with him.” Click

“It wasn’t a mistake.” Cassie growled. “Enough!” Jerome ordered. “We’re wasting time. Eva, is the van here?” “Been here hours ago.” “What van?” Clay asked. Cassie hugged Clay. “Don’t be afraid ok? Things are gonna change, gonna be difficult from now on. But Remember, you’re safe. No one’s going to hurt you.” “Cass? I don’t understand.” She kissed him. “Goodbye Clay. I love you.” And she jabbed him on the neck with his epipen that she carried. Clay felt his limbs grow heavy and the room grow dark. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness was Cassie’s stricken face. Click

“Clay, are you serious?” Cassie asked, sounding a little annoyed. “Absolutely.” Clay replied firmly. “I know it’s my own fault for not saying so before and you’d be perfectly justified in rejecting me now, but I thought I should make myself clear. Just in case.” Cassie seemed confused and appeared to be carefully selecting her words. “I didn’t think you ever liked me that way. So I let you go.” “And now I’m back, begging you for another chance.” Clay said. “Please.” he added. Cassie suddenly grinned. “Well, I think it’s only far that you date me and then I’ll decide. Don’t you think?” “Of course, perfectly fair.” Clay replied through gritted teeth. Click

Their date took place the following night. Clay was extremely nervous. Dating wasn’t his forte. It was impossible for him to have a normal, conventional date because of who he was. He wanted the date to be special and memorable. He told Cassie about it and she laughed. “You didn’t need to tell me the background story.” she chided him. “It’s not my problem. But it’s kinda cute. Your insecurity.” Clay winced. He started out simple and brought her to dinner at a restaurant where he had booked a private room for them. Click

Everything seemed to go on quite well. They talked a lot and time flowed quickly and smoothly. Until dessert came. Clay had ordered lemon cake with vanilla ice cream and was enjoying it until he suddenly felt his throat burn uncomfortably. He tugged at his collar and coughed. “Choking?” Cassie asked when she noticed Clay’s discomfort. He shrugged and reached for his water glass. It didn’t help at all and the burning got worse. It was hard for him to breathe. He coughed again, quite violently. “Clay? You’re scaring me, what’s wrong?” Cassie asked. “I can do the Heimlich Maneuver. Is that what you need?” Clay desperately shook his head. “Ah… Ah…” he tried to speak but couldn’t. Click

“What Clay? What do you need?” Cassie asked, panicking. A waiter had come in and looked concerned. “I think we need an ambulance. I don’t know…” Cassie’s eyes fell on the cake Clay was eating. “What’s in the lemon cake?” she demanded. “Um… Lemon rind, cake stuff. Chopped almonds on top.” The waiter stammered. Clay grabbed Cassie’s hand. “That’s it! Almonds! Your allergic to them. Where’s your… what is it? Your epipen?” Clay couldn’t answer and just clutched Cassie’s hand. “It’s ok.” Cassie soothed him, realising that they had to wait for the ambulance. “You’ll be ok. I’m here. The ambulance is coming. You’ll be fine.” Click

A few hours later, Clay had been warded and stabilized. Cassie went in to see him. He still looked pale. “Sorry.” He apologised when she came in. “I ruined your evening.” “Well,” she sat beside him. “At least we made it to dessert. And I can’t say it wasn’t memorable. Are you sure you didn’t plan this?” Clay gave her a wan smile. “I never had such a dramatic date before.” Clay’s face fell. “If you pick Jason, I’ll understand. I don’t want you to have to deal with my life. It’s not fair to you.” Cassie giggled. “Silly boy.” she said, tousling his hair. “I was just kidding. You know I was going to pick you all along. I just wanted to see you squirm a bit.” Click

Clay was shocked. “Well, I’ve been hospitalised and almost died. Is that enough for you?” Cassie got up and kissed him, seeing that he was really serious. “More than enough. I thought you were really going to die. That adjusted my perspective a lot.” “We’ll make it work. You and me. We’ll figure this out.” Clay said firmly. “You better make that a promise.” Clay promised and held onto that promise despite all the rough times they had together, a consequence of a life in the spotlight. But they stuck through it all and loved each other through every difficulty. And so they lived happily ever after. Click

Clay was annoyed at the fan from interrupting him in such a private moment. But he swallowed his anger and with a lot of difficulty forced out a smile and a pleasant voice. “Hi Eva. It’s nice to meet you. Um… it’s not really the best time right now but a few autographs wouldn’t hurt.” Eva squealed with delight and produced a few pictures and a cd. “Here.” Cassie came up and held out a marker. “Gee, thanks a lot! I didn’t have one on me.” Eva commented happily. Clay kept up a friendly façade as he signed Eva’s things, asking short questions all the while, acting interested. He gave her a hug when they were done and Eva left still his biggest fan and completely over the moon. Click

“Well, that was nice of you.” Cassie commented. “I owe everything to my fans, Cass.” Clay explained. “I have to remember that. Even when they’re crazy and appear at inappropriate times.” “Sure.” Cassie replied dismissively. Something in her expression worried Clay. “Is everything ok Cass?” Clay asked. “What are you thinking?” “I don’t know Clay.” Cassie answered. “It’s… your life… I don’t know if I can handle it. It’s different when it’s just my job then when it might be my life too. You know?” Clay felt worried. “Are you…breaking up with me?” he asked, afraid to know the answer. Click

Will Cassie break up with Clay? Back

“Yes.” Cassie said. “I don’t think I can handle this. I don’t want to have to share you with thousands of strangers and have every moment of our lives on scrutinised and interrupted.” Clay hung his head, hurt and upset. “Cass, please. Don’t.” “You said it yourself. You owe everything to them.” Cassie pointed out. “I don’t want to live the rest of my life, our life, in a fishbowl on display. I’m sorry.” “I understand.” Clay reached out, wanting to touch her, but Cassie avoided his touch. “It hurts like hell, but I understand. Still friends?” Cassie nodded. “Friends.” Time was a good healer and they remained best friends with their own separate lives, intertwining but never joining. Click

Clay did not feel spooked the way everyone else was but he let Jerome conduct an investigation anyway. Whilst Jerome pursued things through the official channels, Cassie decided to try her luck as well. She called Clay over to her bunk one day to share her findings. “Ok, what’s with all the cloak and dagger? You trying to be some kind of Nancy Drew.” Clay chuckled when they were both huddled in her bunk with the privacy curtain drawn. “Is this really necessary Cass?” “Oh come on, it’s fun.” Cassie replied. “Look, I found a pattern in all the notes. They came on days when were in major cities, when you were doing high profile things. None of the smaller venues or at the less known places. Click

“So?” Clay asked, unable to see how it was helping. “So, whoever this is, it’s not a professional stalker.” Cassie said. “She depends on your publicised schedule.” “She?” “It’s just a term. In any case. I doubt a man is so poetic.” Clay pouted. “But so what? This doesn’t help.” “Yes it does. Look. Your tour schedule.” Cassie pulled his schedule and a calendar. “Look. Major cities, huge publicity, and weekends. All the notes arrived at a weekend. Whoever this person is, she can only stalk you on weekends.” Click

“Again, so?” Clay asked, still not seeing the reason for Cassie’s enthusiasm. “This weekend. You’re doing Houston. That’s a major city and the publicity’s been huge.” Cassie said excitedly. “I think our stalker will strike again. Fancy a stake out Clay?” Clay laughed. “I can’t. I kind of have to perform. Can’t be in two places at once.” he pointed out. Cassie looked disappointed. “You can play sleuth without me.” Clay consoled. “But let Jerome know. Don’t put yourself in danger. The stalker always appears when no one’s around. Be careful.” He leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. Click

That weekend, they arrived at the concert venue as usual but there was tension in the group. Cassie had told Jerome her prediction and he had decided it was worth checking out. However, he forbade Cassie from carrying her own stake out and assigned a venue security guard to stay at the bus, but out of sight. Cassie was annoyed but she had to give in and she did so without good grace. The show began as usual and the venue filled itself with screaming fans. Instead of staying backstage as usual, Cassie went outside, convinced that the stalker would be appearing. It was dark outside, the streets inadequate to chase away the shadows around the bus. The venue guard was no where to be seen. But Cassie saw an unknown figure quickly away from the bus, trying to hide in the darkness. Click

Should Cassie chase the figure? Back

Remembering Jerome’s admonitions, Cassie resisted the urge to give chase. She took a step forward and began to yell, “Hey you! Who are you? Stop!” The figure immediately began to run but the venue security guard emerged from his hiding place and gave chase, instructing Cassie to stay close to the building. Cassie used her cellphone to call Jerome to the scene. The security guard caught up with the intruder and tackled him to the ground, bringing him back to the building. As they approached the light, she saw that it was a woman, a fan she had met a long time ago – Eva. Click

Jerome and Clay had appeared behind Cassie. It must have been intermission. “Cassie, are you ok?” Clay asked, grabbing her by the shoulders and putting himself between her and Eva. “I’m fine.” Cassie said. “There’s your stalker. I saw her coming away from the bus.” Jerome got the bus driver to open the bus and sure enough, there was another note there. Jerome frowned down at Eva. “The police will be coming. It’s illegal to write threatening notes like this and we will press charges.” Clay was stony faced and said nothing whilst Eva gave him a look of pure hatred, anger and betrayal. Click

The police came, just as Jerome predicted and arrested Eva. Clay said nothing in her defence. When the police car finally drove away, Clay took Cassie’s hand and squeezed it tight. “Well, that’s that.” he said conclusively. “Told you I was right.” Cassie said. “Yes, you were, my super sleuth.” Clay agreed, giving her a quick kiss. “No more detective work now. Just peaceful times, you and me.” Cassie beamed, realising what he meant. “Yeah. Peaceful times. Together.” Hand in hand, they went back to the concert arena, back to their ordinary lives. Click

“Hey! You!” Cassie yelled. The figure began running towards the main road, away from the bus. Cassie immediately gave chase, convinced this was who they were looking for. “Stop!” It was a big lot but Cassie ran fast and she grabbed hold. “Stop it!” she ordered. The stalker, a woman, lashed out, hitting Cassie in the face. Cassie reacted instinctively, pulling both of them down onto the blacktop. They wrestled together. “I’ll kill you!” the woman exclaimed. She was strong and Cassie found herself trying to fend her off, desperately fighting against the fingers that were circling round her neck, trying to choke her. “Clay is mine.” Click

Cassie struggled, fighting for her life, more terrified than ever. She tried to scream but nothing came out. She thought she could hear yells in the distance but everything seemed vague and unclear, moving in slow motion. ‘Oh Clay, I’m dying.’ she thought. ‘Help me!’ Suddenly, the pressure at her throat ceased and things moved in normal speed again. “Oh my god, Cass, are you alright? Can you hear me?” she felt herself being cradled and carefully held by someone. There was the smell of sweat and make up and a gentle slapping at her cheek but it was so hard for her to move. The darkness was easier and there was numbness and no pain. Click

“No Cass! You’re not leaving me. I won’t allow it.” Clay ordered when he realised that Cassie was giving up. “Dammit Cass, you’re not allowed to do that. Do you hear me?” “Maybe she needs CPR?” Jerome suggested, having pulled Eva off Cassie and handed her to the venue security. “Shall we call an ambulance?” “Clay, we need to get back.” Jason, Clay’s manager, reminded. “No. Cassie’s still breathing. She’s just very very weak.” Clay said. “If she wakes up, she’ll be fine. And I’m not going back to the concert. Not until Cass is ok.” Click

Will Cassie be alright? Back

“Cass? Cass, listen to me.” Clay ordered. “Cass, you need to wake up. Right now. You need to breathe. I know it hurts but you just gotta do it. Please Cass. For me. Please breathe.” Clay pleaded with Cassie, leaning close to her, almost as if he intended to give her CPR. He kissed her on the lips, slowly, gently. Then he sat up and waited, praying hard for a miracle. Like a fairy tale, Cassie took a deep breath and her eyes fluttered open. “Clay?” “Cass!” he exclaimed, hugging her gratefully. “You’re alive! You’re alright!” “What happened? Where’s that woman?” Cassie asked, looking around in confusion. Click

“She’s gone.” Clay told her. “You’re safe. Everything’s ok now.” “I guess it is, huh?” Cassie concluded, smiling at Clay. “Of course it is. No more playing detective, you hear?” Clay told her firmly. “Sure. How many more stalkers do you expect to turn up?” Cassie joked. “Hopefully, none.” Clay replied. “But if any shows up, we’ll protect each other, deal?” Cassie nodded. “Come on then, back to work. There are people waiting.” Clay helped Cassie to her feet and they walked hand in hand back to the concert arena. Click

“Cass? Cass, listen to me. You’re not allowed to give up. You’ve got to fight this. You’ve got to stay alive Cass. Please Cass. Please stay alive. For me. Please?” Clay pleaded with Cassie. There was still no response. “Clay? There’s nothing we can do. An ambulance is coming. You need to get back. I’ll stay with Cassie.” Jerome said. Clay shook his head. “No. This is my fault.” Jerome knelt down and checked Cassie. “She’s not gonna make it Clay. There’s hardly a pulse. She’s barely breathing.” “She’s dying Jerome.” Clay said tearfully. “I need to be here with her. She needs me to hold her hand and help her.” Click

There was a distant wail of sirens but Clay knew they were too late. He felt her body growing weak. He started to cry, burying his face in her hair and covering her head with kisses. “You’re safe now Cass.” Clay said. “Nothing’s going to hurt you. You’re going to go up to heaven and be with Jesus and all the angels. It’s a wonderful place. It’s a place of pure love and going home. Oh Cass. You’ll be ok there. I love you so much…” There was a soft sigh that escaped from Cassie, her last breath. Clay fought against his tears to keep talking. “And there’ll be flowers and birds singing and soft grass and sunshine. And night time will be like a friend, the stars the light of the angels. Pure love, pure peace. And you’ll be ok. Safe. And when I finish my life here, I’ll be rushing to see you again. And you’ll be there waiting for me. And we’ll be together again. Forever.” Click

“No.” Cassie said. “I don’t want to break up with you. I want to work this out. I want us to have a future. But I don’t see how that can happen.” Clay thought about the problem. “Cass, fame won’t last forever. That’s what’s always in my mind. All this, one day, it will end and all that’s left will be just plain Clayton. Just me. Can you live with that?” “Clay, you know I don’t want the glitz and the glamour.” Cassie assured him. “At the end of the day, I want to go home and have a normal, ordinary life. I don’t want cameras shoved in my face and people watching me day and night.” Clay grinned. “Don’t worry. I know exactly how to make it work.” Click

“How?” Cassie asked, curiously. “It’ll take time but basically, we’ll fly below the radar.” Clay explained. “I’m no Justin Timberlake or Britney Spears. If we lie low and not attract attention to ourselves, those reporters will get bored and stop hounding us. We’ll go passive aggressive about it. When they see that there’s nothing more they can get from us, they’ll leave us alone.” Cassie thought about it for a while. There was sense in what he was saying. After all, many other celebrities managed to stay in the spotlight and also have a successful private life outside of media scrutiny. It would just take a long long time before it would happen. Surely she could weather it out till then. Click

Cassie looked at Clay. His face was hopeful, watching her to discern her response. “Ok, I’ll give it a try.” “For us.” Clay added, grinning widely. “For us.” Cassie agreed. Clay gave her a hug which she returned whole heartedly. “I love you Cassie Holden. We’ll get through this. I know we will. And then we’ll look back at this nonsense and laugh at ourselves someday.” “You act like you’re so sure about this.” Cassie teased. “I’m not.” Clay admitted. “But with you here on the ride with me, I’m pretty sure we’ve got a fighting chance. We can form our own future. Together.” Click

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